But—
Was the Innate Qi of Liyue truly like that?
No.
No.
In essence, Liyue's Innate Qi was a higher-tier form of energy — surpassing the internal power and true qi of martial sects, surpassing elemental energy and immortal arts — yet still inferior to the divine power of the Old Man (Morax).
But should that be the case?
That didn't quite make sense, did it?
Jiang Mo had thought about these questions before, but he simply assumed he was still too weak, so he hadn't paid much attention. He believed that as he grew stronger, things would make sense on their own.
But now…
It seemed that wasn't the case.
Raiden Makoto continued softly:
"That is the true Innate Qi. Yet, in Teyvat, there is no real Innate Qi — only weakened, incomplete imitations of it. But you, Xiao Mo, are different. The Innate Qi you possess is like a newborn child, hungry and eager, absorbing all kinds of energies and nutrients, slowly growing into the true Innate Qi."
Jiang Mo understood at once. He now saw the problem clearly.
However…
"Sister Makoto," he frowned, "what does all this have to do with you seeking me out? The old man never mentioned it to me. If you're telling me this today, then there must be a reason, right?"
What exactly was going on here?
Raiden Makoto wasn't one to speak in riddles. Apart from avoiding certain details about why Teyvat changed so drastically during the Archon War, she usually answered every question directly, without concealment.
"Xiao Mo," Raiden Makoto asked gently, "do you know what lies beneath Watatsumi Island, in Enkanomiya?"
"Enkanomiya? Isn't that…"
Jiang Mo began to answer, but then stopped himself. Considering this was a completely modified version of Teyvat, he could no longer assume the old lore still applied.
Raiden Makoto patiently explained:
"During the Archon War, Teyvat underwent massive transformation. Many beings from beyond this world evolved into Demon Gods. Some of these gods were… unusual. The people of Watatsumi Island truly were brought out of Enkanomiya by Orobashi. But afterward, Enkanomiya underwent a great mutation — a Demon God fused into it. That god isn't powerful, but the realm of Enkanomiya is filled with immense Abyssal energy."
"Abyssal energy?"
"A Demon God?"
"Sealed?"
"Huh?"
Jiang Mo blinked, dumbfounded. This Teyvat had been completely overhauled — all the original lore and logic seemed to have been thrown out the window.
Whatever "predestined cycles" the original Teyvat once had, they'd probably long since been shattered into dust.
Raiden Makoto nodded slightly, continuing:
"Abyssal energy originates from the Black Calamity. Admittedly, the current Teyvat no longer fears invasion from it, but the corruption of the Abyss remains terrifying. Even for us Archons, prolonged exposure to it would lead to corrosion, possession, and loss of control. Aside from the twins who descended five hundred years ago, there is no one in Teyvat truly immune to such corruption."
"Hmm~~~"
Jiang Mo raised an eyebrow, amused.
"So, Sister Makoto, because my Innate Qi is unique, you want me to handle the Abyssal energy in Enkanomiya—and deal with that Demon God while I'm at it?"
"Exactly."
Raiden Makoto's crimson lips curved in a smile, showing no attempt to hide her intent.
Though Jiang Mo could already guess that Morax and Raiden Makoto's true motives probably went beyond that. Yes, the Abyss was troublesome, but for the current Seven Archons, eliminating it would be difficult—but not impossible.
There must be another reason behind this.
Well, whatever.
He could always ask the old man once he returned to Liyue—and if Morax tried to dodge the question, Jiang Mo would just find Ningguang and "discuss" some financial matters with her.
"The divine power of ordinary Demon Gods differs from that of us, the Seven Archons," Raiden Makoto explained.
"But the one sealed beneath Enkanomiya was originally an Outer God who fell into Teyvat and transformed into a Demon God. Its power, along with the Abyssal energy, could serve as excellent fuel to nourish your Innate Qi."
"Quite a generous benefit," Jiang Mo admitted with a grin.
He didn't see any problem with that. Still, he chuckled lightly and added, "Sister Makoto, Ningguang once told me: 'When discussing business, leave emotions aside.' You've told me so much, and I appreciate it—but since this is a deal, let's discuss terms properly."
"Of course."
Raiden Makoto wasn't offended. On the contrary, her gentle smile grew even warmer.
"Those four words — 'Business is business' — are wise indeed. No matter how good the relationship, unless it's with the little girl from Liyue or that one aboard the Dead Star, proper compensation should always be given. Only when both sides remain equal can the path forward continue."
"Then…"
"What kind of reward can you offer, Sister Makoto?" Jiang Mo asked with a smile.
As for whether he could really handle that Demon God? He wasn't worried.
In Inazuma, there were countless systems of energy to study — Onmyodo, Ninjutsu, Swordsmanship, and more. They might not have the highest ceilings, but their diversity made them perfect materials for refining his Innate Qi. Another round of breakthroughs seemed inevitable.
"Watatsumi Island."
"Xiao Mo, you're rather fond of Watatsumi Island, aren't you? Then I shall grant it to you."
Raiden Makoto stated calmly, before Jiang Mo could even react.
"Of course, an island alone isn't much — after all, its people won't be taken away. So, in addition, I'll gather all of Inazuma's unique energy systems for you. That will be your second reward."
"And as for the third reward…"
Raiden Makoto's crimson lips curved upward, her expression blooming with a mysterious smile.
As her soft voice continued, the words she spoke caused the golden light in Jiang Mo's eyes to flare brightly.