Chapter 4: Zhongli's Test
"In that case, please bring Ganyu, Keqing, and Ningguang into the group," Zhongli said, his amber eyes gleaming with a thoughtful glint.
"At the same time, hide both your identity and mine. I want to see how they will react when they learn about this power."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So you're planning to test Liyue's leaders using the chat group?" He quickly understood what Zhongli was implying.
It seemed that Zhongli had been influenced by their earlier conversation and now wanted to observe Liyue's response to this newfound power.
Aiden didn't mind at all—after all, he was here to recruit workers.
And if these people failed to meet expectations? He could simply remove them from the group.
"This isn't about spying," Zhongli clarified.
"This method will allow them to experience the significance of internal cultivation firsthand. I also want to see how Liyue's leaders will handle this knowledge.
Will they suppress it and keep it for themselves, or will they share it openly for the benefit of the people?
If anyone actively hinders its spread while secretly practicing it, then perhaps it's time to clean up certain individuals."
His gaze shifted toward Liyue Harbor, where the golden lights shimmered against the night sky.
Aiden smirked. "I see what you're doing."
He was genuinely curious as well. Would Liyue's leaders live up to Zhongli's expectations?
Would Keqing, known for her pragmatic and forward-thinking nature, embrace it?
Would Ningguang, ever the shrewd strategist, seek to control it for her own gain?
The game Genshin Impact could only depict so much—after all, it was designed to be rated 12+. But this was a real world, with real complexities.
What choice would Liyue, a nation built on commerce and contracts, make when faced with a power that could change everything?
Xiao's Resolve
"Is there anything you need me to do?" Xiao asked, his expression serious.
Though he didn't know much about Aiden, the fact that Zhongli trusted him was enough.
Not to mention, Aiden possessed the ability to suppress the karmic burden Xiao had carried for centuries. For that alone, he was willing to lend his aid.
"When you're in good condition, use the power I gave you to gradually cleanse the karmic corruption within you," Aiden instructed.
"Then, use it to combat the Abyss and other creatures tainted by demonic energy."
Aiden then glanced at Zhongli, his tone turning playful. "Are you using this to offset erosion?"
He had noticed earlier that some of his power had been taken—roughly half of what had been gained from purging Xiao's karmic debt.
It wasn't hard to figure out that Zhongli had used it to mitigate his own erosion.
Well, Aiden considered himself a fair businessman. He only took a 50% commission. If he were more ruthless, he could have demanded 99%.
Xiao stiffened in shock.
Erosion?
Even that could be cleansed?
Who exactly was this man?
Zhongli nodded slightly. "The effect is satisfactory. It has removed nearly one-thousandth of my erosion. It seems I will need more power to purify the Abyss in the future."
As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward the Chasm.
The Abyssal energy there was immense—purging it completely would take considerable time and effort.
Moreover, if the cleansing was too obvious, the Abyss Order might take notice. This was something that had to be handled carefully.
Xiao, now understanding the situation, looked at Zhongli with unwavering determination.
"If the corruption within me can help you resist erosion, then I will gladly endure it."
Zhongli shook his head. "There's no need to rush. You should also use this power to resolve your own karmic burden.
The erosion on my end will be dealt with in due time."
"There is enough Abyssal corruption within the Chasm to make progress without drawing suspicion. As long as we are cautious, the Abyss Order shouldn't take notice."
Xiao hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Understood."
He then turned to Aiden, his tone more respectful than before.
"Thank you. If you ever need my help, simply call my name."
Aiden waved him off. "Don't think too much about it. This is mutually beneficial. When you use this power, it strengthens me as well."
He then turned back to Zhongli. "So, Morax, what's next?"
The Test of Liyue's Leaders
"I need you to make contact with Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu," Zhongli said.
"Bring them into the chat group. They must not only gain this power but also participate in its promotion.
I want to see—without my influence—how far the Liyue Qixing will go in spreading internal cultivation."
Aiden chuckled. "So you want me to be exposed to all of Liyue's top officials?"
Though he didn't particularly mind, this would undoubtedly place him in the spotlight.
Then again… Zhongli had already promised to protect him, hadn't he?
Besides, if things got dangerous, there was always the option of acquiring Barbatos' Gnosis.
After all…
Venti, you wouldn't want Dvalin to suffer any longer, would you?
The Fatui had already taken the Anemo Archon's Gnosis in the game. If they could take it, why couldn't he?
And once he had the power of the Anemo Archon, his strength would increase dramatically.
Not just Anemo, either—Sumeru's Gnosis would be even easier to obtain.
The entire region lacked a god-tier combatant. Nahida was still imprisoned in the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
As for the Sages of the Akademiya?
They were no threat to him.
The only real concern was Dottore.
Aiden was certain that the Harbinger had multiple clones operating within Sumeru.
Until he reached a level rivaling the Archons, it was unwise to face Dottore directly.
But once he surpassed them?
He would erase the Doctor from existence.
Zhongli, unaware of Aiden's thoughts, continued speaking.
"If you prefer to remain hidden, you may do so. I trust this won't be difficult for you."
He exhaled slowly, as if contemplating the future.
"I simply wish to see if the Liyue Qixing are worthy of my satisfaction.
Thanks to your presence, my contract with the Tsaritsa is now destined to be broken.
And besides…"
Zhongli's gaze sharpened.
"This benefits you as well. As your strength increases, you will be able to bring more people into the group. That, too, will aid in your growth."