He changed Tiwat

"Speaking of Boss Degui, it's related to the story of Guhua that I'm about to tell you. The hostess Boss Degui took in before the New Year, Miss Zhiruo, was a disciple of the Guhua Sect. However, the Guhua Sect has been declining and can no longer maintain itself. Its disciples and followers have wandered the world to make a living. Miss Zhiruo left the Guhua Sect because of this. She was penniless like you back then, and Boss Degui let her stay here to work and eat."

Han Fulai then remembered that Zhiruo in the game did indeed seem to be a disciple of the Guhua Sect. No wonder he always felt that Zhiruo looked familiar; it turned out that he had encountered her in a game quest before.

Han Fulai nodded and said, "Mr. Zhongli, rest assured, I will not make things difficult for Boss Degui."

Zhongli smiled and said, "Then let's go back to Guhua."

"That was before Morax founded Liyue. As you may know, the names of many things in Liyue have changed over time. For example, the Thousand Rock Army of Liyue was originally an army formed by Morax's people and was called the Thousand Rock Legion."

Han Fulai nodded. He knew about this. Back then, the Thousand Rocks Clan was a ruthless group that fought against the Demon God alongside the Rock King Emperor. There were plenty of posts online discussing the Thousand Rocks Clan's combat strength.

“The Guhua faction wasn’t originally called the Guhua faction. Hundreds of years ago, it was called the Guhua Hall, and three thousand years before that, it was called the Guhua Organization.”

Han Fulai did grasp a key point: it seems that in Liyue, groups called "So-and-so Group" are all quasi-military organizations.

"So the ancient Hua Group back then was actually an army that followed the Demon God, just like the Qianyan Group?"

“Yes and no,” Zhongli said. “I say you’re right because the Guhua Group wasn’t a sect founded by Guhua, but rather an organization with military characteristics. It was a garrison spontaneously organized by the people who had benefited from Guhua’s kindness, protecting the local residents in the name of Guhua.”

Zhongli picked up his wine cup and took a sip. "I say you're wrong because Gu Hua isn't a demon god. Although some say he was an immortal who eventually transformed into a star amidst the radiant purple aura, as far as I know, that's not the case. He was just a human, a human without the Eye of God."

"All I know is that Gu Hua used to be a wandering knight-errant?" Han Fulai asked.

“Indeed.” Zhongli nodded and said, “Just like Liu Guo in your story, Gu Hua was originally a scholar who was also skilled in wielding a heavy sword made of black iron. Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to see that sword. It was a heavy sword with no edge and no name. But in Gu Hua’s time, this nameless heavy sword was called ‘Beacon of the Netherworld’.”

"Whether they are bandits from the mountains or monsters and demons, anyone who sees that greatsword must be prepared to die. Gu Hua lived in the suburbs of present-day Liyue Harbor, around Tianheng Mountain. At that time, the countryside where Gu Hua lived was as peaceful as a market town, and bandits and monsters dared not make a move. Even in present-day Liyue, this is not the case."

Han Fulai didn't take it seriously at first, but after thinking about it carefully, he suddenly trembled all over, and almost dropped the wine glass in his hand.

He clearly remembered that there were still many monsters active near Liyue Harbor. Just this afternoon, he had seen a Hilichurl on his way to Liyue Harbor. According to Zhongli, Guhua was active before he founded Liyue, which was the era of the Demon God War! Not only were monsters and bandits rampant, but demon gods were also fighting each other.

"This, could it be..." Han Fulai suddenly understood the deeper meaning in Zhongli's words.

“You’re right,” Zhongli affirmed. “If Gu Hua were still alive, the title of God of War of Liyue wouldn’t belong to Morax.”

"Back then, Gu Hua, alone with his sword, dominated the world. Even many demons and gods in the war dared not make a move against him, including Morax." Zhong Li raised his cup, his expression calm, as if he were talking about someone else's affairs.

"But why is such a powerful figure not well-known in Liyue? And why is it that Liyue is not Guhua, but the Emperor..." Han Fulai said, then remembered that the person in front of him was the Emperor himself. Saying this in front of him was simply suicidal.

