He changed Tiwat

When it comes to the history of Liyue, a time traveler like him couldn't possibly know it better than Zhongli, who is a "living history" of Liyue. What help would it be to ask him to come along?

Moreover, it was already quite bizarre that Zhong Lihui and these three "archaeologists" appeared on the Pearl-Inlaid Boat.

Based on what Han Fulai just saw, the "Pearl-Inlaid Boat" wasn't exactly a suitable place for tea and conversation. How could these few people, whose historical research skills were comparable to those in "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," be allowed on this "Pearl-Inlaid Boat"? Who invited them aboard?

Furthermore, if you want to discuss historical topics, why not go to "Yanshang Tea House"? Why not "Three Bowls Before Crossing the Harbour"? Why not "Wanmin Hall"? Who goes to a brothel to conduct archaeological research? No matter how serious your topic is, people will still think you're being inappropriate!

Furthermore, if Wanyan's identity is the same as in the story... then there's probably more to this than meets the eye.

Han Fulai stared at Wanyan, his mind already carefully recalling the plot he knew, and considering it in light of what was happening in Liyue.

Wan Yan naturally had no idea what Han Fulai was thinking. She simply lowered her head and considered for a while before nodding generously in agreement: "In that case, please come along with me."

The three of them walked from the bow to the stern of the ship and found a quiet spot to stand.

“What I’m about to say is a bit disrespectful to the Rock God and will likely draw a lot of disapproving looks, so… it’s better to go somewhere quiet.” Wanyan adjusted her glasses and said hesitantly, “Just now I saw Mr. Zhongli speak with remarkable eloquence and clear thinking. Most importantly, he didn’t easily believe boasts or exaggerations; he was very objective…”

Seeing that Wan Yan was still stacking armor, Han Fulai was already getting impatient.

"Please rest assured, Miss Wanyan, no one here will make things difficult for you because of your words."

After all, standing in front of Wanyan are Hei, the number one emperor of Liyue, and the working class who are exploited by the emperor.

Wan Yan pursed her lips somewhat shyly, "Then, I'd like to ask you two a question, which might yield a different answer than that of ordinary scholars... Mr. Zhongli, do you think that all the demons killed by the Rock God were evil?"

Han Fulai remained silent. The war between demons and gods was not a dinner party... For a modern person who had transmigrated from another era, it was ridiculous to concern himself with the good and evil of the opponents in the war. He was afraid that if he spoke, he would be unable to help but make sarcastic remarks.

Zhongli pondered for a moment before replying, "...Let's set aside good and evil for now. The Rock King Emperor respects 'contracts,' so the demon god who died at his hands must have broken some kind of 'contract.'"

Zhongli's answer clearly did not satisfy Wanyan.

“However, during my archaeological work, I learned some legends about the ‘Salt Demon God.’ The ‘Salt Demon God’ Heuria… she was a kind demon god…” At this point, a hint of resentment appeared on Wanyan’s face, “but she was still assassinated by Morax… by Morax in a dishonorable way… during the Demon God War!”

"This... is indeed a long story."

Zhongli remained silent for a while, looking somewhat troubled.

"The truth of the story may not be what you want to know."

Wan Yan said anxiously, "It's alright, please tell me everything you know about history! I've been investigating this matter for a long time!"

Just then, a voice suddenly appeared from behind the three of them: "Oh, here it is! Mr. Zhongli! Oh dear, I've been looking for you for so long, I didn't expect to find you here."

A young blond man dressed in the attire of the Winter Kingdom emerged from around the corner, his black outer robe embroidered with a familiar four-leaf clover pattern.

They are a bunch of fools!

Han Fulai stared at the newcomer, his expression slightly stern, making no attempt to conceal the hostility in his eyes. Given the many grudges he had against the Fools, he believed that the other party wouldn't approach him unprepared.

The member of the Fools' Clique wasn't particularly reserved, and immediately began introducing himself enthusiastically: "I'm Clement, an archaeological researcher from Winter's End. Mr. Zhongli, we've met before. And this gentleman next to me is... isn't he Deputy Minister Han?"

