Chapter Fifty-Ninth: Nahida: I Am Willing to Offer All of Sumeru and Myself!
Ye Xi realized that girls from the desert had a unique, indomitable spirit. In many ways, they refused to admit defeat.
Whether it was Jeht, Dehya, or Setaria by his side, they all had a competitive nature especially when certain "switches" in their emotions or desires were triggered.
Unfortunately, what transpired exceeded what anyone could have imagined.
After repeated struggles, Setaria felt her consciousness soar into the starry sky. She embarked on an emotional journey, savoring a blissful sensation she had never experienced before.
Meanwhile, Ye Xi opened the system panel to review his rewards.
- *[Mission Complete: Open Branches!]*
- *Physical Strengthening: +14*
- *Wind Elemental Strength Adaptability Acquired! (Wind Elemental Strength: +23)*
- *New Ability Unlocked: Walk on the Wind.*
- *Abyss Power: +22*
- *[Hint: New abyssal abilities can now be unlocked.]*
As Ye Xi's body underwent these enhancements, his attention focused on his newfound elemental powers.
He had gained adaptability to wind elemental energy!
This meant he could now utilize elemental powers without a Vision and wield more than one type of energy simultaneously.
Among the abilities he acquired, one stood out: Walking on the Wind.
- *[Walk on the Wind: Consume wind elemental power to fly through the sky.]*
He could actually fly!
The realization made Ye Xi's eyes light up with excitement.
Who wouldn't want to experience the freedom of flight? Ye Xi was no exception.
However, upon closer inspection, he noticed that the energy consumption was high. His current reserves of wind elemental power weren't sufficient for long-term flight. After a short time, he would have to land and recover.
Still, the ability to fly, even for a short while, was thrilling.
Then, his attention turned to the Abyss Power.
The system indicated that he could unlock a new ability.
Opening the Abyss Power panel, he saw a confirmation prompt:
- *[Do you want to unlock new abilities?]*
After selecting [Yes], a glowing branch appeared on the tree diagram.
- *[New Ability Unlocked: Drain.]*
- *[Drain: Absorb corrupt energies such as abyssal power, forbidden knowledge, and karma, transforming them into usable energy.]*
Ye Xi was astonished.
The ability to absorb abyssal power did this mean he could purify entities corrupted by the Abyss Order?
The question consumed his thoughts, filling him with a desire to test the new ability. But it was late, and experimentation would have to wait until tomorrow.
At that moment, Setaria, who had been beside him, finally recovered from her euphoric state.
She turned to Ye Xi, her gaze soft and brimming with excitement.
This moment felt like a dream like being with a lover she had only imagined in her fantasies. She was so happy.
Before arriving here, she had been filled with doubt and resistance.
But in less than a day, she felt as if she had achieved everything she had ever wished for.
Still, when she thought about the future, she couldn't help but sigh.
"Master, if we successfully stop Azar's plan, I will return to the desert," she said quietly.
"I want to be a teacher. I want to educate the children there so they can have access to knowledge."
The thought of leaving Ye Xi filled her with sadness, but she believed this was a meaningful way to contribute to her people.
Ye Xi shook his head.
"You don't need to return to the desert," he said firmly.
"I'll build a school here in the city. The people of the desert can come here to study. If you want to be a teacher, you can teach them here."
Setaria stared at him in disbelief.
"Master, that would cost an enormous amount of money! Why would you do something like that for the desert people?"
She was deeply shocked. The desert folk were often discriminated against, viewed as uneducated, poor, and barbaric. Yet, Ye Xi was willing to build a school for them.
In truth, Ye Xi had a clear goal: to earn widespread fame.
If he lived in Sumeru peacefully, loved and respected by all, his life would be far less troublesome.
And why not?
A stable and peaceful Sumeru would also be a great asset for the future of Khaenri'ah.
When Khaenri'ah was eventually rebuilt, a strong alliance with Sumeru would provide significant support.
Winning over both the rainforest and desert people would be advantageous.
Of course, Ye Xi wouldn't reveal these thoughts to Setaria.
After a moment of contemplation, he answered plainly, "I've told Jeht and the others this before: to me, the desert people and the rainforest people are equal."
He looked directly at her. "And you too, Setaria."
Her heart skipped a beat.
It was a feeling like no other a heart-pounding sensation of joy and hope.
One thought echoed in her mind: He cares about me. I'm not chasing a one-sided dream.
"Master, you're so kind! I… I want to give you everything!"
"Or... let's continue! I can't!"
Evening: ???
Ye Xi hadn't expected that Setaria, usually so serious in her work and research, would reveal a romantic side. Surprisingly, he didn't dislike it.
After all, who could refuse a little girl so openly captivated by him?
Not long after Ye Xi fell asleep, he found himself transported once again to the familiar white world.
When he regained his senses, a badminton shuttlecock appeared before him.
