Genshin Impact: I, the Winter's Executor, am forced to work.

"Yes, of course, it's my honor."

Chapter 270 Gathering

The girl's ability to learn music exceeded Qin Ye's expectations. She not only learned his rudimentary scales, but also mastered more advanced playing techniques on her own, and could even integrate power into the instrument.

(Qin Ye, reflecting on his memories: Okay, I admit I was way too bad at it.)

From then on, the girl always held her beloved lute in her arms, and from time to time she would sing and play a new tune.

Her journey with Qin Ye continued. During the day, the two entered human villages, observed their lives, and felt their laughter. Although she was still treated as a "fairy spirit," the girl no longer cared about such things.

Because she has been through so much, she is no longer alone.

She will stay with the man beside her forever, drinking the morning dew at sunrise and relying on each other when they return home at night.

Every night, sitting by the fire, leaning against Qin Ye, she would play out her endless stream of inspiration, and then receive his praise.

He was by my side every day and every night, every moment.

The girl thus understood the meaning of companionship.

The night is deep.

Columbia wrapped her arms around her slender, fair right leg and sat on the wooden stool Qin Ye had made, waiting for Fanes and Qin Ye to finish their whispered conversation in the distance.

She looked at the clone that was gradually forming in front of her, a happy smile on her face.

Perhaps she doesn't yet understand what true "love" is, but she feels that this feeling of happiness can bring hope to more people.

"What new insights have you gained this time?"

Qin Ye seemed to have finished talking with Fanes and sat down next to the girl with a smile.

Columbia's voice was gentle, and her gaze was full of tenderness as she looked at her new clone.

"Yes, in a sense, this is also the fruit of our love."

"Haha, didn't you say they were your sisters? Doesn't that mean their offspring are a generation younger?"

The girl pouted and punched Qin Ye in the chest: "You talk the most."

The clone in front of her gradually took shape, the girl's outline slowly emerged, and finally she slowly opened her eyes.

"Qin!"

The first thing the other person did after waking up was to throw themselves into Qin Ye's arms and rub their face against Qin Ye's chest.

"...ha."

Qin Ye smiled awkwardly. This was probably the most lively, innocent, and adorable clone of Columbia in all these years.

She's a girl in love, after all...

"Oh dear, my sister is always oblivious to her own feelings for me, it's driving me crazy."

The clone of "love" wrapped its arms around Qin Ye's neck, looking at Columbia with a mocking gaze: "Sister, how do you feel seeing this now?"

"Let him go." The girl's expression turned inexplicably sinister and terrifying.

"Hey! That's more like it!" The clone showed no fear whatsoever, instead letting out a cheerful, bell-like laugh.

Qin Ye reached out and picked up Columbia, placing her on his other thigh.

Because the girl's figure was so slender, even a tall man could fit one small leg on his body without feeling cramped.

"Why are you jealous of your own sister?"

"I!"

The girl wanted to argue her point, but she already knew the truth.

This feeling is jealousy...

This is a feeling that should never have happened before...

"Heh, don't worry, sister, I will definitely complete the task you assigned me."

The clone of "love" lightly jumped to the ground, stood on one leg, put its hands behind its back, and rhythmically shifted its feet, lightly stepping on the ground, appearing exceptionally happy.

"But please let me meet with Qin Jian more often if you have the chance~"

"Hmm..." Columbia knew in her heart that she should say 'Of course, no problem' at this moment. But the words just wouldn't come out.

"Of course, don't you have a way of contacting each other like the internet? You can even feel Big Sister's feelings. Columbia has also become much more cheerful recently. It would be good to call everyone together in one place when we have time, so that we can meet and share our experiences."

Qin Ye played a mediator role at the crucial moment. In his eyes, this new clone was just like the cutest and most lively little sister in a big family, loved by everyone.

"Hmm...yes, that's right." Since Qin Ye had explained it to her, Columbia naturally agreed. Moreover, the longer she spent with Qin Ye, the more she understood the importance of companionship.

Instead of having everyone share their experiences online, meeting up and chatting together is definitely a much better approach.

"With your words of comfort, I feel relieved!"

The younger sister waved to Qin Ye and leaped into the distance: "Next time we meet, Qin, you must spend more time with me!"

"Of course."

The other person ran back somewhat reluctantly, hugged Qin Ye's waist from behind, and only headed south after seemingly absorbing enough energy.

