Chapter 175: Desert mercenaries gathered in A Ru Cun

Luo De didn't delay at all.

Even when he passed the Mountain of Subduing Demons, he didn't even glance at it.

Nadixa said that she had already sent people to deal with the relic giant statue over there.

So he didn't need to worry about it.

Thus Luo De rushed to Sumeru Cheng at top speed; upon entering the city, he headed straight for the Pure Benevolence Palace, where he found Nadixa dealing with paperwork piled up like a mountain.

In work mode, Nadixa was extremely focused; she didn't even lift her head when Luo De entered.

"."

Luo De fell silent, staring for a long time before finally asking, "Are you tired?"

Only then.

Nadixa suddenly realized Luo De was back, and with a hint of surprise said, "You?"

She had indeed been immersed in the documents just now.

But she is, after all, the god of Sumeru Cheng; with Luo De's abilities, it's impossible to hide from her perception, let alone go unnoticed.

But now.

She really hadn't noticed Luo De entering.

How is it that after a trip to Mondstadt, he's back to being just like before?

"Um"

"Let's not talk about that; the Gnosis is here, for you."

Luo De pulled out Venti's Gnosis and tossed it to Nadixa like a hot potato.

This thing really is a hot potato.

The Snezhnayan folks are still eyeing this thing.

Holding it is no ordinary trouble for Luo De.

In theory, handing it over to Nadixa for safekeeping in Sumeru Cheng would be the safest.

"Right."

"The Wind God said he doesn't want this anymore and gave it to you."

Actually, Venti said he was giving it to Luo De, but he quietly changed the recipient to Nadixa.

"Send."

Even usually composed Nadixa couldn't help but twitch her eyelids.

As for the Seven Archons of the mortal realm,

The Gnosis truly makes no difference whether one has it or not.

But just giving it away directly,

"This Wind God, uh, is truly unconventional."

Nadixa shook her head, said nothing more, solemnly took the Wind God's Gnosis, hesitated a moment, then said to Luo De, "You haven't been busy lately, have you?"

"If you need me to join you in entering the Great Merciful Tree King's residual consciousness, just say the word—I'm ready anytime."

Luo De knew what Nadixa wanted to say.

The Great Merciful Tree King's consciousness has been tainted by forbidden knowledge.

Nadixa is aware of this.

But with her current divine power, it's very difficult to cleanse this contamination.

So she must rely on Luo De, who can purify forbidden knowledge.

Otherwise.

Even if she could enter the Great Merciful Tree King's residual consciousness, she couldn't resolve the issue, and she herself might even be contaminated by the forbidden knowledge.

However.

How to put it?

Being anxious is useless.

Everything requires thorough preparation before it can proceed.

"I need two days to adjust my condition."

Nadixa said that.

Luo De nodded and replied, "Okay, I understand; I'll come to the Pure Benevolence Palace in two days to meet you."

After reaching an agreement on this matter,

He then left the Pure Benevolence Palace and headed to the Hu Mahui residence.

As for the Academy's affairs,

Nadixa didn't mention it, and he didn't ask, so they parted ways in mutual understanding.

When Luo De arrived.

The Hu Mahui residence had many guests.

There were rainforest merchants and desert merchants.

Among them, Luo De also saw a merchant from A Ru Cun.

But when he arrived,

these people were arguing.

Shazaman the elder wasn't present; it seemed he deliberately left the space for these merchants who argue at the drop of a hat.

"Mr. Luo De, you're back from your trip?"

The guards of the Hu Mahui residence still recognized Luo De; upon seeing him, they immediately stepped forward, pulled him aside, and kept him away from those endlessly arguing merchants.

"What's going on with these people?"

Luo De glanced sideways slightly, using his gaze to indicate the reception hall where arguing voices never ceased.

These people's talk has no head or tail.

You can't make sense of it either.

"Ah, never mind; this matter can't be explained in a few words—I'll still take you to see the master."

