Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Guardian Yakshas
"You still haven't told me your name," Aether asked.
"This young lady's name is Zhong Xiaochen. And you two?" Xiaochen pouted slightly, exuding a haughty demeanor.
"Aether."
"Dainsleif."
"So, what's your plan from here on out?"
"Of course, we need to prove our innocence."
The two exchanged a glance and realized they had no real way to do that. After all, they were indeed from an assassin organization—though it was based in Mondstadt. It seemed the only option was to capture this group of assassins. Anqi had once warned them that not all assassins were righteous warriors; many were outlaws or mercenaries driven by greed. If they encountered assassins from other regions in the future, there was no need to hold back.
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In the shadows
Having reverted his hair back to its original color, Xiao scribbled furiously in a small notebook, gritting his teeth in frustration. Xiaochen wanted her parents to stay in their 'blue' form for a few more days, but she couldn't bear to see Xiao suffer. Still, Xiao had been placed under strict orders by Xiaochen—not to appear before Zhongli for the next few days. If they did, it would be hard to explain things, and Zhongli would definitely force the antidote out of them. Left with no choice, Xiao submitted to the young lady's authority and stayed out of the Geo Archon's sight.
At this moment, our dear Yaksha Adeptus Xiao looked particularly aggrieved, as though something important had been taken from him, yet he was powerless to get it back.
Just then, Xiaochen's stomach growled loudly. Xiao, who had been listening attentively, sprang into action. Disguising himself, he went to a nearby stall and bought several mora meat dishes along with a few side dishes—ones Xiaochen particularly enjoyed. After some thought, he bought extra portions for the two strangers. As for where the money came from? Well, you could always check the donation box at the Yaksha Shrine. It was meant for him and his siblings, so borrowing a little shouldn't be an issue.
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"Xiaochen, you're hungry. We should find a place to eat first," Aether suggested, having heard her stomach growl.
"But we're currently wanted all over Liyue. Which restaurant would dare take us in?" Xiaochen pointed out.
"Don't worry. Someone will bring food to us," she said confidently.
Both Aether and Dainsleif looked confused.
Just then, a masked figure appeared briefly before vanishing, leaving behind a food container.
"Bro Xiao always knows what I need."
"Who was that?" Aether asked warily.
"My shadow guard. They protect me and occasionally handle… other tasks."
"That level of skill doesn't seem like it's just 'occasional,'" Aether muttered, two sweat drops forming on his forehead.
"Let's not dwell on it. If you two are free, I could use your help. After all, I did save your lives. If you do well, I might even be able to get your wanted status revoked."
"Really? You have that much influence?" Dainsleif asked skeptically, eyeing her strength and recalling the mysterious guard's abilities. He began to wonder about her family's background.
"Well, we don't have much else to do right now. What do you need help with?" Aether asked.
"You're able to manipulate elemental energy without a Vision. That makes you… special," Xiaochen remarked while eating, handing them each a portion of food.
"Yes, though I don't quite understand how it works myself."
"To the west of Liyue Harbor, there's a temple known as the Five Yaksha Shrine. Inside, four stone statues seal four guardian Yakshas. If you can release them, I can help lift your wanted status."
The two immediately became alert. This didn't sound like a simple task; it felt more like a recipe for turning a B-grade bounty into an A-grade one.
Noticing their wariness, Xiaochen added, "Relax, they're not some ancient evildoers. They're guardian immortals who served under Rex Lapis. They were sealed due to… certain circumstances."
"If it's the Five Yaksha Shrine, why are there only four of them?" Aether asked, puzzled.
"The incense offerings over the years have allowed one Yaksha to break free from the seal, leaving four more. Any other questions?"
"What exactly do we need to do?"
"That, I'm not sure about. That's why I need you to go. If it were something simple, I wouldn't need to ask for your help."
"One last question—why should we trust you?"
"Do you really have any other choice?"
---
Meanwhile…
"Miss, thank you for worrying about Brother Bosacius and the others, but… are those two really reliable?" Xiao asked hesitantly.
"The incense offerings from special individuals are a hundred times more effective than those from ordinary people. I see something unusual in their fates—maybe they'll succeed. It's not like things could get worse. You've seen how sturdy those statues are; a greatsword breaks against them. I was even thinking of using them as shields, but I figured you wouldn't be happy about that, so I didn't."
"The guardian Yakshas' duty is to protect Liyue and the Geo Archon. Since you're the Archon's daughter, I believe Brother Bosacius and the others would agree to help."
"Even if they agree, my father will give me an earful," Xiaochen sighed.