He changed Tiwat

Golden celestial power and black evil mist waxed and waned.

Sparks flew and salt grains scattered.

The flames went out and then reignited; the salt dragon scattered and then gathered again.

The stalemate lasted only a moment before the white salt dragon devoured the fiery red meteor.

The blade falls, the shadows separate, and the emperor's pride reappears in the mortal world!

As the black mist dissipated, only a gray-white statue encased in salt remained in the air, which then crashed to the ground under the pull of gravity.

If it weren't for the layer of salt on the ground cushioning the impact, this blow would have likely shattered Clement into pieces.

Han Fulai put his gun behind his back and stood proudly upright.

Liyue, a land of a thousand miles, boasts the nine-layered gates of the Jade Capital. Without witnessing the grandeur of the imperial palace perched atop the cliffs, how can one know the majesty of the Emperor!

Chapter 83 The Salt God's Believer with a Powdered Flavor [4k]

The battle between Han Fulai and Clement was so fierce that it felt like the earth was about to collapse. If it weren't for the Jade Shield protecting them, the place where the Salt God's priest was located would probably be a ruin by now.

Even so, Wanyan, who was watching closely, kept hiding behind Zhongli, afraid that the aftershocks of their battle would affect her.

She also found Clement annoying, but she never expected that the annoying Winterborn would have such terrifying strength, and that he was full of evil energy as if he were a madman.

She knew Han Fulai was strong, but she hadn't expected him to be this strong. The white salt dragon even reminded her of the "Salt Demon God" she worshipped.

When the fire meteor collided with the salt dragon, the entire ground trembled, and Wan Yan was so frightened that she crouched on the ground, trembling.

Just how many hidden talents are in this "archaeological team"? She originally thought she was the only special person with a secret, but now it seems that she is probably the most ordinary person in this "archaeological team".

It wasn't until Clement's "statue" fell to the ground that Wan Yan belatedly felt a sense of lingering fear—she had been arguing with this terrifying debt collector from the Fools the whole way, and if she had actually accepted the salt ruler that Zhongli handed her, would Clement have cut off her wrist?

Furthermore, given her disrespect towards the Rock King Emperor along the way, would Han Fulai, this "successor of the Emperor," seek revenge and turn her into a "statue" as well? Don't be fooled by Vice Minister Han's amiable demeanor... when it comes to actually fighting, he shows absolutely no mercy! Wan Yan had no doubt that this Vice Minister Han could kill with a smile.

The only person she could rely on was Mr. Zhongli, who seemed the calmest among them. He was not only erudite and talented, but also upright and peaceful. Most importantly, she felt very safe around him.

Thinking of this, Wanyan took a few more steps closer to Zhongli.

This was actually Han Fulai's attempt to imitate the emperor's aura; in online terms, it's called "overbearing charisma."

Wan Yan, being an ordinary person, was naturally intimidated by him.

Seeing that the dust had settled, Zhongli handed the salt ruler to Wanyan. Wanyan trembled slightly as she clutched the divine artifact tightly to her chest, her expression complex.

Zhongli clapped lightly and walked towards Han Fulai, saying as he went, "Young friend Han truly lives up to his reputation as the 'successor of the Emperor'."

Clearly, Han Fulai's two moves just now did not tarnish the reputation of the Emperor's successor.

Han Fulai maintained his imposing and proud stance, holding his spear, and nodded slightly to Zhongli. His clash with Clement had already depleted most of his immortal power; he hadn't even caught his breath yet, and he couldn't maintain his composed demeanor.

However, after using the Emperor's immortal power again in the battle against Ba Che, Han Fulai felt he had gained another layer of understanding, and his control over the immortal power became more fluid and skillful. In a way, this could be considered a case of practice makes perfect. He was thinking that he should find more opportunities to practice his combat techniques using immortal power in the future, since even mages have skill proficiency levels.

Zhongli stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder to encourage him, and whispered, "Stop posing, hurry up and untie it. Otherwise, Clement will suffocate."

"Oh." Han Fulai knew it was time to wrap things up, and his momentum immediately weakened.

He retrieved the black-tasseled spear into the Eye of the Blank God, turned around, gathered his immortal power, and slapped the "statue" Clement on the head.

A flash of golden light, and the salt layer surrounding Clement fell away in a rustling sound, like rocks crumbling apart.

Wan Yan, unaware of the situation, thought Han Fulai had shattered Clement with a single palm strike and cried out in surprise.

