"Keqing, you're right, this issue is no small matter. But the question is, where do we choose for development?"
After listening to Keqing's impassioned "speech," Ningguang rubbed her forehead helplessly.
As one of the Qixing, how could she not already know Liyue's current state? But even knowing, it was difficult to act.
"Keqing, you've read the records. Back in the Archon War, the number of gods in Liyue was among the highest in the Seven Nations.
It was only because the Geo Archon defeated them that Liyue survived to today. But the remnants left by their deaths are something we cannot handle."
"Monsters are troublesome, yes, but manageable. God remnants, however… we truly have no solution."
Even adepti found remnants difficult. If there had been a way, they would have been cleansed centuries ago.
"I know. But we still have to think of something. Liyue's population will only grow. Liyue Harbor has limited space."
Keqing understood well.
"These ideas… did they come from Mondstadt's Honorary Knight?" Ningguang asked after a pause.
"Yes. I happened to pass by and overheard them talking with Wangsheng's guest consultant, Zhongli."
Ningguang tapped her finger on the table. "If that's the case, then it means this Honorary Knight has a way to deal with the problem.
I'll invite them later. Even if it costs Mora, we'll make a deal."
As the Tianquan Star and a businesswoman, her vision stretched far. If god remnants could truly be resolved and new towns built elsewhere, the short-term losses would pay off many times over.
"Tch, rich as always." Keqing curled her lip. She herself wasn't poor, but compared to Ningguang—who built her fortune from nothing—there was no comparison.
Keqing had noble family roots. Ningguang had wealth equal to an entire clan, even without her Tianquan position.
Ningguang smiled faintly. Things solvable with Mora were never real problems. Things unsolvable with Mora were the difficult ones.
…
"Blitzkrieg Mondstadt?"
At a teahouse, Zhongli pondered Koji's suggestion. He recalled how, back then, that drunk bard Venti had even forged his signature to sell Mondstadt to Liyue.
"Koji, do I have some grudge with you?" Venti asked, exasperated.
Why not strike Inazuma or Sumeru instead? Was Mondstadt easy prey now, lacking high-end combat power?
No, in truth Sumeru was weaker. The little Dendro Archon was poor at combat, imprisoned, and had no top warriors under her.
Mondstadt still had Venti and Dvalin.
"Striking other nations… that won't happen." Zhongli shook his head.
There were too many entanglements. If Liyue started it, the whole of Teyvat might fall into war.
He knew Mondstadt's land wasn't much better than Liyue's. Without Anemo's divine power, snowstorms would have consumed it long ago.
"Zhongli, since you gave me a gift, I should return the favor. Take this wine."
Koji produced a jar of Dandelion Wine. Venti's eyes bulged.
Wait—this guy was gifting away his wine? Truly vile!
Koji: What "your" wine? You lost it to me, so now it's mine.
"Oh?"
Zhongli examined the jar, casting Venti a meaningful smile.
Of course he recognized it.
Ha. So this drunkard finally suffered a loss.
The Zhongli he knew would never receive this wine from Venti voluntarily. Venti treasured it dearly—he himself had only tasted it once.
Which made this moment delicious.
"Then I'll thank you, young friend."
Wine from Venti was too good to waste.
Before storing it away, Zhongli even waved it under Venti's nose, refusing to hand it back.
Venti clenched his fists but could do nothing. He couldn't rob the old man without being pinned and beaten.
"Venti, why so quiet now?" Lumine teased.
Sure enough, wine was Venti's weakness.
Noelle and Eula exchanged glances. Compared side by side, their Anemo Archon felt… lacking.
The Geo Archon's mortal guise: dignified, learned, refined. The Anemo Archon: careless, whimsical, a trickster.
It made the Mondstadters a bit embarrassed.
But since Venti himself didn't care, they could only sigh inwardly.
What a disgrace of a god.
…
Guili Plains—
"Tian Dong Wan Xiang! (Heavenly Moving All Creations!)"
Koji crossed his arms. A meteor of condensed Geo crashed down, wiping out the hilichurl camp in an instant.
"Overkill much? Using a cannon to swat flies?" Lumine said sourly.
Why were his attacks so absurdly strong, while hers felt weak?
Who was supposed to be the protagonist here?
By rights, she could wield multiple elements, making her Teyvat's true lead. Yet next to Koji, she felt like background fodder.
…
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Liyue.
As the Geo Archon, Zhongli sensed the disturbance of Geo energy. He was startled.
That move, Meteor, was his own signature.
Venti caught it through the winds. "Tian Dong Wan Xiang—wait, isn't that your move, old man?"
"Just manipulation of Geo," Zhongli said calmly. "By the way, aren't you overdue back in Mondstadt, drunkard?"
Zhongli really didn't want to see Venti around in these times.
"Relax. Jean's reliable. Even without me, Mondstadt will be fine." Venti chuckled.
Jean had no idea he had slipped away to Liyue, of course. But that was normal—Venti vanished often.
"Grand Master Jean, hmm? I've heard of her. Very capable," Zhongli nodded.
Much like how Liyue had Ningguang and the Qixing. Without such hands, even gods couldn't live so comfortably.
…
"This spot is perfect. Edge of Guili Plains, elevated terrain, clear view of Dihua Marsh."
Koji looked around with satisfaction. He had cleared the land.
The Blessing of Purification activated, erasing surrounding god remnants. It was livable now.
The high ground meant no worry of flooding, unless a deluge engulfed the entire plains.
"Not bad at all. But it's far from Liyue Harbor. Transporting materials would be difficult." Eula frowned.
Doing it by themselves wasn't realistic.
"I've got a way."
Koji held the Vortex Vanquisher, his smile widening. "Sister of Construction, your turn to shine."
(End of Chapter)
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