[Genshin Impact] Chapter 590-592

Chapter 590: Time for Level Up

Hot spring bathhouse, changing room.

Just like he had done with Acting Grand Master Jean before, Nolan carefully removed Barbara’s clothes piece by piece, then carried her into the steaming spring, continuing the “cultivation” between the two of them.

However, considering that this was Barbara’s first time cultivating in this way, he didn’t push her for too long.

After about half an hour, he helped her dry off, then brought her to the living room.

At that moment, the other girls were already having dinner. Nolan brought Barbara along to join them, eating another round himself while conveniently introducing Barbara to everyone.

He also introduced everyone to Barbara. Soon enough, they had all grown familiar with one another.

When they learned that Barbara was actually Jean’s younger sister, the others gave Nolan a disdainful glance.

Nolan, however, didn’t look the least bit embarrassed. He simply focused on enjoying the delicious dishes Noelle had prepared.

After dinner—

Ningguang handed him the sword manuals he had asked her to bring back, smiling faintly as she said:

“There are six sword techniques in total. If that’s not enough, I’ll help you find more.”

“This should keep me busy for a while. Thanks!” Nolan happily took the manuals, giving Ningguang a grateful kiss on the lips.

“Just that? Not nearly enough~”

Clicking her black high heels against the floor, Ningguang stepped closer, pressed her lips against his, and pushed him down onto the sofa, straddling his body.

While letting her have her way, Nolan spared some attention to look through the manuals:

Hidden Shadow Swordplay, Soul-Chasing Swordplay, Seven Stars Hooking Moon Swordplay…

All six techniques were of secret level. If he raised them all to their maximum level, fusing them into an arcane-level skill would be a simple matter.

But there was no rush to start practicing tonight. He decided to leave that for tomorrow. Right now… with a swift motion, Nolan flipped Ningguang beneath him.

—

Time passed quickly, several days flashing by.

During these days, Nolan spent his time either cultivating with the girls inside the Wonderland or practicing new sword techniques within the belly of the cosmic behemoth.

He even invited Yoimiya to reside within the Wonderland, and before long, she too was “pinned down” to join him in intimate cultivation.

After just a few days, solely through this close-contact method of cultivation, his progress had skyrocketed:

Lv103 (2,730,455 / 13,000,000)

And thanks to this diligent cultivation, Barbara, Yoimiya, and the other newly joined girls of the Wonderland had already been raised past level eighty.

Their growth meant the strengthening of their bond-skills—ultimately all feeding back into Nolan’s own growth.

Besides that, his training inside the cosmic behemoth’s stomach, cutting down hordes of insects, had yielded enormous amounts of experience.

[Adventure EXP: 26,683,152]

With over twenty-six million points, leveling up twice in a row wouldn’t even be a problem.

Truly, the sheer number of bugs inside that creature’s stomach was absurd—he had already farmed more than twenty million points, and yet they didn’t seem to diminish at all.

This place really lived up to its name: a paradise for grinding experience!

Without hesitation, Nolan poured a massive amount of points directly into his level:

> Adventure EXP -24,269,545

> Lv103 (2,730,455 / 13,000,000) → Lv105 (0 / 15,000,000)

The immense power of two consecutive level-ups exploded within his body, strengthening every single cell and even his soul.

Soon, the familiar strengthening process came to an end. Nolan clenched his fists, feeling a strength unlike anything he had ever experienced before.

With his current strength, even if he were to face the Shogun head-on, he might not necessarily fall behind!

---

Name: Nolan Walker

Level: Lv.105 (0 / 15,000,000)

Race: Human

Titles: Honorary Knight, Distinguished Citizen of Liyue, Legendary Adventurer, Honorary General of Watatsumi Island, Sumeru Sage

Innate Talent: Entangling Affection

Skills:

- Lumine’s Authority: Divine Level Lv.10 (Starsea Manifestation, Boundless)

- Musou no Hitotachi · Divine Level Lv.10 (Musou State)

- Domain of Objective Illusory Shadows · Divine Level Lv.10 (Unobservable State)

- Flowing Sky Shot: Arcane Level Lv.10 (Frostglow Arrow)

- Elemental Mastery Lv.10 (Max)

- Martial Arts Lv.10 (Subtle Mastery)

- Hidden Shadow Swordplay Lv.10 (No Shadow)

- Soul-Chasing Swordplay Lv.10 (Spirit Mark)

- Ceremonial Ninja Sword Art · Oni Rider Stance Lv.1 (0/5000).

