Genshin Impact: Dionysus reigns supreme, all demons retreat!

Chapter 186 The Pursuit of the Empress's Birthday Gifts

"That's why it's called a secret trade route!"

Ye Lan laughed and said, "Sometimes I have to admire the incredible resilience and adaptability of the soldiers under the command of the Fools. They can actually brave the severe cold to travel back and forth in this snowy mountain."

Xu Ning took a sip of wine and said, "I've heard that the area where Zhidong Kingdom is located is mostly covered by ice and snow. Perhaps the people who grow up and live there are not afraid of the cold."

Yelan wrapped her clothes tighter around herself and laughed, "We Liyue people can't stand this kind of cold. To be honest, I don't think I've ever seen snow in Liyue in my entire life!"

Xu Ning thought about it and realized that it really wasn't. Although it was cold in winter, the damp cold was different from the cold in the snow mountain.

"The large campsite ahead should be a place to resupply for people entering the mountains. Let's go there and buy some more clothes and food!"

Xu Ning, along with Ye Lan and Qing Yi, stepped directly into the camp, which appeared to be a converted abandoned ruin.

As soon as I entered, a woman dressed in a neat green adventure outfit came to greet me.

"Did you come here on a mission commissioned by that brat Serius, or are you just looking for a vacation in these mountains? Tsk tsk, judging by your clothes and empty hands, you're probably planning a trip to the snow mountains, aren't you? There's been a lot of unusual activity in the snow mountains lately, you'd better find somewhere else to travel!"

Before Xu Ning could even speak, the woman launched into a long tirade, trying to get rid of him.

"We came to this camp to buy supplies in preparation for going up the mountain."

The woman waved her hand impatiently and said, "Fine, all that was said was for nothing. Do whatever you want, I've already given you all the warnings."

The woman turned and walked away, but after taking a couple of steps she turned back and shoved something that looked like a copper tube into Xu Ning's hand.

"This is a simplified version of a communication firework. Remember not to go too deep inside. If something really happens, just set it up into the sky. If we can see it, we might be able to come and help you."

Xu Ning looked down at the fireworks in his hand, smiled, and asked the woman, "Thank you so much. May I ask your name?"

The woman waved her hand and said, "My name is Yuxia. Haven't heard of me? The branch president of Mondstadt, Serius, is my brother. In this camp, if you want to buy anything, just mention my name and no one will try to rip you off. Go and explore on your own. Many of the merchants in this camp are very experienced. Chatting with them will be very helpful for your trip into the mountains."

After Yuxia left, Yelan finally had a chance to speak.

"Their enthusiasm is irresistible!"

Upon hearing Ye Lan's assessment, Xu Ning chuckled and said, "That's because you haven't met Guild Master Serius from Mondstadt yet. These two siblings are truly alike in temperament, but their appearances are vastly different. She clearly looks like a Liyue native, while Serius is a genuine Mondstadt citizen."

However, Ye Lan and Qing Yi were not interested in the gossip of the siblings. At this moment, the shopping spirit hidden in women began to burn fiercely, and they instantly entered shopping mode.

Xu Ning was once again reduced to a follower, stuffing all sorts of things, both useful and useless, into the space.

As they passed a weapons shop, the blacksmith inside glanced at Xu Ning and suddenly asked, "Aren't you the newly promoted honorary knight of the Knights of Favonius?"

Xu Ning told Ye Lan to take Qingyi to a nearby food stall to eat something first, while he went in and chatted with the blacksmith.

"How do you know me?"

The blacksmith Urban laughed and said, "I have only ever been interested in forging weapons. While you and another honorary knight were rising to fame in Mondstadt, I was only interested in the weapons you used."

"I heard that you are wearing a pair of gauntlets and that the copper gourd in your hand seems to be a magical artifact unique to Liyue, so I recognized you when I saw you."

Xu Ning shook the gourd in his hand and smiled; this thing had basically become his trademark.

"So, did you stop me because you have a request?"

Urban sighed, “Indeed. Do you know Coldblade? It was the personal weapon of Herman, the adventurer who was famous in Mondstadt back then. I made it! Unfortunately, that sword is not my masterpiece. I need better materials and ores. Only in this way can I bring out the full potential of my skills.”

"If you find any strong materials during your trip into the mountains, please bring them to me. Whether it's paying Mora or having weapons made for you for free, just ask!"

Xu Ning shook his head slightly and said, "We are not going into the mountains for exploration this time. We may not have the time or energy to look for any materials or ores."

Seeing the disappointment on Urban's face, Xu Ning said again, "But if I encounter them on the road, I will definitely bring them back to you."

Urban smiled again and nodded, saying, "It's good that you mean well."

After preparing everything, Xu Ning, dressed in green, entered the cave to escape the cold, while he and Ye Lan walked along the snow-covered path.

Not long after entering the mountain, Xu Ning felt a chill, like thousands of needles, piercing into his entire body little by little.

Ye Lan pointed to the road beneath her feet and said to Xu Ning, "If we keep following this road, we will reach the old palace of the 'Snow Burial Capital'. We can lie in wait there."

"According to the information I have, the Fools' army will definitely arrive within three days. Sleeping Dragon Valley is a place they will inevitably pass through, and that's where we will make our move."

Xu Ning said he would follow Ye Lan's arrangements completely.

The two walked along the snow-covered road for less than half a day when Xu Ning discovered what appeared to be a huge block of ice by the roadside, from which a light seemed to flash.

Did you see anything over there just now?

Xu Ning asked Ye Lan beside him.

Ye Lan had been observing the surroundings. Hearing Xu Ning's words, she nodded and said, "There seems to be something inside that block of ice."

Xu Ning walked over, pressed himself against the ice, and peered inside.

The ice cubes were not transparent, and you couldn't see anything inside at all.

Xu Ning shook his head at Ye Lan, "We can't see anything. The Fools could arrive at any time. We don't have time to waste on this right now. We'll investigate again after this is over."

That's exactly what Yelan meant.

The two abandoned the block of ice and continued on their way. Xu Ning, finding the journey boring, turned to Ye Lan and asked, "Is there anything you've been eyeing among the goods the Fools are transporting this time?"

Ye Lan looked at Xu Ning in surprise and said, "I can't hide it from you. It is said that the Queen of Zhidong Kingdom will be celebrating her birthday soon. It seems that all the tribes of the Fools are preparing all kinds of gifts to celebrate the Queen's birthday. This time, the target is said to be a birthday gift that a rich man specially purchased at a high price to give to the Queen."

Xu Ning laughed. Just as expected, his and Ye Lan's scheme had become a "smart robbery of the birthday gifts."