Walnut used me to boost her sales performance.

"Even so, let's clean it properly. It's been a while since we've cleaned it properly."

Hu Tao took out a feather duster, leaving Jiang Bai to face Zhong Li.

"Grandpa, please drink slowly. I'll go clean the room."

Hu Tao left, leaving only Jiang Bai and Zhong Li in the pavilion.

Jiang Bai diligently massaged Zhong Li's shoulders and back, asking, "Master, how's the pressure?"

"It's okay."

Jiang Bai wanted to talk about what happened last night, but Zhong Li didn't mention it, so it seemed a bit deliberate for him to bring it up.

Moreover, Zhongli didn't say anything at the scene of the crime, so it's unnecessary to bring it up again now.

He simply brought up his experience in Sumeru in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"I've encountered quite a few things on this trip to Sumeru..."

Zhongli remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"Master, do you still remember the previous Grass God?"

Zhongli raised an eyebrow slightly and gently turned the jade teacup in his hand.

"I don't remember."

"Did you know that the World Tree can alter people's memories?"

"know."

Zhongli certainly knew the role of the World Tree; over the long years, no one knew how many times this modification had occurred.

However, while the World Tree can modify records and memories, it cannot change the history that actually happened.

"Don't tell me about the previous Grass God of the World Tree, it's pointless."

"All right……"

Jiang Bai originally wanted to say a few words, but since Zhong Li had already said so, he gave up the idea.

"Master, do you know about the Flower Goddess?"

"I've heard of it, but I've never seen it."

"She was once a member of the Celestial Spirit Clan, but was later punished and sent to the Earth."

"Hmm." Zhongli simply nodded slightly, without saying anything more.

Everything about the past has become an unspeakable taboo. He followed the ancient covenant and buried these ancient secrets deep in the rocks.

Jiang Bai told Zhong Li the story of the Flower Goddess, but Zhong Li just listened quietly without saying much.

Jiang Bai didn't expect the old man to say anything; he just didn't quite understand.

"What do humans mean to the gods? Why would they go to such lengths to help humanity escape from the gods?"

“I don’t know what the attitudes of other gods are. But for Morax, loving someone is a responsibility, a contract.”

Zhongli's gaze drifted to the distant sky, as if he could see a solitary island in the sky through the layers of clouds.

He lowered his head and took another sip of tea.

"However, Morax is gone, and I am now just a mortal named Zhongli."

He no longer bears the responsibilities that belong to the Demon God. When the Ice Queen ends all contracts, he will no longer be bound by his identity as the Rock God.

Jiang Bai seemed to understand, but not quite.

Perhaps "lover" is also a constraint imposed on the demon god.

"There's not much point in dwelling on this issue. However, I do agree with one of the views expressed by the Goddess of Flora."

Jiang Bai already knew which one he was referring to.

"For humans, gods are not a necessity. On the contrary, for gods, humans are the source of their power."

"Eh?"

Jiang Bai once heard Wendy say that God's power comes from fulfilling His divine duties.

But judging from Zhongli's words, it seems like there's more to it than that?

"But you were already very powerful before you became the Rock God!"

Zhongli shook his head and simply said:

"The devil is not a god."

It's another rather cryptic statement, seemingly open to interpretation in many ways.

If the god Zhongli mentioned doesn't refer to a demon god, then does it refer to one of the seven gods? Or perhaps the higher-ranking Sky Island?

Jiang Bai is likely referring to the Seven Rulers of the Mortal World.

The power of the seven earthly rulers comes from the divine position, from the heart of God, and the power of the divine position may come from people's faith.

Jiang Bai didn't dwell on these complicated details, but instead focused on his observations and experiences along the way.

Talking about the vast scenery of the desert, the towering trees of the rainforest, and all sorts of interesting creatures is much easier.

"Alright, no need to massage anymore. Have some tea to soothe your throat."

Jiang Bai stopped talking, sat down opposite him, and drank the warm tea. He could talk for another three hours without stopping.

Seeing Jiang Bai still sitting in the pavilion, Hu Tao poked her head out of the window, holding a feather duster and angrily saying:

"Still slacking off? Come on, get to work with me!"

Chapter 801 What gift should I give?

"Wait until I finish this cup of tea, right away!"

Jiang Bai downed the tea in one gulp, grabbed a rag, and ran into the house.

Zhongli's room contained a great many items, most of which were his collections, each one quite valuable.

Jiang Bai looked at the potted dragon tree that he always kept on his desk. This small dragon tree bonsai had not changed at all from a few months ago.

However, it is obvious that it has been carefully maintained, as there is not a speck of dust on the leaves.

