"You actually found a way to get to Inazuma… I didn't expect that."
Qiu Nian looked at Lumine and Paimon with a faint smile.
"We didn't really have a choice."
"We searched for a long time—this was the only option."
Lumine replied helplessly.
"Then I'll go register first."
With that, Qiu Nian walked toward the registration desk.
"You must be Mr. Qiu Nian that the great hero mentioned."
"I've been waiting for you. There's no need to list your achievements—I've already registered you."
Zhuhan smiled.
Qiu Nian nodded in thanks.
"By the way… are you also here for the Vision?"
Zhuhan asked.
"A Vision…"
"My goal is simply a ticket to Inazuma. I have little interest in it."
Qiu Nian replied calmly.
Zhuhan froze for a moment, then nodded.
"I… see."
[As expected]
[Does Qiu Nian even need a Vision?]
[He's literally a god—why would he need one 😂]
[Zhongli's Vision looks real though]
[Looks real… but who knows]
"Did you hear that? Even Mr. Qiu Nian doesn't want the Vision!"
"But if both the Traveler and Mr. Qiu Nian don't want it… if they take first and second place, wouldn't the Vision go to third place?"
"I wonder if that's a good thing or not…"
The crowd buzzed with discussion.
Qiu Nian then returned to Lumine and Paimon.
"Qiu Nian, as long as you place first or second, you'll get a ticket to Inazuma."
"That shouldn't be difficult for you, right?"
Paimon asked with a grin.
"Ha…"
Qiu Nian chuckled softly but didn't answer.
"Oh right—this tournament doesn't allow participants with Visions."
"Even though you don't have one, most people in Teyvat believe only Vision holders can use elemental power."
Paimon turned to Lumine.
"So to avoid suspicion, you shouldn't use elemental abilities during the matches."
"With opponents at this level, you should still win easily without them."
"…Easily win?"
"That's hard to say. There are quite a few strong fighters here."
Lumine smiled.
After some time, the matches officially began.
Lumine's first opponent was none other than Jin You—the overly confident man.
Under everyone's gaze, she knocked him out with a single punch.
The following matches went much the same.
Until she faced He San—the young man carrying the greatsword.
They exchanged several rounds, but in the end, He San was defeated.
As for the so-called "masters" from the Lingshan Sect…
They had already been eliminated earlier.
Qiu Nian's matches were similar.
He defeated several opponents with ease—but not in an overwhelming way, as if deliberately holding back.
Eventually, he faced Wan Ying—the masked swordswoman.
"Mr. Qiu Nian, please guide me."
Wan Ying raised her Blackcliff sword.
The moment she finished speaking, she lunged forward.
Her blade flickered as she thrust toward him.
Qiu Nian merely tilted his body slightly, effortlessly dodging the attack.
He did not counterattack.
No matter how many times Wan Ying slashed or thrust, every strike was calmly evaded.
In the end, she could only clasp her fists and admit defeat.
After several more rounds, Lumine and Qiu Nian finally stood together on the stage.
The final match.
"Here it is—the battle between Mr. Qiu Nian and the great hero!"
"My goodness, Mr. Qiu Nian is so elegant—even his movements are graceful!"
"And the Traveler is just as impressive—sharp and decisive!"
"They're friends, right? Who do you think will win?!"
The crowd was filled with excitement.
[Say more, I love this!]
[Qiu Nian looks like he's barely trying, yet every move carries power (facepalm)]
"The Traveler fights cleanly—no wasted movement, no hesitation."
"And Mr. Qiu Nian… despite his scholarly appearance, I can't even grasp the depth of his techniques."
"He's incredibly strong."
Beidou watched with a grin.
"Indeed…"
"But it feels like both of them are holding back, unwilling to hurt the other."
"Especially Mr. Qiu Nian. Against Miss Wan Ying, he only dodged, never attacked…"
Kazuha murmured thoughtfully.
"So… who do you think will win?"
Beidou crossed her arms, anticipation in her eyes.
"Hard to say."
Kazuha shook his head slightly.
"So, Qiu Nian… what do you think?"
Lumine held her sword, smiling sweetly.
Qiu Nian returned a faint smile.
Below the stage, Paimon watched eagerly.
"Ahhh Lumine's smile is so cute!"
"And Qiu Nian—why is he so gentle? That 'what do you think' sounded so good!"
Xuehua covered her face, squealing.
[They're too shippable!]
[That tone—so soft, so gentle!]
['What do you think' 'what do you think' 💕]
"You should just concede."
Lumine smirked playfully.
At this point, it didn't matter who won.
Qiu Nian nodded slightly.
"I concede."
With that, he stepped down from the stage.
For a moment—the entire arena fell silent.
Then, an uproar erupted.
Even Beidou and Kazuha were stunned.
They had been expecting an incredible clash.
Instead—he surrendered immediately.
"I hereby announce the results!"
"First place: the great hero!"
"Second place: Mr. Qiu Nian!"
"Third place: Wan Ying!"
"Fourth place…"
Zhuhan began announcing the rankings one by one.
By then, night had already fallen.
"Hahaha…"
"Even though Mr. Qiu Nian conceded, having them participate already made this tournament unforgettable."
Beidou laughed, hands on her hips.
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