Xiangling gave Ganyu extra dishes because she noticed that Ganyu only ordered a small portion each time.
In Xiangling's opinion, that wasn't nearly enough to fill her up, so she secretly added more to Ganyu's plate, determined to make sure she ate properly.
Xiangling smiled. "Ganyu, please sit down for a while. I'll make you some delicious dishes later."
Ganyu heard "a few dishes" and forced a smile. "Okay..."
That's it! My weight... It's going to go up again.
She hurriedly ran toward Ningguang and Keqing, afraid that if she lingered any longer, Xiangling would pile even more food onto her plate.
Yuri, watching Ganyu dash away, chuckled to himself. He thought for a moment and decided to make something special just for her.
He called out to Kevin, who was chatting with Hu Tao nearby. "Kevin, hurry up and pick some vegetables. Also, wash some cabbage for me."
Kevin pouted but complied. "Alright, alright."
Yuri planned to make boiled cabbage for Ganyu, something he knew she'd love.
On the other side, Bailu was diagnosing Jingliu, her expression serious.
"Hmm, your pulse is very unusual."
Jingliu chuckled. "Lady Dragon Girl, am I ill?"
Bailu shook her head. "Not ill. Your pulse is strong—too strong, actually. It's overly active. But you're in good health, so there's no need to worry."
She patted Jingliu's hand reassuringly.
Jingliu gave a small smile. "That's good to hear. Thank you, Lady Dragon Girl."
Bailu waved off the thanks. "It's nothing. Just a small matter. You mentioned you know the general?"
Jingliu nodded. "Yes, Jing Yuan and I are old friends."
Bailu's eyes widened in surprise. "Old friends? Then can you tell me about the general's past?"
Jingliu's mind filled with memories. "The past? Let me think... How about I tell you the legend of Luofu and the Five Warriors on the Cloud?"
Bailu's ears perked up in excitement, eager to listen. As soon as the word "story" was mentioned, Klee, Diona, and Hook also ran over.
The four little ones gathered in front of Jingliu, ready to hear the tale of the Five Warriors on the Cloud.
Meanwhile, Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu had finished their shopping. They sought out Himeko to ask for recommendations on equipment suitable for countries just beginning to industrialize.
That's right—Ningguang had made up her mind to lead Liyue into the industrial age.
With Himeko's expert guidance, they purchased several well-suited machines and tools.
Ningguang gave a grateful nod. "Thank you, Himeko."
Himeko waved off the gratitude. "It's nothing. We're all friends."
At that moment, Yuri called out across the store. "It's time to eat!"
Hearing that, Himeko turned to the trio. "Come on, let's eat together."
Ningguang agreed immediately.
At the same time, Silver Wolf kicked open the door to a private room and walked out. "Eat, eat."
Hu Tao spotted her. "Silver Wolf, just in time! I need a favor."
Silver Wolf grabbed a big bowl, scooping up food. "What's up?"
"I got 1,000 computers. Do you have time to help me assemble them?"
Silver Wolf's jaw dropped.
Silver Wolf froze. "1,000? Are you trying to kill me? There's no way I can do that alone."
After a moment's thought, she added, "Ask Himeko, Clara, Dan Heng, Welt, and Yuri if they're free. If we work together, it'll be manageable."
Hu Tao nodded and went around asking. One by one, they all agreed to help.
Silver Wolf sighed in resignation. "Alright. When?"
"The day after tomorrow. We'll clear the space tomorrow and start then."
Silver Wolf set down the pot lid. "Fine."
As everyone gathered around the table, Ganyu looked at the array of delicious dishes and swallowed hard.
Why did I come? If I eat this, all the weight I worked so hard to keep off will come back!
Yuri, noticing her hesitation, spoke up. "Ganyu, try this dish. It's called Qianlong Cabbage."
Ganyu glanced over and saw a dish of boiled cabbage in a clear broth.
This should be safe...
"Okay, I'll try it."
She picked up a piece and put it in her mouth.
The sweet and sour flavor burst on her tongue. She immediately forgot about her worries.
"Delicious~"
Yuri grinned. "If you like it, have more."
Ganyu nodded enthusiastically.
