In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar

The maid waiting outside the door immediately responded, "Sir, is there anything you need?"

"I've finished translating. Please let the Hundred Tales Secretary know," Wang Yan said.

He didn't say he would notify Ningguang directly. It's obvious that the maid who's been waiting here can't possibly communicate with Ningguang directly.

"Yes, sir, I'll go right away." The maid nodded, gave a slight bow, and turned to leave.

Wang Yan then walked around the room, moving around a bit after sitting all day.

Within minutes, Baiwen appeared at the door.

"Mr. Wang Yan, you've worked hard. Lord Tianquan invites you to come over for a chat," Bai Wen invited.

Wang Yan nodded and pointed to a stack of papers on his desk: "The translations are all here. Remember to collect them. I've marked them with numbers, one to one, two to two. Don't get them mixed up."

"Okay." Baiwen nodded, gave the maid behind her a look, and the maid went forward to tidy up, while she led Wang Yan to Ningguang's office.

The two arrived at Ningguang's office.

Seeing Wang Yan enter with Bai Wen, Ning Guang smiled and said, "Mr. Wang Yan is indeed amazing; you finished translating so quickly."

Wang Yan waved his hand: "That's it for my job."

That's how powerful we epistemological scholars are!

“Haha, sir, there’s no need to be so modest. But after you finished translating, did you make any special discoveries?” Ningguang asked tentatively.

Wang Yan's expression remained unchanged: "What discovery does Lord Tianquan want?"

“For example, Zhan Zhu swallows the moon, and the White Horse Immortal,” Ningguang said directly.

She now believes that Wang Yan is the key to solving this incident, given to her by the Emperor in a dream, so she no longer has the intention to test him again.

"I am not clear about the matter of Zhan Zhu swallowing the moon, but I can certainly talk about the White Horse Immortal."

"Please speak." Ningguang sat up straight.

“I’ve pieced together some of the story of this White Horse Immortal from the translated documents,” Wang Yan began, laying the groundwork. What he was going to say could only be what was in the documents. “The documents record that the White Horse Immortal’s original name was Zibai, and he was a deity worshipped by the ancient inhabitants of the Layered Rock Abyss…”

Wang Yan recounts the story, as found in historical documents, about the ancient inhabitants of the Layered Rock Abyss who believed in Zibai, established a civilization, but were forced to migrate away from the Layered Rock Abyss for certain reasons to the Valley of Sinking Jade.

In fact, apart from the name Zibai, Ningguang already knew most of the information, but not as much as Wang Yan had compiled.

After Wang Yan finished speaking, Ning Guang pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Mr. Wang Yan, do you think the matter of swallowing the moon is related to the White Horse Immortal?"

"Hmm... perhaps. However, since the story of the White Horse Immortal has been unearthed, and she is the image of the lantern for this year's Lantern Festival, it just so happens... I just translated an ancient text about worshipping this immortal. Tianquan, why don't you distribute this [ancient poem]? If the incident of Zhan Zhu swallowing the moon really happens on the day of the Lantern Festival, perhaps everyone can pray together for peace and tranquility!"

"Praying for blessings and blessings"

Ningguang nodded slightly, seemingly giving the question serious consideration.

After a moment, she stopped talking about the topic and looked at Baiwen beside her: "Baiwen, bring me the reward I prepared for Mr. Wang Yan."

Since no one else was talking, Wang Yan naturally wouldn't say anything more and turned his gaze to Bai Wen as well.

Bai Wen walked to the bookshelf, took down a thick book, and presented it to Wang Yan.

“This is a collection of some Liyue magic that I once learned, including celestial runes for various scenes. Although there are no profound things, it is comprehensive,” Ningguang said.

Ningguang is a practitioner of magic.

It's not as simple as just using the Eye of God to drive elemental power; her magical skill level is very high, probably surpassing most people in the sorcerer family.

Ningguang has demonstrated her magical abilities in several Liyue storylines, especially when fighting against Osel and his wife. Ningguang's magical abilities, displayed while riding the Jade Pavilion, were absolutely top-notch.

After all, although most of the Liyue Seven Stars are the wealthiest merchants in Liyue, there is no distinction in status among the Seven Stars.

In reality, in terms of power, the position of Tianquan is the most prestigious among the seven stars. Having money alone is not enough to become a true Tianquan!

