When did Zayn suddenly take an interest in swordsmanship?
Morax looked at him—this eager, almost shining expression—and couldn't help sinking into thought.
But among the weapons he wielded, the sword was not his specialty.
He could teach, yes… but Zayn clearly wanted more than just the basics.
So Morax simply recommended someone far more suitable.
"For swordsmanship, I am far from the top," Morax said.
"I am unqualified to instruct you. But—west of Liyue lies a place called Qingxu Pool.
There resides a Sword Demon God named Qingxu."
Morax continued:
"I have some acquaintances with him. He enjoys fine wine above all else.
If you bring him an excellent drink, he should be willing to teach you."
A Sword Demon God?
Zayn never knew Qingxu Pool once housed such a figure.
Perhaps Qingxu later perished in the Archon War, leaving no record behind.
After all, most demon gods had long been washed away by the tides of history.
But a Sword Demon God…
His command of swordsmanship must be extraordinary.
Fine wine, huh?
Hah—if there was one thing Zayn didn't lack, it was wine.
"Alright, I get it," Zayn said.
"I'll take some good wine and visit him later."
He paused.
"But he won't cut me down the moment he sees me… right?"
He knew nothing of Qingxu's temperament. What if he stepped onto the territory and immediately got bisected?
Morax laughed.
"Qingxu is easygoing and indifferent to worldly matters.
He rarely conflicts with other demon gods.
You may go without worry."
"Besides—if you wish to escape, it would not be difficult."
After living together under the same roof, Morax already understood Zayn's strength—
The Manifestation Demon God was far from weak.
In fact, he would be a troublesome opponent if ever turned hostile.
His power was simply too broad. Anything imagined could be manifested.
The possibilities were endless.
Zayn grinned at that.
"Hehehe~ Since you said so, I'll go boldly.
If I get beaten up, you better help me take revenge!"
"Certainly," Morax replied.
On the way to Qingxu Pool
Zayn pondered a serious question:
What wine should he offer a Sword Demon God?
There were many options…
but he had no idea what Qingxu preferred.
Judging from the name, Qingxu likely had Liyue tastes.
So—
Zayn manifested a pristine white bottle of Moutai.
"Hope he likes Blue Star's finest," he muttered.
Turning into a streak of white light, Zayn flew southwest at top speed.
Soon, the landscape of Qingxu Pool appeared beneath him.
Tall, narrow mountains; stone structures built along ridges; humans living between cliffs and pools—
The environment was far better than the current Liyue.
Should he upgrade Liyue's living standards when he returns…?
A youthful voice echoed across the sky:
"Who visits my domain? Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner—may you come forth?"
He didn't hide his presence.
Qingxu had sensed him instantly.
The source of the voice was a stone pavilion atop the highest peak.
A stone table, two cups—
and a black-haired man in azure robes sitting calmly within.
In the blink of an eye, Zayn appeared inside the pavilion.
"I am the Manifestation Demon God—Zenos," he said.
"I heard the Sword Demon God Qingxu resides here, so I came to meet him."
Qingxu, surprised, raised a brow.
He rarely interacted with other demon gods.
He cared little for territory, only seeking a carefree life while protecting a few humans.
The youthful appearance did not fool him—this was merely a manifested form.
"Oh? And for what purpose?" Qingxu asked.
Zayn took out the white bottle of Moutai.
Qingxu tilted his head.
This… was supposed to be alcohol?
In this age, wine was kept in jars and barrels.
Zayn smiled.
"I heard the Sword Demon God is fond of drink—unrestrained and carefree.
So today, I brought a kind you've likely never tasted before."
"Would you like to try?"
Qingxu's curiosity flared.
A wine he had never seen?
He accepted the offer.
"Then I must thank the Manifestation Demon God for his gift."
Anyone who brought him alcohol was a good person in his book.
Zayn opened the bottle—
and instantly, a rich fragrance burst out.
Qingxu's eyes widened.
This aroma—
Unbelievably pure, impossibly rich.
He inhaled deeply.
Truly a wine unlike any he had encountered.
Zayn poured a full round cup (round—unlike a certain someone's square cups that hurt to hold).
"Please."
Qingxu lifted the cup, anticipation shimmering in his eyes.
One smooth sip.
Warmth spread through his body; the lingering aroma danced across his senses.
"This is indeed a fine wine!" he exclaimed, eyes full of praise.
"Another?" Zayn asked, refilling.
Qingxu drank again—this time savoring it slowly, reverently.
It felt like tasting an exquisite work of art.
How could such a wine exist in this world?
"Thank you, Brother Zenos," Qingxu said, already addressing him like kin.
Just two cups had turned the Sword Demon God into a close friend.
Every drink he had ever consumed before suddenly felt like bland water.
"No need to be polite," Zayn said with a smile.
"To make friends with the Sword Demon God is an honor."
"And if you truly wish to repay me… how about teaching me the way of the sword?"
"I'll pay with wine, of course."
Zayn said it playfully—
but he had already captured Qingxu's interest perfectly.
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
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