"What do you mean by a long-term arrangement?" Ningguang looked at Baizhu with a glimmer of interest.
The physician offered a wry smile. "I am fully aware that even though Enchanted Golden Apples and Totems of Undying are structurally simple to acquire here with a massive daily output, their intrinsic worth remains completely unaffected by abundance. A single Enchanted Golden Apple is a priceless treasure, just as ten thousand of them are equally priceless."
"More importantly, I have gained entry to this world." Baizhu's gaze swept across the surrounding blocky terrain, a look of profound awe filling his eyes once more. "Mr. Ryen's realm and Liyue's resources completely eradicated my affliction, and Lady Keqing even presented me with a Totem of Undying."
"I have incurred a debt of immense value, one that I am absolutely bound to repay."
"Mr. Ryen asks for nothing but the opportunity to care for Qiqi, while Liyue recognizes the potential in my pharmacological research."
"Therefore, Qiqi's custody and my own intellect are the only things I possess to offer in exchange."
"Logically, I have no grounds to refuse Lady Ningguang's arrangements. For me, investigating medicine is a deep personal passion, so there is no inherent conflict."
"But..." Baizhu pressed his lips into a thin line, pausing briefly to compose himself before continuing. "Every human harbors a measure of self-interest, and I am no exception."
"This world is unbelievably miraculous and magnificent. The divine medicines and eternal life I spent my entire existence pursuing are considered entirely mundane here. Given the sheer wonders of this realm, looking at it from a purely selfish standpoint, I find it incredibly difficult to bring myself to leave."
"Therefore, I wish to request that, provided it does not impede my duties at the Alchemy Workshop, I be allowed to reside within this world on a day-to-day basis."
"My intuition insists that this is the single most vital opportunity available to me."
"Moreover..." A sudden confidence straightened Baizhu's posture, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Though it may sound boastful, I firmly believe that by remaining here, I can unlock the secrets to far more potent and miraculous potions."
"Furthermore, Mr. Ryen mentioned that Rex Lapis possesses an unimaginable healing staff, a weapon capable of literally reversing death itself."
"That is a treasure no physician could ever turn away from, and I am no different."
Having spoken his mind, Baizhu fell silent, keeping his steady gaze fixed on Ryen and Ningguang.
Every soul possessed selfish desires, differing only in magnitude. In the presence of the master of this realm, Liyue's leadership, the Lord of Geo, and the gathered adepti, Baizhu made no attempt to veil his personal motives. Such transparency was exceedingly rare.
His desires were straightforward. He had originally sought immortality, and now that he had achieved a perfect form of eternal life in an unexpected manner, his path felt temporarily obscured. However, the unfathomable mysteries of the Minecraft world were a powerful anchor, drawing his focus completely. Until he discovered a new life's purpose, remaining here was undeniably his best course of action.
Ningguang instinctively glanced toward Ryen, but the young man currently had his attention entirely monopolized by Qiqi and Yaoyao. He laughed heartily, his face glowing with absolute contentment. It was perfectly clear that Baizhu's request did not concern him in the slightest.
To him, it was merely a matter of one more or one less citizen from Liyue. Thousands, even tens of thousands of people had already entered this realm, so an additional person or two meant nothing. In comparison, his newly recovered, precious daughter was infinitely more important.
Ningguang let out a quiet chuckle, turning to deliberate in hushed tones with Keqing. After a brief discussion, they found no reason to object.
Baizhu possessed exceptional skill and sharp intellect, giving him immense personal value. Considering he had independently synthesized the alchemical potions with milk shortly after returning to Teyvat without any formal guidance, his brilliance was unquestionable. While his capabilities in other areas were unproven, when it came to pharmacology, he was an absolute master of the highest caliber. His sheer individual worth made him an asset entirely deserving of Liyue's investment.
Furthermore, Baizhu held a binding contract with the white snake, Changsheng, an entity linked directly to the ancient Medicine Lord. That factor alone carried significant strategic weight.
