With that one sip of wine,
Venti felt as if he had eaten ancient stone, bitter and full of metallic taste.
But under Zhongli's gaze, he still swallowed it with difficulty.
In fact, the Punishment of Stone Eating didn't literally mean making the other party eat rocks.
This punishment had no precise definition.
In the past, when merchants violated contracts and disrupted the Liyue market,
Zhongli had directly dropped a Planet Befall.
Only making Venti eat a mouthful of stone was already considered very lenient.
Of course, for Venti, the most painful punishment was likely that this centuries-old fine wine had turned into stone.
"Absorbing divine power is beneficial for your old injuries."
Zhongli took a sip of his own wine and said lightly.
Hearing this, Jean and the others relaxed.
They also felt that this Geo Archon wasn't as unreasonable as legends made him out to be.
Ultimately, it might still be because of his good relationship with Venti.
Although Venti drank a mouthful of stone, at least it would heal some old injuries!
"What a petty, tsundere dragon…"
Venti mumbled softly, completely unaware that Zhongli's gaze towards him deepened.
"Your Eminence has come today…"
Ningguang pursed her lips, organizing her words.
Although she knew Zhongli was the Geo Archon, he hadn't revealed his identity publicly. These two identities, even if everyone knew, had to be kept separate.
She glanced at Venti; Ningguang had already suspected his presence.
After all, given the speed with which Jean and the others arrived in Liyue, it was clear they had the Anemo Archon's company.
Among these people, besides Venti and Lumine, Ningguang knew everyone else.
Lumine herself was a Traveler, so there was no need to guess who the Anemo Archon was.
However, the Anemo Archon's unique personality still made Ningguang inwardly amused.
Speaking of which…
Could Zhongli have come under a different identity just for the Punishment of Stone Eating?
It couldn't be, could it?
Was the Geo Archon truly so petty?
Just as she thought this, Zhongli said:
"I merely came to express my appreciation for Liyue's recent developments."
Hearing this, Ningguang and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
Indeed, the Geo Archon wasn't that petty…
"And, as an aside, to fulfill my contractual duties."
"..."
Indeed, dragons are petty!
What "as an aside"? He clearly came specifically to deal with Venti!
Otherwise, why would he specifically travel to Liyue and dig up Venti's stash?
Ningguang felt awkward inside, but her expression remained elegant and composed.
"Since that is the case, why doesn't Your Eminence join us to hear about the matters we are to discuss next?"
Zhongli was about to agree, but seeing Lumine on the side almost unable to hold back her questions,
Zhongli decided to leave first.
Now was not the time for him and Lumine to meet, nor for him to answer her questions.
At the very least…
She needed to run an errand for him first.
"I have observed your progress. There is no need to report to me; continue your efforts."
"I still have some matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave now."
As his voice fell, without giving Venti a chance to object, he placed a hand on Venti's shoulder and left the Jade Chamber, taking him along.
Lumine stared blankly as the Geo Archon, who had been so close, departed. Only then did she realize she had wasted the best opportunity.
The Geo Archon was not someone one could meet just anytime.
Having missed this chance, she would likely have to wait another month until the Rite of Descension.
Lumine felt a wave of annoyance.
But a feeling of unease stirred within her.
Her intuition told her that Zhongli was avoiding her.
But…
He was the mighty Geo Archon, the Martial God Morax.
Even at their full strength, she and her brother might not be Zhongli's match.
Would he avoid her, whose strength hadn't even fully recovered to her peak Archon level?
Lumine immediately dismissed the thoughts her intuition brought.
It was only another month or so; waiting wouldn't be so bad.
She could also properly experience Liyue's customs and perhaps earn some Mora along the way.
But Lumine had forgotten.
Now, the monsters in Liyue were practically meat for the Millelith; there weren't even enough for them.
Lumine's dream of getting rich was shattered once more…
Ningguang composed herself and looked at Jean and the others, who were still somewhat bewildered, and said helplessly:
"My apologies, it seems Rex Lapis and Barbatos have much to discuss after not seeing each other for so long."
"However, rest assured, Rex Lapis and Barbatos are both original Archons, and their relationship is close; there will be no conflict between them."
Jean nodded.
Although Zhongli had punished Venti with the Punishment of Stone Eating, he was also healing Venti.
And he referred to him as an old friend.
Naturally, there would be no real discord between them.
"Venti… Lord Barbatos and His Eminence the Geo Archon have a close relationship, which is good. We won't overthink it."
Ningguang smiled faintly and nodded, implying:
"Therefore, Liyue and Mondstadt will also be close allies…"
Jean was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond to Ningguang.
From a personal perspective, she greatly wished to acknowledge this, as Liyue was now incredibly powerful.
Its economy was also thriving.
They had come this time with a request: to purchase alchemy potions.
However, she felt that as an Acting Grand Master, she wasn't qualified to agree to such a statement.
The atmosphere became awkward for a moment.
Lisa sighed inwardly.
Compared to Ningguang, who spoke with hidden meanings and possessed formidable means, Jean was indeed much weaker.
But this was merely a matter of experience.
Everyone had witnessed Ningguang's rise, and moreover, how long had she been a Tianquan?
Although Liyue had seven Qixing, ultimately, Ningguang held the most power.
This kind of long-term sole control over Liyue's foundation was something Jean simply couldn't match for now.
But Lisa believed that with more experience, Jean would be second to none.
