Chapter : 122-126
Chapter 122: This Is the Owner of the Beef Offal Stall
Amon noticed that little Keqing kept glancing around, frequently turning her head to check behind her, as if she were deliberately avoiding someone.
Her strange behavior did not escape Amon's attention, leaving him puzzled.
What's going on with this little girl? he thought. Did she sneak out to secretly gain some experience?
Upon closer consideration, it wasn't an unlikely possibility.
Keqing's background story mentioned that although she was a wealthy young lady, she often sought adventures to temper her will.
Out this late at night?
Perhaps her family had forbidden her from embarking on dangerous adventures, forcing her to sneak out under the cover of darkness.
Her frequent glances behind her seemed to suggest fear of discovery and being dragged back home by her family.
Judging by her confident escape route, it seemed this wasn't her first time sneaking out at night.
Keqing briefly turned back to look at the brightly lit mansion behind her.
Seeing its stillness and quietness, she breathed a sigh of relief.
"You won't let me explore and want to keep me locked up? No way!"
"I'm not in the wrong. Why is there such strong opposition?"
"Liyue cannot always rely on adepti and gods. Ultimately, humans themselves must govern this country."
"I will work hard to become stronger and prove it to everyone through my actions. Even if gods no longer govern Liyue one day, it will still thrive under human power. I firmly believe this."
Her youthful face was filled with seriousness and determination.
But before she could finish her thoughts, Keqing suddenly froze.
She noticed a group of Millelith soldiers on patrol heading her way.
Keqing's young face turned slightly pale with panic.
Having escaped numerous times before, she knew the Millelith would send her home immediately if they recognized her.
Keqing didn't want her adventure to end before it even began.
But what could she do now?
At this critical moment, Keqing's eyes landed on Amon.
During her time in Liyue Harbor, she had heard many rumors about Amon.
She knew him to be a kind person, renowned as the principal of a kindergarten.
At this moment, Amon was taking two children on a leisurely stroll.
An idea sparked in Keqing's mind: Could I join Amon's group and avoid being recognized?
Without a moment to hesitate, Keqing strode over to Amon, tugged on the corner of his clothes, and whispered urgently, "Big brother, can you do me a favor?"
"Let me lie on your back, just for a moment. Really, just for a moment."
"Please, I'm begging you!"
Seeing the Millelith soldiers approaching, Keqing's anxiety deepened.
If they found her here, they would certainly escort her back home.
Amon looked at Keqing's pleading, anxious expression and couldn't help but chuckle inwardly.
Of course, he understood exactly what she was trying to do.
Isn't it a bit improper to help a child run away from home?
But then again, who could resist a little girl acting so pitiful and coquettish?
"Alright, come on up," Amon said with a smile, squatting down.
Hearing his agreement, Keqing was overjoyed.
"Thank you, big brother!"
"I'll make sure to repay you properly later!"
Without wasting time, Keqing quickly climbed onto Amon's back.
To avoid being recognized by the Millelith soldiers, she buried her face against his shoulder, letting her long hair conceal her features.
This tactic worked well.
When the patrolling Millelith approached, they didn't recognize Keqing.
"Good evening, Mr. Amon," the team captain greeted warmly. "Out for a walk with the children?"
By now, Amon's reputation had spread widely in Liyue. His relationship with Ganyu and his achievements in the city were well-known.
Smiling, Amon replied, "Yes, the moon is particularly bright tonight, so I thought it'd be nice to bring the kids out to enjoy it."
"That's wonderful, Mr. Amon. You certainly know how to enjoy life."
As they conversed, the captain's gaze fell on the little girl holding Amon's right hand.
The child had long, snow-white hair and wore Inazuma-style clothing. She seemed quiet and well-behaved—a stranger to the captain.
His eyes then shifted to the little figure on Amon's back. Though her face was obscured, she seemed oddly familiar.
Curious, the captain asked casually, "Mr. Amon, may I ask who these two are? I don't believe I've seen them before."
Amon remained calm and smiled.
He gestured to Kamisato Ayaka and introduced her: "This is Ayaka from Inazuma, one of my younger sisters. She's visiting Liyue to enjoy the scenery. She'll be returning to Inazuma in a couple of days."
Then, Amon glanced at Keqing, who clung tightly to his back, and added with a grin, "And this little one? Her name is Aqing. Her family runs a beef offal stall."
"She's also one of my sisters."
Hearing Amon's explanation, the Millelith soldiers nodded in understanding.
The captain smiled politely. "Very well, Mr. Amon. We won't disturb you further. Please enjoy your evening."
With that, the Millelith team continued on their patrol.
