He changed Tiwat

Han Fulai smiled, recalling what he had just said to Shen He: "A person's fate depends on both personal struggle and the course of history. The course of history has already begun; now it's time for him to strive."

Chapter 83 Those who get on the bus first should weld the doors shut.

The moonlight, like water, shone into the room through the window.

Shen He's figure, sitting cross-legged by the window, resembled a fairy in the moon, her beauty unparalleled and otherworldly, making one forget the mundane world upon seeing her.

Han Fulai turned his head to look at Shen He, and couldn't help but recall what Shen He had said to him before—

"Those who receive my favor call me an immortal, those who are punished by me call me a witch. Ha... Whether immortal or demon, they are ultimately just different beings from mortals..."

He asked softly, "Shen He, are you still awake?"

Shen He kept his eyes closed, maintaining the seated posture with his palms facing upwards, but his voice was no longer cold and clear, but instead showed more concern: "You must be tired today, get some rest. I'm a light sleeper, so I'll check if there's any noise for you."

"Thank you."

Han Fulai turned over, his back to Shen He, and pulled up the blanket.

After a moment, he whispered another sentence:

“Shen He, you are not an immortal, nor a witch, nor an alien… you are human.”

Shen He opened her eyes, staring blankly at Han Fulai, speechless for a long time. She felt as if she had been waiting for someone to say those words all along, waiting for many years.

On Han Fulai's side, even breathing could be heard.

Han Fulai slept soundly. When he woke up, it was already broad daylight. He opened his eyes and found that Shen He was no longer in the room.

Just as Han Fulai was about to get up to look for it, Shen He pushed open the door and came in, holding a small cup in his hand.

Good morning. The morning dew is so sweet, would you like some?

"I'd rather obey than be overly respectful," Han Fulai said with a smile.

After sharing the morning dew and washing up, the two headed to the construction site.

According to Han Fulai's prediction, if everything goes as he expects, he should be able to encounter someone at the construction site who possesses information about the "Thousand Wonders Core" and the "Immortal Talisman." Based on the game's storyline, this should be Yun Jin and Bei Dou—but it doesn't matter who it is, because the Jade Pavilion must be completed. Even if others don't have this information, Ningguang will spread it out through various means to accelerate the material gathering process.

This is a necessary step for condensation.

The two arrived at the construction site and saw Baiwen directing the workers to secure the cables of the Jade Pavilion. In just one night, the "Floating Life Stone of Mingxia" that Han Fulai and Shen He had found had been installed at the bottom of the Jade Pavilion. The Jade Pavilion was now floating above everyone's heads. If it weren't for those thick iron cables securing the Jade Pavilion, it would probably have already risen into the sky.

Han Fulai stepped forward to greet Baiwen and couldn't help but ask her, "The Jade Pavilion is almost finished overnight?"

Bai Wen then briefed Han Fulai on the construction progress of the Qunyu Pavilion: "The Qunyu Pavilion is very large. To ensure balance, we have divided the construction work into two parts. Before we find a suitable 'Mingxia Floating Stone,' we will rebuild the base of the Qunyu Pavilion on the ground. Once the floating stone is ready, we will combine it with the base, allowing the semi-finished Qunyu Pavilion to float in the air to a mountaintop position around here."

"The subsequent construction work will be completed above. Once everything is ready, we will retract the iron chains and allow the Jade Pavilion to fly to its proper height..."

This further confirms Han Fulai's judgment—Ningguang is accelerating the construction of Qunyu Pavilion, even working day and night.

Given Ningguang's personality, the reconstruction of Qunyu Pavilion, which she considers her second life, shouldn't have been rushed. She should have paid attention to every detail, transforming Qunyu Pavilion into an even more magnificent aerial city—but if she didn't plan to reside there permanently, that would be a different story.

At this moment, a man walked up behind Baiwen. He was Changgui, the merchant whom Han Fulai had met on the Jade Capital Terrace.

