Sacrificing Myself: Nine Transmigrations (Genshin Impact)

The two of them were completely stunned.

They hadn't expected Elliot Yuan to know that Zhongli was the Geo Archon.

After all, hardly anyone in all of Liyue knew this. You could count the number of people aware of it on one hand!

"Xiao, who is this?" Even the ever-composed Zhongli was visibly surprised by Elliot's words.

"I'm Elliot Yuan, the hidden sixth Yaksha. Heh!" Elliot crossed his arms proudly.

Zhongli: "?"

Hearing that, Zhongli was utterly dumbfounded.

Wait, what sixth hidden Yaksha? Since when!?

"Don't spout nonsense," Xiao said firmly. His respect for the Geo Archon was absolute.

Zhongli had pulled him from the depths of the Abyss—Xiao wouldn't tolerate anyone, not even Elliot Yuan, showing the slightest disrespect.

"Relax, it's just a joke. No need to get so worked up." Elliot shrugged.

"His name is Elliot Yuan. He's a mortal…" Xiao explained calmly, relaying what he knew.

Zhongli was visibly surprised.

A mortal?

Someone whose strength rivaled Xiao's?

Whose stamina matched him?

"You don't have a Vision?" Zhongli asked, genuinely curious.

"Nope. Don't need one."

"By common reasoning, your case is extraordinarily rare. Would you mind demonstrating your strength?"

Zhongli had lived for thousands of years and seen everything under the sun—but a mortal with power on par with Xiao?

That was a first.

Xiao was second only to the archons among the Adepti. How could a mortal possibly reach that level?

Zhongli didn't fully believe it. Not that he thought Xiao was lying—just that the claim itself defied reason.

"Wanna spar?" Elliot looked at Xiao.

Xiao nodded.

Without needing to say a word, the two simultaneously unleashed their full power.

A terrifying wave of pressure burst forth, crashing out like a tidal wave.

"Stop. I believe you."

They hadn't even started fighting, but Zhongli could already tell from their aura alone.

This man was the real deal—no question about it.

"Xiao, has he been helping you with slaying demons and evil spirits at night these past few days?" Zhongli asked.

"Yes, Lord Zhongli. With his help, things have been much easier for me. The karmic pain isn't nearly as bad either. It's all thanks to him."

It had to be said—Xiao acted much more formal around Zhongli. Not cold, but not as casual as he was with Elliot.

To put it metaphorically—Zhongli was like a father figure, while Elliot was a friend.

Around friends, you could speak your mind, tease each other, and say whatever you wanted.

But around your father?

That's a different story.

"I see. Thank you for becoming Xiao's friend. Would you be interested in becoming a Yaksha guardian yourself?"

Zhongli clearly intended to bring Elliot under his wing.

His words caught Xiao off guard. But soon, joy lit up his face.

He stared at Elliot with anticipation, eyes shining.

If Elliot became a Yaksha, he'd transcend humanity—he'd become an Adeptus.

He'd live for thousands of years, just like Xiao!

And Xiao... wouldn't be alone anymore.

But he was too proud to ask outright. He just looked at Elliot with eager eyes, waiting, hoping.

Of course, Elliot knew exactly what Xiao was thinking.

But how could he possibly become a Yaksha? How could he stay with Xiao for a thousand years?

When his mission ended, he'd leave—whether human or Adeptus made no difference.

The power of reincarnation ignored the rules of the world.

Once the task was complete, the system would erase him from this world by any means necessary.

Even becoming a archon wouldn't change that.

"Nah, I was just joking." Elliot rejected the offer without hesitation.

Both Xiao and Zhongli froze.

They hadn't expected…

someone to turn down an offer like that.

How many people dreamed of eternal life?

And yet, when that chance was placed right in front of Elliot Yuan—all he had to do was nod—he refused it?

"You're sure? Becoming an Adeptus means immortality. Your body wouldn't age," Zhongli asked again.

"Of course I'm sure. The only real difference between an Adeptus and a mortal is a longer life. Personally, I think a hundred years is plenty. No need to live forever."

Elliot spread his hands as he explained.

"Well, you're not wrong. I won't push you," Zhongli said, accepting it.

But…

he felt a pang of sympathy for Xiao.

Zhongli had always understood Xiao's loneliness. He had wanted to give him a true friend.

But Xiao had kept himself closed off for so long.

No matter what Zhongli did, Xiao would never truly see him as a friend—he treated him as a revered benefactor.

And just like a father being told to "act like a friend"—it's easier said than done.

Zhongli knew this. He had long felt sorry for Xiao.

But there was little he could do.

The evil spirits of the night had to be dealt with. If Xiao didn't take on that burden, someone else would have to.

And among the Adepti, how many could bear such a heavy karmic load?

Almost none.

Which meant Xiao was the only one who could do it. An irreplaceable role.

As time went on, Xiao had become colder, more withdrawn.

Zhongli saw it clearly, and it pained him deeply.

He'd visit Xiao occasionally, just to talk—to make sure he didn't go too long without speaking to someone.

So seeing him finally make a friend—someone he could talk to, someone who could share in his burdens—Zhongli had felt genuinely happy.

He had hoped Elliot might stay by his side.

But Elliot had refused without a second thought...

Now, Xiao's joyful expression hadn't faded—it had frozen in place.

He didn't know how to respond.

He couldn't understand why Elliot would turn it down.

...

"By the way, Mr. Zhongli, was there something you needed Xiao for?" Elliot broke the awkward silence with a timely question.

Only then did Zhongli remember the reason he came.

"Xiao, the barrier in the northwest has been showing signs of weakening. Go investigate. If anything's wrong, report back."

Hearing this, Xiao twitched slightly. He glanced at Zhongli with a dazed expression, then snapped out of it.

"Ah… understood."

Zhongli saw his reaction and sighed silently in his heart.

...

"When are we heading out? I'll come too," Elliot offered eagerly.

"Actually, now is fine. Just let me know if anything goes wrong."

"Yes!" Xiao answered crisply.

"Wait, wait, hold up—we just spent all night cleaning up evil spirits. We haven't eaten yet. How about breakfast first?" Elliot suggested.

Zhongli nodded in agreement—it was a reasonable point.

"Wangshu Inn, almond tofu, let's go!"