Chapter 12

He had originally thought Lord Xiao would be an imposing Yaksha, blue-faced with protruding fangs.

That way of countering evil with evil would seem more fitting for suppressing demons.

But instead, he appeared to be just a sixteen or seventeen-year-old youth? Deep teal hair, eye shadow around his eyes, paired with a white sleeveless top and a mask hanging at his waist...

Honestly, Jiang Ning thought he didn't look like a Yaksha at all.

Though what made Jiang Ning most envious was... this guy was taller than him.

Seeing Jiang Ning's silence, Xiao frowned.

Jiang Ning quickly responded: "Yes, Lord Xiao, I'm the disciple Master took in two years ago. My name is Jiang Ning."

"I see... What brings you here? I bear the influence of demonic remnants - others should not get too close to me."

Ah, the same kind of statement as Senior Sister, though these demonic remnants... Jiang Ning was very curious, but now clearly wasn't the time to ask.

"Nothing particular, just staying at the inn for the night, thought we should pay our respects," Shenhe answered honestly.

Xiao replied: "No need for such formalities. I said others shouldn't get too close to me, especially since you still have... hm?" As he spoke, Xiao froze, unable to sense that dark, obscure energy within Shenhe anymore.

The next moment, Jiang Ning only saw a blur before his eyes as Xiao, who had been standing on the roof, instantly appeared before them.

"How did you accomplish this?"

Xiao's voice carried a hint of urgency - if he could solve it too... he'd have more time to maintain his vigil here.

"It was Junior Brother's achievement," Shenhe said. "Him?" Xiao looked at Jiang Ning.

Sure enough, there was Cryo energy within him, seemingly similar to Shenhe's, and moreover, he had Shenhe's original cursed energy...

What surprised Xiao more was how docile and controlled this cursed energy seemed within Jiang Ning's body.

Xiao continued his adeptal examination but couldn't detect anything more.

[Hehe, wanting to probe further is too naive...]

The system gloated proudly. The blocking skill wasn't just for show.

"How did you do it?" Xiao stared intently at Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning said: "My constitution is special - I can absorb these things and use them for myself."

"Absorb... is it?" Xiao lost interest, seemingly disappointed.

His own demonic remnants and resentful energy weren't beneficial things - they were even more dangerous than the cursed energy.

Never mind then, these burdens were his responsibility to bear.

Xiao returned to his previous detachment.

"Um, Lord Xiao..." Jiang Ning wanted to say more, but a huge crash came from the distance, along with rising dust and wisps of black energy.

Xiao's gaze sharpened, and he vanished from the spot.

"...What happened?" Jiang Ning asked, confused.

Shenhe explained: "Monsters affected by demonic remnants... Lord Xiao probably went to deal with them."

"Should we go help?"

"No need. Lord Xiao moves much faster than us - by the time we get there, it will already be resolved," Shenhe said.

Jiang Ning asked: "I wanted to ask earlier - what are these demonic remnants?"

"In ancient times, it's said Rex Lapis suppressed and vanquished many demon gods within Liyue's borders. The demonic remnants are the resentful energy left behind after their deaths."

"If not dealt with, they not only harm people but can also drive monsters into a frenzy, making them even harder to handle."

"So Lord Xiao is the adeptus specifically responsible for handling these?" Jiang Ning asked.

Shenhe nodded, then looked somewhat regretful. "What's wrong, Senior Sister?"

"The almond tofu..."

Jiang Ning: "...Let's leave it here. Perhaps Lord Xiao will eat it when he returns after dealing with the demonic remnants."

"Okay."

...

"Owner, I'm here to check the recent traveler registration records."

A capable and spirited voice rang out.

Filgodeyt looked up and showed a warm smile: "Lady Keqing, you've come personally again?"

"Of course. With the Rite of Descension approaching, how could I not attend to matters personally?" Keqing nodded.

"Such matters could surely be delegated to your subordinates."

Filgodeyt said while retrieving the traveler registration books.

"Personal involvement is my philosophy. Moreover, I'm in charge of this year's Rite of Descension, so we must ensure everything is perfect. The border registration books for this area must be thoroughly reviewed." Keqing stated.

"Understood, we'll maintain proper records," Filgodeyt replied.

"Good, I'll review the records first, we can discuss other matters afterward." Keqing waved her hand and began working diligently.

In about ten minutes, she had reviewed the entire week's records.

"There are quite a few foreign merchants coming to Liyue... more than usual lately." Keqing muttered.

Filgodeyt explained: "With the Rite of Descension approaching, all the merchant groups want to witness His Excellency's glory. Plus, no one knows what new laws might be proclaimed this year, which greatly affects Liyue's commerce. Since Liyue is the largest commercial center, these merchant groups' traders will naturally try every means to come."

Keqing seemed somewhat displeased hearing this and put down the registration book.

"Well, I've finished checking the records. One more thing to ask." Keqing continued.

"Are there two adeptal disciples staying here?"

Filgodeyt said: "Your information is quite accurate. Yes, two adeptal disciples came, probably to pay respects to the one on the roof."

"I see... Could you tell me their room numbers? I'd like to speak with them."

Though the Millelith squad leader had said they didn't seem like people seeking fame, she still needed to thank them in person.

Moreover, it was their oversight that let such a Mitachurl king onto the trade route.

By all accounts, Keqing needed to express her gratitude personally.

Besides, even as adeptal disciples, weren't they still people of Liyue...

Perhaps they would understand her perspective?

Though they hadn't met, Keqing had this expectation for some reason.

This was something she'd never felt before.

Filgodeyt was somewhat surprised, but the young woman before her was one of the most honored people in all of Liyue.

So she didn't hesitate, Instead telling Keqing their room numbers, only adding one reminder:

"Lady Keqing, though you wish to visit, and they seem approachable... please still be mindful."

"Understood, thank you for your cooperation." Keqing waved her hand, her purple twin-tails swaying as she headed upstairs.