After the two sat down, Zhongli asked Master Mao to add a few more dishes.
Zhongli's gaze swept over Paimon, carrying a hint of understanding: "You two have come to find me this time, presumably related to that 'Strange Object' Paimon has recently acquired?"
Paimon: "No, this time you're wrong, Zhongli! Let Jing Liu tell you about it."
Then Paimon eagerly began to devour the food.
Jing Liu then explained in detail to Zhongli about the chat group, the origin of Paimon's Optimization Power, and the purpose of their visit—to invite him to join the group, and she also explained the renaming function.
Zhongli: "Since it is an invitation from a good friend, I shall certainly accept."
Seeing Zhongli agree, Jing Liu immediately sent him an invitation. At this moment, in the group:
[Teyvat - Jing Liu] has invited [Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Guest] to the group! Let's welcome the newcomer!
Everyone expressed their welcome, and Jing Liu also directly sent a photo of Zhongli.
In the photo, Zhongli sat composed amidst the bustling Wanmin Restaurant, yet he exuded a profound and serene demeanor, like a deep pool or a towering mountain. His amber-like eyes were deep and peaceful, as if they could pierce through time.
When the people in the group saw the photo, even across worlds, they instantly felt an invisible pressure and an air of grandeur.
Dan Heng narrowed his eyes slightly: 'This person is extraordinary; his bearing far surpasses that of ordinary long-lived beings…'
Wise and Ling simply thought: 'Wow, he looks so imposing, like a big figure from a story!'
March 7th even unconsciously straightened her body.
[Genshin Impact · Zhongli]: "I am Zhongli, a mere idler. It is a pleasure to meet you all."
[The Stellaron Hunters · March 7th]: "Are you the retired Geo Archon of Liyue that Jing Liu mentioned?"
March 7th even unconsciously used honorifics.
Zhongli looked at Jing Liu, his gaze carrying a hint of knowing amusement.
Jing Liu buried her head, her chopsticks quickly picking up dishes, her mouth full and muffled, muttering indistinctly: "Mmm, this boiled black-backed perch is really good. Master Mao's cooking has improved again. Paimon, quickly try some."
She clearly looked like "I don't know anything, I'm just eating," which made Zhongli shake his head slightly, a helpless yet indulgent curve forming at the corners of his mouth.
[Genshin Impact · Zhongli]: "Past events are like smoke; the title of Geo Archon is already a thing of the past. Now, Zhongli is merely a mortal in Liyue Harbor, drinking tea, listening to stories, appreciating ancient artifacts, and passing the time."
[Genshin Impact · Zhongli]: "There is no need for you all to be so formal. If there is ever a time when I, Zhongli, can be of some small assistance, please do not hesitate to say so."
System Notification: The number of members in the Beginner Chat Group has reached its limit. We hope all group members will help each other and build a harmonious and diverse world.
System Announcement: World Event is about to begin! Please look forward to it!
The shock brought by Zhongli joining the group had not yet subsided when the subsequent system announcement, like a giant stone thrown into a lake, caused even greater ripples within the group.
[The Stellaron Hunters · March 7th]: "Wow! World Event! I'm so excited! Let's all guess what this World Event will be?"
[Honkai: Star Rail]: "It wouldn't be like the Simulated Universe, where we clear dungeons for rewards, would it?"
[Zero Zone · Ling]: "Or maybe everyone will cooperate to complete a big task? Like everyone working together to deal with an extremely dangerous notorious Eidolon?"
[Teyvat - Jing Liu]: "Or, perhaps, temporary world passages will open, allowing everyone to visit each other?"
The group was instantly filled with all sorts of wild guesses, and the atmosphere was lively.
Zhongli calmly sipped his tea, watching the lively discussion in the group, his expression as serene as water.
Only when the topic gradually shifted away from him did he turn his gaze back to Jing Liu and Paimon before him. In those golden eyes that saw through everything, a certain resolve seemed to have settled.
Zhongli pondered for a moment, then turned his gaze to Paimon, with a hint of imperceptible inquiry: "The Optimization Power Paimon has acquired is extraordinary and divine."
"If it can purify the filth of disaster and illness, I wonder if it would also have a miraculous effect on the 'karma' that originated from the grievances of the Archons and has plagued the Yaksha for thousands of years?"
Paimon, who was eating, slapped her head when she heard this: "Oh, right! How could we not have thought of that! If it's possible, then the karma that troubles Xiao might have a hope of being resolved!"
Jing Liu's eyes lit up: "If karma can be purified..." A flash of inspiration struck her, and she blurted out: "Then 'erosion' might also...?"
She abruptly stopped speaking, looking at Zhongli with some trepidation.
Paimon also instantly understood, covering her small mouth: "Ah! Oh, right!"
Zhongli's expression remained unchanged, but in the depths of his amber-like eyes, extremely subtle ripples seemed to spread, then returned to a profound calm.
He did not directly respond to the matter of erosion, but merely brought the topic back to the present, his tone now carrying more concern: "Paimon, when you previously used this power, did you feel any mental fatigue, physical exhaustion, or any other unusual sensations?"
Paimon swallowed the food in her mouth, waving her hand with a relaxed expression: "Exhaustion? Not at all! It felt as natural as eating right now, completely instinctive."
"And summoning wrenches, smashing ores, and 'treating' Huixin just now, I didn't feel anything at all! Paimon feels great!"
To prove it, a golden light flashed in her palm, and the silver wrench instantly appeared and disappeared, repeating several times, her movements incredibly fluid.
Jing Liu put down her chopsticks, her brow slightly furrowed: "Paimon, are you really not feeling any discomfort? The power of rules sounds like it's on a very high level; it can't possibly have no cost at all, can it? Could it be latent, or cumulative?"
Paimon tilted her head and thought: "Hmm~ At least right now, I really don't feel anything! My body isn't tired, and my mind is very good, just like usual, and my appetite is also the same as usual! No need to worry too much!"
Only upon hearing Paimon's affirmative reply did Jing Liu feel slightly relieved.
Zhongli also nodded slightly: "Indeed, no obvious consumption is truly fortunate."
Then his tone became solemn: "However, the affliction of karma is vastly different from common colds and ailments."
"Its root is the resentful lingering thoughts of fallen Archons, accumulated over thousands of years, exceedingly fierce, and deeply entangled with Xiao."
"The power required to cleanse this is far beyond what was needed before; a slight misstep could lead to backlash."
Zhongli's tone grew increasingly serious: "Therefore, I must still ask: Paimon, are you willing to try using your ability to help Xiao remove his karma?"
"There may be unknown risks and consumption involved, so please consider carefully."
Paimon put away her smile, a serious expression appearing on her small face.
"Xiao has protected Liyue for so long and suffered so much. If I can help him, Paimon is certainly willing to try!"
She clenched her small fists, looking at Zhongli and Jing Liu: "Don't worry! Although karma sounds scary, my Optimization Power is also very powerful!"
"I, little Paimon, am no ordinary being, and with Zhongli and Jing Liu here, nothing will happen!"
Paimon was being playful, not wanting Jing Liu and Zhongli to worry too much, and Paimon truly wanted to contribute to helping Xiao escape the trouble of karma.
Seeing this, Zhongli added: "If there is any abnormality during the cleansing process, please stop immediately. Remember to prioritize your own safety; I will protect you."
Jing Liu also nodded, her eyes full of trust and support, but also with a hint of worry: "Paimon, if you feel anything is wrong, stop immediately, okay?"
Paimon agreed to each point, and then lunch quickly ended under Paimon's urging.
The three did not delay and immediately rushed to Wangshu Inn, which stood beside the main road of Dihua Marsh.