"Seems possible."
Lumine thought for a moment and said, "When we were in Mondstadt, we saw Mr. Albedo doing alchemy experiments, throwing some Mora in."
"As an auxiliary alchemy material, it's understandable. But using it to enhance weapons... seems not impossible, just a bit strange."
"Eh? That's right."
Hearing Lumine's words, Paimon was stunned, recalling instantly.
"Right?"
Hearing Paimon and Lumine's words, the scholar who spoke first chuckled. "If you want to know more, please buy the book to read the full text. Now I will only reveal a small part: obtaining the blade can make you the Supreme of Liyue, and pulling out the sword can crown you the King of Liyue!"
"After all that, he's just selling books."
Hearing this, Paimon looked speechless.
Even this can be used to sell books?
"I beg to differ."
Zhongli shook his head. "Leaving aside the authenticity of this Sword and Blade research... The so-called Mora, the so-called money, was born initially only as a bargaining chip for signing contracts."
"Guiding humanity to use Mora for trade was the Emperor's true intention."
"Presumably, the first Mora in the world was just used by the Emperor as a simple coin..."
"Umm."
Hearing this, another scholar spoke. "I think Mr. Hanxue's hypothesis makes sense. But this Mr. Zhongli, without any evidence, looks down on the Lord of Geo's profound plan so lightly?"
"No... My statement contains no praise or blame, just stating a fact."
Zhongli shook his head. Hearing this, Mr. Hanxue sneered. "Come on, is it you who understands the Lord of Geo, or me who understands the Lord of Geo?"
Zhongli: "..."
Paimon: "..."
Lumine: "..."
"Are you serious?"
Paimon looked at Mr. Hanxue in shock.
She really wanted to press Mr. Hanxue's head in front of Zhongli and make Zhongli say his identity as the Geo Archon.
In the next second, Zhongli shook his head. "Regarding history, I only know a thing or two, how dare I boast. But if there is no divergence in concepts, discussion loses its meaning."
Seeing Zhongli still speaking, Mr. Hanxue said, "Then I ask you, thousands of years ago, Liyue Harbor carried out large-scale construction, and the Lord of Geo taught the people architectural skills. The model he used was cast entirely of Mora, right?"
"There was indeed such a thing."
Zhongli nodded, not denying it.
"Good. Tell me, if not for valuing Mora's divine power characteristics, why did the Lord of Geo commit such a luxurious act?"
Mr. Hanxue asked again.
Zhongli said softly, "This is easy to explain. Because for the Emperor, Mora is the easiest to obtain and the lowest cost material."
"Uh, uh..."
Hearing this, Mr. Hanxue froze.
Makes a bit of sense.
Lumine sighed. "It's like telling someone else's story."
"Hehe, it was originally Rex Lapis's story."
Zhongli chuckled lightly.
"En, let's stop this matter for now."
Mr. Hanxue hesitated for a while, then said, "In a few days, I will invite a colleague over. It is said she is one of the Eight Trades under the Liyue Qixing. She definitely understands."
"Sure."
Hearing this, the scholar beside him lit up.
Mr. Hanxue has such connections?
"That's fine too."
Hearing this, Zhongli nodded gently.
Splash.
Just then, a sound of water rang out suddenly.
The Pearl Galley had slowly sailed into the night.
The entire flower boat, under the brilliant lights, was like a floating jade palace, cruising on the night sea of Liyue Harbor.
On the deck, silk and bamboo music was melodious. Glazed lamps hung under the carved beams and painted buildings, sprinkling warm halos.
Various exquisite cakes were served on the table. The elegant tea fragrance permeated the night wind.
In the teacup, the clear tea soup reflected the lights, making the cup rim ripple.
The Pearl Galley opened completely.
Soon, elegant women carried plates of exquisite cakes and tea, walking among the tables.
Zhongli held the cup elegantly, fingertips brushing the teacup gently, sipping slowly.
"As good as always."
Zhongli spoke faintly. The tea fragrance returned sweetness, the entrance was elegant, the aftertaste long. It was his favorite taste.
"Liyue's Tea Dao stresses meeting friends with tea."
"The tea is light but rhyming, the cakes are soft but not greasy. Properly matched, it is excellent~"
"You guys try it too."
At this time, exquisite cakes like Pine Nut Crisps, Osmanthus Cakes, and Walnut Crisps were neatly arranged on the celadon dim sum plate.
Aroma overflowing, paired with hot tea, showing a bit of ancient charm and elegance.
Paimon couldn't wait to pick it up and taste it.
Lumine and Kael did the same.
At this time.
On the central stage of the flower boat, a gorgeous performance was underway.
Neon clothes danced lightly. Dancers wearing long skirts embroidered with gold silk auspicious cloud patterns moved lightly.
Spinning gracefully on the stage like fairies in the clouds, gauze fluttering, soft and agile.