Fools? Archaeology? Is it something as ancient as the Qingxupu Ruins?

Han Fulai revealed a cold smile, "What kind of tricks are you Fools up to now?"

"Yes, yes, I've already reported this to the Liyue General Affairs Department. If Deputy Minister Han wants to see it, I have the official permission documents here. I will be conducting archaeological exploration in Liyue for a period of time, and all exploration results will be shared with the authorities."

Clement quickly pulled an archaeological exploration certificate from his pocket and handed it to Han Fulai. Han Fulai examined it carefully twice and confirmed that the official seal on it was genuine.

The conflict between Winter Country and Liyue is currently all behind the scenes. Since the other party has followed the proper procedures, it's not appropriate for him, as a civil servant, to make trouble.

Seeing Han Fulai's expression soften, Clement quickly tried to establish a connection: "Mr. Zhongli, a guest elder of the Hall of Rebirth, is learned and knowledgeable, and is said to have a deep understanding of the history of Liyue. So I specially paid a large sum of money to the Hall of Rebirth to hire him as my consultant."

"Actually, including Miss Wanyan, those archaeologists were all invited to the 'Pearl Pavilion' by me. I originally wanted to form an archaeological team... but after listening to their conversations, I think Mr. Zhongli's knowledge is the best among them, and the others are not good enough compared to Mr. Zhongli."

He didn't give Miss Wanyan any face at all; as expected, the client dared to speak their mind… Han Fulai thought to himself. But this did explain why these archaeologists had come to the ship for an academic discussion; it turned out to be an interview with the client.

Zhongli nodded in agreement, confirming Clement's statement.

“This Mr. Clement was sitting nearby just now…and I did hear the Master mention this work.”

"So, Mr. Zhongli wants to take on this job?" Han Fulai asked tentatively.

“Since it’s work, there’s no way around it. As a guest of the Hall of Rebirth, one must respect this status.” Zhongli’s face clearly showed his respect for the contract.

"He is indeed a reasonable person! Let's set off now!" Clement was overjoyed and invited Zhongli to accompany him.

"Wait! Although I'm still a bit inexperienced, I'm sure I can help with the archaeological work! Please take me with you, I have a lot of things I'd like to ask Mr. Zhongli for advice!" Wanyan quickly volunteered to Zhongli.

After all, Clement did not choose her, but he needed Zhongli's help. If Zhongli was willing to take her along, Clement would probably not refuse.

Zhong Li was still considering when Han Fulai interjected, "Mr. Zhong Li, why don't you bring Miss Wanyan along? You can continue our conversation on the way."

"Oh? Young friend Han is also interested in this matter?" Zhong Li seemed somewhat surprised.

"After all, when I first met Mr. Zhongli, I exchanged a story for a bowl of wine at your place. As the saying goes, a chance encounter is worse than a planned meeting. Since we've met, it must be fate, right?" Han Fu glanced at Clement, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

Given his status, he naturally couldn't accept such adventurous quests and wander around like a traveler. However, his purpose in coming to the "Pearl-Patterned Boat" was to make an investigative gesture to force the Rouran to take action... Investigating the Fatui on the "Pearl-Patterned Boat" would attract more attention than investigating a Liyue merchant like Guan Hong. Besides, following Clement, perhaps they could actually uncover something?

Clement delivered himself to Han Fulai's doorstep, so there was no reason for Han to refuse.

Zhongli nodded and said, "Then young friend Han, why don't you join us? The stories before the establishment of the Seven Gods system... Although the Demon God has passed away, I think broadening your horizons will ultimately be helpful to you."

At this moment, Clement shouted, "Wait! This is an archaeological team, not a sightseeing tour! I only need archaeologists!"

Han Fulai's reputation was notorious among the Fools. Even a low-ranking member like Clement had Han Fulai on his list of people to be wary of. He had thought that having the General Affairs Department's credentials would be enough to get rid of Han Fulai, but he hadn't expected him to stick around so much, so he quickly refused.

