Genshin Impact: I am the Great General of Liyue

Chapter 181 Huiyuan: (Experiment? Are you going to cut open my stomach...? PTSD flaring up)

"But what's so interesting about drawing Hilichurls? Don't they all look pretty much the same?"

When Paimon, the mysterious flying object wrapped up like a dumpling in a coat, asked a question, Aberdo didn't seem too surprised, but responded calmly.

"Hmm... This question is rather complicated to explain, so why don't you just take a look at my painting?"

Looking behind Aberdo, everyone examined the painting.

Well, it's amazing that a single painting can encompass several different styles.

Various art styles, including simple line drawing, minimalist style, sketchy style, and cartoon style, have been perfectly integrated into it.

Ying was greatly shocked and exclaimed, "This...is this avant-garde art?"

Paimon looked at the painting and couldn't appreciate it at all.

"Wow, some are drawn with great care, but others are obviously very perfunctory."

Seeing Paimon's assessment, Abedo explained, "Those are just ordinary Hilichurls, boring and not worth wasting time on. But look at this one—its physique, its fur, its posture—you can see its unique vitality. In the cyclical lives of primitive tribes, this distinctiveness represents evolution. Evolution is about going from nothing to something, from the known to the unknown..."

Rosalia quickly interrupted Abedo when she realized he was about to talk on and on.

"Wait a minute, wait a minute. I have a feeling this is going to be a long speech, and I'm not interested in that. Now that I've found the person, I'll be going now."

After saying those words, Rosalia turned to leave.

"Oh, don't you have any questions for him? Hey!"

Rosalia ignored Paimon's words and left without looking back.

Seeing the other person gradually disappear from sight, Paimon helplessly shrugged.

"Sigh, what a strange person."

“I didn’t expect Sister Rosalia to show you the way. Hmm, I didn’t have a chance to thank her. Speaking of which, from what she said, you came here specifically to find me?”

Paimon nodded and replied, "Yes, that's right. We met a girl named Sugar in Mondstadt, and she said your research has hit a bottleneck."

"I see, so she's the one who introduced you. Hmm... if I'm not mistaken, you're the 'Knight of Honor' that everyone's been talking about in Mondstadt lately."

As he spoke, Abedo looked at Ying beside Huiyuan, and then turned his gaze to Lingling, who was filled with wind element.

"And you, you seem quite powerful, you must be that general from Liyue... I never expected you to be a girl. I've heard about your performance during the Dragon Plague, your unusual control over elemental power, and many other mysterious aspects..."

Returning his gaze to Luminous, and after carefully examining her attire, Abedo said, "You've come from 'another world,' and he's a celestial being from Liyue, right?"

Ying nodded and said, "Yes, that's right."

Huiyuan shook her head and said, "It's true that I am the Liyue General, but actually... I come from another world just like her."

Abedo's delighted expression spilled over and swept over Huiyuan, the impact almost lifting Huiyuan's little skirt. (Note: This is a metaphor.)

"really?"

"It's true."

Abedo received Huiyuan's second affirmation, and slightly suppressed the joy in his heart.

“That’s fantastic. With your help, my research will definitely make great progress.”

Ying, puzzled, asked, "Your research?"

"Ah, I'm sorry, you must be very confused right now. Where should I begin... Hmm, how about we start with the essence of life?"

Seeing that Abedo immediately spoke about things beyond his comprehension, Paimon quickly waved his hand.

"Wait, wait, this is already quite abstract!"

"Hmm...that makes sense. It's better to show you something than to explain with words. For example, awakening life, giving withered branches 'new life'."

As he spoke, Abedo casually grabbed a dry branch and infused it with a little elemental power.

The withered branches seemed to be infused with life energy, instantly sprouting new branches and leaves.

Seeing what looked like magic, Paimon exclaimed, "You can actually do something like that?!"

Huiyuan lowered his head and said in a pretentious tone, "Alchemy, isn't it amazing!"

The tree branch was casually tossed aside, losing its life-sustaining energy supply and instantly turning into dust.

At the same time, Abedo said, "But... I have a special seed. The method I just used didn't work on that seed. Like you, it comes from another world—how to make it grow and bloom is the bottleneck I'm currently facing, and it's also the research topic that requires your assistance."

"If you can't do it, then we can't help you either."

Seeing Paimon's lack of self-awareness, Abedo dismissed the statement without a second thought.

"Of course, because even I can't imagine life forms outside of this world. But if I carefully observe and study you, who are also from another world, I might find the inspiration to make the seed sprout."

Ying pointed to herself, completely bewildered.

"So I was the 'research subject'?"

After hesitating for a moment, Ying asked again, "Is there any reward?"

"Mora, knowledge, and the answer you want to know, which I know, is that alright? Without further ado, let's find another place and start our research."

Upon hearing the name Mora, Huiyuan became excited.

(How much Mora can Abedo give? Or rather... what items does he have that are worth a lot of Mora? A potion that turns lead into gold, or some kind of plant growth sap?)

Huiyuan didn't think any further and followed Abedo toward the research institute.

As Paimon drifted along the path, he asked Abedo a question.

"Speaking of which, I have a question: what will grow from that seed after it sprouts?"

Aberdo did not stop walking; instead, he answered as he went.

"I don't know, but I think the key is not the result, but the process. If I can use alchemy to awaken life that does not belong to this world in Teyvat, my understanding of the essence of life should be able to go a step further. After awakening, even creating life will not be impossible."

Listening to these words arranged in combination, Paimon's brain was already overloaded and smoking.

Aberdo looked at the adorable Paimon as if she were a younger sister, and chuckled a few times.

"Haha, is it still too difficult for you to understand?"

"No, no, no, I completely understand. I'm just more concerned about what will grow from this seed after it sprouts!"