Chapter 9: Keqing—Impossible, Liyue Would Never Be as Shameless as the Fatui
Aiden glanced at Ningguang in mild surprise. "I didn't expect you to be so calm, Ningguang. After all, aren't some of these matters sensitive?"
Ningguang cast a glance at Zhongli, who was sipping his tea without a care, before replying, "It's fine, Aiden. You mentioned earlier that we're all part of the same chat group. Since we're in this together, there's no need to keep secrets.
"To be frank, if we can confirm that this basic internal cultivation technique is harmless, we'll find a way to promote it—despite any resistance we may face."
Aiden chuckled. "Didn't the adepti also acknowledge the technique's merits? However, if you two plan to promote it, you'd best act quickly. I've been practicing it for a while now, and I can tell you plainly—without the chat group's assistance, progress is incredibly slow.
"Ordinary people who train in this technique will need years of practice and a steady supply of nutrition before seeing results. We, on the other hand, can accelerate our growth using the chat group's point system."
Ningguang and Keqing exchanged glances. It seemed they had made the right call in approaching Aiden for information.
"We need to decide our next course of action carefully," Keqing stated. "What do you suggest?"
Aiden shrugged. "Do what you believe is right. This is Liyue's evolution, after all."
Evolution… That was an apt description. If properly implemented, this technique could bring about a profound transformation in Liyue. But such a change wasn't something the two of them could decide alone.
And worse yet, they still couldn't reach Morax.
Keqing took a deep breath, then asked, "Aiden, you said earlier that you come from another world. What was your world like? Do gods govern humans there as well?"
Aiden hesitated briefly but then answered, "There are no gods in my world. Well, to make it clearer for you, I'll upload a historical record of my world to the chat group."
Once Aiden uploaded a general history of Earth—both ancient and modern—Keqing, Ningguang, and Zhongli quickly downloaded and processed the information.
Their expressions turned solemn.
Liyue's governance and societal structure were still in an early stage compared to some of the more advanced systems described. There was much to learn.
Keqing's face was particularly conflicted. "A world without gods… I can't even imagine what Liyue would be like if Rex Lapis were no longer here."
Zhongli sighed inwardly. It was over—Keqing had been shaken.
He had always held Keqing in high regard, believing she was one of the few people who could lead Liyue into a new era. Though he had intended to retire soon, perhaps he would need to remain a while longer to guide the transition himself.
"This 'China' country is remarkably similar to Liyue," Ningguang murmured, deep in thought.
"The cultures are alike, but their political systems differ," Aiden pointed out. "Honestly, Liyue resembles the Fatui's Snezhnaya in some ways. Both are driven by commerce, and both control their own currency.
"If the Seven Archons were to disappear and Liyue retained full control over its economy, the nation could evolve into something similar to the Fatui's system."
Keqing slammed her palm against the table. "Impossible! Liyue would never be as corrupt or shameless as the Fatui!"
She had read enough of the history Aiden shared to understand how some nations manipulated trade and finance for personal gain. She saw the Fatui's scheming reflected in those histories, and the idea that Liyue could become like them enraged her.
But to her surprise, Ningguang calmly replied, "It's not impossible.
"That scenario would only occur if the Seven Archons disappeared, though, which is highly unlikely in Teyvat's current state."
As a businesswoman, Ningguang was not as idealistic as Keqing. She understood how easily greed and power could reshape a nation. Even now, shadows of such influences lurked within Liyue's political landscape.
"Ningguang, you…!" Keqing shot her a glare, feeling betrayed. Was everything she had worked for just naïve idealism?
But Ningguang's gaze sharpened as she turned to Aiden. "Aiden, this chat group allows us to acquire knowledge from other worlds effortlessly. Your world is far more advanced than ours in many aspects.
"I wonder—would you be willing to share your knowledge?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "You mean, upload everything to the group?"
Ningguang shook her head. "Not necessarily to the group. I would like you to share knowledge with me directly.
"I am particularly interested in economic and political structures. Of course, I wouldn't ask for such valuable knowledge for free." She leaned forward slightly. "I would like to formally invite you to serve as my advisor under the title of Tianquan Consultant.
"In exchange, I will cover all of your living expenses in Liyue."
Aiden, Zhongli, and even Keqing were taken aback.
This wasn't a small offer. If Aiden agreed, Ningguang was essentially putting her reputation and career on the line. If his knowledge were to negatively impact Liyue, she would bear responsibility for it.
It was a massive gamble.
"…Interesting," Aiden mused, studying her expression. So she had already figured out something. But wasn't she afraid of making the wrong bet?
"Alright," Aiden said after a moment's thought. "I don't see a reason to refuse."
As a business administration graduate, Aiden possessed plenty of knowledge that could be of use to Ningguang. Even if he wasn't an expert in everything, he could still make informed predictions.
Besides, he was curious to see what Ningguang planned to do with this information.
This was about to get very interesting.