Jiang Chen and Zhongli stared at each other for a moment.
Then Jiang Chen was the first to speak.
"Are you planning to fake your death and retire?"
As soon as these words were spoken, Zhongli was filled with question marks.
How did he know?
This time, Zhongli was genuinely surprised.
Lumine and Paimon, who were sitting nearby, were also covered in question marks.
What? Fake death and retire?
Is this for real?
And how did Jiang Chen know?
"How did you know?"
Zhongli's expression turned serious.
He had never told anyone about this.
Although he had been planning it, he had never revealed it to anyone.
Yet Jiang Chen had just blurted it out.
"Oh, this? I saw it."
"I have a skill called Clairvoyance."
"It allows me to see future events, so I saw you faking your death during the Rite of Descension."
"Then you handed power back to the humans."
Don't ask, just call it Clairvoyance.
Lumine, sitting nearby, had a strange expression.
Does Karna have a Clairvoyance skill?
Even if he does, it probably doesn't reach the level of seeing the future, right?
This guy is spouting nonsense again!
And Zhongli actually seems to believe him?
You're really something!!
"I see!"
"So you've seen the future?"
Zhongli understood. No wonder Jiang Chen knew so much.
If it weren't for this, there would be no way to explain how Jiang Chen knew these things.
"What else did you see?"
Zhongli was curious.
What else was there?
He was very interested in Liyue's future development.
"Osial was released, and his wife came too."
"Liyue Harbor faced a crisis, and Ningguang destroyed the Jade Chamber."
Jiang Chen smiled as he shared these details.
Hearing this, Zhongli nodded thoughtfully.
Ningguang destroyed the Jade Chamber?
That was quite unexpected.
In his plan, Osial was supposed to be released to test Liyue.
It seems they passed their test quite well.
But now, after talking with Jiang Chen, he was hesitating about whether he should retire.
After all, Liyue still had many issues.
"So, do you think I should still retire?"
Since he was conflicted, why not ask this person from another world?
Let's see what he thinks.
Someone from another world must have some unique perspectives, right?
Hearing Zhongli's question, Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned.
You're asking me?
Alright then, I'll really say it.
Thinking this, Jiang Chen decisively spoke up:
"My suggestion is that you have a good talk with the Liyue Qixing."
"There's no need to hide anything."
"Just gather them for a closed-door meeting."
"Invite the adepti as well."
"Everyone can share their thoughts openly."
"It's not like they're outsiders."
"Faking your death and retiring suddenly would cause too much shock to Liyue."
"It's better to discuss things properly."
"Being in a semi-retired state is a good idea."
"Let the humans develop on their own. If something goes wrong, you can step in."
"Wait until humans are fully capable of walking the right path before letting go completely."
Hearing Jiang Chen's words, Zhongli began to think.
This approach was indeed feasible.
So, let's make some changes.
The two of them continued to discuss many issues.
Jiang Chen offered quite a few suggestions.
The most important one was to develop the Guili Plains area.
Then focus on developing machinery and alchemy.
Move toward a technological direction.
As Zhongli listened to Jiang Chen's suggestions, he silently took notes.
After the Rite of Descension, he would have a good talk with the Liyue Qixing.
"Would you be interested in taking an official position in Liyue?"
Zhongli's gaze turned to Jiang Chen.
Hearing this, Jiang Chen was filled with question marks.
"Me? Become an official?"
"One of the Qixing?"
Jiang Chen wasn't particularly opposed to this idea.
"Yes."
"The Tianquan is about to retire."
"If you're willing, you can take his position."
Keeping Jiang Chen in Liyue wouldn't just add a powerful combatant to Liyue's forces.
It would also bring in someone who could offer strategic advice.
The position of Tianquan would suit Jiang Chen well.
The Tianquan is responsible for planning and civil affairs.
Jiang Chen could handle the planning.
And coincidentally, the current Tianquan was about to retire.
Hearing Zhongli's words, Jiang Chen fell into deep thought.
Becoming the Tianquan of Liyue?
That didn't seem like a bad idea.
When you're out in the world, your identity is given by others.
If Jiang Chen could become the Tianquan, it would bring him significant benefits.
In the future, Jiang Chen could pretty much do whatever he wanted in Liyue.
After all, he didn't plan to travel around.
Being the Tianquan was actually quite a good deal.
After thinking it through, Jiang Chen smiled and said:
"Sure."
"I'm fine with it."
"But if I have any ideas and the people below don't support me, I might resort to violence."
Generally speaking, if Jiang Chen couldn't convince someone with reason, he would choose to persuade them physically.
After all, sometimes physical persuasion is more effective than logical persuasion.
He would prefer to always use reason, but sometimes, reason doesn't work on everyone.
"I'll make sure they cooperate with you."
"You don't need to worry about that."
Zhongli was quite confident about this.
"In that case, I'm in!"
Jiang Chen agreed directly.
Lumine and Paimon, sitting nearby, were completely baffled.
Jiang Chen just became an official?
And not just any official—one of the Liyue Qixing?
Good grief, is this a joke?
Shocking!!
Isn't this a bit too hasty?
Especially Lumine.
She was truly stunned.
Good grief, you ignored Mondstadt's offer, and now you're coming to Liyue to become a high-ranking official?
She suddenly felt that her title of Honorary Knight was so insignificant!
No wonder Jiang Chen didn't care about being an Honorary Knight.
In comparison, Lumine suddenly felt like nothing.
"Very well."
"The contract is established. Those who break it shall suffer the wrath of the rock."
Zhongli raised his teacup as if it were wine and toasted Jiang Chen.
As his words fell, Jiang Chen could feel a surge of power entering his body.
This was a contract with Morax.
Zhongli would ensure Jiang Chen took the position of Tianquan.
In return, Jiang Chen would help develop Liyue.
Zhongli's retirement would be postponed.
He wouldn't retire for now.
It could be said that Jiang Chen's appearance had directly caused a series of butterfly effects.
The original plot no longer existed.
Jiang Chen raised his teacup to Zhongli.
After putting down the cup, Zhongli spoke:
"Then I'll take my leave now."
"I need to go make some arrangements."
With that, Zhongli stood up and disappeared on the spot.
After Zhongli left, Lumine finally couldn't hold back.
"Good grief, you just became an official in Liyue, huh?"
"This is so ridiculous."
"No wonder you didn't care about being an Honorary Knight."
Witnessing how Jiang Chen became the Tianquan, Lumine was truly speechless.
All she could say was, impressive.
This actually worked?
It feels so strange.
She really didn't know what to say anymore.