"Miss Baiwen, we've brought some new materials—"

He stopped mid-sentence, frozen in place, because the base of the Jade Pavilion was already complete. And the material he referred to was the "Floating Life Stone of Mingxia," which he had purchased for a staggering 500 million Mora at an auction held by the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild.

"Wait a moment, I'll be right there."

Bai Wen responded and then said to Han Fulai, "The reconstruction work has progressed so quickly, thanks to the Floating Life Stone that you found, Vice Minister Han. Lord Ningguang also said that he looks forward to your performance in the future."

"Ha, my performance will probably surprise Ningguang," Han Fulai thought to himself.

Baiwen bid farewell to the two and went to discuss matters with Changgui.

At this moment, two more women walked towards the construction site. One of them had a single ponytail, wore a red eye mask, was tall, and had a bold demeanor; the other had a gold lock around her waist, cascading black hair, and was beautiful and elegant. The two women walked hand in hand, attracting considerable attention.

Although Han Fulai had never met the two, he recognized them by their appearance alone—they were Beidou and Yun Jin.

"Oh! This must be Deputy Minister Han, right? I didn't expect you to find the most important Floating Life Stone so quickly. We're a bit late." Beidou was very familiar with Han Fulai, it seemed that Ningguang had informed her beforehand.

"You flatter me. I never expected the renowned Captain Beidou to participate in the competition to rebuild the Qunyu Pavilion," Han Fulai said with a smile.

“That’s right. I once obtained a ‘Mingxia Floating Life Stone’ by chance when I was adventuring at sea, so I brought it with me. Ningguang made me come all this way for nothing.” Beidou pouted and loudly complained about Ningguang, who was not present.

“Fortunately, we acted quickly enough. Although the ‘Mingxia Floating Life Stone’ is rare, there are many talented people in Liyue.” Han Fulai sighed softly to Shen He beside him.

"By the way, let me introduce you. This is a famous opera singer from Liyue..." Beidou raised his hand and introduced the woman next to him to Han Fulai.

Han Fulai greeted him with a smile and clasped his hands in greeting.

“Yun Jin, Mr. Yun, I have long admired you.”

Yun Jin quickly returned the greeting, "Hello, Mr. Han. I have heard a lot about your deeds in the community."

Beidou laughed and said, "It seems I've saved myself the trouble of introducing you. By the way, this person next to Vice Minister Han is unfamiliar to me. Ningguang didn't mention him to me beforehand. May I ask who he is...?"

“Shen He. I am his… sister.” Shen He continued to use the premise that Han Fulai had made up on the spot.

“So you’re Vice Minister Han’s sister…” Beidou glanced at Shen He meaningfully, then turned to Yun Jin. “Mr. Yun is also here to participate in the competition. He happened to need to borrow my boat, so he came along.”

Yun Jin bowed respectfully to Shen He in a classical manner and said, "It is an honor to meet Miss Shen He today. Although it is our first meeting, I have a feeling that we will get along well in the future."

"To be honest, I really needed the qualification to ask Miss Ningguang a question, which is why I participated in this competition. My father has some connections, and although the Floating Life Stone I found was a bit small, it was barely enough to pass the test."

Yun Jin got straight to the point, and Han Fulai, of course, knew what Yun Jin was thinking, so he smiled slightly.

This three-way meeting was essentially a meeting of Ningguang's cronies.

Yun Jin said she really needed this opportunity to ask Ning Guang a question, and there were three opportunities in total. Coincidentally, the three families present were all related, so it was all understood without saying a word.

This is like a bus with only three seats left. Three people get on the bus early by going through the back door, but there's a whole bunch of ordinary people outside who also want to get on and grab seats. What should the people on the bus do? Of course, they should weld the doors shut so that the later passengers can't get on!

Chapter 84 Let some people meet the standard first

Originally, Yun Jin and Bei Dou estimated that the "Mingxia Floating Life Stone" they found should be able to take the top two spots in terms of size. However, Han Fulai's floating life stone, treasured by the True Lord of Minghai Qixia, had clearly exceeded the capabilities of the mortal realm and had taken the lead. Therefore, Bai Wen didn't even wait for the later arrival of the "Mingxia Floating Life Stone" before directly using Han Fulai's floating life stone to rebuild the base of the Qunyu Pavilion.

