Then, the "Ruins Hunter" lit up with a red light, like a Unicorn Gundam transforming, and then it really transformed.

Its four arms detached from the body at the elbows, transforming into four floating cannons that hovered around its body. If you were closer, you might hear a muffled mechanical sound emanating from its head, indicating that it was switching from melee combat mode to long-range artillery "sniper" mode.

The floating cannons rotated once, forming a four-petaled formation like flower petals in front of the "Ruin Hunter," before locking onto the target. In a game, a target marker might appear to warn the player to take cover, but the real-world continent of Teyvat doesn't have such a thoughtful marker.

Of course, Han Fulai didn't need any markers to remind him. During the "Relic Hunter's" attack just now, he had already clearly discovered that the opponent's target was always locked on him.

"Ah He, Ah Qing, stay away from me!" Han Fulai shouted as he reinforced the salt shield in his hands.

Although Shen He didn't understand what the "Relic Hunter" was planning to do, her intuition told her that her opponent was preparing a dangerous attack. She had originally intended to rush over and take Han Fulai away, but upon hearing his shout, she stopped in her tracks.

Ke Qing, who was secretly anxious, was taken aback. This was the first time Han Fulai had called her "A Qing".

Han Fulai only hoped that Ke Qing and Shen He would get away quickly, as it would be difficult for anyone without a strong shield to withstand the ranged firepower of the "Ruins Hunter". If they approached him now, they would likely be caught in the blast wave.

He was too preoccupied to care about anyone else, at least not enough to withstand the attacks of the "Relic Hunters" while protecting those around him. As a gamer, he could tell that the "Relic Hunters" were about to launch a missile barrage, and he also knew that these missiles had tracking capabilities.

He wondered how powerful the missile bombardment launched by the "Relic Hunters" would be in reality. If these missiles were as powerful as the ones he remembered, his salt shield certainly wouldn't hold up. Of course, even if these missiles weren't as powerful as modern missiles, but were more like ordinary artillery—that wouldn't be enough to stop them with reinforced marble.

Han Fulai has already begun to mobilize his immortal power to generate the Jade Shield. He only hopes that this salt shield can last a little longer, giving him enough time to create the Jade Shield.

A sharp "whoosh" sound rang out in the air—the sound of missiles launched by the "Relic Hunter" tearing through the air.

Han Fulai was prepared to withstand the impact of the explosion.

But the explosion he expected didn't happen because Jiang Xue intervened.

A clear, resonant sound rang out, as melodious as an ancient bell and as powerful as a dragon's roar. It was the sound of Jiang Xue drawing her longsword.

The fisherman appeared before Han Fulai at some point, and at some point, a long sword appeared at his waist.

The sword in his hand was one that Han Fulai was very familiar with—the Edgeless Sword.

The blacksmith sells it for 300 Mora. It's a blunt sword that even children can use as a swordsmanship practice tool.

In fact, it's just a sword-shaped piece of iron, so dull that it's not even as good as a kitchen knife for cutting vegetables.

But whether it's a piece of iron or a precious sword depends on who holds the bladeless sword.

When it was in Han Fulai's hands, it was enough to intimidate the Seven Stars at the Seven Star Conference; but when it was in Jiang Xue's hands...

"When I first wielded my sword, the light of three feet of stars shone through the air."

Jiang Xue uttered a long, clear chant, his sword flashing in the air. His sword gleamed.

A flash of silvery light, like sunlight reflecting off a sword, appeared and disappeared in an instant—the missile in flight suddenly split in the middle and exploded into a large firework in mid-air.

The four floating cannons of the "Relic Hunter" shifted shape, began to rotate collectively, and then pointed their cannons at Han Fulai. A fiery orange-red light shone from within the cannons—a prelude to the floating cannons firing high-energy lasers.

This is arguably the strongest and most ferocious ultimate move of the "Relic Hunter," an attack weapon developed by the Kanria civilization that even surpasses modern civilization: "Constraint Field - Light Stream Cut."

The laser was fast, but Jiang Xue's hands were even faster, making three horizontal, three vertical, and three diagonal cuts.

