While the citizens of Liyue were busy learning the art of not falling off their new hoverboards, a different, more strategic, conversation was taking place in the quiet, calm heights of the Jade Chamber.
The initial, controlled rollout of the man-made Visions within the Harbor had been a resounding success. The system of registration and accountability was working flawlessly, and the new, elemental-powered tools were being integrated into the daily life of the city with a quiet, joyful efficiency.
It was time for the next step.
Ren sat with Ningguang in her office, a map of Teyvat spread out on the grand, mahogany table between them.
"The second phase," Ningguang began, her voice the calm, thoughtful tone of a grand master planning her next move on a global chessboard. "The time has come to consider… exports."
She tapped a long, elegant finger on the map, on the green, peaceful lands of the nation of Anemo. "Mondstadt," she stated. "They are our closest, and most reliable, ally. Their request for our technology was the first, and the most sincere. They should be the first to receive this new gift, as well."
She then trailed her finger across the map, to the lush, green rainforests of Sumeru, and then to the elegant, watery landscapes of Fontaine. "I have, of course, been receiving a steady, and increasingly… insistent, stream of requests from the other nations as well. The Sumeru Akademiya is practically foaming at the mouth with a desire to study the technology. And the merchants of Fontaine can smell the potential for profit from a thousand miles away."
Ren listened, a thoughtful, serious look on his face. He knew this moment was coming. The power he had unleashed could not, and should not, be contained within the borders of one nation forever.
"I think we should start with Mondstadt," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "But… I think I should go there myself. First."
Ningguang looked at him, a flicker of surprise in her amber eyes.
"The man-made Visions are a big, and very strange, new idea," Ren explained, his logic clear and simple. "Before we even begin to talk about trade and logistics, the people of Mondstadt, and their leaders, should understand what it is, directly from the source. I can go, I can explain the concepts, I can demonstrate the safety and the purpose of the devices, just like I did in Qingce."
He looked at the Tianquan, his gaze steady. "And then, after that, Acting Grand Master Jean can have her official, formal negotiations with you. It will be a smoother, and more… friendly, process that way."
He then looked out the window, at the bustling, prosperous, and now elementally-empowered, city below. "And besides," he added, a quiet, profound conviction in his voice, "this power… it has been kept within Liyue for long enough. We've proven that it can be done safely. It's time to start sharing it with the other nations. With our friends."
He knew, of course, that the same rules would have to apply. "The registration, the law of one per person, the accountability… all of that will still be mandatory," he stated, his mind already working through the logistical necessities. "And a copy of all the registration records from Mondstadt would have to be sent here, to Liyue, as well. For… security and administrative purposes."
Ningguang listened, a slow, deeply impressed, and very proud, smile spreading across her face. He was not just thinking of the profit or the power; he was thinking of the people, of the friendships between nations, of the right, and the responsible, way to share a miracle with the world. He was thinking more and more like herself.
"A very wise, and very prudent, plan, Ren," she said, her voice full of a genuine pride. "Then it is settled. Prepare for another journey. It seems you are to be Liyue's official, and most important, ambassador once more."