He changed Tiwat

"Yesterday's experiences will become tomorrow's strength." This is one of Keqing's life creeds. Staying only at Yujingtai would only offer a monotonous view. To possess lightning-fast judgment and execution, extensive experience is required. Therefore, Keqing will personally handle anything she deems valuable.

In order to formulate a plan to improve the treatment of workers in Liyue, Keqing went to a mining area under an assumed name and experienced the life of a worker for two whole months.

In her spare time, she also collected evidence to punish a ruthless foreman who exploited his workers. When the foreman was arrested, he had no idea why he had been caught.

Before Han Fulai headed to the Abyss of Layered Rocks, Ke Qing gave him a detailed account of her miner's experience. Among Ke Qing's experiences, the two most important items were "crystal miner's lamp" and "group of sparrows".

The small nightlight that Han Fulai is holding now was made by Ke Qing herself and given to him to use as a miner's lamp.

The deep underground mines are dark and frequently leak flammable and explosive gases. The General Affairs Department's records document incidents of novice miners being injured in explosions at the bottom of the Layered Rock Abyss. Exploration data for the depths of the Layered Rock Abyss is scarce; everything is unknown. Using open flames for illumination could easily trigger a violent explosion by igniting these flammable and explosive gases.

Crystal mining lamps, which emit light using elemental energy instead of open flames, become indispensable.

In addition to preventing the use of flammable and explosive gases, it is also necessary to prevent the use of toxic gases.

The underground mining area is complex, and there is a high possibility of toxic gas leaks during the exploration process.

According to Ke Qing, experienced miners can judge whether a mine is safe by smelling the odors from the mine shaft. However, neither Ke Qing nor Han Fulai are experienced miners. The most needed safety warning tool for novices like them is a small magpie in a cage.

According to the research of scholars of the Sumeru "Life Theory School," the respiratory nervous system of the little round-necked sparrow is very similar to that of humans. Gases that are toxic to humans are also toxic to the little round-necked sparrow, and in fact, the sparrow is much more sensitive than humans. By taking several caged little round-necked sparrows down into the mine and observing their condition, one can determine whether the surrounding gases are safe.

If the little finches start shaking the cage vigorously or stop chirping, it means the gas in the area is toxic and you must evacuate immediately.

In the history of mining in Liyue, these two methods have saved the lives of countless miners.

If it weren't for the fact that the Eye of God's storage space couldn't hold living things, Han Fulai would probably have just bought a few cages of baby sparrows from the flower and bird market in Liyue Harbor to keep on hand.

Han Fulai stroked his chin and said, "Since the Layered Rock Abyss is a mining area, there should be no shortage of things like miner's lamps and magpies. We'll ask Mu Ning or Yue Hui later; they should have some. We don't know what the situation is like at the miners' camp at the bottom of the Layered Rock Abyss, so maybe we should prepare some camping gear. I brought a lot of dry food and water myself, but since there are three of us, it's good to prepare more."

"Master Han actually knows all this?" Zhiqiong was clearly surprised.

Han Fulai smiled and said, "After all, I'm a secretary. I have to know what my boss wants me to do."

Zhiqiong realized that he was Keqing's personal secretary and her expression became clear.

“Let’s go back to Mu Ning’s camp to prepare supplies. What you said earlier is mostly correct, but there are still two shortcomings.” Zhiqiong said, holding up two fingers.

"Which two points?" Han Fulai asked curiously.

"First, the situation in the Layered Rock Abyss is unique, and we need new mining lamps; second, it's not just the three of us who are going down into the Layered Rock Abyss, but an entire expedition team!"

Chapter 128 First Exploration of the Layered Rock Abyss (Final) [4k5]

"New mining lamps and a whole team?"

Han Fulai was slightly surprised. He could understand the new mining lamps, since the General Affairs Department's data showed that the conditions at the bottom of the Layered Rock Abyss were special, and perhaps ordinary crystal mining lamps were not suitable for the environment of the Layered Rock Abyss. But he had never heard of the team that Zhiqiong mentioned before.

The records in Moonsea Pavilion do contain reports from exploration teams, and there are also records of the General Affairs Department hiring adventurers and other professionals to conduct explorations. But shouldn't that exploration team have disbanded after the appearance of black mud in the Layered Rock Abyss?

