"So this is the aura of Abyss Power..."
Nahida had seen the Abyss Core that morning. At the time, she only felt it was terrifying and hadn't associated it with Abyss Power.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata let out a sigh of amazement. "You really can control Abyss Power."
She had already guessed this when they were in the consciousness space! Since he could absorb Forbidden Knowledge, perhaps he could even absorb Abyss Power!
Witnessing this scene, the gods couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.
Venti put away his playful attitude, and Zhongli became a few degrees more serious. They all knew what this meant.
With an ability like Ye Xi's, the existence of [The Heavenly Principles] lost its meaning. [The Heavenly Principles] had no ability to deal with the Abyss; they feared the Abyss, which was why they were constantly escaping it.
But Ye Xi could not only absorb Abyss Power, he could also control it!
Who didn't know the benefits of Abyss Power? If Abyss Power were utilized, all civilizations would progress rapidly. This was simply a clear verdict on who was superior.
Teyvat no longer needed the existence of [The Heavenly Principles]! Furthermore, choosing between Lumine and Ye Xi became incredibly simple!
Lumine needed time to be nurtured and supported; Ye Xi did not need that at all. There was only one thing they needed to do: Support Ye Xi in ascending to the throne of Celestia!
The gods exchanged glances. Through their eyes, they had reached a consensus. However, before explicitly [taking sides], they also needed to observe.
They didn't know how powerful Ye Xi currently was, or if he could face [The Heavenly Principles]. If they openly supported Ye Xi now, it might invite retaliation from The Heavenly Principles, strangling Ye Xi in the cradle.
Secondly, they had to determine what kind of person Ye Xi was. Once they had observed the results, they would decide whether or not to become Ye Xi's supporters.
Zhongli spoke up, "Young friend Ye Xi, do you have any preliminary plans? If you need our cooperation, you can mention it, and we will help."
"Hm?"
Ye Xi was caught off guard by this sudden kindness. By rights, he was a Khaenri'ahn wanting to restore Khaenri'ah; even if the Seven Archons didn't oppose him, they should have adopted an attitude of hanging high and staying out of it.
He had just been thinking about how to build relationships with the gods to discuss cooperation. After all, construction projects in other countries required permission.
The result? Zhongli's offer to actively help left him stunned. However, this was indeed a good opportunity.
He injected Abyss Power into the [Abyss Core]. Subsequently, a sand table of the Teyvat continent appeared on the huge tea table. The outlines and routes of each nation were extremely clear. It could simply be called a miniature Teyvat.
This move made the gods exclaim in admiration repeatedly. Zhongli couldn't help but be curious about how this sand table had appeared.
Ye Xi stood up, created a metal rod, and began to introduce the sand table while pointing at it.
"Everyone, in the world I come from, there is a saying—to get rich, build roads first."
"I believe there must be more convenient and faster roads between the nations to increase communication between the people. Moreover, it would facilitate the transport of goods."
"Please look at the transport routes between our four nations..."
In Teyvat, trade between nations was crucial. Especially for a commercial capital like Liyue! Liyue's trade was extensive. Trading with Mondstadt required going through Stone Gate. Trading with Inazuma required crossing the Sea of Clouds.
But Sumeru was more awkward. If one went to Sumeru by land, the mining areas were extremely dangerous. Crossing the mines also meant traversing the Avidya Forest with its complex terrain, which was extremely inconvenient for vehicular transport.
Bypassing the mines meant going towards Tianqiu Valley. Not only was the terrain treacherous and the journey distant, but there were also many monsters blocking the way.
So, the final choice was maritime transport. From Liyue Harbor to Port Ormos, the distance was equally very far.
One had to realize that Sumeru was abundant in fruit. Such things could not withstand long storage; their freshness period was very short. If there were a more convenient pathway, then the problem could be solved!
The gods' gazes followed the route Ye Xi pointed out.
"Everyone, whether it is Stone Gate or the Sea of Clouds, the transport efficiency is not considered high. It is slow along the way, and easily susceptible to monster attacks."
Hearing Ye Xi's analysis, Zhongli nodded. "That is indeed the case."
Liyue Harbor was so prosperous, and more than half the credit belonged to him. Whether it was economic trade or people's livelihood, he understood it well.
As for Venti and Raiden Ei, one only knew how to slack off and drink, and the other only knew how to stay home and read light novels; they were completely bewildered by this.
"Then, does young friend Ye Xi have any solution?"
Ye Xi nodded and said, "I plan to develop from three aspects: sea, land, and air. I will build airports and train stations between our four nations. Through rapid transportation tools, we will achieve the transport of personnel and goods."