As they departed, the captain cast a brief, thoughtful glance back at the girl on Amon's back.
Aqing... That name sounds familiar, he mused. But then again, there are many similar names in Liyue.
Shaking off the thought, he led his team away into the night.
Chapter 123: The Combination of Musou no Hitotachi and Kamisato Tachi-ryu
When the Millelith Army disappeared at the end of the road, Keqing finally breathed a sigh of relief and jumped off Amon's back.
"Big brother, thank you so much for today," she said, her big, watery eyes filled with gratitude.
"If you hadn't helped me, I would have been arrested and taken home."
She smiled brightly, her youthful energy radiating as she continued, "As a thank you, I'd like to invite you to open a treasure chest! Then we can share the contents."
Keqing's innocence and honesty shone through her words. She felt a sincere need to repay Amon for his help, seeing it as a small way to gain new experiences.
Amon raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Treasure chest?"
Although he had been in Teyvat for quite some time, this was the first time he'd heard of such a thing. The mention of a treasure chest stirred something instinctual within him—opening treasure chests was one of the few pure joys of Teyvat.
Keqing nodded vigorously. "Yes! I found a treasure chest in Guili Plains and planned to retrieve it tonight."
"Why didn't you open it when you found it?" Amon asked.
Keqing pouted in frustration. "It's because the chest is too high up! I tried climbing and even stood on my tiptoes, but I still couldn't reach it."
Amon chuckled, realizing her dissatisfaction stemmed from her current short stature.
"You'll definitely grow tall in the future," he reassured her, "and you'll have long legs to match. Don't worry about it."
Keqing's face brightened slightly, but she quickly pulled a hairpin from her hair and handed it to Amon. "I've been practicing how to use a hairpin at home and made some progress. My plan is to knock down the rock under the chest with this!"
Her tone was filled with pride, and Amon could see the determination in her eyes.
"Alright then," he said with a nod. "Let's go see this treasure chest of yours."
Turning to Qiqi and Ayaka, Amon explained their plan.
Qiqi blinked her large eyes and spoke softly. "Qiqi doesn't know what treasure chest it is... but if Amon is going, Qiqi will follow."
Meanwhile, Ayaka's face lit up with excitement. A born adventurer, the thought of hunting treasure thrilled her.
"I can't wait to see the treasure! Let's hurry, Brother Amon!"
---
Soon, under Keqing's guidance, the group arrived at a hidden spot at the base of a mountain in Guili Plains.
Before them lay a gorgeous treasure chest concealed among the rocks. It was cleverly hidden, almost impossible to spot without careful observation.
Keqing took out her hairpin and threw it skillfully. It sliced through the air with a sharp whoosh before striking the rock beneath the chest. With a loud crack, the chest fell to the ground.
"Success!" Keqing exclaimed, her young face beaming with pride. She hurried toward the chest, ready to open it and claim her reward.
But before she could touch it, red sealing chains materialized around the treasure chest. A bright, fiery glow emanated from the ground as four pyro Whopperflowers emerged, surrounding the chest and Keqing.
The fiery monsters, guardians of the treasure chest, hissed menacingly and spewed flames from their mouths. The ground beneath them was scorched black in moments.
Keqing's excitement quickly turned to panic. She had never encountered monsters like these before and realized she was outmatched.
"Brother, let's go! These monsters are too dangerous. We don't need the chest anymore!" she urged, tugging on Amon's arm.
But Amon stood firm, his gaze fixed on the Whopperflowers. "There's no reason to leave. It's just four Whopperflowers."
Turning to Qiqi, he said calmly, "Qiqi, stay here and protect Ayaka and Keqing. Leave the rest to me."
The confidence in his voice left no room for doubt.
With that, Amon stepped forward. He began by using Kaedehara Kazuha's elemental skill, Chihayaburu, to draw the Whopperflowers together.
Then, summoning the wind element, Amon unleashed Venti's elemental burst, Wind's Grand Ode. A violent storm formed in his palm, rapidly expanding and sucking the monsters into its vortex.
Finally, Amon summoned his weapon, Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Holding the blade in one hand, his aura transformed, radiating unmatched strength. Combining the techniques of Musou no Hitotachi and Kamisato Tachi-ryu, he unleashed a devastating slash.
In an instant, the Whopperflowers were cut down, their fiery remains scattering like ash on the wind.
Keqing and Ayaka stood frozen, their eyes wide with astonishment.
Both girls had been trained in swordsmanship since childhood, but the precision and ease of Amon's strikes left them speechless. Every movement had seemed effortless, yet it was clear they were the result of years of mastery.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke, simply staring at Amon in awe.
