Just thinking of that name.
Jiang Xuan immediately felt goosebumps erupt all over his body.
He couldn't help but clench his fists.
Him…
This was a Minecraft ghost story born from someone with nothing better to do.
Later, it became a deliberate "program effect" added by many foreign Minecraft YouTubers in their game videos.
Originally, this entity wasn't officially recognized by Minecraft.
But it couldn't resist the enthusiasm of countless players, and perhaps the official developers also thought the Him concept was good.
Or perhaps it was truly because too many people believed, but in any case, Him's existence might have indeed become a witnessed fact for many.
The official developers had never truly given a response.
In fact, Jiang Xuan had always disbelieved in Him's existence.
He only considered it a show for video bloggers.
But…
Now, that strangely neatly arranged wall of ore, the failure of the Lapis Lazuli Locating Method…
This made Jiang Xuan have to believe that something strange was in his world.
Him was rumored to be able to teleport, dressed exactly like Steve, but with white eyes…
Him wielded a diamond sword, possessed incredibly high combat power, and, like Steve, had terrifying strength, and could also create various traps and mechanisms.
If Him existed, Jiang Xuan had to admit, he would be an extremely formidable opponent.
In fact, with many mods that came with their own ores, Jiang Xuan had to consider whether to install them after dealing with Him.
After all, Him was a master miner, constantly burrowing in mines.
Jiang Xuan's enthusiasm for mining couldn't compare to his.
As for why Him had to be eliminated…
Because Him was inherently malicious towards Steve, and Jiang Xuan, having inherited Steve's physique, didn't believe Him would be gentle with him.
More importantly…
This world, Jiang Xuan could share, but others could not seize!
This world was his, it was Xuan's world.
Him could not covet it; whoever moved, died.
The only one with the right to threaten Jiang Xuan's ownership of the world, for now, was Him.
As it involved Jiang Xuan's taboo, he absolutely could not coexist with Him.
However…
Jiang Xuan shook his head; he still couldn't confirm Him's existence.
What if…
This was all just a coincidence?
What if the Lapis Lazuli Locating Method really failed because of the Minecraft World becoming real?
Jiang Xuan didn't like to think the worst of everything.
He temporarily put the possibility of Him's existence out of his mind, deciding to be more careful in the future.
Coming back to his senses, Jiang Xuan also noticed Ganyu looking at him with some worry.
It seemed that his emotions had fluctuated too violently just now when he thought of Him's existence.
Smiling, he gently rubbed Ganyu's head, Jiang Xuan laughed:
"It's nothing, just thinking of some small matters, no need to worry."
With that, Jiang Xuan handed Ganyu a few roasted potatoes.
"I know the Qilin doesn't like meat. Take these potatoes to eat; the taste isn't great, but make do with them, you know…"
Jiang Xuan shrugged, a bit helplessly:
"The food in this world is indeed plentiful, but the taste is really mediocre."
Ganyu pursed her lips and smiled. Seeing Jiang Xuan acting as usual, she stopped pondering what had happened to him.
Since Jiang Xuan didn't intend to speak, Ganyu wouldn't press.
Getting up and rubbing her eyes, Ganyu said:
"Then I'll go rest first. Tomorrow morning, we'll continue exploring for diamond ore!"
"I believe Jiang Xuan will definitely find diamond ore tomorrow!"
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan smiled, waved his hand, and watched Ganyu return to the girls' area. After she closed the door.
Jiang Xuan then got up and went back to the boys' living area.
Three beds, each separated by a furnace.
Originally, there should have been chests at least, but being in a mine, there was no need to stack chests.
Lying on the bed, Jiang Xuan already felt the Minecraft World's bed continuously restoring his vital energy and spirit.
Jiang Xuan felt that even if he lay on the bed doing nothing, even staying awake all night, his spirit would be full.
Zhongli lay on the middle bed; logically, it would be better if he had a cup of tea or a book.
Unfortunately, Jiang Xuan's world hadn't developed to that extent yet.
As for Xiao, he was like he had been injected with a stimulant, constantly checking the entrance to ensure no monsters could sneak in.
Then he'd go to the furnace to roast something.
From time to time, he would also adjust the position of the torches.
His constant movement gave Jiang Xuan a bit of a headache.
"I say, Xiao…"
"Mr. Jiang Xuan, what are your orders?"
Xiao immediately replied, looking at Jiang Xuan with sparkling eyes.
The latter felt a tingling in his scalp and slowly said:
"Are you… unable to sleep because the torches are too bright? Or are you not used to this bed? How about I open a teleportation gate and send you back first?"
Xiao was stunned for a moment, then quickly shook his head:
"No, I'm not uncomfortable…"
He said, glancing awkwardly at Zhongli.
This subtle shift in his gaze did not escape Zhongli's and Jiang Xuan's notice.
Jiang Xuan suddenly understood.
Xiao was restless because he was in the same room as his idol, Rex Lapis.
Of course, perhaps there was also some excitement.
In any case, this wasn't a problem Jiang Xuan could solve.
Zhongli sighed inwardly; this was the most bothersome aspect he found with the Adepti.
He hoped Xiao and the others would treat him as an elder, a friend, but absolutely not as a superior, not a lord for whom they must always be ready to sacrifice their lives.
A golden light flashed in his eyes, and a thin Jade Shield enveloped the area around the three of them.
It was imbued with a Mute Barrier Adeptal Art. Normally, Zhongli could maintain it for as long as he wished; at full power, the entire Liyue Harbor would fall silent.
But now…
Limited by the Minecraft World, this was the limit.
However, lying on the bed and having his vital energy and spirit restored infinitely could be considered exploiting a bug.
