Original God Zhongli BG Xiao Qinglong traveled through time

Chapter 260 Viewing the River and the Sea

"Sir, please don't worry too much." Lin Huan held Mr. Zhongli's hand tightly and pressed it solemnly on his heart. His eyes were full of sincerity and respect. His voice trembled slightly, as if he could not suppress the strong emotions surging in his heart.

"...your protection of Liyue and your contribution to Liyue are not something that can be described by the simple word 'not bad enough'?" She shook her head gently, her eyes full of eagerness, as if she wanted to pour all her thoughts into Mr. Zhongli's heart. She wanted him to know that his position in the hearts of the people of Liyue was as solid as a rock and unshakable. His achievements were as bright as the stars, illuminating the long history of Liyue. His protection was like a solid foundation, which made Liyue stable and prosperous. He didn't need to have any self-doubt or worries, because everything he did was clearly engraved in every inch of Liyue and in every person's heart.

"Look, Liyue is so prosperous now. The streets and alleys are bustling with people coming and going; the people live and work in peace and contentment, with happy smiles on their faces; all walks of life are booming, full of vitality and vigor. All of this is the result of your hard work and wisdom. Sir, you are in Liyue, like a towering mountain, our eternal support, protecting us from wind and rain; just like a bright star, shining on the land of Liyue for a long time, bringing hope and light. You have made an indelible contribution to the prosperity of Liyue today. Sir, Ah Huan will not allow you to be so self-deprecating!"

Mr. Zhongli was slightly moved. He stared at Lin Huan with a complex emotion in his eyes. After a long while, he sighed and slowly said, "Ah Huan, you are right. But after so many years, I also have my own troubles. As the Rock King, I have protected Liyue for thousands of years, but now I feel the wear and tear."

Mr. Zhongli's eyes became distant, as if he was lost in the abyss of memories. "As time goes by, the world changes. Although I have boundless divine power, I can't resist the erosion of time. Wear and tear follow me everywhere, quietly changing my state of mind and cognition. I have witnessed countless joys and sorrows, and the ups and downs of Liyue. These experiences have also left indelible marks on my heart."

He shook his head slightly, a trace of fatigue on his face. "I know very well that this is an inevitable fate. But I am also worried that the wear and tear will make me deviate from my original intention and affect my protection of Liyue. Although I have decided to retreat behind the scenes, the worries in my heart are really hard to dispel."

Mr. Zhongli looked at Lin Huan with a hint of expectation in his eyes. "Ah Huan, I am being honest with you because I know that you can understand my predicament... I don't know where the future will lead, but I am willing to believe in my people on this land, and believe that they have the ability to shoulder the future of this land."

Mr. Zhongli bowed his head slightly, his eyes revealing distant thoughts, as if he was wandering in the long river of time. After a long time, he slowly spoke, his voice carrying the calmness and emotion of the years: "I have taken on the responsibility of protecting Liyue, and it has been a long time since then. Now... the tide of the times is rolling forward and constantly changing. I can clearly perceive that the people of Liyue have gradually grown up. They now have the ability to govern the land of Liyue independently, and they have a strong desire for self-governance in their hearts. I think, maybe it's time to gradually retreat behind the scenes. However," Mr. Zhongli frowned slightly, and the worry in his eyes spread like mist, "but this change is like sailing in unknown waters, and the worries in my heart are hard to dissipate. I don't know whether this process will go smoothly, just like I don't know when the storm at sea will come."

Lin Huan listened to Mr. Zhongli's words, and she felt endless heartache and emotion. But at least at this moment, all she could do was to hold Mr. Zhongli's hand tightly, as if to pass her strength to him. Tears flashed in her eyes, which was the expression of heartache.

“Sir, you have protected Liyue for such a long time, and have gone through so many vicissitudes of life. The wear and tear you have endured is unimaginable to ordinary people.” Lin Huan’s voice trembled slightly. “Every time I think of you enduring the erosion of time alone, my heart feels like it’s being gently pierced by countless fine needles… You have given so much to Liyue. In those long years, you have never slacked off for a moment… Sir, how can you be so hard on yourself? It makes me feel very sad when you think and say this… I feel so sad that I can’t describe it any more.”

