Chapter 68: Treasure?

Perhaps these Geovishap Hatchling were somewhat different, and Xiangling also wanted to catch them.

However, Xianyu had no interest in doing so.

"You can bring your tools to catch the young Geovishap Hatchling yourself later. Let's continue our journey once you've rested."

Although catching those creatures wasn't difficult for Xianyu, he didn't want to bother with it.

Most of the time, these creatures were hiding, and just finding them would require considerable effort.

If they happened to appear in front of him, Xianyu wouldn't hesitate to use his ice arrow to kill them instantly.

Xianyu's words didn't disappoint Xiangling too much. She had only decided on a whim, and it would be better if they could catch them, but it didn't matter if they didn't.

She hadn't forgotten the main purpose of this journey, so after resting, she didn't insist on acting alone.

...

Tianqiu Valley, a place buried with significant secrets, much like Dun yuling Tomb.

In places like this, it was inevitable to encounter treasure hunting groups and fools, just like how Dun yuling Tomb was guarded by the Fatui, making it difficult for others to approach. Even treasure hunting groups found it hard to get close.

But Tianqiu Valley was different; it wasn't just one group of fools here. At least from what Xianyu saw, there were more than one faction.

If it weren't for the fact that this place was indeed a relic, Xianyu would have mistaken it for an adventurer gathering spot.

There were quite a lot of people here, with more than one faction that Xianyu knew of, and many other organizations' members whom Xianyu didn't recognize.

One could discern different factions from their attire, but what about those without distinctive clothing? They likely had confidence in themselves or were spies for other factions.

The appearance of Xianyu and Xiangling drew the attention of many, but it was only a brief glance before they lost interest.

"Yet another pair driven by greed, but the treasures here aren't so easily found."

Similar thoughts circulated among different factions.

However, these gazes didn't affect Xianyu in the slightest.

Despite Tianqiu Valley's vast ruins and rumored connections to the Archons, seeking treasures here would likely lead to disappointment.

Xianyu was aware of the situation here. Even if one dug three feet into the ground at the periphery, nothing valuable would be found. However, the enormous relics with traps inside might hold some valuables, provided one could decipher the mechanisms. But even if all the traps were disabled, the loot might not meet everyone's expectations.

So Xianyu had no interest in joining the fray.

However, the creatures beneath the tallest relic in the center were intriguing.

The Primo Geovishap, an advanced form of The Geovishap Hatchling, was a creature comparable to a powerful Elemental Lord.

"At this time, those creatures should still be asleep, not awakened yet. Let's hope these people aren't too greedy. If they awaken that creature, it'll be a disaster."

Xiangling was curious about the gathering of so many people, but her interest was limited to that. Treasure hunting and exploration held little significance for her unless there were materials she desired or extinct ingredients.

But this was also a good thing; her single-minded pursuit would keep her safe in most situations.

After all, there were many ancient relics like this on the continent, and many of them were guarded by various traps and guardians. A slight oversight could lead to a fatal outcome.

And compared to her outdoor activities, the creatures she encountered were much cuter.

"Xianyu, why are there so many people here? Do you think... there might be unknown ingredients inside?"

Just when he thought she wouldn't be interested in such ruins, she surprised him with this question.

"With so many people, it's natural that something inside is attracting them. But as for unknown ingredients, there shouldn't be any. After all, you've heard of this relic; it's been around for a long time."

"What kind of ingredients do you think can withstand the erosion of time?"

Excluding the Mondstadt Frostbearing Tree incident.

After hearing his response, Xiangling chuckled.

"Haha, you're right. I used to think that the continent was full of various ingredients, so naturally, I couldn't help but think that these ruins might have them too."

The girl's thoughts made Xianyu take another look at her. Was this her true belief? This ideal, this pursuit, like Ningguang wanting to envelop the Seven Nations with the Jade Chamber, was it a conscious or unconscious desire?

For someone with aspirations, Xianyu always had a certain level of respect, so he wouldn't say anything to dampen her spirits.

"That's a good idea. I believe you'll succeed in the future."

"There are no food ingredients in this relic; I'm sure of that. So just take a look and don't bother going inside. Let's rest here for the night, and we should be able to reach the Jueyun Karst tomorrow."

Although he said there were no food ingredients, in Xiangling's eyes, The Primo Geovishap could also be considered a "food ingredient."

After all, this girl once considered going to hunt a dragon upon hearing about the dragon in Mondstadt, showing her fearless ignorance.

To dispel her dangerous thoughts, Xianyu chose not to elaborate, as explaining how he knew wouldn't be appropriate.

...

"How do you know there's nothing inside the relic? Have you been inside?"

...Why did your brain suddenly start working? Can't you maintain your slightly foolish demeanor? Why ask?

As he glanced at the distant relic, Xianyu's thoughts drifted away momentarily.

He recalled the various frustrations and lizard hunts during his decryption sessions here. How could he not know the situation inside?

Even if there were discrepancies, they wouldn't be significant.

Snapping out of his reverie, Xianyu turned back.

"I haven't been inside, but I once obtained a map that confirmed there's nothing valuable inside."

"Don't ask if the map still exists. It's long gone, discarded who knows where."

Seeing this, Xiangling didn't press further. She was just carefree, not stupid. Many things, she was quite aware of in her heart.

Seeing that Xianyu didn't want to say more, she began to tidy up her belongings.

As a renowned chef at Wanmin Restaurant, she was known to many.

Whether it was nobles or commoners, many had heard of her or seen her.

Even some criminals had encountered her.

And when Xiangling cooked, the rich aroma attracted a lot of attention.

"It's her?"

Such questions and affirmations were heard from time to time.

Those who didn't know would ask those who did.

"Her? Do you know that girl? Is she famous?"

"Of course, we know her. She's a celebrity in Liyue Harbor, the head chef of Wanmin Restaurant! Many people rave about her food!"

"Tsk tsk, I heard she spends most of her time outside looking for ingredients. I didn't expect to see her here."

Xiangling's appearance caused quite a stir.

People who hadn't paid much attention initially only recognized her after hearing others mention her.

Watching her busy figure, Xianyu realized he had underestimated this chef's fame. It was surprising that even people from various factions knew her.

This made him consider learning a thing or two about cooking from Xiangling.