In the dark wilderness, the golden Geo and Hydro elements illuminated the surroundings.
Suddenly, the Hydro element slowly turned purple, and Electro energy violently swirled outwards from Tartaglia, as he began to use the power of his Delusion.
Jade plunged her Vortex Vanquisher into the ground, and a solid golden shield rose, enveloping her completely.
“Lady Jade, catch!” Tartaglia, wielding twin blades, charged forward fiercely, his powerful attacks striking the solid shield, only causing ripples.
Jade maintained her stance with the spear plunged into the ground, watching Tartaglia attack her shield from all directions.
The shield she had conjured was not so easily broken, but to save time and for a more exhilarating fight, Jade voluntarily dismissed the shield and re-engaged Tartaglia.
Tartaglia also connected his twin blades to form a long spear, unleashing his full power in this state.
Bang ~ Jade struck Tartaglia with force, sending him flying, and he took the opportunity to create distance.
“Whew ~ As expected of Lady Jade, it seems I’ll have to show some real skill to truly enjoy this!” As Tartaglia spoke, an even more massive purplish-black energy shroud enveloped him, and violent energy was condensing at the center of the shroud.
Jade frowned, gripping her long spear tightly.
Over there, Tartaglia had finished his transformation and charged fiercely towards Jade: “Come on!” Jade’s entire body surged with elemental power, her aura skyrocketing, and the Vortex Vanquisher also gathered surging elemental energy.
Ten-plus minutes later…
Jade and Tartaglia were in a grassy area; Jade stood leaning against a large tree, while Tartaglia lay sprawled on the ground, completely without grace.
The victor was self-evident.
“You…
have my respect ~” Tartaglia stubbornly raised his right hand, extending his thumb.
There weren’t many people Tartaglia admired, and the Kaiyang was one of them.
Her personality and strength both suited his taste, and she was even a peerless beauty; during his time in Liyue, Tartaglia had sparred with her no less than three times, and he had never won…
Tartaglia had also realized that she was like him, someone who craved battle and desired to grow stronger; if not for their differing stances, they might have become very good friends.
Perhaps more than just friends…
However, thinking about what he was about to do to Liyue, he wondered if he would still be able to invite her to battle like this after that event.
“The Fatui’s activities have been increasing lately; I must remind you to rein it in a bit, otherwise, if you fall into the hands of the Millelith, I won’t let you off easily.” Jade had no idea what Tartaglia was thinking; she simply reminded him.
Tartaglia flipped over, rolling onto his back.
“Haha, Lady Jade, don’t worry, I will definitely keep my subordinates in line.” “See that you do.” Jade looked at the night sky: “It’s getting late; I must leave.
Farewell.” Tartaglia struggled to prop himself up with his hands, watching Jade’s retreating figure.
“Whoa ~ She really doesn’t hold back.” …
The day before the Rite of Descension officially began.
By this day, Jade had finally finished most of her tasks, and the remaining minor matters were handed over to the Millelith general she had chosen, Fengyan.
As for Jade ~ The most skilled craftsman in all of Liyue had brought quite a few Rex Lapis clay figurines today, to set the mood before the Rite of Descension!
The moment she heard the news, Jade handed all her current work to Fengyan and rushed to that stall at top speed!
It was well-known that everyone in Liyue was a fan of Rex Lapis.
There were ordinary Rex Lapis fans, hidden Rex Lapis fans like Keqing, twisted Rex Lapis fans like Pantalone, ‘anti-fan’ Rex Lapis fans like Wanyan, and of course, rational yet ardent Rex Lapis fans like Jade!
Jade had a deep connection with Rex Lapis; she had been noticed by Rex Lapis when she was very young, and she was one of the most devout believers in Rex Lapis.
In Liyue Harbor, this was almost common knowledge.
“Good day, Lady Jade!” “Morning, Lady Jade!” “Good day, everyone!” Jade smiled and greeted everyone, her pace not slowing at all.
After she left, the people who had greeted her discussed among themselves: “Lady Jade looks very rushed.” “Don’t you know?
Old Yang brought a bunch of Rex Lapis clay figurines to sell today; the craftsmanship is exquisite, each one of them.
I wanted to join the fun and buy one, but there were simply too many people…” “No wonder.
Old Yang’s craftsmanship is indeed beyond reproach.
He hasn’t been here for years; this time, he probably brought all his stock.” “Only matters concerning Rex Lapis can make Lady Jade so attentive.
I just wonder if Lady Jade will be able to buy one.” “Why wouldn’t she?
If you saw Lady Jade queue up, would you not let her go first?” “Haha, I guess so!” As they chatted, they saw a cloaked figure flash past at an even faster speed.
…
At the same time, at craftsman Old Yang’s stall.
Many people had gathered here, but most were just looking; very few were buying.
The reason was simple: they were too expensive.
One cost five hundred thousand Mora!
The larger ones in the middle even cost one million Mora!
How could ordinary people afford this?
However, expensive as they were, each one was a masterpiece, which was evident from everyone’s comments.
“Even if I don’t buy it because it’s too expensive, I still think it’s worth the price; I just can’t bring myself to spend the money.” But this was Liyue Harbor, so there was no shortage of wealthy people.
During the time everyone was observing, the shop owner, Old Yang, had already sold several.
Just then, a handsome, elegant young man in luxurious black and gold attire walked up to the stall, picked up a small clay figurine, and examined it carefully: “Clever use of materials, unique craftsmanship, and meticulous attention to detail; it shows the artisan’s dedication and captures much of Rex Lapis’s divine charm.
Whether for display or for play, it’s worth buying.” Old Yang also knew Zhongli, and seeing him praise his work so highly, he immediately smiled: “Mr.
Zhongli, if you would like one, I can give you a ten percent discount.” Each of these works was meticulously crafted by him over a considerable amount of time, so the price was actually quite reasonable.
Zhongli shook his head: “This item is quite rare, and the price is a bit low.
In my opinion, six hundred thousand would be just right.” “Haha, Mr.
Zhongli speaks frankly, but I have already set the price and cannot change it at will.
Otherwise, wouldn’t that go against the spirit of contracts that Rex Lapis values?” “You have a point; I was not thorough in my consideration.” “So, Mr.
Zhongli, do you still want it?” “Yes, no need for a discount; I’ll go with the owner’s price.
As for the bill…
just send it to Northland Bank.” Just as Zhongli was making the transaction with the owner, an exclamation came from behind.
Zhongli listened closely and instantly understood.
So, she had arrived.