Chapter 70

Jiang Ning assumed a defensive stance, his vigilance instantly reaching its peak.

Shenhe also stood silently, back-to-back with Jiang Ning.

This was their long-established tacit understanding.

Although it wasn't combat-level alertness, anyone who could approach them so silently at such close distance was certainly no ordinary person.

"No need to be alarmed, I mean no harm," came another voice. Jiang Ning finally saw who was speaking.

It was someone dressed as a bard, wearing a small green hat, white stockings, and gradient-colored hair braided into twin tails.

Upon seeing this person, Jiang Ning immediately relaxed. Though he didn't recognize many characters, this one had appeared in the beginner's quest. His roommate had even spoiled it for him before.

The person before him was none other than Venti, the alias of Barbatos, the Anemo Archon. Moreover, he had quite a good relationship with the old master.

"Yahoo!" Venti greeted Jiang Ning, gracefully descending from the tree.

"Lord Barbatos, it's been long since we last met. How have you been?" Jiang Ning said straightforwardly, not bothering with pleasantries.

Venti's smile froze, then he feigned confusion: "The Anemo Archon isn't here. I'm just Venti, the best bard in Teyvat."

Looking at Venti's act, Jiang Ning said, "My senior sister and I are disciples of the adepti... under Cloud Retainer."

He left it at that, letting Venti draw his own conclusions.

Venti deflated immediately. Ah, that three-eyed adeptus, the old master's capable right-hand man...

His cover was blown before he could even properly establish it.

If they were adepti disciples, and particularly that chatty adeptus's disciples, no wonder they could identify him so easily.

Unlike the old master, he had always maintained this appearance.

"Fine, I am Barbatos. Nice to meet you... By the way, please keep my identity a secret," Venti said.

"Naturally," Jiang Ning replied.

Shenhe silently emerged from behind Jiang Ning, looking at Venti with curiosity.

So this was the Anemo Archon? He seemed... rather unreliable.

"So, did the old master send you to find me for something?" Venti asked.

Jiang Ning shook his head: "No, we're just here escorting Liyue's diplomatic mission to Mondstadt, taking in the foreign scenery along the way. We just happened to encounter you here."

"I see..." Venti said, "Mondstadt's scenery is quite nice. Starsnatch Cliff, Stormterror's Lair, Dragonspine - you should visit them all. Also, Mondstadt's wine and poetry are famous throughout Teyvat."

"Noted," Jiang Ning replied.

"By the way, young man, you mentioned earlier that the rocks told you..." Venti hinted, staring at the Geo element in Jiang Ning's hand.

This Geo energy... it carried the old master's aura, and even contained part of the authority over earth.

Was the old master preparing to step down? Was this young man his successor?

Venti's mind raced. If so, it would be absolutely necessary to establish good relations with him for the future of Mondstadt-Liyue relations.

Jiang Ning said, "Yes, I sense an ominous presence... coming from the northwest direction."

Northwest of Stormterror's Lair... Venti's expression darkened. Could it be Dvalin? That direction was where Stormterror's Lair was located.

"The wind told me too, but unfortunately, I've only recently awakened and have very little divine power left. Though I wish to help, I'm powerless," Venti said with a carefree laugh.

Jiang Ning asked puzzled, "Recently awakened? Why? And your divine power..."

"Well, seems the old master hasn't told you," Venti said. "I won't say much then. Just think of me as an injured patient in recovery."

Jiang Ning nodded: "Alright..."

However, he didn't quite believe Venti's words.

After all, the Venti in the game storyline was completely unreliable.

Moreover, according to the records, the Seven Archons' power came not only from their original strength as powerful gods but also from their believers' faith after becoming the Seven...

Based on his experience in Mondstadt these past few days, even stray dogs would say "May the Anemo Archon protect you."

This old timer having no power at all? Who would believe that?

Since Venti wanted to play pretend, Jiang Ning would play along.

"By the way, Venti, when we came here, we noticed treasure hoarders and monsters everywhere, and even quite a few Fatui."

"What's going on in Mondstadt?"

Even though the Fatui were domineering, in Liyue they could only skulk around like sewer rats.

But in Mondstadt, why did it feel like they owned the place?

"This is Mondstadt's freedom and tolerance," Venti said. "Besides, we have the Knights of Favonius."

However, his expression looked rather guilty.

Jiang Ning fell silent. Well, truly unreliable...

But this was their national affairs, and he had no need to interfere. Such thankless tasks could easily lead to trouble...

[Mission Released: Please help Acting Grand Master Jean resolve the issue of shouldering all major and minor matters alone, which has resulted in severely unreasonable work distribution. Reward: Buff that cleanses negative status effects.]

The knight's reward didn't matter much, but more importantly, Jiang Ning considered himself a warmhearted citizen. Seeing such problems, how could he not help?

"System, why are you suddenly being so generous with rewards? Isn't it usually just embroidery needle mastery?" Jiang Ning silently asked.

[Well, you've chosen your faction now, so the rewards needed to be improved accordingly,] the system replied.

It seemed he would need to learn more about Acting Grand Master Jean's work situation...

Hmm, just helping a friend, not interfering in another nation's politics.

"Well, they are our allies in Liyue after all. I'll ask around later... it's also for better future cooperation," Jiang Ning said.

Venti enthusiastically put his arm around Jiang Ning's shoulders, and with their similar heights, they looked surprisingly harmonious:

"I knew you were a warmhearted young man! Would you like me to play a tune for you? Or let me treat you to some wine!"

Jiang Ning asked, "You just woke up, do you have any Mora?"

"I'm Mondstadt's best bard! I can pay with performances," Venti said proudly.

"I appreciate the offer, but I'm underage, I don't drink," Jiang Ning said.

He didn't want to end up there, with Venti treating but himself paying, or getting detained for drinking without paying.

"Ehe~" Venti replied.

Watching her junior brother interact with Venti, Shenhe felt confused.

When... did her junior brother become so close with Mondstadt's Anemo Archon?

And what were they talking about?

This feeling of being left out made Shenhe uncomfortable.