He changed Tiwat

She silently prayed to the Geo Archon, hoping that Han Fulai would pass the Liyue Civil Service Examination tomorrow. That way, Han Fulai could rightfully take up residence at Moonsea Pavilion.

Han Fulai, who was enduring hunger and exhaustion as he slowly descended the mountain, had no idea that Gan Yu, the executive secretary of Yuehaiting who appeared to be meticulous and shrewd in Ningguang's eyes, was actually a bit absent-minded at times and would often forget small things—such as forgetting that humans need to eat and sleep.

After all, Gan Yu isn't human.

Chapter Eleven: A Promise Owed to Miss Zhiruo

When Han Fulai returned to Scarlet Cloud Slope, the sun had already set, and the lights in Liyue Harbor were just coming on. A large number of people that Han Fulai had never seen before in the game appeared on the streets.

Among the crowds coming and going, there were those dressed in elegant long gowns, mostly civil servants from the various departments of Yuehaiting; there were those dressed in fine silks and satins, mostly wealthy merchants from Feiyunpo; and there were those riding in sedan chairs with attendants in front and behind, mostly members of aristocratic families residing in Yujingtai...

Han Fulai knew that there was no place for him on Feiyun Slope, a place reserved for the wealthy and powerful.

Gazing at the rising smoke from the chimneys of Huyan in the distance, Han Fulai decided to try his luck at Wanmintang Restaurant in Huyan.

If there's anyone in Liyue who could get Han Fu to come and have a free meal right now, the top choice would be Xiang Ling, the head chef of Wanmin Hall.

Based on Han Fulai's experience in the game, Xiangling is a very easy girl to get along with. She's kind, lively, and compassionate—the kind of Liyue cook who can say things like, "Cooking brings happiness." Moreover, Xiangling always needs diners to try out her newly developed dishes, such as stir-fried slime.

Although Han Fulai wasn't really comfortable with adding slime to the dishes, he was so hungry that he wouldn't mind eating a raw slime. In short, whether it was buying on credit, washing dishes for Wanmintang, or being a guinea pig for Xiangling's new dishes, it was something that would fill his stomach.

Wanmintang is located at the southernmost part of Liyue Harbor, quite a distance away from Scarlet Cloud Slope and Jade Capital Terrace. However, Han Fulai, recalling Xiangling's amazing cooking skills in the game, managed to squeeze out a little more strength from his body.

When Han Fulai finally managed to reach the entrance of Wanmintang with the spirit of "quenching thirst with plums," he found the doors closed. Where door gods should have been pasted, two pieces of white paper were affixed. One read, "Going to Longji Snow Mountain to gather ingredients for developing new dishes. Wait for my return!" It was signed by a girl with a bun hairstyle. The other piece of paper read, "I'm going to capture Xiangling. Master Mao."

As the saying goes, the greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. From the time he started working overtime before the journey to now, Han Fulai hasn't eaten a single grain of rice for two whole days. No matter how much you can quench your thirst by looking at plums, you'll still collapse if you find there's no plum grove at your destination after a forced march.

Han Fulai felt his vision go black, physically black, from hunger. All that talk of quenching thirst with the sight of plums was a lie by that Cao Cao! Han Fulai felt the hunger and thirst he had endured for so long finally erupt. With his last strength, he uttered Cao Cao's exit line that had surfaced in his mind—"The hegemony is not yet complete…not yet complete"—before collapsing to the ground with a thud.

Han Fulai's last thought before he fainted from hunger was that he might be the first time traveler in history to starve to death.

Fortunately, the title of the greatest in history was destined not to belong to Han Fulai.

Tiger Rock is considered a street of snacks in Liyue. Although it is not as bustling as Scarlet Cloud Slope, it was lunchtime and there were quite a few people around. When Han Fulai, who was dressed as an outsider, suddenly fell to the ground, people immediately gathered around.

Directly opposite Wanmintang was the kitchen of a restaurant, where a young girl was washing dishes left by customers behind the window. Han Fulai's attire was already quite eye-catching, and the girl couldn't help but glance at him a few more times. She had seen everything Han Fulai did in front of Wanmintang, and listening to his nonsense about his unfulfilled ambitions, she couldn't help but smile.

Seeing Han Fulai suddenly collapse, the girl hurriedly scooped out the cooked meatballs from the pot in the kitchen, made some hot soup, and poured it into a bowl without adding any other seasonings or side dishes.

