Chapter 52

It was as if it were saying...

"Stop carrying that piece of junk! Take me instead, I'll take you flying!"

Jiang Yan flicked the Frost Sword with a look of annoyance and cast a ray of spiritual light, restoring the damaged bamboo forest to its original state.

Keqing looked at the broken Lion's Roar on the ground with complex emotions.

This sword had been purchased by her family at a high price from Teyvat and had accompanied her through many battles.

Although it was not a legendary divine artifact, it was still an extremely powerful and rare weapon.

Now...

It was broken so easily?

And it was severed by a sword with its own intelligence?

Where is the logic in that!

However...

A scorching flame suddenly ignited in Keqing's eyes as she stared fixedly at the Frost Sword.

"What an overbearing sword!"

If I could have this sword...

Was the Lion's Roar actually such an inconvenient item?

This sword seemed far stronger than many legendary divine artifacts!

"In terms of general distance, this sword is no weaker than my Mistsplitter Reforged!"

Zhongli compared his own weapon to the Frost Sword and said earnestly.

Jiang Yan gave a wry smile and reached out to summon the broken Lion's Roar.

After a glance, he couldn't help but marvel at the overbearing nature of the Frost Sword.

It hadn't just severed it; it had used pure sword Qi to completely shatter the internal structure of the Lion's Roar.

This sword had the personality of a pure, spoiled brat.

"My apologies, Miss Keqing, your Lion's Roar is completely ruined."

"The Frost Sword took a liking to your sword body, which is why it wants to follow you. This sword is very overbearing; it is showing you its power."

"So, the choice is yours."

"If you still wish to keep the Lion's Roar, I can help you restore it and return it to you."

"If you are willing, you can also take Frost with you."

"As one of the few mid-tier magical artifacts, it is still very strong."

Keqing did not answer directly, but after a moment of silence, she asked:

"If it is restored through immortal cultivation methods, can my Lion's Roar be as strong as it?"

Upon hearing this, before Jiang Yan could say anything, the Frost Sword became displeased.

If not for Jiang Yan stopping it, it would likely have slashed the Lion's Roar again.

After pacifying the Frost Sword, Jiang Yan said:

"I'm afraid that would be difficult. Even if the forging techniques were the same, there are many limitations regarding the materials."

"The Frost Sword was forged from mysterious refined iron from the Dark Sea, combined with a precious sword that might not have been weaker than the Lion's Roar originally."

"Its potential is extremely high, and it has already awakened its intelligence."

"As for the Lion's Roar... it can reach the level of a low-tier magical artifact at most."

Keqing nodded and said softly:

"Then, there is no need to consider my choice. Since the Frost Sword has taken a liking to me, I will take it and continue forward!"

"I believe the Frost Sword will make me stronger!"

Jiang Yan smiled and nodded:

"A wise choice. The Frost Sword's limit is not just a mid-tier magical artifact. If other materials are added, it can be reforged."

"Coupled with the nourishment of your sword body's true essence, it is not impossible for it to become a spiritual or precious artifact in the future."

"This sword can accompany you for a long time, and believe me, the boost it provides you will be far greater than a divine artifact."

After saying this, Jiang Yan let go, and the Frost Sword instantly flew in front of Keqing, calling for her to grasp it.

A happy smile appeared on the corner of Keqing's mouth.

"You are calling to me, aren't you?"

"Believe me, I won't let you down! We will grow stronger together! So... please take care of me, Frost."

She raised her hand gently and grasped the hilt of the Frost Sword.

In an instant, a surging sword intent shot straight into the sky; the clouds seemed to be severed by the sword intent shared between Keqing and the Frost Sword.

A thin, long sword mark appeared in the sky.

Ningguang and Ganyu were pushed back by Keqing's erupting sword intent, but fortunately, Jiang Yan caught them.

Zhongli frowned slightly, keenly sensing that something within Keqing had awakened.

The current her...

With the Frost Sword, she seemed capable of threatening some immortals.

A single weapon, and the combat power increase is this absurd?

For some reason, Zhongli looked at the distant sword forest, somewhat anticipating that he too might be chosen by a magical artifact.

"Congratulations, Miss Keqing, your sword body has awakened."

Jiang Yan nodded with a smile.

"In the future, as you and Frost fight together, you will resonate with each other and grow stronger, and eventually, it will become your life-bound magical treasure."

"A sword body possessing a good sword creates an effect where one plus one is greater than two."

Keqing understood these words without Jiang Yan needing to say them.

The moment she held Frost, Keqing felt that the path ahead for her sword arts was clearer than ever before.

Many sword techniques seemed to become sharper, and even her elemental energy surged by nearly double.

And...

It was born within her body.

An Archon's attendant?

Keqing felt a sense of realization in her heart.

She somewhat understood the difference between a Vision holder and an Archon's attendant.

There is a huge difference between having great power fused into oneself versus having a Vision.

"Additionally, Frost is a magical artifact with intelligence. Even if you are unable to fight, Miss Keqing, Frost can help you fight."

"Even if it cannot defeat the enemy, Frost will carry you away on the sword."

"Use it well; it will give you many surprises."

Jiang Yan felt a bit emotional.

He hadn't expected to see such a magical scene upon visiting the sword forest.

It was worth it.

Ningguang and the others on the side were also somewhat envious.

A precious sword with its own intelligence...

Plus the power the Frost Sword had just displayed.

Keqing's combat power was likely about to skyrocket.

But this was also a good thing for Liyue.

It was just a pity she didn't know if she could summon a magical artifact; she was, after all, a top-tier spiritual root holder.

Thinking this, Ningguang looked toward the distant sword forest with anticipation.

Unfortunately, the sword forest was lifeless, and even when spiritual light occasionally flew past, it did not stop.

It seemed she lacked this affinity.

"This sword is too precious, I..."

Keqing pursed her lips, looking at the Frost Sword with complex feelings.

The stronger the Frost Sword was, the less confident she felt.

Getting a precious sword for free was a good thing, but for Keqing, it also brought pressure.

"Mr. Jiang Yan, I wonder how many Mora this sword is worth? Even if I have to exhaust my family's wealth, I will exchange for it."