Chapter 14: Ganyu - Xiao Is More Social Than Me!
Hearing Keqing's words, Ningguang furrowed her brows slightly but quickly acknowledged Keqing's reasoning. Morax must have already known about the chat group's existence but chose to allow it.
Otherwise, the Geo Archon would have intervened by now.
Perhaps she had overthought things. As long as this helped Liyue develop, there was no need to question it further.
Anyone who hindered Liyue's progress—whether friend, colleague, or even family—was an obstacle to be overcome.
---
**"Ningguang, starting tomorrow, I'll go out into the wild to clear monsters and earn points to strengthen myself. After that, I'll attempt to purify the lingering resentment of the fallen gods in Guili Plains.
Liyue Harbor will be in your hands. At the same time, try to win over Master Tian. He comes from a commoner background, and as long as we prove our capability, I believe he'll support us.
Once I have the power to remove the gods' resentment, we'll begin rebuilding Guili Plains.
I hope we can cooperate sincerely!"** Keqing said, looking at Ningguang with determination.
Just as Ningguang was about to respond, a system notification popped up in the chat group.
"Ding! Congratulations, Ganyu has joined the chat group!"
Hearing this, Ningguang and Keqing exchanged knowing smiles.
Their speculation had been correct—since Ganyu had joined, this meant that Morax was undoubtedly aware of the chat group.
With Ganyu involved, their efforts would face far fewer obstacles. After all, as the secretary to the Liyue Qixing, Ganyu's true role was far greater than hers or Keqing's.
She wasn't just the Qixing's secretary—she was Morax's secretary, overseeing Liyue's governance and keeping the Qixing in check.
To Keqing and Ningguang, Ganyu was essentially Morax's spokesperson.
Now that she was part of this, their plans had a much higher chance of success!
---
Meanwhile, at Aiden's Residence…
Ganyu sat before Zhongli and Aiden, feeling slightly confused.
She had been in the middle of her work when she received a summons from Morax. Without hesitation, she put everything aside and rushed over—only to find Liyue's infamous "freeloader" Zhongli and Aiden, the rumored new consultant to Tianquan.
While the public hadn't yet spread information about Aiden, as the Qixing's secretary, Ganyu had already been briefed.
But what confused her most was Zhongli's true identity.
The Geo Archon had always been an enigma. Many suspected he was an adeptus, and Ganyu had even personally observed him before. She had noticed the deep aura of time surrounding him, something that couldn't be faked.
She had also seen Zhongli drinking tea with Cloud Retainer before, further solidifying her belief that he was merely an unknown adeptus.
Yet now, she learned that Zhongli was actually Morax!
Recalling the many times she had seen him around Liyue Harbor, treating meals as if he had no mora, she felt utterly dumbfounded.
Surely, the Lord of Geo had his reasons for doing this…
---
"This is Aiden, a friend from another world and the creator of this chat group," Zhongli stated plainly.
**"This chat group is of great significance to Liyue. It has revealed opportunities for change—opportunities that I wish to take advantage of.
From now on, I hope you will secretly support Ningguang and Keqing."**
Ganyu widened her eyes. "Change?"
She quickly accessed the chat group's information and realized both Keqing and Ningguang were already members. It became clear to her—they had been given a unique opportunity.
"Yes, change." Zhongli nodded. **"Liyue has stood for 3,700 years. While it appears prosperous, there are many hidden dangers beneath the surface.
Both the Qixing and the Eight Trades Associations have issues, some greater than others.
As the Geo Archon, I could resolve them with a single decree, but once I step away, these problems will only return to the shadows, growing unchecked.
One day, they could become an even greater threat.
So, I intend to use this opportunity to breathe new life into Liyue.
Keqing and Ningguang have passed my initial assessment.
Now, I need you to assist them in secret—at least enough to ease the obstacles they will face."**
He paused.
"But do not involve yourself directly. If people perceive this as my will, it will cause unnecessary complications."
Ganyu was stunned. Was Liyue truly facing such deep-rooted issues?
She had never thought about it that way. But if Morax himself said it was necessary, then it must be true.
As for herself, there was no need to question—she would follow the will of Morax.
"Keqing and Ningguang must be truly exceptional to have earned your trust," she muttered.
Then, she turned her gaze toward Aiden.
A friend of Morax from another world?
He was… quite good-looking.
And powerful.
If he could purify the resentment of fallen gods and the corruption of the Abyss, even Morax could not dismiss him lightly.
---
"Lord Zhongli, should I also work to purify the Abyssal corruption and the gods' resentment?" Ganyu asked cautiously.
She had no particular interest in the chat group's "points system," but if purifying the Abyssal corruption could restore the Chasm to working order, it would greatly benefit Liyue.
"That will be up to you, but don't push yourself. Even with the ability, it will take a toll on you," Zhongli advised.
For him, purifying the Chasm's corruption would take an immense amount of time. If Ganyu assisted, they could speed up the process significantly.
Besides, Ganyu had been overworked for years—earning points could help her strengthen herself.
Aiden also hoped Ganyu would start earning points. He was eager to see how quickly she could grow stronger.
"Understood!" Ganyu touched her small qilin horns. "Actually, I believe this ability would be better suited for Xiao. He is far more experienced in dealing with lingering divine resentment."
Zhongli's gaze flickered toward Aiden with an odd expression.
"About that... Xiao has already joined the chat group. He, uh… he identified himself as 'a small bird' to the others."
"What? Σ(っД;)っ"
Ganyu froze, her whole body going stiff.
Goodness, was this really the same Xiao—the ruthless, battle-hardened Conqueror of Demons?
If the world ever found out, Xiao would be utterly humiliated.
Even worse than when his childhood stories were exposed!