Chapter Nine: Free Labor

This is where Xianyu had a bit of a misunderstanding.

The Treasure Hoarders just wanted to make him happy, so they stubbornly fought on.

Xianyu, on the other hand, wanted to finish things quickly, so he became more determined as the fight went on.

At that moment, there was a difference in their intentions.

Sometimes, misunderstandings can be quite wonderful, so wonderful that the three Treasure Hoarders ended up battered and lying on the ground.

In that state, even their own parents wouldn't recognize them.

"ENOUGH..."

After catching his breath, Xianyu felt a bit tired after fighting for so long, even though he had a strong body. Prolonged exertion was still tiring.

"You guys are really stubborn."

"Do you have to push yourselves this hard? You know you can't win, yet you keep fighting. Is that fun?"

"It's not like I was after your lives. Just lie down, is it that hard to pretend to be dead?"

"Ugh! You've made me waste my time."

Upon hearing Xianyu's words, the three Treasure Hoarders felt a sense of regret. Did we really just need to lie down? If so, why did we stubbornly resist? Then, the two younger members cast resentful glances at their leader.

Being watched by the two younger members, the leader acted as if he hadn't noticed. He had no idea what was going through their minds. Everything was just speculation.

Ignoring the expressions of the three, Xianyu adjusted his attire, and then he prepared to leave with the ice block.

To his surprise, the ice block hadn't melted at all. It was quite peculiar.

"Hmm, could it be this cryo slime's doing? Did it stage a show where it trapped itself?"

Apart from this explanation, Xianyu couldn't think of any other reason. So, it seemed that without intelligence, it was just foolish, yet it could pull off such tricks.

However, regardless of how magical it was, it was time to go.

After taking a few steps, Xianyu turned back and looked at the three on the ground. He had an idea.

"Hey, you three, get up! Help me carry something. Didn't you want to know what's inside? You'll find out when you have it. Let's make you have a good look."

At this moment, the three Treasure Hoarders had no intention of remembering things. They just wanted the other guy to leave. However, when he asked them to carry something, they had no choice but to struggle to their feet.

Xianyu was quite satisfied with this arrangement. Even though he hadn't found a carriage, having a few free laborers was nice. At least he wouldn't have to carry things himself like a schmuck on the way back.

The way back was much faster than the journey there. Along the way, the three Treasure Hoarders learned what was inside the black cloth, and their expressions were beyond entertaining.

They've encountered countless slimes and even more formidable monsters, not to mention this creature.

He paused for a moment and smacked the person who had reminded him that the object was a treasure, saying, "Slap! You'd better consider leaving the group in the future so you don't end up causing me more trouble."

The leader who said this had completely forgotten that there was no command from him for the other two to act.

Due to being late, they ended up returning to Linyue Harbor.

...

Originally, as Xianyu had planned, they would have gone straight back to Xianyu Slope, where he lived. But they learned from the three men that to get there, they would have to cross a large mountain, and it would take longer than going from Linyue Harbor. So, in the end, they came back here.

Nights in Teyvat are far from peaceful; they are fraught with danger. If the boat were to capsize in these treacherous waters, the losses would be immense.

"Drop your belongings, and you may leave."

"Oh... that's right! Hand over your Mora as well," Xian Yu exclaimed as if suddenly recollecting, while lightly thumping his palm with his fist.

The Treasure Hoarders regarded him with baffled expressions but had no choice but to obey the command.

With a load in tow, Xian Yu swiftly vanished from their sight.

"Boss, are we getting robbed?" one of his subordinates questioned.

In response, the leader gave him another slap and retorted, "Pah! Don't you have eyes? Why state the obvious?!"

"Gather, brothers! Let's seek vengeance!"

One of the gang members raised a concern, "But boss, none of our crew is nearby, and this is still Liyue Port. If our people show up, they'll be apprehended..."

"In that case, let's go to his place and keep him company!"

After some reflection, he let out a sigh, "Ah, forget it; just consider it bad luck. Let's head back."

Ultimately, the leader refrained from calling his men. Despite his slight frustration, they could only blame their own choice of target. Today, it was good enough to have escaped with their lives. If it were someone else, they might not see the sun tomorrow.

A person's life is filled with choices. Some make soaring strides, while others take the wrong step.

The leader's fortune was evidently not ill-fated, and he made a wise choice. Otherwise, it might not be as easy to preserve his life next time.

...

Xian Yu remained in the same place, not bothering to change where he resided; it was still the identical room.

Just like the previous night, today followed the same routine. It felt like clocking in for a job, leaving during the day, and returning at night.

Setting his belongings aside, Xian Yu paid no attention to other matters and began to meditate.

Shortly after starting his meditation, the cryo crystal butterfly once again took flight. This time, Xian Yu sensed something but chose not to disturb it. As long as it didn't fly away, he could allow it to roam freely.

The cryo crystal butterfly seemed to detect something and headed directly toward the cryo slime, finally resting upon it. Save for the occasional flutter of its wings, it lay still, almost invisible.

And so, one person and one butterfly delved into their "cultivation," while the simple-minded slime continued to squirm about.

It was a tranquil night.

When Xian Yu woke up in the morning, he didn't linger. He didn't even visit the Adventurers guild. A few hundred moras weren't worth wasting time over.

He needed to return and properly place the slime; otherwise, he'd have to refill it when the ice melted.

The journey here had taken some time, so in his quest to deal with matters quickly, Xian Yu generously hopped on a passing convoy heading to Dawn Winery.

Ordinarily, strangers wouldn't be allowed to ride in this convoy, but Xian Yu's offering was substantial. Combined with his unassuming and harmless appearance, he looked like someone of a certain status—a young master, perhaps, who dressed up for a bit of amusement.

It's worth noting that Xian Yu's current appearance is quite misleading. As long as he doesn't take any action, almost no one sees him as a threat.

This perspective isn't exclusive to the Treasure Hoarders; the folks at Dawn Winery share the same opinion.

The carriages and horses continued to move at a steady pace. Even though the roads weren't in perfect condition, these carriages were not pulled by regular horses but rather had traces of Warcraft blood in them. They had been domesticated over a long period to reach their current form.

As Xian Yu gazed at the passing scenery, he marveled at the breathtaking beauty of this world. Teyvat truly was a place of wondrous natural splendor. The landscape held a captivating mix of lush forests, towering mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages.

One of the individuals in the convoy turned to Xian Yu and asked, "Are you heading to Mondstadt, friend?"

Hearing this, Xian Yu responded with a smile, "No, I'm simply going home and will disembark along the way."

He had only disclosed his destination to the convoy's leader, so there was no need for secrecy.

It was no covert matter; he was just openly returning home, so there's no harm to share some informations, right?

"In that case, your mansion must be quite big, young brother!"

"..."

Is he being serious...?

Realizing that this man was trying to get closer or had ulterior motives, Xian Yu didn't have the time for small talk or games. He discarded his friendly demeanor and responded bluntly, "I live in Xianyupo. It's impossible to have a mansion there. And do I look like a wealthy man to you?"

The man left in irritation, evidently puzzled by Xian Yu's response.