Chapter 83: Reflection

After leaving, Xianyu didn't dwell on the matter of trading with the "Abyss" anymore.

Considering that the Abyss had directly dispatched an Abyss Herald, the chances of success in such a trade were pitifully small.

If next time it wasn't an Abyss Herald but someone even more powerful, it would be even harder to handle.

He couldn't afford to fully expose himself yet, which was why he had concealed his identity in Jueyun Karst.

"The Abyss..."

"It's a pity, if... if the trade had succeeded, that would have been so good... But you, you're blocking the way."

This trade with the Abyss was a loss. Not only did he fail to obtain what he wanted, but he also leaked information.

Although the impact was minimal, and the Abyss Herald might not even survive, for Xianyu, failure meant loss.

"I was too naive after all. The Abyss Order's methods are different from what I expected."

"Sigh~ Looks like I'll have to wait a while..."

Having had his plans disrupted, Xianyu felt somewhat regretful, but luckily, he had made some preparations.

Since the Abyss option was no longer viable, he still had the Fatui's Troupe and the Adventurers' Guild to negotiate with.

"Hmm... I can also manipulate things in Mondstadt later."

As for the specifics, he would have to wait until he arrived to make plans. He couldn't rely on 'Lady', and as for the Knights of Favonius, it was worth a try.

Considering the situation in Mondstadt, Xianyu unconsciously returned to the harbor.

First, he went to check on Zhang Feng and the others, only to find them tidying up tables and chairs, apparently preparing to close for the day.

It seemed that the opening had been quite smooth, probably partly due to the influence of Wanmin Restaurant.

Without disturbing them, Xianyu simply returned alone.

With the Zhang family's father and granddaughters now on track, he hardly needed to worry, and the rest was up to them.

Heading to Mondstadt alone, Xianyu wasn't accompanied by anyone sent by Tartaglia either. It seemed that he had already informed 'Lady' about it a few days ago, so he only needed to go directly.

Thinking about Lady, Xianyu fell into contemplation again.

He hadn't thought much about this person before because they were in different countries and had minimal interaction in the game, but now that he was going to Mondstadt, and for "important" matters at that, it seemed inevitable that they would meet often.

...

That night, Xianyu thought a lot, mainly about what this operation could bring and what challenges he would face.

If the Traveler really appeared, it meant that the original storyline was about to unfold, and he wondered what role he would play in it.

First, considering his previous relationship with Mondstadt's Fatui's Troupe, his reception there might not be very pleasant. However, due to the "trade," they wouldn't do anything to him either.

So, he shouldn't expect hostility from the Knights of Favonius.

Next would be Diluc's investigation into the Abyss Order. This was something he couldn't miss, especially with the Ley Line Branch available. Why let go of such an opportunity? Every little bit helps.

So, he and Diluc had a common interest and wouldn't clash.

Having this relationship with Diluc would greatly influence the attitude of the Knights of Favonius, including Acting Grand Master Jean.

There shouldn't be any problems with the Knights.

Then there's the matter of Venti being dissected. This was inevitable, and Xianyu couldn't foolishly try to stop it. Not only would he gain nothing, but he could also disrupt the entire event, which he couldn't afford.

And with Venti being a lax ruler, Xianyu gained some preliminary understanding of the Archons; Lady didn't have the ability to defeat the Archons.

In other words, there must be a reason behind their actions, and they're simply playing along.

These matters were relatively straightforward. The most concerning aspect of this operation, aside from obtaining the Ley Line Branches, was Dvalin.

Its existence might be the next step for the Cryo Crystalfly, and if he could capture it for research, the gains would undoubtedly be significant.

Unfortunately, such a thing was only wishful thinking. Not to mention the presence of Tartaglia, even the Knights of Favonius wouldn't allow him to succeed. Moreover, Tartaglia's own strength was exceptionally formidable.

Capturing it? Extremely difficult!

The Abyss Order might have some leeway in this matter, but after today's trade situation, Xianyu had a negative impression of the Order.

So, this avenue was also closed.

"The Windborne Dragon Dvalin... How can I find a way to research it?"

After roughly reviewing his encounters and actions, Xianyu put his thoughts aside and returned to his room to meditate.

He said roughly because things in the world are never static, and the only thing he could do was to plan according to his own intentions and adapt to changes as they come.

The next day, Xianyu set out on the trading route.

In the wilderness, with no one around, Xianyu didn't waste any time. He put on his frost armor and began flying towards Mondstadt.

High-altitude travel posed more danger in Mondstadt compared to Liyue. The main reason was the presence of the Windborne Dragon, Dvalin, who was still in a corrupted state and would occasionally cause trouble without a clear pattern. Encountering him would be disastrous.

...

Landing in a deserted area, Xianyu straightened himself out and headed towards the city.

Having had the experience last time, Xianyu naturally entered the city.

However, unlike last time, as soon as he entered, he saw several members of the Fatui approaching him.

"Tsk tsk, it seems these guys have been waiting here for quite some time. Lady's interest in Tartaglia's news is even more significant than I expected. But..."

The members of the Fatui in Mondstadt were different from those in Liyue. At the very least, the level of attention from ordinary people was not on the same level.

Their actions naturally attracted a lot of attention.

Xianyu actually didn't like this kind of attention; it made him feel too exposed, especially when he needed something from the Knights of Favonius.

Perhaps this was also Lady's intention.

And even if they were here to pick him up, there was no need to do it at the main gate. Didn't she know about his reputation in Mondstadt's public opinion? But she still did it, so there must be some other meaning behind it.

"It seems that there may be many more twists and turns ahead."

"Tsk."