Inside the Sanctuary of Surasthana, a masked man walked in. Although his face was obscured, his physique and skin suggested he was quite young, perhaps seventeen or eighteen years old.
"Doctor (Segment): Heh heh… To think Sumeru’s God is still locked up in a place like this."
"Nahida: Heh… From what I know, this isn't your main body, is it? So many of your (Segments) have been destroyed, yet you still dare to come here."
The Doctor didn't get angry and immediately said, "Indeed, each of 【me】 has their own things to do, and I don't want to listen to the main body, but he always has the ability to destroy us, so... just quietly wait for the show to begin."
After saying this, the Doctor left.
"Nahida: ...I hope they can understand what I said. However... eliminating that thing shouldn't be difficult."
Meanwhile, Qixuan, Paimon, and Lumine were speeding across the Desert on a Heavy Armored Collei, so fast that Paimon got a mouthful of sand. Finally, they stopped at Caravan Ribat.
"Paimon: I never want to eat sand again... Ugh!"
"Lumine: This must be the place Tighnari mentioned."
"Qixuan: Mm, that's right. It's quite lively."
It was night now, and many people were selling and trading on the streets. Just then, a figure walked past them, and everyone heard a voice say, "Don't just stand there, come on, follow me."
"Paimon: Eh? Is that Alhaitham?"
"Lumine: How did he know we were coming?"
"Qixuan: Let's go, follow him and see."
Qixuan then casually glanced behind her and followed them. Alhaitham led them to a hidden place.
"Paimon: Alhaitham, what in the world happened?"
Lumine then pointed at the mercenaries below.
"Paimon: Eremites? Whose subordinates are they this time... So we were being followed?"
"Qixuan: Actually, we were being watched as soon as we arrived here. I thought they'd dare to make a move."
"Alhaitham: They might not be your match, but being followed isn't a good thing."
"Paimon: Phew... I didn't expect to meet you here, Alhaitham. You just startled me. I remember when we parted ways in Port Ormos, you said you were going back to the Akademiya for a bit? Wait, you're not here from the Akademiya to arrest us, are you?"
"Lumine: Paimon, if that were the case, Alhaitham would have already acted."
"Alhaitham: She's right. If I were going to arrest you, I would have already done so. However... it sounds like you've provoked the Akademiya, heh heh, I knew it would happen sooner or later."
"Lumine: Did you participate in the Sages' 【Installation】?"
"Alhaitham: Being a handyman for the Sages' 【Installation】 isn't my 【thesis】. As a scholar, I belong to the faction that pursues 【research autonomy】. Compared to the Sages, I'm more interested in you lately."
"Qixuan: Looks like our Lumine is quite popular."
"Paimon: Heh heh..."
"Lumine: *cough cough*... Are you here specifically to find me?"
"Alhaitham: ...Not exactly. Actually... I'm still investigating Divine Canned Knowledge, but I've hit a bottleneck. They say Divine Canned Knowledge flows into Port Ormos from the Desert region, so to investigate further, I can't ignore the source. As for my interest in you... it's because..."
"Back then, the leader of The Eye of Ahernar used Divine Canned Knowledge in front of you. You saw his state, your expression was complex, and you thought for a long time... I believe you're hiding some information. Can you tell me?"
"Qixuan: Looks like it's not charm."
"Paimon: ..."
"Lumine: ...Now is not the time to talk about it."
"Alhaitham: Is that so... Hmm, after all, I'm from the Akademiya. From a standpoint, being reserved with me is indeed a wise move. But at least it proves you do know something, right?"
"Lumine: ..."
"Alhaitham: It's fine. Rather than getting the answer directly from you, I prefer to investigate it myself. Speaking of which, you also want to go into the Desert?"
"Paimon: Yes, but we don't have any specific goals for now..."
"Qixuan: So we wanted to look around nearby first. I heard there are also 【treasures】 in the Desert."
"Paimon: Wow!"
"Alhaitham: Don't even think about treasures. Those Desertfolk are born in the Desert, and any treasures would have been found by them. Places where treasures are found but can't be taken out are very dangerous. I do have a recommended place."
"Lumine: Where?"
