Before the break of dawn, near the Wangshu Inn, two figures were chasing after a group of demonized Churl-churls.
"Don't run! Take this, Palm Thunder!" Following a sharp cry, a Churl-churl that had been desperately fleeing was struck by a bolt of purple lightning. Its body shuddered once, then it collapsed to the ground, twitching uncontrollably. Wisps of black, resentful energy were steadily stripped away from its body. As the last of the black energy dissipated, the demonized Churl-churl perished.
The young woman stopped in her tracks and turned to the figure behind her with a grin. "Su Han, this Palm Thunder is so much fun! It killed a demonized Churl-churl in a single hit."
Her answer was an even louder clap of thunder. A bolt of lightning, wreathed in roaring flames, flashed past a Stonehide Lawachurl. The incredibly durable creature, renowned for its rock-solid defenses, was instantly sliced in half, shield and all.
"Palm Thunder can be used at close or long range. As a prized art of the Maoshan sect, it is naturally powerful," Su Han said, sheathing his sword as the flames and lightning around his body slowly faded. "But its true strength lies in its destructive power against the demonic and the malevolent." By stimulating his body with the Five-Thunder Correction Art, his speed and power had increased by a full five times. The Stonehide Lawachurl, with its formidable defenses, couldn't even withstand a single one of his strikes.
Hearing Su Han's explanation, Hu Tao's eyes lit up. "Does that mean I'm going to put Chongyun's family out of business?" she joked.
"Once your cultivation is high enough, probably. Palm Thunder is especially effective against ghosts, but these Churl-churls, infected with resentment, are not much different from ghosts, really."
Just as Su Han finished speaking, someone tagged him in the group chat.
Ningguang:@Su Han, I just received a reply from Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master. Sucrose will arrive in Liyue within five days.
Su Han:That fast?
Ningguang:Yes. I underestimated the allure of otherworldly knowledge to an alchemist. The letter also said that, to show Mondstadt's sincerity, they are sending sixteen alchemical assistants to help us, in addition to Sucrose.
He had to admit, Mondstadt was being quite generous. Still… I hope Jean doesn't curse me out when she eventually learns the truth, Su Han thought, a wicked grin flashing across his face.
Hu Tao:Hey… @Ganyu check this out! I can shoot lightning now!
She then uploaded a video clip. It was the footage of her battle with the Churl-churl just moments ago. When the group members saw Hu Tao shoot lightning from the palm of her hand, they were all stunned.
Ganyu:???
Ningguang:???
Keqing:@Hu Tao, don't you have a Pyro Vision?! How can you use the Electro element?
Hu Tao:Hehe… didn't I get that Maoshan arts book? There's a technique inside called Palm Thunder. I gave it a try, and to my surprise, I could actually cultivate it! Recently, I've also been researching the talisman arts in the book. I'm trying to see if I can use them to finally let Qiqi rest in peace…
Su Han:Ahem… there's really no need for that.
Keqing:Is… is the Maoshan secret art really that powerful?
Ganyu:To be able to command the Electro element without a Vision is truly shocking.
Ningguang:Can others use it? @Hu Tao
Hu Tao:Uhh… I tried teaching the staff at the parlor, but none of them could learn it.
They were given the opportunity, but it was no use.
Ganyu:Why is that? Hu Tao can clearly command lightning… why can't others learn it?
Zhongli:As a matter of universal reason, this is a question of constitution. Perhaps you have not noticed, but all who possess a Vision have a constitution that is different from that of an ordinary person.
Not just anyone could receive a Vision. Rather, those who received Visions were, without exception, extraordinary individuals to begin with. Some people, even if they were given a Vision, would be unable to wield its power. Otherwise, if the Seven Archons simply handed them out indefinitely, could they not create countless powerful warriors? Just a moment ago, Zhongli and Su Han had discussed this very topic, and the result was exactly as he had surmised. The Daoist arts of Maoshan also required a special constitution to be cultivated. Simply put, if your body was incapable of absorbing elemental energy, you would naturally be unable to practice these arts.
Ningguang:I see. And here I thought we could create many powerful warriors. It seems I was thinking too simply.
Su Han:No… there are also marrow-washing treasures in the Points Shop. They can change a person's constitution. If one's constitution is changed, it is possible for them to cultivate these arts.
The Points Shop didn't just have potions to increase one's power; it also had treasures that could fundamentally reforge the body. They were, however, very expensive. A single dose of the medicine cost ten-thousand points. It was clearly not something an ordinary soldier could afford.
Ningguang:I see. I understand now. Although we cannot enhance the strength of all of Liyue, we can still strengthen those who already possess power!
Su Han:Exactly! And at the same time, for those who are brave and have made outstanding contributions to Liyue but were unable to receive a Vision, we can offer the marrow-washing medicine as a reward! This would greatly boost the morale of the Millelith.
The Millelith had always been a united force, but without a Vision, one was destined to remain an ordinary mortal for life. If they were given a chance to obtain elemental power, it would surely cause a sensation. If they were more ruthless, they could even publicize the news and attract talented people from other nations.
The more Ningguang thought about it, the more excited she became. If not for the current shortage of points, she would have loved to redeem two doses of the medicine right away to boost morale. For now, however, the "Starlit Prosperity" plan had to take precedence.