Douluo Continent: Reincarnated as the Rock King Emperor, Wandering the Mortal World

Chapter 22: If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.

Paimon glanced at Zhongli and said instinctively, "Zhongli doesn't want to become a god..."

Come to think of it, how could Zhongli, who had just pretended to be dead and stepped down from the throne, possibly sit back down in such a short time?

Even if this is another world, the same principle applies.

Here, there are no citizens of Liyue, no one He protects, and nothing He cherishes...

It's absolutely true that Zhongli came to the mortal world for a leisurely stroll.

He knows everything, yet he cares about nothing.

How many forces have come to curry favor with Zhongli because of his military might?

Zhongli accepted almost everything, but when he was truly needed to take action, he might not actually do so.

Paimon's understanding of Zhongli mostly came from doing quests with the Traveler.

She herself knew a little, not much, but it was all "core" secrets.

For example, Zhong Li likes perfume, and she used to play older sister roles...

Paimon's voice wasn't loud, but it wasn't quiet either.

The three of them were alone in the quiet private room.

It's hard not to hear "Xue Qinghe".

"Don't you want to become a god?"

If it were someone else who said it, Xue Qinghe would probably have mocked them on the spot, saying, "You bunch of ugly and deformed people, what do you mean you don't want to become gods? You can't become gods, can you?!"

If you don't want to become a god, why are you pretending like this?

But these words were directed at none other than the Rock King Emperor, Zhongli!

This being who can suppress several gods with one hand, doesn't he want to become a god?

Xue Qinghe was stunned, somewhat at a loss, somewhat confused, his mouth slightly open, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.

Shouldn't becoming a god be the goal of every strong person?

Her grandfather, she... that woman, didn't they all aim for this?

Why, why would someone not want to become a god?

Could this be the reason why Zhongli revealed the true nature of the Vast Ocean Universe Cover?

Let her know what the Vast Ocean Universe Cover is, so that she will take it back on her own initiative...

If Zhongli didn't want to become a god, how did he eventually become one?

"In this world, demons and gods rise together. Though I have no intention of vying for supremacy, I am aware of the suffering of the common people..."

These words suddenly echoed in Xue Qinghe's mind, and she seemed to understand and grasp some key points.

Zhongli did not actually aspire to become a god; however, due to the war between several countries and the war between several gods, the people were suffering and lives were being lost.

The people desperately wished for someone to end this great war...

The convergence of those streams of faith allowed Zhong Li, the most likely candidate to become a god, to become a god on the spot!

Becoming a god through faith—this is the path that the former angelic god took, and it works.

Those who don't want to become gods become those powerful gods; those who want to become gods, however...

With a myriad of thoughts swirling in his mind, Xue Qinghe had to come back to his senses. There were some things he could think about slowly when he got back, and he couldn't neglect this guest.

"Little Paimon, regardless of whether Mr. Zhongli is willing to become a god, once the Heart of the Sea God has been given away, there is naturally no reason to take it back."

"Please accept this, Mr. Zhongli!"

Snowy Night: Qinghe, Qinghe, did you ask for my permission before you said that?

If it were really Xue Qinghe, he would have already taken the Heart of the Sea God back to the palace by now. If he were even a second slower, he would be afraid that the Heart of the Sea God would be stolen.

However, this is not the real Xue Qinghe.

She doesn't care about the Sea God's legacy, because she has her own.

If that dream was a past life, she must surpass it in this life; at the very least, she won't be instantly killed by Zhongli's divine skill...

Zhongli glanced at Xue Qinghe, and for some reason, he felt that Xue Qinghe was a little strange, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

The fear in her eyes was unmistakable, especially before he revealed his strength, or rather, when they first met.

Furthermore, regarding the Heart of the Sea God, he clearly stated that it was the Sea God's inheritance, yet Xue Qinghe still gave it to him without hesitation.

Why is this?

Based on the timeline, Xue Qinghe at this point was unaware of the Angel God's inheritance.

Even if she knew about her ancestors' legacy, wouldn't it be better to bring the Heart of the Sea God back to the Spirit Hall and give the Spirit Hall another deity?

Somewhat puzzled as to why "Xue Qinghe" would act this way, Zhongli finally accepted the Heart of the Sea God after a long while.

The three chatted for a while longer before Xue Qinghe, having some matters to attend to, left.

"Being the Crown Prince must be tough; there are so many things to deal with."

Paimon watched Xue Qinghe's retreating figure and muttered to himself.

"It's my duty. Sitting in that position means I have to consider the issues that come with it."

"Since you've chosen to sit on it, you should be prepared to accept the consequences."

"Zhongli, you've said so much, my head is spinning! Can't you be more concise?"

Paimon held his head, looking somewhat uncomfortable, and said...

Zhongli glanced sideways at the little guy, smiled helplessly, and said, "If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight."

"I see!"

"Zhongli, is this why you stepped down from your divine position?"

"You don't want to bear that weight..."

That's not the reason.

Before Paimon could finish speaking, Zhong Li interrupted her, saying, "Under my protection and that of the immortals, how many years has Liyue endured?"

Children will eventually grow up.

Even the hardest rock will sometimes feel tired...

"Liyue will be Liyue of the Liyue people. I, who have abdicated my divine position..."

"After all this talk, wear and tear has finally forced you to step down from your divine position, hasn't it?"

Zhong Li: "..."

"right."

What else could he say?

If it weren't for the wear and tear, he wouldn't have gone to the Dark Outer Sea, nor would he have accidentally traveled through time with Paimon.

"Let's go, Paimon."

"I'll take you to the Star Dou Great Forest in a couple of days, but you have to promise me one thing."

Upon hearing this, Paimon's interest was immediately piqued, and his eyes widened in surprise!

Is this the start of a journey?

Very good!

"What are your conditions? As long as you don't refuse to eat, Paimon will agree to anything!"

"Speak less."

"???"

"Why? As a guide, what would you know if I didn't speak?"

Paimon said instinctively.

"Is this Teyvat?"

"Oh right, this is Douluo Continent. You seem to know more about it than I do."

"But why should I talk less?"

Zhong Li remained silent for a long while before finally saying, "You'll find out when the time comes."

"All right."

Paimon was a little disappointed. In the past, travelers would never say such things, telling her to talk less!

She basically did all the talking; some people even called her an external organ, the mouth of God.

Bah! What a devil's mouth!

Paimon is Paimon!

"Um, Mr. Zhongli, look at this bill..."

Just then, the shop owner walked over and said with an embarrassed look on his face.

Yesterday, these three people set a precedent by hanging the bills on the Crown Prince's residence, thus incurring a debt on credit.

Today, are they going to put the bill on hold again?

Don't tell me, really don't tell me.

Zhongli took out Ning Fengzhi's token, handed it to the shop owner, and said, "Just send the bill to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."

The shop owner glanced at the token, then at Zhongli, his eye twitching slightly, a numbness creeping over him…

(End of this chapter)