His sword trembled nine times.

Then the four floating cannons of the "Relic Hunter" split into nine pieces.

"A smile and a sigh, yet they only bring nine twists of the heart." Jiang Xue's voice trailed off.

The Relic Hunter has lost its four arms, or rather, its four floating cannons, but that does not mean it has lost its ability to attack.

Its golden core glowed brightly once more, signaling that it was charging up. Once charged, it would launch a high-speed, high-explosive missile, dealing widespread fire damage.

But Jiang Xue didn't give it a chance.

"How many people truly understand me now, especially those living far away?"

Jiang Xue flashed her bladeless sword, and the "Ruins Hunter" suddenly froze.

Its golden core resembled a broken light bulb, flickering weakly twice before going completely dark.

"The setting sun turns back, and the misty waters stretch endlessly."

Jiang Xue sheathed her sword, turned around, and faced Han Fulai.

Behind him, tens of meters in the air, the "Relic Hunter" exploded into a giant spark.

Chapter 119 It is often said that the name of a chivalrous hero should be remembered in the annals of heroes, but I, in this life, have broken my hat, abandoned my sword, and wandered far from the martial world.

"Tsk."

On a distant cliff, a figure shrouded in a long blue-black robe seemed to click his tongue in dissatisfaction.

"Those who peek into the secrets will pay the price."

Because of the full-face helmet, his voice sounded somewhat muffled, but he was just talking to himself anyway.

He reached out and slashed at the void, tearing space apart and revealing an entrance leading to countless network-like branching paths. The dark blue figure stepped into the spatial rift and vanished.

A few seconds later, a green figure appeared where the person had just been standing.

The young immortal looked down and examined the residual spatial fluctuations in the air, confirming that someone had indeed used a technique to break through space—but other than that, no other clues were left behind.

Xiao's golden eyes gazed at the distant Dihua Isle, remaining silent.

On the small island of Dihuazhou, Han Fulai was in a state of deep shock.

He had already seen immortals in Liyue, including Bagua formations, immortal talismans, Qimen Dunjia, I Ching numerology, mechanical formations, and even talking animals... Han Fu thought he was already quite knowledgeable, and there was nothing in Liyue that could surprise him.

But he was truly dumbfounded.

Because of Jiang Xue.

For those who grew up in China, stories of immortals are a part of their lives. But Zhongli, the gentle and refined "ancestor of all immortals," Ping Laolao, the mild-mannered old woman, Xiao, the demonic yakshas among the immortals, and those "beasts" like Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun, Lishui Dieshan Zhenjun, and Xiaoyue Zhuyang Zhenjun, even Shen He, a disciple of the immortals who can draw talismans and meditate… none of them are true immortals!

In Han Fulai's mind, there is only one kind of true immortal—the sword immortal!

They can fly on swords! They can use sword control techniques! They can take someone's head from a thousand miles away with a flying sword!

That's a true immortal!

Han Fu could see clearly that Jiang Xue had defeated the "Relic Hunter" without using any elemental power; she had relied on that invisible and intangible "sword energy"!

With a single swing of his longsword, the stubborn enemy was beheaded!

Moreover, this style of reciting poetry while using sword energy to defeat enemies... Han Fulai had only one thought in his mind—"Coach, I want to learn sword energy!"

Although he did not doubt that Zhongli and the immortals were stronger than Jiang Xue in combat, they had never displayed any methods like Jiang Xue's.

For example, Zhongli's rock spear can create a Lonely Cloud Pavilion, which is powerful—but it's not as cool as a sword immortal!

That feeling of sword energy flowing freely and unrestrainedly is the romance of men!

Just how terrifying is the fishing community in Liyue that they have such a Li Xiaoyao-like figure hidden within them? And how is it possible that such a powerful person can remain unknown in Liyue?

It took Han Fulai a great deal of willpower to restrain his impulse to grab Jiang Xue and become her disciple.

