Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

When the assessment was mentioned, FAMAS, who had been listening in silence the whole time, finally raised an eyebrow.

The next crucial moment will be the test of whether Irina has truly succeeded in keeping Yelan occupied.

If Uncle Tian announces Ye Lan as the next examiner, it means either Irina failed to distract Ye Lan, or Ye Lan is exceptionally capable and can still focus on examining the next generation of Tian Shu Star candidates while being chased.

Or perhaps the situation is worse; Irina has already been captured by Night Orchid.

After all, the only purpose of the compass that Famas gave to Irina was to locate Night Orchid.

If Yelan becomes aware of being tracked several times and realizes that Irina possesses an item that can pinpoint her location, it is not impossible that she could set a trap to kill Irina.

After lamenting his aging, the worry on Uncle Tian's face dissipated like clouds, replaced by a deep trust, as if entrusting someone to him.

"But it doesn't matter."

Tian Shu Xing raised his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through space, looking towards the distant Yu Jing Tai. A meaningful smile even appeared at the corner of his mouth, a subtle contrast between this ease and his previously somewhat heavy tone:

"Keqing must already have a plan in mind and be able to handle this matter properly."

"Huh... Keqing?"

Paimon keenly caught the key words, exclaimed in surprise, and the confusion on his little face instantly magnified.

Famas's gaze froze for a barely perceptible moment the instant Tian Shu uttered the name Ke Qing.

The answer was somewhat unexpected, but it did not completely deviate from his pre-set deduction path.

He thought that Tian Shu Xing would no longer entrust others to conduct detailed reviews, but would directly recommend the nominee to Yue Hai Ting to enter the formal selection process. He did not expect that Uncle Tian would eventually find someone else to conduct a background check.

Clearly, Uncle Tian still harbored doubts about Zhiyi, or rather, he had never fully trusted Zhiyi.

Fortunately, Keqing is much easier to deal with than Yelan.

Famas's face revealed a thoughtful expression at the right moment, as if affirming Uncle Tian's heavy trust in Keqing.

As Paimon countered with his question, the slightly anxious atmosphere on the terrace was broken by a clear, slightly mischievous girl's voice from the stairwell:

"It's really sad... It's only been a short time since we last met, and you've already forgotten me?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Ke Qing appeared at the door.

She wore a modified short skirt of Liyue's signature gown, a deep, calm purple with bright purple patterns symbolizing the lightning element. The waist was neatly cinched, outlining her tall and slender figure. As she moved, the skirt swayed lightly, revealing the unique competence and elegance of the Seven Stars of Thousand Rock. Her deep purple eyes swept over the crowd, and the corners of her lips slightly raised, carrying a hint of scrutiny.

"Wow! It's Keqing!"

What are you doing here?!

Paimon's eyes widened instantly, and he jumped up and down in surprise.

Keqing simply walked briskly onto the terrace.

Her gaze swept over Uncle Tian and the group of travelers, finally lingering briefly on Famas.

Just as she slightly raised her hand in greeting, a small section of skin was exposed to the sunlight between the delicate black gloves covering her forearm and the cuffs. There, one could vaguely see a slightly lighter-colored mark with subtle textures, like a faded cherry blossom imprinted on porcelain-white skin.

"Huh?!"

Paimon, with his sharpest eyes, immediately flew closer as if he had discovered a new continent, pointing at Keqing's arm with a tone full of concern and curiosity.

"Keqing! What happened to your arm? It looks like... there's a mark?"

Keqing paused almost imperceptibly, a hint of unease flashing deep in her purple eyes. She quickly pulled her sleeve down, concealing the mark, then casually lowered her hand, even deliberately pulling her arm to her side to avoid Paimon's probing gaze. A forced, relaxed smile appeared on her lips as her gaze swept quickly over Famas before returning to its original position, her tone nonchalant:

"Ah, this... it's nothing serious. I accidentally injured myself while investigating the Layered Rock Abyss."