Reaching out to take the collection, Wang Yan nodded: "Then I won't be polite."

“This is your reward.” Ningguang smiled and waved her hand. “Bai Shi, please see Mr. Wang Yan off for me.”

This is to see the guests off.

Wang Yan, holding the book, stood up and said, "Farewell."

...

He left Ningguang's office and walked out of Qunyu Pavilion.

"Mr. Wang Yan, please take care."

Bai Shi has already arranged for Wang Yan to take the Floating Life Stone Steps.

Wang Yan nodded: "Goodbye, Miss Bai Shi."

Then he walked up, and the Floating Life Stone Steps trembled slightly, carrying Wang Yan as it began to descend, flying towards the Yiyan Palace.

Upon landing, Wang Yan saw a familiar figure.

The incense burner in front of the Yiyan Palace was originally used by the people of Liyue to offer incense to the Emperor. At this moment, Zhongli was solemnly holding the incense stick and carefully inserting the long incense stick into the incense burner.

Question: I'm in Liyue, just landed, and saw Zhongli offering incense to the Rock King. What should I do? I need help urgently.

However, it's easy to guess that Zhong Li's presence here at this time is definitely to find him.

After bidding farewell to Bu Yun by the steps of the floating stone, Wang Yan walked towards the incense burner in the center of the square.

“Mr. Zhongli, what a coincidence, it’s great to see you again.” Wang Yan took the initiative to greet him.

Zhong Li remained as gentle as ever: "I came here specifically to wait for you, Mr. Wang Yan."

"Hmm? Mr. Zhongli wants to see me about something?"

"Heh... This is not the place to talk. Mr. Wang Yan, please follow me."

Zhong Li said softly, and walked towards the exit.

Wang Yan lifted his leg and followed.

However, the place Zhongli referred to as the place for talking was actually Grandma Ping's tea stall.

When she saw Wang Yan and Zhong Li coming over together, a hint of surprise flashed in Grandma Ping's eyes, but it quickly turned into a smile.

No wonder I couldn't see through him; it turns out he also knew the Emperor.

"I didn't expect to see my young friend and old friend come together today," Grandma Ping said with a smile.

Zhong Li smiled and said, "So you've already met Mr. Wang Yan. Then I won't introduce you. Please allow me to use this cave."

Ok?

Wang Yan glanced at Zhong Li with a hint of surprise. Borrowing a cave? Was Zhong Li abandoning the act and directly revealing his identity to him?

What kind of game is this now?

Wang Yan was somewhat puzzled, but he didn't say anything. He just watched Zhong Li and Granny Ping talk to each other.

Grandma Ping, of course, would not refuse Zhong Li. She reached out and gently swept her hand over the teapot beside her, and the originally dusty teapot was transformed into a gorgeous teapot.

Zhong Li nodded, glanced at Wang Yan, and gestured for him to enter.

Wang Yan hesitated for a moment, but still reached out and touched the rim of the pot.

The next moment, I felt a sudden weightlessness and found myself inside the cave in the pot.

Wang Yan looked around and saw that it was indeed a scene of immortals. As he was looking around, Zhong Li's figure appeared in front of him.

"Mr. Zhongli, what are you up to?" Wang Yan asked.

"Heh, young friend, you've taken patience to ask until now," Zhong Li said with a smile.

Now, the gentleman has become a little friend.

Wang Yan continued to feign ignorance: "What do you mean, Mr. Zhongli?"

In fact, as soon as Zhong Li spoke, Wang Yan knew that his identity as an outsider had been exposed, but he didn't know to what extent, so he could only ask defensive questions.

“I inquired with the Lord of Wisdom,” Zhongli said directly. “Young friend, you come from beyond this world.”

Wang Yan: ...

Why don't you seven gods coordinate with each other in the game?

"...I see. Being able to contact the Grass God, Mr. Zhongli must be the Rock God of Liyue. I had heard that the Rock God had fallen, but now it seems that this is not true."

That's right, I come from outside this world.

Wang Yan readily acknowledged this identity, and then casually pointed out Zhong Li's true identity.

You think I'm from Liyue, but I'm actually from outside the world. You think I'm from outside the world, but I'm actually a time traveler!

