"Chop suey! Tasty and cheap!"
"Grilled fish, get your grilled fish here!"
After walking for what felt like ages, Su Bai finally arrived at the bustling heart of Chihu Rock. The cries of street vendors rose and fell one after another in an endless stream. This vibrant, earthly atmosphere couldn't help but immerse him.
It was different from the Liyue in his memories from his previous life. The current Liyue was vastly larger. Although Su Bai had started from the southern side of Yiyun Slope, relatively close to Chihu Rock, the walk still took him over twenty minutes.
Similarly, the number of shops in these streets and alleys had increased. Although the famously well-known ones were still just those few. For instance, the pillar of Chihu Rock's culinary scene—Wanmin Restaurant.
"Customer, please come inside."
A waiter from Wanmin Restaurant spotted Su Bai approaching and immediately greeted him, seating him at a table.
"One portion of Boiled Black-back Perch, a small portion of Pearl and White Jade Soup, and a small bowl of rice."
After glancing at the menu, Su Bai made his choices. It wasn't long before the dishes arrived one by one, their appearance alone enough to whet the appetite. Compared to the days of living on dry bread and pumpkin pies, this was simply heaven.
At the thought, Su Bai dug in with almost vengeful gusto. One had to admit, Wanmin Restaurant deserved its reputation as the top dog in Chihu Rock's food scene. There was a reason for it.
The perch was a complete feast for the senses—color, aroma, and taste—numbingly spicy, savory, and fragrant, perfect with rice. Washed down with a sip of the Pearl and White Jade Soup to cut through the richness... Ahem, even Morax couldn't compare to this...
However, having been here this long, he still hadn't encountered any of those "main characters." Su Bai felt a twinge of regret. Even at Wanmin Restaurant, only Chef Mao was present now; Xiangling had gone out to sea with Beidou.
"Perhaps it's for the best, enjoying peace alone."
Su Bai's mindset was rather optimistic. In the past, he would have undoubtedly wanted to interact with his 'waifus.' But the trials of these years had given him greater clarity.
Everything in life revolves around karma, and karma follows nature. Those meant to be encountered will be encountered; those not meant to cross paths might never be met in a lifetime.
For example, the man who suddenly appeared before him, making himself at home by sitting opposite Su Bai as if they were old friends.
He had a pair of phoenix eyes, short hair tied into a long knot, irises like rainbow dragon scales, exuding authority without anger. Beneath his flowing golden robes, a sturdy physique complemented his scholarly aura. The moment he sat, a soothing scent of sandalwood enveloped the area.
Su Bai naturally recognized the newcomer. But judging by his expression, he didn't seem to be here for a free meal. Thinking this, the double-crossing portal in his mind prepared to activate. Simultaneously, within his personal space, a set of fully enchanted Netherite armor shifted to combat readiness, ready to equip at a moment's notice.
But this was Liyue Harbor. Su Bai glanced subtly at the people around them.
"This friend, you seem to know me?"
A magnetic voice reached his ears, accompanied by an imperceptible golden ripple subtly sweeping the surroundings. Instantly, the clamorous noises around them seemed cut off, vanishing entirely.
"Heh heh, an honor, truly an honor. Mr. Zhongli, esteemed consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, renowned for his vast knowledge and esteemed reputation in certain circles—who in Liyue hasn't heard of you?" Su Bai fought the urge to pull out a Totem of Undying, instead raising his hands in a polite salute.
This was an actual Archon. Sure, he had slain a dragon, but that was with exhaustive preparation. A sudden encounter, and if he were to declare, "An anomaly, fit for confinement in Guyun Stone Forest," followed by a stab from his divine spear—who could withstand that?
Whether he could actually resurrect or not was something Su Bai had no desire to test today.
Although he couldn't fathom why this great sir had sought him out directly, he wasn't the main character, the little blond traveler. He didn't have the status of a Descender that drew the gaze of the gods. All he had was a double-crossing portal, making him just another traveler from beyond this world—something Teyvat was never short of.
Most likely, he wouldn't receive the same treatment as the protagonist, who attracted the attention of The Seven.
"This friend, I have yet to ask for your esteemed name."
"No esteemed needed. My surname is Su, given name Bai. Currently residing in Liyue." Su Bai answered truthfully, his eyes shifting slightly before he continued, "Might I ask Mr. Zhongli's intentions?"
"You are too polite, friend Su. I naturally welcome you. Liyue welcomes all who abide by order."
Hearing this, Su Bai immediately felt a wave of relief. Since Zhongli said so, then the matter was settled. As long as he remained a person of order... This didn't worry Su Bai much; after all, since arriving, he had done everything by the book. He'd even paid his taxes properly.
"Following rules and maintaining order is the foundation of commerce. I came for trade and naturally abide by the local秩序 (zhìxù, order/rules). My actions follow my heart's desires without overstepping boundaries, so please rest assured."
Zhongli nodded, a hint of a smile appearing on his face.
"The contract is thus established. Those who break it shall suffer the penalty of eating geo."
"Of course..."
The two did not converse further in depth. Perhaps sensing Su Bai's tension, Zhongli exchanged a few more pleasantries before politely taking his leave. Su Bai didn't linger either, settled the bill, and hurried back towards Yiyun Slope.
Meeting the Geo Archon was unexpected. Zhongli verbally establishing such a contract with him was even more unforeseen. However, the situation seemed to have taken a turn for the better.
After all, it was the Geo Archon's approval. From now on, as long as he didn't breach the contract, he figured he could finally live in peace.
In the deepening night, from a third-floor vantage point far on the bridgehead of Weiyun Slope, Zhongli held a cup of tea, quietly watching Su Bai hurry past and duck into that trading firm permeated with an aura utterly foreign to this world. The corner of his lips lifted into a faint, subtle arc.
"Here for trade, how interesting."
"And he saw through this avatar at a glance. It seems he knows far more than just that."
"A variable, perhaps?"
Returning to his room, Su Bai took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, his mind constantly turning over the conversation with Zhongli.
"Very well, time to really get to work then."
After a long while, confirming there were no oversights or hidden traps, and that the Archon had no intention of forbidding him, then continuing to hide his capabilities would be an insult to the old gentleman!
He got up and went out, heading to the warehouse he had rented. It was still empty now; not a single grain of Zatt's 50,000 kilograms of food was visible. Of course, Su Bai was here precisely to retrieve the wheat.
With a thought from Su Bai, a ripple shimmered in the space before him. Su Bai stepped through, and his vision shifted to a world composed of blocks.
Even though it was also night here, it was brilliantly lit. Torches, Sea Lanterns, and Pumpkin Lanterns dotted every corner and edge of this world. The location where the double-crossing portal opened was the highest hall of the grand castle Su Bai had spent over a year building.
It was, in a way, the fruit of his efforts to pass time and alleviate loneliness.
A city, with sides over five hundred blocks long.
But Su Bai didn't head to the storage rooms to retrieve the wheat. While he had reserves of this grain crop, for Zatt's 50,000 kilograms, he could just collect it from the automatic farm.
In MC, one unit of wheat equals one kilogram. Equivalent to five units in a grocery store. [Reference various in-game recipes; one unit of wheat in Teyvat is set as 200 grams. This is the setting, kindly refrain from criticism if displeased.]
50,000 kilograms would fill fourteen large chests.
Su Bai descended from the main hall, followed a staircase to the subway transport system, and glided rapidly over the ice in a boat. In no time, he arrived at the "Villager Tech Station."
--
100 powerstones = 1 chapter
200 powerstones = 3 chapters
300 powerstones = 5 chapters