Zhongli was not offended at all; instead, she poured Han Fulai a cup of wine.

"It is said that Morax and Gu Hua once fought to determine who was superior, and the winner became the elder brother. After that, Morax would sit and drink with Gu Hua in the same way." Zhong Li's face showed a look of reminiscence. "Gu Hua's alcohol tolerance was not very good, and he would cause a ruckus when he got drunk."

“When he’s drunk, he likes to force others to pour him drinks,” Zhongli said, a smile returning to his face. He then imitated in a rough voice, “Brother Yan Wang, fill my cup! Fill it up!”

Han Fulai was speechless. According to Zhongli, Gu Hua, as a human, had actually beaten the universally acknowledged strongest demon god, Yan Wang Dijun, into a younger brother.

"The reason why Gu Hua is not well-known is because he once fought with that person, and after that, Gu Hua disappeared without a trace. And records related to Gu Hua have gradually disappeared over the years." Zhong Li said, looking up at the sky.

There was only one bright moon in the sky.

But Han Fulai knew what Zhongli was looking at—Sky Island.

Gu Hua's final battle is against Tian Li!

Chapter Sixteen: Entering the Dao through Literature, Illuminating the Path of the World

Shocked, Han Fulai's mind raced. Although the alcohol made his thinking somewhat sluggish, he could still sense that something was amiss.

This kind of secret is something even I, a time traveler... no, even the writers of miHoYo might not know. So why did Zhongli tell me it so simply as a story?

Gu Hua disappeared because of his rebellion against the laws of nature. Is the decline of the Gu Hua sect also related to this? Why did Zhong Li specifically bring this up with me? To Zhong Li, I should be someone who starved to death on the street and was rescued by him. Isn't it inappropriate for him to tell such secrets to a passerby like me?

This could never be just a simple chat or storytelling!

So why did he tell me this story?

Gan Yu has already told Zhong Li about me? No, Zhong Li didn't react at all to the background I made up, which means she clearly believes my previous background as a child of Fontainebleau returnees.

Not necessarily! Even if Zhongli saw through my fake identity, he could have simply kept quiet, since he was also using a fake identity to face me.

Or perhaps I possess some transmigrator characteristic that I'm unaware of, which was revealed to Zhongli? It's possible, but I can't be sure.

Wait a minute, when I was telling the story just now, I incorporated some Chinese historical tales into it, and Zhongli realized that this wasn't Teyvat history, so he figured out my identity? That's very likely.

But storytelling is inherently three parts truth and seven parts fiction, so how could Zhongli be sure that I wasn't just making up stories on the spot? Besides, even if I'm a time traveler or something else that makes me special in Zhongli's eyes, what's the point of telling me all that?

More importantly, what impact will this have on me, be beneficial or detrimental? Judging from Zhongli's current attitude towards me, it doesn't seem like he intends to harm me, but my judgment lacks sufficient information.

What to do? What to do? What to do?

Han Fulai's legs were trembling slightly under the table, whether from drinking too much or from fear was hard to tell. But as the old saying goes, alcohol emboldens the timid, and Han Fulai quickly regained his composure.

Zhongli is the Geo Archon, the Geo Archon, and the de facto ruler of Liyue. If he wants to harm me, I won't be able to escape.

So, since we're already here, let's make the best of it.

Having figured this out, Han Fulai had already made up his mind—since he had long planned to cling to the Yan King Emperor's coattails, now that the Emperor himself had delivered himself to his door for him to cling to, why shouldn't he cling to him even more tightly?

At least in the story Zhongli just told me, he revealed that he and Gu Hua were old friends and that he greatly admired Gu Hua; this affection was definitely not fake. Whatever his purpose in telling me this story, I can't go wrong by simply doing what a listener should do.

A moment later, Han Fulai casually raised his wine glass and toasted the sky.

"Though I die, my chivalrous spirit remains, worthy of being a hero of this world. I toast to the great hero Gu Hua." After saying this, Han Fulai tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.

