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The mine wasn't particularly large, but the air was thick with the scent of raw earth and the lingering stench of monsters. All the workers had long since fled for their lives, leaving the excavation site to a rowdy tribe of Hilichurls. There were more than thirty common Hilichurls occupying the area, a chaotic mix of those wielding simple wooden clubs, others hunkered behind small timber shields, and a few perched on higher ledges with bows and arrows at the ready.
At the center of the camp stood the heavy hitters: three massive Hilichurl Berserkers wielding scorched stone axes, two large Shield Hilichurl Guards, and a trio of Shamans representing the elements of Dendro, Anemo, and Hydro. While the sheer number of monsters wasn't overwhelming, the variety of their elemental abilities made for a comprehensive tactical setup.
Most of the common Hilichurls were merely D-rank threats, barely stronger than a normal human civilian, but the Berserkers and Shamans were C-level monsters capable of serious damage.
The only thing missing to make this a true nightmare was a Lawachurl, a B-level powerhouse that would have been on equal footing with Xu Luo's current strength. Without a king to lead them, this was less of a battle and more of a slaughter. Xu Luo moved before the monsters even realized he was there. He summoned a glowing Mirage Blade and launched it at the Dendro Shaman. In a flicker of blue light, he teleported to the blade's location, his Yamato already half-drawn.
Of all the monsters in the wild, Xu Luo hated the Dendro Shamans the most. Their ability to summon thorny vines and apply a status that caused targets to burn uncontrollably upon the slightest contact with fire was a source of endless frustration during his time as a gamer. He didn't give the creature a chance to chant. The Shaman's head rolled into the dirt before it could even raise its staff, and only then did the rest of the tribe realize they were under attack.
The two Hilichurl Berserkers closest to him let out a guttural roar, raising their heavy axes high above their heads to bring them crashing down. Xu Luo sprinted forward, his body low to the ground. A flash of blue magical energy trailed behind his blade as he zipped between the two giants. The impact was silent but absolute. Both stone axes shattered into fragments that spun into the air, and a massive spray of dark blood erupted from the chests of the Berserkers. They collapsed simultaneously, their forms beginning to dissolve into black ash as their essence returned to the Ley Lines of the earth.
A Hydro Shaman waved its staff, attempting to summon a healing rain to patch up the survivors, but it was too late. A mob of common Hilichurls rushed Xu Luo, waving their mallets with mindless aggression. He casually swung his blade in a wide arc, the sheer pressure of the strike snapping their wooden clubs and shields like dry twigs. Before the archers on the wooden platforms could even find their mark, Xu Luo released a volley of Mirage Blades from his side. The glowing projectiles hissed through the air, piercing the foreheads of the archers with surgical precision.
In the game, these summoned blades were often mocked for their low damage, but in the reality of Teyvat, they were lethal. Against weaker enemies, a single hit to a vital point was an instant kill. Seeing its companions fall, the Anemo Shaman desperately summoned a series of small tornadoes to pin Xu Luo down. He didn't even break his stride. He threw a Mirage Blade through the Hydro Shaman's skull and teleported instantly to its side, finishing the Anemo caster with a single, clean strike. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned ten more blades in two perfect rows, pinning the final shaman to a nearby wooden pillar like a hedgehog.
Within two minutes, the remaining dozen Hilichurls and the heavy guards had all been sent back to the earth. This was the true meaning of power. This was what it felt like to master the abilities of the legendary Son of Sparda. It was the reason why so many people in Teyvat craved the strength to control their own destinies rather than being at the mercy of others.
You've followed me all the way from the harbor. You might as well come out now.
Xu Luo turned and shouted toward a large pile of iron ore ten meters away. For a moment, there was only the sound of the wind whistling through the mine. Then, a figure stepped out from behind the rocks, clapping his hands together with a look of genuine admiration on his face.
That was quite the performance. You really live up to the reputation of a traveler from another world.
The man who emerged was none other than Childe, the Eleventh Fatui Harbinger. Known to many as "Dada Duck," he was a man whose thirst for battle was legendary. Xu Luo had noticed him tailing him from the moment he stepped through the West Gate of Liyue, and he knew exactly what the Harbinger wanted. There was no political conflict between them and no personal grudge, but that didn't matter to Childe. To him, the only reason he needed to find someone was to test their strength in a fight.
I could say that I'm not interested in a duel, but I have a feeling you wouldn't take no for an answer.
Xu Luo shrugged his shoulders, looking completely helpless. It was annoying to be hounded by a combat maniac, but there was no avoiding it once Childe had his sights set on you. Despite his youthful appearance and friendly smile, Childe was a violent fighter who lived for the thrill of a life-and-death struggle.
Hahahaha! I like your honesty. It's refreshing. Now, let's see what you're really made of!
Childe laughed loudly, his eyes glowing with an intense excitement. Without another word, he drew his short bow and unleashed several arrows infused with Hydro energy. Xu Luo rolled his eyes at the predictability of the move. He stepped to the side, letting the water arrows hiss past him and explode against the rocks, before countering with a spread of Mirage Blades.
Where did this guy get the idea that I'm cheerful? I don't want to waste my afternoon sweating over a man in a dusty mine. I'd much rather be spending my time with a beautiful girl. If I'm going to fight someone until dark, I have a very different kind of opponent in mind.
But as the first Mirage Blade clashed against Childe's summoned water blades, Xu Luo knew the peace of his afternoon was officially over. The Harbinger moved with the grace of a predator, his weapons shifting from a bow to twin daggers in the blink of an eye. The real battle was just beginning, and the hills of Mt. Tianheng were about to echo with the sound of steel clashing against magic. Xu Luo gripped the hilt of the Yamato, his demonic energy beginning to flare as he prepared to give the Harbinger the fight he so desperately craved.