Chapter 39: The Conqueror of Demons

A sense of overwhelming crisis instantly enveloped Xingqiu. There was no time to ponder what kind of absurd projection those Treasure Hoarders had summoned. Realizing that he and Chongyun had been exposed, Xingqiu decisively grabbed Chongyun's hand and swiftly darted from their hiding spot.

Even though they had evacuated their position with the utmost speed, the projection opposite them reacted as if it possessed foresight.

"Snap."

Accompanied by the crisp sound of rapidly growing vegetation, countless emerald vines erupted instantly from the very spot where they had just landed. Unable to change direction again, Xingqiu channeled his full focus into the Vision at his waist, executing an emergency adjustment in mid-air using the "Void-Strider Step," a secret technique recorded in the Guhua Clan's manuals.

"Watch out! They’re strong—give it everything you've got..."

Having landed safely, Xingqiu let go of Chongyun's hand, just about to warn his dear friend. But before he could finish, a suffocating pressure emanated from the youth-like projection. Instinctively, Xingqiu tried to gather elemental energy, only to realize that, at some point, every element around him—save for Dendro—had vanished.

This left Xingqiu, who was accustomed to his Vision, instantly bewildered. *Is that even possible? How am I supposed to fight without elemental energy? Who on earth is this person?!*

The sheer absurdity of the situation left Xingqiu filled with questions. With no room to counterattack, both he and Chongyun were bound into two green "rice dumplings" by the encroaching vines.

Xingqiu: "..."
Chongyun: "..."
*Pardon me, but we were defeated instantly.*
*Same.*

Although the enemy was hopelessly powerful, Xingqiu and Chongyun felt less worried once they were bound. The gap in strength was so vast that if the opponent had truly wanted to finish them, they wouldn't have even had a moment to react. Since they were still alive, they likely wouldn't be killed. The proof was that the Treasure Hoarders on the ground were still breathing.

*Perhaps it’s a projection of some adeptus who is close to humanity,* thought Xingqiu, tightly wrapped in vines, feeling speechless at the sheer, heaven-defying luck of these Treasure Hoarders. To summon a projection with such intense pressure—enough to give Xingqiu the illusion that he was attending the Rite of Descension—it was hard to say whether these people were incredibly lucky or monumentally cursed.

***

Perhaps it was because the two felt no hostility that they, unlike the Treasure Hoarders, did not lose consciousness. Thus, when they saw the Millelith arriving one after another, their scalps went numb, anticipating what would happen next.

"Don't come over!"
"Watch out!"

Desperate, Xingqiu and Chongyun let out the most heartfelt shouts of their lives.

...

Liyue, Guili Plains.

The endless plains were overgrown with weeds, but this usually desolate area was unusually lively today. Looking at the green "rice dumplings" scattered across the ground, Xingqiu wished he could just faint along with the Treasure Hoarders; at least that way, he wouldn't have to witness the Millelith shatter his image of their glory.

Just then, the youth in the center of the field took his first step, and the sudden movement immediately drew everyone's attention.

...

And at that moment, the youth, who appeared to everyone else like a god, was thinking:
*Huh? Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to be doing?*

Lin Feng looked at the field of green "rice dumplings" around him, completely baffled.

It all started half an hour ago. Lin Feng, whose consciousness had been traveling through the leylines, was just about to rejoice as his internal energy neared full accumulation when he suddenly sensed a faint connection to a place outside of Sumeru. Having never experienced this before, he didn't realize that his consciousness traveling through the leylines was, in itself, information—and any information could potentially be projected by the leylines.

As it happened, a particularly unlucky group of Treasure Hoarders had managed to "pull" the grand prize: a projection of Lin Feng. It was only because Lin Feng maintained a friendly attitude toward humanity that his projection subconsciously held back; otherwise, the grass on those Treasure Hoarders' graves would already be two meters high—literally.

Back to the present. After a moment of confusion, Lin Feng quickly grasped the situation. Seeing that there were no casualties, he felt a sense of relief—not out of sympathy for the thieves, but because if the Millelith had suffered losses, it was hard to say if that "old man" at the top wouldn't rain down a few Starfell Swords the moment he arrived in Liyue.

Thinking of this, Lin Feng decisively released everyone from their restraints. Although he was quite interested in the two acquaintances in the crowd, this clearly wasn't the time to indulge in such bizarre shipping. Sensing a powerful aura nearby and guessing the newcomer's identity, Lin Feng flickered and vanished from the spot.

...

Guili Plains, upon a barren mountain.

With a few wisps of dark teal smoke and a faint "xin" sound, a young adeptus appeared beside Lin Feng.

"I thank you for your restraint, Excellency. On behalf of the Millelith, I thank you." Xiao, with his refined features, turned to look at Lin Feng and spoke in a cold, clear tone.

"The Conqueror of Demons need not be so polite. The elite of the Millelith are renowned across the continent for their strict discipline and love for the people. If I had truly harmed them, I would have felt guilty myself." Lin Feng had expected an interrogation, so he was surprised that the cold-faced Xiao began with thanks.

"Even as a mere projection, you unconsciously held back. Your goodwill toward the world is deep within your soul."

"Acting under the orders of the Lord of Geo, I am here to rectify the trouble the people of Liyue have caused you. I have no intention of making things difficult for you."

Sensing the near-divine power of the youth beside him, Xiao understood why the Lord of Geo had specifically warned him, "Do not treat him as an enemy."

Facing Xiao's apology, Lin Feng focused on the term "Lord of Geo." He realized that Zhongli had detected the accident in such a short time and even had the leisure to notify Xiao. Lin Feng, who also possessed wide-area perception, understood the cost of maintaining such comprehensive surveillance—massive amounts of information flowing through the mind around the clock. It was a "blessing" far more extreme than any 996 work schedule; Lin Feng would call it 007.

*If it were me, I’d want to retire too.*

Recognizing the sacrifice Zhongli had made, Lin Feng, feeling humbled, said to Xiao:

"This trip was merely an accident; I shall be returning soon. Please extend my greetings to the Lord of Geo."

"I consider myself half a citizen of Liyue, and I have deep respect for the sacrifices the Lord of Geo has made for this land."

Noticing the sincerity in Lin Feng's admiration, Xiao's tone softened:

"Mortals have lived in Liyue for thousands of years, most believing that Liyue is indispensable to the Lord of Geo. It is rare indeed to find one who understands that it is not that the Lord of Geo needs Liyue, but that Liyue needs the Lord of Geo."

"I will convey your greetings exactly as spoken." Xiao nodded, giving his word.

Because neither Lin Feng nor Xiao were ordinary, they had many ways to discern the truth of the event. Despite the incident being the catalyst for their meeting, neither felt the need to mention that unlucky group of Treasure Hoarders—they were just small fry, not worth the conversation.