Chapter 92: The Harp, The Sword

The Electro mage's speed was swift. Xianyu didn't have to wait long outside the city before she quietly emerged. Carrying the "Skyward Harp" in hand, she headed in a certain direction. However, after traveling a short distance, she suddenly stopped.

"What's this? Didn't your superiors instruct you not to act recklessly?" Xianyu's appearance indeed caught the Electro mage off guard, but now that she was discovered, she had to be silenced!

They didn't want to alert their "Lady".

"Our actions have nothing to do with you! And it's not your place to interfere. Since we've been found out, you can't blame anyone else!" Just as the Electro mage finished speaking, she produced something resembling an oil lamp, and suddenly, numerous "mosquitoes" appeared.

Though calling them mosquitoes wasn't entirely accurate; they could emit Electro elemental attacks.

Getting physical? Seeing this, Xianyu didn't waste time with words. With a wave of his hand, he cast "Frost Fall," turning the airborne "Electro Mosquitoes" into ice blocks that fell to the ground without explanation.

Before the mage could react, she felt something amiss. Her body stiffened, and she couldn't speak. It wasn't until she turned into a lifelike ice sculpture, her eyes reflecting confusion, unable to express even a hint of fear.

Taking the "Skyward Harp" from her frozen grasp, Xianyu played a tune, causing the ice sculpture to shatter into shards that scattered in the wind.

If the mage had surrendered the Skyward Harp, she might have lived. But she chose to attack without hesitation, and Xianyu didn't hesitate either.

Once actions were taken, consequences had to be faced.

...

Inspecting the scene of mage's demise, the Debt Collector puzzled over the evidence. "Fragments? It seems she was affected by cryo elemental power."

"It seems Yuli's chances of survival are slim. But with her discreet actions, why was she discovered?"

There were no signs of a struggle on the ground, indicating that Yuli was killed instantly, with no chance to react. Otherwise, she may have been ambushed.

Yet, there were no hiding places nearby, making an ambush unlikely.

"Who in Mondstadt could possess such power?"

"Is it the cavalry captain? Or the daughter of the old aristocracy?"

After a brief investigation, finding no other clues, the Debt Collector departed, leaving only the gentle breeze swaying the grass.

With the plan foiled, he had to recall his operatives for now.

...

Yuli's death didn't prompt a search by the Fatui, confirming Xianyu's suspicions.

The attempt to steal the Skyward Harp seemed to be a personal endeavor.

And Xianyu? By now, he was sipping tea at Diluc's tavern.

Yes, just sipping tea.

This seemingly "foolish" behavior attracted many curious glances, even during daylight hours.

"You're drinking tea in my tavern. Is that appropriate? Do you have any grievances against my establishment?"

"If you wish to drink tea, go to a teahouse, not my tavern."

Setting down his cup, Xianyu casually remarked, "I heard you're looking for a harp?"

Initially perplexed, Diluc's expression shifted.

"A harp? What harp? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Before Diluc finished speaking, Xianyu interjected with two additional sentences.

"I found a harp in front of my house last night. It looked quite old, yet finely crafted. I have no clue whose it might be..."

"Since you claim ignorance, I must have been misinformed. In that case, I'll keep it and perhaps sell it at the antique shop in Liyue."

Upon hearing this, Diluc didn't feign ignorance any longer.

Last night, he had indeed summoned the Harpist to discuss the matter. Now, the harp had conveniently been brought to him. He couldn't allow Xianyu to take it away.

Halting Xianyu as he rose to leave, Diluc escorted him upstairs, where there were no patrons at this hour.

"How do I know the harp you mentioned is the one we're seeking?"

Without preamble, Xianyu produced the harp.

Seeing it, Diluc's surprise was evident, though he quickly regained composure.

"Bringing it out so brazenly, aren't you afraid I'll call the guards? You know the Knights of Favonius are still searching for the thief who stole the Skyward Harp."

Upon hearing this, Xianyu gave Diluc a quizzical look.

"I'm not a thief. Didn't I say I found this harp? Don't accuse me falsely, or I might just return it. Perhaps I'll even receive a reward."

Diluc wanted to say more, but seeing the youth before him, he held his tongue.

Recovering the harp was the priority.

"What's your purpose? Just say it. You didn't come all this way just to hand over a harp, did you?"

Xianyu pretended to contemplate for a moment.

"It's nothing major. I simply want to visit the Stormterror's Lair with you all."

Upon hearing "Stormterror's Lair," Diluc immediately thought of the Anemo Archon, thanks to information provided by the person before him.

Although suspicious that the youth might be eyeing the Stormterror Dragon, Diluc couldn't be certain.

"Wait here; I'll fetch a few others. They're the main players in this operation."

Although hesitant to team up with this mysterious individual, Diluc couldn't make that decision alone.

So, he left to consult with the others.

Performing a gesture of invitation, Xianyu settled in on the second floor.

At the same time, he had the "Crystalfly" return to its unique space. It had been a while since he last used it, but with the possibility of encountering Barbados, it was better to have it out of sight.

The wait wasn't long before Diluc returned with a few others.

Sure enough, it was the "main cast": Jean, acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, and Venti.

Jean, always decisive, spoke up immediately upon arrival.

"We've agreed to your terms, but I must be honest—I can't promise we can get you inside the Tower, as it's protected by a barrier of wind."

After Jean finished speaking, Xianyu simply handed over the Skyward Harp to her.

"I trust you, as the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, won't go back on your word."

"As for whether you can take me inside? We'll see. I'm merely curious about the place. If we can enter, great. If not, that's fine too. It might even be for the best."

With the Skyward Harp in hand, Jean felt a sense of relief upon hearing Xianyu's words.

Then, she thanked him.

Xianyu waved it off. "It's just a transaction. No need for thanks."

"You all discuss; I'll take my leave. You know where to find me when the time comes."

During their conversation, Venti, Diluc, and the others remained silent.

However, as Xianyu departed, Venti said something cryptic, leaving the other three bewildered.

"That sword at his waist...quite nice..."