"I also have this feeling that what Xianyun said—rather than being directed at Shenhe—was actually meant for us..."
Su Yuan said thoughtfully.
"The more I think about it, the more it feels like a trap to lure us to Mt. Aocang."
"That's quite possible," Zhongli nodded in agreement.
"In that case, let's not get involved with Xianyun or anything going on at Mt. Aocang for the time being..."
"Since things are calm in Liyue right now, we should take this opportunity to head to the Dragon-Queller Tree."
"So, Shenhe, will you be coming with us?"
Su Yuan turned and asked Shenhe, who stood beside them.
"No."
Shenhe gently touched the red ropes tied to her body and replied calmly:
"So I wasn't wearing the red ropes just now... How strange. I didn't even realize it."
"I suppose when Xiangling said there were no delivery orders from Wanmin Restaurant today, it was actually a kind lie—meant to stop me from accidentally hurting someone without the red ropes, right?"
"Now that it's been tied back on, I'll stick to the original plan and continue my part-time work at Wanmin Restaurant."
"Alright then, Shenhe."
Su Yuan nodded.
Since Shenhe wanted to go to Wanmin Restaurant, he naturally wouldn't force her to come along.
"But Shenhe, please remember—no matter what happens, don't take off the red ropes tied around you."
"Mm, I understand."
Afterwards, Shenhe returned to Wanmin Restaurant, while Su Yuan and Zhongli headed north, leaving Liyue Harbor and making their way toward the Dragon-Queller Tree.
Along the way, Zhongli kept discussing things with Su Yuan.
"Su Yuan, although I have lived for over a thousand years and have much more experience and knowledge than you, when it comes to the eerie power, I feel like an ignorant student in your presence."
Zhongli spoke slowly:
"So, Su Yuan, what do you think is the true nature of this eerie power?"
Hearing Zhongli's question, Su Yuan fell into thought before replying:
"Although I do know more about the eerie power compared to you, Zhongli..."
"Even so, I wouldn't dare say I've fully grasped its essence..."
"From what I currently know, the eerie power, much like abyssal energy, seems to be a force originating from beyond the world of Teyvat..."
"Then, a large part of the eerie power is rooted in each person's negative emotions..."
"Moreover, the eerie power naturally counters elemental energy. No matter how strong the elemental power is, in front of eerie power, it's like paper — easily torn."
"Hmm, so Su Yuan, have you ever wondered why the Abyssal power, also an external force, doesn't have such terrifying effects?" Zhongli asked.
"Hm? Doesn't it? Abyssal power is pretty terrifying too. It has a very fearsome strength and can also corrupt people's hearts, although not as absolute as eerie power..."
Su Yuan pondered thoughtfully:
"Could it be that, although both are powers from beyond this world, there are different levels or ranks among them? That the eerie power is of a higher grade than the Abyssal power?"
But as Su Yuan thought about this, a sudden headache struck his head again.
In his mind appeared some vague images — it seemed like someone was using Abyssal power to fight against the eerie power and achieved remarkable results, successfully killing a person controlled by the eerie force...
"Su Yuan, what's wrong?"
Seeing Su Yuan rubbing his head with a painful expression, Zhongli asked with concern.
"Nothing, it's just an occasional headache…"
Su Yuan waved his hand, signaling he was fine.
"When I was previously controlled by Dottore using eerie power, and fought off those sea monsters polluted by the eerie power, I noticed one detail…"
Zhongli continued speaking:
"According to the descriptions from the Adepti present at the time, as well as my own feelings, I was using eerie power to entwine my geo spear and slay those sea monsters…"
"That's right. If eerie power naturally suppresses elemental power, then why could the two forces combine so perfectly in my technique?"
Hearing Zhongli say this, Su Yuan seemed to realize something…
Indeed, just like how earlier the mix of eerie power and the fontaine source power Indemnitium caused an explosion, and from the vague memories just now, eerie power also fiercely repels Abyssal power…
Eerie power is clearly an extremely unstable and exclusive force, so why can it be combined and used together with elemental power?
Whether it was Neuvillette's eerie water pillar, Yanfei's eerie fireball, or Zhongli's eerie geo spear, when used on those controlled by eerie power, eerie power seems to harmonize well with elemental power…
"Su Yuan, judging by your expression, you must have thought of something. In that case, I'll continue."
Zhongli continued speaking:
"At present, based on my feelings and speculation, the reason elemental power is ineffective against eerie power feels more like a kind of fusion or absorption…"
"Fusion…? Absorption…?" Su Yuan wore a thoughtful expression.
"That's all I currently think about eerie power. I wonder, Su Yuan, do you have any new insights after hearing this?" Zhongli asked.
"Zhongli, do you mean that eerie power and elemental power are actually the same kind of power, which is why they can fuse and absorb into each other?" Su Yuan said, somewhat incredulously.
"This is just a wild guess I'm making based on the information I have and my own experience."
Zhongli smiled slightly and said,
"No one can say for sure what the exact situation is."
Su Yuan nodded.
As expected of Zhongli—his experience and insight were top-notch, and he had just given him a whole new perspective.
"Su Yuan, since the journey is long, let's rest tonight at Wangshu Inn and go to the base of the Dragon-Queller Tree to meet Azhdaha tomorrow," Zhongli suggested.
"Sure," Su Yuan nodded and said, "It just so happens that there are two people I want to see at Wangshu Inn."
"Oh? If I'm not mistaken, those must be Jiang Xue and Xiao?"
"That's right! My little secret really can't escape Zhongli's eyes!"
Su Yuan smiled slightly and said:
"Since there's nothing urgent right now, why don't we try guessing the conditions under which Jiang Xue and Xiao might become corrupted by the eerie power?"
"As for Jiang Xue, I heard he really enjoys fishing—he's a well-known fisherman around Dihua Marsh and Wangshu Inn!"
"Could his condition for corruption be failing to catch any fish? That seems a bit too simple, doesn't it?"
"And Xiao—he really likes almond tofu, doesn't he?"
"Could it be that he becomes corrupted after eating bad almond tofu? Haha…"
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