"Stop looking at it. The old man treasures this bonsai tree. Last time I asked for it, he wouldn't give it to me."

Walnut, hands on her hips, looked at the unfamiliar items displayed on the curio shelf and muttered irritably:

“But I’ve only been away for two months, and he’s already bought so many new things. If he keeps buying like this, the house won’t have enough room to store them all.”

“Indeed, I feel that my master may have even bought a house specifically to store those collections that he couldn’t fit in all.”

The total number of Zhongli's collections is as mysterious as the population of Liyue.

Jiang Bai wiped them one by one, carefully placing them down, until his hands were numb.

Even Jiang Bai's hands felt numb, which shows just how many items there were in the collection.

After tidying up the house, both of them were too tired to move.

Walnut slumped in the armchair, a feather duster casually placed at her feet.

"Speaking of which, it's Grandpa's birthday in a few days, what should we get him as a gift?"

Jiang Bai glanced at the room full of collectibles and his lips twitched.

What's left on the market to give as a gift? I bet they've already bought everything.

Hu Tao suddenly had a flash of inspiration.

"I've got it! I'll give him a wallet that can only hold a small amount of money. That way, when he wants to buy something, he'll take out his wallet and find that he doesn't have enough money, so he'll naturally give up."

Jiang Bai really wanted to say, "You're overthinking it."

Given the old man's personality, if he sets his sights on something, he'll buy it even if he doesn't have the money, let alone if he has money with him.

Carrying money doesn't stop him from keeping track of his expenses at all (laughs)

"Remember to embroider two lines on your wallet: 'Consume moderately, buy rationally.'"

"good idea!"

Jiang Bai began to think about what he should give as a gift.

No, my head hurts so much.

Or maybe I should just send a blessing.

Jiang Bai, unable to think of any gift to give, gave up in despair.

Suddenly, Jiang Bai had a flash of inspiration.

He could secretly dig up a jar of wine that Wendy buried in the Wind Rises!

That's a great idea! He's so clever!

"Ache—"

Wendy, far away in Mondstadt, sneezed.

After a busy morning, Zhongli didn't actually sit and watch them work. Instead, he used the small kitchen in the yard to stew "Immortal Jumps Over the Wall" for them.

The process of making Xian Tiao Qiang (仙跳墙) is complex, involving slow simmering and is both time-consuming and labor-intensive.

"A feast of delicacies from land and sea, the aroma of fine dishes fills the air."

As he spoke, Zhongli lifted the lid.

An indescribable aroma wafted through the air; even immortals, detached from worldly concerns, would find it hard to resist such temptation.

Walnut eagerly ladled out a bowl of milky white soup and added a few peeled shrimp tails.

Take a small sip, and you'll find it smooth and tender; savor it a few more times, and the aftertaste will linger.

"The old man's soup-making skills are truly exceptional! They're just as good as those of the chefs in those big restaurants!"

Even though it wasn't the first time I'd tasted Zhongli's cooking, every time was unforgettable.

"With a little more patience, even the head of the hall can do it."

Zhongli took a sip of the hot soup, and his expression softened.

One of the greatest sources of happiness for people is enjoying delicious food.

"I can't do it. I don't have the patience to simmer soup in front of the stove for hours."

Jiang Bai didn't have time to use words to praise the deliciousness of this "Immortal Jumps Over the Wall" dish; he proved his admiration for the food with his actions.

Bowl after bowl, I just couldn't stop.

Seeing that the food inside was gradually decreasing, Hu Tao quickly stopped him.

"Eat slowly!"

Jiang Bai stared at her longingly. There was only one pot; how could it be enough for three people?

I'll make you some pickled bamboo shoots and pork soup in a few days.

"I still want to eat Fairy Jumps Over the Wall!"

"I also make 'Immortal Jumps Over the Wall'."

Walnut started ordering, "I also want shredded shrimp balls, taro and pork ribs, braised pork trotters..."

"Preparing so many dishes will take more than a morning. Besides, there are some of them that I'm not good at cooking."

"That makes sense. Then let's settle for the two you're good at. I'll order the rest from Wanmintang."

Leaving Zhongli's courtyard, Hu Tao patted her empty stomach, "I'm still not full..."

Most of the large pot of "Immortal Jumps Over the Wall" ended up in Jiang Bai's stomach.

"I'm still not full. Let's go to Wanmintang and eat something else."

"Xiangling, one order of boiled black-backed sea bass, one order of tender and spicy chicken, and one order of stir-fried vegetables..."

Before she had even fully entered, Hu Tao's voice had already drifted in.

"Hey, Walnut! When did you get back?"