In his dazed state, Han Fulai felt someone pressing hard on his philtrum, almost knocking out his front teeth. He barely opened his eyes and saw a somewhat familiar girl in front of him. She was dressed as a waitress, with neat short hair and a rather heroic look on her face. At that moment, she was holding the back of Han Fulai's head with one hand and bringing a soup bowl to his mouth with the other.

Han Fulai's attention was instantly drawn to the aroma of the food. Without thinking, he quickly opened his mouth. The girl, afraid he would burn himself, gently tilted her wrist and slowly poured the soup into his mouth. After a few mouthfuls of hot soup, Han Fulai regained some of his energy. He struggled to sit up, took the soup bowl with both hands, and hastily poured the meatballs into his mouth, swallowing them without much chewing.

The girl's eyes held a hint of reproach, but she still gently patted his back and whispered, "Eat slowly, be careful not to choke."

Han Fulai was overjoyed at this moment, like a parched land receiving rain. He didn't care about appearances at all and finished the bowl of hot soup dumplings in less than two minutes.

Staring at the empty bowl, Han Fulai almost asked for another bowl, but thankfully he had something in his stomach and regained his composure.

Han Fulai returned the soup bowl to the girl, stood up, and, imitating what he had seen in period dramas, bowed his head and said:

"My name is Han Fulai. I will never forget your kindness in providing me with this meal. May I ask your name, my benefactor?"

"What benefactor or not, it's just a bowl of sweet rice balls." The girl smiled and said, "My name is Zhiruo, and I'm a waitress at this 'Three Bowls and You Can't Cross the Harbour' restaurant."

"A beautiful name. 'The rain pours down, the wind carries the fragrance of orchids and irises. A small boat sleeps amidst woven reeds, startled from a dream, mandarin ducks are awakened.' The orchids and irises on the riverbank, the fragrant irises on the islet, perfectly suit the young lady's temperament. I wonder if the young lady is..." Han Fulai almost asked if the young lady's surname was Zhou, but fortunately he realized it was impolite and stopped himself in time.

“You sound like a young man I used to know… he also speaks fluently about poetry, just like you.” Zhi Ruo tilted her head, seemingly amused. “What were you trying to ask?”

"To my shame, I am currently penniless and unable to repay you with Mora. I wonder if there is anything I can do for you? Perhaps sweeping, dusting, or washing dishes."

"No need, no need, it's just a small matter," Zhiruo waved her hand.

“That won’t do. My principle is to repay kindness.” Han Fulai shook his head firmly. “How about this, I, Han Fulai, owe Miss Zhiruo a promise. If Miss Zhiruo ever needs anything from me in the future, as long as it’s within my ability, I will never refuse.”

“You really don’t need to worry about it too much,” Zhiruo said with a smile. “Back then, I was just like you, penniless and stranded here. There were others like me back then…”

Just then, a bald old man suddenly popped out from the back kitchen. As soon as he saw Zhiruo, he waved the rolling pin in his hand and shouted, "Zhiruo! Instead of working properly in the kitchen, you're here slacking off! The customers are waiting for the food!"

Zhiruo was clearly taken aback and quickly lowered her head to apologize to the boss.

The old man continued his tirade, cursing and swearing: "I only knew you were stupid before, but now I see you're lazy and stupid too! I told you to put less wine in the soup before, but you wouldn't listen. Do you know how expensive wine is? Today I told you not to serve wine to Tian Tiezui, but you wouldn't listen again? Now that Tian Tiezui is drunk, you're going to tell me stories? And now you still have the nerve to slack off here? How did I, Degui, end up with such a money-losing piece of trash?"

Zhiruo dared not retort and could only listen obediently.

When De Gui, the owner of "Three Bowls and You Can't Cross the Harbour," saw Zhi Ruo's expression, the empty bowl in her hand, and Han Fulai standing blankly beside her, he suddenly understood something. With a "whoosh," he swung the rolling pin in his hand and smashed the bowl in Zhi Ruo's hand to pieces.

"Well, well, you've even learned to betray your own people and steal things? Stealing my things and reselling them? Ha?" De Gui said, waving the rolling pin in his hand again.

Zhiruo flinched and whispered in protest, "No, it wasn't stealing. Boss, you can deduct the cost of this bowl of meatballs from my wages."

"Ha, you dare to talk back? Do you know who took you in? Do you know who pays your wages?" De Gui swung the rolling pin high again and started hitting Zhi Ruo hard.

"Smack!" That's the sound of a rolling pin hitting someone.

"Hiss," was the sound Han Fulai made as he endured the pain of being hit on the arm.

"Stop!" Han Fulai stood in front of Zhiruo.