"Alhaitham: Aru Village. That's the largest settlement in the Desert, with relatively more information and resources. How about it, together?"
Lumine and Qixuan exchanged glances, and Qixuan nodded.
"Lumine: Then let's go together."
"Paimon: Hehe, having a familiar face as a travel companion is always a good thing. Let's go!"
...........
Everyone walked in the Desert. Thankfully, it was night, so it wasn't too hot and was quite cool. However, Lumine still vowed to cross this Desert. Qixuan asked, "Are you going to Fontaine so soon?"
After some time, a village appeared ahead.
"Alhaitham: Ahead is the Desertfolk's refuge—Aru Village."
"Paimon: Wow, it's so big! Let's go check it out!"
Everyone slowly walked into the village. Suddenly, a figure streaked through the air, heading straight for Lumine with a weapon. Lumine immediately reacted, drawing her sword to block. Seeing that he failed, the person then charged at Alhaitham, exchanging a few moves, and then set his sights on Qixuan.
Qixuan didn't indulge Cyno. With a blink, Cyno had just attacked with his polearm, then Qixuan attacked with one hand, sending his weapon flying, and with the other hand, grabbed Cyno's arm and threw him directly, with such force that he was embedded in the wall.
Fortunately, Alhaitham recognized him, and after explaining to everyone, Qixuan pulled Cyno out.
"Cyno: ...*cough cough*..."
"Alhaitham: If I'm not mistaken, we didn't have much interaction in the Akademiya. Is seeing each other occasionally worth such excitement, Grand Scribe?"
These words were particularly emphasized. Cyno slowly got up, having barely recovered.
"Cyno: Narrowly dodging that spear doesn't mean you can escape 【judgment】, Alhaitham."
Then he looked at Qixuan with some seriousness in his eyes.
"Alhaitham: Judgment? Given your behavior just now... was that 【judgment】 or 【purification】?"
"Cyno: ...This Traveler couldn't stop me, but the one next to her perhaps..."
Cyno dared not say more. Although he had recovered, it truly hurt.
"Alhaitham: That's just your personal style."
"Paimon: Alhaitham, you said he's the 【Grand Scribe】?"
"Alhaitham: Yes, the leader of the matra in the Akademiya, Grand Scribe Cyno. To the 【academic crime】 circle, he is a terrifying hunter."
"Cyno: You seem to trust Alhaitham very much, even helping him block me... If I were you, I would definitely not target his side. I wouldn't believe a single word he says."
"Paimon: Hey! We didn't block anything! You were the one who attacked first, alright?"
"Lumine: I don't trust him that much, but I wouldn't stand by either..."
"Cyno: This Scribe is a target I've been 【hunting】 for a long time. Please understand your positions, and if you interfere again, you'll also be in trouble."
"Paimon: What exactly did Alhaitham do? He doesn't seem as bad as you make him out to be?"
"Cyno: I don't want to waste words, Alhaitham. When we just exchanged blows, I already noticed... Take out the Divine Canned Knowledge you're hiding. Although I can't beat that girl in Liyue clothing, I must fulfill my duty as the Grand Scribe!"
"Alhaitham: Ha... As expected of a matra, your sense of smell is indeed keen."
Alhaitham then took out the Divine Canned Knowledge from his Vision's space.
"Qixuan: Can this thing really be detected by smell?"
"Paimon: That's not the point! I remember it should have fallen into the matra's hands in Port Ormos, right?"
"Alhaitham: No wonder you speak with such confidence, Cyno. But I'm very curious, what does this thing mean in your eyes?"
"Also, as the Grand Scribe of the Akademiya, you came to the Desert alone... From what I know, the other matra are all discussing your disappearance, Cyno... It seems you're carrying out a clandestine mission?"
"Cyno: ..."
"Alhaitham: If this mission's target is me, then you could completely use your authority and resources to 【adjudicate】 me within the Akademiya, couldn't you?"
"Lumine: Did the Sages arrange the mission?"
"Cyno: ...You're indeed not easy to deal with."
"Paimon: ...Ugh, you two, Lumine, Qixuan-jie, it looks like neither of them can be trusted. What should we do now?"
