Rosalyne's strategy was simple.
Stall for time.
The moment she discovered Tartaglia had been captured, she immediately sent word to the Fatui forces in the canyon before appearing to intercept them.
As long as the main Fatui force arrived, even minor interference would be enough to rescue Tartaglia.
Yet unexpectedly, the two before her did not seem anxious at all.
Their movements were steady and controlled, as if they truly intended to drag the fight out.
Lu Lin and Lumine indeed weren't worried.
In the worst case, he could bring everyone into the Serenitea Pot. Tartaglia had no ability to resist in his current state.
He simply didn't prefer bringing men into such a private space — though if necessary, he could just keep knocking him unconscious.
As the battle intensified—
A cold shout rang out.
"Refining Qi into Spirit!"
"Heavenly Edict!"
Several adeptal talismans materialized in midair, forming a powerful formation that trapped Rosalyne.
The formation struck with immense force. Combined with Lu Lin and Lumine unleashing their techniques simultaneously, Rosalyne quickly found herself overwhelmed.
She grunted, her figure flashing backward as she disengaged and retreated toward the canyon without hesitation.
When there had been hope, she was willing to rescue her colleague.
Now? Reinforcements stood against her. The odds were poor.
She chose self-preservation.
She still carried the Gnosis — her primary mission was delivering it to Snezhnaya. Compared to that, sacrificing a fellow Harbinger was acceptable.
Lu Lin did not pursue.
Instead, he turned toward the woman who had intervened.
White hair like frost. A face as cold as winter.
Yet her figure was striking — curves perfectly outlined by a fitted cyan qipao. Despite her alluring form, she exuded no seduction — only transcendent, detached grace.
A true cold immortal.
Seeing the red ropes at her wrists and the white hair covering her right eye, Lu Lin immediately recognized her.
A disciple of Cloud Retainer from Mt. Aocang—
Shenhe.
"Not pursuing?" she asked, voice sharp as ice.
"No need. Our task is capturing Tartaglia. Signora and the Fatui elite are still there. No need for direct confrontation. The Millelith can handle the cleanup."
She nodded once and turned to leave.
Lu Lin casually hoisted Tartaglia over his shoulder and followed, with Lumine and Paimon behind.
Both were confused.
They didn't know Shenhe — nor why this frost-like immortal had helped.
Lu Lin, unfazed, initiated conversation.
"Miss Shenhe, what brings you to Qingxu Pool?"
"Master is staying in Liyue Harbor temporarily. She instructed me to descend and gain worldly experience. Senior Sister arranged this task."
So Ganyu had sent her.
Reliable as always.
"Lu Lin, do you know her?" Lumine asked curiously.
"Shenhe is Cloud Retainer's disciple. Ganyu's junior sister."
They exchanged brief introductions.
Knowing Shenhe's reserved nature and her master's hope that she reintegrate into human society, Lu Lin and Lumine gently engaged her in conversation along the way.
Not awkward interrogation — but simple guidance.
Things like:
You must pay for food and goods.
Don't resort to violence casually.
Shenhe listened seriously, even if she rarely responded.
Before leaving Mt. Aocang, Ganyu had told her:
Lu Lin was absolutely trustworthy.
They traveled more slowly on the return trip, allowing Shenhe to experience various sights.
As for Tartaglia — whenever he stirred, Lu Lin knocked him out again.
After a full day together, Shenhe was noticeably less distant. Still cold — but no longer aloof.
Back in Liyue Harbor, Shenhe went to see Cloud Retainer.
Lu Lin brought Lumine to Yujing Terrace and handed Tartaglia over to the authorities.
What followed — interrogation and negotiations with Snezhnaya — was no longer his concern.
Mission Reward
[Ding! Mission Complete: Capture Tartaglia]
Rewards:
1,000,000 Mora
500 Points
100 EXP
Resident Trait: Outshining the Master
[Outshining the Master]:
When the owner's disciple acquires a new skill or attribute, the owner automatically gains the corresponding skill or attribute.
Lu Lin frowned.
This trait required having a disciple first.
Then suddenly—
An idea flashed through his mind.
There actually was someone suitable.
…No.
He shook his head, dismissing the bold thought.
"Lu Lin, shouldn't you settle the remaining payment?" Lumine interrupted.
"Hm? Do we really need to be that clear about money between us?" he teased.
"What relationship do we have?" Paimon narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"Yes, what relationship?" Lumine puffed her cheeks, masking her unease. "You're not planning to cheat us, are you?"
"Yeah! Don't even think about it!" Paimon huffed.
"Friends~" Lu Lin smiled and handed over a pouch.
Lumine counted.
"…Why is there an extra million?"
There were two million Mora inside — but he had already paid one million upfront.
"The extra million," Lu Lin replied calmly, "is the residency fee."
"Residency fee? What residency?" Paimon blinked in confusion.
Why did it feel like these two were hiding something from her?
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