It would basically mean building a new Liyue Harbor in Takumi's world.
Naturally, he had no objections.
If the people of Teyvat could cross over, it would be an enormous benefit.
After some small talk, Takumi's gaze shifted to Xiao.
"Should we fix his problem too?"
Zhongli froze.
So did Xiao.
"You can fix it?"
Zhongli's composure cracked instantly.
"The karmic debtthe curses of the fallen Archonsit's basically a tangle of lingering will, right?"
"Their thoughts and memories clung to Xiao's body."
"It torments him, sometimes to the point of madness."
"Like a hundred voices constantly nagging around you. Just hearing it is unbearable."
"If it's a matter of will, then it's actually pretty easy for me."
Ever heard of the Herrscher of Knowledge?
From what Takumi sensed, that's exactly what was happening to Xiao.
A mess of will fragments endlessly buzzing.
To resolve Xiao's issues, he just needed to purge those remnants.
Zhongli's eyes gleamed.
"Then I'll leave it to you!"
If Xiao could be freed from his burden, that would be the best outcome.
Chapter 41: No WorriesMaster Hu Will Reimburse
This was a pleasant surprise.
Originally, he had just brought Xiao out to relax for a bit.
After all, Zhongli had never been able to solve Xiao's condition.
He had intended to use the group's healing function to help.
But to think that Takumi now had a way to solve Xiao's problem?
It was perfectnot to mention it would save a good amount of points.
At the same time, Xiao was feeling somewhat emotional.
He stared at Takumi intently.
"What do I need to do to assist?"
He couldn't wait.
If something went wrong again, he could lose control.
He might even cause harm to Liyue.
That was the one thing he wanted to avoid at all costs.
Hearing his question, Takumi replied casually:
"It's not a big deal. Just sit down."
That's rightjust sit and relax.
Xiao blinked.
Was it really that easy?
"Xiao, sit. Just leave the rest to Mr. Takumi."
Even Madame Ping spoke up.
Xiao nodded and quickly sat down.
Seeing this, Takumi began erasing the remnants of Archon will from Xiao's body.
Willpower, huh?
Erased.
The Herrscher of Knowledge doesn't tolerate nuisances.
Takumi activated his power and began cleansing all karmic residue from Xiao.
The lingering wills tried to resist.
But against absolute force, it was meaningless.
As Takumi operated, black mist began to rise from Xiao's body.
At the same time, Xiao's expression gradually relaxed.
He could feel the voices in his mind growing quieterbeing eliminated.
Roughly five minutes later, Takumi was done.
Didn't even feel like a warm-up.
"Excellent."
Zhongli smiled with satisfaction.
He could clearly feel the karmic debt vanish from Xiao.
The burden in his heart was finally lifted.
"Thank you."
"If you ever need my help, just ask!"
This favor was too great.
If Takumi ever needed assistance, Xiao would answer without hesitation.
Hearing this, Takumi chuckled.
"If I'm facing something I can't handle, calling you might just be a waste."
"So don't worry about it."
"It was nothing."
If Takumi truly faced something beyond him, sending Xiao would be meaningless.
So best not to take it too seriously.
Xiao looked a little embarrassed.
He had a point.
"Alright. Just remember this in your heart. No need for more words."
Takumi cut him off before he could continue.
Just leave it at that.
A small favor, nothing more.
Xiao got the message and stayed silent, though he etched the favor deep into his heart.
After resolving Xiao's problem, Takumi started chatting with Zhongli.
"Next, I hope to get a bit of help from you."
"I need some foundational industrial knowledge."
"This should be useful in Liyue."
After sipping some tea from this world, Zhongli made his request.
He figured he should at least bring something back.
There were many things in Takumi's world he wanted.
But Liyue couldn't recreate them.
So industrial knowledge would be the most practical.
He'd study it slowly after returning.
Cloud Retainer had likely learned a lot recently too.
"No problem. Just say the word."
"Or, should I drop by Liyue someday and give it a total industrial makeover?"
Takumi stroked his chin.
Visiting Teyvat wasn't a bad idea.
And checking out the girls wouldn't hurt either.
However, Zhongli rejected the offer.
"It's fine if you're just visiting Teyvat."
"But no need to help with reconstruction."
"I might be moving here soon, anyway."
