[Click to View Life Summary]
Shaking off the lingering melancholy from his last simulated life, Ji An clicked to view the summary.
[Overall Rating: Perfect]
[Life Summary: She Still Does Not Know the Name of the Butterfly She Saw That Day]
[You have received the simulation reward: Secret Art of Serenity]
[You have obtained exclusive character bond: [Forget-Me-Not]]
A skill book materialized in his hand, its form shimmering between the tangible and the illusory, just like when he had received the 'Hilichurl Storm Axe Art'.
With a mere thought, the book dissolved into motes of light and flowed into him.
Curious, he pulled up his system panel. The Secret Art of Serenity was categorized as a Talent, its icon framed in brilliant gold. The name alone gave nothing away about its function.
He decided to activate it.
Understanding dawned on him instantly. "So that's how it works," he murmured. "A gold-grade Talent, indeed."
Strictly speaking, the 'Secret Art of Serenity' was a support skill, but for Ji An, it was a godsend. Without a Vision, he was cut off from Teyvat's primary source of power: Elemental Energy.
As Herloxia grew stronger, he would inevitably become a liability if he didn't keep pace. She might not mind, but he couldn't accept that. They wouldn't always be together; in moments of separation, his own strength would be paramount.
He had previously toyed with the idea of harnessing the Ley Line energy from crystals, but it proved nearly impossible. While ancient alchemy could strip away most of the dark, corrupting aura within the energy, a residual taint always remained—a distortion that seemed to warp both mind and body. For machines of steel, it was negligible; for a human, the risks were unknown and far too great to chance.
But with the 'Secret Art of Serenity,' he could safely draw upon that power. As long as he was careful not to absorb too much at once, the skill would preserve his body and mind from corruption.
His initial excitement cooled to a steady hum of satisfaction.
His attention turned to the new character bond.
[Forget-Me-Not]: When the host is in contact with the exclusive character, prolonged interaction may trigger special effects.
Another purple-grade bond, just like [Haven't I Seen You Somewhere Before?]. At a glance, they both seemed underwhelming, especially compared to the tangible benefits from his bond with the Machine-Princess. The identities of these "exclusive characters" remained a mystery, making the bonds feel abstract and useless.
A chime echoed in his mind, pulling him from his thoughts.
[Ding! Perfect evaluation achieved. Select one additional reward.]
"An extra reward?" Ji An's eyes widened as two options materialized before him.
1. [Wind from a Distant Ancient Land]
2. [Gaze Cast Down from the Sky]
[Please choose based on your needs, Host.]
[Note: This selection will influence future simulation rewards.]
His gaze flickered between "Ancient Land" and "Sky." The distinction was clear: one represented the power of a fallen kingdom, the other the authority of a god.
Before meeting Herloxia, the allure of divine power might have tempted him.
Now, the choice was simple.
"I'll take the first option," he stated firmly.
'Ding! Obtained [Wind from a Distant Ancient Land]: A clue for upgrading the core of the [Heart of Man].'
A lance of pain stabbed through his temples. Fragmented visions flooded his mind:
A silver-white tree, majestic and serene, stood upon a mountain peak altar, revered by worshippers below. A civilization flourishing in a verdant mountain city, its prosperity and growth immortalized on vibrant murals, all empowered by the great tree. A cataclysm. A single, world-freezing nail plummeting from the heavens, entombing the vibrant nation in an eternal, silent grave of ice.
As the visions receded, a name echoed in the void they left behind: Sal Vindagnyr.
"Sal Vindagnyr..." Ji An repeated, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Is that the name of that lost country?"
The key to evolving his [Heart of Man] was hidden within that snow-swept tomb. But the clues were scattered across centuries, and his knowledge of Teyvat's history was sparse. Finding it on his own would be futile.
"It looks like I need to head to a major city in Liyue," he concluded. "Scholars or archaeologists there might have records of a forgotten kingdom buried in the ice."
Liyue - The Jade Chamber
"So, to be clear, this individual only intervened to ensure your safety?" Keqing's voice was steady, but her focus was intense.
"For the last time, yes!" Yanfei sighed, massaging her temples as she faced the two most powerful women in Liyue. "Lady Keqing, Lady Ningguang, we've been over this. Repeatedly. My pile of legal briefs isn't getting any smaller while I'm here, you know."
"The matter is of critical importance," Keqing insisted, a flicker of apology in her amethyst eyes. "You are our primary witness, the only one who had direct contact with him."
"Contact is a strong word!" Yanfei's cheeks flushed a sudden, bright pink. "Why would you phrase it like that?"
Keqing blinked, genuinely perplexed. "Is it inaccurate? Multiple eyewitnesses reported you were the sole person he engaged in conversation with."
"Well, yes, but—! I've already told you every single word that was said! Do you want me to recite it again?" The young legal advisor looked utterly exasperated.
Ningguang, who had been quietly observing while taking a slow draw from her elegant pipe, finally spoke, her voice a calming murmur. "That's enough, Keqing. Miss Yanfei has been exceedingly cooperative." She gestured gracefully with her pipe. "We have her full account. Let's not keep her from her duties any longer."
"But the investigation—" Keqing pressed, her brow still knit with concern.
"—Will continue," Ningguang finished, her tone leaving no room for argument. A serene smile played on her lips. "Baishi and her team are already pursuing other leads. You, however, have been working for eighteen hours straight. You need to rest."
After Keqing and a relieved Yanfei had departed, the Tianquan's composed smile melted away. She rose and walked to the edge of her chamber, looking out over the cloud-speckled landscape of Liyue. Her jade-like features were set in an expression of deep contemplation.
"A man who commands Ruin Guards... pilots a unique Ruin Hunter... and left the fearsome Tartaglia gravely wounded..." she mused, her voice barely a whisper. "Just who are you, Mysterious Masked Man?"
-------
A/n: Hey over on my patreon there are currently two for the time being exclusive books which are
Zenless Zone Zero: Loving Daily Life Starting in New Eridu
Honkai Impact 3rd, I Can Transform into a Valkyrie!
patreon.com/deadlygoober