Accompanied by the music of silk and bamboo and guqin, the singers' voices were clear and tactful, slowly chanting the opera stories circulated in Liyue for thousands of years.
This was a cultural feast belonging to Liyue.
Paimon stared at the stage with glowing eyes, immersed in this luxurious performance, unable to help sighing, "Th-This is too beautiful! Liyue's flower boat actually has such a performance?"
Paimon stared unblinkingly at the dancers on stage, holding a piece of Osmanthus Cake in her hand.
Taking a bite, her mouth was full of sweet and soft texture, instantly overflowing with happiness. "This cake is too delicious!"
Lumine looked at her with a chuckle, sipped her tea gently, a few points of relaxation appearing in her eyes.
Liyue was indeed a city full of charm.
Zhongli nodded slightly, admiring everything in front of him, looking indifferent, as if he had long been accustomed to this scene in his long life.
In this elegant night banquet, he was still the most calm and indifferent existence.
"Liyue's elegant banquet stresses this elegance."
"People are not noisy, tea is not strong, sound is not impetuous, dance is not chaotic."
Under the night, the banquet on the Pearl Galley continued.
Silk and bamboo music was melodious, dance postures graceful. The aroma of hot tea and cakes lingered in the air. The entire flower boat was like a flowing fairyland.
Time passed slowly. The dance music gradually subsided, the tea gradually cooled.
The night deepened, the sea breeze blowing gently.
Glazed lamps reflected on the lake surface, sprinkling a piece of sparkling golden light and shadow.
"Tonight, let's end here."
Zhongli put down the teacup slowly, nodding slightly, looking deeply at the distant Liyue Harbor.
Lumine nodded gently.
Paimon looked at the stage unsatisfied, still biting the last piece of dim sum in her mouth, speaking indistinctly: "This is too great!"
"Liyue's flower boat... is too luxurious, right?"
She exclaimed while patting her small belly, obviously eating extremely satisfied.
"It is comfortable."
Kael narrowed his eyes.
This couldn't be experienced in Mondstadt.
Only in Liyue could one enjoy such service.
Kael also knew that this Pearl Galley was also the intelligence boat of the Liyue Qixing.
Will come often in the future!
Thinking this, Kael stood up and walked toward the deck with Zhongli.
Under the night curtain.
The three walked slowly off the Pearl Galley, stepped on the pier, and walked slowly against the sea breeze.
Zhongli's steps were still steady, tone calm: "Tomorrow... If there is time, we will meet again."
Kael nodded slightly, eyes calm.
Paimon nodded repeatedly. "Must! Eat delicious food tomorrow too!"
Zhongli smiled slightly, robes fluttering gently in the night wind.
Then turned slowly, disappearing into the night, steps steady, calm and elegant as always.
"Go back to sleep, go back to sleep."
Watching Zhongli leave, Paimon yawned, eyes half-closed, drifting erratically in the air.
Obviously sleepy.
"Mmh... Played so tired today!"
Paimon rubbed her eyes, voice full of weariness. "Liyue is really big... Don't know what Zhongli will take us to play tomorrow."
Hearing Paimon's words, Lumine stretched gently, smiling slightly. "Let's go back to the inn first. Rest early."
However, just as the two were about to turn and leave, Kael stopped.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing Kael didn't move, Lumine was curious.
Why stop all of a sudden?
"Getting something."
Kael spoke softly.
While speaking, his fingers turned slightly.
In his palm, a small and exquisite stone statue suddenly appeared.
Under the soft moonlight, the stone statue was carved vividly.
Shaped like a lion, covered with ancient patterns, lines smooth yet majestic.
It was a miniature version of the Stone Lion guarding the entrance of the Seat of Divine Foresight (Jing Yuan's office) in the Luofu.
"Kael? What did you take out again?"
Paimon rubbed her eyes. Although sleepy, her attention was attracted by Kael's movement.
Lumine tilted her head slightly, gaze falling on the stone statue, a trace of curiosity arising in her heart.
Kael smiled slightly, tossing the stone lion statue in his palm gently.
Swish—!
The statue flipped in mid-air and expanded abruptly!
In the next second, a glimmer flashed, and the statue had turned into a real Stone Lion Sculpture.
Landing impressively on the ground, standing steadily in front of everyone.
Paimon took a step back subconsciously, eyes wide and round. "Eh?! Can actually get bigger?"
However, the truly shocking part was yet to come.
Vmmm—!
The moment the statue landed, the stone surface of the statue peeled off slowly.
Mysterious light patterns emerged along the lion's body, as if a layer of shackles was being unlocked.
Immediately after, a breeze blew.
The stone shell on the lion's body peeled off like broken dust!
The originally silent stone statue actually turned into a real living creature before everyone's eyes.
A majestic Snow Lion!