Chapter 124 The Rock King Emperor preaches the Dao, Immortal Talisman Chapter

"I have stepped down from my position as the Rock God."

Zhong Li didn't care that his identity had been exposed.

“I think so.” Wang Yan shook his head. “If he really steps down, the Emperor can simply ignore the affairs of Liyue Harbor.”

"So, what's being shed is the identity of the Rock God, not the responsibility."

Upon hearing this, Zhong Li paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "What you say is also true, young friend."

Having said that, he changed the subject: "Since you already know my identity, I'll be frank. Yesterday, I saw marks of angelic blessing on you, and I assumed you were an ordinary person who had accidentally received this blessing, so I wanted to borrow it..."

Zhong Li then revealed his original thoughts.

Similar to Wang Yan's previous speculation, he wanted to use the blessing of the Flower Goddess to connect with the moon's reflection and then summon back one of Zibai's three corpse gods.

"Now, this link has been filled in by travelers, and my friend also helped translate this blank... I thank you here."

As he spoke, Zhongli bowed respectfully to Wang Yan.

Wang Yan dodged it.

"The Emperor summoned me here just to say this? If so, I will not accept this gift. I also have something to ask Zibai. Let Zibai repay this favor."

Zhong Li put aside his formalities: "In that case, if my friend is able to return successfully, I will certainly introduce you to him."

"Then thank you very much, Your Majesty."

"No need for thanks, it's only right." As he spoke, Zhong Li paused slightly, his gaze falling on the book in Wang Yan's hand. "Since you're unwilling to accept my greeting, how about... I explain this immortal talisman to you?"

"Hmm?" Wang Yan's eyes lit up. "Then... I'll accept it without further ado."

When Zhongli saw that Wang Yan agreed, he raised his hand to gesture for him to sit down at the stone table in the cave, and then sat down opposite him.

A pot of tea had appeared on the stone table sometime earlier.

Zhongli poured the clear tea from the teapot into his cup, the steam rising gently. He took a small sip and spoke softly:

“Young friend, since you come from the epistemological school, you should know that although the rune systems of the various nations of Teyvat vary in form, they are all fundamentally based on ‘invoking the laws of nature’—using runes as a medium to communicate the principles of elements, ley lines, or stars, thereby stimulating extraordinary power.”

"The ancient runes of Sumeru, the astrological incantations of Mondstadt, the Yin-Yang magic of Inazuma, and even the canonical inscriptions of MapleStory, all belong to this path."

Wang Yan listened and nodded slightly. He naturally remembered that Eros had taught him.

“However, the Liyue Celestial Registers have taken another path besides this fundamental one.” Zhong Li’s gaze was calm. “Many Celestial Registers, in addition to directly invoking the laws of nature, can also use talismans as contracts to ‘borrow’ authority and power from the [Rock King Emperor] or other immortals.”

Wang Yan sat up straight and became serious.

The amulets he saw at the time did indeed begin with "Iron Lord's Decree".

"To draw a celestial talisman, you need a talisman head, a talisman core, a talisman foot, and a talisman belly, along with seals, incantations, and other aids."

“The inscription on the talisman determines the deity to be invoked—if it reads ‘Imperial Edict,’ it is an invocation to the Emperor; if it reads ‘Immortal Proclamation,’ it may refer to a certain True Lord.”

“The talisman contains the request, such as ‘suppressing evil,’ ‘protecting life,’ or ‘summoning thunder.’”

"The talisman's feet determine its validity period and scope, while the talisman's belly details the cause and effect of the matter."

"Finally, the contract is sealed with a seal and accompanied by incantations, and the talisman is completed."

Wang Yan suddenly realized, nodded, and indicated that he roughly understood.

Chung Li continues the explanation.

"The advantages of the Celestial Register's approach are obvious."

"Firstly, cultivators do not need to thoroughly understand the profound mysteries of the laws themselves; they only need to summon a certain kind of spirit or deity without error and obtain the approval of the immortals and gods to borrow its power."

“When an ordinary Taoist priest draws a ‘mirage talisman,’ although he borrows only a small amount of immortal power, it is far easier to master than to study the principles of earth veins and miasma from scratch.”

"Secondly..." Zhong Li paused briefly, "If one gains the favor of an emperor or immortal, even an ordinary talisman may unleash power far exceeding its actual form."