When did Vorthis suddenly develop an interest in swordsmanship?
Morax looked at Vorthis, who appeared eager and determined, and fell into a moment of contemplation.
However, among the weapons Morax excelled in, the sword was not one of them.
While he could offer some guidance, Morax suspected Vorthis wouldn't be content with just the basics.
After some thought, Morax decided to recommend another God to Vorthis.
"Regarding the art of the sword," Morax said, looking at Vorthis, "I am not among the very best. I believe I am not qualified to teach you."
"However, if you head west from Liyue, you'll come to a place called Qingxu Pool. There resides a God of the Sword named Qingxu."
"I have some acquaintance with Qingxu. He has a great fondness for fine wines. If you bring him an exceptional vintage, he might impart his knowledge of swordsmanship to you."
The God of Sword?
Vorthis was surprised to learn that such a God, named Qingxu, once lived in Qingxu Pool.
Perhaps he had passed away for reasons unknown, with his story lost to the annals of history.
Though there were many Gods across Teyvat, most had been swept away by the tides of time after the Archon War.
If he is truly the God of Sword, then his swordsmanship must be extraordinary.
Fine wine, huh?
Well, I certainly have no shortage of that.
"Alright, I understand."
"I'll bring the finest wine with me and pay Qingxu a visit soon."
"But… he wouldn't attack me the moment we meet, would he?"
Vorthis asked with a hint of apprehension.
He wasn't sure about Qingxu's temperament. If he stepped into Qingxu's territory only to be struck down, that would be disastrous.
Morax chuckled. "Qingxu is a free-spirited individual, indifferent to conflicts with other Gods. You may approach him without worry."
"Besides, with your strength, escaping would be a simple task."
Living under the same roof with Vorthis, Morax clearly understood that the God of Manifestation was no pushover.
In fact, he was a formidable God.
Had they not formed a bond in the past, Morax believed that crossing paths with the God of Manifestation in battle would have made him a troublesome adversary.
The strength of the God of Manifestation lay in his ability to bring the imagined into reality—a power with boundless possibilities.
Hearing Morax's reassurance, Vorthis smiled.
"Alright then. If that's the case, I'll head there without worry. But if I end up getting beaten up, you'd better help me settle the score!"
"Of course, of course," Morax replied.
On his way to Qingxu Pool, Vorthis pondered a crucial question.
What type of wine should he present to the God of Sword, Qingxu, to make him willing to teach swordsmanship?
Vorthis delved into thought.
He knew of many types of wine but had no idea which kind Qingxu would prefer.
Judging from Qingxu's name, he likely had a taste for Liyue's style.
So why not…
Vorthis manifested a bottle of Arak, an exquisite wine from Earth, with no labels or markings on it.
Hopefully, the God of Sword, Qingxu, will appreciate this gem from Earth's culture.
High in the sky, Vorthis transformed into a streak of white light, speeding southwest from Liyue toward Qingxu Pool.
Before long, Vorthis arrived at Qingxu Pool.
The entire area was nestled around a few tall, slender mountains, with stone buildings scattered on the slopes. Human figures could be seen both in the valleys and along the mountainsides.
Compared to Liyue, the environment here seemed much better.
When I return, should I lead the people to improve their living standards and quality of life?
"Who has graced us with their presence? Please pardon my lack of welcome. May I have the honor of meeting you?"
A young man's voice echoed in the sky.
Vorthis, who hadn't concealed his presence, surmised that the God of Sword must have noticed him.
The voice originated from the highest structure in the area—a stone pavilion with a stone table inside.
Seated within the pavilion was a man in green robes, his black hair flowing elegantly.
In an instant, Vorthis appeared within the pavilion.
"I am the God of Manifestation, Zennos," Vorthis announced.
"I heard that the God of the Sword, Qingxu, resides here, so I have come to meet him."
Hearing that Vorthis had come specifically to seek him out, Qingxu raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Qingxu had little contact with other Gods, preferring a carefree life while offering protection to some humans. He had no interest in expanding his domain.
Gazing at the youthful appearance of the God of Manifestation—merely an avatar—Qingxu was not fooled by outward appearances.
"Oh? What brings you here?" Qingxu inquired, looking at Vorthis.
Vorthis then retrieved the manifested bottle of Arak from his personal space.
Qingxu looked curiously at the pristine white bottle Vorthis held.
He hadn't seen wine stored in such a manner before, as wine in this era was typically kept in jars or barrels.
Vorthis explained, "I've heard of the God of Sword, Qingxu, renowned for his love of fine wine and carefree nature."
"So today, I've brought a unique wine that I'm certain you've never encountered before to share with you."
"How about it? Care to give it a try?"
Wine?
This white bottle contained wine?
And wine he had never seen before?
Qingxu's curiosity was piqued.
"Then I shall gladly accept this gift from the God of Manifestation, Zennos," Qingxu said with a smile.
To Qingxu, anyone who brought him wine was a good person!
Vorthis smiled as he uncorked the bottle. A rich, aromatic fragrance burst forth, filling the pavilion.
This… this wine is incredibly fragrant!
The God of the Sword, Qingxu, took a deep breath. The aroma alone was intoxicating.
He had indeed never encountered such a splendid wine before.
Though, this bottle seemed a bit small…
A rare treasure indeed!
If only there were enough to drink to his heart's content.
"Please," Vorthis said, pouring the wine into a round cup on the table.
Incidentally, the cups here were round—unlike the square ones someone named Morax favored, which were notoriously uncomfortable to hold!
"Well then, I won't stand on ceremony."
Qingxu smiled, eagerly lifting the cup.
With one smooth motion, he downed the wine, savoring the warmth and aroma that filled his senses, bringing him immense joy.
"This is truly exceptional wine!"
Qingxu exclaimed, his eyes alight with admiration.
"Another cup, please."
Vorthis poured a second cup, which Qingxu drank with equal enthusiasm.
This time, he savored it more slowly, marveling at the unique qualities of the Arak. It was like tasting a masterpiece.
How could such an extraordinary wine exist in this world?
"Thank you for this treat, Brother Zennos."
After just two cups, the God of the Sword, Qingxu, began addressing Vorthis as a brother.
He had never encountered such wine before, and it made all other wines he had ever tasted seem bland and watery.
"No need for thanks. To befriend the God of the Sword is already an honor for me," Vorthis said with a smile.
"But if you wish to repay me, why not teach me the art of the sword? I'll gladly offer more wine as compensation."
Vorthis's laughter carried a sense of ease, as though he had already won Qingxu over.