---
Chapter 124: Translate for Me, What is a Surprise?
"Brother Amon, can you teach me how to practice swordsmanship?"
Ayaka, recovering from her amazement, looked up at Amon and made her request.
In the Kamisato family, Ayaka often practiced swordsmanship with her brother, Kamisato Ayato. However, she was frequently teased and bullied by him during their practice sessions. She secretly kept a notebook where she recorded all these grudges, vowing to defeat her brother someday.
Now, after witnessing Amon's superb swordsmanship, Ayaka realized her chance to surpass her brother had finally arrived. If Brother Amon was willing to guide her, she was confident her skills would improve significantly. Defeating her brother wouldn't just be a dream anymore.
With this thought in mind, Ayaka's big, watery eyes sparkled with hope as she gazed at Amon. No one could possibly resist such an adorable plea from Kamisato Ayaka.
Keqing, inspired by Ayaka's boldness, stepped forward and addressed Amon. "Big brother, can you teach me swordsmanship too? I... I want to become stronger."
Keqing believed that the future of Liyue would be an era led by humans. To prepare for such a future, she knew she needed to enhance her skills as much as possible. The swordsmanship Amon demonstrated earlier sparked a newfound determination in her heart—it embodied the strength Liyue needed.
For Keqing, Amon was not only a swordsman but also a vision of the future she dreamed of for Liyue.
Faced with the earnest requests of the two young girls, Amon couldn't bring himself to refuse. He nodded and chuckled. "Alright, I'll teach you both how to use a one-handed sword tomorrow during the day."
Hearing this, Ayaka cheered with delight, clinging to Amon's arm. Her long, white ponytail bounced as she danced with joy. "Thank you, Brother Amon! Brother Amon is the best!"
Keqing, equally thrilled, bowed slightly and introduced herself. "Big brother, my name is Keqing, and my dream is to become one of Liyue Qixing and transform the future of Liyue. From now on, please guide me!"
Though her words sounded confident, her flushed face betrayed her nervousness. "I'm not overly excited! I usually speak in this tone. My heart... is perfectly calm!"
Amon couldn't help but laugh at Keqing's attempt to appear composed. He realized she'd always had this adorable habit of saying one thing and meaning another, even as a child.
Brushing aside his amusement, Amon turned to Qiqi. He planned to have Qiqi assist Keqing in her training. Not because he wanted to shirk responsibility, but because Qiqi's swordsmanship, the Yunlai Ancient Sword Technique, shared similarities with Keqing's Yunlai Sword Technique.
The resemblance made Amon wonder if there was a deeper connection between the two techniques. Were Qiqi and Keqing somehow related through this lineage? He dismissed the thought quickly; the implications were too complicated to ponder at the moment.
Instead, Amon focused on the unlocked gorgeous treasure chest before them. As he reached out to open it, the treasure-hunting compass in his backpack suddenly lit up, accompanied by a notification in his mind.
"Two hidden ornate treasure chests detected within ten meters!"
Surprised, Amon used the compass to locate the hidden chests. Following its direction, he found a pile of small stones nearby. Swinging his sword, he smashed the pile, revealing a gorgeous treasure chest underneath.
Ayaka and Keqing gasped in astonishment.
Before they could fully process what had happened, Amon activated the compass again. This time, it pointed to a patch of seemingly barren land. Amon dug into the earth and unearthed another treasure chest.
Keqing exchanged a stunned look with Ayaka. She had prided herself on finding a hidden treasure chest earlier, but Amon had effortlessly discovered two even more concealed treasures. His abilities were truly remarkable.
The sight of three gorgeous treasure chests together was enough to excite any adventurer. Amon encouraged the girls to open one each while he opened the last.
The contents of the chests were four-star relics and three-star weapons—useful, but not particularly exciting for Amon. However, a voice rang out in his mind:
"Host opens the treasure chest and obtains a total of three intertwined fates."
Ecstatic, Amon decided to test his luck by using the intertwined fates for three single draws in the card pool.
On his first draw, a blue light appeared. The reward was a bag of herbal medicine called Zhenxin Powder, capable of curing even the gravest illnesses. Amon immediately thought of using it to help Ningguang's and Ayaka's mothers, who suffered from illnesses in the game's lore.
The second draw emitted a purple light, revealing the Jumpy Dumpty skill, known for its explosive damage. It was Klee's skill, adorable yet destructive. Amon unlocked and stored the skill in his arsenal.
For his third and final draw, another purple light descended. This time, it granted the four-star skill Transcendence: Baleful Omen, Raiden Shogun's elemental combat skill.
Amon smiled. His luck tonight had been exceptional.