The black mud is extremely harmful to the human body, and unknown monsters also appear along with it. In the past, there have even been deaths and disappearances among the exploration teams. It was for this reason that Seven Stars decided to completely seal the Layered Rock Abyss.

—At least that's how it is in the documents.

Furthermore, since the Abyss of Layered Rocks is sealed off by the Seven Star Formation and the exploration team cannot enter, what use is there in keeping the exploration team?

However, Zhiqiong herself was an adventurer employed by the General Affairs Department and had previously been a member of the exploration team responsible for map surveying. The fact that she didn't return to the Adventurers' Guild after the exploration team disbanded, but instead worked under Mu Ning as a warehouse guard, clearly indicates there were other reasons.

Speaking of which, he forgot to ask Zhiqiong a very basic question—after the exploration team disbanded, her employment relationship with the General Affairs Department should have been terminated, so who is paying Zhiqiong's salary for guarding the warehouse now? It can't be Mu Ning, can it?

If Zhiqiong is backed by a powerful figure from the Seven Stars faction, such as Ningguang... then he should find a reason to get rid of Zhiqiong.

Zhiqiong, of course, had no idea that Han Fulai had considered so many things in the blink of an eye. She pointed to the lightning elemental mining lamp in Han Fulai's hand and said, "The darkness at the bottom of the Layered Rock Abyss may be related to 'that thing' underground... In short, ordinary mining lamps have a very limited illumination range at the bottom of the Layered Rock Abyss. We need to find a catalyst made of 'lumenstone'. Only with this can we move freely in the darkness below."

At this moment, Jiang Xue returned to their side and, after overhearing their conversation, asked, "What is a 'lumenstone catalyst'?"

"That's a catalyst that only the holder of the 'Eye of God' can properly utilize. It can absorb the elemental power of the holder and dispel the darkness of the Layered Rock Abyss. According to experiments, the light emitted by the Lumenite catalyst has a maximum illumination distance of 500 meters, which can provide very effective support for our exploration work. With your skills, you two heroes should be able to control this catalyst."

Han Fulai nodded to himself. Although he had never seen "Luminous Stone" in person, he had read about it in the Yuehaiting report and knew that it was a mineral that had undergone a mutation and possessed light energy due to the influence of "Tianxing" in the Layered Rock Abyss.

Using this "lumen catalyst" for mine lamp lighting is a practical solution, and Han Fulai had no objections.

Zhiqiong continued, "As for the team... there are quite a few members from the former Stratiform Abyss Exploration Team. Although the exploration team officially organized by the General Affairs Department has been disbanded, it has been reborn with the help of a lucky... big boss!"

Although Zhiqiong seemed very happy, Han Fulai and Jiang Xue did not think so.

Han Fulai and Jiang Xue's eyes met, and a hint of hesitation appeared in both of their eyes.

According to Han Fulai's original plan, it should have been just him and Jiang Xue going down to the lower level of the Giant Rock Abyss.

Jiang Xue is one of the Seven Stars, clearly knows the secrets of the Layered Rock Abyss, and is also highly skilled in martial arts. It would be most suitable for her to go down into the Layered Rock Abyss to resolve the anomaly by clinging to his coattails. In addition, Jiang Xue herself has personal matters to resolve in the Layered Rock Abyss. If she can help him with his personal matters on this trip and build a good relationship with him, she will have a favor to ask when she needs to rely on this Yao Guang Star in the future.

With Han Fulai now possessing the power of an Emperor and the authority of the Salt God, he can be considered "half a god, half an immortal." If he were to exert his full power, he would likely have no fear of any demons beneath the Abyss of Layered Rocks. Even if the anomalies beneath the Abyss of Layered Rocks are unusual and even he and Jiang Xue cannot resolve them together, he is at least confident that he can investigate the situation while protecting himself.

According to Han Fulai's plan, once they reached the core of the Abyss of Layered Rocks and discovered the anomaly, they would send Zhiqiong back to the surface to report, and he and Jiang Xue would handle the situation.

His Salt God powers and Jiang Xue's true identity are currently matters that need to be kept secret. If possible, Han Fulai wouldn't even take Zhiqiong, a guide familiar with the Layered Rock Abyss, with him, let alone an entire team—who knows whose spies these people are?

