When the golden-haired youth swung his sword, Gu Sanqiu sidestepped swiftly, striking the youth's wrist with the tree branch in his hand.
Though he hadn't held back, even with Geo elemental enhancement, it was impossible to turn an ordinary stick into an unbreakable weapon. The strike merely caused the youth's hand to tremble slightly.
"Hmm, an opening."
Dodging the sword's edge, Gu Sanqiu lightly pushed Aether with his palm, sending him flying back.
"When attacking with a weapon, those who wield a Vision or elemental power have a distinct advantage: they can channel elemental energy to protect their joints, effectively countering enemies who specialize in grappling techniques."
Gu Sanqiu raised his hand, and Anemo energy began swirling around his wrist, forming a compact elemental brace.
"While it can't create a shield like Geo, utilizing the unique properties of different elements can provide defensive capabilities."
"Now, come at me again. You'll only improve by experiencing it firsthand."
Aether charged forward once more, swinging his sword with renewed determination. This time, the blade aimed directly at Gu Sanqiu's wrist but was deflected off course by the swirling Anemo currents. Stumbling, Aether staggered a few steps past his opponent.
Gu Sanqiu dispelled the elemental brace. "That's the general idea. There are plenty of variations to these techniques, but it's up to you to explore and discover what works best for you."
"Wielders of a Vision aren't just different from ordinary people in broad strokes; the differences are often most evident in the details—both in daily life and combat."
Aether paused, reflecting on this, then began channeling Anemo energy around his own wrist. With newfound focus, he lunged at Gu Sanqiu again!
Whoosh!
This time, the speed of his strike had increased by roughly thirty percent, closing the distance to Gu Sanqiu's chest in an instant.
"Hmm. Using it to enhance attack speed instead of defense? Not a bad idea."
Gu Sanqiu nodded in approval. This golden-haired youth truly has a natural aptitude for combat. Just one demonstration, and he's already applying what he's learned. Not bad at all.
"Next, we move on to Pyro."
Boom!
Dark red flames flared around Gu Sanqiu, leaving Aether dumbfounded and Paimon utterly speechless.
"A single person… wielding two elements? No, counting the Geo energy earlier, this makes three! What is this?!"
Paimon turned to Klee, wide-eyed. "Klee! Why can this guy use so many elements? This doesn't make any sense!"
"Huh? Isn't that normal?"
Klee wiped her hands with a handkerchief, tilting her head in confusion. "Klee can't do it, but big brother Albedo and big brother Sanqiu can both manage it just fine."
Paimon froze. "Big brother Albedo? Who's that?"
"Hehe! Albedo's Klee's big brother. He's really, really amazing!"
Still in battle mode, Aether swallowed nervously as a wolf-shaped flame surged toward him!
He dodged quickly, narrowly avoiding the searing heat that nearly singed his hair. Meanwhile, Gu Sanqiu cast a thoughtful glance at Aether's outfit.
Hmm. The material of his clothes seems interesting. Maybe I could analyze it—could be useful for improving the Millelith's standard armor.
"Pyro's power is the most straightforward to understand. However, it's also notoriously wild and difficult to control. Even without extensive study, Pyro Vision wielders can unleash ranged elemental attacks."
Gu Sanqiu refrained from demonstrating elemental weapon enhancements with Pyro—he couldn't alter elemental reactions.
"And then there's the matter of bursts. If you'd continued using your longsword at close range earlier, I could've instantly summoned a massive burst of energy, exchanging damage for damage. That's something you should keep in mind."
While all elements could be used this way with practice, Pyro was particularly suited for explosive attacks, thanks to its nature.
Everyone knew: in the past, Pyro DPS users reigned supreme.
Gu Sanqiu raised his right hand. "As for Geo, well… that one's a bit harder to pin down. Its versatility makes it difficult to categorize. You'll need to figure out how to use it effectively on your own."
A golden light floated above his palm, pulsing rhythmically like a beating heart. The surrounding space vibrated, resembling veins branching out from the glowing core.
"Geo wielders often fall into two extremes. Masters carve their own paths and reshape the world, while imitators mimic others without even grasping the element's fundamentals. Unlike other elements, Geo doesn't offer clear examples to follow."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "Not that it matters to me. As long as the people I care about aren't incompetent, why should I care how others live their lives?"
Boom!
The stone pillars surrounding them resonated simultaneously, generating a gravitational pulse that pressed in on Aether from all directions.
In an instant, Gu Sanqiu canceled the wave, stepping forward to help the panting golden-haired youth to his feet.
"If I hadn't stopped, you would've been in a sorry state."
"Elemental combat isn't about blindly following trends or stubbornly clashing with the raw power of the elements. Unless, of course, you can conjure something groundbreaking—then forget what I said."
Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "Got it? Next time you face an enemy with elemental powers, stay sharp. Don't treat it like ordinary combat."
"Never underestimate human ingenuity. There are places where even ordinary people can surpass you."
In short, don't get caught off guard by a sneaky enemy. Always watch out for backstabbers.
Aether sat heavily on the ground but managed a faint smile at Gu Sanqiu.
"Th-thank you."
Gu Sanqiu clapped his hands. "What are you thanking me for? Get up, get up. No way you thought the lesson was over, did you? What student gets off easy in my class? Don't make me laugh."
Expecting Aether to train himself and still make a significant impact during the chaos in Liyue Harbor? He might as well expect to seduce Celestia by stripping naked in the sky.
"Now that we've covered fighting enemies, let's shift focus to your own techniques. I'll help expand your approach to using Anemo in combat."
Paimon clamped her hands over her mouth, horrified. I knew it! This Gu Sanqiu guy is a total monster!
Aether stared blankly for a moment before despairing as Gu Sanqiu pulled him to his feet.
Even working for Mora wasn't this exhausting!
Gu Sanqiu briefly touched the gems on Aether's outfit but sensed nothing with his spiritual energy. For now, he chalked it up to his own limitations.
"Alright, show me your Anemo combat skills."
Though weary from earlier exertion, Aether felt a wave of relief—this only required him to use his elemental skill.
He performed the familiar wrist motion, summoning a swirling vortex blade.
"Wind Blade!"
He leaped back, the final strike scattering in a wide area. Turning to Gu Sanqiu, his eyes silently asked for feedback.
"Don't look at me like that, man," Gu Sanqiu muttered. "It's weird."
---
T/N: COME ON SANQIUUUUU FALL TO THE DARK SIDE, and when i said corruption arc earlier... you didn't think I meant Aether did you? SANQIU BE CORRUPTED FALL TO YOUR EMOTIONS
...
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