Actually, he didn't care about Mora anymore; after all, he had the ability to mint Mora. However, having convenient transportation tools had many benefits for him.
For example, going to Liyue, Mondstadt, and Inazuma would be very convenient. To continue 'branching out and scattering leaves' (expanding his harem), he had to be active.
Sumeru had already become his home base. If only Dehya and the others were around, he might get too comfortable, and the progress of his mission to 'branch out' would probably be very slow.
If he could go to other nations, where there were many pretty girls, wouldn't it be easy to get more system rewards?
The most critical point was that with convenient transportation tools, no matter where he went, accompanying his wives would be convenient.
Hearing the terms [Airport] and [Train Station] from Ye Xi felt very novel to everyone. Ye Xi directly used the power of the Abyss Core to create models of an airplane and a train.
"Airplanes transport goods the fastest; trains are second, requiring the layout of tracks. But trains have a large capacity and run regardless of wind or rain. Airplanes depend on wind direction and speed, carrying greater risk."
After listening to Ye Xi's explanation, the gods nodded repeatedly. Although they didn't understand, it didn't matter. They were retired anyway and didn't do serious work; knowing the gist of it and then ordering it to be done was enough.
"I understand, young friend Ye Xi. From now on, you are Liyue's... Fencing Consultant."
"When I return, I will send someone to pick you up for a site visit."
Zhongli calculated in his heart that he would tell Ganyu about this matter, and then let Ganyu figure out a way to hoodwink the Liyue Qixing into coming over.
Venti, beside him, obviously didn't care at all and said with a smile, "Same for me! You are also Mondstadt's Fencing Consultant now~ I will find the Grand Master of the Knights to discuss it. It feels very interesting. It doesn't matter if it succeeds or not, I will follow this matter from the tavern~"
Ye Xi was speechless. What did he mean by 'very interesting' and 'doesn't matter if it succeeds'? As expected of Barbatos, truly never doing any serious work!
Raiden Ei was even more direct. "I am the same as them!"
She prepared to dump this matter onto Yae Miko and let that fox handle it.
Ye Xi sighed. For such important matters, the gods of these three nations were actually so sloppy. But it didn't matter to him. He was doing it to find new wives anyway. As for the side job of infrastructure, it would depend on his mood.
After the discussion, the three gods knew Ye Xi's identity and goals, as well as the situation with the World Tree and Sumeru. Overall, they breathed a sigh of relief.
The World Tree had basically returned to normal, Sumeru had stabilized, and someone like Ye Xi with a promising future had appeared; this trip had yielded a full harvest. What they had to do next was observe.
They would silently watch Ye Xi's development and see the results. When the time was right, they would raise the banner of rebellion against [The Heavenly Principles]!
"Well then, old friends, I will go back first. There is still work to deal with at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, otherwise, I will be scolded by the Hall Master."
Zhongli put down his teacup and slowly stood up, preparing to return to Liyue to slack off.
Venti held a large watermelon and said with a beaming smile, "Then I'm leaving too~ By the way, Master Ye Xi, is this watermelon ripe?"
Ye Xi looked speechless. "Look at what you're saying. Would I give you a raw melon from my Sumeru rainforest?"
"That's good then~ I will enjoy this watermelon properly~ Ehe~"
As he spoke, a hurricane whipped up in the courtyard, and the two flew into the sky and vanished.
This scene terrified Dehya, Dunyarzad, and Alusha.
"My heavens? What happened?"
"Master's friends... flew away?!"
"Who are they... to actually be able to fly!"
Hearing the three girls' exclamations, Paimon put down the cantaloupe in her hands and placed her hands on her hips proudly. "Those were Liyue's Rex Lapis and Mondstadt's Anemo Archon, you know~"
"Paimon—!"
Lumine furrowed her brows. Zhongli and Venti's identities weren't supposed to be spoken of, yet Paimon, this blabbermouth, had spilled it all!
"Ehh—! Paimon didn't say anything!"
However, Dehya and the others had already heard it!
"Liyue's Geo Archon and Mondstadt's Anemo Archon?!"
"Master is too amazing! To actually be able to make friends with gods!"
"I'm already used to it. After all, even the Dendro Archon is that guy Ye Xi's wife."
Dehya shrugged helplessly, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "Then that girl in the purple kimono inside, could she be Inazuma's Raiden Shogun!? If so, I think before long, she will also become Master's new flame."
Hearing Alusha's words, Dunyarzad smiled gently. "Thinking about it carefully, it's not bad. Having the Dendro Archon and the Electro Archon as our friends... if my father found out, he would definitely be shocked!"
