He changed Tiwat

"good to eat."

"...Hey, it's delicious? Really...really?" Gan Yu's eyes widened in surprise.

"Really." Han Fulai's voice was incredibly sincere. "If possible, I would even like to eat this cold rice cake every year on my birthday."

Gan Yu looked down and tapped her fingers: "If this is your birthday wish... well, I'll remember it from now on."

Before Han Fulai could say anything more, Gan Yu immediately turned her head and looked in the direction of Yuehai Pavilion: "Oh, it's already this late, everyone must be getting impatient, right? Let's hurry up and not keep everyone waiting too long."

Han Fulai smiled and nodded: "Yes, Gan Yu."

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Having a Home [4k]

On the long staircase of Yujingtai, Han Fulai encountered several more "accidents".

First, his "landlady" Yanfei, like a high school girl in Inazuma, yelled, "Oh no, I'm going to be late!" and hurriedly ran towards Yujingtai with a big schoolbag, almost bumping into Ganyu and tumbling down the mountain...

Upon discovering that he was also there, Yanfei excitedly handed him the large backpack: "Happy birthday! This is a birthday gift I prepared for you. Inside are legal documents from various countries—haven't you been frequently representing Liyue on visits to different countries lately? Learning about other countries' laws in advance will definitely be useful for you!"

Giving away legal documents as birthday gifts is truly befitting of someone of the "legal beast" Xie Zhi bloodline. Not only is their professional level second to none in Liyue Harbor, but their dedication to their work is also exceptional.

Han Fulai accepted the package of books and told Yan Fei that he would definitely make time to study them carefully. However, Yan Fei whispered in his ear, "But don't get too good at it, otherwise I won't be able to help you... Anyway, if you ever encounter any legal problems in the future, remember to call me, okay?"

Before he could even agree, Yanfei ran off like a high school girl leaving school.

Han Fulai watched Yan Fei run away in a daze, but when he turned around, he saw another uninvited guest—Xiao—standing silently in front of him, as if he had appeared out of thin air.

Even the usually stern Xiao had a rare smile on his face today: "I heard from someone that today is your birthday. I used to think that these human commemorations were just superfluous, but you... are special. I also think that today is a day worth commemorating, so..."

He took out a green "Wind Crystal Butterfly".

"This item is made from the leaves of the paulownia tree, which are refined using immortal techniques. It contains the supernatural powers of a yaksha and is used to ward off evil spirits."

Xiao is always like this; he is always very pragmatic in his words and deeds, and even when giving gifts, he prioritizes practicality.

In fact, with Han Fulai's current strength, there are few "evil spirits" that can harm him. The talisman is just an ornament to him. But more important than its practicality is Xiao's sentiment.

Han Fulai accepted the "Crystal Butterfly" with great care.

Xiao smiled faintly and disappeared into the wind once again.

Gan Yu, on the other hand, was so surprised that she stood there for a long time, and it wasn't until Xiao left that she realized that she hadn't seen Xiao's smile for thousands of years.

The reason why that "Great Sage Who Subdues Demons" underwent such a great change was because of his encounter with this person, right?

As Gan Yu was thinking, another gust of wind swept past her ear.

"That woman" just appeared out of nowhere, landing gracefully in front of the two of them.

Well, just now the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons said that "someone" told him Han Fulai's birthday. Now we don't need to guess who this "someone" is.

The rarely seen True Lord Liuyun, who rarely appeared in human form, adjusted his red-rimmed glasses and carefully examined his disciple and son-in-law.

"Gan Yu, didn't I make you a new dress? It was clearly prepared for today, so why aren't you wearing it?"

Gan Yu gritted her teeth: "Master, there are some things we don't have to say!"

Liu Yun Zhenjun originally intended to solemnly declare, "With my conversational skills, I naturally know what to say," but Han Fulai quickly interrupted her, saying, "Immortal Master Liu Yun, it's been a long time. I know you're busy with many affairs, and I originally planned to visit you at Mount Aozang after some time, but I never expected to meet you here today..."

“It’s no coincidence, so no need for formalities. Here you go.” True Lord Liuyun impatiently handed him a wooden box. “Here, open this box.”

Han Fulai opened the wooden box as instructed, and a lifelike wooden lotus flower immediately popped out from inside.

Liu Yun Zhenjun clapped his hands lightly, and the lotus flower bloomed upon hearing the sound. Inside the flower's stamen stood a small Gan Yu... no, a small white Qilin.