"Well, you little thief, you're acting innocent after getting the benefit? I beat my own servant, what's it to you? You stole my sweet rice balls, and I haven't even settled the score with you yet! Believe me or not, I'll beat you to death today!" De Gui was furious and raised the rolling pin again.

"Three cups of wine and I've made a promise; five mountains are nothing to me!" Han Fulai felt a surge of hot blood rushing up from his stomach to his heart. "I owe Miss Zhiruo a promise. With me here, I will never let you harm Miss Zhiruo!"

"You're asking for it!" De Gui swung the rolling pin viciously at Han Fulai's face.

But Degui found that he suddenly couldn't swing his hand anymore, because his rolling pin was grabbed by a hand wearing a black glove.

A person appeared silently behind Degui, grabbed Degui's rolling pin, and no matter how hard Degui tried, the rolling pin did not budge.

"What a fine promise, made in three cups, as light as the Five Sacred Mountains." The man nodded and smiled at Han Fulai, then turned to Degui.

"Boss, please put this bill on the account of the Rebirth Hall."

Chapter Twelve: I got a free meal from the Rock King Emperor

The man standing behind De Gui, the owner of "Three Bowls and You Can't Cross the Harbor," had a handsome face and a dashing appearance. He was wearing a three-piece suit rarely seen in Liyue and was none other than Zhong Li, a guest elder of the Hall of Rebirth.

At this moment, De Gui also recognized the identity of the newcomer. Although he was still unwilling, he could only give up and say, "Since Mr. Zhongli has spoken, I will spare you today."

After saying that, De Gui glared at Han Fulai, then called to Zhi Ruo, "Why don't you hurry up and thank Mr. Zhongli? Hurry back to the kitchen, there are still guests waiting to be served."

Zhiruo quickly bowed her head to thank Zhongli and hurried into the kitchen.

De Gui also turned his back and prepared to leave, but was stopped by Zhong Li.

"Don't be busy, shopkeeper. Give me two bowls of authentic sweet fermented rice balls and two pots of warm wine," Zhongli said.

"Okay, Mr. Zhongli, please wait a moment." Boss Degui had now fully reverted to his businessman nature.

Zhongli turned to Han Fulai, pointed to the "Three Bowls Before Crossing the Harbor" shop not far away, and smiled, "Young friend, please wait for me for a moment."

After saying that, he followed Degui into the kitchen, seemingly intending to personally instruct the chefs.

If one word could describe Han Fulai's expression at this moment, it would be "pupils dilated in shock".

Han Fulai once planned to cling to the strongest backer of Liyue, the Geo Archon, the Geo King, the strongest and oldest god who has ruled Liyue for more than 3,700 years. His true form is Zhongli, the guest elder of the Hall of Rebirth before him.

Moreover, Zhongli is still in power, still wielding the highest authority in Liyue, and is the true God of Contracts, Morax.

Does he know he's a time traveler? Does he know about his contract with Gan Yu? And how does he view himself?

Han Fulai sat in the "Three Bowls and You Can't Pass the Port" shop, anxiously lost in thought, feeling as if he had returned to the examination hall, waiting for the invigilator to hand out the exam papers.

Before long, Zhongli and Zhiruo returned together. The tray that Zhiruo was carrying contained the dishes that Zhongli had specified earlier.

Zhiruo placed two porcelain bowls, two pots of wine, and wine cups on the table, and handed two small spoons to the two of them. Zhongli nodded, indicating that all the dishes had been served. Zhiruo thanked Zhongli again in a low voice for what had happened earlier, then picked up the tray and left.

Zhongli pushed a porcelain bowl and a pot of wine in front of Han Fulai.

Han Fulai watched Zhong Li's movements nervously, hesitant to speak.

Seeing this, Zhongli said, "Young friend Han, there's no need to be so polite. I heard your conversation with Miss Zhiruo just now. This bowl of sweet fermented rice balls and this pot of wine are on my behalf. By the way, let me introduce myself. I am a guest elder of Liyue Rebirth Hall. You can call me Zhongli."

Seeing that Han Fulai was still tense, Zhongli picked up a small spoon, scooped out the sweet rice balls from his bowl, took a bite, and said, "These sweet rice balls are a famous dessert in Liyue. In Liyue Harbor, 'Three Bowls and You Can't Cross the Harbor' has the best craftsmanship. The rice balls are made by finely kneading glutinous rice, and the soup is made by simmering sweet flowers, rice wine, and free-range chickens carefully raised by farmers in Qingce Village all night long."

