Chapter 36 Farewell Girl

[Although you were confused, you still met the man who called himself Zhongli. He wore an ancient rock-colored robe, had hair in a gradient of black and brown, and exuded a unique, handsome aura in every movement.]

For some reason, even though this is your first time meeting him, Zhongli feels strangely familiar.

"Ms. Tsumugi, long time no see," Zhongli greeted you with a nod. "I came to Wangshu Inn to fulfill our contract."

Contract? You were puzzled. This was the first time you'd met Zhongli—where did this contract come from?

"You've successfully established Liyue's intelligence organization as agreed. Therefore, I am here to reveal the secrets of this world, as stipulated in our agreement," Zhongli explained.

You were momentarily stunned by Zhongli's words but quickly realized that this man was Tianquan Zhongli, whom you had met years ago and had been in contact with through letters since then.

You're shocked and confused about how Zhongli became Zhongli.

But since he's come to Wangshu Inn to find you, you're eager to hear what he has to say about the truth of the world.

"However… due to certain reasons, I cannot explain this in person. If you want to know, you'll need to come with me to find someone who can tell you the truth about the world."

"Where are we going?" you asked.

"I don't know," Zhongli replied with a shake of his head. "The person we need to find might be in Liyue, Mondstadt, or even another country. It will take some time to locate him."

"I… I understand." After a moment of hesitation, you decided to follow Zhongli on a journey across the seven kingdoms. You immediately went to your room to pack your luggage.

"Are you… leaving?" The girl's voice came from behind as you packed.

You froze, turned around, and looked at her, feeling a pang of shame.

"Although the monster tide in Liyue has been completely resolved, some monsters might still slip through. Be cautious on your journey," she said, not trying to persuade you to stay but instead helping you pack and reminding you of travel precautions.

"Also, in Inazuma, the demon god Orobashi is leading the residents of Sea Island in rebellion against the Electro Archon. You'd best avoid going there…"

"Mondstadt is your hometown. I believe you are more familiar with the situation there than I am. I won't elaborate," she continued.

"And be extra careful in the Kingdom of Snezhnaya. We still don't know the Cryo Archon's true intentions with the Fatui, and the atmosphere of xenophobia there is quite strong."

Her reminders were delivered one by one, like a devoted spouse preparing her partner for a long journey.

You thought of her companionship over the years and couldn't help but gently hug her from behind.

"I'm sorry," you whispered in her ear.

You know she wants you to stay at Wangshu Inn and be with her, but that's impossible.

Unlike Rosalyne, with whom you would give up everything to be together, the girl holds a different place in your heart.

You gave her a light kiss on the lips before following Zhongli out of Wangshu Inn.

You can't even promise to return one day because you don't know if you'll come back to Wangshu Inn after discovering the world's secrets.

After saying goodbye, you and Zhongli began your journey across the seven kingdoms. Along the way, you actively drew your sword to defeat any monsters you encountered. A few days later, during a break, you asked Zhongli for his thoughts on your swordsmanship. He remarked that it was "very interesting."

"Excuse me, Ms. Tsumugi's swordsmanship wasn't self-taught but learned from someone else, correct?" Zhongli asked.

[You nodded.]

After receiving your confirmation, Zhongli continued, "If I were to describe it, the true strength of the West Wind Sword Technique you use is not in its power but in its broad applicability."

"West Wind Swordsmanship is like an unpolished jade. Depending on the user's habits, it can evolve into various attack styles."

Hiss... You really are worthy of being the Geo Archon. You have a very sharp vision. The real Kujo Tsumugi couldn't help but admire.

As Zhongli said, the West Wind Sword Art is indeed divided into many styles. For example, the West Wind Sword Art - Royal Family, which is more ornamental than practical, is favored by Mondstadt's nobles, while the West Wind Sword Art - Maid, used by Noelle, evolves into different styles based on the user's habits.

Hearing Zhongli's words, you were amazed. You didn't expect him to grasp the essence of the West Wind Swordsmanship so quickly. Thus, you explained your current situation to him.

Despite practicing the West Wind Sword Technique for many years, you've struggled to develop your own fighting style, which has been a source of frustration.

"Everyone's fighting style is unique. If I were to interfere blindly, I might end up hindering you. However, the West Wind Swordsmanship you're currently using has room for improvement in certain areas. If you don't mind, I can offer some refinement," Zhongli proposed.

"Then I'll be grateful for your help, Mr. Zhongli." You were thrilled at his offer.

Under Zhongli's guidance, your swordsmanship improved significantly. Previously, there was always some lag when switching between moves. But with just a bit of guidance from Zhongli, you quickly mastered the transitions. Performing the West Wind Swordsmanship became smooth and fluid.

[You were very grateful to Zhongli.]

After a month of travel, you and Zhongli arrived in Inazuma, the first country on your journey across the seven kingdoms.

[At this time, Inazuma was in chaos. The rebellion led by the demon god Orobas, the anomaly affecting the sacred cherry tree, and the turmoil following the death of the previous Thunder God had left the people of Inazuma in a dire state.]

[Under Zhongli's guidance, you reached the castle tower and met the Electro Archon, one of the seven Archons.]