After eating the [Krabby Burger], Xianyun's energy was fully restored. Hearing that Luya had more to teach her, she grew eager with anticipation, immediately falling silent and accepting [The Exploitation of Works of Nature] he handed her.
The moment she received it, Xianyun couldn't wait to flip through its pages.
Inside were countless records of intricate technologies!
The method of automatically absorbing elemental energy to replenish power was detailed even further.
Fundamentals of Elemental Reactions…
How the seven elements could be converted into usable energy…
Methods of cooling, heating, and controlled explosions…
Efficient steel forging and material purification techniques…
[The Exploitation of Works of Nature] contained an ocean of knowledge. Even just reading the table of contents left Xianyun stunned.
She couldn't wait to dive into study. If she could master the technologies in this book, she was confident she could further reduce the cost of the [Portable Game Console].
And beyond that… she could create devices previously impossible—even improve upon her older inventions!
For instance: the Wind-Chasing Skimboard Automaton.
Xianyun had always loved and excelled at mechanical arts.
Nonetheless, to her, most inventions were mere amusements for passing time, despite their wondrous functions.
One year, heavy snow blanketed Liyue, covering Mt. Aocang in thick ice. Seeing everyone idle in their abodes, Xianyun crafted a "Wind-Chasing Skimboard Automaton."
When Moon Carver saw Xianyun, Guizhong, and Mountain Shaper playing gleefully, he wanted to join—but on his first attempt, he lost control and flew off the track, crashing straight into a snowdrift. It took half a day to dig him out.
After that, Xianyun reinforced the safety design so that even a three-year-old could operate it safely.
Now, she thought—if she could integrate this new elemental energy conversion technology into the Wind-Chasing Skimboard Automaton, it could glide freely across mountains even without snow!
Or perhaps… it could even fly through the air.
Though Xianyun could already fly in her crane form, building a flying machine would be fascinating.
A bold idea flashed in her mind—what if she could create a massive flying construct powered by elemental energy conversion, equipped with an energy switch to control activation and shutdown? Then add directional controls—wouldn't that become a large-scale transportation device?!
Her current transport automatons could move goods, yes—regardless, they were far too small. The issue was always insufficient power. Now, with automatic elemental energy absorption, everything was different.
Once she mastered [The Exploitation of Works of Nature], she could bring these theories to life!
This would be nothing short of an industrial revolution for Teyvat's productivity. The thought made her tremble with excitement.
...
Luya didn't realize Xianyun was already lost in enthusiasm. He continued calmly:
"This isn't a free lesson."
"Once you've mastered the contents of [The Exploitation of Works of Nature], I'll have many tasks for you."
"Will you accept them?"
Xianyun didn't hesitate for a second.
"Of course I will."
"The tasks you entrust to me, Master—I shall fulfill with all my strength. Should I fail, may I suffer the punishment of the Rock itself!"
Seeing her so solemn, Luya nodded in satisfaction.
"Very well. Then focus on studying the book first."
"Your first assignment is this—develop a method to mass-produce the [Portable Game Console] while reducing the cost as much as possible."
"The sooner you complete it, the better."
Xianyun's determination blazed anew.
"Yes, Master! I'll study this new technology thoroughly—I won't disappoint you!"
With that, she left the shop carrying [The Exploitation of Works of Nature].
...
Time went on.
After greeting Luya, Yun Jin began performing on stage. She could immediately feel the difference between performing here and at the Heyu Tea House—the audience was enormous.
The sheer number of guests filled her with inspiration for new scripts. And with the voice-to-projection device in use, Yun Jin's already-renowned fame soared even higher. People from other nations even came to Liyue specifically to watch her operas.
After hearing Yun Jin's performance, many were then drawn to the Yu-Gi-Oh! games in the shop.
Soon… night fell.
Yet, Luya's store remained lively. Since Yun Jin was performing and the Nouvelles Restaurant offered dinner service, Luya extended the closing time from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. That way, profits could increase further, and the people of Liyue had richer nightlife entertainment.
...
Amid laughter and chatter, the night passed quickly. The twenty Scratch Card attendants, after enjoying supper prepared by the Head Chef and the Poissonnière de Nouvelles, returned neatly to the dormitory.
Most customers had left.
At last… it was time for the moment Luya had been eagerly awaiting: today's settlement!
Thinking of the billions in revenue, Luya could hardly contain his excitement…
...
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