(TL/N: long chapter.)
After regaining her memories, Qiqi became much livelier.
Though only a little more active than before.
Her personality was still on the quiet side, so even when she talked more, she was nowhere near as noisy as Hu Tao.
Venti, who was grilling scallops, noticed Qiqi's change and immediately exclaimed in shock:
"She... she actually recovered! How did you manage that?"
Qiqi was a zombie.
Her soul had been incomplete from the start.
Although her body was eternal, her mind had always been like a puppet's.
Now that she had returned to normal, it was naturally a major event.
Kitsune Saiguu sipped the wine offered by a shrine maiden and replied with a smile:
"That? We have Hu Tao to thank for it. I merely lent a hand."
"Not at all. I could only repair it. Without your help, Sister, my soul power alone wouldn't have been enough."
Although Hu Tao usually liked to brag, today was different.
Everyone present was an old friend.
For once, she was being humble.
When Cloud Retainer returned from her research outside and learned of Qiqi's transformation, she was the most shocked of all.
She immediately walked over and carefully examined Qiqi.
After a long while, the adeptus's face was filled with disbelief.
"This is truly incredible. How exactly did you accomplish it? Qiqi's soul is now completely whole. In fact, it's even more perfect than that of an ordinary person."
Kitsune Saiguu handed her a freshly organized document.
Taking the file, Cloud Retainer asked in confusion:
"What is this?"
"The method we used, along with my own theories regarding the power of the soul."
"I see."
Cloud Retainer suddenly understood.
She immediately began reading.
The contents were quite simple, focusing solely on research into soul power.
However, as she continued reading, her expression gradually became serious.
Because it contained not only theories but also Kitsune Saiguu's cultivation insights and observations regarding her own changes.
[I have studied soul power for quite some time now. Using myself and Qiqi as examples, I have gradually arrived at a conclusion.]
[The world of Teyvat may be a world governed by belief.]
[And conviction itself is soul power.]
[If this hypothesis is correct, then all powerful individuals possess extraordinarily strong wills.]
[Based on this premise, a conclusion can currently be drawn.]
[The power of the Abyss can corrupt and distort the mind. However, if one's conviction is strong enough, it can completely resist the power of the Abyss.]
Kitsune Saiguu's theories were entirely based on her own experiences.
Yet the scope of what they covered was remarkably broad.
They included not only research into Visions and how they were obtained, but also studies and deeper discussions regarding Haki.
In the end, her conclusion was simple.
In Teyvat, if one's soul power became sufficiently strong, one would inevitably become a powerhouse.
If one's conviction reached an even greater level, then in the instant it bloomed, it might rival the gods themselves.
Although Cloud Retainer was something of a reclusive inventor, her path of cultivation had remained stagnant for a very long time.
Today, however, Kitsune Saiguu's paper completely dispelled the confusion that had plagued her for years.
Questions she had once failed to understand now became crystal clear.
The adeptus fell into deep thought as countless scenes flashed through her mind.
"Erosion may simply be the weakening of soul power."
"Even adepti have never cultivated the spirit directly."
"This is exactly what Su Han referred to as a deficiency in soul power."
"So that's how it is..."
Cloud Retainer set down the document, many thoughts surfacing in her eyes.
Perhaps...
Some of her old friends had perished precisely because their soul power had been insufficient.
Next door.
Zhongli also held a copy of the document.
Reading the conclusions written within, the old gentleman gave Su Han an approving glance.
"It seems you truly may become a powerful god. If this theory of belief were published, it would likely change the structure of the entire world."
In the past, everyone had focused on studying how to utilize elemental power.
How to develop techniques.
But if people learned that the mind itself was the ultimate weapon and the foundation of growth...
Then powerful experts would emerge one after another.
Su Han shook his head regretfully.
"It can't be published yet. For now, only my friends and I can see these things. Don't forget, we still have plenty of enemies."
The structure of the world had become fairly clear by now.
There were only a handful of individuals left who could threaten Su Han.