For him and Jiang Xue, the exploration team was simply a burden.

Zhiqiong was oblivious to the look in their eyes and remained excited.

She has now personally witnessed the legendary hero Han, who is both wise and brave, and has also met the hero Jiang Xue, whose martial arts skills are even more outstanding. With these two by her side, this exploration of the Layered Rock Abyss will definitely reach areas that have not been explored before. No, it may even reach the deepest part of the Layered Rock Abyss. At that time, the name Zhiqiong will be praised by adventurers all over the world as the first adventurer to explore the deepest part of the Layered Rock Abyss!

"Gentlemen, let's go back to camp first. I'll introduce you to the team members!"

Zhiqiong never even considered that the two of them might refuse.

Logically speaking, exploration is a systematic project, and the more people the better. Logistics, equipment maintenance, security, and defense all require teamwork. Han Fulai and Jiang Xue are nominally representing Shenglu Hall to investigate the Layered Rock Abyss, and having an experienced exploration team to assist them would obviously make their efforts much more effective.

Han Fulai exchanged another glance with Jiang Xue, who nodded slightly.

"Okay, let's go back to camp first, at least to prepare supplies." Han Fulai gave an ambiguous reply.

When the three returned to the camp, the first person they saw was not Mu Ning, but a foreign man wearing a dark green robe and a white scarf around his neck.

The man had a high forehead, deep wrinkles, and a goatee; he looked to be in his forties.

Upon meeting, he warmly opened his arms to Han Fulai.

"Finally! The seal on the Abyss of Layered Rocks has finally been broken! Thank you, Great Auspicious Wisdom Lord of Maha Good Dharma!"

Who is the Great Auspicious Wisdom Lord of the Great Good Dharma? Han Fulai asked in confusion, taking a step back to avoid the stranger's embrace.

Zhiqiong quickly stepped forward to introduce Han Fulai: "His name is Haidifu, a special scholar from Xumi. His main research areas are minerals and biology. He is the main person in charge of our exploration team... um, I mean, in terms of science and finance..."

So he's a Sumeru person... No wonder he has a curry accent.

Han Fulai understood immediately; this person was probably the "big boss" Zhiqiong had mentioned. And the so-called "Great Auspicious Wisdom Lord of the Great Good Dharma" was likely an honorific title for the Sumeru Grass God.

"Oh dear, my apologies!"

Upon hearing Zhiqiong speak, Haidifu realized his abruptness and somewhat embarrassedly withdrew his arm, performing a deep bow in greeting.

"Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Haidif Purshner. I heard about you from Mu Ning. It's a pleasure to meet you, Deputy Minister Han of Yuehaiting. Please forgive my rudeness just now."

“Mr. Pulshner, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Han Fulai replied politely.

“Ahem, just call me Haidif. Our surname, the Sumeru Scholar, is inherited from our great ancestors; many of us are called Pursina.” Haidif introduced himself with a touch of pride. “In the past, my ancestors were sworn enemies of the Purbiluni lineage in astrology, but I no longer study astrology; instead, I study the Purbiluni school…”

Han Fulai heard a new term and asked curiously, "What is the 'Pulbirouni' school?"

"The Purbiruni school is one of the representative branches of the 'Biotheistic School' of the Sumeru College. Our school is descended from the great polymath Sage Purbiruni of five hundred years ago, specializing in biology. As you know, the great sage Azhar famously said, 'The present century is the century of biology!'"

...This sounds so familiar... Han Fulai twitched the corner of his mouth.

"In fact, I came to the Laminaria before by special invitation from the General Affairs Department to enter the mine to investigate changes in the biome and to examine ancient biological populations... As a trainee 'Tosado' of the 'Biotheology' school of the Order of the Liyue, the paper on this research will affect whether I can become a full-fledged 'Tosado'. Of course, my research results will be shared with the local Liyue Historical Society."

Judging from what Haidifu said, it seems he came to study the strata abyss to publish papers and get a promotion. The so-called "Tuosado" should be a title similar to "formal researcher," at least that's what Han Fulai thought.

"So, Mr. Haidif, your performance just now... was because the research finally showed promise?" Han Fulai asked with a smile.

Haidif let out a deep sigh.

