The location of a Treasure Hoarder camp was never chosen at random.
In the world of Teyvat, Treasure Hoarders were outlaws who made a living by plundering ruins and seizing treasure. Their camps were strategically selected to match their activities, needing to be hidden from official pursuit while also providing convenient access for their looting operations.
Therefore, a temporary Treasure Hoarder camp typically had several key features:
1. Concealment: Camps were usually set in remote, hard-to-reach places like deep mountains, desolate canyons, underground caves, or abandoned structures—locations difficult to find, suitable for hiding and resting. 2. Proximity to Ruins: To facilitate their digs, camps were often established near ancient ruins or treasure-rich areas.
3. Accessible Routes: Despite being hidden, Hoarders needed to move loot quickly. Camps often had hidden paths or waterways nearby for transporting goods and making escapes.
For now, Robert wasn't clear on the first and third points, but he was witnessing the second point firsthand.
Following Scar deeper in, he began to see remnants of ancient structures and traps set by the Hoarders—tripwires, pit traps, rockfalls—likely to prevent outsiders from intruding. With Scar leading the way, Robert managed to navigate through safely.
Further in, the ground became cluttered and chaotic. The area was strewn with digging tools, weapons, and stolen goods. Robert spotted numerous pickaxes, ropes, and explosives, alongside broken crates, tools, and food scraps. The place was a mess, clearly the Hoarders' actual worksite. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and corroding metal, giving off a dangerous vibe.
Near the center stood a large banner emblazoned with a black-winged crow—the flag of the Blackwing Troupe. This very banner carried a substantial bounty back in Liyue Harbor.
"Scar, who's this?" someone asked, approaching as they entered. The man wore purple clothes with a small pouch at his waist. Robert heard the clink of glass and caught a faint, sharp but not unpleasant scent he'd noticed after leveling up. Probably the smell of elements, he realized. This was a Treasure Hoarder: Electro Potioneer—the one who throws those lightning bottles.
The Potioneer looked warily at Robert, clearly weary of the unfamiliar face.
Scar waved a hand dismissively. "My new junior. The boss knows about him. He's a decent fighter—took down three guys this morning. I'm taking him to Team One."
Hearing this, the Potioneer's expression softened. Known to the boss meant he was part of the group. Being a capable fighter meant he had value. Someone who was both an ally and strong was generally welcome.
"The boss is at Tunnel Three. They think they've broken through. Take him there," the Potioneer said.
Scar nodded. "Right." He led Robert further onward.
Soon, large excavation pits appeared before them, the smell of explosives growing stronger.
"According to our investigations, there should be ruins at least a thousand years old down here, probably full of treasure," Scar explained as they walked, not hiding anything from Robert. "Our Blackwing Troupe has been focused on this site for half a year, pouring a lot of manpower and resources into it. But your timing's good. The boss thinks he's close to a breakthrough, might get inside the main complex soon." He clapped Robert on the shoulder. "When that happens, we'll be rich! We'll buy a big house in Liyue Harbor, marry a pretty girl, have a few kids, and live the good life."
Painting this bright future, Scar himself broke into a wistful smile. Robert mirrored the longing expression, but inside, he remained utterly calm. It was the same old story: the boss promising profit-sharing once the company struck it big. You listened, but you never took it seriously. The only time that really happened was with that one company whose CEO never came back. Similarly, if Robert wanted to make real money from these ruins, his only real shot would be to take out Scar and the other higher-ups himself. Waiting for them to share the wealth? He might as well wait for death.
They finally stopped before a newly excavated pit. Scar called down, "Boss! Brought you another hand!"
Before long, cursing echoed from the pit. "You sure know how to make more work for me!" A burly figure emerged, blocking the entrance—the Treasure Hoarder Crusher Robert had met before, the leader of this troupe.
"Huh? Isn't this the kid we picked up?" the boss said, glancing at Robert with clear dissatisfaction.
Scar quickly explained about Robert's stolen Mora and how he'd beaten up his three roommates. The boss's expression eased. He looked Robert over. "So you've got some fight in you. Guess keeping you was the right call. I'm Blackwing, leader of the Blackwing Troupe, bearer of the Silver Raven Insignia. You work for me now."
Formal members of the Hoarders held Raven Insignias. Most members had the "Seeker" grade, representing their endless pursuit of treasure. A "Silver" insignia marked an elite within the broader Treasure Hoarder organization across Teyvat. As for the higher "Gold" Raven Insignia, it symbolized the Hoarders' sole principle and pride. It was said only legendary master thieves wore that grade; they were the top tier. So Blackwing, as a Silver bearer, had a right to be proud.
Robert immediately bowed respectfully. "Boss."
"Mhm. You'll stick with me for now," Blackwing nodded. He then told Scar, "Give the three he beat some compensation and throw them into the digging crews."
Scar agreed and left without a backward glance at Robert.
"Follow me," Blackwing said, heading back into the pit. Robert followed.
After climbing down for about five minutes, the space suddenly opened up. Another massive cavern unfolded before them, this one containing unmistakably man-made structures with distinct architectural styles.
Seeing Robert's stunned look, Blackwing chuckled. "That's ancient Liyue architecture. Back then, to resist monster attacks and disasters, they preferred building with massive stones for better defense. This stone-block style also helps the structures survive. Wooden ones would have vanished into history long ago."
Listening, Robert couldn't help but feel a flicker of genuine admiration for Blackwing. The man wasn't just strong; he had knowledge. No wonder he was the boss.
Sensing Robert's look, Blackwing laughed heartily. "If I hadn't gone bankrupt unexpectedly, I'd probably be a respected archaeologist by now!" He clapped Robert on the back. "Keep up. Your work area is just ahead."
They continued forward, arriving at a plaza before the massive stone structure. Seeing it from a distance was one thing, but standing before it, Robert realized the ancient building was nearly fifteen meters high. Looking up, it seemed to merge seamlessly with the cavern roof.