Chapter 98: Chu Zihang: Does Fu Xuan Also Possess the Principal's Time Zero?

Teyvat continent.

"This clothing has some Liyue-style elements in it."

As Fontaine's top fashion designer, Qian Zhi is carefully observing Grand Diviner Tai Bu's attire within the light screen.

Her pink long hair is tied into a double‑ring fairy bun, and the four cloud‑pattern hairpins adorning it sparkle brilliantly in the sunlight.

"Is the material of this flowing fairy dress cloud brocade? The pattern of a celestial compass woven with gold and silver threads… such intricate craftsmanship," Qian Zhi clicks in amazement, marveling at how perfectly the dress fits the girl's figure, showcasing boundless youthful beauty.

The slender, straight legs beneath the hem are like willow catkins in spring—light and floating—white silk lines hugging the skin with smooth elegance, adding a touch of delicate cuteness to the girl.

"Is the upper part of her outfit armor? That's daring to wear, but the design on the back…"

When Qian Zhi sees Fu Xuan turn around, the girl's snow‑white skin is largely exposed, with the shoulder blades and waist line faintly visible. An entire piece of armor is connected by a single purple knot, provoking an urge to cut it apart…

"What a design that's both conservative and avant‑garde; I wonder which gentleman designed Miss Fu Xuan's clothes," says Qi Liangliang, who came to Qian Zhi's house to pick up a clothing delivery, eyes full of envy. "Sister Qian Zhi, can you design this style of clothing?"

"Qi Liangliang, as a fashion designer, do you expect to hear me say 'cannot' from my own mouth?" Qian Zhi's gaze sharpens, instantly making Qi Liangliang's two tails stand up in fright.

"In a while I'll go to Liyue to study their culture and customs; once I return to Fontaine, I'll start designing,"

Meanwhile, on the other side of Natlan.

In the Smoke‑Mist Tribe, Oloren always feels that today's grandmother is a bit odd.

In the morning he carries fresh vegetables to visit his grandmother, but just as he reaches the doorway, Oloren hears his grandmother's solitary complaints from inside.

"Does the Traveler think that Fu Xuan looks better than me? She stared at her motionlessly for a long time…"

"Is it because of the clothes? My old‑woman taste can't keep up with the youngsters' trends? No… Fu Xuan is also a Long‑Life race; she might even be older than me."

"We have many skilled tailors in the clan; should I also order a set of Fu Xuan's clothes? Then the Traveler might—"

"No, no, that would prove my obsidian grandmother's charm is inferior… No, I won't allow it; before the next meeting, I'll at least put on heavy makeup."

Even without meeting, just from those few words, Oloren can picture his grandmother's anxious and troubled expression as she spoke.

But when he knocks open the door, his grandmother has turned into a completely different demeanor.

The aloof, eccentric obsidian grandmother returns. She can wear a stern face, seriously ask about his recent secret technique homework progress, and also inquire whether he's made new friends lately.

Grandma seems unchanged, still loves drinking and reading light novels… Only when he mentions the Traveler and Fu Xuan does a blush flash across her face, followed by a shy, cramped expression.

"Why bring up the Traveler? She can watch if she wants; I—I'm the obsidian grandmother… Haven't I seen every storm? How could I care?"

"…Oloren, you didn't hear something, did you?"

Killing intent!

A chilling killing intent instantly radiates from Grandma!

Having been raised by his grandmother since childhood and being a junior of the Smoke‑Mist Tribe's ancient name, Oloren naturally senses something amiss at once.

"Grandma, I didn't hear anything," Oloren points to the vegetables and fruits piled in the corner, indicating he truly came only to deliver produce.

"Does lying in front of Grandma help? Never mind, you heard what you heard, but—"

Qi Te La Li suddenly steps close, her petite frame exuding surprising aura: "If you dare pass these words to the Traveler, see Grandma will deal with you!"

——

"Members of the Train Corps, nice to meet you—no, I should say I've already met you in my visions. I am one of the Six Guardians of the Celestial Vessel, Grand Diviner of the Tai Bu Office, Fu Xuan."

"Friends from afar, we should pour wine in welcome, but the three fundamentals of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity are not in place, so we must postpone a few hours; let's get down to business first."

"This flowery speech directly crashed San Yue Qi's brainstem."

"Do you understand what she's saying?" San Yue Qi whispered beside Xing Er.

Xing also helplessly spread his hands: "That's the legendary 'show‑off', I guess…"

"Ahem! If you have objections to my way of speaking, feel free to say so directly," Fu Xuan crossed her arms, a slight twitch at the corner of her eye. She heard both of their loud scheming, which was rather awkward.

"We were commissioned by General Jingyuan to capture the Star Core Hunter; thanks to Grand Diviner for intervening, but the person must be escorted by us to the General," Wa Er Te said.

"No need, I have the General's notice here, please look," Fu Xuan handed the notice to the crowd, "After you capture the Star Core Hunter, the Tai Bu Office will take over the interrogation."

"I understand, but the General promised to share intelligence with us; we have the right to know every word Ka Fu Ka conveyed."

"…Huh?" Fu Xuan was momentarily stunned, then muttered softly, "This guy… could you stop digging pits for me—"

The Grand Diviner's speaking style is rather interesting… very reminiscent of ancient people from your country.

After sloshing the nearby plump woman into a drunken stupor, Kai Sa finally has time to discuss with Chu Zihang the events that just occurred within the light screen.

He pours himself a glass of sparkling wine, its liquid shimmering chestnut‑colored under the rotating lights… oddly reminiscent of the pink‑haired girl's eyes that try to be serious but can't.

"That girl named Fu Xuan just used an ability; don't you find it familiar?" Kai Sa asked.

"Time Zero, the Principal's ability," Chu Zihang's cold face twitched slightly; back during the "Snake in the Courtyard" he had witnessed the Principal wielding a word spirit, whose effect was almost identical to Fu Xuan's.

…but it was only "almost"; although both slowed the bullet and the whole process lasted only a few seconds, careful observation reveals slight differences.

"The difference from Time Zero is that the object's kinetic energy is altered," Chu Zihang said.

"Indeed," Kai Sa recalled Fu Xuan manually nudging the bullet, which seemed less a lethal projectile and more like a building‑block toy.