"Descendant, we meet again."
By now, Ye Xi was used to these encounters. He imagined a sofa and casually sat down.
"So, you've come to me again. Have you made up your mind this time?"
The shuttlecock turned, revealing a small, adorable face filled with disappointment.
She nodded and replied, "I understand your point."
"I am the God of Sumeru, and it is both my obligation and responsibility to guide the people of Sumeru onto the right path.
"I've investigated the great sages' plans through consciousness projection."
"They've colluded with the Fatui and are attempting to create a false god to replace me."
"This will undoubtedly bring disaster upon the people!"
As she spoke, Nahida placed a small hand over her chest and continued, "I don't know what this feeling is… perhaps it's anger.
"Though my strength and wisdom are but a fraction of the former Dendro Archon's, I cannot tolerate the sages' misconduct any longer."
"So, please, will you help me, Descendant?"
Ye Xi felt satisfied with Nahida's newfound determination.
Previously, Nahida's leniency had allowed Azar and the sages to seize an opportunity.
If not for her passive stance, they would never have been able to imprison the newly crowned Lesser Lord Kusanali.
Now, however, Nahida had developed emotions and would no longer tolerate their actions.
In this case, Ye Xi thought, a deal could be made.
"So," he said, "are you ready to pay the price?"
Hearing his words, Nahida paused and then asked solemnly, "Descendant, if you gain control of Sumeru, what will you do with it?"
As the Archon of Sumeru, she had to know his intentions.
The danger posed by Azar had made her cautious. If Sumeru were to fall into Ye Xi's hands and face danger once more, she couldn't allow it.
Ye Xi nodded and answered, "I can't give you a definitive answer right now, but I will make Sumeru better.
"Sumeru is the closest nation to Khaenri'ah, and for the sake of Khaenri'ah, I'll ensure Sumeru prospers.
"But there's one condition."
Ye Xi stopped, locking eyes with Nahida, his expression serious.
"If the laws of Celestia stand against me, then you and all of Sumeru must become my strength to help me fight the gods!"
At this point, Ye Xi's goals hadn't shifted significantly.
Under the guise of "branching out and spreading influence," he continued working behind the scenes to restore Khaenri'ah.
If he could avoid unnecessary effort, he would. If it wasn't strictly necessary, he wouldn't seek the throne.
He would show occasional results, deal with the Abyss Order, and confront Aether and others when required.
For now, however, he simply wanted to enjoy life while using the system to steadily accumulate power.
If one day the gods in the heavens awaken and try to trouble him, he will resist.
It's that simple.
Hearing Ye Xi's words, Nahida repeated them, "So, to earn your help, you must oppose the Heavenly principles."
"That's correct."
Ye Xi added, "Don't worry, I won't abandon you. After all, you are a god recognized by Sumeru, and I will not obstruct your duties.
"But just remember one thing: Sumeru and you belong to me."
The idea of a Khaenrin becoming the ruler of Sumeru and gaining universal support was still unrealistic.
For now, Ye Xi was content to remain behind the scenes.
After hearing Ye Xi's reply, Nahida let out a sigh of relief.
She understood his intentions.
Ye Xi wanted to act as the invisible ruler, leaving her as a puppet intermediary.
This outcome was perfectly acceptable to her.
Her original plan had been to entrust Sumeru to someone else and then leave without further attachments.
At least under Ye Xi's conditions, she could remain in Sumeru.
Thinking this through, Nahida nodded. "Descendant, I accept your proposal.
"As long as you're willing to stop the Fatui and the great sages, I'm willing to offer all of Sumeru…"
"And myself."
Ye Xi smiled. "Alright, I accept your offer."
---
Early the Next Morning
*Holy Order Headquarters*
Setaria returned to the Palace of Wisdom and made her way to the office of Sage Azar.
"Master Sage, I've completed the task you assigned to me."
"The Eye of God appeared, but I don't know how or why, and I haven't gathered any additional information about it."
As she spoke, she revealed the Eye of God she had obtained a green orb symbolizing the Dendro element.
Azar raised his head, and his expression darkened slightly as he noticed Setaria is displeasure.
"Setaria, are you not happy to have received the Eye of God?"
*Bang!*
Setaria slammed both fists on the desk, glaring at Azar angrily.
"Master Sage! Are you mocking me?"
"To make me offer myself to a stranger without question I feel utterly disgusted with this so-called Eye of God!"
Despite her outburst, Setaria is true feelings couldn't have been more different.
When she woke up that morning and saw the Eye of God in her possession, she had been overwhelmed with joy.
Not only had she succeeded in earning Ye Xi's favor as she had hoped, but she also gained the rare and precious Eye of God.
She felt like she had hit the jackpot!
Still brimming with happiness, she had indulged in an extended "morning workout," leaving her slightly unsteady on her feet.
Azar, watching her angry display, felt reassured.