"It's just a minor injury. I saw Doctor Bai at Bubulu and it's nothing serious now."

Ke Qing's words were quick and indistinct, clearly indicating that she did not want to dwell on the topic any longer.

Behind this attempt to cover up the truth lies the shocking fire of the Abyss of Laminaria.

At that time, Ning Lan was trapped in a sea of ​​fire. In her desperation to save Ning Lan, Ke Qing used all her lightning element to bombard the raging fire, trying to trigger an overload to extinguish the flames instantly. However, due to the loss of control of her power, she triggered a violent backlash of elemental force, and the blazing flames instantly engulfed half of her arm.

Even though he was later saved by the skillful treatment of the physician Bai Shu from Bubulu, and the scars faded considerably, the skin still did not fully recover and left a faint but undeniable mark.

Now, the investigation into the spontaneous combustion case of the criminals in Ginhara-cho has concluded, and all the evidence and clues clearly point to FAMAS in front of us.

However, given the other party's special status and the crucial evidence that she had not yet fully grasped, even Ke Qing, who was known for her decisiveness, had to temporarily restrain her sharpness, pretend to be completely unaware of everything, and even conceal the scars she had suffered because of the other party, in order to maintain a calm facade.

Keqing greeted the Traveler and Paimon crisply, gave Famas a polite nod, and then her gaze fell precisely on the Traveler.

Her tone carried an undeniable familiarity, yet also a businesslike air:

"Traveler, come with me to see what those three candidates are like?"

Keqing paused for a moment, a deep meaning flashing in her purple eyes, "This is a good opportunity to get to know the next generation of Tian Shu Xing in Liyue in advance. Perhaps you can lend a hand?"

Upon hearing this, Paimon immediately flew to the Traveler's side, eagerly poking her shoulder with her little hand, her eyes filled with excitement and curiosity: "Hmm... Traveler, what do you think? It sounds really interesting!"

The traveler met Ke Qing's gaze and nodded decisively: "Of course."

"I knew you'd agree!" Paimon happily twirled in the air. "I think so too! It's definitely not going to hurt to build a good relationship with the future Seven Stars!"

Having received affirmative answers from both of them, Ke Qing nodded in satisfaction and decisively made the decision: "Then it's settled."

As soon as she finished speaking, Ke Qing's gaze turned to Uncle Tian, ​​and she naturally changed the subject.

"However, Uncle Tian, ​​don't you think Miss Ye Lan is the best candidate to conduct candidate investigations and assessments?"

Uncle Tian stroked his beard and chuckled upon hearing this: "Of course I know that girl Ye Lan is good at this, but she's been elusive lately, and it's impossible to catch her. That's why I have to trouble you."

Ke Qing nodded thoughtfully, looking directly at Uncle Tian and said, "I think you and Ye Lan have something in common in some ways. One is used to strategizing behind the scenes, while the other acts in the dark... Doesn't Ye Lan also possess the qualities needed by Tian Shu Star?"

"Eh?!"

As soon as Keqing finished speaking, Paimon covered his mouth in surprise, his eyes darting between Keqing and Uncle Tian.

"Night, Night Orchid... Could she also want to become the Heavenly Star?"

Uncle Tian was amused by Paimon's straightforward exclamation and shook his head with a laugh:

"Heh... I wouldn't mind if Ye Lan took over this position, even though I'm an old man."

As his smile faded, Uncle Tian's gaze toward Ke Qing became serious and complex, his tone carrying an air of unwavering certainty.

"But Yelan and Ningguang have been partners for many years, and their bond is as inseparable as a sword and its sheath. Ningguang probably won't easily let go of her most trusted and effective weapon."

"Alright then, if after this evaluation, none of the candidates are truly up to the task, I'll swallow my pride and personally go to Ningguang to borrow someone, recommending Yelan to take over this responsibility for Tian Shu Star. What do you say?" (End of Chapter)