Speaking of this, the guard showed a helpless expression.

"Forget it."

"The Huma Yi family's affairs—I, as an outsider, can't help much."

"What about Dixiya? Isn't she here?"

Luo De didn't go to see Shazaman, but instead asked about Dixiya's whereabouts.

"Miss Dixiya has gone to the Grand Bazaar."

The guard's face grew even more bitter: "You've seen it too—the house is in such an uproar that it's hardly suitable for the young lady to rest, so Miss Dixiya took her to the bus stop to get some fresh air; she usually won't come back until evening."

"Thank you."

Knowing Dixiya's whereabouts, Luo De thanked the guard and hurried toward the Grand Bazaar.

Not long after.

He arrived at the place.

Amid the noisy sounds, Luo De quickly found Dixiya's position.

The sudden keen hearing he had in Mondstadt still remains.

The only difference.

Back then, it was Venti who secretly gave him a buff.

Now Luo De relies on his own wind manipulation to discern surrounding sounds.

In terms of effect.

There's not much difference.

As long as Luo De wants, he can hear sounds from two blocks away.

This ability is pretty abnormal.

Unless someone is on guard in advance, nobody can escape his eavesdropping.

Luo De just doesn't like using this ability much.

Because it's simply too noisy.

Quiet places are better, but in crowded places like the Grand Bazaar and Treasure Merchant Street, deliberately listening to the noise really makes your head feel like it's going to explode.

Venti also said that before.

Although it's somewhat impolite.

But he really does find it quite noisy.

Especially the prayers in the church—after listening for a while, even the deities would feel like their heads are about to explode.

So Venti, like Luo De, usually can't be bothered to listen to those sounds; he only occasionally deliberately distinguishes them to gain some information.

As for the believers' prayers.

Venti said a very classic line.

"Those with an honest heart need not pray to me; those who do much evil find praying to me useless."

Luo De greatly agreed with his saying.

He also greatly agreed with his practice of deliberately blocking out part of the believers' calls.

He rubbed his ears, which ached a bit from the noise.

Luo De followed Dixiya's voice, turning a few corners, and found Dixiya and Dina Zeda happily chatting backstage at Zubair Theatre.

There was no performance at the Grand Bazaar today.

The actors had all gathered backstage.

Some were busy moving props, some were preparing for the next performance, and others were chatting and laughing with people.

Referring to Nilou and Zubair.

As the pillar and owner of Zubair Theatre.

They were currently thanking Dina Zeda for the sponsorship fee she sent.

After Azar's downfall.

Previously, the many restrictions on artistic performances were repealed, allowing Zubair Theatre, which steadfastly maintains faith in the Little Auspicious Grass King, to prosper even more.

At the same time, many investors proactively came knocking.

Anyway, when Luo De entered the door.

Previously, due to lack of funds for repairs, the dilapidated theatre had been completely renewed.

The formerly fragile roof with a hole had been reinforced, the stage renovated, and many valuable decorations added; Luo De even saw two advertisements placed here by Duoli and the Huma Yi family.

"Luo De!!"

Luo De didn't deliberately muffle his footsteps; upon hearing the movement, Dixiya immediately spotted him.

Her face instantly lit up with joy as she rushed forward, grabbed Luo De's hand, looked left and right, and happily asked, "When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me beforehand!"

"I just arrived, and after handing over the mission's results with the Dendro Archon, I came to find you." Luo De said with a smile: "I wanted to give you a surprise, so I didn't tell you."

"Hey."

"You know how to give surprises."

Dixiya didn't say much more, then proceeded to ask about Luo De's affairs in Mondstadt, completely ignoring Dina Zeda and the others nearby, and simply brushed them aside.

However, here there are many people and mixed talk, so naturally not everything can be said.

Under Luo De's proposal.

They went to the most familiar Lanbard Tavern, found a quiet private room, ordered some drinks, and then Luo De began recounting what he had seen and heard in Mondstadt.

