At this point, he couldn't possibly fail to see the idol's feelings.
However, for a moment, he also didn't know how he should respond to these feelings.
Because if he said Yin Kong completely disliked her, that would clearly be self-deception.
After all, Ono Yoko was not only very beautiful, but more importantly, she managed to stay true to herself even in the chaotic world of fame and fortune.
If it were before his transmigration, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Yin Kong and her were from different worlds.
But if he were to reciprocate these feelings, he felt like something was missing.
Perhaps, it was a feeling called "heart flutter."
Yin Kong didn't feel the same sense of love at first sight or heart-pounding excitement from Miss Yoko that he had felt for Keqing, Ganyu, Shenhe, Hu Tao, Yelan, Xianyun, Eula, Ei, Yae Miko, Ayaka, Kokomi, Nahida, Nilou, Clorinde, Fou, Grandma, Keke, Round Shark, Hoshimi, or Yae Eve.
Because if it were these characters he wholeheartedly loved, Yin Kong would absolutely agree without hesitation, with no time or energy to think about these messy things.
Just then, Yin Kong's phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence.
To his slight surprise, the caller ID showed Fei Yingli, whom he had just met earlier that day.
Chapter 35: Zhongli's Teachings
"Lawyer Fei?"
Yin Kong was very surprised. He hadn't expected the great lawyer to call him so late.
"It's me. I apologize for calling without notice; I'm truly ashamed."
After a few pleasantries, the great lawyer quickly stated her reason for calling:
"Actually, it's like this. I've also collected some legends about Chinese monsters, including the Painted Skin you mentioned..."
Hearing the faint rustling of paper documents from the other end of the phone, Yin Kong's expression became even more surprised.
This great lawyer's efficiency was a bit too much, wasn't it?
Considering that the internet in this era was far from as developed as in later times.
If nothing else, Baidu and Google probably didn't even exist yet, so finding legends from another country wouldn't be easy.
Of course, Yin Kong was also somewhat relieved that he hadn't just made up the story, or he would be in a very awkward situation right now.
"So, Lawyer Fei, have you encountered something you can't understand?"
Fei Yingli asked:
"Painted Skin, are there any ways to deal with it?"
Fei Yingli on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment before speaking again:
"I mean, among all this information, I haven't found any records on how to deal with this kind of monster..."
Good heavens, so you too—
Hearing Fei Yingli's tone shift from her usual decisive manner to hesitant, Yin Kong finally understood.
So, the little story he casually told during the day had such a powerful impact?
Not only the detectives Sato and Takagi, but even this great lawyer was scared?
In his impression, Fei Yingli shouldn't be such a timid person... right?
Yin Kong became a little uncertain.
After all, he suddenly remembered that although Ran had the strength to tear monsters apart, as soon as she encountered an enemy suspected of being a demon or monster, she would immediately become weak-kneed and completely lose her combat effectiveness.
So, did Ran's trait originate from her mother, Fei Yingli?
Of course, as always, seeing without saying.
Although the answer was vaguely emerging, Yin Kong naturally didn't show any of it.
After a moment of thought, he directly repeated what he had told Sato and Takagi earlier:
"I have a few Imperial Coins that are said to have been blessed by a deity, so they should have the effect of warding off evil. Lawyer Fei can come to Cunning Rabbit House to get them whenever you're free."
Fei Yingli immediately remembered that in the materials she had found, there were indeed records of ancient copper coins being able to ward off evil.
She finally breathed a sigh of relief and said sincerely:
"Then I'll trouble you. Thank you so much."
Just as Yin Kong thought the matter was over, he heard Fei Yingli ask:
"Then, is Cunning Rabbit House convenient now?"
"Ah, now?"
As if sensing the surprise in Yin Kong's tone, Fei Yingli realized she was indeed being too eager. She coughed and explained:
"Cough, cough, don't misunderstand. It's Kuriyama. After she heard about these things, she was so scared she couldn't even sleep. I'm doing this to put her mind at ease."
Yin Kong understood but didn't expose her:
"Of course, you can. Just call me when Lawyer Fei arrives."
After hanging up the phone, Yin Kong shook his head with a chuckle.
I never would have imagined that the great lawyer had such a side to her.
Seeing him put down his phone, Paimon immediately flew over and said smugly:
"Just now, Paimon thought of a super great new idea."
Yin Kong raised an eyebrow, deliberately putting on a noncommittal expression:
"Really? Isn't it another terrible idea?"
As the idea king of Teyvat, Paimon's ideas had a typical duality of divine and demonic.
Although most of the time, they were ridiculous bad ideas like using the Guizhong Machine to launch people onto the Jade Chamber and pretending to fall into the water to find a legendary fairy.
Occasionally, however, when the Traveler was at a loss and in despair, she would find the only correct path leading to the future.
"What bad idea? I'm the super, super smart Paimon. I only have good ideas, never bad ones."