Since Han Fulai could find such a large piece of Floating Life Stone, he might have a way to find the "Thousand Wonders Core" and the "Immortal Talisman". In order to get the opportunity to ask questions, Yun Jin had no choice but to discuss cooperation with Han Fulai.

Han Fulai can now do Yun Jin this favor.

He seized the opportunity to extend goodwill to Yun Jin: "Mr. Yun, you are too modest. Who does not know the name of the Yun Clan of Liyue? If there is an opportunity, I hope to cooperate with you."

Yun Jin's face lit up with surprise. She and Bei Dou had actually discussed things and thought about their arguments on the way. However, she hadn't expected that Han Fulai would take the initiative to propose cooperation to her before they even had a chance to use the terms they had prepared.

The only person present who wasn't part of the plan was one person.

She then turned to Shen He and asked, "Excuse my intrusion, is Miss Shen He also here to participate in the competition?"

Shen He shook his head expressionlessly, pointed to his "brother" beside him, and said, "No. I don't have any questions for Ningguang, I just want to help him win."

“In that case, I have a proposal that would benefit all of us,” Yun Jin said with a smile. “Miss Ningguang said that the first three people to find all the materials will receive a reward. With three chances to ask questions, the three of us can split the rewards equally. Instead of competing with each other, why not unite and take all three spots? What do you all think?”

"Haha, Mr. Yun, what a great suggestion." Beidou quickly chimed in, "The most difficult-to-find Floating Life Stone is already exclusively possessed by Vice Minister Han, while Mr. Yun and I can be ranked second and third respectively. But the remaining two materials are not unique. As long as one of us finds a channel, we can solve the needs of the three of us."

Before Han Fulai could reply, Shen He nodded vigorously, looking quite sympathetic.

"So there's another way... Let some people meet the standard first, then eliminate those who don't, and eventually everyone meets the standard. Good idea."

This method coincided with her idea of ​​"eliminating all other competitors" and suited her taste perfectly.

Beidou laughed heartily, "Sister Shenhe is quick-witted and gets right to the point. Alright! Let me tell you about my intelligence first. I have some leads regarding the 'Thousand Wonders Core.' It's said that forging this core isn't difficult, but the difficulty lies in preparing the various ores used as materials. I plan to go back to the ship and ask our family's blacksmith, Su Ling, if he's heard of it. You—"

Yun Jin chimed in, "We could go to the city and consult Master Zhang of 'Hanfeng Ironware.' What do you think, Mr. Han?"

Han Fulai recalled what Zhong Li had said to him in front of the "Hanfeng Ironware" shop during the Lantern Festival, smiled, and said, "The descendants of the Han family, a renowned craftsman in Liyue, have trustworthy skills. Moreover, the Han family and the Yun family, a family of forging masters, have been friends for generations. I think Han Zhang will not refuse Mr. Yun's request."

Upon hearing this, Yun Jin's eyes widened in surprise: "People say that Mr. Han is very knowledgeable, and he truly lives up to his reputation. He even knows these family histories that are difficult for others to know. It seems that even without our information, Mr. Han has his own connections."

Han Fulai smiled. After all, it was something that the living history of Liyue, who had lived for six thousand years, had specifically reminded him of. Back then, Zhongli had suggested that he learn more about the evolution of Liyue's families, and he had taken it to heart. Just as he had once told Keqing, Zhongli was actually teaching him the same principle—"It is people who do things."

Therefore, if he wants to succeed, he needs to know how to use people, understand the people of Liyue, and build more connections.

Old Zhang of "Hanfeng Ironware" is called Master Zhang by everyone, who assumes his surname is Zhang, but this is a misunderstanding. His real name is Han Zhang, a descendant of the Han clan, a renowned craftsman clan in Liyue. However, he has always harbored a dream of surpassing the achievements of his ancestors, so he does not use the Han clan name until he has forged divine weapons that surpass those made by his forefathers.