"Sigh, this research project has been shelved for almost two years. Originally, the results of this research were expected to win the 'Kapilavastu Prize'... but the Abyss of Laminaria has been closed. If it drags on for another two years... I'll be over forty!"

So you're not even forty yet? You look like you're almost fifty... Han Fulai shook his head and then asked another question.

What is the 'Kapilavastu Prize'?

"Kapikuta is one of the greatest scholars in the Chanyu, having earned the title of 'Habanta' before the age of thirty, a rank second only to 'Sage'! Before thirty! The Chanyu established the 'Kapikuta Award' in his name to encourage outstanding young scholars who have made significant academic contributions before the age of forty. I am already an 'Outstanding Young Scholar,' and if I want to advance further in the Chanyu, the 'Kapikuta Award' is a must!"

...So you're evaluating outstanding young scientists and outstanding young scientists, right? Don't you guys at Sumeru also have the Thousand Young Scientists Program and the Yangtze River Scholars Program? Han Fulai silently complained in his mind.

"Actually, the Council of Religion generally prohibits scholars from sharing their academic findings with foreign countries without the Council's approval... But Liyue's attitude was firm, so I reluctantly took on this project. If it yields results, great; but if it doesn't..." Hydif looked weary, "After the Laminar Abyss was sealed off, I don't know how many times I went to Jade Capital to persuade Seven Stars to reopen the mines, but every time I returned empty-handed..."

"...You've really worked hard."

Having both come from university, Han Fulai deeply sympathized with the tragedy of being forced to postpone their thesis defense due to force majeure.

“Last week I went to your Yuehai Pavilion to request an audience with Ms. Gan Yu, the executive secretary,” Haidifu continued. “Ms. Gan Yu, who seemed very approachable, simply smiled and said, ‘Excuse me, I’m very busy right now. Please wait a moment and have some tea.’ I waited in the Yuehai Pavilion’s reception room for a full half day, but Ms. Gan Yu seemed to be constantly busy. I suspect she might not remember me until after she’s off work…”

"No, no, Gan Yu will never get off work. Waiting for her to get off work is like trying to outlive her..." Han Fulai almost blurted out.

"In short... thankfully you came and broke the seal on the Layered Rock Abyss, allowing my research to proceed smoothly. You are simply my savior, I don't know how to thank you enough..." Haidifu became more and more excited as he spoke, almost hugging Han Fulai again.

Han Fulai quickly waved his hand, "Mr. Haidifu, you flatter me. I was also going to explore the Layered Rock Abyss anyway, and breaking the seal was just a small matter for me."

“At least let me treat you well tonight!” Haidif said sincerely. “Since I’m nominally in charge of the exploration team, I’m also responsible for the expenses of the entire team, including the miners at the camp… You know the situation in the Abyss right now. If the team breaks up, it will be difficult to get them back together. So even though we can’t go down into the mines, I’ve been paying them wages…”

“…That must have been really tough.” Han Fulai couldn’t help but show sympathy.

Haidifu risked violating regulations by funding his own academic research, only to be forced to halt it halfway through. He was forced to live in the rocky abyss while still having to spend money; even Zhiqiong's salary was paid out of his own pocket… What internationalist academic spirit!

No wonder Zhiqiong called him a "sucker".

He was about to say a few words of comfort when he heard Haidif add another sentence—

"But it's not a problem with money, you don't need to comfort me. I'm very rich."

"You're really honest..." Han Fulai swallowed back the words of comfort he was about to say.

However, thanks to Haidif's honesty, Han Fulai at least managed to get a clear picture of the exploration team's situation.

The General Affairs Department hired this Sumeru ecologist to join the exploration team to investigate the Layered Rock Abyss, on the condition that his research results be shared with Liyue. After the official exploration team was disbanded, Hydif formed this semi-official, semi-civilian exploration team for his research and the title of "Outstanding Young Scientist," and they have been stationed in the Layered Rock Abyss ever since.

Admittedly, this requires a long time investment and huge economic costs, but it also means that the secrets beneath the deep rock abyss are worth the risk and large investment by Haidif.

Han Fulai had already seen through Haidifu's true purpose. Investigating biological communities was just a side effect. The research results worthy of the "Kapikushi Prize" of Sumeru must be related to the "black mud" emerging from the bottom of the layered rock abyss.

