Chapter Forty-Five: First Encounter

As the trio now included three people, Xian Yu couldn't continue the journey at his usual speed. With substantial funds, they could afford a more comfortable mode of transportation—a carriage.

Originally planning to revisit Xian Yu Po to check on things, this plan was vetoed by Xian Yu upon encountering Zhang Feng and the two pair of sisters.

Inside the carriage, the three, despite having much to discuss, found themselves resting as per Xian Yu's instructions. The days had taken a toll on both Zhang Feng and Zhang Yujiao, and they hadn't had a proper rest.

The carriage moved at a moderate pace, a deliberate choice by Xian Yu. He sat on the roof of the carriage, overseeing the journey. Despite the actions of rescuing people and getting organized while the carriage was in motion, it wasn't particularly early when they set out.

Considering the distance to Wangshu Inn, Xian Yu decided to press on.

Around ten in the evening, the group safely arrived. As the carriage came to a halt, the trio inside peered out and were greeted by the glow of lights and the lively night market. Smiles crept onto their faces.

Xian Yu, who had dismounted the carriage at some point, looked at their expressions and softly said, "Let's go. Rest here for the night, and we'll continue our journey tomorrow."

"Great! Finally, we can sleep comfortably!" exclaimed Zhang Yujiao and Zhang Lingmei, the two sisters.

Judging by their tone, it seemed as if the events from earlier hadn't affected Zhang Yujiao and Zhang Lingmei at all. However, Xian Yu could still discern a certain paleness on their faces, indicating that the impact was far from negligible.

Wangshu Inn wouldn't have been Xian Yu's choice if it weren't for the early hour and the lack of resting places along the way. The inn posed risks of exposing him sooner, not only due to the clientele's sharp eyes but also because the establishment itself wasn't ordinary.

Externally, it appeared to be a regular inn, just larger in size and more grandiose. However, considering the notable owner behind it, the normality ended there.

Apart from the keen "eyes and ears" of Ningguang within, there were other individuals and entities that made the place anything but simple.

The Demon-Banishing Great Sage, Xiao, was an obvious threat. Furthermore, there were the ghosts Xian Yu had considered making contracts with—a source of potential harm to ordinary people.

With so many peculiar characters around, coupled with Xian Yu's own complications, entering such a setting meant an exponential increase in variables.

Indeed, as soon as Xian Yu stepped inside the inn, he noticed a person sitting in the center, prompting a subtle change in his expression.

"Uncle Zhang, please take Little Raspberry and the others to rest. I've spotted an 'acquaintance,' and there are matters I need to attend to."

"Alright, I'll go ahead then. Take care, young master."

Being an elderly person with years of life experience, Zhang Feng could read between the lines. Combined with Xian Yu's current demeanor, he wasn't the Li Wen from Zhang Feng's memories anymore. Without saying much, Zhang Feng followed the instructions.

The person Xian Yu spotted was none other than the 11th Harbinger of the Fatui's "Fool's Retinue," Tartaglia, who he had mistakenly thought wouldn't appear during the day. Love, it seems, arrives unexpectedly and catches one off guard.

Observing the gestures made by Tartaglia, Xian Yu naturally didn't refuse the implied invitation. Regarding the anticipated encounter with Tartaglia, he had expected it but not this early.

Seated facing each other, both remained silent, casually sipping tea as if they were good friends—an impression that might deceive the uninformed.

"I won't bother with introductions; you should know who I am. Your strength is indeed impressive; my Fool's Retinue soldiers dying at your hands is not unjust."

"But you should also be aware of the consequences of your actions."

Xian Yu, upon hearing this, stayed silent. The details of the events leading up to this point were undoubtedly known to Tartaglia; otherwise, he wouldn't be talking but acting.

Unfazed by Xian Yu's silence, Tartaglia continued, "I didn't come here to trouble you this time. I've heard about someone like you and wanted to confirm if you're worthy of being my combat opponent."

"Moreover, I'm not concerned about the matters on the lady's side. Now that I've seen you, you haven't disappointed me!"

While aware of this guy's character, Xian Yu couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking, "I knew encountering this guy wouldn't lead to anything good."

"Oh? Did I say I wanted to fight you?"

"Furthermore, considering you know the cause of this matter and don't care about Mondstadt affairs, why should I insist on clashing with you?"

As an executive of the Fatui's Fool's Retinue, Tartaglia's actions were indeed to a certain extent whimsical, but it was clear that such behavior was unacceptable in the current situation.

If he dared to make a move here, it wouldn't take long for the Seven to receive news, triggering a chain reaction. Daredevil, if he's willing to fight openly in a place like this, would he do the same in Liyue Harbor?

This kind of dangerous individual would receive the utmost "protection" as long as he remained in Liyue, even if it might be useless.

Although it might have little effect, it would still influence his plans.

"Hahaha... Naturally, I have leverage to make you fight me."

"I'm well aware of your past. Don't you want to know the mastermind behind your family's ruin and the loss of lives?"

"..."

Xian Yu was clueless about how to respond to those words. Frankly, he had zero interest in digging into it. If he just headed back to Liyue Port, someone would inevitably pop up to make trouble. Dealing with that would then lead to finding out more.

If no one bothered him, well, he wasn't bothered. Checking things out wasn't on his agenda before, and it certainly wasn't on it now.

If trouble knocked on his door, he'd deal with it – clearing up grudges for his predecessor or not. If trouble stayed away, Xian Yu was more than content to let it be.

The obsession he once had for his predecessor faded when the Shui family's young master bit the dust. No need to stir the pot now.

Yet, Xian Yu also knew the Tartaglia's temperament and style, dodging a showdown wouldn't be that simple.

Liyue wasn't overflowing with tough folks, but he struggled to find a worthy opponent. Now that someone "kinda strong" like Xian Yu entered the scene, escaping wasn't an option.

Xian Yu's earlier comment aimed to dodge a clash. Who wouldn't want harmony? It's not like they're in a life-or-death grudge match.

Apart from steering clear of a fight, Xian Yu hoped to milk some advantages.

But this is precisely what he'd been waiting for.

"Settling old scores is not something you needs to bother about. Investigating this matter won't be much of a challenge for me."

"Moreover, with my current strength, do you think the other party can easily put me in a life-threatening situation?"

While Xian Yu's words might sound overconfident, his current strength was indeed formidable.

Tartaglia fell silent for a moment before surprisingly nodding in agreement.

"My oversight. Although I don't know your true strength, the elemental creature on your head alone is not something an ordinary person can handle. Having a 'pet' with such power, you shouldn't fear the other party."

"However, instead of leaving directly, you're here talking with me. There must be something you seek?"

Tartaglia is right; Xian Yu does have something he seeks, but it's not what Tartaglia assumes. Moreover, Xian Yu has no intention of turning hostile with Tartaglia. For the upcoming 'Demon God' events, he still plans to mooch some benefits.

However, revealing his true intentions is out of the question.

"That's correct; I do have something I seek. Moreover, who knows, we might even become 'friends.'"

"But before that, I propose a battle between us. Consider it as my bargaining chip for future dealings."