Genshin Impact: Awakening in the Darkness

Xuan Yue took the land deed and went to the Knights Commander's office.

A middle-aged man holding a land deed looked at Qingyue, who claimed to be a merchant from Liyue.

"Sir, according to you, you want to buy this land from me as your private property."

"Yes, for better transportation and to receive goods as quickly as possible, and also to ensure supplies to Liyue, I'd like to purchase this land. I'll only use it as a private residence. I hope the Commander can accept this." Negotiations were naturally handled by Xuanqing, since Xuanyue knew nothing about these things, and even though she had inherited some of Noyavis's memories, she lacked practical experience.

"It seems you are aware of Mondstadt's current predicament."

“If you’re saying that Mondstadt is in dire need of funds to operate after the war and the rule of the old Mondstadt nobles, and at the same time needs to strengthen ties with various countries, then yes, I know. I also know you can’t refuse, because I can help you establish trade routes with Liyue and solve Mondstadt’s current financial problems—a win-win situation.” Xuan Qing spoke logically and naturally exuded the aura of a superior, but the person sitting opposite him was the war veteran, the leader of Mondstadt, and the current Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, Ciriel Legnfind, who surprisingly held his own against Xuan Qing.

"It seems you have made ample preparations, but I feel you may have other motives. Why don't you bring them up at the same time?"

"It seems the Commander has agreed. It's good to talk to smart people. I need you to provide a certificate that that territory belongs to me privately. No matter what happens in Mondstadt, even if the Commander changes, this contract will still be valid."

"Your request is that this land will no longer belong to Mondstadt, is that right?" Ciriel frowned and said, "I'm sorry, but I cannot agree to that. If you were to do anything to harm Mondstadt on this land, I would become a sinner against Mondstadt."

"Don't worry, the contract states that this land belongs to me permanently. I guarantee I won't do anything to harm Mondstadt. Actually, this is no different from ordinary Mondstadt residents buying houses, except my land is slightly larger," Xuanqing said, arms crossed.

"...Alright, I can promise you that this document will be kept permanently to prove its validity. I will also give you a copy. With this proof, even after thousands of years, as long as your descendants can produce this proof, it will remain valid." Cyril finally agreed.

"Yes, the contract is in effect. Those who break their promises will be punished."

"Is it a contract belonging to Liyue? It's rare to experience this once, although I didn't feel anything special."

“Liyue values ​​contracts and will not break them. I hope you will do the same.” Xuanqing took the land deed and turned to leave. “It was a pleasure to be with you, Captain.”

After leaving the Knights, Xuanqing transformed into Xuanyue and, as planned, went to the bar to get the drinks.

Unlike yesterday, the man standing in front of the bar was a man with long red hair, who looked about 70% like Cyril.

"You're here. You must be the guest Rox mentioned who wanted to reserve the wine."

"Yes, then you are the owner of this shop he mentioned."

"Yes."

Both of them were exceptionally decisive, which pleased Xuan Yue, as it saved her a lot of time.

"Let me introduce myself, I am Aarond Legnford."

"Qingyue, a merchant from Liyue. Your name sounds familiar... It's a bit offensive to ask, but what is your relationship with Ciriel Legnfind?"

“Oh, he and I are cousins. We share the same surname, Legnford, but I don’t think this is the time for idle chatter.”

"Yes, this is the acquisition list. Just name your price, and I will send someone to transport the wine to Liyue, along with a long-term contract with your store."

"contract?"

"Hmm... In your terms, it should mean a transaction. In Liyue, the Geo Archon has the authority to make contracts, and those who break the contracts will be punished."

"The Geo Archon? I've heard that Liyue is protected by many demon gods. This Geo Archon must be the renowned Geo Archon."

"Yes, I was fortunate enough to be appreciated by the Emperor. I traveled all the way from Liyue to explore trade routes and promote connections between countries."

“I see. I accept this deal… no, this contract. I have a good understanding of the current economic situation in Mondstadt. Since your order is so large, you may have to stay in Mondstadt for a few months. We will give you a certain discount and will notify you when it is ready.”

"Yes, the contract is in effect. Those who break their promises will be punished."

"Snap!" Just as the contract was being signed, a woman with long blonde hair, dressed in the attire of a knight, rushed in anxiously, clutching the documents.

"Boss! Something terrible has happened!"

“Take your time talking about Corerrella, catch your breath first,” Aaron said gentlemanly, while introducing her to Xuan Yue: “This is Corerrella Gunnhildr, born into one of the three great noble families of Mondstadt.”

"Boss, stop trying to get on our good side. The monsters in the east have rioted, the front line defenses have been breached, and the monsters are heading into the city. The other captains have already sent reinforcements, and the guild leader has ordered us to disperse the crowd."

"Understood. You take the soldiers and go ahead. I'll handle the cleanup." Aaron said, frowning.

After Corerella left, he said to Xuan Yue, "You heard it too, Your Excellency. I hope you can hide as soon as possible."

“Yes, of course.” Xuan Yue nodded and left the tavern.

Seeing the people on the street rushing up the mountain, Xuan Yue also went along.

(What kind of demon is Xuanqing?)

(Slime.)

(Ah! Then why are we running? We could wipe them all out in one move.) Xuan Yue suddenly felt that it was a bit foolish of her to just run after them.

(But we are human now, let's bear with it for now.)