The meal was finished quickly.
Afterward, everyone left Yuri's shop. The four little ones returned to their room to rest, while Jingliu headed to the small bar inside the shop and sat down.
Yuri poured her a cup of tea. "It's late. Why aren't you resting?"
Jingliu gazed into her cup. "I have too many thoughts. I can't sleep."
Yuri thought for a moment. "Didn't Jing Yuan give you the Clear Spirit Pill? I remember Bailu refined some for him."
Jingliu sighed. "I took one. It helps suppress my demonic body, but... it doesn't stop the past from haunting me."
Yuri leaned against the counter. "Sometimes, forgetting isn't about forgiving others. It's about letting go of yourself. Only when you remove the past from your heart can your wounds truly heal."
Jingliu closed her eyes briefly, taking in his words. "Yes. That's why I came back—to find answers."
Yuri nodded. "Then I hope you find them."
Jingliu smiled softly. "I plan to stay here for a while and spend more time with Bailu. Do you have an extra room?"
"You'll have to ask Pom or Himeko. They handle those things."
Jingliu nodded. Then, as if remembering something, she looked up. "By the way, I have another question."
Yuri tilted his head. "What is it?"
Jingliu narrowed her eyes. "How do you know about the Pill?"
Yuri chuckled. "Oh, that? Jing Yuan bought the recipe from me. Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Yuri, the owner of this shop. You can buy anything you need from me."
Jingliu raised an eyebrow. "And what price do you ask?"
"I merely ask for Star Coins."
Jingliu raised her eyebrow. "All you need for the Star Coins is Stellar Jade right?...hmm..."
She recalled hearing that Stellar Jade could be found in treasure chests.
"Do you have a way to cure the demonic body completely?"
Yuri nodded. "Of course. Let me find something for you."
Soon, he located the perfect item.
[Product: Heart of Purification]
Description: Completely purifies the inner demon. Can only be used once in a lifetime.
Price: 100,000 Stellar Jade
Zhongli returned to the Hall of Rebirth and went straight to the Internet café to find Asmodeus.
Asmodeus was eating in the Internet café box with Hu Tao.
Hu Tao had packed some food for Asmodeus, who ate with great enthusiasm.
"Hu Tao, the food you packed is really delicious."
Hu Tao chuckled. "As long as it tastes good. By the way, will you come to Wuwang Hill with me tomorrow? I got a big job."
Asmodeus agreed immediately. She had even helped Hu Tao dig graves himself—after all, she let him eat, drink, and have fun in the Internet café for free.
"Alright, call me tomorrow."
Asmodeus noticed Zhongli standing at the door. She looked at the game Audition on his computer reluctantly but eventually sighed and stood up.
"Let's go. Let's talk somewhere else."
Hu Tao removed her headphones when she saw Asmodeus leaving. "Asmodeus, where are you going? Aren't you going to play?"
Asmodeus turned back. "Hu Tao, you play first. I have something to discuss with Zhongli."
Hu Tao narrowed her eyes at them suspiciously. When did these two start scheming together? No way! She couldn't let Zhongli lead Asmodeus astray—he'd end up as another massive expense for the Hall of Rebirth!
Asmodeus took Zhongli outside, snapped his fingers, and teleported them to Tianheng Mountain.
She turned to Zhongli. "So? Did you find a solution?"
Zhongli nodded. "Two options. One, buy a habitable planet from Yuri, or we find an ownerless planet and terraform it. Two, spend 200,000 Star Coin and purchase an isolation array from Yuri."
Asmodeus thought for a moment. "How much does it cost to buy a habitable planet outright?"
"300,000 Star Coin."
Zhongli suggested, "I believe it's wiser to find an ownerless planet and terraform it. Star Coin is invaluable. With it, we can purchase resources from all over the universe through Yuri."
Asmodeus frowned. She didn't fully understand the value of Stellar Jade or its purchasing power. "How much is Stellar Jade actually worth?"
Zhongli paused, considering how to explain. "The Hall Master and Ningguang are working together to transform the building next to the Hall of Rebirth into an Internet café. She's placing 1,000 computers inside. And the cost? Just 1,000 Star Coin's!
