Genshin Impact: I am the Great General of Liyue

Seeing that Ying had agreed, Zhongli got up and left the "Liuli Pavilion," waiting for her to come out by the roadside.

D'Artagnan began, "Alright, my matchmaking task is complete. How was the result? Not bad, right? You can leave now, don't worry about me. I might stay here for a few more drinks... and maybe practice using chopsticks a bit more."

"Um... I have another question."

Ying spoke again, and everyone's attention was once again focused on her as they asked her a question.

"Why is Sister Lingling here too?"

Ying looked at Lingling, who was eating the whole time, and was puzzled.

"I'm not here just to freeload. The Emperor's Immortal Ascension Ceremony requires the 'Immortal Ancestor's Manifestation,' and I'm the most suitable person to ask Lord Ningguang of 'Tianquan Star' for it. If you were to ask, there's probably a 20% chance of failure. But if I'm involved, the Immortal Ascension Ceremony will be foolproof."

After hearing this, Paimon realized just how special Huiyuan's identity was, despite having spent so much time with him.

Huiyuan is both an immortal and a mortal. He is recognized by both immortals and the Seven Stars; the last person recognized by both was the Rock King Emperor. Does that mean Huiyuan's current status is comparable to an Emperor? Huiyuan is equal to an Emperor!

The idea that Huiyuan would become the Emperor wasn't entirely unfounded. After the Emperor faked his death, Ningguang devised many plans. One of these plans was to support Huiyuan in inheriting the position of the Rock King Emperor. However, Ningguang felt it was unrealistic, so it remained just a rough outline without a concrete execution plan.

Huiyuan stayed behind, deciding to finish all the food before leaving. Ying and Paimon, having eaten their fill, left and went to Zhongli, who was waiting outside.

When Zhongli saw Ying come out, he also started talking.

"Traveler, after experiencing the 'city-state where the gods have departed,' what are your feelings towards Liyue, this 'land of gods'?"

"I prefer the atmosphere of Mondstadt."

After Ying finished answering, Zhongli nodded thoughtfully.

"I see... You're this type of traveler. That's fine. However, you may not have fully experienced the 3,700-year history of the 'Land of the Gods' yet. The process of preparing the Ascendant Ceremony will also be part of your journey, broadening your horizons. Liyue is the most prosperous of the Seven Kingdoms, and in the past, it was guarded by gods and ruled by the Seven Stars. Therefore, many of the Fatui's diplomatic tactics are ineffective in Liyue."

Zhongli paused for a few seconds before speaking again:

"Ningguang, one of the Seven Stars, has always been highly wary of the Fools. Perhaps this is why 'Young Master' wants to use the 'Hall of Rebirth' to get things done."

"Hmm...we're going to hold a 'Sending Off the Immortals Ceremony,' what benefits will that bring to 'Young Master'?"

Paimon asked, puzzled.

"I don't know, and I don't want to know. To me, the Fatui are just providing financial support. I only hope that Liyue's traditions will not be forgotten."

Zhongli genuinely didn't know what benefit this would bring to the young master, especially since a contract had already been signed with the female executive. Why would he go to the trouble of providing financial assistance? Did the executives not keep in touch?

Zhongli took out a bag of Mora and handed it to Yingdao:

"This is the first advance payment from the young master. If you run out, you can ask him for reimbursement of the remaining amount."

Looking at the Mora bag, which was even bigger than the one given to him by the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild, Paimon couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow..."

After Paimon held the Mora bag securely, Zhongli continued:

"Alright, let's set off. The first step in preparing for the ceremony... is to obtain the finest 'Nightstone,' of a quality worthy of the gods."

......

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content, Huiyuan bid farewell to Dadalia and began searching for Yingmei and Zhongli.

The owner of "Jie Cui Xing" is named Shi Tou (Stone). As his name suggests, but not in terms of hardness, he is round and smooth like a stone, a plump young man.

"Hey, sir, welcome to 'Jie Cui Xing'! How about opening a couple of rough stones today and trying your luck? It's cheap and fun, and who knows, you might just strike it rich!"

"Rough stones? No, no, we're here to pick out...what kind of stones were they again?"

Paimon scratched his head, but couldn't remember anything at all.

Zhong Li said, "The Night-Mooring Stone must be at least of the 'Candlelight' grade."

After hearing what Zhongli said, the stone boss leaned back in surprise.

"A 'Candlelight' grade Night-Stabilized Stone...? Hmm, so you're not a tourist. My apologies, I'll get the goods right away, please take a look..."

Then he took out three pieces of Noctiluca sapphire and placed them on the table, saying:

"How about this? Our 'Jie Cui Hang' is a long-established jade business. Look at the quality! Absolutely top-notch, it's practically a gift even the King of Rock wouldn't dare bestow. Feel free to choose whatever you like."

Paimon examined the Night-Stabbing Stones closely and whispered to Ying, "These three Night-Stabbing Stones do look very beautiful, unlike the kind you usually dig up... But how do we choose? Should we just pick one at random?"

"I would like to ask Mr. Zhongli for his opinion."

After Ying finished speaking, she turned to look at Zhongli.

"Oh? You want me to decide? Fine. If you ask me, the answer is actually quite simple..."

Zhongli paused deliberately, keeping everyone in suspense.

Just as Paimon was anxiously trying to find out the answer, a familiar voice suddenly appeared.

"When Paimon makes a choice, he wants it all."

Lingling's face appeared out of nowhere behind Paimon, startling Ying.

The sudden sound next to his ear startled Paimon, but he felt relieved when he turned around and saw Lingling's face.

"Sister Lingling, why are you appearing and disappearing like a ghost!"

"Hehe, looking at Paimon's chubby little face, I can't help but want to tease him a little."

Zhong Li was not intimidated by Huiyuan and calmly said to the shopkeeper, "Shopkeeper, I'll take them all."

The Stone Boss, who had witnessed Paimon being completely frightened, suppressed a laugh and looked at Zhongli, saying, "Well done! Sir, I could tell you were no ordinary man, and your generosity is truly remarkable—"

Just as the stone owner was about to pack it up, Paimon stopped him.

"Wait! Hold on, boss, what he said earlier doesn't count. Let's discuss it again!"

Paimon pulled Zhongli's hand and walked to the side, to a place where the Stone Boss couldn't hear them.

"Why do we need them all?! If the ritual only requires one type, buying them all would be a waste of three times the Mora!"

Ying corrected, "No, actually it's twice the waste."

After listening to Paimon's words, Zhongli began to ponder.

"Also, how did Sister Lingling know that Zhong Li would want them all?"

Paimon looked at Huiyuan with a puzzled expression and asked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm used to Zhongli's personality. You might not know this, but Zhongli and I are actually good friends..."