The mechanism began to operate, and rings of colorful lights lit up on the lotus petals. The little Qilin in the center of the rings raised its head and began to sing in a childish voice: "Wishing you longevity and happiness as vast as the heavens, celebrating your happy birthday..."

Liu Yun Zhenjun pushed up his glasses again with a smug look, and a glint of light seemed to flash behind the lenses: "This song is from when Gan Yu was a child..."

"Master!" Gan Yu stomped her foot so hard that the entire Yujingtai seemed to tremble.

Liu Yun Zhenjun coughed lightly and changed the subject: "...Anyway, this is for you. Take it and have some fun. It will surely add a bit of liveliness to your birthday banquet. Have a good time."

As she finished speaking, Han Fulai quickly stopped her, saying, "Immortal Master Liuyun, please wait. How is Ah He doing these days? Is her cultivation progressing smoothly?"

Since returning to the original place to fight the flood, Shen He was taken by Liu Yun to Mount Aozang for recuperation. Han Fulai has not seen Shen He for several months. Even though he knows that with the care of immortals like Liu Yun, there is no way Shen He's cultivation will have any problems, he is still worried... and his longing is undoubtedly several times greater than his worry.

Liu Yun Zhenjun glanced at him with a half-smile: "Don't worry, Shen He's talent for cultivation is unparalleled in the world. She reached the Nascent Soul stage a month ago. If you really miss her, heh... you will meet her."

After saying this, Liu Yun also vanished like the wind.

Han Fulai turned around, still holding the wooden box that was singing "Happy Birthday," and only then did he realize that Gan Yu had covered her face with her hands and curled up in a ball... Hmm, Han Fulai roughly knew what the "story of Gan Yu's childhood" that Liu Yun Zhenjun hadn't finished telling was.

He quickly closed the wooden box and put it away.

Gan Yu's voice came through her fingers, as faint as a mosquito's buzz: "...Don't tell anyone about that song."

Han Fulai nodded vigorously: "I swear I will keep this a secret!"

After traversing the staircase that was constantly triggering unexpected events, Han Fulai and Gan Yu finally reached the Jade Capital Terrace.

The once bustling Yujingtai was unusually quiet today. Even the Qianyan Army soldiers responsible for patrolling Yujingtai were given a temporary leave, clearly indicating that the area had been cleared out in advance.

The person who could get Gan Yu to clear the area ahead of time was waiting for them on the Jade Capital Platform.

The man, dressed in a magnificent golden robe, sat upright in the chair where Granny Ping usually sat when she drank tea and watered the flowers, gazing at the myriad lights of Liyue Harbor.

Gan Yu and Han Fulai bowed their heads in unison and said, "Greetings, Your Majesty."

Zhongli smiled slightly and stood up to return the greeting: "Young friend Han, it's been a long time."

Han Fulai had long been prepared to see Zhongli. Since Liuyun Zhenjun had told Xiao about his birthday, he would definitely mention it to the Emperor as well.

He managed to invite the Rock King and the Celestial Emperor to celebrate his birthday. This level of prestige is probably the highest in Liyue. No wonder Gan Yu had to pull him out of the celebration banquet halfway through—can the Seven Star Banquet compare to the Rock King and the Celestial Emperor's invitation for tea?

What surprised him even more was that Zhongli actually returned the greeting!

Is this considered... a courtesy to a "colleague"?

Zhongli smiled and said, "Don't be so formal. Today you are the birthday star, and I am just here to wish you a happy birthday. There are already many excellent examples from the past, so I will just borrow some of your wisdom to offer you."

He pointed to the hibiscus in the flowerbed.

"Every year, the golden chrysanthemums bloom in the autumn wind, and even more so, the frost-resistant red ones."

Hibiscus blooms in autumn and is also known as the frost-resistant flower. Han Fulai's birthday is also in autumn, which is the season when the frost-resistant flower is in full bloom.

Han Fulai replied respectfully, "You are still young and vigorous; I wish to see your descendants pacify the barbarians."

Zhongli laughed again: "A seed from the Wowa Valley, renowned throughout the imperial court. On the day of the imperial audience, the draft was presented, its strokes like ten thousand dragons and snakes."

This undoubtedly refers to his affairs in Inazuma. His "duel before the emperor" with General Raiden, as well as the sensational manifesto that shocked Inazuma, have obviously reached Zhongli's ears.

