The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact

In high spirits, Jia Changjiang strolled out of the Goth Grand Hotel, not bothering to check the expression on the Lady's face as he left.

For Jia Changjiang, leaving behind such provocative remarks was no big deal.

The offer to gain elemental powers was tempting, sure—but it couldn't compare to the thrill of freedom and the joy of challenging strong opponents.

Freedom to live on his own terms and test his mettle against others was what he valued most.

And besides, he had a better path already laid out for him.

Existence itself is justification.

Lastly, he had grown to like this city of wind and wine.

He had no intention of standing against Mondstadt.

"I'll grab a drink with Venti later," he mused to himself.

"Ah! Mr. Jax!"

The familiar sound of Paimon's voice called out nearby.

Turning his head, Jia Changjiang saw Lumine and Paimon approaching.

"Hm? You're both fine? Where's Venti?" He asked, relieved to see Lumine walking around the city openly.

It seemed they had successfully evaded the Knights of Favonius. Otherwise, Lumine wouldn't be strolling so boldly through the streets.

Then again…

Jia Changjiang paused, deep in thought. Knowing Lumine, she'd probably be bold enough to casually wander around even while being actively pursued.

"Jia Changjiang," Lumine said, interrupting his musings. "I've been hearing people all over town talking about how the Fatui stole the Holy Lyre der Himmel. Was that your doing?"

"Mm-hmm~" Jia Changjiang snapped his fingers. "What do you think? Not bad, huh?"

"Since the Fatui wanted to pin the blame on us, I figured I'd turn their little scheme against them and buy us some time."

He grinned confidently. "Mondstadt's counter-pressure on the Fatui might not last long, but it's enough to give us a buffer for our next move."

Jia Changjiang's tone grew sharper as he continued, "The Fatui's biggest mistake was assuming we'd play by their rules. Since they made the first dirty move, I have no qualms using my own tricks to deal with them."

"I don't like using schemes, but that doesn't mean I can't. I just… prefer action."

"Yikes…" Paimon shuddered at Jia Changjiang's smile. "Mr. Jax looks so sinister right now!"

Lumine, on the other hand, seemed intrigued, silently filing away his words for future use.

"One more thing," Lumine said. "About helping Dvalin—we found someone willing to assist us. We're meeting them tonight."

Her dedication to aiding Stormterror seemed genuine. Perhaps it was because of her promise to Venti—or perhaps, as she'd said before:

"I don't want to see separation again."

"Who's the helper?" Jia Changjiang asked.

"The owner of Dawn Winery. He's loaded," Lumine replied. "I don't know why he wants to help, but someone with that much money is bound to be useful."

"Oh… Diluc, huh? I know him." Jia Changjiang nodded, unsurprised. "He's not just rich, you know. He's a master of the claymore, has a Pyro Vision, and is fiercely protective of Mondstadt's safety. And when I say rich, I mean filthy rich!"

He emphasized the last part, drawing out the words.

"Filthy rich?" Lumine's eyes sparkled with interest.

"You know Angel's Share Tavern?" Jia Changjiang continued. "He has a collection of wines there. Every bottle in that special cabinet of his is worth this much."

He held up one finger.

"One… one thousand Mora?" Paimon guessed.

Jia Changjiang shook his head.

"Ten thousand Mora?"

"Try an entire mansion in Mondstadt. That's how valuable those bottles are."

The revelation made Lumine's eyes practically glow with a greed-fueled light.

"Jia Changjiang!"

Grabbing his arm, Lumine stared up at him with starry eyes. "If I get on Diluc's good side now and we solve Mondstadt's crisis, do you think he'd gift me a bottle of wine to sell?"

"No idea," Jia Changjiang admitted with a chuckle. "I've only sparred with him once. He's insanely strong, that much I can vouch for. And yeah, he's generous—that's just how rich people are, I guess."

Bringing the conversation back on track, Jia Changjiang added, "Tonight, take me to meet Venti. The Fatui's pressure on the Knights has lessened, so it's time we focus on what we need to do."

---

Standing in front of the familiar tavern, Jia Changjiang couldn't help but smile.

Was this fate, or inevitability? Venti and Lumine had ended up here yet again.

"The tavern's already closed for the night. Let's head in," Lumine said, leading the way as they entered together.

Inside, three figures were waiting.

Jean. Diluc. And, of course, Venti.

"Hey~ Jax! Traveler! You're here!" Venti greeted them cheerfully.

"Mr. Jax? And… Lumine?" Jean looked surprised to see them.

Although Jia Changjiang had shared part of their plan with her, she hadn't expected him to show up under these circumstances.

"Huh? Acting Grand Master Jean?" Lumine blinked, equally surprised.

"Looks like everyone here already knows each other," Diluc said, stepping in smoothly. "That saves us the trouble of introductions."

He continued, "Jean is the helper I contacted. While I reached out to others, she's the only one joining us tonight."

"And one more thing," Diluc added, his gaze shifting to Lumine. "The Jean here isn't the Acting Grand Master. Right now, she's just Jean."

His meaning was clear: Jean was present as an individual, not as a representative of the Knights of Favonius.

"Got it!!!"

In an instant, Lumine rushed to Jean's side, wrapping her arms around Jean from behind and peeking over her shoulder with an exuberant grin.

"So that means Jean and I are basically close friends now, right?!"

---

T/N: We back...I hope

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