Sacrificing Myself: Nine Transmigrations (Genshin Impact)

"Let's look around—he should be nearby."

Elliot cast aside other thoughts. First, he needed to find Xiao.

Based on how the past reincarnations had gone, there was always either a directional sense guiding him or the sudden appearance of monsters leading to others. In any case, Xiao had to be close.

The Demon Scales Cloak was already equipped on Elliot.

Due to the system's integration, the cloak had fused directly into his body, so it didn't show up externally—but its effects were definitely there.

Elliot moved swiftly through the forest under the night sky, when strange sounds suddenly reached his ears.

Clashing blades. Fierce combat. The sound of battle…

It had to be Xiao!

Without hesitation, Elliot dashed toward the source.

There, he saw a sharp-featured man wielding a long spear, locked in battle with several malevolent spirits.

"If you don't want trouble, stay away."

As an Adeptus, Xiao naturally sensed Elliot's presence immediately.

But Elliot simply smiled. Rather than back off, he charged in, spear in hand.

Just then, one of the malevolent spirits lunged at him.

Xiao's brows furrowed, and he was about to move—but then a thunderous boom rang out.

The spirit was sent flying with a single strike.

"Don't worry. I'm strong. You won't need to worry about me," Elliot said confidently.

Seeing he wasn't harmed, Xiao refocused on the battle in front of him.

With both of them attacking in tandem, the spirits were swiftly eliminated.

Only then did Xiao turn and look Elliot over.

"Who are you?"

He fixed Elliot with a sharp gaze, as if trying to see straight through him.

"I'm Elliot Yuan. Fated for solitude and calamity, I tend to hurt those around me. I don't know if I can join you in slaying demons."

"Killing evil spirits breeds resentment. Even Adepti can be corrupted in mind and body. This isn't something you should be doing."

"They're just spirits. Don't you deal with them every day?"

"I am an Adeptus. I'm not like you mortals."

"And how's that? You just live longer."

Elliot shrugged, showing not the slightest trace of reverence.

In his eyes, Adepti were no different from ordinary people.

And rightfully so—he was friends with the Geo Archon, and even Qiqi, an Adeptus herself, relied heavily on him.

He'd never held Adepti in awe.

"Just... a longer lifespan?"

Xiao narrowed his eyes, clearly doubting that statement.

"What else would it be?" Elliot countered.

"You're saying your strength is on par with an Adeptus?"

It was no small claim. Xiao had fought and killed since childhood, once enslaved by a god and serving as their top general. After following the Geo Archon, he had endured endless battles and shouldered karmic debt.

His strength was terrifying—even mortals with Visions weren't close to being a match.

"Of course," Elliot replied with a faint smile.

"You've got guts, I'll give you that."

"What's there to be afraid of?"

"Then let me test you. Let's see how many blows your mortal body can take."

"Maybe I'm even stronger than you," Elliot teased, raising an eyebrow.

"Then let's find out!"

In an instant, both released a powerful aura.

Their eyes sharpened, killing intent filled the air—the forest itself seemed to tighten with pressure.

Elliot's provocation wasn't without purpose. He needed to place himself on equal footing with Xiao—preferably above.

Status determines whose voice is heard.

For example, when a kindergartener lectures you, it's cute—but not persuasive.

When a junior employee seriously questions the boss, it often goes ignored.

But when a respected professor speaks, you listen to every word.

When your status is too low, your efforts go unnoticed, your words unheard.

So this fight was about raising his standing—at the very least, Xiao needed to see him as an equal, not just another mortal.

Boom!!!

A deafening explosion shattered the silence.

A violent wind tore through the forest, trees bending and swaying from the impact.

Fiery sparks burst into the night as their spears clashed with immense force.

After their first exchange was deflected, they each lunged again, spears striking with unrelenting precision.

But neither side could gain the upper hand.

Still, this was only a warm-up. Neither had shown their true strength yet.

They clashed for over ten minutes. Xiao was beginning to realize—this guy wasn't to be underestimated.

Boom!

After another powerful exchange, both were pushed back.

Xiao's eyes grew serious.

"I acknowledge your strength," he said solemnly.

"You're not bad either," Elliot replied.

"But from here on, you'd better watch yourself," Xiao warned, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Bring it on. I've just finished warming up."

Elliot showed no fear. His eyes burned with fighting spirit.

In the blink of an eye, they unleashed their true power.

Xiao was as formidable as ever—but Elliot was no slouch.

With skills like Black Flame and Flame Flash, he could shift the tide of battle instantly.

The two battled through the night until sunrise—but still, no clear winner.

They were both exhausted.

Going all out takes its toll.

"You're really strong," Elliot said first, catching his breath.

"That's my line," Xiao responded.

Clearly, he now fully acknowledged Elliot's strength.

Even after giving it his all, he couldn't defeat him—something he hadn't anticipated.

It had been ages since he'd had such a satisfying fight.

"Let's end it here for today. Are you sure you want to help slay evil spirits?" Xiao asked.

"That's it? I was just getting started."

"You're not giving up already, are you? No way. Don't tell me you're going soft?"

"Come on, pull yourself together!"

"Is this all the great Adeptus has got? That's kinda weak."

Xiao's forehead darkened, and his mouth twitched.

"You're gasping for air while saying that—it's not convincing at all."

Xiao didn't take the bait.

"Gasping? What gasping? I'm just about to kick things up a notch. Don't tell me you're the one who's done?"

"A man can't say he's not up for it. Are you a man or not? Dare to go another 3,000 rounds with me!?"

Xiao's face turned completely black.

"You little—"

Seeing him angry, Elliot chuckled inwardly.

Yup. That's how you deal with men.