Baizhu was deeply obsessed with long life. Compared to Teyvat, where vitality constantly leaked away, he would undoubtedly prefer to spend every waking moment inside the Minecraft world. This would allow Liyue to emulate Khaenri'ah, maintaining a permanent, continuous presence within this realm at all times. Coordinating the Millelith's operations would become significantly easier. Moreover, if Baizhu actually managed to make groundbreaking progress regarding the laws of life here, it would be an incredible, unexpected bonus.
After weighing the options, Ningguang turned her gaze back to the physician, her tone measured. "Very well. Provided it does not cause delays in your primary research duties, you are permitted to station yourself in this world long-term."
"As for your pursuit of immortality, so long as it does not involve unethical human experimentation, we have no objections. Liyue will provide the necessary resources to support your studies."
The corners of Baizhu's eyes crinkled with profound relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Ningguang. Truthfully, I already possess a few preliminary leads regarding the study of life extension."
"Potions of Healing appear to merely mend physical trauma, but during my previous investigations, I discovered that they actually interact with the fundamental laws of life itself. I have formulated a few hypotheses on eternal existence. Just as Rex Lapis explained, the reason true immortality does not exist naturally in Teyvat is due to a constant depletion."
"Whether human or god, every being in Teyvat is continuously leaking life force at every passing moment."
"If one could completely anchor their life force, or establish a state of continuous, stable regeneration..."
"Achieving a perfect equilibrium with that constant leakage would make true immortality a concrete reality."
Ningguang and Keqing raised their eyebrows, a flash of surprise flitting across their features. "Is this what you managed to deduce during your recent research?"
"It is merely a working hypothesis, entirely unproven as of yet." Baizhu shook his head, his tone turning reflective. "Furthermore, while the concept sounds simple, even those miraculous Potions of Healing cannot provide a permanent, continuous, and perfectly stable regeneration of life force, let alone synchronize flawlessly with the rate of depletion."
"However, now that a clear direction exists, the remaining challenges are far easier to navigate. I will find a solution."
Ningguang offered no further critique, simply nodding her head in silent approval.
"I will ensure that the resources I owe to Liyue are fully repaid through the results of my research as quickly as possible," Baizhu added. "Additionally, I have one final request for Mr. Ryen." He paused, his gaze lingering softly on Qiqi for a long moment.
"Qiqi will be following Mr. Ryen from now on. Bubu Pharmacy no longer requires strenuous maintenance to keep its doors open, meaning Qiqi will never have to risk danger gathering herbs in the wilderness again."
"I beg that Mr. Ryen takes excellent care of her, allowing her to experience the true, untroubled childhood she deserves. If possible, I hope Mr. Ryen does not compel her to labor heavily within this world."
Ryen curled his lips into a warm, reassuring smile, nodding his head. "You do not even need to ask. Qiqi is far too precious. How could I ever force her to work every day?"
"We can easily manage all the actual labor. Qiqi can simply focus on enjoying her life alongside Klee and the others." Children belonged in a world of play, surrounded by unconditional affection. Especially an obedient, adorable daughter like Qiqi.
"This evening, I will have Yelan escort you to meet with Albedo to coordinate your integration," Ningguang reminded him softly. "Albedo will brief you on the specific operational details. After that, you can map out your own research path. When you wish to enter this world, you already know the route to Ryen's residence in Liyue. The Millelith will grant you continuous passage."
Baizhu nodded, offering no further remarks.
With the matters concerning Qiqi and Baizhu fully settled, the conversation naturally drifted toward the ongoing Lantern Rite Bedwars tournament. Tomorrow marked the grand finale. Once the tournament concluded, the new year would officially begin, bringing an entirely fresh set of strategic initiatives.
Throughout the remainder of the afternoon, the group remained gathered inside the villa. Yelan and the others provided Baizhu and Shenhe with a comprehensive overview to familiarize them with the world's unique logic. Even with ample prior mental preparation, Baizhu visibly struggled to process the sheer absurdity of the realm.
