Genshin Impact: I am the Great General of Liyue

"If this sword can be repaired, we can demonstrate the former power of the 'Salt Demon' to others..."

As Wanyan said this, she couldn't help but feel excited.

This sword is scarred and appears to have been through some great battle, breaking into two pieces.

There was no sword hilt on the altar, only the broken sword blade.

"Two broken swords. According to the contract of 'taking items in sequence, one at a time,' you can only take one of them."

Just as Wanyan was pondering how to repair the sword, Zhongli offered his analysis.

Upon hearing this, Wanyan lost her composure.

"Why? How can this be divided into two parts? Is that reasonable?!"

“From an archaeological perspective, these are two artifacts. Ms. Wanyan, you can only take one artifact.”

“This, this…”

Hearing Zhongli's explanation, Wanyan was speechless.

Seeing the sad expression on Wan Yan's face, Paimon said, "Hmm... Zhong Li, she didn't mean any harm, and she wasn't fighting for it. Could you make an exception?"

Upon hearing this, Wan Yan looked at the small floating object with emotion.

Zhongli also looked at Paimon. Although his expression was gentle, he showed no intention of making an exception.

"Contracts are non-negotiable; failure to abide by them constitutes a breach."

Seeing that Zhongli had not done anything wrong, nor had he nitpicked the wording of the contract, he was simply fulfilling his duties according to the terms of the contract.

From an archaeological perspective, any object that can exist independently is a cultural relic.

It's like a teacup and its lid; the teacup is in Museum A, but the lid is in Museum B.

People know they are one entity, but who can get the two museums to reach a consensus and reunite the two separate artifacts?

"No! If we only take half, then... then it can't be repaired, and the power of the 'Salt Demon God' can't be restored... In any case, for my faith in her... even if it means breaking the contract, I'm willing to..."

Looking at the resolute look in Wanyan's eyes, Zhongli said calmly, "Have you made up your mind? Then there will be a price to pay."

After Zhongli said those words, Paimon cried out his name in alarm.

"Zhongli!"

Paimon assumed that Zhongli would suddenly summon his weapon and attack, just as he had done with Clement.

But Zhongli did not do so, nor did he intend to take action.

The reason Zhongli attacked Clement ahead of time last time was because he sensed the other party's murderous intent, not because he broke the contract.

Moreover, Zhongli discovered that Clement had hidden a concealed weapon in his sleeve, which gave him another reason to strike first.

Wanyan had no intention of killing and would not use hidden weapons, so Zhongli naturally had no reason to strike first or fight.

Besides, Wanyan is a pretty young woman, and it would be ungentlemanly for him to lay a hand on a woman.

"This means you will have to endure the 'Punishment of the Rock'."

When Zhongli uttered the words "punishment for eating rocks" again, Wanyan was not too afraid and remained very calm.

"That's...it doesn't matter. The 'Salt Demon' was willing to give her life to protect her followers. My sacrifice is insignificant. You can punish me however you want, just let me bring back...proof of my faith!"

After Wanyan finished speaking, Paimon looked at Zhongli worriedly and said, "No, you can't hit girls!"

Although Paimon was worried that Zhongli would stab Wanyan and send her flying, Zhongli really had no intention of doing so.

Paimon, at this moment, still doesn't understand Zhongli's character... no, he doesn't understand God!

Zhongli glanced at Paimon's flustered appearance but didn't pay much attention.

"...If that would bring relief, it might be an easier way. But..."

As he said this, Zhongli looked at Wanyan.

"As 'punishment,' I will tell you the 'truth.'"

"what?"

Upon hearing the word "truth," Wanyan was stunned for a while before she reacted.

"The truth? You're saying the truth... is punishment for me?"

"Yes. What you are about to hear is the price you pay for breaking the 'contract.'"

Looking at Wanyan's incredulous face, Zhongli spoke slowly.

"—Unfortunately, the Salt Demon, Heureia, is not a powerful demon. On the contrary, she is too weak—too accommodating, too gentle, and has no chance of ascending to the position of one of the Seven Gods...a loser."

Originally, Zhongli did not want to use the word "loser" to describe Heulia, but as punishment for Wanyan, Zhongli had to use this word so that Wanyan could fully realize the truth.

Zhongli... no, Morax's view of Heureia has always been that as long as she is willing to form an alliance, Morax is willing to lend a helping hand.

Perhaps if Heuria takes just one step, Liyue today will have one more story about the Hermit Heuria.

Unfortunately, Heureia remained underground until her death, making no attempt to communicate with the outside world.

"What did you say...?!"

Zhongli used the word "loser" to describe Heulia, and Wanyan's face revealed several emotions.

Without holding back, Zhongli continued to state the facts.

"During the War of the Demon Gods, the demon gods of the mortal world exhausted all their strength and wisdom to fight for the continent of Teyvat. But Heureia chose to escape. She believed that as long as she gave up before the war even started, the war would never affect her or her people."

Every word Zhongli uttered felt like a boulder pressing down on Wanyan, making it hard for her to breathe.

"However, in the long years of war, there is no end to 'concessions.' In endless concessions, Heureia lost all her land, leaving her only her last refuge."

Each word was spoken like a torrent of water, and Wan Yan's eyes trembled incessantly.

"No...no...it's impossible..."

Why would Wan Yan believe the facts Zhong Li told her?

To put it another way, why wouldn't she believe the facts Zhongli was telling?

Although Zhongli was only a guest of the Hall of Rebirth, the knowledge and life experience he displayed along the way far exceeded the scope of ordinary people.

Even Wan Yan, who firmly believed that Heulia was a victim, found it hard not to believe the facts Zhong Li was telling.

"In her final moments, she didn't even have a weapon to raise to protect her people."

Hearing this, Wanyan's mind began to race. She asked, "Not even a weapon? But this sword..."

"Yes, this broken sword is not a relic of the 'Salt Demon God,' but rather... the murder weapon that killed her."

Wan Yan knew that every word Zhong Li said was reasonable and well-founded.

Even so, she still ignored all logic due to the wavering of her Dao heart.