But only he understood that powerful enemies still existed beyond the world itself.
Not to mention Childe's master, Skirk. There were no telling how many beings existed beyond the boundaries of the world.
The source of the catastrophe that plagued Fontaine had merely been someone's pet.
It sounded almost absurd.
Yet the reality was that if he failed to grow stronger, everything he had built could be shattered.
If the Primordial Seawater could destroy Fontaine, then what if the Abyss became desperate and created something capable of dissolving the entire world?
No one could say for sure.
Zhongli nodded in understanding and patted Su Han on the shoulder.
"I believe in you. Let's not discuss work today. Get some proper rest."
"No problem."
Night soon fell.
Su Han normally avoided drinking.
After all, every previous drinking session had ended badly.
But today, faced with everyone's enthusiasm, he couldn't refuse.
Especially when Kitsune Saiguu and Cloud Retainer were both urging him to drink.
"Forget it. If I get drunk, I get drunk."
Su Han completely let loose and drank to his heart's content.
He didn't know how much time had passed.
He vaguely felt someone carrying him into an empty room.
The cool breeze drifting through the room did nothing to ease the heat burning within his body.
"Water..."
He spoke with difficulty.
His throat felt as dry as though he had spent a year in the middle of a desert.
In the darkness.
Someone seemed to be moving about.
A moment later, Su Han's head bumped into something soft.
He then heard a startled cry.
Soon afterward, cool, sweet water touched his lips.
Gulp.
Gulp.
Su Han drank several mouthfuls in succession.
Only then did his consciousness begin to clear.
Opening his eyes, he gradually made out the figure who had been taking care of him beneath the dim lighting.
She had a beautiful figure and shapely curves.
When she turned sideways, the elegant silhouette was enough to make most women jealous.
It was the kind of beauty that naturally drew admiration.
Was that Eula?
As if noticing his gaze, Eula set down the cup and sat back beside the bed.
Seeing the man looking at her, a trace of joy appeared on her face.
"You've woken up?"
"Mm."
"Your voice still sounds hoarse. Should I go make you some honey water?"
As she stood to leave, Su Han immediately reached out and grabbed her hand.
Eula halted.
The room instantly fell silent.
"Stay and talk for a while."
"Alright."
The knight resumed her previous posture.
Her expression revealed neither joy nor anger.
Su Han wanted to start with a lighthearted topic.
But alone together like this, after the conflicts they had experienced, he suddenly found himself unsure how to begin.
In the end, Eula broke the silence first.
"I heard you'll be traveling back more than five hundred years into the past. Are you fully prepared now?"
"No. But I think... it won't be long."
Su Han had a feeling.
If he traveled five hundred years into the past, it would definitely be triggered by some special opportunity.
Recently, however, most of Inazuma's affairs had nearly been settled.
If he wasn't transported soon, then he would likely return to Liyue afterward.
He might visit Sumeru next, but he certainly wouldn't remain in Inazuma for long.
Eula pondered for a moment.
"Soon? Then I think you should make more preparations. I don't really understand how you obtain treasures, but if you leave behind more manga, perhaps you'll still be able to gain treasures even after traveling to another time."
"Damn, that's right! How did I forget that?"
Su Han slapped his thigh, instantly sobering up.
How had he forgotten about the system?
Even if he traveled through time, the system's functions would undoubtedly remain.
Although he couldn't sell manga in the world of five hundred years ago.
That would interfere with causality.
But if he stockpiled enough manga beforehand, there would be nothing to worry about.
After realizing this, Su Han became completely energized.
Holding Eula's hand, he laughed loudly.
"Thank you so much. I've been thinking about what kind of backup plan to leave behind. Now that I think about it, nothing is more useful than manga!"
He was the protagonist, after all.
What was there to fear about time travel when he had a system?
With that thought, Su Han immediately began printing.
Starting tomorrow, he planned to resume his great manga-selling enterprise.
He intended to spread both Inuyasha and Fate throughout the world.
As long as enough manga were sold, what was there to fear about time travel?
