"So now, you can buy the godhood of the Ice God, Rock God, and Thunder God?" Zhongli asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
Smith nodded, thoughtful, as his mind turned over the possibilities. "Indeed. I just bought the Ice God's Eye from the guild," he said, holding out a shimmering Eye of God in his hand. "Unlike the normal God's Eye you see around, this one isn't connected to Sky Island, but otherwise, it functions just like any other Eye of God."
Zhongli studied the Eye carefully, his expression thoughtful. "If you like, you can exchange your points for one of these Eyes to try out the power. It would be a good supplement for you, especially since you're still getting a feel for the power."
Smith thought for a moment, weighing the idea. "You're right. It would be a good experience. Alright, I'll take one." He then pulled out a Rock Elemental Eye from his inventory. "It's not that I particularly like the Rock Element," Smith continued, shaking his head, "but since I'm training with Morax, this Element seems to fit the best with what I'm learning right now."
Zhongli nodded understandingly. "It's a solid choice, especially for those who are practicing the arts of the Earth or Rock Element. I'm glad you're putting it to use."
Smith then shifted the conversation. "I've been thinking... I plan to recruit another immortal to join the guild as a fighting force. I can't keep asking you to intervene every time. Ganyu's fighting strength is still a bit lacking, and Keqing, while talented, can't be everywhere."
Zhongli gave a slow nod. "That's a good idea. I'm sure you'll find someone capable."
Smith's eyes gleamed with determination. "I've already considered it. I'm thinking of recruiting Xiao into the guild."
Zhongli didn't hesitate. "That would be a strong addition. Xiao is immensely powerful, and while he's a little... temperamental, his strength is beyond measure."
Smith thought for a moment before continuing. "I've also been considering other gods, though. The Water God, Grass God, and Wind God seem like they could be recruited easily, but my strength isn't enough right now to gather them all."
Zhongli raised an eyebrow. "That's a big ask. The gods are not so easy to influence. Besides, even you cannot sell yourself out multiple times without repercussions. But I can help you recruit powerful beings from other countries as well."
Smith sighed slightly, feeling the weight of the task ahead. "I wish it were easier. If I could, I'd do everything I could to form alliances with them. I don't mind helping out Nashida or even reaching out to Fukaros or Fu Nina. But... my current power level is still far from sufficient to deal with the gods."
Zhongli gave a knowing nod. "It's important to build slowly, especially when you're dealing with deities. Your strength is growing, but you have a long way to go. There's no need to rush."
Smith took a deep breath, making up his mind. "I think it's best to focus on the Godhood first. I'll worry about dealing with gods and other beings later."
Zhongli smiled faintly, his eyes full of wisdom. "Come on then, let's go to the Hall of Rebirth. We'll meet the Hall Master. She holds the Fire God's Eye, which could be of use to you."
Smith's eyes lit up at the mention of the Fire God's Eye. "Hu Tao, the Hall Master, you mean? Is she strong enough to join the guild?"
Zhongli hesitated, considering the question carefully. "I've known Hu Tao since she was a child. She's grown to become quite powerful, and her strength rivals that of the Yuhengxing under normal conditions. But when she pushes herself, her power can rival even Ganyu's in combat."
Smith raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Really? She must be quite extraordinary."
Zhongli's expression softened with pride. "She's like a daughter to me. It's rare for someone to become as capable as she is, given her background."
Smith nodded thoughtfully. "If she's as strong as you say, then adding her to the guild would be a good move."
Zhongli smiled and gave a simple nod. "I'll let her decide whether she wants to join. It's up to you."
Smith didn't waste any time. "Alright, I'll invite her to join. She's proven herself in the Abyss, and her abilities are impressive. Even if she's considered a bit... eccentric, she's valuable."
"Indeed," Zhongli agreed. "Her eccentricities make her unique. But make no mistake—she is incredibly strong, and she'd be an asset to the guild."
Smith then, after a moment's pause, asked, "By the way, is Keqing as strong as they say?"
Zhongli's face shifted slightly, his expression growing more serious. "Keqing is a rare talent. In terms of natural ability, she's one of the strongest to come out of this generation. It's true that, with the right support, she could rise to Seven-Star status before she turns 18. But that's not all. If she dedicates herself to swordsmanship, she'll become a master in her own right, someone to rival the greatest swordsmen in history."
Smith smiled softly, impressed. "She sounds remarkable."
"She is," Zhongli confirmed, his voice filled with admiration. "If Keqing were to focus on business, she could create an empire like Ningguang. But she's more than just a businesswoman. Keqing's intellect and focus on perfection would make her a force to be reckoned with."
Smith couldn't help but smile. "Keqing sounds like a true gem."
---
The Hall of Rebirth
By the time they reached the Hall of Rebirth, Smith was eager to meet Hu Tao. As they walked through the grand doors, the atmosphere shifted, and the lively, bustling ambiance of the Hall hit them immediately. Mu Yang—or rather, Smith—was taken aback by the contrast between the cheerful energy and the underlying solemnity of the place.
The moment they entered, Hu Tao spotted them and rushed over, her expression one of mild annoyance. "Zhongli! You didn't bring Mora again, did you?" She crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. "Someone just sent us another bill for the Rebirth Hall!"
Zhongli smiled softly, a little sheepish, though it didn't seem to faze him much. "I've already paid the bills, Hall Master. But I'll make sure I bring more Mora next time. Just for you."
Hu Tao scowled slightly, though there was a playful glint in her eye. "Your salary is more than enough to cover all of this. You've always been the highest-paid here at the Hall. Even my salary can't compare to yours!"
Zhongli sighed. "I do not mind paying my dues."
Smith, who had been watching the exchange with mild amusement, cleared his throat. "Hall Master, it's a pleasure to meet you. Zhongli has told me a lot about you."
Hu Tao's eyes sparkled as she turned to face him. "Oh? He has, has he? And who might you be? Are you here to discuss some business? Or maybe something else?"
Zhongli jumped in before Smith could respond. "Hall Master, this is Smith, from another world. He is soon to be appointed as a Seven-Star Consultant by the Rock King Emperor."
"Another world? Seven-Star Consultant?" Hu Tao circled Smith curiously, her gaze intense as she sized him up. She was clearly intrigued. "So, you're someone from beyond the stars, huh? What brings you to our humble Hall?"
Smith gave a small smile, meeting her gaze. "I'm here for cooperation, not recruitment," he said softly, glancing at Zhongli for support.
Hu Tao tilted her head, looking at both of them in turn. "Cooperation, huh? Well, I can't say I don't find that interesting. And since you're from another world, tell me—do you know anything about the funeral industry there? Maybe there's something we can learn from you?"
Smith blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in conversation. He glanced at Zhongli, who wore an expression of barely concealed amusement.
"Funeral industry?" Smith asked, a bit perplexed. "Well, I suppose there are many ways to approach it in different worlds, but I'm not sure how that would help you here."
Zhongli sighed and shook his head, his face showing the familiar resigned expression. "Leave it to Hu Tao to ask the most unexpected questions."
Smith smiled, laughing quietly at Hu Tao's earnestness. "I guess I've met my match."
---
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