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

"?"

Qin Ye was taken aback, not quite understanding what the other person meant.

Seriously? I didn't mean anything by it. Are you that sensitive?

Lightning gathered around Balzeb, and a purple blade gradually rose from his chest, obscuring the sky with dark clouds.

"No thought, sever all!"

Qin Ye deliberately released the power of the abyss, which transformed into a black longsword. The sword was immediately covered by light, but the aura in that instant was already captured by all the gods.

The purple sword energy tried to pass through his body, but it was blocked in front of Qin Ye. He held the sword in his left hand, and the blade trembled slightly.

Just when everyone thought Qin Ye was going to block with both hands, they saw his right palm suddenly swing out and smash into the sword energy.

The sky cleared instantly, and Wuxiang's unexpected slash vanished without a trace.

"That was quite a confident strike. From that perspective, you are indeed a rare martial artist."

Qin Ye twisted his wrist: "But it is precisely because you are so confident in this strike that your strength cannot be improved further."

"What do you mean?" Seeing Qin Ye effortlessly parry her attack, Balzeb suppressed his competitive spirit and humbly asked for guidance.

"As I just said, restraint is equally important. It's because you think that the thoughtless strike is the strongest method that you've lost the so-called preparation process. When you want to defeat me, you immediately use this move, which makes you lose your reliance on basic abilities."

"You mean, I should temporarily refrain from using this move and start from scratch, learning the basics of swordsmanship?"

Barzeb fell into deep thought, pondering Qin Ye's words.

"Now that your sparring session is over, why don't you ask this gentleman to explain where he obtained that power from?"

Vulcan, wielding a greatsword, pointed it directly at Qin Ye's face and asked him a direct and incisive question.

Qin Ye remained silent.

The air pressure at the scene suddenly dropped.

"Brother Qin has his reasons for doing this, and I hope you will listen to his explanation."

Zhongli smiled, but his tone carried an unquestionable air.

"I'm sorry to trouble you all, but please do me a favor."

Chapter 293 The Relationship Between the Seven Gods

"..."

The Seven Gods and Qin Ye sat around the picnic table set that the Rock King Emperor had prepared on the grass.

Zhongli sat in the main seat, with Qin Ye beside him, demonstrating the host's attitude at this moment.

Barzeb sat at the very end.

Qin Ye calmly crossed his legs, his hands folded on his knees, exuding confidence.

The things he was testing have unfolded exactly as he had predicted.

To resist the erosion of the abyss, he had indeed not left the pavilion at the top of Jueyun for a long time, with Columbia staying by his side and not allowing anyone to see him.

Of course, this is for Qin Ye's own good, and also for the good of his old friends.

However, since it has been a thousand years since they last met, a crisis of trust is bound to arise, especially for what Qin Ye is about to do. He has only been with Kanria for a few years and has just settled down, but time waits for no one.

He wanted to be true to the Seven Gods, but he was also worried that the Rock King Emperor might be estranged from him now, so he deliberately staged this whole thing.

Now it seems that Zhongli single-handedly stopped all the gods from questioning him...

Fine, let's just call Qin Ye that scoundrel.

"I see..."

Baal nodded slightly, his gaze beginning to sweep over Qin Ye.

She seemed to be the first person to accept Qin Ye's past.

"So our main purpose this time is still to have a party, there's no need to be so tense."

The Great Compassion Tree King smiled and shook her head; she understood what the outcome would be if she insisted on asking further.

The Rock King Emperor's stance is very clear: the Thunder God Sisters probably won't get involved. She knows that Qin Ye might have embellished some parts of his past account, but most of it is true.

The fact that she couldn't glean any information about Qin Ye from her intelligence indicates that he was indeed an outsider.

From her perspective, she wouldn't be an enemy of him.

Barbatos...heh, he's probably just watching the show from the beginning.

Then the remaining three gods would have even less chance to make a move.

In conclusion, she has absolutely no interest in a battle that is unlikely to happen, and which, even if someone takes the lead, is likely to fail and strain relationships.

"Although it's a little embarrassing to say this, my intention was indeed to get to know you all, which is why I accepted Brother Zhongli's invitation."

Qin Ye gave Zhong Li an apologetic look.

"Brother Qin, there's no need for that. After all, I invited you here with the same intention."

"..."

You always think of me, your brother. It makes me seem petty.