Starting from his first encounter with the wind devil dragon, he spoke at length and in detail, including meeting the wind god and receiving the wind god's favor, and besides he added some artistic embellishments, continuing until he spoke of boarding a ship back to Sumeru.

"This is truly a life that makes one feel refreshed and delighted."

Dixiya still felt somewhat unsatisfied after hearing it.

Don't just look at her being a mercenary.

But she also has the spirit of an adventurer.

Regarding the scene Luo De described of fighting the wind devil dragon, she felt no fear of the giant dragon and, with fervent enthusiasm, said she wished she had been there at the time.

But upon hearing this, Dina Ze Dai lowered her head in shame: "Sorry, Dixiya, if it weren't for me..."

Nilou and Zubayr did not come along.

Only Dina Ze Dai was in the tavern.

This isn't about her wanting to be a third wheel; it's because the scale disease hasn't been eliminated, and the employment contract between the Huma family and Dixiya is still in effect.

Given Dixiya's emphasis on contracts.

She naturally wouldn't let Dina Ze Dai go home alone, so even if Dina Ze Dai didn't want to come and disturb her and Luo De, she had to come along.

But that's precisely why.

Dina Ze Dai became even more ashamed.

In her view, it's precisely because of her that Dixiya is bound to Sumeru and unable to accompany Luo De on adventures.

"Dina Ze Dai, don't say that."

Seeing this, Dixiya prepared to comfort Dina Ze Dai.

But she hadn't finished speaking.

Then Luo De said: "Nadixa has already found a way to completely cure the scale disease."

"What!?"

Dina Ze Dai and Dixiya were first stunned, then in unison raised their voices.

Dina Ze Dai, moreover, became so excited her face flushed red, and she nearly couldn't catch her breath.

If Dixiya hadn't been carrying medicine, this news alone might have made her faint from excessive joy.

After recovering, she immediately clasped her hands devoutly, facing the Pure Goodness Palace, continuously expressing her deepest gratitude to the Little Auspicious Grass King, to the point that she couldn't hear what Luo De and Dixiya were saying.

"Is what you're saying true?"

Seeing Dina Ze Dai like that, Dixiya also didn't feel comfortable asking directly, so she moved closer to Luo De and whispered her question.

She was somewhat worried that Luo De was saying this just to comfort Dina Ze Dai.

Luo De then nodded affirmatively: "Hmm, that's right. In two days Nadixa will begin to resolve this matter; once she does, the whole of Sumeru will no longer have the scale disease."

The disappearance of the scale disease is an inevitable result.

There's nothing unpredictable about it.

"Then does that mean Ke Lai too?"

Dixiya also couldn't help but smile.

"Hmm, she'll get better too."

Luo De laughed and then asked: "By the way, how is Ke Lai now? Is she still in A Ru Cun?"

"Yes."

Whenever Ke Lai's matter is brought up, Dixiya couldn't help but laugh: 'Ke Lai, ah, she's recently been pestered by your senior to the point of unbearable, she's said several times she wants to come to Sumeru Cheng to hide for a while.'

«Senior Héluòshān? »

Luo De froze for a moment: 'She hasn't returned to the Academy yet?'

Luo De remembered it very clearly.

Back then, Héluòshān said she was going to A Ru Cun to relax, and would return to the Academy after a while.

As a result, this 'after a while' has dragged on for several months and still isn't over, right?

Moreover, won't the Academy recall her?

Luo De remembered that, according to the Academy's regulations, scholars like her must give lectures within the stipulated time and submit research results to retain their teacher title.

Dixiya's answer gave him a perfect explanation for his doubt.

«The Dendro Archon gave Senior Héluòshān a privilege, under the pretense of letting her adapt to modern life, permitting her to stay long-term in A Ru Cun, so the Academy's regulations can be temporarily ignored. »

«No wonder. »

Luo De suddenly understood.