Chapter 125: Kamisato Ayaka: If You Dare to Forget Me, I Will Bite You
Transcendence: Baleful Omen
When using this skill, a status called Chakra Desiderata will appear above the user's head.
In simple terms, when attacking an enemy, Chakra Desiderata will coordinate with the attack, causing thunder elemental damage within a range.
This skill can set off mines and increase damage, which is quite impressive.
Amon quickly unlocked Transcendence: Baleful Omen and added it to his skill library.
After doing all this, Amon brought the three children back to Liyue.
---
Over the next few days, heavy rains swept across the land of Liyue, leaving the streets desolate.
Many people were unable to open their shops and could only rest at home.
Compared to the leisurely life of most Liyue citizens, Amon seemed unusually busy.
He had to teach Beidou and Shenhe about weaponry, explain some business strategies to Ningguang to stabilize the economy, and guide Ayaka and Keqing in practicing swordsmanship.
Keqing visited frequently, often arriving at Amon's house before dawn.
At times, she would fall asleep there after tiring herself out from sword practice.
This led to rumors in Liyue that Keqing had abandoned her role as a wealthy lady to live in a "kindergarten."
But Keqing paid no attention to the gossip. Her determination and persistence drove her forward, allowing her swordsmanship to improve significantly during this time.
Similarly, Kamisato Ayaka deepened her understanding of the art of the sword.
Before long, the skies over Liyue cleared, and the sun broke through the clouds. Trading ships resumed their journeys, and Ayaka prepared to return to Inazuma.
Her family missed her dearly, and staying in Liyue indefinitely wasn't an option.
---
It was a bright and calm morning when Kamisato Ayaka left Liyue.
Amon personally escorted her to the dock. Ayaka looked back every few steps, clutching the corner of Amon's clothes with tears in her eyes.
"Brother Amon, I don't want to leave you…" she said softly.
The days they spent together, coupled with Amon's care and kindness, had deeply bonded Ayaka to him.
Seeing her pouting face, Amon felt a pang of sadness.
He, too, had grown accustomed to Ayaka's presence and felt an emptiness at her departure.
But he knew he had to remain composed, lest his emotions make Ayaka's farewell even harder.
Amon gently ruffled Ayaka's hair and said with a reassuring smile, "Little girl, this goodbye is only temporary. We'll meet again soon."
"If I have the chance, I'll visit you in Inazuma. It won't be too long before we see each other again."
Hearing his promise, Ayaka nodded vigorously.
"Yes! When you and everyone else visit Inazuma, I'll make sure to take care of you all, just like you took care of me."
A distant whistle interrupted their conversation, signaling that the ship bound for Inazuma was about to set sail.
Ayaka held Amon's hand tightly, unwilling to let go.
She handed him a lunchbox and said, "Brother Amon, I made matcha desserts early this morning as a farewell gift for you. Please eat them all."
Her voice softened. "And... please don't share them with anyone else. These were made just for you."
Amon opened the lunchbox, took a bite of one dessert, and smiled. "They're delicious, Ayaka. Thank you."
Seeing his praise, Ayaka blushed but looked pleased.
"As long as you like them, I'll make more for you in the future," she said, her voice full of hope.
Amon then handed her two gifts: a red string unique to Liyue and a miraculous cure-all medicine.
"This red string is a symbol of good fortune," Amon explained. "And the medicine will help you recover from injuries as you continue your sword training."
Ayaka's eyes glistened with tears as she accepted the gifts, nodding earnestly.
"I'll treasure these gifts, Brother Amon."
As the ship's whistle blew again, Ayaka knew it was time to leave.
"Brother Amon, don't forget me," she said, her voice trembling. "If I return and find you've forgotten me, I'll bite you!"
She smiled through her tears and ran toward the ship without looking back, fearing that one glance might break her resolve.
Watching her leave, Amon whispered, "Goodbye, little girl. If fate allows, we'll meet again."
A lazy, teasing voice suddenly interrupted his thoughts.
"Oh my, why so sentimental?" Yae Miko said, appearing beside him.
"If you miss her that much, I can arrange for her to return in a few days—or better yet, I will take you to Inazuma to meet a country girl named Ei".
Amon chuckled, shaking his head at her jesting.
Chapter 126: Two People Together Have Eight Hundred Minds
Yae Miko had already changed out of her red hakama and put back on the miko outfit often worn in Inazuma.
There were similarities between her and Kamisato Ayaka. Yae Miko had come to Liyue simply for a vacation, and returning to Inazuma meant facing a multitude of tedious affairs once again. For her, changing clothes was more than a mere physical act—it was a way to switch identities.
