Genshin Impact : The Divine Gunsliger of Teyvat

After some casual chatting, Lumine and Paimon quickly caught up, their pace not slowing down despite the conversation. Paimon was the first to spot Shao Yun and was quite surprised to see that it was him who had managed to intercept their target.

"Eh? Shao Yun, how did you manage to stop him?" Paimon asked, clearly puzzled.

Faced with Paimon's curiosity, Shao Yun couldn't exactly say that he knew the script and had come here in advance to block him. So, he simply attributed it to luck.

"Just got lucky, I guess. I was searching around here when I heard Paimon shouting at the top of her lungs to stop him," Shao Yun said, patting Venti on the shoulder. "So, I stopped him. Simple as that."

Venti waved at the two of them, introducing himself with a proud smile. "Hello there! I'm Venti, the bard. To be precise, I'm the three-time reigning champion of Mondstadt's most beloved bard competition."

"Seeing how you've been chasing after me, are you perhaps looking for an autograph?"

Hearing Venti's playful and evasive response, Shao Yun couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated. He nudged Venti's shoulder. "Hey, hey, stop playing dumb. You recognized me the moment you saw me, didn't you? Don't try to weasel your way out of this."

"Alright, alright. I was just trying to have a bit of fun," Venti said, clearing his throat as Shao Yun called out his act. He then got straight to the point. "Ahem, so you're here about Dvalin, right?"

"Dvalin?" Paimon looked at Venti, confused, then turned to Lumine for clarification.

"That's the name of the Stormterror," Lumine explained to Paimon.

Paimon's eyes widened in realization. "Oh, so the Stormterror has a name?"

Hearing this, Venti put on a sorrowful expression. "Ah, so that's what they call him now? How sad..."

"Don't be upset, Venti. We're here to help you, aren't we?" Shao Yun could tell that Venti was putting on an act, but Paimon, being more naive, couldn't help but feel sympathy for him.

"Lumine, show Venti the cursed crystal," Shao Yun suggested.

Lumine took out the cursed crystal, which had transformed from its original dark red, curse-filled state into a crystal emitting a soft sky-blue glow.

"Eh? This..." Venti stared at the purified crystal in disbelief. Even he couldn't purify the curse, so how had it turned out like this?

Paimon's eyes widened as she floated around the crystal, examining it closely. Just moments ago, back at the Knights of Favonius headquarters, it had been...

"The crystal... it's changed. It looks like it's been purified," Paimon said, astonished.

"I don't know how it happened either. It's strange. Could it be..." Shao Yun trailed off, unsure of the process. How had Lumine managed to purify the Abyss's curse? He was worried that she might have absorbed the curse into her body, given her high resistance, making it seem like nothing was wrong.

"I'm afraid you might not have purified the curse, but absorbed it instead," Shao Yun said, stepping closer to Lumine. He carefully inspected her face, checking every inch of her skin for any signs of abnormality. He even opened her mouth to check her oral cavity and examined her eyes.

After confirming that there were no visible issues, he placed his hand on her cheek, feeling the pulse in her neck. "Lumine, are you sure you're feeling alright? No abnormalities?"

"I... I don't feel anything unusual," Lumine replied, her cheeks flushing slightly from the warmth of Shao Yun's hand. She avoided his gaze, unsure where to look.

"Aren't you being a bit too concerned, Shao Yun?" Paimon interjected, noticing his actions. After all, Venti was still standing right there.

Shao Yun briefly recounted what had happened when Lisa touched the crystal, and Paimon was so frightened that she hid behind Lumine.

"Really? Shao Yun, don't scare Paimon like that!"

Every word was true, which was why Shao Yun was so worried. If something really was wrong, Lumine's small frame wouldn't be able to handle it.

"Lisa only touched the cursed crystal and nearly lost half her life. I can't take any chances with Lumine's condition right now."

After confirming that Lumine was indeed fine, Shao Yun finally withdrew his hand.

Everyone's attention returned to the purified crystal, and Venti began to explain what it truly was.

"This is... Dvalin's tear. It's a tear shed from the pain of the Abyss's curse."

Venti's expression turned solemn, his voice tinged with sorrow as he vividly described Dvalin's suffering.

"Dvalin, the dragon who once soared freely through the skies, is now tormented by the curse of the Abyss. His wings can no longer stretch, bound by chains, each movement bringing searing pain."

"His scales, once radiant, have lost their luster, now dull and lifeless, bearing the weight of endless torment. In his eyes, there is only deep pain and despair, and from that pain, he sheds these tears."

Paimon listened to Venti's description, her heart filled with sympathy. She could almost picture Dvalin struggling in agony, and she couldn't help but feel sad for him.