Fortunately, Clement coughed up the salt in his mouth and recovered quickly, preventing Wan Yan's fright level from increasing further.

When he was enveloped in the salt layer, Clement truly experienced a "death experience".

Unable to breathe, unable to move, with complete darkness in my vision, only my mind was still barely functioning, experiencing the slow, suffocating terror.

His fate can be summed up in two words—buried alive!

Even though he was a trained and fearless elite of the Fools, seeing the light again now filled him with a sense of relief, as if he had survived a catastrophe, and he couldn't help but burst into tears.

Of course, his tears weren't just from relief; half of them were from pain. The wound on his left shoulder was currently causing him excruciating, bone-chilling pain.

Clement was curled up and rolling on the ground, his head covered in cold sweat. After the Evil Eye's effects wore off, all the pain he had been suppressing returned to his body. Even his short blond hair had visibly turned gray. Clement could only mumble, unable to utter a complete sentence.

He had already endured the pain of the high temperature and the bleeding by relying on his body enhanced by the Evil Eye, and now the wound was even covered in salt...

Clement experienced firsthand the Liyue proverb, "rubbing salt into a wound."

Zhongli showed no pity. He stepped past Clement and retrieved the salt cup that had originally been given to Clement from the stone table. Then he forcibly pulled Clement up from the ground and took the antique bronze wine cup from Clement's pocket.

"You have lost the right to move forward. Leave. I will confiscate your gains."

Clement's eyes were bloodshot, still burning with hatred. He clenched his teeth, as if he wanted to say something, but the pain prevented him from opening his mouth, or rather, he would cry out in pain if he did.

"Wait a minute, he can't just leave like this."

Han Fulai delivered the finishing blow to Clement at the opportune moment.

“Mr. Clement, you just attempted to rob Mr. Zhongli and Ms. Wanyan. Fortunately, I stopped you, and your crime was limited to attempted robbery. However, you also attacked me with murderous intent, which violates the laws of Liyue: assault on a public official and attempted murder. My counterattack was self-defense. According to the law, I should now take you to the General Affairs Department for trial…”

Clement glared at Han Fulai, realizing he had fallen into the man's trap and was now powerless to resist, completely at his mercy. He had made up his mind that even if Han Fulai was thrown into the General Affairs Department's prison and severely tortured, he would never betray the secrets of the Fools!

At this moment, Han Fulai changed the subject, saying, "However, considering that you are the funder of the archaeological team and have indeed made a financial contribution to this archaeological activity, although you were tempted by the treasure, you have learned your lesson, the stolen goods have been confiscated, and no serious consequences have occurred. Mr. Zhongli is magnanimous and has let you go. I am also willing to give Mr. Zhongli face, so why don't you quickly thank Mr. Zhongli?"

Clement remained silent, his neck stiff, unwilling to back down, still wondering what Han Fulai was up to.

Han Fulai smiled and said, "As for your gains today, consider it my reward. If you have no objections, please remain silent about what happened today, and I will not pursue the matter. But if you have any objections, you can speak up now. I would like to remind you... you have the right to remain silent, but everything you say can be used against you in court."

...This guy really is trying to double-cross someone!

He was an archaeological researcher at Zhidong Archaeology Research Institute, so Han Fulai couldn't easily kill him—but Han Fulai had also become interested in the treasure, so he was blackmailing him into handing it over voluntarily and keeping it a secret? Clement gritted his teeth, knowing he couldn't take the demon god's relics back. But as long as he lived, he could still bring back intelligence!

Clement silently recited "For the sake of the Executive Officer" in his heart, and bowed to Han Fulai with all his might, and then bowed to Zhongli in the same way, as a promise of compromise.

Then he turned around and stumbled his way toward the exit of the ruins.

He was to bring back what had happened today to the Fatui embassy and have his colleagues tell his superior, the executor who had sent him to Liyue to collect "Demonic Remnants"—the second seat of the Fatui executors, "The Doctor."

Han Fulai squinted at Clement's dejected figure. The Fools would soon know what had happened today, and his purpose in going to the "Pearl-Inlaid Boat" would be achieved.

Now, let's see how our opponents respond.

Of course, Han Fulai will patiently wait, like an angler, for the fish to test the waters and eventually take the bait.

Zhongli sighed softly and said, "Clement's mistake lay in greed. But beyond greed, there are many other temptations that make one want to break the contract. Faced with 'desired things,' how many people can truly restrain their desires and abide by the contract..."

Han Fulai frowned slightly. Judging from Zhongli's words, it seemed that Clement was not greedy for the salt ruler, and he was really prepared to give the salt cup to Clement.