Han Fulai looked at Zhongli with a smile.

According to the storyline he knew, Zhongli brought the Traveler along in the game because he valued the Traveler's ability to find treasure. But he didn't possess the special ability to "not miss a single treasure chest in sight." Besides, in the real world of Teyvat, there weren't that many bored people burying treasure chests everywhere...

He was curious about what reason Zhongli would use to bring him along.

Zhongli then introduced to Clement with a serious expression: "As you know, this Mr. Han is the Executive Vice Minister of Yuehaiting. If you displease him, he can suggest to Qixing that your archaeological exploration qualification be revoked. So I advise you not to stop him. In addition... I also suggest that you reimburse his full travel expenses."

Han Fulai, with a straight face, cooperated with Zhong Li's words, putting mental pressure on Clement, while inwardly complaining to Zhong Li: Hey! Don't make it sound like I'm abusing my power to extort bribes!

Chapter 74 The Power of the Liyue Martial God [4k]

Clearly, when Zhongli invoked Han Fulai's position to "bully" him, Clement had no choice but to comply.

Thus, this four-person "archaeological team," each with their own ulterior motives, was formed on the "Pearl-Inlaid Boat," with Clement as the financier, Zhongli as the team leader, and Wanyan and Han Fulai as team members. As per Clement's request, their first stop was the Lonely Cloud Pavilion.

As is widely known, a large number of ancient demon gods are sealed within Guyun Pavilion. The demon god Ocel and his wife Báche, who previously invaded Liyue Harbor, were both released from the seal within Guyun Pavilion.

According to Clement, Lonely Cloud Pavilion must be the easiest place to find the remains of a demon god. Antiques, traces, or even just a fragment of a demon god's limbs would be even better... In short, these things are of great archaeological value to Clement, or rather, extremely valuable.

Lonely Cloud Pavilion is quite a distance from Liyue Harbor, and it took the group a considerable amount of time to reach it.

Clement was in high spirits all the way, expecting to gain something from Lonely Cloud Pavilion, but after actually seeing Lonely Cloud Pavilion, Clement clearly showed a very disappointed expression.

"Hmm, this place looks so ordinary... Is it really possible to find anything of value here?"

"Oh? I didn't expect that the Lonely Cloud Pavilion, formed by the Emperor's divine power, is nothing to you... The Fools are quite arrogant, aren't they?" Han Fulai deliberately taunted him.

"Ah... hahaha, I didn't mean the scenery." Clement grinned awkwardly, his two pale eyebrows drooping noticeably. Having Han Fulai with him already made him feel like he was being watched, making him extremely uncomfortable, but he didn't expect that even his words would be criticized.

"What I was trying to say was that since a great war had taken place, there should be some unusual things, like war relics or treasures washed ashore by the waves... But now, alas, I don't even know where to begin looking."

In his eyes, Guyun Pavilion was nothing but rock pillars and sand, and there was really nothing of value to be seen.

Even if Ba Che manipulated the waves to bring out some treasures from the sea during the previous battle, they would have been looted by Ke Qing and Gan Yu, who commanded the Thousand Rock Army soldiers on the Gu Yun Pavilion's position. How could it be Clement's turn?

Zhongli then spoke up, “Guyun Pavilion is an excellent place to study the history of the Demon God or the War of the Demon God. The island you are standing on now, as well as the towering rocks you see on the sea, are all formed from the rock spears that the Emperor threw down to suppress the Demon God. Those rock spears have undergone long years of weathering, eventually forming the unique landscape of Guyun Pavilion.”

As the advisor to this archaeological team, Zhongli diligently served as their guide. After all, Clement had paid the Hall of Rebirth, and according to Zhongli's principles, once a contract was signed, he had to live up to it.

"Hey, so that means these stone pillars are all relics of the demon god? If we knock these stones down and take them away, are they worth anything?" Clement's eyes gleamed.