Han Fulai became even more respectful: "I have heard that the Emperor of Qingdu intends to draw upon the celestial waves of the Milky Way to wash away the barbarian sands in the northwest."

Zhongli's smile widened: "I thought you would answer me: 'Call Shuangcheng, sing Nongyu, dance Lühua.'"

Han Fulai was immediately embarrassed. "Shuangcheng, Nongyu, Lühua" were all beautiful fairy maidens from ancient legends. It was obvious which fox fairy or goddess Zhongli was asking about...

Zhongli narrowed his eyes: "The other day, a descendant of a fellow immortal friend of Inazuma sent a shikigami to deliver a message on behalf of General Raiden. In the message, General Raiden actually addressed me as an elder and said that he would pay a visit on a chosen day. Young friend Han, you must have some clues. If you had informed me earlier, I would have prepared a gift. It would have been impolite of me as the 'elder'."

"No, no, no, you're too kind. There's really no need to go to such trouble..." Han Fulai shook his head almost to the ground.

Even a fool could tell that this was the work of a divine being.

He initially flew the "Heavenly Principles" banner of the Rock King Emperor in Inazuma, and used the "Martial God's Spear" when challenging the Thunder General—he is the "successor of the Emperor," so his "elder" is naturally Zhongli, the Rock King Emperor. When the Divine Child and Shadow want to meet their "parents," they naturally meet Zhongli...

When he left Inazuma, the goddess insisted on going back to Liyue with him to "visit her family." For the sake of her own life, Han Fulai had to persuade her to give up the idea after much persuasion. As a result, she turned around and sent a letter to Zhongli to "declare her sovereignty."

As for Aying... Aying claimed she would help him quell the thunderstorm in the outer sea, and then followed the "Tianheng" and occupied the bridge. From Captain Su Yong to Chief of Staff Su Ding and Xingqiu, they were all kicked out of the cabin by the General and made to stand as punishment. The first ironclad ship of the Liyue Navy was almost renamed "Thunder General".

Fortunately, Minister Han sacrificed himself, which finally appeased the general's sorrow at parting. The price was that strange rumors about the "Attendant General" began to circulate in the Thousand Rock Army, and Xingqiu ignored him for two whole days...

Zhongli sighed with emotion: "I thought I had seen all kinds of things in the mortal world over the past thousands of years, and my heart had turned into an unmoving black stone, but I never thought you could do such a feat... that amazes me as well."

—Yes, the ley lines of Teyvat can attest to that. Zhongli was so startled when he received that letter that he dropped his teacup.

The wheat has ripened thousands of times, but this is the first time the demon god has married...

Zhongli looked at Han Fulai, who looked flustered, and said leisurely, "I heard that Inazuma is holding an 'Akitsu Festival' recently. I couldn't refuse the General and Yae no Kami's hospitality. I also want to go and experience the charm of Inazuma. I should make some preparations in the next few days and find a few presentable gifts in Liyue Harbor."

"Speaking of which, Ping and Maxius went on a trip together a few days ago and left this with me, asking me to pass it on to you."

With a flick of his finger, a teacup shrouded in wisps of smoke instantly appeared in his hand.

Zhongli smiled and said, "This is the 'Dust Song Pot' that Aping made for you. I also added a few 'exterior scenes' to it as a birthday gift for you. I engraved your immortal power mark on it. From now on, it will be your own grotto, your... home."

Han Fulai's hands trembled slightly when he took the "Dust Song Pot".

...A full year has passed since he transmigrated, and he finally has a "home" of his own in Teyvat and Liyue.

He channeled his immortal power into the pot, which flashed and then a golden five-pointed star mark appeared.

After ascending to godhood, the immortal power within him was no longer the "power of the Rock King Emperor," but the "power of the Salt King Emperor." Naturally, he also possessed his own unique demon god mark—the five-pointed star that symbolized his origin.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Han Fulai bowed deeply. "And to True Lord Gechenlang City and True Lord Liuyunjiefeng, I will repay the expenses for the materials used in this 'Dust Song Pot' as soon as possible..."

Zhongli chuckled: "What materials? It was said to be a congratulatory gift, how can I accept money? You've done so much for Liyue, is it not worth a mere 'Dust Song Pot'? -- Well, put the bill on the 'Hall of Rebirth's' account."