He then pointed to the egg drop soup floating on the soup bowl, "And the most authentic sweet rice balls, besides glutinous rice balls and broth, also need to be served with goji berries and egg drop soup, and sprinkled with a handful of Jueyun pepper powder, a specialty of Liyue. When you taste it, you should have the soft and chewy texture of glutinous rice, the sweet and sour taste of rice wine, the rich flavor of chicken soup, and the spicy aroma of Jueyun pepper. Young friend Han, I saw you collapse on the street just now because you were exhausted. Don't be shy, have a taste."

To summarize Han Fulai's feelings at this moment, it was roughly the shame of leaving the exam room only to find that he hadn't reviewed any of the exam content and was even too ashamed to compare answers with his classmates.

When Han Fulai was dreaming about the future, he had imagined all sorts of scenarios for getting close to Zhongli, the Rock God. For example, he might accompany Zhongli through the Sending-Off-the-Immortal Ceremony, following the game's storyline, and forge a deep friendship; or perhaps he might bump into Zhongli at an antique shop in Feiyun Slope, chatting and laughing, instantly becoming fast friends… But the one scenario he never expected was this one—himself starving and lying dead on the street. And Zhongli even treated him to a meal out of pity!

But since the embarrassment has already happened, there's no need to worry about it too much.

Han Fulai nodded, thanked Zhongli, and scooped up a spoonful of sweet fermented rice balls and put it in his mouth. Just as Zhongli had said, they were soft, chewy, fragrant, and had an unforgettable aftertaste. Then he thought again, these sweet fermented rice balls were made under the personal guidance of the Rock King Emperor in the kitchen, and besides, they were offered to him by Zhongli, the one who always freeloaded on other people's meals in the game!

—In the entire continent of Teyvat, besides me, Han Fulai, who else has ever freeloaded off the Rock King Emperor?

With this thought, Han Fulai suddenly understood, and found that the sweet fermented rice balls were becoming more and more delicious, and he even wished he could have a few more bowls.

After Han Fulai finished his bowl of sweet fermented rice balls, Zhongli picked up a wine pot and said, "This pot contains 'Three Bowls and You Can't Cross the Harbor,' brewed by the owner, Degui. The wine is pure white and clear, and its original name is 'white wine.' It was originally added to these sweet fermented rice balls to replace rice wine, but several years ago, a sailor drank three bowls and got so drunk that he fell into the sea, hence the nickname 'Three Bowls and You Can't Cross the Harbor.' Boss Degui also changed the name of his originally nameless shop to this name, and this wine is now sold separately. Young friend Han, raise your glass and try it."

Seeing this, Han Fulai picked up the wine pot, poured himself a cup, took a sip, and felt a surge of heat rush into his throat. Immediately, heat flowed through his limbs and bones, making his pores tingle. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Good wine!"

Seeing that Han Fulai recognized the value of the goods, Zhongli smiled slightly and said, "Old-fashioned Liyue people have all sorts of standards. When they go to the opera, they have to listen to the most famous actors; when they walk their birds, they have to buy the most expensive thrushes. That's life."

"The glutinous rice balls should be made with the most elastic glutinous rice, and the liquor should be the strongest. This is life," Han Fulai said, his ears ringing with excitement.

"Young friend, you have insight." Zhongli clapped his hands, raised his wine bowl and clinked it with Han Fulai's. "Judging from your attire, you don't seem to be a native of Liyue. May I ask where you live? And why are you wandering the streets of Liyue?"

Although Han Fulai had been drinking, his mind was still clear. While Gan Yu had said she would inform the Rock King Emperor about Han Fulai's situation, he had only met Gan Yu that afternoon. Zhong Li's question clearly indicated that he hadn't yet learned of his situation from Gan Yu. And the person before him was "Zhong Li, Guest Elder of the Hall of Rebirth," not "The Rock King Emperor." According to his agreement with Gan Yu, his identity should not be revealed.

Han Fulai recalled the background that Gan Yu had set for him and replied, "I come from the small town of Fontaine. My father, Han Cheng, was a merchant in Liyue. He passed away from illness a few years ago, leaving behind a wish for me to return to Liyue and settle down. When my father was still in Liyue, he aspired to enter the various halls of Yujingtai, but he failed and always regretted it."

"I came to Liyue this time to prepare for the Liyue Unified Examination tomorrow, to make up for my father's regret. However, on the way back to Liyue from Fontainebleau, I encountered a group of thieves and lost my luggage and travel expenses. By the time I entered Liyue Harbor, I had not eaten a single grain of rice for two days."