At this time, Teyvat had not yet been divided into seven kingdoms. If Qin Ye observed carefully enough, he would surely be able to discover that the place his little sister was stepping into was also the land of Liyue, one of the future seven kingdoms.

"Since your little sister's destination isn't far from ours, why don't we discuss the arrangements for our future gathering? We can hold it nearby, saving her the trouble of making an extra trip. What do you think?"

Qin Ye reached out and put his arm around Columbia's waist, resting his chin on the top of her head, and offered his advice in a soft voice.

"Alright, I've experienced quite a few feelings lately. My little sister is the last one. The day when the next little sister is born may be a very long time away, so let's take advantage of this now."

The girl nodded in agreement. Although, strictly speaking, those girls were all her alter egos, all of them herself, she still regarded them as her unique family deep down.

After all, each younger sister represents a different stage of her life, with a distinct personality, just like a brand new individual with her own thoughts.

She sat on Qin Ye's lap, her little feet swinging slowly in the air, imagining the wonderful scenes that would unfold once the party began.

Qin Ye naturally agreed earnestly, feeling the soft body in his arms, his expression becoming increasingly determined, but he didn't let the other person see any of this.

If all goes well, he can still stay by the girl's side and watch her lead humanity to fulfill her dream.

But what if something goes wrong...?

He sighed inwardly and looked in the direction where Fanes had just left.

Columbia, however, must not be harmed in any way.

No matter who the opponent is.

No matter what moves the opponent makes.

No matter the cost.

Chapter 271 Outsiders

"You've arrived?"

Phanes stood in the air, turning to look at his beloved son-in-law... No, it's easier to call him apprentice.

"Hmm, what's wrong? This is the first time I've seen you so flustered."

Qin Ye crossed his arms, and although he looked relaxed, he knew in his heart that the situation was extremely urgent.

After all, any opponent that Fanes would call upon to help him must be no saint.

He had been practicing for over a decade and his control over the ley lines had reached its peak. Fanes' teaching ability was beyond the imagination of ordinary people. Even if there were things he didn't understand in theory, he could find the optimal solution through conversation.

The last man I saw with such powerful teaching abilities was Kaido Hyakushu.

"I used my power to repair and mend the entire continent, but now someone wants to reap the benefits."

Fanes sighed, his voice filled with exhaustion.

"It's not one of your projections, is it?"

Does this mean the boss lacks the ability to manage people, and his subordinates want to rise up and become independent?

The problem is, isn't leading humanity all thanks to Columbia and a certain other person? What did anyone else have to do with it?

How dare he?

"That's not the case..."

Fañez put his hands behind his back, looked up at the sky, and said, "He is an outsider like you. There was a time when I also thought that you shared the same purpose as him."

"Ha..." Qin Ye's expression instantly fell: "Don't joke around. When I first came to this world, wasn't I a weakling who could be bullied by everyone?"

"..."

Silence fell over the room.

“You’re different. Since I need your help right now, let me make it clear to you.”

"Although the ley line tree is intricately connected to me, its growth process after being planted is not entirely related to me. But you are different. Tell me the truth, have you ever experienced so-called rebirth?"

Fanes never brought up Qin Ye's identity because he was very good at discerning people's true nature. Even though Qin Ye had run away with his daughter and sometimes couldn't tell the truth, he wasn't a bad person at heart.

He would not wield his sword against the weak and innocent, which was what Fanes admired most about him.

So they turned a blind eye to the other party's background and experiences. As long as their daughter was happy, that was more important than anything else.

"Rebirth... I'm not quite sure if that's true, but I just opened my eyes and found myself here."

Anyway, he was playing games intensely at 4 AM before he died, and he even got stuck on a rock...

If everything goes black, it's likely that the original route was to cross the Bridge of Helplessness.

"The ley line tree was still in its growth stage at that time, which can be said to be the time when its power is most intense. You have an indelible and powerful soul, which must have been captured by the ley line tree after your death."

The continent is not now closed off from the world. Fanes uses his power to fill every corner, allowing humanity to develop freely. He will then defeat the crisis when it arises. He firmly believes that humanity can do it and that one day humans will be able to surpass the so-called gods.

Therefore, he protected this continent, which is why humanity has the opportunity to prosper and develop today.

"You and the ley lines are practically inseparable, at least physically. After all, your body is reshaped by them, which is why you can grow stronger without end."

"I see."

Qin Ye finally understood the origin of his body, but as for the underlying principles... it's best not to delve into them.