He changed Tiwat

To alleviate the boredom of the journey, Zhiqiong and Han Fulai exchanged ideas on cartography.

Unlike Han Fulai and Ke Qing, who drew topographic maps during their exploration of Guili Plain, Zhiqiong's drawing method was somewhat difficult for outsiders to understand. She did not directly draw a rough sketch of the terrain, but rather drew some rather abstract lines or symbols on paper. If you showed it to someone else directly, they would only get the impression that it was "incomprehensible".

Zhiqiong explained it this way: "This is a work habit I developed when I was a cartographer's assistant. There are many places to explore at the construction site, and there is simply no time to draw maps for people slowly. I can only write these things down. With these, I can recreate the terrain in my mind, and when I have time, I can draw the complete terrain based on these records."

"...That's quite an amazing talent! No, I should say Miss Zhiqiong, you're a genius!" Han Fulai exclaimed in amazement.

To those unfamiliar with the field, Zhiqiong's ability to draw abstract diagrams might not seem like much, but Han Fulai, after all, works with Keqing, a senior civil engineer. In the field of engineering drawing, this ability to abstract concrete graphics is highly valued.

This means that Zhiqiong can simplify complex terrain into the simplest line segments for memorization, and her mapping efficiency may be several times that of others.

To achieve this, Zhiqiong needs to possess a level of understanding of terrain that is akin to "a skilled butcher dissecting an ox, seeing no whole ox." She can strip away the complex details and grasp the essence of things directly—in terms of artistic境界 (jingjie, a concept encompassing artistic realm, state of mind, and spiritual attainment), this is what is known as "returning to simplicity."

Even within the entire Liyue architectural industry, there are few draftsmen who can rival Zhiqiong.

Zhiqiong was clearly a little embarrassed by Han Fulai's praise, but she couldn't hide the joy on her face at being so highly praised by her "idol".

"Hehe, well, I'm not as amazing as you make me out to be. Before joining the Adventurers' Guild, I was a cartographer in the mines. Of course, I'm not talking about those office draftsmen... I'm far from that level."

“I think you already have the ability to become a cartographer,” Han Fulai said seriously. In fact, he had already decided to suggest to Ke Qing that Zhiqiong be transferred to Ke Qing’s team as an engineering cartographer after the exploration trip to the Layered Rock Abyss was over.

“Actually, I really envy those cartographers.” Zhiqiong recalled the past. “Speaking of those cartographers… I was once commissioned by them to run around Qiaoying Village surveying the terrain. In the end, the construction plan was canceled… It was all because of a single word from them.”

“They can just use an assistant to conduct on-site surveys, collect map information for them, and then start working themselves… but we cartographers can’t do that. As a semi-miner, I’m used to navigating dangerous underground tunnels—that’s the job, there’s no way around it.”

Liyue boasts a highly developed mining and construction industry, leading to the emergence of the professional profession of "cartographer." However, since Liyue lacks a "University of Architecture and Technology" or a "Department of Civil Engineering," the drafting industry, like other technical professions in Liyue, has always followed a master-apprentice system of knowledge transfer.

The work of a cartographer is divided into two ranks. Junior cartographers, often called "cartographers," typically assist senior cartographers, responsible for on-site surveys, data collection, and simple mapping. Actual engineering drawings, however, are mostly completed by qualified cartographers.

In modern terms, a draftsman is someone who sits in an office in a design institute and produces drawings, while a drafter like Zhiqiong works for a construction company and goes to the construction site.

Liyue's design institute highly values ​​seniority. Even a genius draftsman like Zhiqiong can't get into the institute without the necessary qualifications and connections. Instead, she'd be stuck running errands for the regular draftsmen on construction sites, exposed to the elements. Moreover, due to the lack of architectural schools, this type of drafting knowledge is often a technical barrier monopolized by experienced craftsmen, and draftsmen are paid far more than drafters.

Zhiqiong's envy of cartographers reflects the sentiments of most cartographers in the industry.

The deeper they ventured into the abyss of towering cliffs, the more it felt like walking downhill, as the slope gradually increased. They had to constantly watch their balance to avoid slipping and tumbling down into the abyss.

