Genshin Impact's Sweet and Hard Free People

The tremors caused some green crystals to fall from the cave ceiling, threatening to hit the two people.

Before Xinhui could even make a move, Hu Tao had already set off.

A red spear tip shot through the air, striking upwards towards the long, nail-like crystal, several meters wide. At the same time, the spear was imbued with a crimson elemental power, appearing like a dazzling flame.

Only after the spear shattered the crystal pillar did Xinhui realize the true nature of the spear in Hu Tao's hand.

"Only the untamed fire can purify the filth of heaven and earth, raise vermilion firewood, and drive away all evil spirits."

This is the vermilion "firewood staff" used in the long-lost ancient altar, which is also an ancient sacred artifact—the homa staff.

The spearhead, like a rising flame, is inlaid with a bright vermilion gemstone, and between the spearhead and the shaft is a cloud-shaped section decorated with mica. Then there is its black and red shaft.

The staff of homa is imbued with the fire elemental power from the Eye of God behind Walnut. After easily breaking through the crystal pillar, Walnut's action of spinning the gun and sheathing it looks neat and cool.

Xin Hui then realized that the girl in front of him, Hu Tao, was not a delicate little girl from an ordinary family, but a strong young woman who was truly traveling alone in an adventurous world.

Just as they were relieved about their situation, more crystal pillars began to fall from the cave ceiling. At the same time, the enormous crystal statue in front of them seemed to be slowly rotating. This was also the reason for the tremors in the secret realm; the rotation of the enormous crystal statue caused the crystal pillars to loosen and fall.

Xin Hui used the power of the Rock Core Glass to keep the crystal pillars suspended in the air, preventing them from falling and damaging the statue of the Goddess of Life.

Only after the statue of [Yimeng] turned 90 degrees to the left did the dark blue teleportation tunnel it had been hiding gradually come into view.

Is this... a passageway leading to a small world?

Xinhui tried to sense the connection point on the other side of the passage, but was disturbed by the divine power constantly emanating from it.

Once the statue stopped rotating, the tremors of the adverse forces seemed to cease as well. After confirming that no more crystal pillars would fall, Xin Hui also stopped channeling his Geo elemental power.

"Oh dear, that was really dangerous." Hu Tao said with a hint of surprise, "If this were when Grandpa was still alive, he would have definitely spanked me with a bamboo stick."

Looking at the mess that had left the secret realm in ruins, Hu Tao was clearly surprised that she hadn't expected it to be destroyed like this.

"However, if you can really help me uncover the secrets hidden in the 'border,' I might consider forgiving you. After all, this master is still quite humane."

Xin Hui smiled awkwardly. She didn't care about the damage here at all; she was clearly more interested in knowing the secret of the Goddess of Life than he was.

"Master Hu Tao, don't let your guard down," Xin Hui could only remind her.

Hu Tao gave him an "OK" sign, indicating that Xin Hui could rest assured.

The two arrived at the entrance of the passageway, only to discover a black stone tablet hidden to its right.

The inscription on the stele reads:

Life and death are but the beginning of a dream, yet before the dream even begins, it is nipped in the bud...

It's a rather mystical statement, but since it mentions life and death, and there's divine power surging from the passageway, there must be some profound meaning left by the goddess of life, right?

Xin Hui didn't want to back down, because after awakening his memories, he was constantly reminded by the images that had surfaced in his mind—not to interfere with the seemingly peaceful world of Teyvat.

He had a premonition that once he took this step, there might be no turning back.

However, having already made up his mind after his past burning, he was naturally not afraid of being burned to ashes again...

A glint of light flashed in Xin Hui's eyes as he and Hu Tao entered the dark blue-black tunnel. Whatever lay inside, Xin Hui had the courage to find out.

The power of space and time is actually mysterious. For example, creating small spaces is not a difficult task for gods. The small space that appears in front of Xinhui and the other person is just one of them.

"There's nothing there, it looks empty." Hu Tao's doubts were growing, and she seemed somewhat helpless. "So much time and effort wasted, and this is all we get? Goddess of Life, do you think you can deceive this master just because you're a deity..."

Xin Hui listened to Hu Tao's complaints and expressed his understanding. However, he thought that if you are unhappy with this owner in someone else's little world, even a person with a bad temper would not easily let it go.

Indeed, there were only some white clouds, a huge bluish-white stone platform, and a long desk in the center of the platform.

The word "empty" is a very apt description.

However, Xinhui did not give up. He stood on the floating platform and walked towards the long desk.

There was a yellow scroll on the table, and the scroll looked very exquisite.

He slowly opened it, and when he saw that there were no words on it at first, he was very puzzled. Why was it a blank scroll?

Only after he fully unrolled the scroll did the ink writing on the blank paper gradually become visible.

Life is tangible, relying on objects to carry life itself; death is intangible, returning to nothingness and dissipating to usher in new life...

I was originally a demon god who held the power of the laws of life and death, and I dedicated everything to exploring the limits of these laws.

I don't want to live in the mortal world, I don't want to be involved in human affairs... Although I remind myself not to participate in the war between demons and gods, the tragedy caused by [Heuria]'s repeated concessions reminds me that I still need to make plans as soon as possible.

To strengthen people's faith and thus enhance their own divine power, I chose to help those suffering beings. However, my help to them is not charity, but a response to their yearning for life.

At the same time, I must unravel the secrets of the laws, which is also the main reason why I don't want to be tainted by war.

It's been so long...

As I excitedly grasped the mysteries of the laws of life, a cold sword was placed against my neck. Though surprised, I had actually anticipated this, and thus, I departed with equanimity…

Chapter Forty-Seven: The Witch's Laughter

A sword held to the neck? What does that mean?

Xin Hui was stunned for a moment, and then reacted in disbelief.