Hearing that, Asmodeus finally grasped the scale.
A computer! Something that brings endless joy! And you can buy one for just 1 Star Coin?!
No way! This currency was far too valuable to waste recklessly!
With that, Asmodeus teleported back to the Internet café and resumed playing Audition.
"Troublesome..." Zhongli muttered to himself.
The next day arrived.
Asmodeus returned to Sky Island and looked down at Teyvat.
Her gaze fell on the Seven Archons.
It would have been fine if I hadn't looked, but now I have even more questions.
The Dendro Archon was imprisoned?
The Hydro Archon was... an ordinary person?
The Electro Archon was basically a shut-in?
The Pyro Archon hadn't even resurrected yet?
And the Cryo Archon was planning to seize the Gnoses?
Asmodeus let out a long sigh. This is exhausting.
Screw it. I'll just round them all up.
She waved her hand, and terrifying spatial power erupted.
Inazuma, Tenshukaku.
Raiden Ei jolted awake as her consciousness snapped into control of her body. Before she could react, spatial energy enveloped her, and she vanished from the castle tower.
Sumeru, Sanctuary of Surasthana.
Nahida had just woken up and was linking with Katheryne to observe the world. Suddenly, she felt the connection break—and then, she was floating?
"What is this?!"
Fontaine, Palais Mermonia.
Furina was enjoying a small cake when, suddenly, the floor beneath her vanished. She screamed as she fell into a spatial rift.
"AHHHH! HELP! NEUVILLETTE!"
Snezhnaya, Zapolyarny Palace.
The Cryo Archon was in the middle of a meeting with Fatui Harbingers when she was suddenly seized by an invisible force and teleported away before their eyes.
Sky Island.
Venti and Zhongli were the first to arrive at the entrance.
Venti, feeling guilty, shifted uncomfortably. He had already given away his Gnosis—what if he was held accountable now?
"Old man, why do you think we were summoned here?"
Zhongli glanced at him. "Don't panic."
Asmodeus had summoned the Archons to discuss the development of a new planet.
Simply put, she needed their help terraforming an ownerless world.
"Let's go," Zhongli said. "The others should be arriving soon."
Venti wanted to run, but with no other choice, he followed Zhongli into Sky Island.
Inside, the two entered a breathtaking garden. A grand round table sat at the center, with Asmodeus in the head seat.
Beside him, Ei, Nahida, Furina, and the Cryo Archon all sat in their respective chairs—though some more obediently than others.
Ei sat rigidly, as if preparing for battle.
Nahida curiously glanced around—so this was Sky Island? There had been no records of it!
Furina was sweating bullets. Damn it! I'm a fake Hydro Archon! Neuvillette, save me!
The Cryo Archon struggled violently against her bindings, but it was useless.
Seeing Zhongli and Venti, Asmodeus gestured. "You're here? Sit down."
Zhongli and Venti were the ones Asmodeus trusted most—at least they weren't causing problems. They had ruled their nations in peace.
After they took their seats, Asmodeus surveyed the room, opened a bag of potato chips, and nonchalantly popped one into her mouth.
"Alright, let's start the meeting."
Her voice turned sharp.
"Do you all remember your duties? You were supposed to guide humanity! Is this what you call guiding?!"
Her eyes locked onto Ei. "Raiden Ei! Do you not care that your people are suffering? If you won't govern Inazuma, I'll replace you!"
Then her gaze shifted to Nahida. "And you—Nahida, right? You're a god! And yet, you let yourself be imprisoned by mortals?! Act like an Archon!"
Furina winced, but Asmodeus waved a hand. "Forget it. You're pitiful enough already. Fontaine is doing fine, at least. You behave yourself and don't cause trouble."
Finally, she turned her icy stare toward the Cryo Archon.
"And you… Trying to seize power? This is your last warning. Go back and focus on ruling your nation. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to erase you."
The sheer murderous intent in Asmodeus' final words sent a chill down the Cryo Archon's spine. She froze in place, terrified.
Having finished his tirade, Asmodeus leaned back in her chair, satisfied.
"Alright. Now, explain yourselves—one by one."