Genshin Impact: Dionysus reigns supreme, all demons retreat!

Xu Ning dared not hide anything from Zhong Li and nodded, saying, "Indeed, we want to take advantage of the publicity about Lord Rock's bravery to encourage passionate and capable young people to explore Guili Plains and liberate Liyue, the homeland that is gradually being demonized."

"I was even going to have Master Tian add a final line: 'Our ancestors in Liyue dared to fight the Demon God alongside the Geo Archon, but we were scared into hiding in the harbor by a few scattered little monsters. We are truly ashamed of our ancestors.'"

Zhongli nodded. "The tactic of provocation can be surprisingly effective if used correctly. But can you guarantee that everyone who goes out will return safely?"

Xu Ning hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "No. Even the most comprehensive safeguards are bound to have oversights, let alone the fact that we are still exploring our way forward, and some sacrifices are inevitable."

"However, we are doing our best in everything, from supplying weapons and patrolling the Thousand Rock Army to contacting skilled members of the Ancient Chinese faction."

Tian Tiezui also dragged a stool down and sat down. He unceremoniously picked up the teapot, poured himself a bowl, and asked Xu Ning.

"Weren't we just talking about whether or not we could tell the story of Lord Yan? Why does it sound like you're giving a work report to Qixing now? Hey, Brother Zhongli, are you coming tonight? I'm planning to try telling the story tonight and would appreciate your feedback!"

Xu Ning breathed a slight sigh of relief. "Old Tian, ​​you've never seen me report to Qi Xing. I'm never so reserved. I always report while lying down."

Seeing that Zhongli had agreed, Tian Tiezui excused himself, saying that he needed to go home to sort out his thoughts, and then left.

Seeing that the tea on the table was getting cold, Xu Ning said to Zhongli, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I have some fine wine here and would like you to try it."

After placing the Dust Concealment Gourd, Xu Ning flashed into the cave.

As soon as I entered, I saw Qingyi stomping her feet rapidly on the ground, like a sewing machine.

This is a movement that the little snake usually makes when it is nervous.

"Your anxiety has flared up again? You've practically knocked the floor bare!"

Xu Ning glanced at Qingyi strangely, then picked up a jar of "jade wine" and prepared to leave.

As soon as Qingyi saw Xu Ning enter, she pounced on him with a "whoosh".

"You're always trying to show off to everyone you meet. You think you're so great just because you have a little alcohol? Do you even know who you're trying to impress?"

Xu Ning asked curiously, "Who else could it be but the Rock King Emperor? Besides, this isn't showing off at all; I'm practically begging to give him a gift!"

Qingyi choked. No wonder this kid was so scared when he first saw Zhongli; it turned out he already knew.

"The Emperor is not like that woman Liu Yun. His memory is exceptionally good. As soon as he drinks this wine, he will know exactly what it is, he will definitely know..."

Xu Ning frowned. "Know what? Know you're here? I'm asking you, just how many powerful figures in Liyue have you offended? It's one thing that you don't dare show your face in front of the immortals of Jueyun, but you don't even dare to show your face to the Emperor. And yet you still dare to hang around in Liyue territory?"

The woman in green retorted angrily, "Mind your own business! It's not what you think anyway. Do whatever you want!"

After saying this, Qingyi transformed into a small snake and disappeared into the grass.

"This is still inside the cave, is it really necessary to hide it so carefully?"

When Xu Ning came out carrying the wine, he saw Zhong Li staring at his Dust Concealment Gourd.

Xu Ning smiled, casually took down the wine gourd, placed it directly on the table, took two clean cups, and poured a cup of wine for Zhong Li and himself.

"Mr. Zhongli, please!"

Zhongli extended her jade-like fingers and slowly twirled the wine cup, inhaling the aroma of the wine within, before letting out a soft sigh.

"I wanted to buy osmanthus blossoms and share wine, but it's nothing like the carefree days of my youth... Have you ever met the True Lord of Flowing Clouds and Forget-Worries?"

"True Lord Liuxia Wangyou?" Xu Ning was taken aback. Who was this?

Seeing the blank look on Xu Ning's face, Zhong Li sighed and smiled, "The aroma of this wine reminds me of an old friend from a long time ago. It's normal that you don't know him."

Xu Ning responded, but his mind was racing with thoughts.

The name was unfamiliar, but it felt like I'd heard it somewhere before, though I just couldn't quite place it.

"Mr. Zhongli."

As the two men, each lost in their own thoughts, silently savored their fine wine, an old man suddenly called out with a smile from below the steps.

Xu Ning turned his head and saw an old man dressed in black standing below, holding the hand of a little girl.

“Mr. Zhongli, there’s been a minor issue with the ceremony at the Hall of Rebirth. I’d like to ask you for advice. I thought you might come here for tea, so I took the liberty of inviting you.”

Zhongli nodded and said, "Well then, let's go over there!"

He turned to Xu Ning and smiled, "Thank you for the wine. I am somewhat proficient in the art of tea. If I have some free time someday, I will let you try the tea I brew."

Xu Ning was flattered and quickly said, "If you would be so kind as to invite me, sir, I will certainly come to taste it. Please take this jar of wine with you and enjoy it slowly."

Zhongli accepted it with a smile.

The old man offered to pay for the tea, then took the little girl's hand and left with Zhongli.

Xu Ning looked on in shock. This must be Hu Tangzhu, the owner of Emperor No. 1 Wallet!

They're practically begging to pay for the tea with the Emperor!

Is it really such a coincidence?

Just then, I needed to see the Emperor, and the Emperor had just finished drinking tea. It just so happened that the two parties met, and Master Hu paid the money.

If everything is normal at the Hall of Rebirth today, and nothing happens, then there's no need to seek out the Emperor.

Will they still come over to offer money for tea?

Well, it's highly likely that there's no need to offer a gift. Xu Ning figured he would definitely insist on paying the bill himself; how could he let the Emperor...

Wow, so the Emperor really doesn't need to carry money when he goes out.

When Xu Ning was having dinner with Ningguang and Beidou at Wanmintang that evening, he suddenly remembered the name Zhongli had mentioned during the day, so he asked Ningguang and Beidou if they remembered it.

"The True Lord Liuxia Wangyou?"

Ningguang was taken aback and said, "Isn't this the first name she gave when we first met Qingyi?"

Beidou nodded and said, "That's right. Xu Ning thought the original name sounded too nice, so he forced her to change it to this name, which sounds like a servant's name."

Xu Ning then realized that he had first heard it from Qingyi.

"Do you think this man in blue might be from the same era as the Rock King Emperor, or perhaps they're even friends with some kind of entanglement?"

Beidou put down her chopsticks and laughed, "If that's really the case, you're in big trouble. You're the one who bullies Qingyi the most. If she exposes everything you've done and gets the Emperor to vent her anger..."

Xu Ning snorted, "What? You think I'm scared just because you say that? Master Mao, add an extra fragrant and tender spicy chicken to go!"

After bringing the fragrant and tender spicy chicken to Qingyi, Beidou and Ningguang went upstairs to sleep.

Xu Ning leaned against a pillar downstairs, watching Qingyi happily sucking her fingers as she ate chicken.

Suddenly, the man in green frowned and stood up.

"A thief has broken into our house!"