“Hmm, back then, it might have been very valuable.” Zhongli answered quite seriously. “Legend has it that the famous Thousand Rock Spears of Liyue were made from the rock spears thrown by the Emperor… However, after more than three thousand years, the elemental power in these rock spears has long since dissipated, and they are just ordinary stones.”

“That’s still worthless…” Clement shook his head.

"This Clement is so clueless..." Han Fulai shook his head. The retired high-ranking leader was reminiscing about the past, pointing out the landscape to his entourage, "See this Lonely Cloud Pavilion? I casually tossed it out when I was young," and you're concerned about whether the rock spear is worth anything?

At this point, it's up to him, the secretary, to play the straight man for the boss.

Han Fulai cleared his throat and recited two lines of poetry: "There is a poem in Liyue that praises: 'The towering green cliffs reach the sky, a single spear leaves behind a powerful force.' You people of Zhidong probably cannot understand the power of the Liyue War God back then."

These are lines from a poem by Zhao Yi of the Qing Dynasty, which recounts the achievements of Zhuge Liang, the Prime Minister of Shu, in subduing the southern barbarians. Using them to praise the Lonely Cloud Pavilion, where the Rock King Emperor suppressed the demon god, is quite fitting.

Although Clement couldn't understand poetry, he knew that Han Fulai was implying that he was ignorant and couldn't refute it, so he could only shrug helplessly.

Zhongli smiled slightly and said, "What remains before us now is only the tip of the iceberg. The number and size of the rock spears that the Emperor threw back then far exceeded this. However, due to their different angles and the fact that the pillars were too huge, many of them sank to the bottom of the sea due to seawater erosion or gravity. Recalling the past is truly moving."

...So, if I don't brag enough, you have to specifically remind me that you were even stronger back then, right? Han Fulai's lips twitched.

Clement's eyes darted around, and he thought of something else: "Then... a demon god who can contend with such exaggerated power must be very strong, right?"

“Yes. If it weren’t strong, the Emperor wouldn’t need to take action personally.” Zhongli nodded without any pretense. “That’s the research value of the Lonely Cloud Pavilion.”

"Such a powerful demon god must have left behind quite a few things, right?" Clement asked expectantly.

Zhongli stroked his chin. "Most objects related to that period of history sank to the deep sea... but Ausel and Bach stirred up a massive wave, giving these things a chance to see the light of day again. Perhaps..."

“Great! We’re sure to get a lot this time, so I can relax. Hehe, since we have so many people, let’s split up and search for the Demon God’s relics. That’ll be more efficient.” Clement scratched his head and grinned like a member of a treasure-hunting crew who had just discovered a treasure.

“Well then, I’ll travel with my friend.” Zhongli said, glancing at Wanyan, who had been silent since earlier. “Miss Wanyan, you can go with Mr. Clement. Although I have some knowledge of miscellaneous subjects, I won’t embarrass myself in front of professional archaeologists.”

"Huh? Me? Me?" Wan Yan was surprised when Zhong Li assigned her a task, just like a student who was daydreaming in class and was called on by the teacher to answer a question.

"What's wrong? This isn't your job, is it necessary to be so surprised?" Clement glared at Wanyan with annoyance.

Wan Yan knew she couldn't refuse now, so she pursed her lips and agreed.

The two groups agreed to meet again at this place after a certain period of time, and then began to search separately for the so-called "relics of the demon god".

Having finally gotten a chance to be alone with Zhongli, Han Fulai naturally couldn't let it slip by. He selected the key points and told Zhongli everything from the Battle of Ba Che to the forgery of Mora. He also explained in detail Zhiyi's undercover plan and the methods to deal with the forgery of Mora. Basically, apart from his emotional entanglement with Ningguang, he was very open and honest.

Zhongli listened attentively to his report, but remained silent throughout.

Han Fulai couldn't help but wonder. Leaving aside Liyue's current national policy, which was already a fait accompli, Ningguang's plot to seize the Qingxu Ruins, Pantarone's forgery of Mora, and even the possibility of the Liyue Seven Stars' betrayal—these were not matters that could be easily dismissed. Did Zhongli have absolutely no thoughts on this?

