Chapter 19: The Chasm of the Colossal Depths

With his mind somewhat at ease, Yunshan began to introduce another reward. He revealed the badge in his hand, which had an ancient design; aside from its golden edges, it bore only a single red character meaning "Cloud."

“This badge is a token of the Flying Cloud Merchants’ Guild. I see you are also from Liyue, young sir. Should you wish to return home in the future, carrying this badge will allow you to pass directly through the nearby Chasm of the Depths, sparing you the rough sea journey.”

“When you arrive in Liyue, please do honor me with a visit to the Flying Cloud Trading Company. Let me, Uncle Yun, extend some local hospitality.”

Lin Feng, who had been curious about the badge’s purpose, was greatly delighted.

It was well known that although Huacheng District bordered Liyue, ordinary travelers were not allowed to pass freely, as the Chasm of the Depths was a crucial territory for Liyue. All who entered or exited faced strict scrutiny, and common merchants simply did not qualify.

This very badge clearly carried the Flying Cloud Merchants’ Guild’s prestige, paving the way for Lin Feng. For someone who had long wished to visit Liyue since his transmigration, it was truly invaluable.

“Uncle Yun, your great kindness needs no thanks. This badge is like a timely gift in my hour of need. When I do go to Liyue, I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you for a visit.”

Lin Feng expressed his gratitude frankly. For a wanderer abroad, such a token was an undeniable guarantee of status, making it profoundly meaningful for his journey to Liyue.

Seeing Lin Feng pleased with the gift, Yunshan’s face lit up with joy.

Since hearing from his daughter how Lin Feng had bravely faced the monsters alone and protected her amidst an unexpected explosion, Yunshan, who knew his daughter best, could hear the admiration in her words.

Noticing Lin Feng was only about fourteen or fifteen years old, Yunshan was naturally very pleased with this promising fellow townsman from Liyue. Thus, he willingly entrusted his token to Lin Feng, knowing that with prior notice to the General Affairs Bureau, Lin Feng’s journey home would be much smoother.

...

After a satisfying meal, Lin Feng accompanied Yunshan and Yunlu to a nearby inn. The father and daughter were both somewhat mentally exhausted after the intense events, and after arranging to see them off the next day, Lin Feng returned to his own lodgings.

Back in his small room, Lin Feng felt a rare sense of relaxation.

Thinking of the pouch Yunshan had given him, Lin Feng’s curiosity about how much Mora it contained grew. Though he held little hope, he rose from the bed and took out the dark green pouch.

Upon opening it, Lin Feng was stunned by Yunshan’s generosity.

— The amount of Mora inside was not vast, but the denominations were exceptionally large. This small pouch held a full half a million Mora.

Lin Feng was speechless.

Is this what it means to be wealthy? And he’d said it wasn’t much money, hoping I wouldn’t mind?

Seeing Yunshan casually hand over fifty thousand Mora gave Lin Feng a new appreciation of the Flying Cloud Merchants’ Guild’s power.

Clutching the small pouch, Lin Feng felt a profound sense of happiness.

Remembering his promise to Lana, Lin Feng prepared for sleep, lowering his resistance to dreams to await the arrival of a certain petite green-haired girl.

...

Within the verdant dreamscape.

Lin Feng surveyed this place he had never visited before, approving of the Grass Spirit’s aesthetic.

“Pleased to meet you. Allow me to greet you, revered God of Wisdom.”

Though familiar with Nahida’s personality, Lin Feng still maintained the basic respect due to a deity.

“Thank you for your previous assistance. I will do my best to help repair the damage to the forest.”

Lin Feng expressed gratitude for Nahida’s aid.

Indeed, after the commotion Lin Feng had caused, the forest still bore some conspicuous scars of destruction.

Having learned of Lana and the Grass Spirit’s connection, Lin Feng entrusted Lana to ask if the Grass Spirit could help conceal the traces of the scene. Receiving an affirmative reply, Lin Feng left with peace of mind.

Though a deep pit still remained, the Grass Spirit had cleared remnants of the destructive energy left by Xiaobai. Lana and her companions had since cultivated new plants there. After this concealment, the scene no longer appeared as pure external destruction but rather as a collapse caused by changes in the ley lines after clearing a Death Domain.

Though it could not hide everything from the gods, it would at least spare Lin Feng from being harassed by the sages of the Adventurers’ Guild.

Nahida looked at the youth before her, who seemed unfamiliar yet oddly not a stranger, and, setting aside distracting thoughts, replied in a clear voice:

“You seek to eliminate the Death Domain and aid those in distress. Though you caused some damage to the forest, like a woodpecker removing pests, there is no need for guilt. The forest will still be grateful to you.”

Seeing Nahida as understanding and comforting as in the games, Lin Feng’s tense heart eased somewhat. He planned to take this opportunity to clarify some mysteries about his transmigration.

...

“Then, esteemed little Grass Spirit King, may I ask if you know anything about my origins?”

Lin Feng first inquired about the origin of his current body.

“That... no need for such formality. Just call me Nahida.” The Grass Spirit, unaccustomed to such experiences, seemed a bit shy at Lin Feng’s reverence.

“I’m sorry, I do not know your circumstances. Your existence is like a blank slate. Even within the ‘world,’ there are no records of you.”

Shaking her head, Nahida saw Lin Feng’s disappointed look and continued to explain:

“If I’m correct, you should be an entity from beyond this world.”

“Considering your power, the title ‘One Who Rivals the World’ from the void may be quite fitting here.”

Conversing with the Grass Spirit was remarkably efficient. As the God of Wisdom, Nahida seemed to have an instinctual desire to answer questions—much like Lin Feng’s teacher in his previous life.

“Me? An Arisen?”

— The title ‘One Who Rivals the World’ was another way of saying Arisen, as players know it.

Lin Feng clearly doubted this about himself—strictly speaking, those were people capable of resisting the world by their own strength, and Lin Feng felt unworthy. Xiaobai would be more fitting.

“That’s right. Your power is unquestionable. Though it lasted only a moment, the oppression it brought surpassed even that of ancient demon gods,” Nahida recalled her impressions and affirmed.

Lin Feng gazed at Xiaobai, who had accompanied him into the dream. Grabbing the scruff of Xiaobai’s neck, he said to Nahida, “If I told you that power belonged to him, Nahida, would you believe me?”

“Is this some new kind of joke?”

The Grass Spirit looked at Xiaobai, who struggled in the air, flailing limbs, disbelief clear on her face.

Lin Feng was speechless.