"I'm not particularly interested in that anymore, but if you have the chance, remember to come to Nata and spar with me." Vulcan's enthusiasm and undisguised thoughts remained consistent.

"Since you have extended such a warm invitation, I will certainly pay you a visit."

"Come to Mondstadt for wine tasting sometime."

"Xumi also welcomes your arrival."

"If you have the chance, please come to Fontaine and tell me more stories from the past."

The four gods expressed their opinions one after another, but their words were rather lukewarm.

Since they could guess Qin Ye's purpose, yet responded with polite words, they were probably just trying to protect themselves.

In other words, we can be friends, but don't ask for too much; our relationship ends here.

Baal and the Queen remained silent, instead raising their teacups to cover half their faces.

"Sister, let's not invite him..."

"What's wrong, Ying? Have you taken a fancy to someone?"

"What do you want?" Balzeb blinked innocently, then suddenly understood his sister's subtext: "I want him to teach me martial arts in the future, and I also want to spar and discuss with him every day."

Baal chuckled twice, covering their mouths with his sleeve: "I'll talk to him alone later, Shadow, don't worry."

"Oh fine."

Barzeb nodded as if he understood, and then entered a meditative state again.

Qin Ye casually reached into the air and took out a variety of delicious foods and wines, placing them on the table. This conversation went more smoothly than he had expected, and he had gained a lot from it.

His initial goal was simply to check on Zhongli's situation and, incidentally, to see if he could recruit one or two allies. As long as he didn't have to fight Zhongli in the future, he would consider it a victory.

It now seems that both the Ice Queen and Thor have their own ulterior motives.

"Oh~ Why didn't you bring out such a good thing sooner?"

Barbatos's gaze had already fallen upon the fragrant wine jars.

Qin Ye smiled but didn't say anything.

Just kidding. I came here to cater to their preferences. How could I possibly pull out all the stops right away? How can I leave a lasting impression if I don't become the central figure in the negotiations?

but...

His gaze fell upon his good brother.

Master Zhong is the type who doesn't take the initiative... there are still too many concerns and constraints involved.

Moreover, he had some idea that I had some kind of plan a thousand years ago, so he didn't dare to act rashly. That was good, as it saved me from having to disrupt my plans.

The banquet proceeded without any major incidents; the Seven Gods seemed to have forgotten what had happened before and focused only on what was in front of them.

"I've had a very fruitful day. I still have many things to take care of in Sumeru, so I'll head out first."

The Great Tree King, upholding its eternal neutrality, was the first to leave the scene.

Subsequently, the gods of fire, water, and wind also departed one after another.

"I'm sorry, I'm a little tipsy. Let me rest here for a while." The Ice Queen glanced at the Thor sisters, seemingly unintentionally, but chose to suppress her thoughts for now.

“Mr. Qin Ye, my sister was rash today and offended me greatly. Thank you for your magnanimity.”

"It's alright. Your sister and I hit it off immediately. We'll keep in touch when we have the chance," Qin Ye said tentatively.

Would you be willing to have some small collaboration with me?

That's probably what it means.

Baal's smile was incredibly infectious and exceptionally warm: "I noticed you address Morax as Brother Zhongli. How about you address me as Zhen from now on? What do you think?"

"Of course, we're all friends, you don't need to use 'sir' like that, it sounds too distant."

Qin Ye understood that this was a way of trying to get in touch with him more, since he should be able to tell the relationship between him and Morax, and using his name to address him was also a signal.

"Lei Movie, do as you please." Ying's words were still a little awkward, but in fact, there was still a part of her that was unwilling to admit defeat.

Previously, they wanted to surpass Morax, but now their primary goal has shifted.

"Hehe, as expected, only someone as kind-hearted as Ying can understand the true essence of martial arts." Seeing that the other party was a bit arrogant, Qin Ye started by showering him with compliments.

"Oh, come visit Inazuma often when you have time."

Seeing that her younger sister and Qin Ye had grown closer, the smile on her face lingered for a long time: "Qin Ye, may I have a word with you in private?"

Chapter 294 All the Cost

"Miss Zhen, is it inappropriate for us to be alone here without the knowledge of the Rock King and your sister?"

Qin Ye and Zhen arrived at the back of Mount Aozang, where the surrounding mountains and rivers were beautiful... and most importantly, it was deserted, making it convenient to do anything.

"Qin Ye, you're joking. We're here to discuss some serious matters, it won't take up much time."