Five hundred years ago, Han Wu, a renowned craftsman from Han Zhang's ancestor, and Yun Hui, the head of Yun Jin's ancestor and one of the Seven Stars, forged the world-famous "Prototype" series of weapons. For example, the "Prototype Gu Hua" was a famous sword commissioned by Han Wu from descendants of the Gu Hua school. The "Black Rock" series of weapons, also named after the Yun family's Black Rock Factory, was jointly completed by Han Ce, a descendant of the Han family, and Yun Huang, the first female head of the Yun family in history.

Given the five-hundred-year-old friendship between the two families, it was naturally most appropriate for Yun Jin to ask Han Zhang for help in forging the "Thousand Wonders Core". If Han Fulai hadn't met Yun Jin today, he would have also asked Xing Qiu for help. When it comes to the forging industry in Liyue, he would have to find one of the three major forging families: the Kun family, the Yun family, and the Han family.

It would be a good thing to be able to collaborate on creating the "Qianqi Core" and "Immortal Talismans" and leverage Yun Jin and Bei Dou's connections.

Seeing that the two had reached a consensus, Beidou clapped his hands and said, "That's excellent. Let's split up and proceed. Whichever side succeeds, we'll be one step closer to victory."

"Without further ado, see you later." Beidou lifted the hem of his robe and strode away.

After Beidou left, Han Fulai, along with Yun Jin and Shen He, boarded the special car on Yuheng Star and headed to Liyue Harbor.

"Speaking of which, what questions does Mr. Yun intend to ask Lady Ningguang?" Han Fulai chatted casually with Yun Jin on the way.

“I’m looking for a venue for my new play. Miss Ningguang has exceptional vision, and I would like to ask for her opinion. Moreover, it would be even better if I could get her guidance on the new script…” Yun Jin said, then suddenly looked at Han Fulai with hopeful eyes, “Mr. Han’s talent and vision far surpass those of ordinary people, and I’m sure he can also give me some pointers.”

"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance, but if Mr. Yun wishes to receive some feedback from the audience, I would be very willing to be among the first to see it," Han Fulai said with a smile.

Yun Jin nodded. "The play was created by my father based on folk tales. He put a lot of effort into it. It is a legendary story depicting gods, monsters and fairies."

Its name is...

“The Goddess Splits the Temple,” Han Fulai interjected.

"So Mr. Han, you've heard of this play too?" Yun Jin asked in surprise.

"I know a little bit." Han Fulai smiled. Not only did he know a little bit, but he was also quite familiar with the female protagonist of the story!

"I haven't seen Mr. Yun's new script yet. If I am fortunate enough, I hope to see Mr. Yun sing 'The Goddess Splits the Temple' in person."

“That’s perfect timing. I’ve already brought the revised script with me. If I have some free time later, I’ll need to discuss it with Mr. Han,” Yun Jin said hurriedly.

Han Fulai agreed. He glanced at Shen He beside him, who listened to their conversation expressionlessly without saying a word.

Chapter 85 The Crane Returns, But the Former Huabiao Column Is Gone

When the group arrived at the "Frostwind Ironworks" shop in Liyue Harbor, Old Zhang was forging a weapon on an anvil with his hammer. Amidst the flying sparks, a precious sword was gradually taking shape.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Old Zhang spoke in a low voice without turning around: "Are you here to buy something or to commission a forging? If you're buying something, everything hanging in the shop is for sale. If you're commissioning a forging, you'll have to wait until I finish my current work."

"Thank you for your hard work, Master Zhang. Have you ever heard of the 'Qianqi Core'?" Yun Jin knew that Old Zhang was unwilling to refer to himself as Han Shi, so she specially called him Master Zhang.

"Of course I've heard of you! Hey, your voice sounds familiar, who are you...?" Old Zhang stopped hammering and looked back curiously.

There was a man and two women in front of him, but he didn't recognize any of them.

"I am Yun Jin. Master Zhang may not remember me. However, my father once commissioned you to forge some swords and spears for use on the stage," Yun Jin introduced herself.