"Wuwuwu, Dvalin is so pitiful..."

After Venti finished his tale, Lumine took out another tear tainted by the curse and handed it to him.

"Wait a moment," Shao Yun said, stopping Lumine. "If you feel any discomfort, stop the purification process immediately. Don't push yourself."

Lumine felt a warm sensation in her heart at his concern and nodded. "I understand. It's been with me for so long, and I've been fine. This time should be no different." She then took the tear from Venti.

Lumine focused her energy on the crystal, and the corrupted crystal began to visibly change, the dark red glow fading away, replaced by a pure sky-blue light.

Venti watched the purification process with admiration in his eyes. "Truly remarkable, Lumine! Your purification power is extraordinary. Someone like you is destined to be sung about by bards."

Seeing the purified crystal, Venti's eyes lit up with hope. He looked at Lumine with determination. "Would you be willing to help me purify the curse on Dvalin?"

Meeting his sincere gaze, Lumine readily agreed. She had already promised to resolve Mondstadt's dragon crisis, and if Venti needed her help, she was more than willing to offer it.

"If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

With Lumine's agreement, Venti's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you so much, Lumine. You've been a great help."

"I have a plan. A very good plan."

"A plan?" Shao Yun nearly choked on his own saliva when he heard those words. He reflexively clutched his chest. Venti had said the word "plan" twice, and that last "very good plan" reminded him of Dutch van der Linde.

Dutch's famous line echoed in his mind: "I HAVE A GODD*** PLAN!" (in a cracking voice).

Paimon noticed Shao Yun's unusual reaction and gently poked his arm, her voice filled with concern. "Shao Yun, you told Lumine not to push herself, but it looks like you're the one who's overexerting yourself now."

Shao Yun waved his hand, dismissing her concern. It wasn't exhaustion; it was just a reflexive reaction, a physical aversion to the word "plan."

"It's nothing. I just remembered something from the past. Not a great memory, but I'm fine."

As Shao Yun mentioned his past, Venti's eyes also seemed to drift into memories, a hint of melancholy in his voice as he muttered to himself, "The past... Speaking of the past, I too remember an old friend."

"An old friend?" Paimon turned to Venti, noticing the slight frown on his face.

Venti didn't elaborate. Instead, he smiled brightly, his usual lively demeanor returning. "Hehe, I'll take my leave now." With that, he briskly walked past Lumine and headed out of the city.

"Hey! Where are you going? At least tell us about this plan of yours!" Paimon called out, frustrated that Venti had left without explaining anything. Just moments ago, he had mentioned needing Lumine's help with a plan, and now he was gone without a word.

Without turning back, Venti left them with one last sentence before disappearing from sight. "I'm heading to the 'Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero.' See you later!"

The "Symbol of Mondstadt's Hero" referred to the giant tree at Windrise, where Vanessa, the first Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, had ascended to Celestia. Lumine and Paimon had passed by it on their way to the three temples.

Shao Yun also knew the general location and wouldn't get lost.

"Let's go to Windrise," Shao Yun said, brushing off his clothes and rubbing his shoulders, ready to head out.

But Lumine suddenly grabbed the hem of his shirt and shook her head, indicating that he didn't need to come with them.

"Paimon and I will go to Windrise to meet Venti. You should rest, Shao Yun."

Shao Yun frowned slightly. "Are you sure? What if something happens..."

Lumine gently shook her head. "You need to rest too. You were clutching your chest earlier."

That really wasn't from exhaustion; it was just a reflex. But seeing Lumine's insistence, and considering that he did need some rest—or at least a change of clothes—Shao Yun couldn't refuse. His clothes were dirty from all the water and bushes he'd encountered on the way to Mondstadt.

Whether it was out of respect for Lumine's decision or his own needs, Shao Yun had no choice but to agree. "Alright."

As Lumine and Paimon were about to leave, Shao Yun still felt a bit uneasy. This world wasn't as idyllic as the game made it seem. Who knew what dangers might lurk out there?

"Wait," he called out to them.

He reached into his backpack, initially intending to pull out some healing potions. But then he thought better of it. These were his companions, after all. They deserved the best he could offer. So, reluctantly, he took out two bottles of high-grade miracle potion.

"Take these. One for each of you. If you get seriously injured, drink it. As long as you're not dead, it'll heal you."

At first glance, the green glass bottles looked suspicious, and Lumine and Paimon reacted the same way Lisa had. Anyone else would have refused such an unknown substance, but this was Shao Yun.

Despite the unappealing appearance, Lumine eventually accepted the potions with trust. "Thank you for your concern. We'll meet at Amber's place tonight."