Genshin Impact, all those behind-the-scenes big shots are me

When has he ever refused to help Su Chen?

Oh well, it's just a game of chess. Judging from my old friend's distracted look just now, he probably wasn't really focused on the game either.

"You won?" Heuria walked over with a smile. "Xuanyuan, you are the first person in the entire Liyue Harbor to beat Zhongli at chess."

"Oh?" Su Chen stroked his chin. "Then it seems my chess skills have reached their peak."

“Exactly. The old humans at the storyteller’s kiosks love playing chess with Zhongli the most. They’re all pretty good at chess, but none of them can beat Zhongli.” As she spoke, Heuria put down the biscuits. “Come and try my new recipe.”

Su Chen said, "It wasn't made using Liuyun's machine, was it?"

"How could that be? She took that machine back a long time ago, saying she wanted to improve it, but she hasn't taken it out again for a long time. Last time Gan Yu went back, she saw that she had put the machine in the corner of the cave, and it was covered in dust."

"Haha~ That thing should have been thrown away a long time ago."

"Don't say that." Heuria smiled lightly. "Liu Yun bragged about it for a long time back then. She really liked it."

Zhongli picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said gently, "Human cuisine is an exquisite and profound art. No matter how well the mechanism is made, without the emotional depth of the craftsman, it will never taste the same."

Su Chen laughed: "When Liu Yun arrives, tell her in front of her that she wants to challenge you to a three-day, three-night magical duel."

Zhong Li: "..."

Given Liu Yun's competitive spirit, she might actually do that. Oh well, let nature take its course and let her forget about it on her own. Let's all keep quiet about it.

At this moment, Heuria asked curiously, "Xuanyuan, what brings you back so suddenly this time?"

"Ah, this... Oh, yes, yes." Su Chen took out the loot dropped by the Star-Devouring Whale. "I'm going to find Stone Elder to help me forge a weapon with this."

"Oh?" Zhongli pondered for a moment, "The Star-Devouring Whale?"

"you know?"

"Know a thing or two."

Let me elaborate.

To be honest, Su Chen didn't know much about this thing.

"This is a creature that traverses the universe, growing by relying on the energy of the planet's womb. Its existence is a threat to life itself, and also a tragedy."

The very nature of the star-devouring whale determined its fate: it would either grow stronger through devouring or perish through devouring.

Zhongli did indeed know a little about it this time, but when he sensed the arrival of the Star-Devouring Whale, it fell into the abyss and then seemed to have stopped moving. If the commotion was recent, it must have fallen into a deep sleep for some reason.

Su Chen guessed that this thing was probably related to the young master. According to the servant, the latter came to Fengdan because he felt the power in his body surge. At first, he thought it was just that Muscle Fool couldn't stand being alone. Now he thought that the awakening of the Star Devouring Whale was probably related to the young master.

After all, the young master's destiny seat is also a great whale.

However, Su Chen wasn't too concerned about the Star-Devouring Whale. Its characteristics meant that there wouldn't be many of them, and even if there were, they would be wiped out by forces outside the Teyvat world.

“The ultimate evil knight Surtroch…” Zhongli pondered for a moment, “I’ve only heard of his name. He’s someone who wanders the edge of the world, pursuing ultimate power. If it’s him, it’s not surprising that he’s keeping the Star-Devouring Whale.”

"You should also be careful," Su Chen said.

Zhongli nodded slightly. Teyvat has been quite turbulent lately, with various major events occurring one after another, including the recent signs of the awakening of the Heavenly Principle, which has caused some gods, including himself, to worry.

For Zhongli, the Ice Queen's plan is now unreliable. The Heart of God has not been collected yet, and the Winter Kingdom has suddenly become quiet for some reason recently. The gods do not quite understand the Winter Queen's passive resistance.

However, they discovered that this timing seemed to coincide with the arrival of a new consul at the end of winter, and this consul was very mysterious. They couldn't find out anything about him, only that the empress stopped holding morning court from then on.

A few days ago, when Wendy came to drink with him, she mentioned it, saying something like, "The Queen won't fall in love, will she?" Zhongli thought it was impossible, but the problem must be related to that governor.

For this reason, some gods who originally supported the Empress's rebellion against the laws of nature have now become ambiguous in their attitudes. In addition, with signs of the revival of the laws of nature appearing, Zhongli has been a little worried lately.

Why?

Isn't this because the Heart of God has been given away?

The uprising had already been considered a step in the plan, but then the main force suddenly went silent.

After pondering this, Zhongli sighed.

Su Chen was taken aback: "What's wrong?"

He hardly ever sees Zhongli sighing anymore.

"Some time ago, could you sense..." Zhongli didn't continue, but just looked up at the sky.

It means that the one in heaven has awakened.

"what?"

"Yes... I guess so."

Su Chen picked up his teacup and took a sip. "It's not a big problem. We're all law-abiding people. Even if Teyvat causes trouble, it won't affect us."

"Hopefully."

Zhongli stared at the teacup, then suddenly looked up at Su Chen. "Were you in Fengdan a while ago?"