It seems that this Haidif's background is not problematic. He is a scholar of the Sumeru Academy, his status is officially endorsed by the General Affairs Department, and he gives the impression of being a Sumeru scholar who is devoted to academic research, whose life pursuit is the pursuit of scholarship—in other words, this Haidif is quite easy to deceive.

The fact that this exploration team has been able to exist in a semi-official capacity for so long suggests that there must be some powerful forces behind it. This Haidifu guy is the real sucker who provided both money and effort.

Zhiqiong also mentioned that Haidifu, besides studying biology, also works in the field of minerals. One of Han Fulai's purposes in coming to the Stratiform Abyss was to explore for minerals suitable for fertilizer production.

Since he's going to be taken advantage of anyway, why not let Haidif work for him?

Since the General Affairs Department could fool Haidifu into self-funded academic research, and Gan Yu could leave Haidifu waiting in the Moon Sea Pavilion until "get off work ended," he could also have the exploration team organized by Haidifu explore for minerals for him!

“Mr. Hydif, since we share the same goal, why don’t we join forces? I’m in charge of the exploration project on the Laminaria Sands in Liyue’s ‘Dew Hall,’ and there happens to be a mineral exploration project that needs manpower. Since you’ve heard of me, you must know that I have some skills, so I should be a suitable candidate for exploring the Laminaria Sands…”

Haidif was overjoyed to hear that Han Fulai was interested in cooperating with him. After all, Han Fulai had both official background and power, and it was exactly what he wanted for him to cooperate with him.

"So, you and your partner are willing to join our exploration team to collect data for the exploration work?"

"Yes, my security specialist Mr. Jiang Xue, surveying specialist Ms. Zhiqiong, and I will form an exploration team to collect data on the anomalies in the Stratiform Abyss. Mr. Haidifu, you will lead the exploration team's miners to stay behind and collect ore according to our exploration progress. What do you think?"

In this way, Han Fulai could maintain his freedom of movement, have sufficient logistical supplies, get help from Haidif to prospect for minerals, and also investigate the secrets behind the exploration team. It was a win-win situation.

"Good, good, good!" Haidifu said three times in a row.

"Great, great, great!" Zhiqiong, who was listening in, was clearly more excited than Haidifu.

Zhiqiong raised her fist as if making a vow, and swung it powerfully towards the sky.

"Towards the stars and the abyss! — Target: the deepest part of the Laminar Abyss!"

Chapter 129 The Incompetent Layered Rock Abyss Exploration Team [4k5]

After discussing the matter with Haidifu, Zhiqiong and Han Fulai's group went to Mu Ning to explain that the seal had been lifted.

Although Mu Ning tacitly agreed to the opening of the Layered Rock Abyss, he still had to do his job meticulously, especially with Zhi Qiong.

After Mu Ning lectured Zhi Qiong on safety responsibilities for half an hour, night fell over the Layered Rock Abyss.

Han Fulai and Jiang Xue finally met the rest of the exploration team members.

A dozen or so people sat around a bonfire party called "Welcome Party" on the open ground next to the warehouse.

Although Han Fulai had a lot of camping experience, this was the first time he had ever drunk and eaten meat around a campfire in an environment like the Layered Rock Giant Abyss.

The bonfire party had a distinct mining industry feel, with coal burning instead of charcoal in the fire.

Coal resources are naturally formed from the decay and sedimentation of plants over millions of years, and are distributed in many areas of Teyvat. Among the wealthy merchants of Liyue, there are many coal mine owners. However, due to the limited productivity of Liyue, coal is generally used for daily life and smelting and forging. But if Fontaine's newly invented steam engine could be introduced, Liyue's coal resources would have a great opportunity to be put to use.

The bonfire party was lively, and everyone was all smiles, excited about breaking the seal on the Layered Rock Abyss—except for Jiang Xue, of course.

Even in this atmosphere, he remained true to his name, maintaining the demeanor of "fishing alone on a snowy river," enjoying his share of food and wine by himself on the outskirts of the bonfire party. His reasoning was quite sound—as a bodyguard, he had to remain vigilant and sober at all times, and couldn't get drunk like the miners at the party.