The miracles embedded within this world far exceeded his wildest calculations. However, his core fascination remained entirely locked onto the bizarre alchemical potions and the absolute power of Zhongli's staff. Only after listening to a detailed description of its capabilities did the physician truly comprehend just how outrageously overpowered the weapon was. As a medical professional, a tool capable of executing devastating attacks, providing absolute utility, and outputting massive healing was an object of pure, irresistible desire.
As dusk approached, he followed Yelan back into the main living area of the villa. The moment he crossed the threshold, he spotted Qiqi, Yaoyao, and two other little girls bouncing joyfully on a large trampoline nearby.
Astoundingly, a bright, clear smile graced Qiqi's face. She was laughing happily, her voice ringing through the room. A profound warmth settled deep within Baizhu's chest.
Entrusting Qiqi to Ryen's care was undeniably the correct choice. Only Ryen possessed the limitless time, the absolute leisure, and the pure intention required to thoroughly spoil Qiqi like a little princess, fully compensating for the thousands of years of childhood she had lost.
Just as he stepped forward to offer Ryen his sincere gratitude, a loud, chaotic commotion erupted outside the main entrance. Moments later, a vibrant green blur dashed through the doors, skidding to a halt in the center of the room. The figure threw both hands dramatically into the air.
"All eyes on me! I have an announcement to make!"
Ryen raised an eyebrow, a sudden, powerful urge to finish the classic quote nearly overpowering him.
Venti tilted his head back, looking down his nose at the gathered crowd with a thoroughly smug expression. "In today's matches, I executed three absolutely flawless, legendary plays! And they were all completely unique techniques that none of you have ever witnessed before!"
The entire room offered a flat, synchronized "Oh," before immediately turning away to resume their previous conversations.
"Eh?!" Venti, utterly failing to elicit the grand reaction he anticipated, puffed his cheeks out in pure frustration. "What is the meaning of a simple 'Oh'! Should you not be dying of curiosity to know what kind of plays they were? These are my absolute secret techniques for crushing all of you tomorrow! Three entire secret techniques!" He shot a highly triumphant, challenging look toward Zhongli.
The older man took a slow, deliberate sip of his tea, his tone perfectly leisurely. "Speaking in terms of general principles, we Archons are strictly forbidden from participating directly in tomorrow's matches. We may only provide blessings and enhancements."
"..."
Venti fell entirely silent, his face crunching up in sheer vexation a long moment later. "Despicable! I worked so hard to formulate those brilliant strategies! Why am I only allowed to display them in private!"
"I am certainly not opposed to you taking action personally," Zhongli remarked, looking at Venti with absolute calm. "However, you must consider the consequences carefully. If you intervene directly, the rest of us will be permitted to enter the fray as well."
Recalling Zhongli's utterly terrifying martial prowess, and remembering how Ei had successfully shattered her limits to reach the absolute pinnacle of martial arts just a few days prior after battling him, Venti immediately shrank back. He offered a very stiff, awkward laugh.
"On second thought, there is absolutely no need for that. Is there any possibility that I am allowed to fight, while you, old man, simply sit back and watch me?"
"Is there any possibility that if you strike first, the rest of us will immediately forge a temporary alliance to eliminate you from the board before dealing with each other?" Zhongli fired back smoothly.
Venti let out a highly depressed harrumph, wisely choosing to shut his mouth.
Jean and her companions finally returned, followed closely by the contingents from Inazuma and Snezhnaya. It appeared the day's tournament brackets had officially concluded.
Unlike Venti, who had charged in purely to boast about his own achievements, Jean and her group immediately noticed Qiqi and Yaoyao the moment they walked through the door, quickly spotting the two additional newcomers seated with the Liyue contingent.
Jean paused, just about to ask a question, when Lisa beat her to the punch, her tone laced with deep, playful amusement.
"It has only been a single day. Has my darling gone and acquired two more daughters already?" The librarian leaned forward slightly, resting a hand on her hip as her eyes twinkled. "So... you would rather go out and find new daughters than have one with me?"