"Ah, Yun Jin, you're Mr. Yun! Look at my head, I'm completely confused. No wonder your voice sounded familiar... This is the first time I've seen you without your costume."

Yun Jin wasn't on stage today, so she was dressed casually. She wore a black short-sleeved top, a white cloud-patterned skirt, and purple tights, looking like an ordinary young girl. This was quite different from her elaborate stage costume, and Lao Zhang didn't recognize her at first glance.

Moreover, he was nearly twenty years older than Yun Jin. Although their families had been friends for generations, he and Yun Jin did not have much interaction.

He quickly finished his work and turned to greet the group.

"You gentlemen are here to inquire about the 'Thousand Wonders Core,' right? I do know how to make it. I also helped Lady Ningguang when she was repairing the Jade Pavilion last time."

As Old Zhang spoke, he crossed his arms and looked down, recalling the method of making the "Qianqi Core".

"The ore needed to forge the 'Thousand Wonders Core' is quite rare. Last time, Lady Ningguang prepared it. I wonder if you brought it this time?"

"No. We were just about to ask what kind of ore we need," Han Fulai asked hurriedly.

"Well, in general, we need two kinds: 'Shattered Star Iron Ore' and 'Secret Essence Stone'. If I remember correctly, Lady Ningguang found the ore in the southwest area of ​​Tianheng Mountain last time. 'Shattered Star Iron Ore' has a property that is said to resonate with the Eye of God."

Old Zhang glanced at the Eye of God on Yun Jin's body, and Yun Jin nodded to him.

"'Shattered Star Iron Ore' can be found eventually with some effort. But 'Mystic Stone' is much more difficult to obtain; it's said to be extremely rare on the market..."

"What should we do?" Yun Jin frowned as she heard Old Zhang say that things were not going well.

“It’s not like there’s no way.” Old Zhang scratched his head. “Over the years, I’ve repaired weapons for free and heard some adventurers talk about ‘Secret Essence Stones.’ I’ve heard that the residents around Tianheng Mountain know some kind of secret method that can pinpoint the location of ‘Secret Essence Stones’… However, the villages around Tianheng Mountain have been abandoned for a long time. I don’t know if you can find anyone there.”

"In short, I suggest you go to the vicinity of Tianheng Mountain to look for 'Shattered Star Iron Ore' first. If you meet any locals, you can ask them about 'Secret Flower Stone'."

“Tianheng Mountain…” Shen He lowered his head and repeated it softly.

"So, the story of 'The Goddess Splitting the Temple' actually takes place on Mount Tianheng." Yun Jin thought to herself, her face lighting up with joy. "It is said that Mount Tianheng has a pleasant feng shui, and many immortals like to go there. I might gain some new insights if I go there. Without further ado, you two, let's set off immediately."

The three traveled by horse-drawn carriage to the southwest side of Tianheng Mountain, finally arriving at their destination in the afternoon. After crossing several small hills, they reached the legendary village where the inhabitants of Tianheng Mountain lived.

Yun Jin took the lead, wielding her Geo-attribute Divine Eye, sensing the location of the "Shattered Star Iron Ore" along the way. The mountain path was long and arduous, but fortunately, the three of them were either Divine Eye wielders or possessed immortal power, so they could walk as if on flat ground.

The group kept their heads down and hurried along, creating a somewhat somber atmosphere. Yun Jin broke the silence first: "When I was a child, I came to Tianheng Mountain once with my father. I remember this mountain was so high, and my legs were so sore when I reached the top. Today is like a return to familiar ground... Look at the steep peaks and flowing streams here, it's like a paradise on earth."

As Yun Jin spoke, she stopped and pointed to the majestic Tianheng Mountain peak in front of her.

"No wonder the legend of 'The Goddess Splits the Temple' happened here. 'Mortal connections are hazy, but immortal connections are abundant.' This place does indeed seem to be a place where immortals are active."

“‘Mortal fate is hazy, immortal fate is boundless’... It’s fate that we’ve come to Tianheng Mountain today to search for minerals.” Han Fulai agreed with deep feeling.