"In Mondstadt, the dragon catastrophe has already begun."
At that, Takumi understood.
So the storyline had started.
Come to think of it, everyone's world timeline in the group was different.
Some were already through their main stories.
Others were a mess.
Crossing over didn't sync the timelines.
Plots in other worlds didn't wait for the main character to show up.
Some had already started.
Some hadn't.
In Teyvat's case, it was just beginning.
Even so, Takumi wasn't planning to go just yet.
He didn't even know whether it was Dragonbro or... that guy.
"Got it."
Takumi then used his powers to manifest several volumes of foundational industrial books.
"Let's go with books."
"Can't expect you to memorize everything and write it out by hand."
"Take several sets, make copies back home."
These were clearly meant for Liyue.
So books made more sense.
He wasn't going to dump raw knowledge and expect Zhongli to scribe it.
That would be cruel.
Instead, he produced thick tomesindustrial basics, emergency medicine, and more.
All things Liyue could benefit from.
Zhongli flipped through one and nodded in satisfaction.
"Thanks."
He didn't put them away, planning to pass them to Ganyu.
Ganyu would then give them to Ningguang.
Surely, Ningguang would know what to do.
He had already contacted Ganyu earlier.
She would arrive shortly.
They were returning tonight.
Takumi checked the time.
It was about right, so he began preparing a grand farewell dinner.
Once everything was ready, Ganyu returned.
With her came the Holy Empress and the others.
They already knew Ganyu would be leaving today.
Honestly, the Holy Empress felt a bit reluctant.
She had learned so much from Ganyu over the past few days.
Ganyu had shared all her experience.
The Holy Empress used to be a mere figurehead.
Despite knowing many things, she had no real authority.
But now she was a city leader.
In just a few short days, she had learned a great deal from Ganyu.
Everyone sat down and enjoyed a warm dinner together.
Once they were full, Zhongli stood up and said:
"We'll be going now."
"If you visit Teyvat, I'll treat you properly."
Zhongli began bidding farewell.
Takumi laughed.
"Then be sure to bring money."
"It's no joke that the Three Archons couldn't scrape together a single Mora."
Everyone laughed.
Zhongli shook his head helplessly.
"No worries. Master Hu will reimburse."
With that, he summoned the Serenitea Pot.
The others also began saying their goodbyes and entered the teapot one by one.
Chapter 42: GanyuI've Found a Way to Lose Weight!
After storing everyone inside the teapot, Zhongli chose to return.
It had been a fruitful trip.
After seeing them off, Takumi turned his gaze to the reluctant Holy Empress.
"I'll take you to Teyvat sometime."
"Besides, they might even move here in the future."
"So there's no need to be so sentimental."
Hearing that, the Holy Empress froze.
A hint of joy flashed in her eyes and she nodded quickly.
"Okay~!"
Another world, huh?
She was definitely interested in seeing it.
After saying that, she stood up.
"I'll go rest now. See you later!"
With that, she left without looking back.
"I'm leaving too! Bye-bye~~!"
Miori Shiba also said goodbye and left with Tendou Kisara.
After sending them off, Takumi had the robots clean up the place.
He went back inside to wash up.
After his shower, he opened the group chat.
Zhongli had already reported their safe return.
Takumi chatted briefly in the group before turning back to his other tasks.
He'd check in later.
He still had to deal with the cursed children.
Meanwhile, Zhongli and the others arrived back in Jueyun Karst.
After checking in with Takumi in the group chat, Zhongli turned to Ganyu.
"Ganyu, don't tell anyone about my identity."
"Give these books to Ningguang. She'll know what to do."
Zhongli handed over the books from Takumi's world.
Ganyu nodded.
"Understood, my Lord."
She knew the importance of these books.
And keeping Zhongli's identity secret? No problem.
Honestly, the first time she realized he was the Archon, she had been stunned.
Who would've thought the Archon was right beside her all along?
"Let's head back. Teyvat is about to undergo some changes."
"But we now have an escape route, so we don't need to worry too much."
Zhongli smiled faintly.
The winds had started blowing in Mondstadt.
And those winds would soon reach all seven nations.
He had no intention of following the original plot.
Retirement? Not yet.
If the Cryo Archon wanted the Gnosis, fine.
Let her bring the full set of alchemical materials from Snezhnaya.