The scroll tells the story of [Yimeng] who sacrificed herself in pursuit of the power of the laws of life and death. At the same time, it also clearly explains that she is not actually a very benevolent god.

【Yimeng】's act of saving lives is largely a hypocritical facade she puts on to gain people's faith, and even though she eventually succeeds, something still steals away her expectations.

Although she doesn't deserve sympathy, it can only be said that she was someone who stayed true to herself, and her life can be considered quite heroic.

“The stories on this scroll are so different from the ones I’ve heard since I was a child…” Hu Tao came to Xin Hui’s side and noticed the records on the scroll. “Especially the last part, I don’t quite understand it.”

As the head of the Hall of Rebirth, Hu Tao has known the story of the Goddess of Life since she was a child. Her image is so radiant, loving, and kind... But now, this image seems to have been shattered, replaced by a deity who looks somewhat selfish and cowardly.

"That might mean she suffered an attack far beyond her own power, like... divine punishment." Xin Hui answered Hu Tao's question.

That's right, having a sword held to her neck means that [Yi Meng] herself suffered divine punishment, which led to her swift demise. As for what divine punishment is, Xin Hui thinks it can only be an attack from "Heavenly Principles".

but……

Just as Hu Tao was about to retort, a light and melodious female voice suddenly appeared in this mysterious little space.

“That’s right, my sister did suffer divine punishment, and her body didn’t even leave ashes.”

The voice carried a playful quality, like the wailing of a witch, which immediately put Xin Hui on alert.

"Who?!"

He shouted and then turned around abruptly.

Then, a wisp of blue smoke appeared from nowhere and transformed into a human figure.

"It really is an old acquaintance. I never thought that you, who were once so carefree, would only have this much power left."

A sneer came from within the humanoid wisp of smoke. At the same time, its face slowly emerged, followed by its body, limbs... until it completely transformed into the appearance of a stunningly beautiful woman.

It is the goddess of life, [Yimeng]!

Hu Tao was somewhat stunned and couldn't help but say, "The Goddess of Life has reappeared? How is this possible? You're not an imposter, are you?"

Hu Tao squinted at the woman whose feet were dangling in the air, lost in thought.

"Hehe, little sister, you're really interesting. Speaking of which, I saw you a few years ago~" [Yi Meng] chuckled after hearing Hu Tao's words, waving her right hand and laughing lightly.

"Don't look at her!"

Xin Hui suddenly shouted, bringing the atmosphere back to a tense state. At the same time, he tightly shielded Hu Tao behind him, his ice-blue longsword already in his hand.

Only he knew that the humanoid wisp of smoke before him was not the goddess of life, but rather the manifestation of the goddess of life's will.

Thousands of years have passed, and even the Rock God Morax has suffered wear and tear, yet the remnants of [Imu's] will still appear perfectly intact. How could this not surprise Xin Hui?

Who knows what this demon god's will will do? It's questionable whether it can even maintain [Yi Meng's] thinking. If it wants to do something to Hu Tao, Xin Hui isn't sure if he can stop it.

Therefore, this loud shout was a kind of deterrent, hoping that the latter would not act rashly after seeing the two elemental forces surging on its body.

Hu Tao was also awakened by Xin Hui's reprimand. Sensing the immense power surging within Xin Hui, she realized that the [Yi Meng] before her was not the real her, and might even be detrimental to the two of them.

"What an impatient little brother." [Yi Meng]'s will seemed to be provoked by Xin Hui. The next moment, anger suddenly arose in her eyes, and with the change in her emotions, the environment in this small world seemed to change as well.

The sky darkened, and a sudden gust of wind arose.

"My remaining will could easily deal with you now," Yi Meng said, her voice echoing throughout the small world as she hid among the clouds.

Upon hearing this answer, Xin Hui's eyes sharpened instantly, his golden pupils gleaming. He continued in a deep voice, "Then I won't let you do as you please! [Yi Meng], is the state of your remaining will your true intention, or perhaps..."

"Or perhaps my will has strayed? Right?" [Yi Meng] continued Xin Hui's words. Her figure, hidden in the clouds, circled over and cupped Xin Hui's face in her hands. Only then did Xin Hui meet the eyes of this stunningly beautiful woman in her emerald green dress.

"It seems your arrogance hasn't changed at all."

After saying this, she chuckled softly and disappeared, leaving no trace.

When the will of [Yimeng] reappeared, it was already at the desk, sitting in a chair that had appeared out of thin air.

The sky cleared up again, and the sky turned into a sunset scene.

"Don't be nervous, that was just to scare you."

"Come and sit down."

Although that's what she said, no normal person would choose to believe it easily.

It was like a trap set by a treacherous banquet.

Just moments ago, it seemed ready to attack him, its mood unpredictable, but now it suddenly appears ready to sit down and have a proper talk. This dramatic shift in emotion made Xin Hui wonder: was this truly the gentle deity he knew?

However, the latter didn't seem to be in a hurry. He even took out a tea set from somewhere, brewed tea remotely, served tea to the two of them, and then sat there elegantly, confident that the two of them would eventually come over on their own.

Sure enough, in the end, Hu Tao poked Xin Hui's arm with her finger and suggested, "Why don't we go over there? I don't think she means any harm."

Xin Hui almost laughed out of anger. Was Hu Tao's memory really that short? Just a moment ago, she was radiating murderous intent towards us, and you've already forgotten?

However, considering how terrifying [Yimeng]'s abilities are, she can strike at any time if she wants to harm me.

He simply listened to Hu Tao's suggestion, went over, and pulled two chairs to sit down.

Immediately afterwards, Xinhui asked his first question, which was serious and sincere.

"You...met that being of this world?"

Chapter Forty-Eight: Fighting Alone