(Xuanqing... once you get the items, you have to make it up to me, otherwise it would be too unfair to all my hard work.)

(Okay, okay, good girl.)

Xuan Yue's inner thoughts and outward expression were completely different, showing no change whatsoever.

"Hi, Grandpa Qingyue, what a coincidence!" Wendy ran up to him at that moment.

"Unfortunately, everyone's running for their lives."

"Hey, Grandpa Qingyue, you can't say that. We're running into each other while we're escaping for our lives, isn't that just fate?"

"Then you'd better run faster, they're coming."

"What?"

Xuan Yue didn't answer him again, but instead sped up to catch up with the group of people running ahead.

Wendy turned her head and saw, wow, a swarm of wind slimes flying in the sky, heading this way.

"So many!" Wendy quickened his pace, but the Wind Slime flew very fast and launched an attack in mid-air, thus occupying the high ground.

"That's the only way." A bow and arrow appeared in Wendy's hand. He aimed at the slime in the sky and shot the arrow.

Xuan Yue turned her head and saw Wendy's arrow pierce through two slimes, which made Xuan Yue wonder: (Is that the drunkard?)

(It's a bit surprising, but why didn't he just say he had this ability in public?)

(So, can we also...?)

(no.)

(Why is it that even a human possesses such killing power, let alone us, who are merchants from Liyue and don't even have personal bodyguards?)

(I reasonably suspect you just wanted to have a handjob.)

(Uh...that's true to some extent, but it's definitely for our benefit.)

(I don't think you'll listen to my advice.)

(I'll take that as your agreement.)

After the conversation ended, a bow and arrow appeared in Xuan Yue's hand. Although it was dim, the patterns on it still revealed its exquisite craftsmanship.

"Oh, Grandpa Qingyue, you..." Wendy stopped shooting and looked at Xuanyue with some surprise.

"I wasn't born with self-defense skills."

(Isn't that right?) Xuan Qing looked at the demon god, who was now acting out a whole drama, with a bit of speechlessness.

"Thank you. I didn't realize that Grandpa Qingyue was such a master."

"You're very skilled. Where did you learn that?"

"I learned it from a hunter master, and I benefited a lot from it. It's just that I've become rusty since I haven't practiced it for a few years." Wendy and Xuan Yue started praising each other.

"You still have time to chat? Run! The monsters are catching up!" Aaron shouted at Xuan Yue and the others as he slashed down a rock slime with a greatsword.

"To be honest, I'm exhausted from running." Xuan Yue raised her arrow and aimed.

"Qingyue! Go higher..." Before Aaron could finish shouting, an arrow pierced through more than a dozen slimes beside him.

(Xuan Yue!!!) Xuan Qing's voice, unusually emotional, rose within his sea of ​​consciousness.

"Uh...sorry, I was a little angry just now, and I performed exceptionally well." Xuan Yue coughed lightly to cover up her embarrassment.

"Your aim is excellent," Wendy remarked, not forgetting to offer a compliment.

"You should lend a hand too, otherwise with so many monsters, one or two of them will inevitably attack those Mondstadt people."

"Hey, Grandpa Qingyue, I'm from Mondstadt too," Wendy began to complain.

“You’re quite strong, so I’ll help if I can.” After saying that, Xuan Yue ignored Wendy and rushed into the monster horde, disregarding Aaron’s attempts to stop her.

The bow and arrow in Xuan Yue's hand had sharp spikes at both ends, making it usable as a sword in close combat. Aaron watched Xuan Yue move with ease among the slimes, only showing a moment's surprise before rushing back into the fray. Wendy simply waved his hand, picked up his bow again, and fired at the slimes in the sky.

The knights fought relentlessly against the slimes in various locations, and the battle didn't end until late at night.

“It’s finally over. Do you know how important hands are to a bard? Now I can’t even lift my arms, so I can’t play or sing. How are you going to make it up to me?” Wendy looked at Xuan Yue and Aaron in front of him. If you ignored the light in his eyes, you would definitely think he was just complaining.

Xuan Yue didn't look at him, but instead looked towards Mondstadt and at the joyful laughter of the Mondstadt people as they returned home.

"Ahem, thank you for your hard work and for your help. Tonight, I'll treat you to drinks." Wendy nodded quickly as soon as Aaron finished speaking.

"No need. I still have things to take care of today. Being delayed by these monsters for too long will make me fall behind schedule."

"Uh, Grandpa Qingyue, you're not worried about not finishing your work today, so you want to join this battle to quickly free up some time."

“That’s right.” This time, Xuan Qing took the lead, while Xuan Yue was naturally locked in the sea of ​​consciousness by the angry Xuan Qing.

"Then let's get together again next time." Aaron smiled, showing no ill will. Wendy, having a drink to drink, stopped rambling.

Seeing that they had all left, Xuan Qing headed alone to the border of Liyue. He tore open space and instantly appeared on the territory he had purchased.

"Now, let's begin." Xuanqing's eye emitted a purple light, and a barrier rose up around them. In the blink of an eye, a manor in the style of Liyue appeared, filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, as well as forest paths. It was small but complete.

"Alright, Xuan Yue, remember, we are human now. You can carefully observe the people around you, but don't do anything out of line," Xuan Qing reminded her again.

"Okay." Xuan Yue sighed. Today was really tough; she felt so wronged...