Due to the geographical constraints of the Underworld, Su Han was unable to set up a grand Nine-Dragon Killing Array. However, utilizing the high-quality spirit stones provided by Beidou, he managed to construct a sophisticated Six-Fold Sequential Array.
The outermost layer consisted of an illusion array, intricately embedded with killing formations and a Spirit Gathering Array. The latter served as the perpetual power source for the entire system. After consuming two hundred spirit stones, the massive formation was finally complete.
Su Han turned to Qingxue, who looked on with profound gratitude. "Moving forward, you only need to station guards here. If the array fluctuates or the rift expands, send word immediately. There are soldiers stationed outside Wuwang Hill with snail-phones."
"Thank you, my Lord... your benevolence is something we shall remember for all eternity." Qingxue knelt upon the dark earth. Without this man, the Boundary would have undoubtedly collapsed into chaos.
Su Han shook his head. "No need for such formality. We are all denizens of Teyvat. By the way... if Alice returns here, make sure to let me know."
"As you command."
With the array in place, Su Han led his group out of the Boundary. Once clear of Wuwang Hill, he immediately contacted Zhongli.
"Where are you? We need to talk."
"The top floor of Wangshu Inn."
"Wait for me."
Sword-light tore through the sky like a falling star. In less than a minute, Su Han landed on the balcony of the inn. At a wooden table, Zhongli sat composed, sipping tea. From the rising steam, it was clear he had been waiting.
"Sit. I've just brewed some Longjing tea. Have some snacks as well; you look as though you need to soothe your spirit."
"What's the situation with the Boundary?" Su Han asked, taking a seat. "And who is the Demon God residing within?"
"Regarding that, even I am uncertain," Zhongli admitted calmly. "During the Archon War, many gods vanished mysteriously. Take Orobashi, who fled to Enkanomiya; I only learned of his whereabouts upon his death. The identity of the one in the Boundary remains a mystery."
"Even you don't know? What about their authority? Surely that would be familiar."
"I understand your curiosity, but do not be hasty," Zhongli replied. "While I cannot name them, I can tell you they harbor no malice. They aren't looking to cause havoc or stage a comeback. Liyue is my jurisdiction; if there were true ill intent, I would sense it instinctively. Just as your wife can feel any malice directed toward Inazuma, I too am attuned to my land."
"I see... that's a relief." Su Han nodded. Knowing the entity wasn't a threat was enough for now.
"I am not entirely privy to the events within the Boundary," Zhongli continued, his tone turning unusually grave. "But I can tell you this: the barriers of Teyvat are growing thinner. This is not merely something Alice told me, but a conclusion drawn from centuries of observation. The Boundary is just one of many weak points. I hope that as you complete your missions, you secure more treasures. If necessary... we may have to launch a war and expand into other nations."
This was the first time Su Han had seen the usually steady Zhongli show such an aggressive stance. If the "eggshell" of Teyvat broke, everyone except the gods would likely perish.
"I understand," Su Han said. "But as for Sumeru, I don't think it will come to war just yet."
"Indeed. But Sumeru's situation is... complex. Even for you, it may prove troublesome. In Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma, the authority of the gods remains supreme. Even the carefree Barbatos steps up in times of crisis. But the god in Sumeru is different. One might describe her as..."
"Lacking in authority?"
"Hahaha, it seems you've done your homework. Since you know of Sumeru's plight, it's best to intervene early. Gandharva Ville, for instance, is near the Chasm. You can use commerce as a bridge. I suspect that young man, Tighnari, will be a useful ally. Now, the hour is late... I must head back to Liyue to catch the opera. Oh, and I haven't paid for the tea. If you wouldn't mind..."
Su Han stared at Zhongli's retreating back and silently raised a middle finger. He knew meeting the old man always ended with a bill. Fortunately, Wangshu Inn was part of Ningguang's enterprise, so it cost him nothing.
The Ambition of Gandharva Ville
Upon returning to Liyue Harbor, Tighnari was already waiting at the door.
"Is there something you need?" Su Han asked.
"Lord Su Han... may I learn the method of cultivating Haki? In exchange, I offer all my botanical knowledge, and I am willing to sign a contract to ensure your secrets aren't leaked."
The trip to the Boundary had been a wake-up call for the Forest Watcher. Being relegated to a "medic" role while others slaughtered ghosts was a blow to his pride. Since he was already being "handled" by Su Han, he figured he might as well learn a new way to fight.
Su Han laughed. "Of course. You can even teach your student. But the contract is a must; Haki might seem simple, but we keep its secrets close."
"Thank you, truly." Tighnari bowed deeply. He had initially been wary of this trip, but now he realized he would have regretted staying home for the rest of his life.
After arranging for an instructor to teach Tighnari, Su Han returned to the Jade Chamber. He needed rest; a new mission was coming tomorrow.
A Letter to Sumeru
Meanwhile, in Sumeru's Gandharva Ville, officials and scholars had gathered for an emergency meeting. They had received an official missive from Liyue, bearing the seal of the Tianquan, Ningguang.
"It's an official proposal for a cross-border railway project," one official announced, passing the documents around.
The terms were incredibly attractive. Sumeru lacked high-grade ores, but Liyue was willing to accept medicinal herbs and unique vegetation as payment. The benefits of a railway were obvious; as the most powerful commercial hub of the Seven Nations, Liyue's trade was booming.
"What are your thoughts?"
"I think we should try it," a scholar remarked. "Liyue is taking on the primary risk, and frankly, Sumeru's current situation isn't great."
"Yes," another added. "The polarization in our country is getting worse. How long can this continue?"
An elderly scholar snorted angrily. "We suggested the Akademiya communicate with Liyue before, and do you know what those old fossils said? They claimed they did communicate, but that Liyue refused!"
"Why would they refuse these terms?"
"Because those 'old dogs' in the Akademiya tried to trade 'knowledge' for everything! They thought Liyue would build a national railway for free in exchange for some academic papers! They treated Liyue like fools!"
"So that's why Liyue's attitude toward us has been so cold... it was the Akademiya all along!"
"It seems Mr. Tighnari's visit to Liyue has made a huge difference. He must have done something significant to thaw the relations."
The group quickly reached a consensus. They didn't care about the Akademiya's posturing; they wanted prosperity for their region. A railway meant easier trade and a direct link to Liyue's wisdom.
"Then it's settled. We approve the proposal. If those people on their moral high ground try to interfere, let them. They don't know the struggles of the people on the ground. We will restore the glory of this city!"
With the railway, they wouldn't just be a stop on the map; they could become a tourist destination like Watatsumi Island, drawing travelers to the heart of the rainforest.
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