After a long while, as the dust began to settle, the Electro Archon still hadn't emerged. Just as Ying was about to assume the puppet was broken, a streak of purple light shot out from the dense fog, charging towards her with a fierce whistling sound.
Sensing the dangerous aura, Ying instinctively bent backward. The next second, a distinctive long blade, glinting with sharp coldness, flashed past her eyes.
Before she could even process it, Ying heard clear footsteps approaching her. Her expression changed drastically. Disregarding her stance, she propped herself up with one hand and violently swept her right leg to the side, attempting to trip the Electro Archon who had just arrived beside her.
Seeing her swift reaction, the Electro Archon's eyes widened slightly, but her body didn't falter. Judging the distance, she took a step back, precisely enough to evade the seemingly swift, yet ultimately harmless, kick.
Failing to land a hit, Ying's supporting wrist bent slightly, instantly condensing an Anemo slasher which she then shattered. Using the force of the explosion, she leaped up and kicked towards the Electro Archon's chest.
However, the Electro Archon had anticipated Ying's next move. She simply extended her arms, effortlessly gripping Ying's ankle, then pulled and released.
"Wah?!"
In the next moment, Ying was sent flying backward like a kite with a snapped string.
"Bang!"
With a dull thud, Ying, much like the Electro Archon before her, was slammed hard into the wall and then fell to the ground.
"Hiss—?! Pain, pain, pain..."
Ying slowly got to her feet, rubbing her swollen shoulder and grumbling irritably.
"That attack didn't even hurt her? Is that thing made of titanium?"
As she spoke, Ying's eyes widened as she looked at the Electro Archon in front of her. Upon seeing her current appearance, Ying's eyes lit up.
On the Electro Archon's shoulder was a distinct bruise, and a trickle of blood was slowly seeping from the corner of her mouth. Her clothes were also tattered from Ying's attacks, revealing a large expanse of pale skin and a temptingly deep cleavage.
"Gulp..."
The sight was so captivating that Ying couldn't help but swallow involuntarily...
No, no, no!
Realizing herself, Ying quickly shook her head, banishing the thoughts from her mind.
Joking aside, if Lumine ever found out, this piece of land would truly be "plowed" over.
The Electro Archon watched Ying's actions silently, making no move forward. Despite the intense pain in her shoulder, her expression remained placid, devoid of any emotion.
As she watched, her gaze flickered twice, then she suddenly looked up at the sky and said with a hint of helplessness,
"Congratulations, you have successfully piqued my interest."
As soon as the words fell, the surrounding space began to distort. In less than a moment, Ying found herself in a familiar place.
Seeing Ei meditating before her, Ying pinched her chin and walked slowly towards her. With a casual grasp, she conjured two stone stools, taking one for herself, then patted the stool in front of her, gesturing for Ei to sit down as well.
Hearing the sound, Ei slowly opened her eyes and looked at Ying with a hint of confusion. Without further inquiry, she sat down before Ying and spoke first.
"It's been a while."
Ying nodded.
"Yes, it has been some time. And I have your puppet to thank for sending people to apprehend me constantly."
Upon hearing this, Ei furrowed her brows.
"She told you, didn't she."
Ying rolled her eyes.
"Isn't that obvious? Besides that foxy one, there aren't many others who would know."
Ei nodded slightly, agreeing with Ying's statement.
"In that case, your recent progress should also be thanks to her, shouldn't it."
Ying first nodded, then shook her head. She took out the desserts she had prepared earlier from within her space before replying,
"To be precise, she merely provided me with a training ground. True progress ultimately depends on one's own potential."
Saying this, Ying offered the dessert in her hand, smiling as she asked,
"She told me you have a liking for sweet foods. Would you like to try some?"
Looking at the dessert Ying offered, Ei hesitated for a moment before reaching out and taking it. She nibbled a small bite at her lips, and then, a look of astonishment and admiration appeared in her eyes.
Seeing Ei's subtle reaction, Ying knew the fox hadn't lied to her. She picked up a piece of dessert from the bag, took a bite, and savored it with delight.
This action naturally puzzled Ei. After quickly finishing the dessert in her hand, she asked with mild curiosity,
"You traveled all this way to Tenshukaku, had a battle with my puppet, and then came here, all just to bring me desserts?"
"Mmmph..."
Ying wanted to say something, but the dessert in her mouth hadn't been swallowed yet. She quickly chewed and swallowed before replying,
"Of course not. I've come to ask you to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree."
"Oh?"
Seeing Ying state her purpose so directly, Ei decided to be frank as well.
"Are you referring to the infiltration of the Fatui into the Tenryou Commission? I regret to say, I have already..."
"No."
Before she could finish, Ying immediately waved her hand, denying her assumption.
"You've misunderstood. I haven't come for that matter."
Hearing this, Ei was taken aback again.
"Then what for?"
Ying met Ei's gaze and stated a few words plainly.
"So that Lumine and I are no longer wanted, and so that my friends here are not harmed by that Vision Hunt Decree. That's all."
At this, Ei knitted her brows and asked with confusion,
"Friends?"
"Yes."
Ying looked up, recalled for a moment, and then patiently explained to Ei,
"They live in Higi Village. I accidentally caught a bad cold from the rain, and coincidentally, I was also being pursued by the Shogunate's forces. It was thanks to them that I managed to escape.
Of course, there's also that Doctor, but he deliberately approached me..."
After listening to Ying's words, Ei let out a soft laugh and casually picked up a piece of dessert from the bag and put it in her mouth. After tasting it, she asked with a playful tone,
"You readily tell me of these transgressions. Aren't you afraid I'll order their arrest?"
Ying smiled, showing no trace of panic. Instead, she looked at Ei calmly and said with confidence,
"I'm not afraid, because I've come today to make you change your current actions. As for whether that change will come through force or words, that will depend on you."