"Even in death, the spirit of chivalry remains, worthy of being a hero of the world." Zhongli also raised his wine cup and drank it to the brim.

"The deeds of the great hero Gu Hua are admirable. If I had the same abilities as Gu Hua, I would definitely do more good deeds for the people of Liyue," Han Fulai said.

“Oh, young friend Han has such ambition, it is truly admirable. Although I am just an idle person in the city, I sincerely hope that young friend Han can fulfill your father’s last wish, enter the Jade Capital Terrace, and bring more benefits to the people of Liyue.” Zhongli smiled and drank another cup with Han Fulai.

Emperor Yan always freeloaded on other people's meals; he never treated anyone to one. If he did treat someone, it certainly wasn't for free. Han Fulai only realized this a few years later, but it was too late.

The two toasted each other, and even though Han Fulai's alcohol tolerance was not bad among young people, he was now flushed and his eyes were blurry with drunkenness.

"Young friend Han, what are your thoughts on Liyue Harbor since you've just arrived in Liyue?" Zhongli asked casually.

"Everyone says that Liyue Harbor is the most prosperous commercial city in Teyvat. Seeing it today, I can confirm that it lives up to its reputation." Han Fulai's compliments came easily. "This is of course thanks to the wise and powerful Geo Archon and the effective leadership of the Liyue Seven Stars."

"But judging from Han's expression, it seems there's something more to his words?" Zhongli noticed that Han Fulai's expression seemed to have an unspoken meaning.

"In Mr. Zhongli's opinion, how is the life of the people in Liyue Harbor?" Han Fulai asked in return.

Zhongli was slightly surprised, but still answered Han Fulai's question: "The people of Liyue are well-fed and clothed and live in peace and contentment."

Han Fulai suddenly laughed.

"What a wonderful phrase, 'enough food and clothing, a peaceful and prosperous life.' Mr. Zhongli once told me that Boss Degui is a good person. So let me ask Mr. Zhongli, why would such a good person dilute the wine with water and cut corners in the sweet rice balls, to the point that Mr. Zhongli had to personally supervise the cooking? And why would such a good person beat and scold his employees over a bowl of sweet rice balls?"

“...From a generally rational perspective, it is normal for businessmen to prioritize profit over details. Although Boss Degui’s actions were inappropriate, they are not entirely incomprehensible,” Zhongli replied after a moment of silence.

"You're wrong. It's because the world in Liyue is in bad shape right now, and the people can't live and work in peace!" Han Fulai said loudly, his voice rising with the effects of the alcohol.

Where Han Fulai couldn't see, a white crane with its feathers standing on end cried out, "This brat is disrespectful to the Emperor, I'll teach him a lesson!" It was pulled back and comforted by the white-haired old woman in front of it, "Liuyun, let it go, let it go, look, the Emperor isn't angry."

Zhongli was not angry, but his doubts grew: "How can you say that we cannot live and work in peace?"

“Mr. Zhongli just said that ‘Three Bowls and You Can’t Cross the Harbour’ was just an unnamed street stall twenty years ago. It was only through the authentic sweet fermented rice balls and affordable prices that the owner of Degui made a name for himself and opened this shop. Isn’t that right?”

"Yes."

"Then let me ask you, Mr. Zhongli, if Boss Degui is a profit-driven and unscrupulous businessman, how did he manage to earn this shop with such a good reputation? If he wanted to make more money, why didn't he raise the prices of the food and drinks? These sailors and laborers who come to eat here know that he waters down the drinks and cuts corners on the food, so why do they still come to eat here? He clearly thinks that Zhiruo doesn't know how to make money, so why does he still take her in and not fire her to cut costs?"

“This…” Zhongli fell silent for a moment.

"I'm sure Mr. Zhongli understands now. It's precisely because Boss Degui is a good person that he's acting this way. He doesn't want to raise the prices of the food and drinks, but the ingredients are more expensive than before. In the past, adding plenty of ingredients would make money, but now he can only make money by cutting corners. Do you think this is a good world for businessmen to live and work in peace?"