"Thanks to Miss Zhiruo and Mr. Zhongli for their rescue, I was spared from starving to death on the streets of Liyue. I will never forget their kindness in providing me with a meal, and I, Han Fulai, will certainly repay them in the future." Han Fulai said, bowing to Zhongli in gratitude.

"Young friend Han is kind and righteous, and his actions are quite traditional, which reminds me of an old friend." Zhongli smiled and raised his glass in a toast.

Han Fulai did not refuse and clinked glasses with Zhongli again.

Zhongli downed the wine in his cup in one gulp and slowly recited: "I wanted to buy osmanthus blossoms and share wine, but alas, my old friend, when will we meet again..."

Han Fulai knew that Zhongli was thinking of his old friends from the war between the demons and gods, so he didn't dare to disturb him and simply raised his cup to keep him company.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Han Fulai was already somewhat tipsy. He heard Zhongli ask, "Young friend Han, was your line, 'Three cups of wine make a promise, five mountains are as light as a feather,' written by yourself?"

Han Fulai shook his head. "No, this is 'Ode to the Knight-Errant' written by the banished immortal. It is about the heroes of ancient times. Although we cannot reach their level, we yearn for it."

"A banished immortal? I pride myself on my extensive knowledge, yet I have never heard of this immortal's name, nor have I heard of this poem. I would like to ask my young friend Han for clarification." After a moment's thought, Zhongli frankly voiced his question.

Han Fulai wasn't a big drinker, and at that moment he felt the aftereffects of the liquor rushing to his head, making him sweat profusely and causing his vision and ears to feel hot.

He shook his slightly dizzy head and recited aloud:

"Zhao guest wears a silk tassel, Wu hook shines like frost and snow."

The silver saddle illuminates the white horse, rustling like a meteor.

Kill ten people in ten steps, and stay in a thousand miles.

Hello.

Leisurely drink Xinling, take off the sword knee and cross.

Will Zhi Zhu Hai, hold on to persuade Hou Ying.

After my eyes blurred and my ears burned, a sense of exhilaration arose...

As Zhongli listened to Han Fulai recite poetry, she gently tapped the rhythm on her wine cup with her index finger. When Han Fulai recited, "After my eyes are blurred and my ears are hot, my spirit is filled with rainbows," Zhongli's hand trembled slightly, and her beautiful phoenix eyes narrowed slightly.

—Behind Han Fulai, Zhongli saw a white rainbow soar into the sky!

Chapter Thirteen: Mr. Zhongli Has Wine, I Have a Story

A white rainbow pierces the sun!

Zhongli's golden pupils narrowed slightly. He was quite certain he hadn't misread it.

Just now, when Han Fulai recited "After the eyes and ears are hot, a rainbow of spirit arises," a white rainbow appeared behind him, reaching high into the sky. Although this white rainbow only appeared for a few seconds before disappearing, Zhongli was not the only one to notice this strange phenomenon.

At the top of Wangshu Inn in Dihua Isle, the young immortal known as the "Great Sage Who Subdues Demons" sharpened his eyes and leaped into the sky. After several leaps in the air, he headed straight for Liyue Harbor.

On the pier next to Wangshu Inn, a man fishing silently looked up at the southern sky. In the hidden pocket on his chest, a divine eye was gleaming faintly.

At the viewing railing of Yujing Terrace, an elderly woman with white hair suddenly opened her eyes. The ordinary silk ribbon around her waist transformed into a cleansing bell. With her hands behind her back, she leaped down from Yujing Terrace.

In the Moonlit Pavilion, Gan Yu rubbed her eyes as she gazed at the lights of Liyue Harbor from the window. She then looked back at the pile of documents on her desk, wondering if she had been working so hard that her eyes were blurry.

On the Jade Pavilion, Ningguang made a hand seal, maximizing the power of the Jade Pavilion's rumor array, wanting to see clearly what was happening near the South Wharf of Liyue Harbor.

At the summit of Mount Aozang, a white crane soared into the sky to inform its old friends who were cultivating in the Jueyun Mountains and the caves of Mount Hulao—the Demon God has reappeared!

A rainbow after rain is a natural phenomenon and nothing unusual, but a white rainbow is quite different. Zhongli had only ever seen a white rainbow piercing the sun at sea before; it didn't symbolize the clearing skies after rain, but rather a demon god bringing disaster!

In the distant past, in an era when countless sails and sea creatures roamed the waters, Liyue Harbor was far from peaceful. Great demons roamed the seas, and malevolent dragons dwelled in the mountains.

Sailors and shipmasters passed down the story that a huge shadow lurked in the deep sea, which would crush sturdy ships and plunge its prey into the bottomless abyss with whirlpools and waterspouts.