As for now…
Lisa's languid demeanor vanished, and she perked up, nodding with a graceful smile.
"What Lady Ningguang said is indeed something we recognize. When Mondstadt suffered the Dvalin crisis, only Liyue helped us maintain trade routes."
"Keeping commercial traffic flowing, supporting us with resources, and helping us maintain stability."
"Furthermore, the friendship between Liyue and Mondstadt has a long history, and it will naturally become closer in the future."
A flicker of light passed through Ningguang's eyes, and she turned slightly to Lisa, saying softly:
"It's rude of me to say, but Lady Lisa, you traveled thousands of miles to answer my invitation, and I didn't greet you immediately."
This was the cue to get down to business.
Lisa glanced at a still bewildered Jean and sighed inwardly.
Liyue was currently a seller's market. Jean's negotiating skills were far inferior to Ningguang's. Diluc, consumed by thoughts of revenge, wouldn't hesitate to spend everything for power.
This was a significant disadvantage.
She alone had no confidence in dealing with Ningguang.
For now, Lisa could only hope that Ningguang wouldn't make an exorbitant demand.
Otherwise, they would have no choice but to bite the bullet.
"It has nothing to do with Lady Ningguang. We arrived rather hastily ourselves, without even sending a letter of visit. We entrusted Lord Barbatos to bring us here."
"So, in a way, we've intruded."
Lisa pursed her lips, preparing to stall for time to think of a reasonable solution.
But Ningguang saw through Lisa's thoughts and shook her head with a light chuckle.
"Lady Lisa, there's no need for pleasantries. Since we've finished our meal, it's time to discuss the purpose of your visit, Lady Lisa."
Hearing this, Jean's eyes moved, clearly wanting to say something.
But Lisa quietly pressed Jean's hand under the table.
"This invitation was received by me, and our request falls within my area of expertise."
"Therefore, Acting Grand Master Jean and Mr. Diluc have also entrusted me to act as the representative for this trade. From now on, I will handle matters with Lady Ningguang."
Jean pursed her lips. After careful consideration, she remained silent.
Diluc, however, had understood something. The person before him was Tianquan Ningguang, an absolute authority in business negotiations.
If they immediately revealed their situation, things would become problematic later.
Taking a deep breath, Diluc adjusted his demeanor and said:
"That's right. Lady Lisa is learned and knowledgeable, and knows more about these professional matters than we do."
"The Mondstadt Merchant Guild has fully entrusted Lady Lisa."
Ningguang found this quite amusing.
She was well aware of their situation, from the intelligence department and from the Millelith who had received them.
Moreover, Ningguang had already studied them during the meal.
She understood the thoughts of these Mondstadt individuals perfectly.
However, what they wanted and what Ningguang intended to do were completely different.
Therefore, there was no need for complex business tactics.
Clapping her hands, Bai Xiao immediately approached, holding a large tray.
As the red cloth was unveiled, a dense array of various alchemy potions was displayed before everyone.
At this moment, Diluc's breathing became heavier.
"Allow me to introduce."
"These alchemy potions are all of different types."
"We categorize them into two types: those that enhance oneself and those that weaken enemies."
"The enhancement potions include: Strength, Swiftness, Leaping, Healing, Regeneration, Fire Resistance, Water Breathing, Night Vision, Invisibility, and Slow Falling."
"The weakening potions include: Slowness, Poison, Instant Damage, and Weakness."
"As for their specific effects… Lady Lisa is an alchemy prodigy, so by their names, I'm sure you understand what powers these potions represent."
Lisa fell silent, her gaze sweeping over the potions.
She had expected Liyue to have other types of potions, but…
She had never imagined there would be so many.
They virtually covered every aspect.
Enhancing one's own attacks, granting special powers, and even weakening enemies.
If they were to refer to the effects of the Millelith's alchemy potions today, they were enough to make an ordinary person instantly comparable to an Archon.
And those who were already strong would naturally become even more powerful.
Diluc saw the hope of revenge in these potions.
He even saw the future of a strong Mondstadt.
If not for a sliver of rationality, he would have wanted to acquire them all, even if it meant going bankrupt.
He frequently gave Lisa knowing glances, signaling her to make a move quickly.
But Lisa, observing Ningguang's meaningful gaze, instead calmed her thoughts.
She smiled alluringly.
"What terrifying reserves, what terrifying alchemy potions… It seems Liyue's master has embarked on a path very different from Teyvat's."
"If possible, I'd like to meet that master."
"However… this shouldn't be the sole purpose of Lady Ningguang inviting us here, should it?"
As she spoke, Lisa subtly glanced at Jiang Xuan, who was still leisurely teasing Nahida.
Ningguang remained silent for a moment, then applauded admiringly.
"Lady Lisa is truly astute. To be honest, if you had immediately expressed interest in purchasing these potions just now,"
"out of consideration for the relationship between our two nations, I would have given you some preferential treatment. But beyond that, there would be no need for further cooperation."
Hearing this, Jean's heart tightened, and she gave Lisa a grateful look.
Before Lisa could inquire further, Bai Xiao clapped her hands, and a line of maids, led by a servant, entered again.
This time, their trays were even more numerous.
And finally, two Millelith soldiers solemnly carried a large, red-draped object.
It looked like some kind of armor.
Ningguang, full of vigor, looked at Lisa and said softly:
"For you, these are the true treasures… mortal."
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