"Customers have the ability to choose their own hotels. If one hotel isn't good, they'll go to another. Those sailors and laborers knew that Boss Degui was cutting corners, but 'Three Bowls Before Crossing the Harbor' was the most affordable place for them, and they could accept it even if the quality of the food and drinks wasn't as good as before. Because there were no more affordable options for them. Do you think this is a peaceful and prosperous world for those sailors and laborers?"

"Mr. Zhongli once said that Miss Zhiruo was a member of the Guhua Sect a few years ago, so she must have learned a lot of skills. The sect declined, and she ended up here, where she was taken in by Boss Degui. Boss Degui often beats and scolds her, but she never wants to leave. Even if Boss Degui has shown her kindness, why can't she find another place to work and earn money to repay him? Why doesn't she leave? Because there's nowhere else to take her in. Do you think this is a peaceful and prosperous world for Miss Zhiruo?"

As Han Fulai spoke, he slammed his wine glass on the table.

"I visited Feiyunpo today and saw its magnificent buildings, with carved beams and painted rafters, and people dressed in fine silks and brocades—a truly prosperous scene. But I didn't see anyone like the people of Huyan, dressed in coarse clothes. Is it because they don't like the dishes at Liuliting and Xinyuexuan, or because they can't afford them? Is it because they don't like the treasures at Mingxingzhai, or because they can't afford them?"

"The two slopes of Feiyunpo, one to the south and one to the north, are separated by a bridge, like two different worlds!"

“Mr. Zhongli, Liyue is a country founded on commerce, and it can be said that everyone is a merchant. Even the Seven Stars of Liyue are merchants. The people of Liyue aspire to be Seven Stars from a young age, and most young people aspire to go into business. But today when I went to the General Affairs Department to register for the Liyue Civil Service Examination, I heard that there were 120 people competing for two positions in Moonsea Pavilion, and there were also many people competing for other departments.”

"Imagine, why would so many young people in Liyue who aspire to go into business give up commerce and turn to the fiercely competitive civil service positions in Liyue? Are they all determined to serve the people of Liyue? Isn't it because being a civil servant is a secure job! You can work yourself to the bone in other professions all year round and still not earn much Mora. It's not as secure as being a civil servant in Liyue."

"Mr. Zhongli, do you still believe that this is a good world where people have plenty of food and clothing and live in peace and contentment?"

Han Fulai looked directly into Zhongli's eyes and felt that Zhongli's golden pupils were flashing with a sharp light and his aura was intimidating. But he did not avoid Zhongli's gaze.

The two stared at each other for a long time before Zhong Li finally asked:

"So what are you planning to do?"

Han Fulai smiled easily and said:

"Of course, it's about changing the world."

He stood up, pointed to the Moonsea Pavilion high atop Jade Capital Terrace, and said, "I made a promise to someone to accompany her and seek the greatest well-being for the people of Liyue. Those who break their promises will be punished by the Rock Eaters."

Han Fulai scratched his cheek, a little embarrassed, and said, "To be honest, I'm very happy to be here in Liyue. Back in my hometown, no one thinks I have the ability to bring benefits to the people."

Zhongli watched silently as Han Fulai staggered out of the shop, stretching out one arm and pointing towards the sky.

“Mr. Zhongli, when I was a child, I read four sentences. I was so moved that I trembled all over. I felt that scholars should take those four sentences as their life ideals,” Han Fulai said.

"Which four lines?" Zhongli asked.

"To establish a moral compass for Heaven and Earth, and to secure a destiny for the people. To continue the lost learning of the sages, and to usher in an era of peace for all generations."

After Han Fu finished speaking, he tripped and fell down, and then began to snore.

Suddenly, thunder roared in the sky above Liyue Harbor, and purple lightning streaked across the sky before disappearing without a trace.

The diners and passersby at Huyan thought a downpour was coming and quickly fled, and soon Huyan became deserted as people went home or closed down.

On the Jade Pavilion, Ningguang removed the magic array. She already knew everything she wanted to know, and continuing to maintain the Rumor Array would only increase the consumption of resources.

