Chapter 6: The Alliance of Ningguang and Keqing
At this moment, Ningguang's expression was more serious than ever.
Zhongli, a figure suspected to be an adeptus, also acknowledged the value of this "Basic Internal Strength" technique. This meant that it was worth paying closer attention to.
If this internal strength could be introduced to the Millelith, Liyue's overall strength would rise significantly.
However, it still needed verification—and the approval of the Geo Archon.
As the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, Ningguang naturally had ways to contact Morax in an emergency. But for now, there were still many uncertainties that needed to be clarified.
She glanced at the dark night outside. It seemed that tonight would be a sleepless one. Given Keqing's personality, she was likely rushing over right now.
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Meanwhile, elsewhere in Liyue...
"Alright, it's about time I found a place to rest," Aiden said as he stretched. Then, glancing at Zhongli beside him, he added, "But first, you need to help me figure out my accommodation.
Sky Island is too boring. There's only one sleepy Sustainer of Heavenly Principles up there, and I'm not keen on going back just yet."
Zhongli turned his head slightly and studied Aiden. "Is that so? Well, Liyue is still under your domain in a way, so if you wish to live here, there's no issue.
If you don't mind, how about staying at the Wangshu Funeral Parlor with me? The director, Hu Tao, is quite welcoming."
"Sounds good to me!" Aiden chuckled, observing Zhongli's attire. He snapped his fingers, and his own robes transformed into a design similar to Zhongli's—but entirely black.
"Oh, right. Zhongli, it's hard to get by in Liyue without Mora. I heard that Hu Tao, the director of the Funeral Parlor, is surprisingly easy to trick when it comes to money.
How about getting me a job as a guest consultant at the Wangshu Funeral Parlor?"
Hearing this, Zhongli fell silent.
For some reason, he felt that if Aiden and Hu Tao teamed up, Liyue would fall into utter chaos.
His amber eyes flickered slightly. Letting Aiden stay at the Funeral Parlor was one thing, but letting Hu Tao pay for his expenses?
Absolutely not.
Hu Tao was already irritated enough with Zhongli's extravagant spending habits. If Aiden joined in as well, she'd surely go mad.
Arranging accommodations was one thing, but if Aiden wanted Mora, he'd have to earn it himself—perhaps by trading items from another world.
As the two made their way toward the Wangshu Funeral Parlor, Keqing had already arrived at Ningguang's Jade Chamber, covered in dust from her rushed journey.
Seeing Keqing's still-wet hair, Ningguang narrowed her eyes slightly. It seemed that her previous guess had been correct.
However, being a woman of tact, she naturally wouldn't bring up such matters in front of Keqing.
"You arrived faster than I expected. It seems you're quite concerned about this chat group," Ningguang said, pouring a cup of tea and placing it in front of Keqing.
Keqing took the cup and downed it in one go. "Of course. I can sense that this chat group is an opportunity for Liyue to change. I already downloaded the 'Basic Internal Strength' technique on my way here."
Ningguang's eyes widened slightly. "You started cultivating it already?"
Keqing nodded. "I understand your concerns, but if we always hesitate and overthink things, we'll miss out on many opportunities.
Besides, if the person behind this chat group truly meant us harm, we'd already be dead."
Ningguang fell silent. She had to admit, Keqing had a point. She had always admired Keqing's straightforward approach.
Back at the Rite of Descension, Keqing had even dared to question the Geo Archon directly.
"What do you think of the technique?" Ningguang asked.
"It's excellent," Keqing said seriously. "It allows one to cultivate a unique form of energy distinct from elemental power, which can be stored within the body.
If cultivated further, this energy could enhance one's combat abilities, just like elemental power does."
Keqing then looked at Ningguang with determination.
"Ningguang, I need your support.
I want to introduce 'Basic Internal Strength' to the Millelith.
Even without the Geo Archon, Liyue must be able to defend itself.
Morax has protected Liyue for over 3,700 years. He won't always be here to watch over us.
We must learn to walk our own path."
Ningguang sighed and rubbed her temples.
She had expected Keqing to say this.
She understood Keqing well—Keqing wasn't trying to seize power from the Geo Archon.
Instead, she wanted to prove herself to Morax.
She wanted to show him that humans, the people he had long protected, were now strong enough to stand on their own.
That they no longer needed their Archon to guard them at every moment.
Truthfully, Ningguang also leaned toward human rule over Liyue.
But unlike Keqing, she wasn't as bold in expressing this belief.
She let out a helpless sigh. "Keqing, you should understand that without the Geo Archon's approval, introducing this technique on a large scale is impossible.
Moreover, not all the Liyue Qixing or the Eight Trades Associations will support us.
Strengthening the Millelith too much will disrupt the current balance of power in Liyue. There will be those who oppose us.
And most importantly—why is that man giving us this power?
What does he really want?"
At the mention of Aiden, Keqing's face darkened in anger.
She had to admit—this "Basic Internal Strength" was excellent, and the chat group itself was extremely useful.
But that didn't change the fact that Aiden had seen something he shouldn't have.
And he hadn't even apologized!
"Regardless of his motives, the power he's offering is something we can't ignore," Ningguang continued. "How about we meet with Mr. Zhongli and that Aiden tomorrow?"
Keqing gritted her teeth. "Fine!
I have a feeling that everything happening right now is somehow connected to that Aiden!"
Ningguang's golden eyes gleamed with intrigue.
Keqing wasn't the only one who felt that way.
Could Aiden really be just an ordinary traveler, as he claimed?
She and Keqing were members of the Liyue Qixing, and Zhongli was likely an adeptus. The chat group had not chosen just anyone—it had chosen them.
So what about Aiden?
Perhaps it was time to test him.