Genshin Impact: I Am a Slime

The sea breeze seemed to hold its breath at that moment.

Faced with Pantarone's pointed question concerning the very foundation of Liyue, Zhongli's reaction was as calm as a deep pool or ancient well.

Without a moment's hesitation, his amber eyes, which held the weight of time, calmly swept over the banker's inquisitive and enigmatic face before he shook his head with unmistakable clarity.

“Mr. Pantalone is mistaken.”

Zhongli's voice was as steady as ever, penetrating the sea breeze and echoing clearly at the bow of the Yermak, as if piercing through a lens and striking Ningguang's heart.

“I am but a guest of the Hall of Rebirth, merely here to see off the living and bring peace to the deceased.”

"If I have any strengths, it is only because of my duties that I know a little more about ancient and modern ceremonies and historical research than the average person."

Zhongli paused for a moment, the sea breeze ruffling the hem of his dark robe, making him appear even more upright and extraordinary. His calm gaze once again met Pantalone's, carrying an undeniable sense of detachment and openness.

"As for the Rock King Emperor..."

Zhongli uttered the title softly, his tone completely calm, as if he were discussing a distant legend unrelated to himself.

“That is the God of Contracts, revered by all the people of Liyue, the former ruler of this land. How could I, a mere mortal, dare to have any presumptuous connection with him? Sir, you have probably come to the wrong person.”

The night wind, carrying the chill of the deep sea, swept across the cold deck of the Yermak.

Pantalone did not show the slightest disappointment after hearing Zhongli's airtight denial.

The burning flame deep in his eyes flickered even more intensely, as if everything was within his expectations.

The banker was convinced that this deity would never admit his true identity in front of everyone. He simply shook his head slowly with an extremely calm and knowing look, his lips curving into a faint, ambiguous smile.

Zhongli's amber eyes remained calm, though his brows were slightly furrowed, and his gaze was fixed on Pantalone like a rock, silently awaiting the executive's next words.

Meanwhile, on the deck of the Dark Star.

Through the telescope, Ningguang clearly captured Zhongli's resolute denial. Her tense nerves seemed to loosen slightly, and she calmly and silently lowered the telescope.

As soon as my gaze left the peephole, I was met with Beidou's eyes, which were filled with inquiry and a strange expression.

Ningguang had no intention of explaining further, or perhaps she still needed a moment to calm down. She simply met Beidou's gaze and shook her head calmly and slightly, her movements elegant, leaving no room for further questioning.

The sea breeze ruffled her hair, and her elegant cheongsam gleamed coolly in the moonlight.

Meanwhile, after Zhongli denied being the Rock King Emperor without leaving a trace, Famas, who had been standing silently, finally made a move.

A mocking smile appeared on his face as he slowly strolled toward Zhongli with his characteristic languid and imposing gait.

"Zhongli, are you sure you're not the Rock King Emperor?"

Famas tilted his head, his crimson eyes fixed on Zhongli, his voice full of playful skepticism.

Zhongli frowned slightly, his amber eyes fixed on the unpredictable demon god. Though he couldn't fathom the other's true intentions, his reply remained calm and clear:

“That’s right, I am Zhongli, a guest elder of the Hall of Rebirth, not the Rock King Emperor.”

As soon as he finished speaking, FAMAS's eyes lit up, as if he had caught the signal he had been waiting for.

He happened to stroll over to Pantalone's side, and then, quite naturally and with a hint of mischief, he nudged the big banker lightly with his elbow. The sound wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for those nearby to hear.

"Since this Mr. Zhongli has personally admitted that he is not the Emperor."

Famas spoke flippantly, his crimson gaze sweeping over Zhongli before settling back on Pantalone. "He's just an ordinary guest retainer of Liyue. What are we waiting for? Have your Fatui soldiers tie him up and throw him into the deep sea to feed the fish. Wouldn't that be easier?"

Upon hearing this, Pantalone tilted his head at a subtle angle toward Famas, his scrutinizing gaze shifting for a moment between the boy's playful smile and Zhongli's calm and composed face.

Immediately afterwards, a low, suppressed laugh suddenly rolled out of his throat, and the burning light that had been forcibly suppressed deep in his eyes flared up again.

"Heh...interesting."

Pantalone whispered, then nodded meaningfully to Famas, as if agreeing to a brilliant suggestion.

He turned to the soldiers around him, his voice regaining its businessman-like calmness, yet carrying an unquestionable tone of command.

"Someone, please invite Mr. Zhongli into the cabin for a chat."

The armored Fools soldiers swarmed around again like a tide, their weapons gleaming coldly as they once more aimed at the figure in the center.

Zhongli looked at the soldiers who were closing in, a barely perceptible hint of helplessness flashing across his face.

He naturally understood Pantalone and Famas's scheme.

If he were to reveal power far exceeding that of a mortal holder of the Eye of God, it would surely alert Ningguang's telescope in the distance, exposing his hidden identity. But if he were to surrender, how could he protect himself amidst the encirclement of numerous elite soldiers?

Pantalone and Famas, having anticipated his dilemma of being hesitant to act, intended to force him into a confined cabin, creating a space for solitude.

Zhongli's gaze was calm and deep, instantly discerning the other's thoughts.

However, he did not choose to resist. Faced with the coercion of the Fools' soldiers, Zhongli calmly, as if he were merely complying with his master's invitation, stepped steadily into the dark entrance of the cabin under the close escort of several Fools' soldiers.

Meanwhile, on the Death Star, the telescope that had once been firmly in Ningguang's hands had now returned to Beidou's grasp.

Beidou's fingers had barely touched the cold lens when it eagerly turned its gaze toward the Yermak.

The sight in the mirror made her heart skip a beat.

She clearly caught Zhong Li's figure, being escorted by several heavily armed Fools soldiers, disappearing into the dark entrance of the ship's cabin.

"Ningguang!"

Beidou's voice carried an urgency that even the sea breeze couldn't dispel. She almost immediately shoved the binoculars back into Ningguang's hand, her movements so fast they seemed to spark, while simultaneously repeating the words at lightning speed.

“Your Mr. Zhongli has been taken into the cabin by the Fools.”

Ningguang paused for a moment upon hearing this, but her mind was still lingering on Zhongli's words, which were full of hidden meaning. His pronouncements on law, contract, and talent reverberated in her mind like a heavy echo.

Almost instinctively, she handed the binoculars to Beidou, who had been waiting impatiently beside her.

The change happened too suddenly.

The moment the scope left her hand, before Ningguang could even fully gather her chaotic thoughts, she caught a glimpse of Beidou turning around without hesitation and raising his arm sharply towards the crew members who were waiting on the deck. The action carried the captain's unique decisiveness and fierceness.

"Listen to me!"

The resounding voice of the Big Dipper drowned out the waves, like the beating of war drums.

"Prepare for a full-scale assault! Target: the Yermak! Bring Mr. Zhongli back to me at all costs!" (End of Chapter)