As Jiang Xuan expected, the moment the Nether Portal was completed.
Hu Tao was already eager to rush forward and examine it.
Although he had repeatedly warned her that it was very dangerous and not to just go in, Jiang Xuan wasn't sure if Hu Tao would just say she was "going in for a look and coming right out," and then bury her head and dive in.
So, he pulled Hu Tao back.
"Jiang Xuan! You don't trust this Funeral Parlor Director!"
Hu Tao grumbled discontentedly. Jiang Xuan could only smile and pat her head, whispering:
"Of course I trust you, but the Nether Portal has just been built and isn't stable yet. It's better to be careful."
Hmm…
That's not lying!
A white lie isn't a lie!
Hearing Jiang Xuan's words, Hu Tao calmed down and stood obediently to the side. However, the occasional gleam in her eyes still showed her anticipation.
"This is the gateway to the Nether… it has a somewhat eerie aura."
Zhongli frowned slightly, a faint golden light flickering in his eyes.
Clearly, he was once again channeling his divine power to inspect it.
But after a long look, he couldn't discern anything specific, only that it truly led to an unknown world.
"Be careful, Rex Lapis…"
Xiao lowered his voice and took a step forward, positioning himself perfectly for an attack at any moment.
"My intuition tells me it's very dangerous inside…"
"…"
Zhongli fell silent.
The Nether Portal before them exuded an inexplicable strangeness; it was hard not to see the danger!
"Jiang Xuan…"
Ganyu quietly tugged Jiang Xuan's hand, saying cautiously:
"This looks very ominous. Do we need to cover it with blocks?"
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan shook his head and whispered:
"No, it's fine. Nether creatures won't simply enter the Overworld; this place isn't suitable for them to survive."
"Besides, this is a Sky Island. Even if they come out, they won't pose a threat. Don't forget, there's a bunch of Iron Golems down there."
Hearing Jiang Xuan say this, everyone relaxed.
When Iron Golems first appeared, the first one was born after the miners' base was completed and they rested for a night.
Jiang Xuan had taken them to watch it back then.
Even Zhongli had to admit that in this world, with his divine power suppressed to its limit, he couldn't defeat an Iron Golem head-on.
That thing had high attack and high defense.
They had personally seen four Zombies attacking an Iron Golem, and the Iron Golem was completely unfazed, punching a Zombie dozens of meters away.
Ningguang also asked Jiang Xuan to create an Iron Golem in Teyvat and took it to Mount Tianheng to test it.
Currently, only Young Geovishaps and Stonehide Lawachurls can withstand one punch from an Iron Golem.
As for anything that can withstand a second punch…
Ningguang hasn't found any yet.
However, Jiang Xuan knew that with Zhongli's shield, an Iron Golem would find it hard to break through.
But Zhongli is Zhongli, and other creatures are other creatures.
He's wielding divine power and Geo Laws; in Teyvat, he's given special treatment befitting a Demon God.
The Iron Golem in Teyvat was eventually worn down by Xiao after half a day.
Although that thing is meant for protection, many people in Liyue currently don't know the identity of the Iron Golem.
If they were to punch an Iron Golem, that would be a joke.
For the short term, Iron Golems are not suitable to appear in Liyue.
They are more formidable than even high-level monstrous beasts.
"Alright, let's arrange the personnel for tomorrow's entry into the Nether."
Jiang Xuan waved his hand, and the next moment, Hu Tao looked at him with eager eyes.
"Don't worry!"
Jiang Xuan pinched Hu Tao's cheek with a chuckle, whispering:
"You're definitely in."
Hu Tao giggled and said no more.
Jiang Xuan continued to arrange.
"Keqing is still in Guili Plains, dealing with land exchange, so she probably won't be back for a while. Let's skip Keqing."
"The Millelith and miners need people to oversee things, so I'll have to trouble you to stay, Xiao."
Hearing this, Xiao opened his mouth as if to say something, but receiving a look from Zhongli, he nodded:
"No problem."
Only then did Zhongli relax.
The Nether is not like the Overworld. Jiang Xuan had said that almost everything visible there is an enemy.
Zhongli was still a bit worried about Xiao, who had just recovered from most of his karmic debt, getting into trouble.
"As for the others… Zhongli definitely has to go. We need his Jade Screen Shield."
"Cloud Retainer is still researching architectural designs, so she's probably busy."
"We really need Ganyu's luck blessing, and then there's Ningguang…"
Before Jiang Xuan could finish, Ningguang smiled and pointed to her enchanted Iron Armor.
"You've already enchanted me with Fire Protection, so there's no reason for me not to go, right?"
"Besides, don't think of me as weak; I have combat power too."
Jiang Xuan was stunned for a moment, then laughed:
"If you have no problem, I certainly won't stop you. It's just your official duties…"
"Baiwen and the others can handle it, and Uncle Tian will also be watching."
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan said no more and nodded.
"Then it's settled. I, Zhongli, Ningguang, Ganyu, and Hu Tao will go to the Nether together."
"I'll reiterate: once we're in the Nether, everything is under my command. Absolutely no acting on your own, and no provoking the Piglins."
"Especially…"
Jiang Xuan looked at Hu Tao.
"No selling coffins to Piglins!"
"Tch…"
Hu Tao pouted, but still grudgingly nodded in agreement.
Seeing this, Jiang Xuan chuckled and gestured for everyone to leave the Sky Island, calling out to Cloud Retainer, who was still absorbed in her designs.
They left the MC world.
In the past, when Jiang Xuan and the others left, it would become lifeless.
But now…
The Millelith base not far away was still brightly lit. The miners had returned from the mines.
They were currently competing with the Millelith in building houses and stacking blocks.
With Iron Golems and wolves protecting them, it was extremely safe there.
