Chapter 91: Acting

Dvalin caused chaos, but ultimately, with the help of Venti, he was repelled by Aether.

Although the storm's power had not completely dissipated, it was not enough to significantly disrupt daily life.

After this incident, Aether also gained the friendship of the Knights of Favonius, and his reputation began to spread.

His actions were also being closely watched by the Fatui.

"Lady, why do we have to listen to that Liyue person? Wouldn't it be better to directly capture the boy who is suspected to be related to Barbados? Or secretly arrest those who have had contact with him."

The Debt Collector's thoughts were, of course, considered by the Lady, but such an approach was not advisable.

It not only easily aroused suspicion but also wasted a lot of manpower and resources, with the outcome still uncertain.

Instead, it was better to follow Xianyu's advice and wait for the right opportunity.

"No need for that. You just need to keep an eye on that boy. Don't worry about the rest; I have my own plans."

"As for the boy, let's not worry about him for now. But what about Xianyu? Any recent developments?"

The Debt Collector didn't fully understand the Lady's words, but didn't overstep and respectfully answered the question.

"Milady, this person has been in Mondstadt all this time, either at the library or exploring the wilderness every day, without any other suspicious behavior."

Upon hearing this, the Lady, playing with the chess piece in her hand, pondered silently.

After a moment, she said, "Very well, you may leave now. The appearance of the Stormterror Dragon this time indicates that our target should be appearing soon. You need to stay vigilant at all times and not slack off."

"Yes, Milady!"

Her subordinate left.

The woman in the room stretched lazily, her movements sensual, with certain parts tantalizingly exposed.

Unfortunately, there was no one here to appreciate this "beauty."

"Strange, why is this guy Xianyu still staying in Mondstadt? Since he refused my proposal and our transaction is completed, he should return to Liyue, shouldn't he?"

"Could it be... this person still has other motives?"

Although there had been significant events in the mountains since Xianyu arrived in Mondstadt, the Lady did not suspect him.

The commotion in the mountains was not isolated to this one occasion; similar incidents had occurred half a year ago.

So, she did not connect this with Xianyu.

Compared to the boy named Aether, Xianyu was obviously more worthy of attention, judging from their brief "encounter" and the information provided by Tartaglia.

Xianyu was mysterious, knowing too much. He might even know who the Anemo Archon was and where he currently resided.

Moreover, his actions were purposeful, rarely doing anything unnecessary. He was still in Mondstadt, most likely with other intentions.

However, the Lady couldn't fathom what those intentions might be.

She considered sending someone to monitor him but shook her head, remembering the probing encounter they had some time ago.

"Better not send anyone to monitor him, to avoid disrupting the plan later."

Although she hadn't seen Xianyu take action, the fact that he had become "friends" with the Traveler indicated his strength. And she had tested him herself, with inconclusive results.

Not being able to see his true strength meant risk, and sending someone out would likely result in loss.

Her relationship with Xianyu wasn't exactly amicable at this point.

At this juncture, she couldn't afford to have a falling out with him.

In the following days, Xianyu gradually noticed that the Anemo energy around Mondstadt was thinning, and the strong winds were weakening.

The sunlight in the sky seemed brighter as well.

"Has the situation in the Four Winds Temples been resolved? It seems they acted quite swiftly."

The Four Winds Temples were not close to each other, and there were no teleportation waypoints like in the game. Their actions depended solely on their own abilities.

For Aether to achieve this in just a few days indicated unusual circumstances.

Observing the cheerful people of Mondstadt, Xianyu pondered, "So, what's the next step? Should you go and retrieve the Anemo Archon's Harp?"

Just in case.

Xianyu would stroll around the Statue of the Seven in Mondstadt every day.

Finally, on the fifth day, he saw the person wearing a green hat—the deity worshipped in Mondstadt, Barbados!

Beside him was a blond youth and a peculiar floating creature.

"A historic encounter..."

Xianyu didn't eavesdrop on their conversation. With the deity present, it was best to keep a low profile. Besides, he knew what their next move would be; there was no need to eavesdrop.

However, when Aether took out the purified Stormterror's Tear, Xianyu couldn't help but glance a few more times.

"A pure Anemo elemental item. Pity it's only an 'element,' not worth making a move for."

Make a move? Of course, he didn't mean snatching it from them; doing so would be suicidal!

If this item contained any "rules," Xianyu would have obtained it early.

He knew its location, but for now, it wasn't worth it.

After the two parted ways again, Xianyu glanced in a certain direction.

"Heh, the Fatui is indeed closely monitoring. But I hope they don't act recklessly..."

"Otherwise, I won't let them disrupt my plans."

Was Barbados truly unaware of being monitored? If Xianyu could notice, wouldn't the Anemo Archon be even more aware?

"At this rate, Barbados is definitely playing his own game..."

Observing the dimming sky, Xianyu left.

Venti went to the "Symbol of Mondstadt," and if the theft plan were to be executed, it would have to be the following night. So, there was no need to stay here.

The next day.

Xianyu still went to the Mondstadt Library to read and observe Ella Musk.

He had complex feelings about Musk Reef.

Whether it was the Abyss from the game or the future "Meteorite Fragments," they were all connected to this place. Even the knowledge of the "False Sky" came from the huge debris that fell on Musk Reef.

Well... more accurately, it came from what "Skirmisher" mentioned.

Anyway, Musk Reef was mysterious and intriguing.

However, what exactly was it like now? Where was it located? Xianyu didn't know, only that it was somewhere in the middle of the sea.

Time passed quickly, and when Xianyu came out of the library, it was already afternoon.

Aside from encountering some interesting stories, there was no other gain.

"It should be time. Let me go confirm the actions of the Fatui..."

Near the Statue of the Seven, there was a clock tower, the same location where they had searched for the teleportation point in the game.

Xianyu watched Barbados at the entrance of the Mondstadt Cathedral.

After waiting for about an hour, Xianyu noticed a figure quickly appearing and disappearing.

"As expected, Barbados is definitely acting. With his abilities, he wouldn't miss Razor's movements."

Watching the youth run out of the cathedral, followed by Venti, Xianyu sensed the Electro energy practitioner moving towards the city outskirts.

He waited outside the city for their arrival.