At this moment, Yae Miko folded her arms across her chest, her bright, clear eyes sparkling with intelligence. Her charming voice rang out, "In a while, Inazuma will hold its annual festival.
"For this, I would like to invite Mr. Amon and the little ones at home to attend.
"It's a great opportunity to visit Inazuma. We have unique local specialties and stunning scenery. Perhaps you'll find it to your liking?"
"And who knows? After arriving in Inazuma, it might inspire Mr. Amon's creativity, helping him complete the Inazuma chapter of his novel with half the effort."
As she spoke, Yae Miko handed Amon an invitation letter.
The invitation was pure white, decorated with a cartoon fox design, and carried a faint fragrance.
Yae Miko smiled. "I'm looking forward to meeting you in Inazuma, Mr. Amon. When the time comes, I'll prepare a quiet and comfortable room where we can leisurely discuss your story's plot."
She paused, glancing at the ship preparing to set sail behind her.
With a wistful sigh, she said, "It seems my vacation in Liyue is coming to an end.
"Although I feel a bit reluctant, I still have to leave.
"So… Mr. Amon, we'll meet again if fate allows. Please don't forget the agreement between us."
Amon gripped the invitation tightly and nodded gently. "Miss Yae, if the opportunity arises, I will bring the little ones to Inazuma to attend the festival."
Hearing Amon's reply, Yae Miko hummed softly in acknowledgment.
A moment of silence followed, and neither of them said anything further.
Yae Miko tilted her head and looked at Amon with a trace of dissatisfaction in her eyes. "Is that all?
"Is this all Mr. Amon has to say to me before we part?"
Amon blinked in surprise.
Hadn't he already said enough?
What else was there to say?
Sensing his bewilderment, Yae Miko continued with a trace of teasing resentment, "I saw how much effort you put into saying goodbye to that little girl from the Yashiro Commission. It was such a heartfelt and warm moment.
"But now, when it's time to bid me farewell, Mr. Amon only has a few simple words?
"That's unfair, don't you think?"
"Is it because I'm not a cute little girl that Mr. Amon isn't interested in me?
"How heartbreaking."
Ah… so that's what this was about.
It turned out Yae Miko felt he was playing favorites.
She sighed dramatically. "Sure enough, in Mr. Amon's heart, I'm just an insignificant passerby.
"Once I leave Liyue, Mr. Amon probably won't even think of me anymore. You'll forget me, won't you?"
"Your kind words are probably just hollow, aren't they?"
Amon quickly waved his hands in denial. "Miss Yae, please don't misunderstand.
"I just didn't want to delay your journey, so I kept my words brief.
"Besides, there's no need to say everything now. I'll visit Inazuma during the festival, and we'll have plenty of time to talk then."
Seeing that Yae Miko was still half-convinced, Amon added, "Actually, I'm reluctant to see you leave, Miss Yae.
"After you go, I'll think of you often."
Women can be unpredictable creatures.
One moment, they're comparing things; the next, they're filled with subtle emotions.
However, Amon breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that his response this time was appropriate.
Or so he thought—until Yae Miko's cunning eyes gleamed with a fox-like mischief.
"Really? Then, Mr. Amon, may I ask… what exactly will you miss about me? And where?"
Amon froze.
Danger!
This question was a trap—one wrong answer could lead to disaster.
The fox hadn't forgotten to set a snare before her departure. How devious.
Seeing his hesitation, Yae Miko laughed softly, her voice melodious as her shoulders shook with mirth.
She laughed for a while before saying, "Mr. Amon, this vacation in Liyue will remain a cherished memory.
"Thanks to you, I had a unique experience.
"So… see you at the festival.
"When that time comes, I'll show you a side of me you've never seen before."
With those parting words, Yae Miko boarded the ship bound for Inazuma.
The vessel soon left Liyue Harbor and disappeared over the horizon.
Partings always carry a hint of sadness.
...
Ayaka stood on the deck, leaning against the railing and standing on tiptoe.
She was doing her best to commit the entirety of Liyue's scenery to memory, as if it were her second home.
If she ever decided to run away again, she wanted to return swiftly with the aid of her recollections.
Not until Liyue became a faint black dot on the horizon did Ayaka sit on the deck, her chin resting on her knees, a trace of sadness in her expression.
She had thought herself capable of controlling her emotions, yet, the moment she parted from Amon, an emptiness settled in her chest.
Ayaka looked down at the red string and potion Amon had given her.
She carefully stowed away the potion and then tied the red string around the two strands of hair framing her face.
With the red string fluttering in the wind, Ayaka felt as if Amon were still by her side.