Paimon protested first, but then lost the desire to keep it a secret and immediately said:
"It's very simple. Since Miss Yoko can't live with us, why not just live next door?"
Paimon's little plan was working perfectly:
"That way, I can find her to play with anytime."
Ono Yoko was stunned. She realized it was indeed a good idea.
However, while she felt relieved, a hint of loss also emerged in her heart.
After finalizing the future arrangements, Ono Yoko's face gradually showed signs of sleepiness.
The troubles of this day were more than she had encountered in the past week.
Now that the tension in her heart had finally relaxed, she was naturally exhausted both mentally and physically.
Seeing this, Paimon immediately said:
"If Miss Yoko is tired, you should get some rest. We can discuss other things slowly later. After all, we'll be neighbors from now on."
After Paimon took the idol to wash up, Yin Kong, as usual, went to the quiet room.
Of course, with Zhongli, the Geo Archon, around, the "reluctant" teacher Paimon could naturally retire.
Zhongli was slightly surprised by Yin Kong's request for guidance.
After all, in his impression, the Traveler had always possessed a unique fighting style of his own.
"However, since you've asked, I naturally won't be stingy. I will teach you everything I know, but--"
Hearing the hesitation in Zhongli's tone, Yin Kong quickly asked:
"But what?"
"It's just that I'm not entirely sure if you, Traveler, can truly learn it."
Zhongli paused, seemingly worried about Yin Kong misunderstanding, and immediately added:
"Of course, I'm not saying your talent is insufficient, but I can sense that your current state is somewhat special."
With Zhongli's keen perception, he had long noticed that his current avatar's condition was very unusual.
He didn't feel hunger or fatigue. Although there were stamina limitations, he could recover full stamina after just a few seconds of rest.
Even if he was accidentally injured, as long as his HP didn't drop to zero, he could continue fighting without any impact.
Even if he fell, a few bites of food could instantly restore his combat effectiveness.
"It's simply a perfect combat machine. Unfortunately, being too stable also has its drawbacks."
Zhongli used himself as an example:
"Theoretically, there is no distinction between Divine Keys. From the moment they are born, they are equivalent to granting authority to the holder.
It is the holder's understanding and application of elemental power that creates the difference in strength between them."
But it was clear that with the Geo Archon's control over Geo elemental power, even just an avatar, or even a wisp of will, could easily unleash the full potential of a Divine Key.
"But in reality, not only the power of the Divine Key, but also my martial arts, my spirit, and even my control over elements are severely restricted.
I imagine that only after the Traveler helps me upgrade those talent skills one by one will they be restored."
If not for this, no matter how weak this body was, Zhongli could have easily defeated the level 59 [Chameleon Witch] with a single "Vortex Vanquisher."
Yin Kong suddenly understood and breathed a sigh of relief:
"So, Mr. Zhongli is worried that I won't be able to learn new abilities if I don't unlock my talents?"
Zhongli nodded gently, understandingly:
"Because your physical condition seems very similar to mine, I had this doubt. But now it seems I was worrying unnecessarily."
Chapter 36: The System's Limit
Yin Kong briefly described how he had successfully increased his Normal Attack talent level through practice.
After listening, Zhongli nodded thoughtfully:
"It seems that you can enjoy the effects of these items without being bound or restricted--"
"I see, [Traveler] didn't seek immediate gratification but chose strenuous training instead. As expected of you, still as unique as ever, with lofty aspirations."
Yin Kong felt undeserving of Zhongli's high praise.
Because his original intention for training wasn't as lofty as the other party claimed; he simply wanted to save some Mora and materials.
Seeing this, Zhongli also smiled faintly, his tone calm:
"Once a person gets used to shortcuts, returning to the proper path of steady effort becomes a luxury."
System-based growth is certainly fast. As long as there are enough resources, anyone can be trained to a level that even he would have to pay attention to with just a few clicks.
However, is this speed truly without cost?
Just like Sumeru's Akasha Terminal, once people become accustomed to passively receiving knowledge, their curiosity will decrease infinitely, almost completely losing their creativity.
The same applies to the system.
Zhongli could almost guarantee that even though Yin Kong is not the same as them, these "[characters]", as long as he chooses simple and crude leveling methods like Experience Books, his ability for self-growth will rapidly decline.
Until he is no longer able to break free from the system's shackles.
"The system's power has limits; level ninety is the limit for us [characters]. Perhaps a way to break through this ceiling will be found in the future, but it's likely only to raise the upper limit, not to completely remove it.
I believe what you're pursuing is more than just this, right?"
Yin Kong finally understood and nodded:
"As expected of Mr. Zhongli, you truly have a discerning eye."
Although, judging by the performance of the [Crow Feather Demon Blade Pill], level ninety should already be very powerful.
After all, an Oni Warrior below level eighty almost cleared out all the demons and monsters in the entire Tokyo just with the residual shockwaves of their battle.
How powerful would a level ninety character be?
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