With Nadixa backing her, it's no wonder Héluòshān can disregard the Academy's regulations.

«Oh, right. »

Speaking of Héluòshān, Dixiya leaned in mysteriously and said: 'You'd better be careful; Senior Héluòshān is quite dissatisfied with you, and said that when you return, she will definitely give you a proper lesson.'

«Uh»

Luo De's mouth twitched instantly, leaving him speechless.

Indeed.

It was clearly agreed that I would be Héluòshān's student.

As a result, after only a few classes he ran away, which is indeed somewhat excessive.

«Forget it, I'll apologize to her when I get back. »

Luo De gave a wry smile and shook his head.

This matter is indeed my fault; no matter how Felu Shan gets angry, it's not wrong.

If you want to go back, then hurry up.

Speaking, Dixiya pursed her lips: "The desert side has been chaotic lately; Kantisi alone is having trouble coping."

"Huh?"

"Even Kantisi can't cope?"

Luo De tilted his head and said: "What's going on?"

The rainforest and desert conflict has indeed deepened compared to before, but it shouldn't have reached the point where even A Ru Cun, located in the desert, is in turmoil, right?

"It's those mercenaries in the desert."

Dixiya, looking very reluctant, said this name: "Those mercenaries don't believe you are the Red King's divine envoy; they're making a fuss, insisting on staying in A Ru Cun waiting for you to come back and explain this matter clearly."

"Then let them stay; could they possibly tear down A Ru Cun?"

Luo De found it increasingly puzzling.

They're just a bunch of ineffective mercenaries; with Kantisi around, they wouldn't dare break A Ru Cun's rules—what's there to not solve?

"Sigh——"

Looking at Luo De's expression, Dixiya sighed: "With Kantisi's deterrence, those mercenaries can indeed keep the rules, but they really eat too much and don't help the village; the food isn't enough to eat."

"Hah——ah???"

Now Luo De couldn't hold back any longer.

Given A Ru Cun's current grain output, being able to eat them into poverty—how many people must be there??

"There's even more trouble."

"The village has no spare rooms for them, so they camp in groups outside the village, encircling it entirely; now merchants dare not enter the village, fearing they'll be intercepted midway, and the rainforest side is full of rumors saying A Ru Cun has recruited many mercenaries, intending to rely on having a Red King's divine envoy to stand equal with the Academy."

When saying this, Dixiya also couldn't hold back.

Rumors are very frightening.

Even Nadixa personally came out to dispel the rumors.

But the rumors kept spreading, to the point that even some rainforest people truly believed A Ru Cun was planning to rebel.

And regardless of whether this is true or false.

To avoid suspicion.

Many merchants who originally had cooperative relations with A Ru Cun unanimously chose to temporarily suspend cooperation; even if the Academy came forward to dispel the rumors, no one dared believe.

Kantisi, who deeply knew the cause, intended to drive these mercenaries away.

But these mercenaries are extremely rule-abiding, giving Kantisi no chance to expel them.

They also caught onto Kantisi's idea of using the rules to win over rainforest merchants for business, and started arguing on principle, leaving Kantisi with no way to handle them.

Expel them.

This would be breaking the rules I set myself, making it hard to explain to the rainforest merchants later.

Not expelling them.

This bunch of bastards is really causing trouble.

Several times Kantisi couldn't help wanting to kill them all, but due to various reasons she could only endure, waiting for Luo De to return and settle this.

After hearing the full story, Luo De's mouth twitched twice; without a word he grabbed Dixiya: "Come on, I want to see which son of a bitch is opposing me!!!"

Being able to bring together a scattered bunch of desert mercenaries to cause trouble.

This is definitely not their spontaneous action; someone is deliberately scheming against me.

Luo De absolutely cannot tolerate this!

He just wants to peacefully farm in A Ru Cun; whoever doesn't let him farm well, he'll end up planting these people in the ground!!

(End of chapter)