At a fork in the road, Zhiqiong, unusually, did not immediately point out the correct path, but instead made them stop.

“…This road seems to have changed,” she said.

Chapter 137 Rescuing the Missing Miners (Part 6) [4k]

"Does that mean the scenery here has changed?" Han Fulai asked.

After all, the Laminaria Japonic has been closed for several years, so it's normal for the scenery to have changed somewhat. For example, the collapse of rocks and the growth of plants will change people's perception.

But Zhiqiong shook her head.

"The change I'm referring to isn't the scenery, it's... the direction."

"Direction?" Han Fulai frowned.

“Hmm.” Zhiqiong pointed to the map. “A few years ago, the left side of this fork in the road led northeast, while the right side led southwest, but now…”

She took out the compass, an essential tool for adventurers, from her bag and checked it again.

The fork in the road she mentioned, which led northeast, now points due north.

Han Fulai remained silent for a moment.

From a rational perspective, the most likely and only possibility is that Zhiqiong's memory is faulty.

If what Zhiqiong said is true, then the changes that have occurred in the Abyss of Layered Rocks are not limited to black mud and monsters, nor are they ordinary changes in scenery; rather, they are more akin to so-called "tectonic movements." Only changes of this magnitude could cause a change in the direction of the entire passageway of the Abyss of Layered Rocks.

While the Earth's crust is scientifically known to be constantly in motion, such significant changes typically occur over millions of years. Even in the seismically active Abyss, where crustal movement may be quite intense, such substantial changes wouldn't occur within just a few years of mine closure.

This is equivalent to a shift of more than 30 degrees in the overall topography of the strata abyss.

However, this contradicted their previous experience. Their search and rescue team had been heading towards the "Spirit Stone" for over an hour, and during that hour, the route Zhiqiong pointed out matched the one she had recorded on the map. If the overall terrain of the Layered Rock Abyss had changed due to tectonic activity, Zhiqiong should have discovered it from the beginning.

The Abyss of Laminaria isn't some kind of model or building block; it shouldn't have a situation where "the upper part doesn't move at all, while the lower part rotates slightly."

The most realistic possibility is that Zhiqiong misremembered.

This map was drawn by her based on her past memories. After all, memories are unreliable, so it's normal for Zhiqiong's memories to be inaccurate.

However, considering the strange events that had occurred beneath the Abyss of Laminaria and the fact that Teyvat is a less-than-scientific world, Han Fulai did not arbitrarily dismiss Zhiqiong's claims.

Sure enough, Zhiqiong quickly added, "After the anomaly occurred, the lower layer of the Laminar Abyss was actually very... unstable."

"Unstable?"

“Hmm, the geological structure is constantly changing slowly. Today’s passage may become a stone wall next month… It’s like… um, let me think how to say it…” Zhiqiong frowned and thought carefully for a while, and finally found a suitable description—“It’s like the layered rock abyss changing according to its own thoughts.”

"...The Abyss of Layered Rocks changes according to its own thoughts?" Han Fulai murmured, repeating what Zhiqiong had just said.

According to Zhiqiong, the terrain in the lower layer of the Abyss of Laminar Rock is constantly changing—this is not just strange, it's downright terrifying!

Imagine a team of miners venturing deep into the Layered Rock Abyss to mine, only to find themselves unable to find their way back after a month… This Layered Rock Abyss isn't just a mine; it's a monster's lair that devours people. Add to that the black mud, the monsters, and that strange "spirit stone"… and it's no more like the labyrinths or dungeons of myths and legends where there's no return.

No wonder so many miners went missing back then.

If he had been in the position of the Seven Stars back then, he would probably have given the order to seal off the Abyss of Rocky Lava.

But there's a problem here, a very serious problem—he didn't even know about this!

Neither the reports in the Moon Sea Pavilion nor the archives of the General Affairs Department contain any record of any changes to the road to the Sorai Giant Abyss!