"ROAR—"
The Snow Lion shook its body gently. Its snow-white fur swayed gently in the night wind. Its crimson-gold pupils revealed a majestic and gentle brilliance.
Its size was larger than ordinary lions.
The fur was soft and clean, like a king in the snowfield, full of noble aura.
But there was no trace of violence; instead, it revealed a bit of agile docility.
In the next second, it walked with steady and light steps, slowly approaching Kael.
Like a reunited intimate partner, it lowered its head and rubbed Kael's arm gently.
"Hmm?!"
Paimon's eyes widened bigger than copper bells, shocked so much that her sleepiness disappeared. "Wah wah wah wah! What happened?! The stone statue turned into a real lion?!"
Lumine's pupils also contracted slightly. She didn't expect the stone statue in Kael's hand to contain such mysterious ability.
"...What method is this again?"
Lumine couldn't help asking, tone carrying a few points of surprise.
Kael raised his hand gently, patting the Snow Lion's forehead.
The Snow Lion narrowed its eyes, rubbing his palm obediently.
"Snow Lion Mimi."
"You can understand it as a strange creature."
"Can turn into a stone statue, or a real creature, changing forms at any time."
Kael chuckled.
After getting this reward, he wanted to take it out and have a look.
As for exposing it in front of Lumine and Paimon, there was nothing bad about it.
After all, the Starskiff had already been shown to the two.
Another lion turned from a statue was also normal.
Hearing Kael's words, Paimon opened her mouth wide, face full of shock. "Th-This is too amazing?! Liyue has such a magical thing?"
The Snow Lion seemed to understand Paimon's exclamation, tilting its head slightly.
Looking at Paimon gently, then slowly lying on the ground, tail sweeping gently, appearing leisurely.
Lumine took a gentle breath, looking at this majestic white lion, sighing in her heart.
Kael's items... were always surprising.
And Kael smiled faintly, gaze falling on the Snow Lion, saying slowly, "This guy might become a good partner."
You have to know, this wasn't an ordinary lion.
When free, he could let this lion fight and see how strong it was.
At this time, the night breeze blew gently. The night of Liyue Harbor was still quiet and bright.
And under this quiet night, a Snow Lion from the Seat of Divine Foresight awakened quietly, becoming one of the most loyal guardians beside Kael.
Paimon landed on the Snow Lion with an excited face.
Touching here and there, extremely excited.
Her small face was written with excitement: "Wow—such soft fur! Is this guy really not an ordinary stone statue?"
The Snow Lion lay on the ground docilely, tail swaying slightly, seemingly not minding Paimon's touch.
It even narrowed its golden eyes, revealing an enjoyable look.
Kael stood aside, watching Paimon treat the Snow Lion as a "High-level Pillow," and didn't stop her.
Lumine gently stroked the Snow Lion's forehead, fingertips feeling the warm fur, also feeling amazed.
However, just then.
"Eh?"
A voice full of surprise rang out under the night.
Tone revealing a trace of accident and strong curiosity.
Everyone was stunned.
Before they could turn around, they heard a brisk footstep ringing from the moonlit street.
Accompanied by a voice like a silver bell.
A quirky girl skipped over.
She wore a unique red and black robe.
Wide sleeves swayed gently with her movements.
A black hat with a plum blossom sat firmly on her head, looking playful and agile.
And those "Plum Blossom Pupils" with mysterious charm were flashing with thick surprise and curiosity at this moment, staring closely at the Snow Lion.
Mouth slightly open, face full of disbelief.
"Hey hey hey—"
She waved excitedly, jumped lightly, and landed in front of everyone, looking full of interest: "How did your stone statue become real?"
Her tone carried astonishment, curiosity.
And even a trace of eagerness to try.
Gaze scanning back and forth between the Snow Lion and Kael.
"Hey—Hey—"
The girl blinked, leaning close to Kael, staring at him strangely, voice brisk: "Could it be, you have a method to make stone statues come alive?"
"Hehe, this is a novelty!"
The girl squatted down directly, reaching out to poke the Snow Lion's paw.
Then patted its head, eyes full of surprise. "Heavens, it really has flesh and blood!"
The Snow Lion tilted its head, shook its ears, seeming a bit surprised by this bouncing girl.
And Paimon was startled by Hu Tao's sudden intrusion.
Flying up from the Snow Lion hurriedly, looking at her vigilantly. "Who are you?!"
Hearing this, Hu Tao stood up with a "Whoosh."
Then put her hands on her hips, the corner of her mouth raising in a playful smile, eyes flashing with full interest: "Me? I am the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao!"
"You can call me Director Hu!"
After Hu Tao finished speaking, she patted her chest, looking proud.
Kael raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze involuntarily lingering on Hu Tao for a moment.
Didn't expect to meet this quirky Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor accidentally in the night of Liyue.
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