Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

Famas stared directly at Zhiyi, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.

"Since you've already guessed it, it saves us the trouble of beating around the bush."

The boy's voice carried a hint of straightforwardness, skipping all formalities, as he tilted his chin up at the other person.

"As far as I know, Ye Lan is the review officer for the next Tian Shu Star candidates."

"So? Are you confident you can hide all your secrets from her eyes?"

Fama crossed his arms and leisurely examined Zhiyi, his disdain barely concealed in his tone.

Zhiyi remained silent at that moment.

He knew that FAMAS was expressing his deepest anxiety. Zhiyi knew better than anyone how many irreparable flaws were hidden in his plan, especially the blank experience from several months ago, which was like a huge crack across the timeline.

To fill that void, there must truly exist in this world that can manipulate the flow of time or weave threads of memory.

Zhiyi clenched her hand under the table.

But is that possible? Could such a thing really exist on the continent of Teyvat?

"Indeed, my plan has flaws that cannot be fixed."

Zhiyi readily admitted his plan was flawed, but then quickly changed the subject, subtly probing, "So, Lord Famas, what can you do about this?"

Knowing full well that FAMAS has no ability to manipulate time or alter memories, the methods that the other party can provide are extremely limited.

Famas seemed to have anticipated his question, and spoke calmly, his voice remarkably clear in the somewhat empty cave:
“It’s simple. I can help you distract Ye Lan and prevent her from thoroughly investigating the candidate’s background.”

"As long as her investigation is superficial or even perfunctory, once the information of the Tian Shu Star candidate is successfully incorporated into the Yue Hai Ting's formal regulations, your situation will be mostly safe."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhiyi suddenly looked up, his gaze piercing Famas. His brows were tightly furrowed, and his hands, which were folded on his knees, unconsciously tightened, as he was clearly weighing every word the other person had said and the risks behind it.

FAMAS's suggestion was direct and to the point, but it instantly shattered Zhiyi's feigned composure, triggering a sharp alarm in his mind.

"To divert Yelan's attention?"

Zhiyi's voice suddenly lowered, becoming as rapid as a taut bowstring, as if each word was squeezed out from between his teeth with great effort, for fear of being leaked out by the echo in the cave.

"You make it sound so easy, Lord Famas. Tian Shu Xing saw your blatant visit to Qing Ce Manor clearly. Given the relationship between Ye Lan and Tian Shu Xing, they have probably already exchanged information."

"If you were to personally intervene in the succession and promotion of Tian Shu Star at this moment, it would be tantamount to announcing to the entire Liyue that you are my accomplice. This would not only fail to help me, but would also confirm my suspicion and let everyone know that I have a problem."

Hearing the other person's words, Zhiyi's heart sank.

FAMAS's proposed solution was so simple and crude that a hint of disappointment flashed across Zhiyi's eyes.

He had initially hoped that this mysterious figure would come up with some brilliant strategy, but now it seemed that he had overestimated the other party's tactics.

Perhaps... that's true.

Demons like Famas, who need to evade the pursuit of the Liyue Asuras and their Yakshas, ​​must have spent most of their time lurking in the mountains and wilderness of Liyue. It's understandable that they lack understanding of the complex political situation and interpersonal relationships in Liyue Harbor. But as soon as this thought crossed his mind, Zhiyi suddenly recalled the scene that had occurred not long ago on the banks of the Qingcezhuang River.

When he and Uncle Tian encountered FAMAS, Uncle Tian's face did not show disgust or hostility, but rather a tense expression as if facing a formidable enemy, yet he had to remain calm.

Not only did Uncle Tian immediately signal Zhiyi to leave first, but he also deliberately pretended not to recognize Famas in front of Zhiyi. The urgency in his gesture clearly indicated that he wanted to get rid of him in order to prevent his student from being harmed.

Zhiyi's pupils suddenly contracted, and his fingertips unconsciously rubbed hard against the fabric folds at the cuffs.

He then realized with a start that he had subconsciously overlooked such a crucial clue.

Non-human beings like Famas have always been the target of the Asgardians and the Thousand Rock Army's all-out efforts to eradicate them in Liyue.

As one of the seven stars of Liyue, Tian Shu is even less likely to tolerate a dangerous demon roaming the territory without taking any action.

The fact that this young man could make Uncle Tian feel like he was facing a formidable enemy so quickly, and even make him go so far as to send Zhiyi away, shows that he must be someone of great importance.

Either FAMAS possesses terrifying power that would force even the authorities of Liyue to temporarily retreat, or there is a powerful force behind them that even the planet Tian Shu must be wary of.

But this leads to a new paradox.

If Famas truly possessed the power to make Tian Shu Star bow down, why would he condescend to cooperate with this uncertain candidate from Tian Shu Star? If Famas truly had a powerful force behind him, then his so-called demonic identity should have been wiped clean by that force long ago, so why would he need to act so furtively?

The deeper Zhiyi pondered, the thicker the fog became.

Why did FAMAS specifically approach him? What is the real purpose of this so-called deal?
Is it really as those absurd legends of Liyue suggest, that it's all just about manipulating people's hearts and taking pleasure in it?
But now that things have come to this, Zhiyi has no way out. He forcibly suppressed his surging doubts, raised his eyes, and fixed his gaze on Famas, waiting for the other party to give an answer that could explain everything.

"Who told you I was going to personally distract Ye Lan?"

Famas tilted his head slightly and glanced at Zhiyi with a hint of surprise, as if the other party had asked an unnecessary question.

“There are naturally more suitable candidates to attract Yelan’s attention.”

Famas tapped the stone table in front of him lightly with his fingertips, making a soft, steady sound, his tone carrying a confident composure.

He was well aware that his identity was like a campfire in the dark. If he were to personally try to distract Ye Lan, not only would he fail to divert her attention, but he would also direct her keen mind directly to Zhi Yi. That would be truly playing with fire and would be a losing proposition.

But he is not the only one whose fire can shine in the darkness.

Famas already had an excellent target in his mind, someone he was 100% certain could firmly hook Yelan's mind.

"Moreover, this person might also be able to get rid of your less reliable partners while they're at it."

"For example, your overly active superiors in the Fools Clan."

Famas paused, his tone carrying a cold and meaningful weight, his deep voice echoing in the cave.

But when the words "Fools" came out of Famas' mouth, Zhiyi froze. (End of Chapter)