Chapter 75: Still Uncertain

The journey back was straightforward, albeit longer than the way there.

After reuniting with Xiangling, the two embarked on their return journey.

Xiangling couldn't help but wonder what Xianyu had been up to. Just like with Xingqiu before, knowing someone's quirks and secrets deepened their bond.

However, Xianyu's attitude made it difficult for her to probe.

She had hoped to deepen their friendship through food, but Xianyu seemed uninterested, despite it being their first time tasting her cooking and given as an exchange.

Nevertheless, things were better between them now compared to when they first met. At least he wasn't as cold anymore.

Cooking could warm others and bring happiness, of that she was certain.

"Xianyu, what did you do just now? You weren't out chasing rumors or looking for treasures or Adeptus, were you?"

Looking for treasures or Adeptus? Xianyu wouldn't actively seek out treasures, but if you considered Ley Line branches as treasures, then she wasn't entirely wrong.

And as for Adeptus, with so many in Liyue, why go out of his way?

"Well, I heard rumors about Adeptus in the area, so I went to take a look. But my luck wasn't great, didn't see anything."

Thinking that's what Xiangling wanted to hear, Xianyu didn't bother correcting her.

However, Xianyu underestimated the girl.

In her eyes, he was someone who needed warmth. Otherwise, he'd just seem like someone with a tragic past.

As a "friend," she didn't want him to remain that way.

Even Zhongli, who had a stoic demeanor, had been transformed into a cheerful youth by her. Surely, she could "save" Xianyu too.

Though... it felt odd to think she was "concerned" about him.

"You really went to look for Adeptus? You should've told me! I know someone who could help when the time comes."

She beamed.

"..."

Seeing Xiangling's enthusiasm, Xianyu decided to remain silent.

Looking for Adeptus? For what? Just because my name has 'idle' doesn't mean I'm idle. What would I do with Adeptus? Fight them? Or have them grant wishes?

Even if it were wishes, I'd need to abide by their "rules." Would they even grant them?

Seeing Xianyu's silence, Xiangling thought he had agreed and happily went off to catch some wild animals along the way.

Ignoring her, Xianyu pressed on silently.

Despite a few hiccups along the way, Xianyu was somewhat satisfied with the mission.

He not only obtained the information he wanted but also made a deal with the Abyss Order, which was a success.

...

Upon returning to the bustling harbor, Xianyu felt a sense of relief.

Now he could boast to the Abyss Order and chat with Tartaglia, but dealing with someone as talkative and warm as Xiangling was another matter.

Their personalities clashed; Xianyu was mostly reserved.

Throughout the journey, she had asked countless questions and made strange dishes, which would overwhelm anyone.

Now he understood Xingqiu's "pain."

"We've completed our mission, so I won't accompany you any longer. Farewell for now."

Before Xiangling could respond, Xianyu disappeared into the crowd.

Just as when he arrived, no one knew of his departure.

With no one home, the two sisters must have gone out or were helping Zhang Feng with the stalls.

In the hall, Xianyu took out the Ley Line branch he had received from Xiangling. Without needing to command, the cryo crystal butterfly perched on it like a dragonfly.

And the power within the branch was steadily absorbed into him.

Leaving only a withered, old twig behind.

"If only I could find that ancient Irminsul tree, then I wouldn't have to go through all this trouble!"

Unfortunately, finding the ancient Irminsul tree was nearly impossible. If it were so easy, Mondstadt's Windblume Festival wouldn't have ended so tragically.

Xianyu also thought of the "The Frostbearing Tree" in Dragonspine, but he had never seen it before, nor did he know if it even existed or was just well-hidden.

Since he couldn't find it, he had to plan carefully.

"I hope a hundred branches will suffice. It's fortunate I mentioned that number during the Abyss Order's trade. If I had asked for fewer, I would've had to give up more information."

"But the Fatui should speed up too. Even if I have to stack them, I will push your power to its limit!"

Looking at the motionless crystal butterfly, Xianyu's determination shone through.

Ley Line branches were the only thing Xianyu knew could affect the crystal butterfly. As for items like the Shared of a Foul Legacy, they weren't easy to come by again. And even if he wanted to obtain the seal, it meant facing a Foul Legacy.

But who knows if the next encounter would be just a wisp of its will, a manifestation, or the actual Foul Legacy?

Wills were manageable, and manifestations could be evaded, but encountering the actual Legacy was almost certainly a death sentence.

But who knows if the next encounter would be just a manifestation of will or the god itself?

Wills were manageable, and manifestations could be avoided, but facing a god... that would be near impossible.

Even divine skills won't work unless he sacrifices something to fully unleash their power.

It all boils down to his strength not matching the intensity of his skills.

Thinking about the Fatui, Xianyu wondered if Tartaglia was in Liyue Harbor. If he wasn't, it could complicate matters.

He might have to personally trade with the Abyss Order, and even transactions with the Fatui would have to be put on hold.

Getting up, Xianyu's thoughts of resting vanished in an instant.

But he didn't immediately go to ask. Even though few paid attention to his return, the Foolish People were surely aware.

As their "strategic partner," Xianyu's actions were transparent to them, except for what he deliberately concealed.

"They should know I've returned, so if Tartaglia has come back, they should have been informed of what I told them last time, and vice versa."

News wouldn't reach Tartaglia so quickly; it would take some time.

So, trying to find him now wouldn't make much sense.

Halting his steps, Xianyu sat back down.

Instead of seeking them out, it was better to wait for someone to notify him. If no one came, it meant Dottore wasn't in Liyue.

"Tap, tap, tap..."

Xianyu's fingers rhythmically tapped on the table as he contemplated.

He pondered how to proceed if Tartaglia was indeed absent. Dealing with the Fatui would be manageable, but the Abyss Order's trade had a deadline in five days.

Going himself? That would be a last resort.

Regarding the "Tillage Machine" eyes, there is no doubt that the Abyss will not be the only faction interested in them. He worried that if someone else arrived, it might be their leader. If they reneged on their agreement and suddenly wanted to arrest him for questioning, it would be quite troublesome.

But with a group of Fatui around, this problem wouldn't exist. Perhaps the other party would become suspicious upon seeing people coming from a group of Fatui.

This transaction also serves as a test of Xianyu's attitude when he meets the other party in the future.

Success would be ideal, but if it doesn't happen, then he can't be blamed for taking action later on.