…
Returning to Jiang Xuan's home in Teyvat, Ganyu, like a hostess, naturally took out chicken to feed the guard wolves.
This scene made Ningguang's eyes flicker, as if many thoughts were brewing.
However, Ningguang still smiled and said:
"Judging by the time, someone should be bringing dinner soon. After we eat, Jiang Xuan, would you like to go with me to the Jade Chamber to enjoy the scenery?"
As soon as her words fell, Ganyu, who was still feeding the wolves outside, rushed back.
She said nothing, just stood quietly beside Jiang Xuan, staring at Ningguang.
She would not allow Ningguang to steal a march on her.
It wasn't easy to have progressed with Jiang Xuan to this stage of occasional kisses.
If Ningguang were to pick the peach first, Ganyu would have nowhere to cry.
The atmosphere became somewhat strange, and Zhongli and the others exchanged gossipy looks, anticipating Jiang Xuan's reaction.
"Uh…"
Jiang Xuan's mouth twitched. He felt that no matter what he said, it would be inappropriate.
Just as he was deep in thought, the door opened, and someone walked in with light steps.
"Dalang Erlang, good evening!"
Baiwen's voice rang out, followed by the happy barks of the two wolves.
"Such good boys…"
With that, Baiwen ruffled the two wolves' heads again and walked in with a smile.
She didn't seem to notice the strange atmosphere, but seeing Ningguang, she said with delight:
"Lady Ningguang, Lord Jiang Xuan, you're back."
With Baiwen's arrival, Ningguang and Ganyu's silent competition naturally ceased.
Zhongli and the others sighed inwardly with regret.
Opportunities to see Jiang Xuan flustered were rare…
"Why are you bringing dinner today?"
Ningguang composed herself and sat with everyone around the table.
Baiwen, while taking out steaming hot food from a pouch enchanted with Adepti art, whispered:
"There's an urgent matter I need to report to Lady Ningguang."
Seeing Ningguang nod, Baiwen continued:
"Lady Ningguang, the Millelith and miners who returned today brought back a total of…"
"Just tell me the result."
Ningguang was not in the mood to hear summaries of various minerals; she only wanted to know how many Mora this batch of minerals could sell for.
Baiwen froze for a moment, then quickly said:
"The original estimate was around 28 billion Mora…"
"Original estimate?"
"Yes, Lady Ningguang. Today, Captain Beidou's Crux Fleet just returned. Hearing there was a batch of top-grade iron ore, Captain Beidou discussed it with the General Affairs Department."
"They plan to appropriately raise the price and sell it to the Inazuma Resistance…"
Hearing this, Ningguang chuckled, elegantly took a bite of food, and said softly:
"The Inazuma Resistance is currently losing ground. If I remember correctly, they've retreated to Watatsumi Island. Does Sangonomiya still have funds to purchase these?"
"Captain Beidou's Meaning is to trade with Mora, Ley Line materials, and Elemental Ores. Sangonomiya should be able to provide generous compensation."
"The Resistance is currently in extreme need of weapon resources."
Ningguang nodded slightly and added:
"Understood. Price increases are acceptable, but not too much. Although Inazuma is in isolation, its relationship with Liyue isn't that bad."
Baiwen immediately noted it down, then continued:
"In addition, Sumeru, for some reason, also wants to make a large bulk purchase. The quantity has almost exceeded the total of our last few mineral harvests, and they offered a 20% price increase…"
"Fontaine and Snezhnaya also want to purchase vast amounts of coal and iron ore, and the demand for wood and fuel in various parts of Liyue is constantly increasing…"
"Mondstadt also needs to purchase food…"
"The General Affairs Department estimates that this transaction will yield approximately 34 billion Mora."
34 billion…
This was almost one-third of Liyue Harbor's income from the MC world during this period.
And…
Excluding the input from Liyue miners and the Millelith, this was almost 34 billion in net profit.
Ningguang even had to consider whether to expand the Golden House…
Fortunately, everyone had been brainwashed by astronomical figures during this time, so 34 billion wasn't that surprising.
"Allow the transaction. If possible, sign a long-term procurement contract."
Ningguang nodded slightly, then added:
"Furthermore, regarding Snezhnaya, private purchases from Snezhnaya will not have a price increase. For transactions involving the Fatui, the price will be raised by 50%, and the deposit must not be less than 50% of the total funds."
"Other resources can be used as exchange. From now on, unless there are unforeseen circumstances, Fatui transactions will follow this pricing."
Baiwen clicked her tongue mentally but still nodded in agreement.
After all, the Fatui are truly unpopular on the continent of Teyvat.
"Has Liyue's sudden resource dumping attracted anyone's attention?"
Ganyu suddenly asked. Baiwen thought for a moment and shook her head:
"For now, Mondstadt is still suffering from the dragon disaster, Inazuma is at war, and Sumeru seems to have something major going on."
"Fontaine and Natlan have made no moves, but…"
"The Fatui within Liyue Harbor have started investigating this area and The Chasm again these past few days. They might already be suspicious of the resource source."
Hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Ningguang's eyes.
"Fatui… It seems the lesson we gave them last time wasn't enough…"
"Go back and inform the General Affairs Department to continue the thorough investigation of the Northland Bank's funds and tell those lively fellows to behave."
Baiwen nodded seriously and immediately turned to leave.
These events had little impact on everyone else.
For Jiang Xuan, it was just confirming Teyvat's current progress.
After happily eating dinner, Jiang Xuan bid farewell to everyone and returned to his room to rest.
He summarized what he needed to do tomorrow and slowly drifted off to sleep.
When Liyue Harbor became completely silent.
Jiang Xuan vaguely heard a soft, cute loli voice.
"Finally… connected…"
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