"Miss, your thoughts are truly simple..."
Inside the room.
Raiden Ei seriously ate the mousse cake until it was completely clean before putting down her spoon. "Then... I will go back as well."
"Wait a moment."
Ye Xi took another box of cake from his portable space and handed it to Raiden Ei. "Take this as a meeting gift. Bring it back to eat."
"Eh!?"
To be fed like this right upon meeting, would it make her seem very gluttonous?! Raiden Ei thought, involuntarily clenching her fist. She was very conflicted internally, but in the end, she accepted the cake.
"Thank you. Next time I will have Miko bring Dango Milk!"
After speaking, a rift appeared in the air. Raiden Ei fled in defeat.
Dango Milk? Ye Xi smiled, thinking, Can that stuff be as good as bubble tea?
After the three gods left, Nahida asked, "Ye Xi, how should we arrange [The Balladeer]?"
Since Raiden Ei had entrusted Scaramouche to her, she couldn't be negligent.
Ye Xi pondered for a moment upon hearing this. "Take him to the World Tree. Let him find the answers himself."
"Eh? ...I understand."
Nahida looked at Greater Lord Rukkhadevata beside her. "Lord Tree King, will you go to the Akademiya with me? Current Sumeru still has many things to handle. The Sages of the Akademiya need to be selected again, the placement of The God of Righteousness, and so many other things to do!"
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata shook her head. "Buer, I will not intervene in Sumeru's affairs anymore, but if you have any questions, you can come ask me. I will stay by the Descender's side until the Forbidden Knowledge is completely eliminated and the World Tree is fully restored."
...
In the afternoon.
Nahida went to the Akademiya, while Ye Xi went to the Blonde Idiot's room.
"Lumine, I happen to have time. I can talk to you about Aether's matters."
Hearing Ye Xi say this, Lumine instantly perked up. She had embarked on her journey precisely to find her brother. Now, she could finally get some news about him.
Along the way, she had met Dainsleif, gone to The Chasm together, and learned quite a lot about Khaenri'ah. But there were still many mysteries unsolved.
Paimon also leaned in with great interest. "What do you want to ask?"
Lumine hurriedly asked, "Where is my brother?"
"Uh... I don't know."
"Then what exactly is he doing?"
"That, I truly don't know."
"Then will he come to Sumeru?"
"Emmm... I really don't know that either."
Lumine: "..."
"You don't know anything at all, do you!"
Paimon crossed her arms, looking utterly speechless.
Ye Xi rubbed his forehead helplessly. He hadn't expected the questions Lumine raised to perfectly avoid all the information he knew.
"Aether and I have been separated for a while. I'm not clear on where he has gone now either, but we can contact each other through our subordinates."
Hearing Ye Xi's words, Lumine pressed, "Then can you tell me from the beginning?"
Ye Xi nodded, then revealed everything. From the truth of the Khaenri'ah cataclysm five hundred years ago to his agreement with Aether some time ago. Except for the matter of ascending to the throne, he basically told the siblings everything.
"In other words, both you and the Traveler's brother are working hard for the restoration of Khaenri'ah? And you chose the path of finding wives and having children?"
Paimon analyzed it based on the known information.
"That's right."
Lumine suddenly asked, "Then... you won't make a move on me, will you?"
"Rest assured. You are Aether's sister; a rabbit doesn't eat the grass near its own burrow."
Hearing Ye Xi say this, Lumine breathed a sigh of relief and couldn't help but lament, "I didn't expect Brother to be putting so much effort into Khaenri'ah. I also want to go find my brother immediately and help him!"
"Pfft-cough, cough..."
Ye Xi choked on his tea and couldn't help but say, "In your current state? You've traveled through four nations, yet you're still holding a Dull Blade. You want to help Aether? Have you forgotten how you were slapped unconscious by The God of Righteousness?"
"Aaaahhhh—! Y-You, stop talking about it!"
Lumine's face instantly filled with shame, wanting to crawl into a hole. "I can't help it! Upgrading weapons requires Mora, and lots of materials! I've spent all the Mora I had, I don't have any extra to upgrade my weapon!"
These words actually surprised Ye Xi somewhat. It was his first time knowing that weapons here could actually be upgraded with Mora! He had thought it was just a game setting, but unexpectedly, it was universally applicable! No wonder creating more Mora wouldn't cause inflation.
At this moment, Lumine asked again, "Then how should I find my brother?"
"Emm.... You can stay by my side. When Aether comes to find me, won't you see him then?"
This answer made Paimon clap her hands in approval.
"Great~ We can keep mooching off Master Ye Xi's food forever~"
Lumine: "....."
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