"Yes what's the matter?"

"...It's nothing."

“I don’t understand what you’re saying anymore.” Heuria sat to the side and smiled. “Don’t think too much. All order has its own rules to maintain it. We gods protect all people and exist according to our hearts… I recently learned a word that humans often use, ‘a clear conscience.’ Zhongli, you have done enough in this respect.”

"Speaking of which, the Lantern Festival is just around the corner. Are you going to stay for the festival this time, Xuanyuan? You didn't come back for the last Moon Festival, and Fanan was angry for a long time."

During the last Moon Festival, all the immortals used their various supernatural powers, and Fa Nan specially invented a dish called "Human Emperor Pastry." Su Chen had said he would try his best to come back, but when the day came, he was nowhere to be seen.

Su Chen shook his head helplessly; he was too busy, what could he do?

"I should be available this time."

Heureia said, "You'd better make sure you're sure, so that everyone is ready but you're not there."

"Yes, yes."

Su Chen considered it for a moment. By now, the fire in Fontaine was probably already burning, so he couldn't go back there for the time being. There were still a few days until the Lantern Festival, so it shouldn't be a big problem—after all, he had already prepared a backup plan.

I deliberately let Yingmei stay in Fontainebleau for a few more days. Given her protagonist status, she's bound to cause some trouble, which will require Fukaros to deal with. That will take up enough time.

As for the Great Compassion Tree King, she will naturally go back if she can't see him. A smart woman won't make her man feel too embarrassed outside.

When everything is over and I see Ying again, I'll bring her a new weapon as a thank you gift.

Wang Mei!

Su Chen is a little unsure about the simulation.

Considering the impact of simulations on reality, once the simulation of the Law of Heaven is activated, the situation across the entire Teyvat continent will likely undergo significant changes.

Because the concept of Heavenly Principle exists to this day, unlike the Human Emperor or Cardodia, which were experienced and then synchronized into reality.

This leads to a problem.

Once the Heavenly Principles activate the simulation, everything he does during the simulation will drastically change the future, even to the point of being all-encompassing—because he doesn't know how the Heavenly Principles acted before, so different situations will inevitably arise during this process.

What would happen in the future if something went wrong and the Demon God War was ruined?

Will there still be seven kingdoms?

Will those people he knew still be around?

The thought of this possibility put immense pressure on Su Chen.

To put it bluntly, he doesn't dare to gamble.

Su Chen thought that if he could find an answer to refer to and know the historical evolution of Teyvat, things would be much easier.

This is another reason why he came to see Old Zhong.

Because Zhongli has lived for over six thousand years, although there is still a long time before the history of Teyvat, he is certainly knowledgeable and experienced. Moreover, the rumors he has heard over six thousand years are even more ancient memories, which may inspire his simulation.

Unfortunately, what Su Chen could hear from Zhong Li was either too vague or something he already knew.

"How about we try going up to the sky?"

Su Chen raised his head and looked into the distant void. If there was anywhere else he could find the answer, it would only be Sky Island.

Of course, landing on the island was too difficult, so he thought of another person—the Sustainer.

It's unclear what impression the Sustainer has of him now. After all, the simulation hasn't started yet, and considering his previous relationship with the other party, the probability of him telling him the secrets since creation is probably...0.

Even the identity of governing over time is the same.

After all, the person maintaining the relationship is a bit stubborn. As a subordinate, it's good to complete the task well, but emotional intelligence...

Forget it, let's try it first. If it doesn't work, we can fight again. Anyway, with his current strength, he can definitely crush us. If he doesn't talk, we'll deal with him according to the law.

"Something on your mind?" Zhongli suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Su Chen snapped out of his daze and chuckled, "It's nothing, just a small matter."

As he spoke, he looked at Heuria beside him and said, "Tell them that I'll be at the Lantern Festival this year."

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Okay, I'll go and inform them right away."

Heureia left with a look of delight on her face.

Zhong Li observed the changes in Su Chen's expression. Knowing the latter well, he knew that the more he acted this way, the more serious the matter must be... However, since Su Chen didn't say anything, he wouldn't pry.

If I don't say anything, it means he can't help even if I do.

If I can help, I will definitely say so.

And he will definitely help.

...

The atmosphere in Liyue has been quite lively lately.

As the Lantern Festival approaches, streets and alleys are decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.

The Seven Stars issued the order, and the General Affairs Department took the lead, which was the usual practice. However, this year's Lantern Festival was a little special because the lanterns to be made for the Lantern Festival were modeled after the Emperor.

Lanterns and lanterns have always been important parts of the Lantern Festival. The former are made by the people of Liyue and released during the festival, while the latter are made by the Liyue government to commemorate the 'fairies' who made great contributions to Liyue, and their models are used.

The list is rotated. Although all the immortals commemorated are great, there are always the greatest among the great, such as the Human Emperor and the Rock King.

Every year at this time, the Lantern Festival becomes even more lively.

"Come, come, take a look! Freshly made Emperor's Braised Noodles, even Prince Yan said they were delicious!"