Chapter Eleven: Once Had It

"Evolution..." Xian Yu contemplated.

In his understanding, it was generally difficult for low-level elemental creatures like cryo crystal butterflies to evolve. Due to their inherent limitations, they lacked the strength to survive independently and typically relied on their environment.

However, the cryo crystal butterfly he possessed was unique because it had an owner.

"That's it! Why didn't I think of that?"

"Why can't I try the 'breeding' method alongside the environmental approach?"

With that idea in mind, Xian Yu summoned the Cryo Crystal Butterfly from the void and conjured a piece of slime liquid with a thought. This slime, infused with Cryo elements, resembled jelly rather than scattered filth.

Observing the cryo crystal butterfly resting on the slime condensation, Xian Yu could indeed sense a slight strengthening effect. However, at this pace, the improvement was quite minimal.

"While this approach matches my expectations, the rate of improvement is still slower than if I placed it in a strong cryo element environment directly..."

Having reached this conclusion, Xian Yu didn't stow away the slime condensation. Instead, he set it aside for the cryo crystal butterfly to continue consuming.

"Strong cryo... a robust cryo environment..."

Intermittent whispers escaped Xian Yu's lips. At that moment, his thoughts turned to the Dragonspine Mountain once more. The harsh environment there might be perilous for ordinary individuals, but it was a haven for cryo crystal butterflies.

Furthermore, there was a Sky Island pillar atop the mountain, possibly hiding more secrets.

"I'll have to be patient... I need to wait a bit longer until I can enhance my strength..."

Whether it was the evolution of the Cryo Crystal Butterfly or making use of Durin's remains, both had the potential to contribute to his strength. When it came to improving his spiritual power with external assistance, the process seemed futile, resulting in a waste of time.

Although the cryo crystal butterfly was essentially an "introducer," its power should enhance Xian Yu's elemental absorption, while Durin's remains could serve as valuable materials for crafting weapons.

Currently, Xian Yu lacked any weapons that suited him. The best he had was a fine iron sword he obtained from a sign-in reward. It sufficed for regular combat, but when facing tough and resilient opponents, it would prove insufficient.

Unless he possesses the strength to overpower his opponents, a good weapon remains a necessity.

"Hmm, I must visit Dragonspine Mountain! However, as I've thought before, I need to wait for a while. I haven't reached the state of being fearless yet."

The Sky-Destroying Sword Technique is indeed a trump card capable of turning the tide, but its very nature as a trump card means it can't be used as a regular method. Without sufficient strength to support it, it remains unusable at will.

...

Time marches on without pausing, progressing like a runaway steed.

"Brother Yu! Come out quickly, Grandpa asked me to fetch you for dinner!"

Roused from his thoughts by the shouts, Xian Yu gradually opened his eyes, revealing deep, mysterious pools within.

"Very well, I understand. I'll be there shortly."

Notably, Xian Yu's voice had been undergoing changes for some time. Whether due to the influence of elemental power or the consequences of practicing the Breathing Technique, it had acquired a vague and chilly tone.

"Hmm, half a year has passed before I knew it..."

Sensing the power within his body, Xian Yu felt a measure of relief.

Upon reviewing the sign-in interface, he noted there were fewer than 200 experience points remaining and a few items. He gave it only a cursory glance before rising to head outside.

In the past six months, he had advanced the Breathing Technique to another level, and the pace of his practice had genuinely quickened. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been practicing so diligently but would have sought ways to enhance the Cryo Crystal Butterfly.

Regarding the Cryo Crystal Butterfly, it remained unchanged, neither weakened nor strengthened.

However, it's worth mentioning that he had an Ice Mist Flower in his backyard. This find occurred during a casual visit to a teahouse, and the price wasn't insignificant. Still, to prevent the slime from causing trouble, he decided to make the purchase anyway.

When he stepped outside and noticed the road was less crowded than usual, Xian Yu found it a bit odd, but he didn't dwell on it and continued on his way.

"Brother Yu, you're here! Grandpa is still cooking, but he'll be done soon. Please have a seat."

Although the words were delivered calmly, Xian Yu could sense the joy behind them.

Observing the illuminated eaves, a thought seemed to strike Xian Yu.

"Is today some sort of festival? It seems quite grand."

As soon as he uttered those words, he was met with two pairs of quizzical eyes, and one person exclaimed with exaggeration, "Wow, Brother Yu, are you not from Liyue?"

"Today is the annual Lantern Festival! You didn't even remember that?" said another person.

Xian Yu thought of those dedicated gamers who celebrated the festival in the game, and his suspicions were confirmed.

What Zhang Lingmei had said wasn't entirely wrong. Xian Yu wasn't originally from Liyue but hailed from the Blue Star.

This festival did exist in the game. Initially, he had merely completed a few tasks and then indulged in tower defense games, giving the festival little thought.

Moreover, he was the sole player in the vast game world, so what was there to celebrate? Wasn't it just like any other day?

"Tower defense and farming during the Sea Lantern Festival... is that even a thing?"

So, he had merely speculated, not confirmed.

Zhang Lingmei's words led him into contemplation. After some time, he sighed, "Oh, I didn't realize that this festival had already arrived. Time flies..."

He faintly recalled encountering such situations before but hadn't paid them much attention at the time. He had spent most of his time inside, and now he realized that he might have missed out.

"The food is ready! The chicken stewed with mushrooms has just come out of the pot."

"Alright, everyone, let's dig in!"

As Xian Yu gazed at the spread on the table and the smiling faces around him, he could sense their joy, but he himself didn't feel as elated.

This could be the sensation of being an "outsider," making it difficult to fully empathize with the festivities.

After all, how could one truly understand if they hadn't experienced it firsthand?

Nonetheless, Xian Yu still offered a smile. Despite not feeling overly jubilant, he wasn't one to withhold his smiles.

"I wish I could visit the city... I bet there would be countless lanterns there, and perhaps I could catch a glimpse of the Seven Stars! Every year they gather at Yu Jing Terrace to release lanterns into the night sky."

"Yes, indeed. It would be wonderful if we could go..."

"Unfortunately... we're quite a distance from Liyue Harbor, and it's a bit late for that now."

As the two sisters conversed, they momentarily felt a touch of disappointment, but their smiles quickly returned.

After all, they were young girls, and their troubles, if any, were fleeting.

Listening to the words of the two sisters, Xian Yu couldn't help but be touched by their mention of the Liyue Qixing. Of course, he was well aware of the existence of the Qixing.

Not only had he seen them, but he had also interacted with them in the game. Though there were only two of them in the game, it was undeniable that he had indeed encountered them.

However, now they seemed as distant as stars, elusive and beyond reach.

Thinking of the Seven Stars naturally led to thoughts of Morax, the deity who loved fishing.

"I wonder if Zhongli is in the Hall of Life right now?"

Xian Yu wasn't entirely certain about this notion because the game didn't specify when Zhongli joined, making it an unknown variable.

"Hmm, perhaps I'm overthinking it. Even if he is in the Hall of Rebirth, I have no desire to see him. It's best to maintain minimal contact with gods and such."

His level wasn't high enough, and he knew the identity of these beings. Hasty contact could easily reveal his flaws.

Never underestimate any god!

This... wasn't a game.