After all, he is now the acting head of the Guhua Sect, a sect renowned for its unparalleled martial arts, and Zhongli Yingdian's "successor to the Emperor." He possesses the Emperor's immortal power, the Salt God's authority, and the Guhua Sect's legacy. If he wants to learn martial arts, he can seek instruction from his second brother, Xingqiu, in the sect's martial arts, or learn spear techniques and immortal arts from Shenhe. If all else fails... Keqing is also a master of the Cloud-Come Sword Technique.

If we were to take this fisherman, who appeared out of nowhere, as our master, we would lose all face, from the Ancient Hua Sect to the Rock King Emperor.

Thinking of this, he removed the marble shield in front of him, put away the black-tasseled spear, and bowed to Jiang Xue: "Thank you for saving me, Senior Jiang Xue."

He was already convinced that Jiang Xue was no ordinary person, and might even have some connection with the Liyue Immortals. Calling her "senior" and trying to build a relationship would definitely be worthwhile. If Jiang Xue really was related to any Liyue Immortal family, he could take the opportunity to ask her to teach him a few skills.

Unexpectedly, Jiang Xue shook her head.

"Don't call me 'senior.' It's not what you think. I'm just an ordinary human being. Just now... it was just something I did on the spur of the moment. Since everything's alright, you can leave now."

Jiang Xue seemed to mean that they should pretend nothing had happened.

But how is that possible?

"I am Keqing, the Jade Balance Star of Liyue. Please tell me your true name, so I can present you with a generous gift to express my gratitude." Keqing held her longsword upside down, performing the proper etiquette among martial artists. Although her words were ostensibly to express gratitude, she was also probing Jiang Xue's true identity. By asking for guidance under the name of the Jade Balance Star, she was implying that she did not want the other party to refuse.

Jiang Xue glanced at Ke Qing, her eyes flashing with a complex mix of emotions that disappeared in an instant.

"As I said, my name is Jiang Xue, a fisherman. If you ask me where I live... I'm just a freeloader at this Wangshu Inn."

"No. You are very strong. And I don't know you, so it's suspicious." Shen He always spoke bluntly, and her meaning was simple: someone so strong couldn't possibly be a simple fisherman. Moreover, as the "darling" of the Liyue Immortals, Shen He knew most of the Liyue Immortals. Since she said she didn't know Jiang Xue, it meant that Jiang Xue had nothing to do with the Immortals.

The fact that someone with such formidable combat power has no connection to immortals is itself a huge mystery.

Jiang Xue simply smiled and said, "Who here isn't suspicious?"

He pointed to the Wangshu Inn in the distance, "For example, there's a cook in that inn next door who used to love wielding a knife, but now he loves cooking. He has a ruthless face but a kind heart."

"For example, there was a woman in the inn who said she was from Mondstadt, but no one from Mondstadt knew her."

“And then there’s… like you.” Jiang Xue looked at Han Fulai, “You don’t have the Eye of God, but you can wield power that surpasses the Eye of God.”

Clearly, Jiang Xue had already seen through the salt god powers that Han Fulai had just displayed.

"But some 'suspicious' things are obviously not 'scary', so there's no need to worry."

"I'm not worried about your suspicious nature, but I am worried that you will be buried in this wilderness. I have never seen anyone in my life who possesses such great power without the 'Eye of God'... You saved my life, and I have no way to repay you. I only wish to sing your praises and remember you day and night after I return to Liyue Harbor," Han Fulai said.

The fact that neither Keqing nor Shenhe knew him speaks volumes. Although Liyue has many martial arts sects, it's impossible for them to cultivate such a master—if any sect had a master like Jiang Xue who could wield "sword energy," they would have already boasted about their fame far and wide.

Moreover, although Jiang Xue's origins are unknown, she claims to be eating idly at the Wangshu Inn, and in her conversation, she seems quite familiar with the inn's owner, Phil Goddette, and the head chef, Yan Xiao—who are intelligence agents under Ningguang.

Jiang Xue was unwilling to reveal his identity, but Ning Guang's subordinates were willing to tolerate him—two possibilities.

One possibility is that Jiang Xue is a secret intelligence officer or a highly skilled agent under Ning Guang's command, just like Ye Lan.

