Chapter 85: Little Tricks

For Xianyu, whether the "Traveler" was "Aether" or "Lumine," it made no difference.

It shouldn't have much impact on him, so when he heard from the Fatui's Troop that it was a young man, he wasn't particularly surprised.

"Since he's still out in the wilderness, there's no need to bother him. Just let me know when he returns. I'll be at the Feynriel Tavern, I have some matters to attend to."

The Feynriel Tavern was owned by John, and Xianyu wanted to express his gratitude and also visit Sindbad. He hadn't been able to do so earlier due to urgent circumstances, but now that he had time, he wouldn't forget.

"Yes, my lord!"

Stopping any thoughts of sending someone to follow, Xianyu left on his own.

The tavern was just as it was before, indicating that John and the others hadn't been affected by his presence.

Busy figures moved around the tavern, and it wasn't until Xianyu approached the old man and the child that they noticed him.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xianyu briefly mentioned his return to Liyue and didn't delve into the details.

John, unaware of Xianyu's relationship with the Fatui, expressed some concern in his words.

"When I returned last time, I heard that a young man killed several members of the Fatui's Troop near Starfell Lake and was subsequently wanted. I knew it was you."

"Now that the people from the Fatui haven't arrived yet, you'd better leave soon. Or you could go find the Knights of Favonius, they might be able to help."

Although John's words showed concern, Xianyu smiled and reassured him, telling him not to worry.

While John was still a little uneasy, seeing Xianyu's indifferent attitude gradually calmed him down.

There wasn't much to say, and Xianyu was here to express his thanks and inquire about Sindbad's whereabouts.

John mentioned that Sindbad was fine and currently not in the city, but out in the wilderness searching for forging materials, determined to forge a sword that surpassed Xianyu's.

Xianyu smiled knowingly, understanding Sindbad's pursuit. It was similar to Xiangling's pursuit of creating more delicious dishes; Sindbad was simply seeking greater forging abilities.

Xianyu intended to ask for Sindbad's exact location, but he sensed the approach of the Fatui's Troop.

He stood up.

"John, this is a token of gratitude for Sindbad, and this fifty thousand Mora is for you. Please accept it. I have other matters to attend to now. Please pass these items to Sindbad for me."

John didn't want to accept the Mora, as it was a significant amount for him, but he valued Xianyu more and had sincerely helped him before.

As he went after Xianyu to return the money, he noticed the Fatui's Troop reporting to Xianyu respectfully, momentarily forgetting his purpose.

"What... What kind of person is Xianyu after all?"

This question lingered in the old man's mind, but he couldn't find an answer.

Watching Xianyu leave, John returned to his previous position and looked at the item wrapped in black cloth, the item Xianyu had asked him to give to Sindbad.

With a hint of curiosity, John unwrapped the cloth.

"This is... Deep Crystal?"

"Yes, for Sindbad, giving him Mora is not as useful as giving him two pieces of White Iron Ore."

Putting away the item, he planned to give it to Wagner later. Since it was meant for his father, giving it to him now made no difference.

...

"My lord, the young man is currently having dinner at the Good Hunter. We just need to go there."

Glancing at the sky, Xianyu nodded.

"Well, I didn't expect him to return so quickly. It hasn't been long, but he's already back."

"He truly deserves to be someone who can spar with the 'Arbiter of Dawn.'"

The latter sentence was Xianyu's inner thought, which he didn't voice.

"Let's go and see."

Good Hunter.

Instead of approaching, Xianyu stopped a short distance away.

Seeing the mysterious creature named "Paimon," he was almost certain.

As for the "Traveler" and Amber, Xianyu didn't pay much attention.

"You go back and report to the 'Lady.' That person is the key to finding the Animo Archon."

"But remember, it's best not to disturb him. If you take action without permission, and later can't find the person you're looking for, don't blame me."

"Also, ask your superior to send the items to me as agreed."

With his instructions given, Xianyu left without thinking about meeting the "protagonist."

When the time comes, they'll meet naturally. Going now wouldn't serve much purpose.

Just a casual glance made it seem like a game, without any seriousness, leaving the two members of the Fatui puzzled.

This casual demeanor truly caught them off guard.

But since Xianyu had left, they had no choice but to return and report.

...

The items were brought by the Fatui's Troop in the evening, which made Xianyu happy.

"I thought that woman might make things difficult for me with the following items, but it turns out she's quite straightforward. It seems I was overly cautious."

Putting away the branches, Xianyu noticed that the person delivering the items hadn't left yet.

"Does the 'Lady' have any other messages for me?"

"Yes, the 'Lady' said she knows you still need something. If you can help her with something, she will ask the 'Doctor' to get some for you."

Something I need? Isn't it the ley line branches I mentioned before? ...Oh no!

At the next moment, Xianyu remembered. The ley line branches were said to be needed by my "friend," while what I want is the Archon Residue.

So what the "Lady" said should be about that item.

But why would I help her with something? I don't have time for it, nor do I need to. The deal with the "Young Master" isn't completed yet, and receiving that item is just an advance.

And I... am not in a hurry.

Xianyu said so, realizing that the woman had been waiting for him to mention it.

Thankfully, the misinformation about his true intentions had led to this misunderstanding, preventing him from being pressured.

It can only be said that the "Young Master" did a good job spreading the news. If he had hidden anything, things might not have gone so smoothly.

"Your Excellency..."

The title had changed, but Xianyu didn't bother. Instead, the appearance of another person caught his attention.

"Oh, discussing matters? It seems I came at the wrong time. I was planning to have a drink with you, Xianyu, but I didn't expect you to be in talks with the Fatui's Troop."

"Not to criticize you, Xianyu, but if you want to discuss business, you should do it indoors or in a quiet place."

The one who spoke was Kaeya, the dark-skinned captain of the cavalry.

His tone made their conversation sound like that of long-time "friends" even to a passerby.

And the Fool's Troop, of course, harbored suspicions.