Watching the man regain his confidence, Eula smiled happily as well.
She really did like seeing Su Han this confident.
The next day.
Advertisements for various manga appeared all throughout Inazuma's streets.
The citizens even witnessed all kinds of cosplay performances.
For example, Tushan Honghong.
For example, Inuyasha.
For example, Priestess Kikyo.
In short, the arrival of anime culture was a tremendous shock to Inazuma.
Meanwhile, the recovery of various industries had restored the people's purchasing power.
Of course, the most exhausted person was undoubtedly Mona.
"Boss, if you keep this up, I'm really going to work myself to death..."
Having just returned from Mondstadt, Mona immediately received another assignment.
Transport a large quantity of manga to Sumeru.
It was worth mentioning that Dvalin had already delivered mirrors to various outposts yesterday.
But such a massive project was truly exhausting for Mona.
Although she possessed the power of transfer and positioning.
Constantly traveling through mirrors still consumed a tremendous amount of stamina.
"Tired? That's easy."
Su Han took a box out of the Serenitea Pot and pushed it toward her.
The weary girl opened it.
Her eyes instantly turned into dollar signs.
"Still tired?"
"No, no, no. Boss, you truly are the wisest person in the world."
Looking at the savings card containing five million Mora inside the box.
Mona shook her head furiously.
Tired?
What was that?
She had never heard of such a thing.
Su Han held back his laughter and urged:
"Then get back to work."
"Right away!"
The Adventurers' Association's shipment took priority.
This time, they had ordered 200,000 copies.
Adventure King had become a bestseller everywhere. It was said that the Adventurers' Association had even opened trade routes into Natlan.
In that passionate land of combat.
Such hot-blooded manga were reportedly extremely popular.
Naturally, Su Han was delighted to hear it.
Two hundred thousand copies were delivered directly to them.
Which instantly translated into 200,000 sales.
Because of this, Su Han specifically asked Mona to contact Lan and see whether she wanted to order the next volume as well.
The Dressrosa Arc had concluded.
What followed would be the Four Emperors Saga.
The level of battles and adventure would rise to an entirely new level.
Many of the world's secrets would also begin to be revealed.
At the same time, Su Han was considering another matter.
If he sold enough manga.
The system would soon unlock another series.
A medium-length manga like Inuyasha simply offered rewards that were too limited.
Its benefits to his growth were similarly small.
If he could obtain a truly high-tier manga, perhaps his strength would increase to an unimaginable degree.
At the very least, he needed enough power to stand against gods without being at a disadvantage.
Half an hour later.
Mona came running back, panting heavily, carrying Lan's reply.
"Boss, Lan said that as long as you release the next volume of Adventure King today, she'll immediately purchase another 150,000 copies..."
"That's decisive. I'll start printing right away."
Looking at the clearly exhausted Mona.
Su Han thought for a moment before taking out two enhanced Blood Bodhi fruits from the Serenitea Pot and tossing them to her.
Mona caught them and froze.
"What are these?"
"Blood Bodhi. They contain Qilin bloodline power. They're treasures of our clan. After consuming them, they'll strengthen your physique and magical power. They're extremely rare treasures."
"Wow, seriously? Then thanks, Boss!"
Excited, Mona swallowed one immediately.
She didn't dare eat both at once and chose to consume only one first.
The moment the fruit entered her stomach.
A powerful force spread throughout her body.
At that instant, Mona's strength evolved.
She had already been a powerful astrologer.
With Su Han's constant support and her own relentless efforts.
She finally broke through her previous limits.
Countless fragmented images rapidly poured into her mind.
"Wait, what is this?"
A glimpse of the future unfolded before her eyes.
She saw a shattered harbor and countless crying citizens.
Everyone was shouting Su Han's name.
Yet he was nowhere to be seen.
But why?
The vision quickly faded.
However, Mona's expression became grave.
Seeing that something was wrong, Su Han hurriedly asked:
"What's happened? Is the power incompatible with your body...?"
By all logic, Qilin power was extremely gentle.