Although Zhongli said this after Clement had already committed the robbery, which might seem like hindsight, if Zhongli really didn't mind giving the salt cup to Clement, then it would mean...

As Han Fulai lowered his head in thought, Zhong Li coughed lightly, turned to Wan Yan who had been standing silently to the side, and said, "Why don't we take this opportunity to make things clear, Miss Wan Yan?"

"Huh? What does Mr. Zhongli want to say?" Wanyan's eyes widened.

Zhongli's expression was serious: "This temporary 'archaeological team' isn't really here for archaeology. Ms. Wanyan, you lack even the most basic archaeological knowledge, are practically a layman when it comes to Liyue's history and geography, and don't recognize many artifacts. But you are exceptionally knowledgeable about the 'Salt Demon.' Compared to archaeology and artifacts, the 'Salt Demon' itself is probably more interesting to you, isn't it?"

"I...I just..." Wan Yan was suddenly exposed by Zhong Li, "the only person in the archaeological team she could trust," and was momentarily bewildered. She couldn't think of a way to cover it up and was speechless.

Zhong Li shook his head. "Ms. Wan Yan, there's no need to explain. As far as I know, those legends about the 'Salt Demon God' that you mentioned at the 'Pearl Pavilion' are most prevalent in the 'Silver Plain Hall'..."

Wanyan hugged the salt ruler tightly, and after a moment, as if she had made up her mind, she spoke: "...Mr. Zhongli, you are indeed very knowledgeable. It seems that I made the right choice to ask you a question. —That's right, I am not an archaeologist. I come from one of the 'Seven Stars and Eight Gates' of Liyue, the 'Silver Plains Hall' which is in charge of the salt industry. Our ancestors were people who were protected by the 'Salt God' during the suffering period when the Demon God War swept across the continent."

As Wan Yan spoke, she glanced at Han Fulai, wondering what Han, the second-in-command of the Liyue civil servants, would think of her.

Han Fulai's calm expression told her that her identity and purpose had already been exposed.

"So you all already noticed..." Wan Yan smiled bitterly. Since that's the case, it would be better to just be honest and tell him the truth. At least Mr. Zhongli would be on her side, right?

Wan Yan took a deep breath.

“During the war, Morax assassinated our god! He was jealous of the power of the ‘Salt Demon God’ and made us homeless! I…we hate him!”

It's clear that Wanyan truly meant it.

Han Fulai shook his head and said, "Miss Wanyan, history is not like that. I think that even if the Rock Lord, as the God of War of Liyue, really wanted to kill the 'Salt Demon God,' he would not need to use assassination."

"Hmph, you're Morax's successor, of course you'll speak up for him! I know Liyue is Morax's Liyue, history is just a little girl to him to dress up as he pleases!" Wanyan said angrily.

Sigh... You Salt God believers are just like "Apple fans," even your rhetoric is the same. Are you going to say next that Heureia annihilated a hundred million enemies and seized control of the "Salt of the Earth"? Han Fulai thought of the historical nihilists he had met on the internet before and couldn't help but sigh.

Wan Yan ignored Han Fulai and turned to Zhong Li, saying, "I want to prove it! Morax is also guilty! His hands are stained with blood, and he has a cruel, ruthless, insidious, and vicious side!"

"..." Zhong Li, who is usually eloquent, fell silent for once.

Seeing Zhongli's reaction, Wanyan felt she was in the right and pressed her advantage: "Mr. Zhongli, you promised me you would face the truth and help me spread it! You must make a fair judgment on this matter!"

“That’s natural. Besides, Liyue is no longer the Liyue of Morax.” Zhongli nodded gently and said, “Come with me, all the answers lie ahead.”

Zhongli was pointing to the inside of the room, where a corridor connected to rooms further inside.

The three walked along the corridor for a short while before they came to a rather spacious room. Compared to the outside, the "statues" inside were mostly dressed in more exquisite clothing, and some of them even had jewel-shaped ornaments. These people were probably "nobles" among the salt god's followers.

However, Wanyan paid no attention to these statues, because her gaze was drawn to the "relics of the demon god" in the room.

On the stone table, identical to the previous two rooms, sat a knife rack with two sword blades enshrined on it.

This is what remains of a sword that broke in two. Although the hilt has decayed over the long years, the blade still exists.

What's particularly unusual is that the two broken blades are covered with a layer of white salt crust, making them look as if they were covered by a layer of salt.

