Chapter 22: All This Is for Liyue
"Is that so?" Uncle Tian furrowed his brows even deeper. It wasn't that he thought Keqing was lying—no one in Liyue would dare lie about Rex Lapis.
Even Keqing was no exception.
Instead, he connected what she said to recent events—the sudden increase in monsters emerging from the ley lines.
Could this be related to the matter Rex Lapis was busy with?
---
A Tempting Offer
"Uncle Tian, do you want to obtain power comparable to that of a Vision holder?" Keqing suddenly asked, her tone serious.
"What?"
Uncle Tian was caught off guard.
Though he was one of the Liyue Qixing, he had never received a Vision—one of his greatest regrets in life.
Now, Keqing was asking him this question. How could he possibly remain calm?
"This martial art is entirely different from the current elemental power system," Keqing explained.
"If you train diligently, it will greatly enhance your strength—even for Vision holders like us."
Her gaze was unwavering.
"I've tested it myself. I hope you can trust me."
Uncle Tian chuckled.
"I trust you, Yuheng. I don't believe you'd lie about something like this."
His expression turned thoughtful.
"But why are you trying to recruit me to promote this? If this technique truly benefits Liyue, you could simply propose it at a Qixing Assembly, and it would pass."
Keqing sneered.
"Do you really think the others would willingly promote this?"
She crossed her arms.
"They would rather monopolize this power for themselves.
Moreover, training in the same martial art leads to different outcomes for each person—meaning anyone has the potential to rise."
Uncle Tian fell silent.
He understood Keqing's meaning immediately.
---
Liyue's Rigid Class System
Uncle Tian came from a common background.
He had been talented in martial arts since childhood and joined the Millelith at a young age, earning countless merits.
Through sheer perseverance, he was promoted again and again, eventually securing a position in the Liyue Qixing—despite facing constant resistance from the more powerful factions.
So yes, he knew exactly what Keqing was talking about.
Many among the Qixing and the Eight Trades were nothing more than incompetent elites who clung to their positions through family connections rather than ability.
And Keqing had now come to him, the only Qixing member from a humble background, to help her break that cycle.
He stared at Keqing intently.
"You're wary of the other Qixing and the Eight Trades, aren't you?"
Keqing's expression was sincere.
"Uncle Tian, don't you think Liyue's class system has become too rigid?"
Her voice was firm.
"It's becoming harder and harder for ordinary people to rise.
If Rex Lapis weren't watching from above, eventually, there would be no more commoners like you or Ningguang in the Qixing."
She scoffed.
"Forget the Qixing—even within the Eight Trades, there are many who are completely talentless.
Yet, just because their parents are part of the Eight Trades, they can inherit their positions without any qualifications.
Ningguang and I want to bring new life to Liyue."
Uncle Tian's expression turned serious.
"You could simply report this to Rex Lapis, and he would handle it," he said, though his tone lacked conviction.
A hint of emotion flashed in his eyes.
He hated the current situation, but he wasn't sure if this was the right way to fix it.
"Have you ever considered that Rex Lapis already knows about this?" Keqing replied.
She met his gaze.
"He's waiting for us to recognize it and act on our own."
She took a deep breath.
"And even if we collect the evidence, the final decision will still be left to him."
Her voice softened slightly.
"I'm not asking you to support us blindly.
All I ask is that, during the next Qixing Assembly, you vote with your true convictions—and help us promote basic internal energy cultivation."
---
A Decision for Liyue
Uncle Tian's eyes flickered.
A moment later, he let out a hearty laugh.
"It seems you've truly grown, Keqing."
His tone was approving.
"Very well. I promise you this—as long as what you do is in Liyue's best interest, I will stand by your side."
Keqing's expression brightened.
"As for this internal energy technique…" Uncle Tian continued.
"I need to test it myself first.
I have a duty to ensure it's safe for the Millelith."
"Of course!" Keqing nodded.
Then, she turned to Aiden, who had been watching quietly.
Understanding what was needed, Aiden stepped forward and placed his hand on Uncle Tian's shoulder.
"Feel the energy," Aiden instructed.
"Remember its flow—and then practice the technique yourself."
Since Uncle Tian didn't have access to Aiden's system, he couldn't instantly learn martial arts like Keqing did.
He needed a proper teacher.
This was something Aiden had already anticipated.
As for how others would learn in the future—that would be Uncle Tian's responsibility.
---
Uncle Tian's Revelation
"This energy…"
Uncle Tian's eyes widened.
It was completely different from elemental power—but no weaker.
At the same time, he noticed something else…
Aiden's strength was unfathomable.
Rumors in Liyue claimed that Aiden, the secretary to Tianquan Ningguang, was a mere traveler.
But now, Uncle Tian realized—this man was likely a hidden Adeptus.
And then, everything clicked.
Rex Lapis was occupied with an urgent matter.
An "immortal" had developed a martial art suited for human cultivation.
That same immortal had found Ningguang and Keqing to help him promote it.
Uncle Tian felt like he had uncovered the truth.
He closed his eyes and focused.
Silently, he memorized the energy's flow.
"I've left some inner energy in your body," Aiden explained.
"It will help you train more efficiently."
Then, he handed Uncle Tian a printed manual.
"This is the Basic Internal Energy Cultivation technique. It also includes a meridian diagram—refer to it if you ever need guidance."
Uncle Tian accepted the manual carefully.
This was an immortal's gift!
---
Preparing for the Future
"When do you plan to start promoting this martial art?" Uncle Tian asked.
"And what do you need from me?"
"It will take another one to two months before our initial test subjects show results," Keqing explained.
"When the time comes, we will need your support."
She smirked.
"You, me, and Ningguang should be enough to pass it—unless the other Qixing vote against it.
And if they do?
Then they won't be allowed to learn it."
Uncle Tian nodded thoughtfully.
"The chances of success are quite high…
But we need to ensure foreign nations don't steal this knowledge."
He turned serious.
"When the time comes to promote it, we should swear an oath in Rex Lapis's name."
He looked at Keqing.
"And if you develop **any other techniques like this in the future, you will have my full support."
Keqing's eyes glowed with gratitude.
"Thank you, Uncle Tian!"
But Uncle Tian simply waved his hand.
"There's no need to thank me."
His voice was firm.
"This is all for Liyue."
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