Chapter 11: The Weapon Master Shall Never Die Bare-Handed in Genshin Impact [11]
"So, about that traveler… he seems really dangerous!"
Amber reported urgently.
"When I watched him fight the Hilichurls from afar, he was laughing while swinging that huge axe around!"
"And his attacks were terrifyingly precise! He doesn't even have a Vision, but he clears out Hilichurl camps way faster than I ever could!"
"Oh?"
Kaeya's uncovered eye gleamed with interest.
"No Vision, but exceptional strength? That's quite the intriguing piece of information."
"What are you smiling about? I need to tell Jean about this right away! If he really is dangerous, we can't take any chances!"
Amber hurried off toward the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, while Kaeya stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"No Vision, yet he left such an impression on Amber with sheer physical prowess?"
"Looks like I'll need to gather more intel myself…"
---
By the time Jia Changjiang returned to Mondstadt, the sun had already set.
Thankfully, the Adventurers' Guild operated around the clock, and Katheryne was still diligently manning her post.
Though his paperwork was a little clumsy, Jia Changjiang successfully turned in his commission and earned his first legitimate income in Teyvat—aside from what he looted off Hilichurls.
"Yes! Money!"
He tucked the pouch of Mora into his bag, recalling something Lin had mentioned during their earlier conversation.
"So… why not check out Mondstadt's taverns?"
If there was one thing Mondstadt had plenty of, it was taverns. They were everywhere, and their patrons were always eager to talk.
Rumor had it that a tipsy drunkard would sometimes spill valuable information without realizing it.
While Jia Changjiang couldn't remember where he'd heard this, the prospect of exploring Mondstadt's famous taverns intrigued him nonetheless.
Wandering down a street lined with bustling establishments, he was suddenly hailed by a cheerful voice.
"You there! The one in the exotic outfit! Care to grab a drink?"
The speaker was Patton, the enthusiastic greeter stationed outside the Angel's Share.
"We've got a big promotion going on! Come on in—it's the best tavern in Mondstadt!"
"Really?"
Jia Changjiang approached curiously.
"Got any recommendations?"
"You'll have to ask Charles inside—he's one of the best bartenders in the city!" Patton replied warmly.
"So, how about it? Come in for a drink?"
"Sure."
Jia Changjiang nodded and stepped into the Angel's Share.
The moment he entered, his ears caught the sound of lively music. He glanced toward its source and saw a green-clad figure strumming a lyre, filling the room with a cheerful melody.
The bard's upbeat performance drew Jia Changjiang's attention. He found himself momentarily entranced by the music before something about the bard clicked in his memory.
"That's… Venti, isn't it?"
Jia Changjiang's eyes sparkled with recognition.
A bard… and the Anemo Archon?
His hand instinctively moved toward his axe, but he quickly stopped himself, remembering that he was still in a tavern.
Venti, in the middle of his performance, seemed to notice Jia Changjiang's reaction but continued to play as if nothing had happened.
Taking a seat at the bar, Jia Changjiang addressed the man behind the counter.
"Any recommendations?"
"You must be new to Mondstadt," Charles said as he polished a glass. "If you're looking for a local specialty, you should try our signature Apple Cider."
"Apple Cider, huh? I'll take two. How much?"
"Two thousand Mora for the pair."
"Deal."
Jia Changjiang paid for the drinks with his freshly earned Mora and, curious about the bard, asked Charles, "Do you know the guy playing over there?"
"Oh, him?"
Charles chuckled.
"He's a bard who arrived in Mondstadt not too long ago. A gifted performer—his music brings in a lot of customers."
Charles handed over the drinks, and Jia Changjiang carried them to a seat where he could enjoy Venti's music more comfortably.
The bard's nimble fingers danced across the strings of his lyre, producing enchanting notes that captivated the crowd.
Even Jia Changjiang, who wasn't particularly well-versed in music, found himself thoroughly enjoying the performance.
When Venti finished his set, the audience cheered and rewarded him with generous tips, tossing Mora into his hat.
Seizing the moment, Jia Changjiang called out to him.
"Care to join me for a drink? My treat!"
"Why, thank you for the invitation."
Venti smiled and gracefully vacated his spot, allowing another bard to take over the entertainment.
He made his way to Jia Changjiang's table and sat down.
"So, warrior, is there something you wish to ask of the best bard in all of Teyvat?"
Venti's mischievous smile widened as he addressed Jia Changjiang.
"Warrior?"
Used to being called a traveler or adventurer, Jia Changjiang was momentarily caught off guard by the unique title.
Still, he found himself rather pleased with it.
"I don't have anything specific to ask," Jia Changjiang replied, his gaze alight with interest. "I just find you fascinating. That's why I invited you for a drink."
"A bard never drinks for free, my friend."
Venti lifted his lyre, a playful glint in his eyes.
"How about I exchange a song for this drink?"
"No need."
Jia Changjiang gestured toward the other bard now performing.
"It's their turn. If you play something too impressive, it might put them in an awkward spot."
"Ha! Who would've thought a warrior like you could be so considerate?"
Venti laughed, setting his lyre aside before raising his glass.
"Well then, what shall we do with this drink?"
"Drink it, of course. Isn't that what it's for?"
Jia Changjiang downed half his Apple Cider in one go, the liquid disappearing like water poured into a drain.
Slamming his glass on the table, he smacked his lips appreciatively.
"Good stuff!"
---
This is a fan translation of 武器大师在原神绝不死于徒手 by 徐人双. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!