Chapter 17: The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [17]
Jia Changjiang's words were firm and self-assured.
Kaeya found himself momentarily speechless.
What Jia Changjiang said wasn't wrong—but the sheer directness of his delivery? That was rare, even in Mondstadt.
As they spoke, the two eventually arrived at the cathedral.
Despite the late hour, a few sisters were still inside, tending to their duties.
"Miss Barbara's healing is the most efficient," Kaeya commented as he pushed open the doors, "but at this hour, she's likely already asleep. Another sister will have to assist you instead."
"That's fine. Healing's healing, no matter who does it... Ah—"
Jia Changjiang winced as the movement pulled at his injuries, causing him to grimace in pain.
"So, Mr. Jax, where are you from?" Kaeya asked casually as they entered, making conversation. "Judging by your appearance, I'd guess you're from Liyue or Inazuma."
"Though, judging by your personality... perhaps Natlan?"
Jia Changjiang paused to consider the lands of Teyvat. "If I had to pick... I suppose Liyue fits me the best?"
"Oh? That's interesting. I've been curious about something."
Kaeya turned to study Jia Changjiang's expression closely. "Why did you challenge Acting Grand Master Jean as soon as you arrived in Mondstadt?"
The question gave Jia Changjiang pause. He thought carefully before answering.
"The reason... pure coincidence!"
He grinned brightly at Kaeya. "Jean was the first person I met when I got to Mondstadt! If I'd met you first, you'd be the one I'm challenging right now."
Kaeya's expression remained calm, but it was impossible to tell how much of Jia Changjiang's explanation he actually believed. "That's it? Just coincidence?"
"That's more than enough."
Jia Changjiang extended his hand toward Kaeya, his excitement palpable. "If you're up for it, why not have a match with me too? I don't mind who I fight!"
"Ha~ I'll pass," Kaeya replied with a small laugh. "The cavalry squad keeps me busy enough."
Before their conversation could continue, a sister emerged to assist Jia Changjiang with his injuries.
The sight of his burn-covered body startled her, but she quickly set to work dressing his wounds.
"Kaeya—can I call you Kaeya?" Jia Changjiang asked as the sister worked. His gaze remained fixed on the Cavalry Captain. "I know it's a little late to bring this up, but during my fight earlier, I didn't damage any buildings or harm any civilians, right?"
Kaeya raised an eyebrow. "From the way you were going at it earlier, you didn't exactly strike me as the type to care about those things."
Jia Changjiang scratched his head awkwardly. "I got carried away. Honestly, I wish the Knights had shown up a little later."
His tone sharpened with irritation. "We didn't even get to finish the fight! He cut me once and ran!"
Jia Changjiang abruptly stood, only to wince as pain flared through his body again.
"Next time, I'm going to make sure we settle it once and for all!"
"Winning one exchange and then running off—is that what passes for honorable?!"
Kaeya's expression grew subtly amused at Jia Changjiang's grumbling. Knowing the true identity of the so-called masked man, he could guess why Diluc had come to challenge Jia Changjiang on the eve of his fight with Jean.
But, as it turned out, Diluc's late-night intervention had brought Kaeya an unexpected source of entertainment.
"Well, never mind that."
A hint of mischief crept into Kaeya's thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of expression Diluc would make when faced with someone like Jia Changjiang again.
Just imagining it was amusing enough.
Though Jia Changjiang still harbored some frustration over the unfinished battle, he understood the Knights of Favonius were just doing their job in responding to such a large disturbance. His regret lay solely in not being able to conclude the fight.
Diluc...
Jia Changjiang repeated the name in his mind.
Although he hadn't spent much time diving into Teyvat's lore, he already knew the true identity of the so-called Darknight Hero.
Diluc, owner of the Dawn Winery and de facto lord of Mondstadt's wine industry.
Still, Jia Changjiang had no interest in revealing Diluc's secret identity. Whether he was a nobleman of the winery or Mondstadt's shadowy protector, it didn't matter to Jia Changjiang.
What mattered was their next fight.
"Next time, we'll finish what we started!"
The memory of their earlier clash made Jia Changjiang clench his fists. A wide grin spread across his face, betraying his excitement.
---
"Your wounds are all dressed," the sister said gently as she finished her work. "This is just emergency treatment, though. I recommend you come back during the day so Sister Barbara can provide proper healing."
"Thank you for your care. I'll make sure to do that," Jia Changjiang replied with a polite smile.
His demeanor now, calm and courteous, was a stark contrast to the fiery fighter who'd clashed with Diluc just hours ago.
After the treatment was done, Kaeya turned to him. "Alright. Now, Mr. Jax, it's time to come with me to the Knights' headquarters to give a full report."
"Huh? Why?" Jia Changjiang's confusion was evident.
"After all the chaos you caused tonight, do you really think it would just end here?" Kaeya replied with a mischievous smile. "Besides, wasn't it you who just said that people should own up to their mistakes and apologize when necessary?"
"Well... you've got me there." Jia Changjiang sighed, shaking his head. "If I'd known this would happen, I'd have run too..."
"Ha ha..."
---
Different people require different approaches.
Justice wasn't an absolute principle, but rather a delicate balance of strength and cunning—a truth Kaeya understood well as a Knight of Favonius. Whether by sword, strategy, or subtlety, he adapted to each situation.
The same held true for Jia Changjiang.
After days of observation, Kaeya had gained a fair understanding of Jia Changjiang's methods and personality.
"Alright then. Time for the interrogation."
Kaeya spread his arms theatrically, facing Jia Changjiang across the table.
Seated beside him were two others—Amber, who had hurried over in her pajamas upon hearing the news, and Lisa, who'd come out of curiosity from the library.
As for Jean and Klee...
Klee had been sent to bed long ago, and Kaeya hadn't even bothered to inform Jean.
Lisa, resting her chin in her hand, studied Jia Changjiang with interest.
"So, this is the traveler who's caused such a ruckus in just one week?" Lisa's gaze swept over him. "Doesn't look nearly as menacing and ferocious as little Amber made him out to be."
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This is a fan translation of 武器大师在原神绝不死于徒手 by 徐人双. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!