Lumine and Shajin made their way toward the cave, with Paimon nervously trailing behind, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.
The Interior was dim and damp, thick with the scent of wet earth and moss. Lumine lit a torch, its flickering flame casting dancing shadows along the moss-covered walls where droplets of water trickled down, echoing eerily in the cavern's empty space.
Every step was cautious—slick stones coated in moisture made the footing treacherous. The cave twisted in complex patterns, branching into narrow passageways that could easily cause one to lose their way.
But Shajin, trusting his sharp instincts, led them through a passageway that bore subtle traces of human activity.
After pressing on for some time, they finally emerged into a more spacious chamber. At the center was a small underground lake—its water crystal-clear and mirror-still, reflecting the firelight with serene clarity.
All around the chamber lay a strange juxtaposition of ancient tomes and modern instruments, clashing yet oddly harmonious in their contradiction.
Lumine's eyes fell upon a stone platform at the center of the lake. Upon it sat a timeworn chest, coated in thick dust that hinted at years of neglect.
"There's a chest over there!" Paimon pointed excitedly. "Let's go check it out!"
They carefully approached the lake's edge. The water was shallow and clear, making it easy to wade across.
As they drew near the chest, Lumine noticed a small keyhole on its surface—it clearly required a specific key.
She turned to Shajin, hoping he had some solution.
Shajin merely shrugged. Interlocking his fingers, a gentle surge of power infused with Imaginary Energy spiraled out from his fingertips. With a casual squeeze, the chest cracked open with a crunch.
Lumine stared blankly. So strong…
Shajin responded with a simple shrug and a smirk, as if to say, Why bother with a key when it's this easy?
But before they could examine the contents, a faint disturbance echoed above them. A massive boulder suddenly plummeted from the ceiling, crashing toward them.
Paimon shrieked in terror, clinging to Lumine. "Help!!"
Shajin remained unfazed, his lips curling into a smug grin. "How boring."
He extended his right hand. His Vision, glowing in peacock-blue hues, shimmered with geo energy. Instantly, the boulder froze midair—suspended as if time itself had stopped.
With a casual wave of his arm, he tossed the boulder aside like worthless debris.
"Outsiders. State your purpose."
A stern voice rang out from the shadows.
Standing with poise was a golden-haired "boy" wielding a single-handed sword. Behind him stood a green-haired girl with glasses.
"Lumine?!"
"Sucrose?!"
They called each other's names in unison, eyes wide in disbelief.
The blond "boy" and Shajin both tilted their heads in curiosity.
"You two know each other?" they asked simultaneously.
Sucrose quickly stepped forward. "Master, this is the traveler you've been wanting to meet—Lumine."
"Lumine, this is my master and the Knights of Favonius' Chief Alchemist—Albedo."
Albedo and Lumine gave each other a polite nod in greeting.
"And this is…?" Albedo's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Shajin, sensing an immense threat.
"Ah, so this is the famous Albedo. An honor, truly~"
Shajin removed his hat, revealing a handsome face and eyes glinting with mischief.
"I am the Liyue's Gambling Saint, the Sinner of Liyue—Shajin. Or, if you prefer, the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui—The Gambler."
His voice was deep and magnetic, laced with irresistible charm.
"None of those sound reassuring~" Albedo replied coolly.
"Flattered~" Shajin smiled slyly.
"So, what brings you here?" Albedo crossed his arms, his gaze sharp and probing.
Lumine glanced at Shajin. She knew this wasn't her business, but couldn't help being curious.
Shajin shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't say."
His tone left no room for discussion.
Albedo's brow furrowed slightly. After a moment, he sighed.
"Fine. With Mondstadt's hero present, I suppose it's not my concern."
He turned his focus back to Shajin. "However, I am interested in that energy you used earlier. Would you allow me to study it?"
His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he referred to the Imaginary Energy Shajin had just demonstrated.
Shajin's pupils flicked, and a crafty smile formed on his lips.
"Of course. But…"
He deliberately drew out the word, eyes twinkling with challenge.
"In exchange, would you mind enhancing this little thing for me? I'd love to see what the Chief Alchemist of the Knights is truly capable of~"
As he spoke, he raised his hand and slipped off a pair of gloves, handing them to Albedo.
Albedo gave a small smile, confidence flickering in his eyes. "Equivalent exchange. That's my principle. I have no reason to refuse."
He took the gloves and began inspecting their material and structure, fingers gently tracing the lines as if feeling the flow of energy within.
Then he pulled out a custom-made carving knife and began etching alchemical runes into the surface.
As arcane matrices took shape, the gem on the gloves grew darker and darker, absorbing the light around it like a black hole.
Soon, he finished and handed them back.
"Try it now."
Shajin channeled geo energy into the gloves—and immediately felt the difference. The flow was smoother, and the strength of the threads had more than doubled.
With Imaginary Energy, he could now easily suppress even the previous incarnation of Beisht.
"Impressive. As expected of Master Albedo."
He picked up a test tube from a nearby rack and injected it with Imaginary Energy, then quietly returned it.
"Lumine, time to head back~"
"Alright!"
Lumine waved goodbye to Sucrose and Albedo.
Albedo watched Shajin's retreating figure, then turned his eyes to the vial left behind on the desk—his expression thoughtful and unreadable.
_
Please support my patreon, patreon. com/TravelerDouluo
And get early access to my 30 advance chapters.