After Jiang Chen nodded, Xiao finally spoke:
"I'll have them come here shortly."
With that, Xiao vanished.
Since Jiang Chen agreed, there was no need for further discussion.
Once he was gone, Jiang Chen couldn't help but tease:
"You really don't hold back, do you? We just talked about it, and you're already making moves."
Unbelievable.
Typical Keqing.
"Adepti are far more efficient than Vision users."
"Their power is on another level."
"If they can contribute to Liyue's development, that'd be ideal."
Keqing believed this was the best use for the adepti.
With such immense strength, it'd be a waste not to have them build Liyue.
At this point, Keqing was slowly morphing into a capitalist.
She'd learned to utilize every available resource—even setting her sights on the adepti.
What a glorious evolution.
After chatting with Keqing, Jiang Chen turned to Fayue and Indarias:
"Come, let's eat."
"Once Havria returns, you'll follow her."
Fayue nodded obediently.
She had no objections to Jiang Chen's arrangements.
She and Indarias understood why their elder brother sent them here.
Aside from the Yakshas no longer needing as many hands, the main reason was to let them live peacefully—away from battle.
The group entered the house and began their meal.
While eating, Keqing contacted Ningguang to relay Jiang Chen's suggestions:
Recruiting Geo Vision holders to speed up Guili Plains' construction.
Developing Dihua Marsh into farmland.
With Guili Plains now under development, securing future food supplies was crucial.
Dihua Marsh, previously untouched due to its remoteness and Qingce Village's existing output, had to be cultivated now.
Ningguang's voice carried surprise through the communicator:
"Developing Dihua Marsh?"
"Not a bad idea. You handle it."
"As for recruiting Geo Vision users, I'll issue a notice."
Keqing nodded, continuing to explain her plans between bites.
Jiang Chen and the Yakshas listened with amusement.
Once the call ended, Jiang Chen added:
"This afternoon, prioritize finishing the marketplace."
"You can also start organizing property sales—Ningguang would handle that better."
"Offer discounts to those who contributed to Guili Plains' construction."
"We need to incentivize migration."
"Otherwise, the houses will sit empty."
Keqing blinked, then agreed.
"Understood."
"I'll arrange it."
Building was one thing—getting people to move in was the real challenge.
After lunch, Jiang Chen returned to work.
Meanwhile, Lumine had arrived in Sumeru.
Passing through The Chasm, she reached the land Klee called "Avidya Forest".
"Look! A Statue of The Seven!"
Paimon spotted the Dendro Archon's statue first, buzzing with excitement.
Lumine shared her enthusiasm.
"Let's go."
"Grab the element and head back."
Paimon froze.
"Huh?"
"We're not eating in Sumeru?"
They'd come all this way—wasn't it a shame not to try the local cuisine?
"Eat what?"
"We don't have time."
"Want to miss our trip to Inazuma?"
Lumine glared.
All you think about is food, huh?
She was in a hurry to obtain the element and return to Jiang Chen for some quality time.
She also planned to complain about her jerk of a brother—so Jiang Chen could nuke him on sight next time.
That'd teach him.
Seeing Lumine's irritation, Paimon backed down.
Better not provoke her now.
Ever since meeting Aether, Lumine had been volatile.
Though she seemed fine, Paimon could feel the simmering rage.
No way was she risking becoming the outlet for that anger.
If Lumine didn't want to explore, Paimon had no choice but to comply.
Sigh… next time, then.
Lumine touched the statue, effortlessly absorbing Dendro energy.
Feeling her power grow, she grinned.
Excellent. Stronger again.
Next time she saw Aether, she'd definitely land a hit.
"Hmph!"
"Aether, just you wait!"
"This isn't over!!"
Hidden nearby, Aether shuddered at her declaration.
He knew how furious she was.
After centuries together, how could he not understand her temper?
He hadn't actually left earlier—just concealed himself.
Now, seeing her empowered by Dendro, he grew even more terrified.
This sister of his was becoming unmanageable.
No, he had to talk to Jiang Chen.
Make him rein her in.
Damn it, at this rate, he'd be pummeled before even rebelling against the Heavenly Principles!
With a deep breath, Aether vanished again.
To Jiang Chen!
He'd fix this.
Unaware of her brother's presence, Lumine turned back immediately after obtaining Dendro.
Next stop: Qiaoying Village.
A path from The Chasm led straight there.
At full speed, she could wrap this up quickly.
One week—then back to Jiang Chen.
The thought of him brought a faint smile to her lips as she accelerated.
"Wait for me!"
"Why are you running?!"
Paimon flailed after her.
Was she being abandoned?!
"Hurry up!"
"Grab Hydro, then we're going home."
Lumine didn't slow down, only urging Paimon faster.
Grumbling, Paimon had no choice but to comply.
Behind them, the Dendro statue began to glow softly.