She gently stroked the back of Mr. Zhongli's hand, as if this could relieve his fatigue. "But look at this Liyue Harbor, people come and go, it's bustling, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and all walks of life are thriving. This is the result of your years of protection. But you always attribute the credit to others, and never consider yourself at all. How can you be so selfless... You devote yourself to the protection of Liyue, as if you are just a guardian who silently pays, and forget that you are also one of the countless living beings with flesh and blood and emotions... Sir, how I wish you could stop your hurried steps for a while, look at yourself, look at me, look at everyone, and give us a chance to share some of the pain you have borne alone for these years..."

She leaned towards Mr. Zhongli gently, as if this could give him some warmth. "Sir, you are not fighting alone. The people of Liyue respect and love you, and we are all willing to protect this land with you. Don't bear everything alone anymore. Let us face the challenges of the future together and share the weight of these years together. Because you are not only the guardian of Liyue, but also the most precious existence in our hearts."

Lin Huan held Mr. Zhongli's hand tightly, his eyes firm as he spoke softly, "Sir, you must remember that under your long-term protection, the people of Liyue have gone through countless trials and tribulations and have developed a tenacious character. The foundation you have laid for them is solid and stable. Now, they are thriving on this foundation. You have stepped back behind the scenes, not because you don't care at all, but because you trust the people of Liyue. The people of Liyue will do their best to live up to your expectations. If you feel worried, you might as well take this step bravely and give it a try."

Mr. Zhongli slowly raised his eyes and met Lin Huan's encouraging gaze. There seemed to be a subtle touch of emotion in the depths of his eyes. He gently covered Lin Huan's hand and held it tightly. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke: "Ah Huan, how could I not know that the people of Liyue have grown stronger under the tempering of the years? I have seen the ability they have shown and their desire for self-governance."

Mr. Zhongli's gaze drifted into the distance, as if he could see through time and space and see the past of Liyue. "Liyue is like the most precious treasure in my heart. I have guarded it for thousands of years, and every piece of land and every citizen are integrated with my blood and sweat. Now I have decided to step back. Although it is in line with the times, this decision is like entrusting the faith that I have guarded for thousands of years to others. Even if I am determined, my heart is still full of waves."

Lin Huan stared at Mr. Zhongli's eyes drifting into the distance, and her heart was filled with admiration and emotion. She spoke softly, her voice full of sincerity and trust, decisive and without hesitation. "Sir, you have protected Liyue for 3,700 years. This deep friendship and responsibility are really moving. Today's Liyue is like a dazzling pearl, shining in the tide of the times. Your faith is not simply entrusted to others, but like a beam of bright light, passed on to the bravest and wisest people on this land. They will surely carry the power you have given them and continue to write a more magnificent chapter for Liyue in the long river of time."

He took a deep breath and looked back at Lin Huan, with a little more emotion and relief. He stood quietly, as if surrounded by the calm aura of years. He raised his head slightly and looked deeply at the sky of Liyue. Under that sky were the land and people he had protected for thousands of years.

"Yes, Ah Huan, your words are like a beacon, illuminating the hesitation in my heart. Liyue is my eternal concern, and now it is time to hand over this responsibility to the people of Liyue. They are strong enough to shoulder the future of this land. I believe that they will write a new glory for Liyue with courage and wisdom."

Mr. Zhongli slowly retracted his gaze, and his deep eyes fell on Lin Huan again, filled with rock-hard determination and deep expectations. He nodded slightly, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Ah Huan, it is just as you said. Liyue, a land that carries thousands of years of history and countless hopes, is now standing on the threshold of a new era. Now that I have made a choice, I will no longer hesitate. Well, let us witness together that Liyue will bloom more brilliantly like a bright star in this new era. I will also be like in the past, guarding silently by the side, and never leaving. This guarding is like guarding the indelible faith in my heart. No matter how time passes, no matter how the situation changes, my heart to guard Liyue will never change."

As the words fell, the breeze blew gently. Mr. Zhongli and Lin Huan stood quietly, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder. Their figures seemed to gradually blend into the bustling crowd of Liyue Harbor, just like the confluence of the river and the sea, perfectly formed.