"Qixuan: Don't worry, it's just different stances. It won't threaten little Paimon."
Just then, Dehya's voice came from afar.
"Dehya: *cough cough*... Quite aggressive, aren't we, you two?"
"Paimon: Eh, ah!? Dehya, what are you doing here! This is great, someone trustworthy has finally arrived! Dehya, quick, help us, otherwise these two will start fighting again..."
"Dehya: Ah, yes, two 【big shots from the Akademiya】 are about to fight again, how remarkable. Carrying those self-righteous grand theories, full of the Akademiya's empty rules and morals... How dare you bring your boring disputes into the pure land of Aru Village..."
"Lumine: How come... something feels off?"
"Dehya: It seems someone needs to beat you down so you can properly recognize the ground beneath your feet!"
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
"Paimon: Oh no, oh no, this is even worse."
"Dehya: Hey, hey, you guys... Did you hear what I said or not!!!"
At this moment, Qixuan intended to step forward to discuss. If that didn't work, would she resort to a 【martial talk】? Suddenly, a strong sandstorm swept around them.
"Paimon: Whoa! What's happening! Such strong wind, is it a sandstorm!? I'm going to be blown away!"
"Dehya: Tsk... Another sandstorm. What's going on lately..."
Just then, a voice suddenly came from afar, "Hey! People over there, here, here! Come here and take shelter!"
"Paimon: The wind's too strong, let's go quickly!"
"Dehya: It sounds like... Candace's voice... Hey, you two, are all Akademiya people out of their minds? Hurry up and go!"
Dehya couldn't help but say this when she saw the two still standing in a standoff.
"Alhaitham: ..."
"Cyno: Hmph..."
Everyone quickly ran into the house, followed by silence. The atmosphere remained stiff.
"Paimon: The atmosphere... is so awkward... The three people who were almost fighting just now are forced to face each other in such a small space, ugh... The air... is so heavy... I feel like I'm about to be unable to fly..."
At this moment, Candace walked over and said, "I'm so sorry, everyone. This is the Aru Village Chief's home. Before the sandstorm passes, I can only ask you to make do here."
Candace then sat down as well.
"Candace: Let me introduce myself, my name is Candace, and I am the guardian of Aru Village."
"Paimon: Ah, finally a savior has arrived! I'm Paimon! It's nice to meet you. Thank you, Candace, for bringing us here just now."
"Lumine: Thank you very much."
"Qixuan: Thank you, Miss Candace."
"Candace: Heh heh, in the face of natural disaster, mutual aid is only natural. No need to be so polite."
"Paimon: Wow... This big sister is really a gentle and kind person, unlike those over there... (whispering)"
"Qixuan: Paimon, talking bad about others like that will be heard."
(Skirk: What do you mean? Frozen Snow Lotus?)"
Paimon immediately covered his mouth.
"Candace: All right, that's enough pleasantries. Now, for the time being... As a guardian, before the sandstorm arrived, I was observing your conflict from a distance to ensure the villagers wouldn't be affected. And now, since you are already inside Aru Village, eliminating hidden dangers is my duty."
"Please, speak openly and frankly, and try to eliminate the hostility between you... Under this roof, if anyone dares to cause trouble again... you'll be treated to the wild beasts in the sandstorm."
"Qixuan: Paimon, the gentle big sister~"
"Paimon: I... I take back my previous comment..."
Lumine looked speechless.
"Dehya: Tsk..."
"Candace: You're no exception, Miss Dehya, so, what's your answer?"
"Dehya: *sigh*... Understood, understood, Candace."
"Candace: Heh heh, very good, very good. So, who wants to start talking first?"
"Dehya: I suppose I'm a mediator, just... uh, a bit aggressive. Let the two Akademiya people speak first."
"Paimon: Do you even call that mediating...?"
"Qixuan: I think it counts. If words don't work, isn't force also an option?"
"Lumine: ..."
"Cyno: I have nothing to hide, and it's nothing to say... Alhaitham said that the matra of the Akademiya don't know where I went, but that's not because I'm carrying out some 【clandestine mission】."
"It's because I chose 【self-exile】."
............