As for Khaenri'ah's legacy? She could have it.
Sumeru needed a visit too.
But that could wait until the Traveler pulled that guy out of the Pure Land.
With a plan forming, Zhongli glanced at Cloud Retainer.
Then disappeared with Ganyu, Xiao, and Madame Ping.
Cloud Retainer returned to her cave to study the items she brought back from Takumi's world.
She was fascinated by machinery now.
She had learned a lot recently!
...
Zhongli dropped off Ganyu and the others in Liyue Harbor and returned alone to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
He had been away for quite a while. Hu Tao was probably worried.
She might've even started posting missing person notices.
Zhongli sighed.
He really wasn't good at dealing with Hu Tao.
Time to come up with another excuse.
But he remembered the seeds he brought back from the other world.
Perhaps giving her some exotic fruit would do the trick.
With that thought, Zhongli quickened his pace.
Meanwhile, Ganyu said goodbye to Madame Ping and the others.
Madame Ping went home.
Xiao headed to Guili Plains.
Ganyu took the books and headed straight for the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang was still working.
Time to deliver the books.
She moved smoothly through Yujing Terrace and took the elevator up to the Jade Chamber.
Some people were surprised to see herit had been a while.
They became serious.
If Ganyu had been gone that long, something important must have happened.
Perhaps new orders from the Archon?
When Ganyu arrived, Ningguang was already waiting.
"You're back?"
She was curiouswhere had Ganyu gone?
None of her informants could track Ganyu.
Only that she had gone to Jueyun Karst.
"Yes. Everything went smoothly."
"I went with the Lord to another world."
"These are gifts from there. The Lord told me to give them to you."
Ganyu handed over the stack of books.
Ningguang was stunned.
Another world?
Was this a joke?
She had assumed Ganyu went to discuss matters with the Adepti.
But another world? With the Archon?
She took the books, still unsure.
"These are from another world?"
Ganyu nodded.
"Yes. Don't worry about the textit's written in our language."
"The world's owner is a friend of the Lord. He gave them these."
"They'll be a great help to Liyue."
Ganyu gave a brief explanation.
Seeing that, Ningguang no longer hesitated and began flipping through them.
They contained a wealth of knowledgemainly industrial.
Ningguang's eyes lit up.
"Excellent material! I know exactly what to do."
She only skimmed a bit but already had ideas.
She put the books away.
Then asked:
"Did the Lord leave any other instructions?"
Before Ganyu could answer, a voice called from outside.
"Ningguang, is Ganyu back?"
Click-clack, click-clackheels echoed across the floor.
Moments later, a cat-eared head peeked through.
It was Keqing, one of the Liyue Qixing.
Beautiful and strongKeqing had both.
Ningguang wasn't surprised by her arrival.
After all, it was Ganyu's first time disappearing this long.
And she had left on direct orders from the Lord.
Now that she was back, of course Keqing would show up.
Most likely, the rest of the Qixing had also gotten word and were on their way.
"Since you're here, the others should arrive soon."
"We'll wait and talk together."
"Ganyu, have you eaten? Want something to eat?"
Ningguang paused to wait for everyone.
Better than explaining everything repeatedly.
As for Ganyu, she shook her head.
She had already eaten.
And more importantlyshe had found a way to lose weight!
Chapter 43: Completely Eliminating the Hidden Danger
Ganyu declared she could now eat anything she wanted.
But since she had already had dinner, there was no need to indulge.
Even though she could still eat more.
Back in Takumi's world, she had initially wanted to go vegetarianjust a bit of fruit.
However, after learning more about the situation, Muroto Kin gave her a bottle of medicine.
Though uncertain if it would work for her, it was said to completely prevent weight gain.
The reason Muroto could be such a shut-in and still stay slim was thanks to that medicine.
So, without hesitation, Ganyu drank it.
And in Takumi's world, she confirmed it for herself.
She really didn't gain weight.
Even after eating so much, her weight didn't change.
This might have been her greatest gain from visiting another world.
Meanwhile, the Seven Stars of Liyue gathered at the Jade Chamber.
They began discussing the books Ganyu had brought back from the other world.
The others were stunned upon learning she had traveled with the Archon to another world.
Ganyu also shared what she had seen.
That world had already been destroyed once.
And now, its current ruler had gone to another world and brought many people back.
