Chapter 84

The concept of "ley lines" runs through the entire continent of Teyvat.

Ley lines connect the conceptual network of all things in this world, with various elemental forces flowing within them. It is said that everything happening above and below ground is recorded within the ley lines.

When the frost of the ley lines seeps into vines, it gives birth to monsters like the Cryo Regisvine. Peculiar plants like Whopperflowers and Pyro Regisvines also have deep ties to the ley lines.

"I'm missing part of my soul?"

Bai Luo spread his hands, looking somewhat curious.

He didn't know what symptoms come with losing part of one's soul, but he didn't feel uncomfortable in any way. In fact, he felt more whole than ever before.

It was his system, which had been acting oddly for some time, that seemed suspiciously out of order. While it had recently become a bit more active, it had previously gone so silent that he had nearly forgotten it existed.

"Yes, and the traces are quite obvious. Anyone could see the tearing." Zhongli said again, firmly confirming his diagnosis as he glanced at Bai Luo.

"..."

Is that an insult to all mankind?

What exactly is this tear in the so-called soul?

Could it be... no, that's not right. Bai Luo wasn't a typical transmigrator; he hadn't pushed the original soul out of this body. He came here as himself.

Wait, what about... malevolent force?

"Mr. Zhongli, can you explain what you mean by 'malevolent force'?"

Zhongli had just mentioned that Bai Luo's condition was related to the ley lines and something called malevolent force. Perhaps this held the key to the mystery.

"The term 'malevolent force' is actually what Liyue's exorcist families call it. More formally, it's known across Teyvat as 'remnants of the gods'."

"Remnants of the gods?!"

Bai Luo knew all too well what that meant. After all, the young Collei, whom he had just sent to Sumeru, had remnants of a god sealed within her.

These "remnants" are the remains of defeated gods, whose lingering power and unwillingness to fade still affect the world.

This made Bai Luo even more certain that Zhongli's reference to a "soul tear" might actually be a tear in his system.

So far, whenever Bai Luo activated his system, it had always been connected to situations involving gods or their remnants. Whether it was battling Raiden Shogun while activating the Battosai class or dealing with Collei's godly residue, the link was clear.

"I hesitated to tell you about this earlier because it relates to the exorcist families. Your torn soul... if I'm not mistaken, it's the result of an exorcist's technique. Yet strangely, you carry no trace of evil energy. By rational deduction, they shouldn't have targeted you, which is why I find it puzzling."

As Zhongli spoke, he extended his hand, gently resting it on Bai Luo's wrist, as if taking his pulse.

This further confirmed Zhongli's assessment.

"An exorcist family..."

Is he talking about Chongyun? Could that kid have done something to him?

That doesn't make sense—Bai Luo had never even been to Liyue before, nor had he met anyone from Chongyun's family. So why was his soul missing?

And another thing...

"Mr. Zhongli, aren't you worried that by telling me this, I might go after the exorcist families? You know what the Fatui are capable of. Finding them wouldn't be too difficult."

Bai Luo said this half-jokingly.

Zhongli finished his tea and responded with an air of authority, "Would you dare?"

"..."

No, he wouldn't dare.

This was one of the reasons Zhongli had been uncertain about revealing the truth earlier. Now that he knew Bai Luo understood his true identity, it was much simpler.

No one would dare harm an exorcist family under the protection of Morax. The Geo Archon himself was a powerful deterrent.

Bai Luo could certainly use his own abilities to harm those people, but why create needless bloodshed? Moreover, he couldn't be sure Zhongli was telling the truth. Acting rashly was not his style.

He could consider Zhongli's words as advice, but he would never take them as absolute truth. Who knew if this ancient being was trying to lead him into a trap?

"From what I can see, the missing part of your soul doesn't seem to affect you much. Aside from the memory loss, it hasn't impacted your being. Rationally speaking, whoever took part of your soul probably doesn't harbor any ill intent."

For many, the soul is a powerful channel.

It can be used to cast curses or perform other evil acts, often leaving the individual greatly affected.

"Then, Mr. Zhongli, could you help introduce me to the exorcist family? I mean no harm; I just want to recover the missing part of my soul."

Although Bai Luo framed his request as seeking his lost soul, what he truly wanted was the missing part of his system.

If an incomplete system had already given him so much power, restoring it could allow him to unlock new abilities more efficiently.

Perhaps someday, he'd go beyond just crushing people with a steamroller—he might even achieve feats like starbursting energy beams.

"Unfortunately, I'm merely a consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I don't have the influence to connect you with the exorcist family. You'll need to seek help elsewhere, Mr. Bai."

Zhongli's words were polite, but considering both parties knew each other's background, it was a clear and firm rejection.

The fact that Zhongli had shared so much with Bai Luo was already a favor, acknowledging his former status as a Liyue citizen. They were not close enough for Zhongli to go out of his way for him.

"Well then... could I ask for a different favor? Something much simpler."

Bai Luo hadn't been particularly hopeful about his first request, as he had already sensed Zhongli wouldn't agree. His first ask was merely a setup for this next one.

"Go ahead."

Zhongli, who had been about to leave, paused to listen.

"Let's have a fight."

"???"

This time, a look of genuine surprise crossed Zhongli's face.

Bai Luo knew who he was, yet he still made this request?

Over the centuries, Zhongli had seen countless lives and deaths and had developed a keen insight into people. He could tell when Bai Luo was joking about troubling the exorcist family. But now, he could see that Bai Luo was serious.

Was this Fatui Harbinger really challenging him, a god?

Even if Bai Luo had gained the Tsaritsa's power, that wouldn't guarantee victory over a god—let alone the oldest of the Archons.

After a moment of surprise, Zhongli smiled.

"Very well. If you pay for the tea, I'll fight you."

"Of course, I can cover the cost of one cup."

"I mean... the tea debts owed since his grandfather's time."

"... In that case, put it on Childe's tab."