Chapter 77: I Have a Friend

The matter of negotiation couldn't be delayed due to such a trivial incident, especially not for Tartaglia.

"Don't worry about this minor issue. As friends, I'll send someone to safely retrieve your people," Tartaglia reassured. "If you wish, I can even deliver Wudan's head to you."

Indeed, in Tartaglia's eyes, Wudan was merely a minor figure, easily manipulated and disposable, despite his modest influence in Liyue.

As long as actions remained covert, almost anything was achievable.

Of course, excessive actions would risk exposure and draw unnecessary enmity.

Normally, such matters would be thoroughly investigated, as others would be concerned about potential assassination attempts.

However, considering Tartaglia's agenda to weaken the guardian deity of Liyue, a mere minor official posed no threat.

Upon hearing this, Xianyu understood that Tartaglia still hoped to recruit him, but how could he agree?

"Wudan is just a small player. If it weren't for fear of provoking the Seven Stars, do you think he would have survived until now?"

Why worry about the Seven Stars instead of Morax?

Because Morax didn't monitor everyone constantly. If he did, dangerous organizations wouldn't exist, as he could simply crush them with his power.

So, Morax preferred individuals to handle their own affairs rather than rely on him for every minor issue.

Tartaglia agreed upon reflection; indeed, Wudan was no match for Xianyu. It was just a matter of finding the right opportunity.

"In that case, what do you plan to do?" Tartaglia inquired.

"No need to bother about him. I'll handle it myself. Once your people return mine safely, we can continue our trade without much impact."

Tartaglia had no objection. Though delayed, the matter was inconsequential.

As long as it didn't completely derail their plans.

Retrieving Xianyu's people also had its benefits. With each trade, their relationship would naturally deepen.

Even if Xianyu denied knowing him in the future, in the eyes of others, he would always be associated with the Fatui.

That was the impression—Xianyu depicted as a member of the Fatui.

Why did Tartaglia seek to recruit Xianyu?

It wasn't just about his strength but also his clean background. Tartaglia wanted to understand him better.

An individual with considerable strength, growth potential, and a hint of mystery was too valuable to ignore. If one day Xianyu joined the Fatui, guided by their Queen, he could become a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, this was just one step in Tartaglia's long-term strategy.

"Well, this minor issue shouldn't take too long. However, as ordinary people, if they become too entangled, they'll eventually run into trouble. You understand that, right?" Tartaglia advised.

"So, I suggest you ensure their safety," he added.

Xianyu had indeed considered Tartaglia's words.

His pursuit was perilous, delving into deeper layers of this world.

Whether it was the Abyss or the demon gods, these were realms beyond the reach of ordinary individuals.

But ensuring the safety and happiness of his associates wouldn't be simple. As he advanced, the likelihood of their involvement would increase.

This incident was a prime example.

"Liyue is indeed safe under the rule of the Rex Lapis. However, there are still a few rats. It seems I need to settle old scores," Xianyu remarked.

Resolving grievances wasn't difficult. The Shui family and Wudan were the targets, but others might slip through the cracks. However, these individuals were likely only involved in commercial competition and weren't within the scope of "dealing with."

After a brief internal deliberation, the Zhang family was brought in.

To be honest, they were all still a bit dazed. They had been inexplicably captured earlier, with no one coming to their rescue. Alongside their confusion was a growing sense of dread.

Afterward, they were brought by another group of people, but when they recognized them as members of the Fatui, it was completely incomprehensible to Zhang Feng.

Zhang Feng knew about the Fatui Group. Although he had heard about his young master's relationship with them, he hadn't dwelled on it much.

It wasn't until he saw the two individuals in the room that he understood.

"Young Master... what's going on?" Zhang Feng asked with a bewildered expression.

Xianyu glanced at the three individuals, who still seemed shaken, feeling somewhat guilty.

Bringing them to Liyue Harbor had been a well-intentioned gesture, but it had unexpectedly implicated them.

"It's nothing major. You don't need to worry about your business anymore. I'll make other arrangements later," Xianyu reassured them. "You can go to another room and wait with someone else, just like last time."

Once the room fell silent again, Tartaglia jokingly remarked, "That scene just now was quite similar to our last trade, wasn't it? If only what you needed this time were as simple..."

Xianyu chuckled at his words. "Actually, what I need this time isn't difficult at all. For you, the Fatui, it should be quite simple."

"And this time, the item for trade isn't just for my own needs; it's also for a friend of mine."

"Unfortunately, I owe this friend a debt of gratitude, and he has a request that I can't refuse."

Tartaglia didn't care much about this. He had only spoken casually earlier and wasn't particularly interested.

What concerned him was the Hundred Forbidden Taboos Scroll.

"It seems your friend is fortunate to have met you," Tartaglia remarked. "So, what do you need? Let me hear if it's really as simple as you say."

Upon hearing Tartaglia's surprise, Xianyu explained, "The thing I need is called - Archon Residue. How about this? It's not difficult for you, right?"

Dadalia was stunned: "Archon Residue!? You are really not simple..."

Although it's something we in the Fatui do possess, it's not under my control. My interests lie solely in combat, and this kind of thing isn't my concern."

"That guy 'Doctor' has a lot of these things, but it's not that easy to get them from him.," Tartaglia didn't elaborate on who "Doctor" was. Anyone familiar with the Fatui dealings knew of the existence of eleven executives.

So he didn't believe that Xianyu hadn't heard of "Doctor" It might be that he hadn't met him, but hearing about him was inevitable.

"Archon residue... it's impossible to obtain in the short term. Let's first talk about what your friend needs."

Xianyu had no hope for the Archon Residue. His mention of it was just a cover for the items he truly sought.

Of course, if he did obtain it, he wouldn't refuse it. The Archon residue was left behind by the demon gods, so there might be unexpected gains.

"In that case, I can postpone my request for now. It's not urgent," Xianyu replied. "My friend's request, in comparison, seems much simpler. It's called... the Ley Line Branches."

Tartaglia's expression relaxed upon hearing this. Although Xianyu had described it as simple, the first request had left him in a dilemma. If he didn't value the man before him and if the other party didn't have something he desired, he would have turned hostile long ago.

"Compared to the Archon Residue, it is indeed much simpler. However, the

Ley Line Branches is not commonly found, aside from being used by Abyssal creatures," Tartaglia explained. "And since your friend specifically asked for it, he must be aware of its characteristics. I don't really want to know the reason, but are you sure he only wants this branch?"

Xianyu felt a twinge of joy, but he kept his composure.

"Yes, he only needs this item. However, he didn't specify the quantity. How much can you provide now?"