After confirming that the girls couldn't hear any movement, Zhongli softly said:
"Speaking of which, the last time I rested overnight with the Adepti was probably during the Archon War…"
"At that time… it wasn't really resting, just frequent warfare, and we had no choice but to regroup in a cave dwelling in Jueyun Karst."
"However… that was indeed the happiest time of my life."
Hearing this, Xiao's expression softened, and his eyes flickered with memories.
Clearly, he was there too at that time.
"At that time…"
Zhongli wanted to mention Bosacius and the others, but then he thought that bringing up such matters would only add to the sadness. He just sighed, his eyes dimming slightly.
"I wish to buy osmanthus wine to carry with me, but alas, old friends…"
The atmosphere instantly became somber.
Jiang Xuan rolled his eyes.
He had thought Zhongli was opening the barrier to have a good chat and ease Xiao's tension.
He didn't expect this guy to silence the atmosphere with a famous quote.
Seeing Xiao bowing his head, he was clearly affected.
Jiang Xuan pondered for a moment and changed the subject:
"Tomorrow morning, I'll make a Golden Apple for Xiao with gold ingots. Let's see if it can clear his Karmic Debt."
As expected, nothing was as attention-grabbing as this topic.
Zhongli and Xiao immediately perked up.
Zhongli was concerned about whether Xiao could resolve his Karmic Debt and avoid tragedy.
Xiao was also concerned about whether Zhongli could resolve his Erosion and be reborn.
Hmm…
A mutual affection was the most touching.
It was just a pity that Zhongli treated Xiao like a child, while Xiao treated Zhongli as the lord for whom he must fight and sacrifice his life.
"Mr. Jiang Xuan, my Karmic Debt isn't urgent. How about Rex Lapis…"
Before Xiao could finish, Zhongli shook his head.
"Don't worry about me. Erosion is surely more dangerous than Karmic Debt."
"And as Jiang Xuan suggested, Erosion is a constraint imposed on us immortal beings by the Heavenly Principles, and this is not Teyvat…"
Saying this, Zhongli clearly showed a hint of joy, glancing sideways at Jiang Xuan.
"These past few days in this world, my Erosion has indeed been curbed, and has even alleviated somewhat…"
"Speaking of which, if you don't mind, I will be looking for a location these days to build a small house for future use."
Jiang Xuan naturally understood what Zhongli meant.
It was nothing more than wanting to settle down in this world after his retirement, both to curb his Erosion and to further explore the unique features of this world.
It could also be considered using Zhongli's identity as a human to participate in Liyue's next grand journey.
Jiang Xuan naturally wouldn't refuse this. After nodding, he smiled:
"Although I think as Rex Lapis, your house should be dug directly into a mountain."
"However… I do have a house idea I've wanted to try for a long time: a treehouse. How about that?"
Seeing Jiang Xuan actually offer a suggestion, Zhongli was clearly intrigued.
Just as he was about to consult Jiang Xuan in detail about how to build a treehouse, his peripheral vision caught sight of Xiao standing rigidly.
Zhongli's tone shifted, and he softly said:
"What do you think is the probability of a Golden Apple clearing Xiao's Karmic Debt?"
Hearing this, Xiao also looked at Jiang Xuan with concern.
He wasn't afraid of death, but…
He was afraid that after his death, Zhongli would become even lonelier.
He was afraid that after his death, no one would continue to guard Liyue's dark nights as he did.
If he died, the last bloodline of the Yaksha race would be broken.
Currently, Liyue had embarked on a new era.
Xiao didn't want to step down at this critical juncture.
Zhongli would soon retire, and then he would probably spend all his time with Jiang Xuan exploring this world.
Xiao wanted to continue exploring this world with Zhongli.
This was a conclusion Xiao reached without needing much thought.
If asked why… Xiao couldn't explain.
It wasn't because of his contract with Zhongli.
It was just…
For thousands of years, he had always followed Zhongli, and Xiao was accustomed to it.
Xiao's expression remained unchanged, but his heart secretly tensed up.
Jiang Xuan shook his head slightly, uncertainly:
"In this world, milk can cure almost all negative status effects, even Wither can be cured with milk."
"Purely in terms of removing negative status effects, a Golden Apple isn't even as effective as milk…"
"In my opinion, the probability isn't very high…"
Hearing this, even Xiao, who had some guesses, couldn't help but feel his eyes dim slightly.
"But then again…"
Zhongli wasn't in a hurry, he softly said.
Jiang Xuan chuckled, amused:
"You can't hide anything from you…"
"The apparent ability of a Golden Apple is to restore health and provide you with an extra layer of damage absorption as temporary health."
"But as I said before, a Golden Apple can convert Zombie Villagers back into normal villagers."
"So, I think Golden Apples might have some mysterious power. Regardless, we'll just have to try it tomorrow, success or failure."
Xiao was still somewhat hesitant.
If the Golden Apple was truly effective, then he would eat it.
But now, uncertain of its effect, should they really forge those eight gold ingots?
This seemed a bit…
"You don't need to worry about the gold."
Jiang Xuan chuckled and shook his head, softly saying:
"Ningguang has already figured it out; haven't you? Gold is really worthless in this world."
"In comparison, don't you think the life of you, the great Conqueror of Demons, is worth less than tens of tons of gold?"
Looking at Xiao, whose expression had softened considerably, Jiang Xuan leisurely lay on the bed, lazily saying:
"Alright, go to sleep. We'll continue mining when we wake up tomorrow. If we still have no luck by afternoon, we'll head back."
Hearing this, Zhongli and Xiao also nodded and lay on their beds.
Jiang Xuan didn't know if they could fall asleep, but he certainly slept soundly.
Although it was his first time sleeping in a mine, well…
At least he had company.
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