- Three-Element Sword Art · Arcane Level Lv.1 (0/5000)

- Hook Moon Severed Shadow · Seven Stars Lv.1 (0 / 5000)

Specialties:

- Beloved by Maidens (Exclusive)

- Unmoving Gospel of the World Tree (Exclusive)

- Threads of the Northern Wind (Exclusive)

- Spiritual Core (Exclusive)

Adventure EXP: 2,413,607

---

Beyond his level increase, Nolan had also trained all six sword techniques Ningguang brought back for him to maximum level. When fusing them into an arcane-level art, he succeeded with just four of them.

This became the Hook Moon Severed Shadow · Seven Stars Lv.1 (0 / 5000) listed on his panel.

Now, he already possessed three new arcane-level sword arts. Once they reached maximum level, he could attempt a fusion toward a divine-level art.

But reaching max level on arcane-tier techniques purely through practice—even with the endless swarm of insects inside the cosmic behemoth’s stomach—wasn’t something that could be done in a short time.

If he wanted to push them quickly to maximum and fuse them, the best option was still to spend Adventure EXP.

Raising an arcane-tier skill from beginner to full mastery required 225,000 points—a trivial matter for Nolan now.

After all, he could always head back into the cosmic behemoth’s stomach, cut down some bugs, and farm it all back easily.

So, without hesitation, he poured in a massive amount of points:

Adventure EXP -225,000

Ceremonial Ninja Sword Art · Oni Rider Stance Arcane Level Lv.1 (0 / 5000) → Lv.10 (Descent of the Demon God)

Adventure EXP -225,000

Three-Element Sword Art · Arcane Level Lv.1 (0/5000) → Lv.10 (Three Lives, All Things)

Adventure EXP -225,000

Hook Moon Severed Shadow · Seven Stars Arcane Level Lv.1 (0 / 5000) → Lv.10 (Judgment of Life and Death)

Looking at the three fully maxed Arcane Level skills on his panel, he now met the minimum requirement for fusing a Divine Level art.

Naturally, Nolan decided to try.

Fusion:

Ceremonial Ninja Sword Art Lv.10 (Descent of the Demon God) + Three-Element Sword Art Lv.10 (Three Lives, All Things) + Hook Moon Severed Shadow Lv.10 (Judgment of Life and Death) =

Judgment Art · All Things to Nothingness Lv.10 (Descent of the Demon God, Three Lives, All Things, Judgment of Life and Death)

A new sword art appeared on the panel. Unfortunately, it was still in the Arcane Level category.

Luck hadn’t favored him this time—meeting the bare minimum requirements wasn’t enough to push it up to Divine Level.

But that wasn’t much of a problem. He could feel that this new arcane sword art was already extremely close to the divine level.

He still had two more secret-level sword techniques at maximum level on his panel. Learning another one or two and fusing them would earn him yet another Arcane Level skill.

Then, by fusing that one into the mix, he was certain the breakthrough would come!

And with the Lantern Rite Festival only a few days away, he might as well head over to Liyue, see if Ningguang and the others needed any help, and while at it, ask for a few more sword techniques.

—

(End of Chapter)

***

Chapter 591: A Little Reward

Liyue, Jade Chamber.

With the Lantern Rite approaching, even a usually quiet place like the Jade Chamber had begun receiving more visitors.

Nolan teleported to Ningguang’s side, but since she was busy arranging the many affairs of the festival, he couldn’t speak with her just yet.

So, he decided to wander around on his own.

“Hmph, isn’t this our busy man, always making friends with girls? What brings you here with free time to spare?”

As Nolan turned a corner in the corridor, a snow-white arm suddenly looped around his neck.

His vision darkened, his face sinking into something soft and springy, familiar yet suffocating.