Moreover, the adjective Zhiqiong used, "the mind of a towering abyss,"... sounded even more chilling to Han Fulai. The fork in the road before him was no ordinary passage in Han Fulai's eyes, but rather more like the gaping maw of some ancient behemoth.

Black mud and monsters are things that can be fought with physical or magical means. Although dangerous, they are not particularly frightening to Han Fulai. However, the fact that the terrain of the Layered Rock Abyss can change randomly represents a terrifying possibility—that some force completely controls the bottom layer of the Layered Rock Abyss.

They are now venturing deep into the lower layers of the Abyss of Rocky Lava, which is very likely equivalent to entering someone else's domain, a domain that can be manipulated at will by someone else!

In that battle against the Sea God, Han Fulai connected with the earth's veins and entered the realm of "Tao," experiencing the feeling of "controlling everything" during that battle.

"How could you not report such an important matter to the General Affairs Department?!" Han Fulai stared at Zhiqiong seriously, his words even carrying an undisguised accusation.

Did the exploration team at the time conceal this matter because of the interests of "Shenglu Hall" or some large mining company?

“We already reported it to the investigators at Huishan Hall…” Zhiqiong’s tone was somewhat aggrieved, “but they didn’t believe us. They thought we were hallucinating due to the influence of the ‘spirit stone.’ It’s hard to believe something like this unless you see it with your own eyes…”

She patted her backpack. "So this time, I also brought a 'photograph machine.' As long as I take pictures of what's happening at the bottom of the Stratolith Abyss, there will be evidence to prove that the Stratolith Abyss has changed."

Indeed, Zhiqiong's explanation was hard to believe. Even when he heard the news that the Layered Rock Abyss would change on its own, his first reaction was that Zhiqiong's memory was faulty. In fact, even now, he couldn't be sure whether Zhiqiong's memory was faulty or whether the Layered Rock Abyss would really change on its own.

It's quite normal for Huishan Hall and the General Affairs Department to attribute such incidents to the miners experiencing hallucinations—after all, their common sense wouldn't accept such a thing. Especially given the precedent of miners being affected by hallucinations, Zhiqiong and her team's findings seem even more unbelievable.

But Han Fulai had a vague premonition that this matter was probably not so simple, and that someone might be hiding this information for some purpose.

Inside the Moon Sea Pavilion, Gan Yu sipped her tea while flipping through a report.

Gan Yu has endless reports to read and countless official documents to write every day, but for her, this is just part of the daily routine.

However, the report she was looking at now was a little different, because the neat and beautiful handwriting on the report came from Gan Yu herself.

That was the investigative report she wrote at the end of November last year, the investigative report on the Stratorock Abyss.

At that time, she was entrusted by Qixing, or more precisely, Ningguang, to go to the Layered Rock Abyss to investigate the underground anomalies.

On her way back, she took a nap under a tree in the suburbs of Lisha. When she woke up, a young man she had never seen before was touching the unicorn horn on her head.

That was the first time Gan Yu and Han Fulai met.

This investigation report records several important things:

The spread of "black mud";

The existence of the "Kanria Ruins";

The "wishing stone" has been contaminated to some extent, and it is suspected that it is related to "black mud".

And the lower layers of the strata abyss are slowly changing.

These things are all confirmed facts in Gan Yu's investigation report; she knows them, and Ning Guang knows them too.

But Han Fulai didn't know that.

Han Fulai was completely unaware of the existence of this report because Gan Yu had concealed it from him.

The Emperor said that Han Fulai should trust his own judgment in the future, and Gan Yu also wants to trust his judgment.

There are also some things that only Gan Yu knows, and Gan Yu did not write them in the report.

—She once descended to the deepest level of the abyss of layered rocks, incredibly close to that "celestial star".

—Also, she tried making a wish on the "wishing stone".

She wrote these secrets down on a piece of paper and put them in a folder. The folder had a note on it: "To the Executive Secretary."

Then she carefully put the folder into the deepest part of her desk drawer.

"Now... is not the time."

Gan Yu murmured to herself.

Han Fulai hesitated at this fork in the road.

If he previously decided to continue because he believed he was strong enough to protect himself, now he is somewhat uncertain.

