When Keqing heard that, she calmed down a little, but her gaze toward Su Han remained icy. "Fine. I'd like to hear what he has to say. Don't think that just because you have the bloodline of a celestial beast, you can judge others without restraint!"
This time, Keqing was truly angry. She and the other members of the Liyue Qixing had been working tirelessly day and night, only to have all their efforts completely denied. Who wouldn't be furious in her place?
If Su Han couldn't give a proper explanation, then this so-called "bridge between immortals and mortals"... well, whoever wanted to communicate could do it themselves. She certainly wouldn't be accompanying him anymore.
"What do you mean by 'too complacent'?"
"What do you mean by 'riddled with flaws'?"
Keqing truly couldn't agree. At least within the world of Teyvat, Liyue was the most prosperous economically.
Watching the agitated Master Keqing, Su Han took a sip of freshly brewed tea and said calmly, "I'm not judging you. I'm merely saying that Liyue Harbor has become far too comfortable. Five hundred years ago, during the battle at the Chasm, the Millelith were still capable of standing against corruption and guarding Liyue through fire and water."
"But what about now? Forgive me, but I don't see any progress. Let's set that aside for the moment. Tell me, how much intelligence does Ningguang have regarding Inazuma, Mondstadt, and Sumeru?"
Su Han first recounted the former strength of the Millelith, then shifted the topic toward their current weakness. Finally, he struck with his true point. You could neglect training soldiers, but if your intelligence network lagged behind, that was a serious problem.
This question made Ningguang frown. Looking at the leisurely Su Han before her, she was full of confusion, why was he suddenly asking about foreign nations?
Recalling the information she knew, Ningguang slowly replied, "As far as I know, because of the Sakoku Decree, it's very difficult to send information from Inazuma. All we know is that it's by order of the Raiden Shogun.
As for Mondstadt, it seems a dragon disaster occurred, and panic has already spread. Sumeru hasn't shown any major changes for now. So, what are you getting at?"
She had revealed everything she knew, it didn't seem like anything was missing. What was he trying to say?
When Su Han heard this, he immediately understood, this wealthy lady had no idea about the Fatui's schemes. He gave a cold laugh and said, "It's simple. Every nation has seen major changes in the past two years. Do you really think that's just coincidence?
Secondly, yesterday I was attacked by Fatui agents in the wild. According to their confession, one of the Harbingers has arrived in Liyue Harbor, his name is Tartaglia, code name 'Childe.' And the very first thing he did after arriving was investigate something called the Forbidden Talisman.
Oh right, do you two even know what that is?"
Su Han smiled at them. If, after all these hints, they still didn't understand, he'd truly be disappointed.
Keqing frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "The Forbidden Talisman… I think I've seen records of it in the Jade Chamber. Legend says it was created by the Geo Lord and bestowed upon mortals so that they could seek help from immortals in times of crisis. But why would the Fatui want something like that? Ningguang, do you know?"
Meeting her friend's gaze, Ningguang shook her head. "No, I know as much as you do. My understanding of the Forbidden Talisman is limited, it's said that the Geo Lord took most of them back, leaving only a few among the people.
Su Han, stop keeping us in suspense. Just tell us everything you know. We admit Liyue's intelligence network does have some flaws."
Seeing that Ningguang had already softened her stance, Su Han shook his head. "No, I want to ask Miss Keqing, do you still think you're working hard? You proudly said, 'As humans, we should hold human pride.' Fine then, the question I just asked concerns Liyue's safety. But when I asked, you couldn't answer a single thing! The Liyue Qixing's duties shouldn't be limited to things that ordinary people can do, like building houses or surveying land.
Because those are things anyone can do. What you should truly be doing is having full command over this nation, and understanding the situations beyond our borders. Don't you agree?"
Keqing's expression darkened, but she couldn't deny that Su Han's words hit the mark. She prided herself on being personally involved in everything, but upon reflection, many of those tasks could be delegated to others.
"Alright, I admit that I've made such mistakes. Please continue, tell us about the Forbidden Talisman."
Seeing that Keqing had yielded as well, Su Han nodded in satisfaction and sighed softly. "I didn't say all that to mock you. It's because the next topic is not an ordinary one, it's heavy. Please listen carefully.
The Forbidden Talisman doesn't only allow one to seek an immortal's help. If the user possesses enough power, it can also unleash ancient malice. Judging from your expressions, you've already guessed what I'm getting at.
With sufficient power, through the Forbidden Talisman, it's even possible to release the ancient Demon Gods sealed by the Geo Lord himself. You didn't expect that, did you?"
Su Han's words struck like thunder in Keqing and Ningguang's minds.
"Y-you're joking, right? It's just a talisman, how could it possibly release a Demon God?"
Keqing stood up in protest, but just mentioning "Demon Gods" made her voice tremble.
"I'm sorry," Su Han shook his head lightly. "What reason would I have to lie to you? Oh, and by the way, right next door lives the True Lord Songdust Wavecity. If you don't believe me, you can go and ask her. I'm sure any true immortal would know the talisman's purpose. You could even consult other immortals if you like."
Keqing was about to say she would do just that when an aged voice drifted in from outside.
"No need to trouble my old friends. This old woman can tell you, it's true. That talisman can indeed undo certain seals set by the Geo Lord, though only if the power is sufficient."
No one had expected Granny Ping to have overheard their conversation, but with an immortal's confirmation, there was no longer any reason to doubt it.
Ningguang immediately stood and respectfully asked toward the window, "Immortal, may I ask who holds these Forbidden Talismans now?"
"Hehe, it's been far too long. This old woman doesn't know either. These are matters for the young, best left to you to handle."
In the courtyard next door, Granny Ping was tending her flowers.
Beside her, Yanfei tilted her head. "Granny, who are you talking to? Someone's trying to visit the other immortals?"
"It's Su Han. That child, though he only recently arrived in Liyue, has sharp ears and eyes. No wonder the Geo Lord favors him."
A gentle smile spread across Granny Ping's face. With such a keen and perceptive person around, things would be much easier for them immortals.
Inside the room.
With the immortal's confirmation, Keqing and Ningguang were completely convinced by Su Han.
Especially Keqing, before coming here, she thought her conversation with Su Han would only be about how to better honor the immortals. She never imagined that this meeting would make her realize her own shortcomings.
But since she was wrong, she wouldn't shy away from admitting it. She stood, walked up to Su Han, bowed slightly, and said sincerely, "I'm sorry. I've been too narrow-minded. If my stubbornness were to bring suffering to the people of Liyue, I would feel endlessly ashamed."
"No, no," Su Han waved his hand quickly. "I'm just pointing out the current state of things as an observer."
He was only responsible for identifying the problem, how to rebuild the intelligence network would be up to Ningguang and Keqing.
Seeing the atmosphere soften, Ningguang said, "Su Han, there's no need to be modest. Without your warning, we'd never have realized Liyue's looming crisis. How about this, if you ever have a problem or need help, you may bring my token to find me, or simply have Yujing Terrace send word."
As she spoke, Ningguang took out a golden seal from her bosom and handed it to him.
Engraved upon it were two characters: Heaven's Authority.
This was something only Ningguang's closest aides possessed. In all of Liyue, there were only three such seals, held by her three secretaries.
Su Han's was the fourth.
He took it and examined it, catching a faint, cool fragrance as it reached his nose. He sniffed lightly and said, "Glaze Lily?"
Ningguang's cheeks instantly turned red.
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