Instinctively, his hands drew inward—first pressing against an equally soft curve at her hips, then tracing up along a graceful line to her slender waist.

With that leverage, he lifted his head.

Right before his eyes was a glimpse of snowy cleavage; a little higher, her delicate collarbone; and above that—

“Ouch!”

A sharp sting at his forehead made Nolan cry out before he realized it.

“What are you staring at so intently? My chin can’t take your head-butting.” Yelan rubbed her chin, amusement flickering in her eyes as she looked at him.

“Ahem… sorry, sorry.”

A little embarrassed, Nolan shifted his gaze upward, settling on her pale neck instead.

“Forget it,” Yelan said with a sly smile, folding her arms under her chest. “Lucky timing—you just showed up right after Ningguang gave me an assignment.

“As an apology for your rudeness to a lady, you’ll come along and help me. That way, I can save some travel time and get off work earlier.”

Nolan gave her a helpless look.

“How am I the rude one? You’re the one who suddenly grabbed me.”

“Hehe. Don’t tell me—the great legendary adventurer who can stand against gods didn’t even notice a delicate woman waiting at the corner ahead, and let her slip her arms around him so easily?”

Yelan laughed softly.

“…Well, everyone lets down their guard sometimes. Especially against a beautiful woman like you,” Nolan said, forcing out an excuse.

“Oh?” Yelan’s faint smile lingered, clearly in a good mood. “Alright, I’ll accept that explanation… barely.”

[Yelan Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 360 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.8 (560/800)]

The system prompt on his panel made Nolan brighten with delight.

Yelan’s affection level with him was nearly at nine. Once it hit nine, ten wouldn’t be far behind—and he was already eager to see what sort of affection skill she would grant.

“Even if I accept your excuse, you’ll still have to come with me to finish the task. Of course, I’ll reward you in return.”

Running her fingers through her silky hair, Yelan looked at him playfully.

“Reward? …What kind of reward?” Nolan asked curiously.

“If you’re that curious, I could always pay you in advance. But if I do, you won’t be allowed to refuse.” Yelan’s voice took on a mysterious lilt.

“For you, reward or no reward, I’d naturally be willing to help,” Nolan said, patting his chest with confidence.

“In that case…”

Parting her soft lips, Yelan leaned forward slightly and pressed them against his.

Nolan froze in surprise. Before he could even react, Yelan pulled away, her lips still glistening as she said:

“Well? Isn’t this the kind of reward you like?”

“Of course I like it. But don’t you think it was a little too short?”

Wrapping his arms around her waist, Nolan leaned in again, wanting to savor it longer.

Otherwise, with just those few seconds, he still felt a little unsatisfied.

“Glad you liked it. Just think of that as a deposit. Once we get back, I’ll give you the balance—and by then, I’ll allow you to lean in yourself~”

Yelan pressed her palm against Nolan’s lips to stop him from coming closer, her sly smile brimming with mischief.

Of course, after that kiss she’d given him in front of Keqing last time, she had also found herself savoring the feeling—and even wanted to try going further to see what it was like.

[Yelan Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 340 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.9 (100/900)]

“Alright then.” Nolan showed some regret before continuing, “So, can you tell me what Ningguang asked you to do?”

“Nothing major. With the Lantern Rite approaching—and considering how much Liyue Harbor has changed this year, flourishing more than ever—Ningguang wants to make this year’s festival especially grand.

“So she asked me to invite the Adepti of Three Eyes and Five Manifestations, so that they can come witness the thriving prosperity of Liyue together.”

Yelan explained simply.

“I see. So basically, you’re going to invite the Adepti to join the Lantern Rite… though with their temperaments, I’m not sure they’ll even be interested in coming.”

Nolan nodded in understanding.

“True. They haven’t shown up in past years either. As Adepti, they might not care for human festivities,” Yelan agreed with him.

“By the way, what brings you here?” she asked curiously.

“Mainly to get a few more sword manuals from Ningguang, and also to see if she needs any help.” Nolan explained simply.

“I see. Ningguang should be free now, so go to her directly. I’ll wait outside.”

Yelan nodded lightly.

“Alright.”