Wanyan excitedly ran forward and shouted, "I found the evidence! The sword is enshrined here, proving that it is a relic of the 'Salt Demon God,' and the salt on the sword is the power of the Salt God! The broken sword means that the 'Salt Demon God' once rebelled, but could not withstand Morax's ruthless attack! Compared to the salt cup and salt ruler, the power of this salt sword must far exceed theirs!"

As she spoke, she reached for the broken sword, "If I can take this sword back to the Silver Plains Hall for repair, I can demonstrate the Salt God's former power to others!"

At this moment, Zhong Li spoke up to stop her: "Miss Wanyan, please stop."

Chapter 84 Not a Single Gun Can Be Handed Over [4k]

Upon hearing Zhongli's voice, Wanyan paused, her outstretched hand awkwardly hanging in mid-air.

She turned around in confusion and asked, "Why did Mr. Zhongli stop me?"

“Because of the contract,” Zhongli said in a deep voice. “From an archaeological perspective, the two broken swords are two artifacts. According to the contract of ‘taking items in sequence, one at a time,’ you can only take one of them.”

"Why...why?" Wanyan was stunned. "Although it's supposed to be a sequential process, Clement has already..."

“Yes, but the ‘one at a time’ rule still applies. You can’t take two artifacts at the same time,” Zhongli replied.

Han Fulai remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was secretly amused. Zhongli's seemingly unreasonable argument was actually reasonable according to the contract he had drawn up, because these terms were defined by Zhongli.

This is similar to the agreement that modern people accept when registering a game account with a game company, which is a completely unequal contract—for example, the player's game account belongs to the game company, while the player only has the right to use the account.

If Wan Yan doesn't accept the contract, she simply won't be able to enjoy Zhong Li's "services." But once she signs the contract, the right to interpret it will be entirely in Zhong Li's hands.

The "God of Contracts" has lived for six thousand years and has eaten more salt than all the believers of the Salt God combined. He is more professional at playing word games than the pens in the Moon Sea Pavilion. How could Wan Yan and Clement be a match for him?

What is meant by the right of final interpretation? This is what the right of final interpretation is!

"This, this..." Wanyan seemed to be shocked by Zhongli's move. She couldn't believe that Mr. Zhongli, who had always been gentle and kind, would say such a thing.

What's worse is that, in her mind, Zhongli was the only one on her side in this "archaeological team," and now that Zhongli has suddenly turned against her, she has undoubtedly fallen into a state of isolation.

She asked hesitantly, "...Mr. Zhongli, could you please make an exception?"

Zhongli, with an incorruptible expression, shook his head and said, "'Contracts' are non-negotiable; failure to abide by them is a breach of contract."

"No, if we only take half of it, then... then we won't be able to repair this sword, nor will we be able to restore the power of the 'Salt Demon God'!"

Wanyan clutched the salt ruler tightly, trembling all over. The weapon symbolizing the power of the Salt God was right before her eyes, and the possibility of restoring the god's former glory was also right before her eyes. As a believer of the Salt God, she had to get this sword!

"No matter what, for my faith in her... even if it means breaking the contract, I will do it!"

Zhongli stared at Wanyan with his golden eyes, utterly devoid of emotion: "Have you made up your mind?"

"Of course!" Wan Yan's confidence was in no way weak.

“Well, there’s a price to pay.” Zhongli crossed his arms, his face expressionless. “That means you’ll have to endure the ‘Punishment of the Rock’.”

"That's...it's alright." Wan Yan took a deep breath, recalling Clement's miserable state.

"The 'Salt Demon' was willing to give her life to protect her followers. My sacrifice... is insignificant. You can punish me however you want, just let me bring back proof of my faith!"

As Wan Yan spoke, she turned to Han Fulai.

She stood tall and proud, her eyes wide open, looking as if she were willing to die for her cause and would rather die than submit.

Miss Wanyan, do you think I'm Zhongli's henchman...? Han Fulai smiled helplessly.

The scene before them resembled Han Fulai, a lackey of the Rock God Church, capturing Wan Yan, the female knight protecting the Salt God Church. Faced with this cruel enemy, the female knight Wan Yan resolutely uttered her signature line—"Gu, kill me."

Wait, what kind of strange imagination is this? Han Fulai quickly banished the bizarre scene from his mind.

Zhong Li raised an eyebrow slightly, “…Miss Wanyan has probably misunderstood. You will not receive the same punishment as Clement.”

"Huh?" Wanyan looked at Zhongli in confusion.