Setaria, born in the desert, usually respected him greatly, but he had worried she might be mistreated due to her background.
Now, after assigning her this undercover mission, her apparent indignation suggested that she had been deeply humiliated by Ye Xi.
In Azar's mind, this was proof that Setaria truly resented Ye Xi.
"Heh."
Azar chuckled.
"Setaria, we will make sure your contributions to the Akademiya are well-documented!"
"The information you've provided is invaluable. Once our current project is complete, we'll arrest Ye Xi!"
"At that point, his life and death will be entirely up to you."
"And, of course, that vast inheritance he possesses will also be yours."
"I recall you have a research project in need of funding, don't you? That can be arranged easily."
Hearing these words, Setaria allowed her expression to soften slightly.
"Master Sage, I'll agree to this just this once. Never again will I tolerate something like this!"
"Understood, don't worry," Azar replied before pausing.
"Oh, by the way, you didn't wear the same clothes as yesterday, did you?"
"Hm?"
"It's nothing, just a casual question. I'll have the Akademiya reimburse you."
Setaria sneered inwardly.
Azar clearly wanted to confirm whether the bugging device was still functional, but he masked his inquiry as concern for her. Truly worthy of the title "great sage."
Fortunately, Ye Xi had anticipated this and prepared her in advance.
"The clothes were torn by that man! That bastard is incredibly strong!"
"I don't know what Khaenri'ah have been through to develop such strange habits!"
"Oh, I see. Then go buy a new outfit, and the Sumeru Akademiya will cover the cost."
Azar secretly sighed in relief.
The listening device, gifted by the Fatui's Doctor, was said to be a high-tech product from Fontaine, nearly impossible to detect.
He was also cautious about drawing attention, so there was no need to ask further.
From Setaria is reaction and response, Azar guessed that Ye Xi must have torn her clothes to shreds in the process.
"Setaria, you should rest for now. Return once the [Dream Mass Production Plan] begins," he suggested.
"Desert people are not as fragile as you think! I'm heading to the research lab!"
Setaria snorted coldly and stormed out of the top floor of the Palace of Wisdom.
Azar frowned as she departed.
An instructor, standing nearby, stepped forward with a sneer. "She claims desert people aren't fragile, but she can't even walk steadily."
Azar remained contemplative, then shook his head. "Women from the desert are rebellious by nature extremely hard to tame.
"As for Setaria is alleged persecution, no matter how powerful a Khaenri'ah might be, it's impossible that she'd willingly cooperate.
"Besides, she's the designer of the Dreamland Mass Production Plan. Without her, the project would be significantly delayed."
The instructor nodded in agreement. "I concur. She seems unaware of the wiretapping and has been reporting information truthfully.
"Regardless, the [Divine Birth Examination] is fast approaching! Let's focus on completing the God-Making Plan first.
"Once we have the God of Opportunity, we can seize the Khaenri'ah inheritance and dispose of both Ye Xi and Setaria afterward."
Azar smirked. "Precisely."
---
*Outside the City*
Ye Xi found a Hilichurl and decided to test his [Drain] ability.
As he activated the power, the Abyssal energy surrounding the Hilichurl's body began to diminish.
Gradually, patches of human skin were revealed beneath the corruption.
However, before Ye Xi could celebrate, the exposed skin began to decay visibly. The Hilichurl let out a pained roar as its body withered.
Ye Xi suddenly understood.
Whether it was the Hilichurls or the cursed Khaenri'ah, they had been alive for hundreds of years.
The Abyssal energy was the source of their immortality. Once stripped of it, their bodies would rapidly decay and perish.
For them, the Abyss was both a curse and a life-sustaining force.
In contrast, Ye Xi was different. His body had been reshaped by the system. It was no longer the same body from 500 years ago but a completely new one.
Realizing this, Ye Xi abandoned the idea of "saving" anyone.
It wasn't salvation it was a disguised form of execution.
The path of purification was impossible.
With a heavy heart, he gave up on the notion entirely.
---
*A Few Days Later*
According to Collei, that yellow-haired fool had finally arrived in Sumeru City.
Meanwhile, Ye Xi maintained correspondence with Setaria.
In Sumeru, dark-colored birds were the most common messengers. Ordinary pigeons, often used as poultry, were rarely domesticated for this purpose.
Using his animal-taming skills, Ye Xi managed to train several pigeons to deliver letters despite how notoriously difficult they were to tame.
This method ensured Setaria wouldn't raise suspicion.
However, her letters were exceedingly frequent.
Every time Ye Xi opened one, it would read something like: [Day X of Missing Master.]
Or, worse, a flowery love letter that made Jeht and Dehya burst into laughter nearby.
Finally, when Ye Xi opened her latest letter, it contained new and critical information:
[The Dreamland Mass Production Plan begins at 10 PM tonight. Dreamland Owner: Nilou.]
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