After she left, Nolan went toward Ningguang’s office.

At that moment, Ningguang was still assigning her secretaries various tasks for the Lantern Rite. Seeing him arrive, they paused their discussion.

Nolan told Ningguang about the sword techniques he still needed, and asked if there was any way he could help, given how busy the festival preparations seemed.

“Mm, wait a moment. I’ll have Bai Xiao fetch the manuals for you.

“As for help, I’m not particularly busy right now. But Keqing and Ganyu are—why don’t you go check with them?”

Ningguang thought for a bit, then replied.

“No problem. I’ll go find them later,” Nolan said.

With his ability to teleport through space, visiting a few of the Adepti wouldn’t take much time anyway. He could always do it after finishing up with Yelan.

Soon, Ningguang had Bai Xiao bring back several sword manuals, which she handed to him.

After bidding her farewell, Nolan stepped out onto the platform outside the Jade Chamber, where Yelan stood gazing at the distant view of Liyue Harbor.

Every street below was crowded with people.

With the festival drawing near, the harbor had grown even livelier.

Nolan chuckled and said:

“Let’s go. We’ll head to Jueyun Karst first.”

“Of course, you decide. After all, I’ll be relying on you to get us there.” Yelan crossed her arms as she spoke.

“Then, if you’d kindly lend me your hand…” Nolan reached out his right hand.

Humoring his little whim, Yelan extended her own hand, letting him clasp it in his.

[Yelan Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 300 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.9 (400/900)]

(End of Chapter)

***

Chapter 592: The Tsundere Adeptus Bird

Jueyun Karst.

One moment they were still in the Jade Chamber, and the next, Nolan and Yelan had arrived at the secluded abode of Moon Carver.

“Hmph. And who might this be, barging so abruptly into an Adeptus’ domain?”

Sensing Nolan’s aura, a massive stag-shaped Adeptus emerged from the mist.

“Hehe, my apologies, my apologies.” Nolan chuckled, then smoothly shifted the topic. “Anyway, Moon Carver, this young lady Yelan is here to see you.”

“Oh?”

Moon Carver didn’t pay much mind to Nolan himself, but turned to look at Yelan, curious what business someone from Tianquan’s side might have with him.

“True Lord, the Lantern Rite is upon us. If you’re interested, you could come to Liyue Harbor and take a look.”

Yelan extended the invitation on behalf of the Qixing.

“What value is there in attending a mortal’s festival?” Moon Carver clearly had no interest.

To an Adeptus, human festivals were no different from any other day—at most, just a bit livelier.

“It seems True Lord doesn’t understand Liyue’s culture very well,” Yelan said with a faint smile. “The Lantern Rite is the most important festival of the year for the people of Liyue.

“Why does this festival exist? Why do the people treasure it so much? Aren’t you even curious?

“You and Rex Lapis have guarded Liyue together for millennia. What you protect isn’t just the land, but also its people and their culture.

“And yet, after thousands of years, you feel no interest in the very thing you’ve guarded? Or is it that you only protect Liyue because Rex Lapis wished it, and you merely follow along?

“Is there nothing in Liyue that you personally feel is worth protecting?”

Nolan asked with deliberate curiosity.

“You impudent fellow!”

Hearing such blunt and seemingly disrespectful words, Moon Carver grew displeased.

If it were any ordinary mortal speaking to him this way, they would have been made to pay dearly for their rudeness.

But since Nolan was his friend, he decided to show the magnanimity of an Adeptus, and forgave his offense.

Definitely not because he couldn’t win in a fight!

“Hmph,” he snorted, still unhappy. “Over thousands of years, I have come to know the Lantern Rite more deeply than you humans. All such customs are etched into my memory.

“These treasures of culture we sincerely guard. But we are Adepti, not humans—our perspective is different.

“What is there to question about that?”

“Well, that’s true,” Nolan admitted. “But if you don’t take the chance to get closer to humans, to understand them better, it’s easy for another situation like last time to happen.”

He was, of course, referring to the assassination attempt on Rex Lapis. Because the Adepti had been estranged from humanity for so long, and unfamiliar with the Qixing, they immediately suspected them of betrayal.

