Days passed, and within the same energy shield, Ying effortlessly dodged the lightning strikes and sword slashes that could come at any moment. Her demeanor was so relaxed that one would hardly believe she was training.
Soon, the automaton's three basic attacks were exhausted, and it ceased its operation.
"Hoo…"
Seeing the day's training concluded, Ying exhaled with relief and leisurely walked out of the training area. She picked up a teacup that had been set aside, downed its contents in one go, and then sighed with satisfaction.
"Ah~ refreshing~"
Through these few days of training, Ying's reflexes had improved by several levels. Attacks that previously required Electro enhancement to dodge could now be easily avoided even in her normal state. Furthermore, these recent spars had significantly enhanced Ying's stamina and resilience.
Coupled with the development of her elemental power, it could be said that Ying had reached an unprecedented peak.
She clenched her small fists, confident that even facing two of her past selves from days ago, she would have a considerable chance of winning with her current advantages.
"Hmph, hmph… I've only trained for a little over ten days and become so much stronger. It seems I'm actually a genius~"
"Sigh… it's a shame that breakthroughs become harder and harder as one progresses. Especially these last few days, there was practically no difference from before."
Hearing her host's dejected words, Paimon couldn't help but roll her eyes speechlessly.
Be content, host. At least you've made significant progress. Look at that "Young Master." He hasn't improved much these days, and during your spars, he's gone from being slightly inferior to being completely suppressed.
Ying smiled and scratched her hair.
"Oh my~ if you praise me like that, I'll get shy~"
Uh… no, that wasn't praising the host…
They chatted for a while, and before long, they saw Lumine approaching from a distance, bringing food, and Yae Miko beside her, who looked decidedly ill-intentioned.
Damn, why is that fox here?!
Wuwuwu… Am I going to be tricked by that cunning, wicked woman again? I don't want to! (╥﹏╥)
Ying sighed in frustration, ignored the woman beside her, and ran straight towards Lumine, burying herself in her embrace.
"Hm?"
Lumine quickly put away the bread and drink she was holding into her spatial inventory and looked at Ying, who was clinging to her and refusing to peek out, with confusion.
"What's wrong? Did you get hurt during training? Where are you hurt? Do you need a doctor? Do you need me to carry you? Do you need… mmmph…"
Ying quickly reached out and covered Lumine's non-stop mouth, leaning close to her ear and muttering softly.
"Ahem… it's nothing, it's just that I've been scared by the wicked woman next to you these past few days."
"Ahem~ I heard that~"
"Eh?"
Ying stiffly turned her head, only to find that Yae Miko had, at some unknown point, leaned her head close to her side and was looking at her with a benevolent smile.
Uh…
Hugging her tightly for support!
Ying grabbed Lumine's arm, trembling as she looked at the wicked fox.
"You… you… you can't take this opportunity to get revenge! I was just telling the truth…"
Seeing Ying's pitiful appearance, Yae Miko chuckled and teased.
"Alright, alright, I won't take revenge. Honestly, I've been treating you both so kindly these days, it's quite heartbreaking to be looked at like that now~"
Lumine, who had been constantly outwitting Yae Miko these past few days: (ᄑ_ᄑ)
Heh… I'll just smile and say nothing.
After playfully teasing Ying, Yae Miko became serious.
"Little darling, when you came to find us, did you encounter any resistance forces?"
"Resistance forces?"
Ying pinched her chin, recalling the events of that period carefully.
"Um… although I didn't have direct contact, I did observe them clashing with the Shogunate army from a distance…"
"And what are your thoughts on the resistance forces, little darling?"
"Hmm… well…"
Ying pondered deeply and began to analyze earnestly.
"Their ability to engage in multiple large-scale battles with the Shogunate army indicates they possess some strength.
"But honestly, it only goes so far. Both in terms of individual soldier physique, equipment, and logistical support, they are all inferior to the Shogunate army.
"If I recall correctly, I heard before that they had a highly intelligent leader, but the Shogunate army isn't some pushover. There must be many capable individuals within it. Even if, hypothetically, the Shogunate army is inferior to the resistance in terms of strategy, with the existence of Raiden Shogun, who can overpower all with sheer strength, there's still no visible path to victory."
Yae Miko looked at Ying with appreciation and nodded in agreement.
"That's right. Even if reports of defeats against the resistance occasionally come from the Shogunate army camps, they don't affect their morale. The fundamental reason is the presence of the Raiden Shogun behind them. In the hearts of the Shogunate army soldiers, the name Raiden Shogun represents victory."
Hearing their conversation, Lumine also voiced her own doubts.
"So, why bring them up suddenly? Are they also part of your plan?"
"Mhm~ As expected of the Traveler, known as the Honorary Knight by the people of Mondstadt. It seems it wasn't an accident that I didn't directly trick you in before~"
Lumine rolled her eyes at her.
"Nonsense, and stop changing the subject. If I'm not mistaken, you intend to use the resistance to lure away the main force of the Shogunate army, allowing Ying to conserve her energy and, while the Shogunate army camp is unattended, sneak into the Raiden Shogun's usual location for a one-on-one duel, right?"
"Ice hook~"
Yae Miko clapped her hands and added,
"This is indeed part of the contingency plan. However, if it were only this, it would only address the symptoms, not the root cause."
"The issuance of the Vision Hunt Decree was clearly a result of someone exploiting that puppet general's obsession with eternity, deliberately luring her into action. And the issuance of the Vision Hunt Decree is inseparable from the Tenryou Commission."
Upon hearing this, Lumine's pupils widened slightly, and she asked with surprise.
"You mean the Tenryou Commission has already been infiltrated by other forces? And the reason you specifically came here to discuss this with us is because you suspect the infiltrated force is from the Fatui?"
"Stop, stop, stop! Speak slower, please! I can't keep up!" Ying, nestled in Lumine's arms, quickly called out to halt their conversation.
"Hmmph~"
They both silently watched Ying close her eyes. After a short while, she opened them, scratched her cheek somewhat awkwardly, and said.
"Uh… never mind. There's too much information to remember, and I'm too lazy to sort it out…"