"Master Gu, Master Zhongli, this is as far as I can take you. The rest of the mountain path is up to you."
"Understood. Take care on your way back. Here, take this talisman. If you encounter any danger you can't escape from, just throw it," Gu Sanqiu said, handing the driver a protective talisman. During the long journey, he and Zhongli had kept each other entertained, but the driver had been constantly working under high stress.
And, after all, the driver was a staff member of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, so it only made sense for Gu Sanqiu to look out for him.
"Thank you, Master Gu."
Gu Sanqiu glanced at Zhongli, who seemed lost in thought, then looked ahead at the looming structures.
Hmm, we're technically still in Jueyun Karst. I wonder if Moon Carver is ignoring Zhongli's arrival, or if he's just not home?
After all, back when the Lord of Geo revealed himself in his true form—a dragon—he could still sit and dine at a stone table with Moon Carver. There was almost no chance he wouldn't be recognized.
"Mr. Gu, you probably have a map on you. I brought one from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor as well. Why don't we compare them and decide the best route?"
"Yes, that's a good idea."
Careful as always, Geo Lord!
Half an hour later, Zhongli, now wielding the sniper rifle and sporting a pair of sunglasses that Gu Sanqiu had thoughtfully provided, walked ahead. Behind him trailed Gu Sanqiu, hands behind his head, mint leaf dangling from his mouth, looking every bit like a carefree street punk.
"Mr. Zhongli, we're still within Jueyun Karst. If you're planning to test the rifle, won't it risk provoking the Adepti?"
Gu Sanqiu knew the power of the rifle all too well. A stray shot could do more than scratch the face of a beauty—it'd be like throwing a wad of mud straight at it!
He needed to clarify this now. Otherwise, if Moon Carver appeared, saw his master wielding the rifle, and found Gu Sanqiu standing there—helpless and innocent...
How dare you disrespect an Adeptus! Know your place! Face the wrath of divine punishment!
At that point, he'd have no choice but to throw up his hands and surrender.
"Don't worry," Zhongli said calmly. "I will carefully choose the shooting angle. If we do cause any terrain damage, we are both wielders of the Geo Vision. We should be able to make the necessary repairs."
...
Gu Sanqiu's face stiffened.
I'm doomed. If Moon Carver does get blown out of hiding, I'll have no choice but to face him head-on.
Better pray that we don't run into any monsters blocking our path—or, worse, a Treasure Hoarder gang looking for trouble.
Lately, Zhongli's sniping skills had become increasingly flamboyant. Quick-scoping and blind-shots had become basic maneuvers. Once, they'd encountered a Whopperflower sneaking up on the driver, attempting to turn him into plant food. Zhongli had calmly shielded himself, walked up, and pressed the barrel against the creature's head before pulling the trigger...
Normally, Zhongli would have walked away, shield up, but the Whopperflower had targeted the driver as prey, so he hadn't hesitated. The way he dispatched it, though...
Yeah, let's not even go there.
If Gu Sanqiu ever tried to stop Zhongli mid-shot, there was a high chance he'd be too slow, even with the reflexes of an Archon. He'd probably have more to worry about his own safety being collateral damage.
"Rest assured, Mr. Gu. I understand the concerns and principles of the Fragrant One. Unless absolutely necessary, I won't use this weapon. You have my word."
Gu Sanqiu exhaled in relief. "Mr. Zhongli, you truly are considerate. Thank you."
...
BOOM!
Gu Sanqiu hunched over, stunned, as the blast's shockwave rippled through the air. He watched Zhongli smoothly reload and adjust his sunglasses.
"It seems the local monsters have become more aggressive. An unexpected development," Zhongli noted casually, glancing at Gu Sanqiu. "Under extraordinary circumstances, even an Adeptus would understand our actions."
Sure they would—Moon Carver is your disciple! You could say anything and get away with it! Me? Not so much!
Gu Sanqiu felt his frustration bubbling up. They'd just been ambushed by a group of monsters, brandishing crude metal weapons, and Zhongli had taken them all out with a single shot.
Yes, metal weapons—wielded by ordinary Hilichurls, not even the larger, muscle-bound ones!
In Jueyun Karst, where seekers of the Adepti roamed frequently, it wasn't impossible for Hilichurls to get their hands on metal weapons. This particular group must've gotten overconfident, seeing just "two people," and rushed in with their weapons raised.
Hilichurl swings! Hilichurl attacks! Hilichurl... defeated.
"Mr. Zhongli, do you have any insights about these creatures?" Gu Sanqiu asked.
"Oh? What specifically concerns you?"
"These monsters usually wield wooden clubs or fire-torches, relying on their brute strength. Only the Hilichurl Berserkers typically use metal weapons."
"Archers among them use bows imbued with ley line energy, which might grant them some benefits."
Gu Sanqiu frowned. "But this is Jueyun Karst—an Adepti-protected area. It's unlikely for any corrupting influence to be present. Yet these Hilichurls were unusually aggressive."
"I wonder if ordinary Hilichurls are mentally affected when exposed to metal weapons, leading to what we just witnessed."
"Hmm, it's an intriguing theory," Zhongli mused. "There are ancient beliefs about weapons—and metals—being inherently malevolent. Those without a steadfast will should not wield them."
"But the texts I've read offer no research or theories on this. I can't give you a definitive answer."
"Tsk, another mystery," Gu Sanqiu muttered, shaking his head. Then he noticed Zhongli aiming the sniper rifle around, adjusting the scope.
"Mr. Zhongli, calm down! If there are enemies ahead, please let me handle them!"
"No, I'm merely using the scope to get a better look at the surroundings."
"The scope reveals data like wind patterns and ley line flows. It's quite handy."
Zhongli continued to study the environment through the scope, lost in thought. "I wonder if I could disassemble this scope for separate study. It might be beneficial for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's work."
!
Gu Sanqiu was shocked. Zhongli actually cared about improving work efficiency for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor instead of just indulging his whims?
My youthful days are over!
"Also, Mr. Gu... Brother Gu, the sun's setting. Any thoughts on dinner?"
Gu Sanqiu sighed in relief and patted his chest with a broad grin.
"Don't worry, leave dinner to me. We might face unexpected situations, but when it comes to food supplies, I've got everything covered."
Right, my reliable food supplier—dear Golden Finger!
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