Another possibility... Ningguang knew his true identity and tacitly approved of her subordinates accepting him.

Han Fulai wanted to confirm which possibility it was, so he used a feigned retreat—"You don't want us here to investigate your identity? Fine, I'll get you trending on Liyue Harbor's hot search list as soon as we get back. Then, the number of people coming to see the 'Sword Immortal' won't just be the three of us."

Jiang Xue's face clearly showed a look of annoyance, as if she was thinking, "I shouldn't have saved this kid earlier."

“You have more meaningful things to do, don’t waste your time on me,” he said, sighing. “...I’m just waiting for the end of my life. Because I’ve done what I needed to do.”

"As for the 'Eye of God'... I was once chosen by the world. However, I used this power for wrong purposes. I have put away my 'Eye of God'. I am no longer worthy of using it, nor do I need it anymore."

"I really like my life right now. If you're talking about repaying a 'life-saving grace,' then please don't ruin my life, okay?"

Jiang Xue's words were sincere and heartfelt, and even Ke Qing, who was listening in, was quite moved.

Logically, Han Fulai shouldn't have continued to pester him, but he was quite persistent because he had already made a guess.

If this guess is correct, then Jiang Xue may be one of the key ally in his struggle for supreme power in Liyue.

"What if I said I really want to know your identity, senior?" Han Fulai smiled amiably, but his eyes were devoid of any smile.

Jiang Xue scratched her head helplessly.

"Then... how about I kill you once? That way we'll be even."

Chapter 120 The river's waters blow, shooting stars chase the waves, and worldly dust settles, leaving only a lone boat on the water.

Jiang Xue did not draw her sword, but simply spread her hands out.

They were two ordinary hands, with some calluses.

“I don’t use weapons,” Jiang Xue said.

Then he raised his right hand and made a palm.

Judging from Jiang Xue's expression, it seems she intends to use her palm as a knife and her fingers as a sword?

Han Fulai didn't say much and quickly retreated.

He had already demonstrated the Jade Shield and Salt Shield during the battle. Jiang Xue had seen all of these skills. Jiang Xue already knew that he possessed a shield capable of blocking the Hilichurl's great axe and the "Ruin Hunter's" slash.

Jiang Xue said she wanted to "kill him once," but she didn't intend to draw her sword. So, the only way for her to break through Han Fulai's defense was to prevent him from opening his shield.

Therefore, Han Fulai immediately distanced himself from Jiang Xue.

Once he activates his shield, he will be invincible. His current Jade Shield can even withstand Ba Che's attacks. He is very confident that even if Jiang Xue really draws her sword to strike him, she won't be able to break through his defenses!

After Zhongli modified his meridians and injected him with the remnants of the Salt God, Han Fulai's physical condition has now reached at least the level of a half-immortal. Although he is still far behind a disciple of an immortal like Shen He, who is exceptionally talented and has cultivated for a long time, he is still far superior to ordinary people.

With a single step, Han Fulai flew back more than ten meters.

However, he did not increase the distance between himself and Jiang Xue, but maintained an arm's length distance, so close that Jiang Xue could touch his throat with her hand.

Ke Qing looked back and was filled with shock.

The moment Jiang Xue raised her hand, Ke Qing had already made her move.

Regardless of who Jiang Xue is or what her purpose is in saying these things, if she says she wants to kill Han Fulai in front of her, she will definitely stop her, both for public and private reasons.

Therefore, Ke Qing immediately stood between Jiang Xue and Han Fulai.

The Cloud-Come Sword Technique is a sword art passed down from ancient immortals. It is known for its agile and nimble movements. Keqing's fighting style is even more in line with the essence of the Cloud-Come Sword Technique. She can appear in front of you and suddenly appear behind you, making the most of her agility.

When the Fools attacked the Jade Pavilion, Keqing, relying on her agility, fought against them all as if they were nothing. Even the Great Sage Xiao, who had witnessed it firsthand, was deeply impressed by Keqing's swordsmanship and praised it to himself at the Wangshu Inn.

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