Ying also nodded, agreeing and saying.
"Mm, from this point alone, it only proves that the battle between the two had not ended after the Traveler used that terrifying blow, or perhaps, they might not have even fought at all."
"Huh? Why is that?"
Paimon asked with confusion, and Paimon also curiously leaned closer to her, waiting for Ying's explanation.
"Do you remember what Ying told us before? She found out about a large factory in Inazuma where the Fatui produce the energy for the Wanderer."
"Yeah, and then she planned to infiltrate it and tell us the location so we could coordinate from the inside and outside to take down that factory. But what does that have to do with the current question?"
Paimon once again displayed her talent for speaking for others, proactively finishing Ying's sentence.
Paimon gave Paimon a glare and said.
"You're stupid, don't you remember the host's plan was to use herself as bait to lure the Wanderer out?"
"Uh... and then? Aren't we supposed to track him?"
Paimon scratched her little head in confusion.
"How could it be that easy? Do you think that scoundrel is like the host?"
"Ah, this..."
Ying: I have ten layers of certainty that you are calling me stupid (ᗜ˰ᗜ)
After the two stopped talking, Ying continued.
"The Wanderer isn't someone easy to deal with. From previous encounters, it's clear he only appears when we're careless, not in the zone, or when he has absolute certainty. With such a cautious nature, tracking him is indeed not very realistic."
Paimon: "Then what should we do?"
Ying pondered for a moment, then sighed.
"Ying's true intention behind saying she was going to infiltrate the factory was likely to lure him out and get captured, then use the map and Paimon's telepathic communication ability to inform us of her location."
Upon hearing Ying's words, Paimon's eyes widened in surprise.
"Huh?! How can we let that happen! What if Ying gets controlled by the Wanderer again?!"
"Mm, but she wasn't by my side at the time, so I couldn't stop that big idiot."
As she spoke, Ying shook her head helplessly. Even though she was displeased with Ying's plan, she could only deal with her properly after it was over.
After a pause, Ying continued.
"The best way for Ying to lure that guy out is to make him think he has her in his grasp. If I'm not mistaken, the real battle between them clearly began after that move."
"What's more likely is that Ying intentionally weakened herself before fighting the Wanderer to make him misjudge."
"Then then then, we need to find the direction they left quickly! Otherwise, if we're too late, Ying might be modified by the Wanderer!"
Paimon said in a panic, quickly looking around, wanting to find the direction Ying was taken. Seeing that Paimon finally understood Ying's plan, Ying and Paimon nodded and continued searching.
The scene shifts to the other side...
After taking Ying with him, the Wanderer didn't return directly to the factory where the Delusions were produced. Instead, he traveled around the area for a while longer. One reason was to detect if anyone was following him, and the other was to make it difficult for subsequent pursuers to track his route.
After traveling in circles through the forest for nearly two rounds, the Wanderer finally felt at ease. He glanced at Ying, who was still "unconscious," behind him, and chuckled.
"Heh... after all, the opponent is her, she can't pull any tricks."
Hearing this, Ying almost wanted to stab him through the heart on the spot.
How dare you look down on me, you hateful Wanderer... If it weren't for that energy within me hindering me, I would have cut you down immediately!
Hmph... but this gamble actually succeeded. As expected, if one can pre-cultivate their elemental power within their body, it can counteract that energy of the Wanderer...
It's a shame it's not time to clear them yet. After all, that Wanderer can sense that energy, and it's also because of this energy that I could act so realistically... As expected, the most realistic acting is live-action...
While Ying was lost in her thoughts, the Wanderer used a tool given by Dottore to teleport her to a distant seaside cliff.
"Heh... I have to admit, the things that guy Dottore invents are quite useful..."
Upon hearing the Wanderer's words, Ying observed the map in her mind and secretly noted down Dottore's name.
Teleportation? Where is this... Yashiori Island?! I didn't expect this scoundrel Wanderer to be able to teleport too... All the time I spent traveling has gone back to square one (t^t)
Seeing that the time was ripe, Ying began to quietly contact Paimon. Fortunately, she had lit up a Statue of the Seven nearby, otherwise, it would have been truly disastrous.
After a while...
Ying's eyes subtly opened a sliver, following the Wanderer's steps to observe the situation.
Tsk... the environment here is truly oppressive. A hazy purple aura, giving one the feeling... hmm... a bit like a long-abandoned haunted house?
And if I'm not mistaken, the Fatui guards over there are likely guarding Crystallized Marrow... Collecting such a massive quantity, it must be one of the important materials for producing that energy for the Wanderer...
A Thunder Culprit saw the Wanderer's face and quickly rushed to his side, speaking respectfully.
"Executive!"
"Mm."
The Wanderer nodded in acknowledgment, then put Ying down.
"Take this girl and throw her into that room. I need to replenish the power of the Delusion. I'll be back soon."
"Yes!"
Upon hearing the Wanderer's words, Ying decided to inject him with another dose of sedative and immediately pretended to have just woken up.
"Cough cough... Where... is this..."
Ying's words caused the Wanderer to subconsciously turn his head, looking at the dazed Ying with surprise.
"Oh? I didn't expect you to wake up so quickly..."
"Wanderer?! This is bad, huh?!"
Seeing Ying trying to escape, the Thunder Culprit beside him quickly acted, grabbing Ying's wrist and quickly walking away.
"Let, let go of me!"
Ying struggled but was unable to budge due to the opponent's immense strength.
"Heh heh... I advise you to come with me obediently, otherwise, don't blame me for turning your cute face into a mess!"
Ying's futile struggle made the Thunder Culprit mockingly laugh, then forcefully dragged Ying towards the room the Wanderer had instructed.
The Wanderer watched them move away until they rounded a corner and disappeared from his sight before turning back.
"I feel like it's gone too smoothly..."