Chapter 94: Entering the Stormterror's Lair

Saving Dvalin was thwarted by the Abyss Mage. With no other choice, the group had to head to Dvalin's location.

After preparing adequately, the group embarked on their journey, but with an additional member.

This person was Xianyu.

Xianyu had anticipated the failure of their mission against the Abyss Mage and didn't worry about it.

However, along the way, Diluc's various tests made him a bit impatient.

As a stranger suddenly joining the team, it was normal to be questioned, especially someone with unclear intentions and ties to the Fatui.

Xianyu's response to Diluc's tests was simple: "I won't speak, you can't do anything about it," maintaining a cold demeanor throughout.

Finally, when they reached the entrance to the ruins, Xianyu breathed a sigh of relief, as he had been under Diluc's watchful eye the entire time, which was somewhat exhausting for him.

"Well, we're here, but why are there so many Hilichurls? They shouldn't appear in a place like this, right?"

The group's confusion puzzled Aether, as he had recently awakened and didn't know much.

"It's just some Hilichurls; I'll take care of them!"

The others didn't object to Aether's words, so he charged into the pile of monsters alone.

The scene was somewhat gruesome, but the group, being not ordinary people, didn't have much emotion about it.

For Aether, these Hilichurls were easy to kill, even though his powers were sealed, his body was still different from ordinary people's.

As Aether fought, Xianyu observed and noticed that his techniques weren't particularly remarkable, just basic sword moves relying on strength and speed to kill enemies, with elemental abilities only used once.

The Aither's attack style was somewhat similar to Xianyu's, using simple basic swordsmanship without any fancy moves.

"Well, although it's all basic, his strength and understanding of swordsmanship are much better than mine..."

Certainly, most people wouldn't bother to painstakingly train in basic swordsmanship unless they had no other choice.

And Xianyu's own proficiency in basic swordsmanship, if not for being enhanced several times, probably wouldn't differ much from Aether's.

However, it's somewhat strange that Aether's swordsmanship was remarked upon as interesting during his battle with the Fatui Harbinger.

The Hilichurls were quickly dispatched by Aether.

"Alright, it's my turn now," said Venti as he took out his lyre and strummed its strings.

The once-shrouded-in-gale tower ruins finally saw daylight again.

The environment inside remained largely unchanged, except for the absence of Hilichurls, replaced by a plethora of elemental creatures.

"Be cautious, there will be some relics guarding the path to that decrepit tower; we should avoid being within their range of movement," cautioned Venti.

The group nodded in agreement.

Their operation proceeded smoothly without the presence of Hilichurls, and they proceeded with caution, avoiding any mishaps.

Paimon's "quotes" from the game about entering the tower through a hole on top weren't mentioned because they were unnecessary; the group simply acted accordingly.

They utilized the wind currents to ascend, a principle that Xianyu didn't understand as he believed the Wind Glider was too small to support his weight, yet it managed to glide with him onboard—an example of the world's wonders.

To avoid standing out, he also had a Wind Glider.

Upon entering the colossal tower, standing on a platform and looking down, all they saw was an endless gale.

"This wind should be a remnant left by the former king of the tower, compounded by the barrier outside over centuries," explained Venti.

"What we need to do now is to first break the outer barrier and then disperse the wind inside before descending."

The light-guiding mechanism was crucial to the barrier, and fortunately, Diluc, being a knowledgeable nobleman, explained the situation, and they began to search for the mechanisms.

Xianyu had no objections, although it differed slightly from the game, it was inconsequential.

It provided an opportunity to explore for anything he might need.

The vegetation was lush, obscuring visibility as they ventured in, but the landmarks seen from atop the tower made their positions clear.

Aether and Paimon went together, while Jean and Venti paired up. Finally, Diluc and Xianyu were left together.

This arrangement was requested by Diluc, indicating he was still keeping an eye on Xianyu.

"I don't know what you're up to, but you better not cause trouble," warned Diluc.

Xianyu pushed aside the grass ahead, dispersing the slimes blocking their path, without looking back.

"I know you suspect me of having ulterior motives, but I really don't, at most, I just want to broaden my horizons and maybe acquire some ancient artifacts," Xianyu replied.

A small tornado swept by, and the two avoided it, continuing forward without further discussion. Whether Diluc believed him or not, he didn't say anything else.

From their vantage point, they saw a sea of green below, with the wind creating patterns, a soothing sight.

Meanwhile, Diluc and Xianyu were engaged in battle.

Upon reaching the mechanism, they discovered three Abyss Mages, and Diluc immediately charged forward, swiftly dispatching one before they could react.

Now, Xianyu and Diluc each battled one.

Abyss Mages were familiar foes, and Xianyu was facing a Hydro Mage, which seemed a bit unfair.

Diluc, on the other hand, confronted a Pyro Mage, eliciting a mysterious smile from Xianyu.

Xianyu didn't immediately kill his opponent but occasionally attacked with his sword. Every time the Abyss Mage broke free from being frozen, Xianyu struck it again, then froze it once more.

"..."

Diluc noticed Xianyu's approach but didn't ask for his help. Others would interpret this as him enjoying the spectacle.

Because Diluc's elemental powers were also fire-based, his attacks against the Pyro Mage's elemental shield were ineffective, relying instead on his weapon and strength to whittle it down.

"This guy not only has ulterior motives but also holds grudges," Diluc remarked, forming an impression of Xianyu.

However, Xianyu wasn't someone who would take a punch and grin. Throughout their journey, Diluc's various challenges made him wonder if he indeed had ulterior motives.

But Xianyu knew that Diluc, being Kaeya's sworn brother, was naturally suspicious, Kaeya, who was known for his secrecy.

Being cautious was a way to ensure one's safety, and Diluc was not to be underestimated, as Xianyu understood.

Someone who could use "Vision" multiple times without significant consequences couldn't be simple.

Even the "Harbinger" would suffer some consequences when using "Vision," but Diluc was unscathed, which spoke volumes.

Seeing Diluc deal with the Abyss Mage, Xianyu wasted no time and swiftly dispatched his own opponent with a single stroke of his sword.