There should have been no compatibility issues.
After recovering herself, Mona explained everything.
When Su Han heard about Liyue's coastline being completely destroyed and himself being injured as a result.
His brows immediately furrowed.
"That shouldn't be possible..."
Setting aside Liyue's current military strength.
More than five hundred members of the Millelith had already mastered Haki.
Even if a god appeared.
Liyue's current forces wouldn't need to fear them.
The harbor being destroyed sounded almost impossible.
Mona immediately shook her head.
She didn't understand why it would happen either.
But she was absolutely certain deep down.
This was something destined to occur.
"Su Han, I think you need to take this seriously. Before, I couldn't divine anything about you. You know that. But after my breakthrough just now, it feels like my astrology merged with Observation Haki.
"The scene I witnessed may have been a revelation from fate itself.
"We absolutely cannot let our guard down."
"Mm. I understand."
Su Han acknowledged her warning.
Afterward, he informed Ningguang about the matter and told her to keep an eye on things.
She assured him there would be no problem.
Following last night's celebration.
Everyone had returned to their respective duties.
As for Su Han and Eula's relationship, it remained unresolved for now.
Continuing to leave things cold between them wasn't really a solution.
He had already asked Ningguang what she thought.
Her response had been simple.
Follow your heart.
Since that was her opinion, what objections could Su Han possibly have?
The first wife had already agreed, and Eula herself didn't object either.
For now, things would remain as they were.
With everything arranged.
Su Han was about to check the system when an unexpected visitor arrived outside.
The newcomer wore a hat and had a rather unfriendly expression.
"May I ask if Su Han is here? I'd like to meet him."
The shrine maidens recognized Scaramouche immediately.
The moment they saw him, they assumed defensive positions.
Several shrine maidens specializing in barriers even layered additional defensive techniques upon everyone present.
Looking at the nervous shrine maidens, Scaramouche sighed.
"Relax. There's no need to be so tense. I just have some questions for him. I'm not here to fight. Yes, we've had our conflicts before, but the Fatui have already been destroyed.
"If I wanted trouble, I certainly wouldn't come here to throw away my life."
The shrine maidens exchanged glances.
One of the shorter girls spoke sternly:
"You're not allowed inside. We'll report your arrival first."
"Fine. No problem."
Scaramouche nodded calmly and even sat down on the spot.
When Su Han heard of his arrival, he was surprised.
"Scaramouche is here?"
"Yes. But we haven't sensed any killing intent from him. He may genuinely have business with you."
All shrine maidens of the Grand Narukami Shrine had trained in both forms of Haki.
After all, they were among Inazuma's finest talents.
Mastering Armament and Observation Haki wasn't particularly difficult for them.
Su Han closed the system interface and headed outside.
When he saw Scaramouche, the man was amusing himself with a small bird perched on his fingertip.
The moment he noticed Su Han.
The bird fled in fright.
Watching it disappear into the clouds overhead, Scaramouche turned around and said:
"You don't bother concealing your presence anymore. Do you think you're guaranteed to beat me now?"
Su Han shrugged lightly.
"At home, I never stay on guard. But you... what brings you here?"
"That."
Scaramouche stood up and said seriously:
"There are some things I'd like to ask you."
"Then let's go inside."
"Alright."
Under Su Han's guidance, Scaramouche entered the shrine.
The place wasn't unfamiliar to him.
Five hundred years ago, when he had come seeking help, he had visited once before.
Unfortunately, by the time Yae Miko arrived.
Tatarasuna had already been completely destroyed.
The two sat beneath the Sacred Sakura Tree.
Su Han deliberately poured him a cup of flower tea before looking at him.
"Can you tell me now?"
"I want to know exactly how much you know."
"About Tatarasuna?"
"Exactly."
Just as expected.
Su Han knew he had guessed correctly.
Leaning back comfortably in his chair, he said seriously:
"If I told you that you've been living inside a conspiracy and a cycle of hatred, would you think I'm trying to recruit you to my side?"
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