“…Hmph. Indeed, back then we did act rashly.”

Moon Carver fell silent for a moment, but did not deny Nolan’s point.

“Exactly. So why not take advantage of the Lantern Rite, visit Liyue Harbor, and see for yourself the beauty of what you’ve been protecting all this time?” Nolan said with a smile.

“You make a fair argument. It’s true we have grown distant from humanity these past years.”

Moon Carver pondered a moment and admitted that Nolan’s words held reason.

After all, going to Liyue Harbor wouldn’t take much time. He could simply take human form, stroll among the crowds, and perhaps even reunite with Rex Lapis and Azhdaha.

Seeing Moon Carver nod in agreement, Nolan smiled as well.

“Good. Then we’ll count on you to attend. Yelan and I will go inform the other Adepti.”

“Very well.”

With that, Moon Carver’s vast form faded back into the clouds and mist.

Yelan tilted her head at Nolan, arms folded, and sighed.

“Ningguang only told me to give a routine notice. It’s not like the Adepti must actually attend.”

What she meant was: as long as the message was delivered, that was enough—no need to say so much.

“Well, since we’re here, we can’t just let you go back empty-handed, right?” Nolan laughed twice, took Yelan’s hand, and vanished on the spot.

[Yelan Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 320 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.9 (720/900)]

When they reappeared, they were already at Mt. Aocang.

The view from the peak was excellent. Together, Nolan and Yelan called out toward the cave dwelling of Cloud Retainer.

“Who dares to shout and disturb this Adeptus?!”

Her voice came first, her form following quickly—a beautiful white crane flew out from the cave. Cloud Retainer looked at the two visitors at her door.

“So it is you. What brings you here?”

“True Lord, it’s been a long time. Nothing urgent, just that the Lantern Rite is coming up. On behalf of the Qixing, I’m inviting you to Liyue Harbor to join the celebration.”

Yelan stated the matter simply.

“The Lantern Rite…” Cloud Retainer thought for a moment, then nodded.

“Very well. My two disciples are in Liyue Harbor. It has been some time since they have seen their master. Perhaps they miss me dearly.

“In that case, I shall go, so they may behold me again.”

More like you’ve been lonely on Mt. Aocang and want to see Ganyu and Shenhe yourself, Nolan thought, amused. But he didn’t say it aloud—if he poked at her pride, she might refuse out of stubbornness.

“Good. Then we’ll await your arrival in Liyue Harbor. For now, we’ll head to notify Mountain Shaper next.”

Nolan was a little surprised at how easily Cloud Retainer had agreed.

“Mm.” Cloud Retainer gave a distracted reply—she was probably already thinking about her disciples.

Alright, so she really was lonely and missing them.

Next, the two of them went on to notify Mountain Shaper. Once he heard that both Moon Carver and Cloud Retainer had agreed to go, he accepted as well.

After all, if everyone else went while he stayed behind, it would feel awkward. He had nothing better to do anyway, so joining the festivities didn’t hurt.

And, of course, he wouldn’t refuse the Qixing or Nolan.

After successfully inviting these Adepti, Nolan and Yelan teleported again—this time to Wangshu Inn, to find the Conqueror of Demons, Xiao.

According to what Nolan knew, Xiao was truly a social recluse. Because of his karmic debt, he always avoided crowded places to keep from harming ordinary mortals without elemental power.

So he normally would never linger long where people gathered.

But now, after Nolan’s help purifying his karmic debt, perhaps he wasn’t so fearful of crowds anymore.

In the blink of an eye, Nolan and Yelan appeared at Wangshu Inn.

Naturally, their sudden arrival drew Xiao’s attention. His spiritual sense swept toward them—but once he saw it was Nolan, it quietly withdrew.

Standing on the deserted rooftop of the inn, Nolan felt speechless. Xiao had already sensed them—yet he still didn’t bother to show himself?

He really was the definition of a socially anxious recluse.

(T/N: In English version Adeptus are called by their names but in Chinese they're given titles like 'True Lord' or 'Perfected Lord'. Oh and Rex Lapis is called 'Sovereign Lord'.)

(End of Chapter)