It's so annoying when you give a report to a high-ranking leader and then they don't give you any specific instructions, just a simple "read" and that's it!

Based on Han Fulai's previous work experience, this usually means he wants you to take the blame.

If you do well, it means your leader lets you go ahead and does it all thanks to their wise decision to recognize and appoint capable people; if you mess up, your leader can say that they never gave you specific instructions, and that you acted without consulting your superiors and should bear full responsibility.

He finally couldn't help but ask, "What should we do next? Please give me some instructions, Mr. Zhongli."

Zhongli remained unmoved.

"As the leader of the archaeological team, my instruction is that we should find a demon artifact to give to the funders."

"Hey! You've really retired? You're not going to care about anything anymore?" Han Fulai roared inwardly.

As if seeing through Han Fulai's thoughts, Zhongli patted Han Fulai on the shoulder: "You handled things very well while I was away from Liyue Harbor. I believe you can handle it well in the future as well."

He paused, then added, "...Moreover, in my opinion, the current situation is quite fair."

"Fairness"? What does Zhongli mean? Does he mean that if he interferes, it will be unfair to someone?

Who is it fair to? To Pantalone? To the seven stars including Phecda? Or to... Ningguang?

Han Fulai's mind was a jumble of thoughts, a jumble of ideas flashing through his mind.

Zhongli smiled and said, "Time is running out. We should act now. If we go to meet him empty-handed, Mr. Clement will probably be unhappy."

"Alright, then please have Mr. Zhongli lead the team." Han Fulai nodded helplessly. There was nothing he could do if Zhongli didn't want to say.

“Demons and gods all possess powerful elemental forces, and their creations usually also contain immense elemental power. Therefore, using elemental vision to find elemental traces can often be twice as effective. Young friend Han, come with me.” Zhongli’s golden eyes shone brightly, clearly indicating that he had already activated his elemental vision.

After running with Zhongli for a while, they soon arrived at a corner of the Lonely Cloud Pavilion beach. There were clusters of dark blue creatures there, some resembling cranes, some wild boars, and others crabs, all gathered together, circling around something.

Han Fulai recognized those things at a glance—before he got Gan Yu, these things were the nightmare of Genshin Impact players—the shapeshifting beasts of the Pure Water Spirit!

Of course, these shapeshifting beasts are not exclusive to water sprites; many water-type magical beasts seem to possess similar tricks.

But why are these things here?

“Mr. Zhongli, what is this…?” Han Fulai asked hesitantly.

“Because Guyun Pavilion was originally the place to suppress demons, the remnants of demons still affect this place, so it is particularly easy for demons to gather here. The Great Sage Who Subdues Demons often travels between Dihua Island and Guyun Pavilion to subdue demons. It seems that we have stumbled upon a fish that escaped the net today.” Zhongli’s tone was not without emotion.

"The reason these aquatic shapeshifters are here is probably because of that thing among them. It seems to be a relic of a demon god washed ashore by the waves, and it's very attractive to them... Let's go closer and take a look."

However, as soon as the two took a few steps closer, the shapeshifting beasts became alert and assumed an attack stance towards them.

Although Han Fulai is currently in a state where it is inconvenient to use force, he is not flustered at all. He can summon the Liyue Martial God of Guyun Pavilion to his side with a wave of his hand. Of course, he will ask the invincible Liyue Martial God to think of a solution!

As if responding to his thoughts, the invincible Liyue War God stepped forward to block him.

"Heh, although I don't like aquatic creatures... but with a 'contract' in place, I have to put aside my personal likes and dislikes. Let's defeat them and retrieve the demon god's relics; it'll be good for stretching my muscles."

Zhongli's Divine Eye flashed behind his waist, and a long spear was already in his hand.

Zhongli's eyes narrowed, his spear pointed directly at the shapeshifting beasts, and he exuded an invisible pressure that seemed to shake the mountains!