When danger comes not only from humans and monsters, but also from unknown forces, he must reassess the risks of this operation. If they venture into the depths of the Layered Rock Abyss, is there a possibility they'll be trapped due to changes in the path? Is there a possibility their minds will be affected by unknown forces?

Times have changed. Although what Zhiqiong said has not yet been confirmed, Han Fulai has already begun to consider turning back to the camp.

Just then, Jiang Xue spoke up.

“Let’s keep going,” he said.

Han Fu glanced at Jiang Xue, who seemed to sense the hesitation in his eyes. She took a few steps forward and gently patted his shoulder.

"I'll take care of everything."

...This is such a reassuring "bodyguard," I wish he would talk to me more.

Han Fulai gave a wry smile. Jiang Xue had heard the same information as him, yet she still insisted on advancing, indicating that Jiang Xue must have something to rely on. Judging from Jiang Xue's attitude, the private matter she wanted to handle was probably also related to the anomalies deep within the Layered Rock Abyss. As Han Fulai's "bodyguard," if Han Fulai insisted on not going, it would ruin Jiang Xue's plans.

By then, this "bodyguard" will probably abandon Han Fulai to handle things on his own, and as for gaining the support of this Yao Guangxing, that's out of the question...

He initially thought he would get his business done and also do Jiang Xue a favor, but it seems things aren't that simple.

As the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained; risk and reward are always directly proportional.

Then we can only hope that this Lord Yaoguang can really protect us.

"Okay, everyone please stay alert, we'll continue."

Having made up his mind, Han Fulai no longer hesitated, picked up the "Luminolite" catalyst, and stepped into the left fork in the road.

This is a tunnel dug by miners. Although, according to Zhiqiong, the terrain of the Layered Rock Abyss has changed, this tunnel has not changed much; at least it remains unobstructed.

Based on the scenery along the way, Zhiqiong was still certain that the tunnel led to the ore warehouse with a water source and filter that Lao He had mentioned in his log. The slightly humid air and the faint sound of water also corroborated Zhiqiong's statement.

After turning another corner, they reached the tunnel exit, and the sound of flowing water could be clearly heard. A look of relief appeared on Zhiqiong's face; she knew they were not far from their destination, and her guide had ultimately not led them astray.

Just then, Han Fulai, who was leading the way, gestured for them to stop.

"Don't make a sound. There are people ahead." Han Fulai's voice was very low, and Zhiqiong almost couldn't hear him.

Almost simultaneously, Jiang Xue behind her had already gripped the hilt of the sword at her waist.

Han Fulai extinguished the "Luminolite" catalyst in his hand.

The white light emitted by the catalyst disappeared instantly.

Even though she was mentally prepared, Zhiqiong was still so frightened by the sudden darkness that she almost screamed.

Fortunately, the tunnel was not completely dark. Zhiqiong soon discovered that even though Han Fulai had extinguished the "Lumenite" catalyst, a faint light still emanated from the corner ahead of the tunnel—unlike the dazzling white light emitted by the "Lumenite" catalyst, that light appeared dim and yellowish.

Having grown up in the mines, Zhiqiong immediately recognized the source of the light.

This is... a rock elemental mining lamp!

Where there are miners' lamps, there are miners.

The Abyss of Layered Rocks has been closed for several years, and even the miners' lamps left behind from back then have long since run out of power. If anyone would light a miner's lamp here now—it would be the missing Old He?

Could it be that Lao He is just ahead? Are we really going to find Lao He who has been missing for many years? Zhiqiong was overjoyed.

But she soon realized that Han Fulai's attitude did not seem like that of someone who had discovered the missing miners; his wariness was evident in his words.

Moreover, as she listened intently, she heard rustling footsteps, and judging from the sound, there was more than one person ahead.

“It’s a treasure-hunting gang,” Han Fulai said softly.

Turning the corner of the tunnel in front of him, the exit led to an open area.

There was an underground water source mentioned in Lao He's log, a water filter that was still in operation next to the water source, and a large number of boxes filled to the brim and tents for resting, which was obviously a ore warehouse.