In the period that followed, Su Yuan told Yun Jin everything about his past experiences and the existence of the Eerie.
After hearing Su Yuan’s account, Yun Jin suddenly understood everything.
"So that’s how it is... The brave one from another world is you, Su Yuan... and the dragon that hides its form, manipulates hearts, and controls others is the Eerie..."
"Although the first half of the story aligns perfectly, what about the second half? What does that part mean?"
"That’s exactly what we’re trying to figure out right now," Su Yuan replied seriously.
"Even though that fake Traveler told you this story was based on real events..."
"The second half clearly hasn’t happened yet—so how did she know it and pass it on to you? Could it be... that she can see the future?"
"And besides, whether or not there’s an Eerie hidden inside my body—whether or not I am one—don’t I know myself better than anyone?"
"If I really was an Eerie, why would I be fighting them alongside all of you, trying to save others?"
"Su Yuan, we trust that you’re not one of them." Baizhu gently patted Su Yuan on the shoulder as he spoke.
"Sigh... I really thought we’d find some leads or a breakthrough from Yun Jin, but it turns out we still haven’t made much progress..."
Su Yuan sighed lightly and then turned to Yun Jin and asked:
"Oh, right—Yun Jin, about the conditions under which you might become Eerie... do you have any thoughts on that?"
"If anyone would understand it best, it should be you, right?"
"Hmm... Actually, I do have a few thoughts..."
Yun Jin nodded and began to speak:
"Although I think one of the conditions for my Eerie transformation might be messing up a performance—failing to properly present the opera to the audience..."
"Based on the intel you mentioned, Su Yuan—that line about suppressing one’s inner thoughts in order to ensure the performance goes smoothly—I actually do have some thoughts..."
"You all know, as a stage performer, body management is extremely important..."
"Especially when it comes to diet. One small slip and your figure can change..."
"I often feel the waist sash around me getting tight, and I worry that I’ve gained weight..."
"It’s always the same—sautéed shrimp every day... because it’s nutritious, but doesn’t make you fat."
"But no matter how it’s made, it always tastes the same. I eat it every single day... I’m honestly so tired of it..."
"Braised Qinxu meat, steamed black bass, spicy pepper chicken, dry-pot cured pork... I want to eat them all, but I just... can’t."
Su Yuan asked, "So, Yun Jin, are you saying your potential for becoming Eerie has to do with food? Or... your weight and body image?"
"Maybe. It’s just a theory of mine..." Yun Jin replied.
"The intel you got doesn’t give a clear condition for becoming Eerie—it just outlines a vague area to consider..."
"So I suppose I still have to keep doing things this way—keep avoiding indulgent food, and manage my figure and weight..."
"But I remember the original wording of the intel had a rhetorical question in it: ’Is suppressing your inner thoughts really worth it?’"
Su Yuan thought aloud:
"Could that be suggesting the opposite? That maybe instead of suppressing your desires, you should follow your heart and eat what you truly want?"
"After all, a big part of the Eerie’s power seems to stem from people’s negative emotions..."
"If you keep pushing down your inner thoughts, Yun Jin, wouldn’t that actually increase the risk of becoming Eerie?"
Su Yuan now realized—the intel’s vagueness made it possible to interpret it in multiple ways.
Depending on how you looked at it, the conclusion could go in completely different directions...
"If you’re talking about negative emotions, Su Yuan," Yun Jin replied with a gentle smile, "then I actually feel even more overwhelmed with negativity when I do indulge in delicious food, gain weight, and end up performing poorly—feeling like I’ve let down all my fans in the audience."
Su Yuan nodded. "Hmm... I guess that makes sense too. Alright then, Yun Jin—take care of yourself. We won’t stay any longer. We still need to search for the real Traveler’s whereabouts."
Yun Jin responded with a warm smile:
"And you too, Su Yuan. If you ever need my help, don’t hesitate to come find me."
"Though Yun-Han Opera Troupe is, after all, a performance troupe, I’m not just a dainty woman who only knows how to sing on stage."
"My ancestors weren’t originally in the performing arts. Our family used to specialize in weapon forging..."
"Even though not many of us work the forge anymore, I do know a thing or two about spear techniques. I can still hold my own in a fight and lend some support if needed."
"Mhm. Yun Jin, thank you for your kindness."
Everyone thanked Yun Jin, then left the Yun-Han Opera Troupe.
While walking through the streets of Liyue Harbor, Su Yuan and the others suddenly ran into Ganyu, who looked to be in a hurry.
"Su Yuan, I finally found you all..."
Ganyu’s expression was somber, and a heavy feeling instantly weighed on Su Yuan’s heart.
"Ganyu... did something... happen?" Su Yuan paused briefly before asking.
"My master just sent me a message... Even though she did everything she could to try and heal Xiangling..."
"The mechanical modifications caused too much damage to her body. Master’s adeptal arts had only managed to preserve her life temporarily—treating the symptoms but not the root cause..."
"And now, her condition has gotten worse. Even my master’s techniques can no longer save her..."
"Not long ago... Xiangling passed away completely..."
Ganyu’s eyes shimmered with tears as she choked up and asked:
"Su Yuan... do you think... we should tell Master Mao the news?"
Hearing this, Su Yuan understood—Xiangling... in the end, they still couldn’t save her.
How was he supposed to face all of this now?
How was he supposed to face Master Mao?
At that moment, Tartaglia’s voice echoed in Su Yuan’s mind:
"I didn’t know Xiangling all that well, but from what I saw in your interactions with her... she must’ve been a chef full of passion and ambition, right?"
"To die just like that... would she really be content? Could she really pass on without regret?" The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the NoveI-Fire.ɴet
"...Tartaglia, you mean to say..." Su Yuan murmured, a thought already forming in his mind.
"That’s right, Su Yuan—just what you’re thinking," Tartaglia said firmly.
"And I’m living proof that it’s possible!"
"Let’s go to the boundary between life and death again. Who knows—maybe Xiangling is still lingering there... waiting for us!"
Exclusive access : 450+ch on paetron
Join now : *com/DeCakraWnloverz