Zhongli looked up at the direction of Qunyu Pavilion, then stood up and walked to Han Fulai's side.

A moment later, the young immortal, the white-haired old woman, two cranes and a deer all gathered around Zhongli.

Zhongli nodded, which was considered a greeting.

“I have confirmed that this person is not possessed by a demon. Everyone should not linger here, otherwise it may disturb the people.”

The young immortal nodded and vanished in an instant.

The white crane shook its head and grumbled, "Do you think I like being punished here? It's all for the sake of our contract, hmph."

The red-crowned crane beside it grabbed one of its wings and said, "Liuyun, you look more ethereal when you're not talking."

The fairy deer beside it pulled up its other wing, "Liuyun, let's go to Aozang Mountain for tea, let's go!"

Ignoring the resistance of the Cloud-Borrowing True Lord, the two celestial beasts forcibly dragged it into the air. In the blink of an eye, the two cranes and the deer were far away.

The dust-removing bell at the waist of the white-haired old woman had long since reverted to an ordinary belt. With her hands behind her back, she prepared to leave.

At this moment, Zhong Li spoke.

“Ping…Ge Chenlang City True Lord, please stay for a chat.”

The white-haired old woman turned around and suddenly sighed, "Seeing this old woman like me, even the Emperor wouldn't want to call me Ping'er anymore."

Zhongli shook her head and smiled bitterly, "Thousands of years have passed, and people are calling you Grandma now, but you are still so mischievous, you haven't changed at all."

"Yes, I'm not some kind of Granny Ping. In the eyes of the Rock King Emperor, I'll always be that little girl following behind you." Granny Ping shook her head. "So, what do you need this old woman's help with?"

"Please, True Lord of Songchenlang City, take care of this young brother. It wouldn't be right to leave him sleeping on the streets." Zhongli squatted down and helped Han Fulai, who was drunk and in a daze, to his feet.

Grandma Ping nodded and waved her hand to summon a teapot. The teapot was made of purple clay, rich and full, with engravings of fairy mountains and seas of clouds on its surface, making it clear at a glance that it was no ordinary teapot.

"This method of creating a grotto-heaven was taught to me by Your Majesty, and it has come in handy today." Granny Ping waved her sleeve, and the space twisted in layers. Han Fulai's body seemed to be sucked into the vortex and disappeared into the pot in an instant.

"Thank you very much, True Lord Ge Chenlang. This young brother has an exam tomorrow, so please give him a ride," Zhongli said.

"I will naturally handle the matters entrusted to me by the Emperor. It has been many years since we last met, and the Emperor seems quite distant from me, speaking to me with far too much formality." Granny Ping feigned anger and turned her head away.

Zhongli didn't know how to respond, so she smiled helplessly and changed the subject.

Do you still remember Gu Hua?

"Of course I remember." Granny Ping nodded. "There aren't many people in this world who can be brothers with the Emperor, and even fewer who can be treated with the respect due to an elder brother by the Emperor."

"That day, before Gu Hua shattered the void and stepped into Sky Island, I asked him why he did it." Zhong Li looked up. "Gu Hua also left me with four sentences."

"To establish a heart for Heaven and Earth. To establish a destiny for the people. To continue the lost learning of the past sages. To usher in an era of peace for all generations." Gu Hua told me that this is called "Hengqu's Four Sentences." I never expected that after more than four thousand years, I would hear these four sentences again.

Grandma Ping remained silent. She didn't know why Gu Hua wanted to set foot on Sky Island, nor did she know what connection Gu Hua had with this boy surnamed Han, but she believed that the Emperor's actions must have a deeper meaning.

“Gu Hua once used a heavy sword made of black iron, which was later called ‘Rain Cutter’. Legend has it that the heavy sword was incredibly powerful, capable of splitting water and cutting rain to create rainbows. It is still enshrined in the Wangshan Hall, a key location of the Gu Hua Sect. You know about this,” Zhong Li said.

Grandma Ping nodded.