“Ah Ping has already summoned a ‘little fellow’ to wait for you in the pot. You can ask her about everything concerning this ‘Dust Song Pot’.”

"Oh, right..." He pointed towards the Moon Sea Pavilion, "There are people waiting for you there too, so I won't keep you any longer. Today is a happy day, so you should enjoy it to the fullest."

Zhongli nodded to Gan Yu and strolled down from Yujingtai with leisurely steps.

Even from afar, one can still hear his resounding chant: "The elegance of a thousand years is here today; let us not linger on our pursuit of fame and fortune. The king rules over three hundred states."

Han Fulai bowed deeply to Zhongli until he could no longer see his back.

Gan Yu, who had been silent until now, finally spoke: "Judging from your conversation with the Emperor just now, you already have a plan?"

Han Fulai nodded.

Although the poems Zhongli just recited were all "birthday poems," he was actually asking about something else.

"Refusing frost" refers not only to flowers, but also to the frost-covered land to the north, where winter arrives.

He thwarted the "Rich Man's" strategy in Inazuma, destroyed the "Doctor's" "Evil Eye Factory," indirectly caused the death of the "Lady" and the defection of the "Scouts," and even intercepted the "Heart of God" from the movie Rai, preventing the Winter Queen's strategy of collecting the "Heart of God" from various countries.

In other words, the person he offended this time was no longer the "Fool's Enforcers," but the "Ice God."

His reply to Zhongli, "My children pacify the barbarians," was an allusion to Xie Anshi's "My young children defeat the bandits," which naturally meant that Your Majesty should just sit back and watch; if the Dong Kingdom dares to come, I dare to retaliate with a "Battle of Fei River."

When Zhongli asked him where his next destination was after his trip to Daoqi, he replied, "To wash away the barbarian sands in the northwest."

Sumeru is a country located northwest of Liyue Harbor, with vast deserts.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: Welcome Home [4k]

In the office he shared with Gan Yu, Han Fulai met Ning Guang.

Ningguang was wearing a violet evening gown today. The gossamer-thin fabric was like mist and clouds, and the scattered diamonds on the floor-length skirt were like stars falling from the night sky, making her bare back look as white and flawless as moonlight.

A woman dresses up for the one she loves; it goes without saying who Ningguang is dressing up for.

Han Fulai's gaze lingered on the back of Ningguang's neck.

A thin golden thread hung from the back of Ningguang's straight neck, as if it would break if touched with a fingertip.

Although the elegant evening gown concealed the thin silk connecting the bottom of the silk thread, Han Fulai still recognized it—it was his favorite "gold-threaded phoenix purple silk bellyband".

After he took the original "trophy" as a "spoils of war", Ningguang seemed to have made a new "decisive outfit"... Memories of the nights he spent with Ningguang in Qunyu Pavilion instantly resurfaced in Han Fulai's mind.

If Gan Yu hadn't been there, he probably wouldn't have been able to resist the urge to pull that beautiful figure into his arms...

Hearing footsteps, Ningguang turned around and smiled faintly: "You've worked hard, welcome home."

The octagonal table in front of her was already set with steaming dishes, including "Pearl Jade White Jade Soup", "Qingce Farmhouse Dishes", "Mola Meat" and "Golden Shrimp Balls", two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes, all made by Ningguang herself.

Han Fulai suddenly felt a surge of emotion, like returning home after a business trip of several months to find his virtuous wife had already prepared a meal for him...

The slight sense of unfamiliarity that had arisen after months of separation vanished instantly.

Especially Ningguang's line, "Welcome home."

Before acquiring the "Dust Song Pot," the place where Han Fulai spent the most time working and living was Gan Yu's office.

If there's anywhere in Liyue that he considers "home," it's probably here.

That's why Ningguang chose this place and cooked him a table of "home-style dishes".

He responded to Ningguang with the same smile: "Ningguang, I'm back."

Ningguang naturally took the seat of honor, invited Han Fulai and Gan Yu to sit down, and poured them wine glasses—although this was not her territory at all, the way she sat down made her look like the lady of the house.

Some people in this world seem to have no concept of "playing away from home." Wherever she goes, that becomes her "home turf." Even when she goes to the neighboring country of Mondstadt, she can still overwhelm the "Saintess of Mondstadt" there, making her unable to hold her head up...

However, the true mistress of this place is the executive secretary who has controlled Yuehaiting for three thousand years, so she will not easily hand over the territory.