Keqing held a Pichu in her arms, a smile gracing her face. As a Yuheng Star, she had naturally captured several Pokémon during their expedition to the Pokémon world. These little creatures could become an indispensable force for Liyue in the future.
However, Pichu was simply adorable. Even when it eventually evolved into Pikachu, it would remain irresistibly cute. Keqing gently teased Pichu while asking Smith, "By the way, what did Dream give you before?"
"This?" Smith's expression turned slightly perplexed. "It's an egg—an elf egg. But I have no idea what's inside or when it will hatch. I'm still thinking about how to hatch it. We can't exactly ask the Adepti to sit on it, right?"
Elf eggs could hatch naturally, but the process was unpredictable. However, the thought of having the Adepti help incubate the egg amused him. Wasn't Cloud Retainer known for taking care of children? The image of Cloud Retainer, in her original bird form, sitting on the egg like a brooding hen made Smith chuckle internally.
If the egg didn't hatch on its own for a long time, he might just try persuading her.
"Let's go!" Smith grabbed Keqing's hand and led her out.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Keqing protested, quickly adjusting Pichu with one hand while Smith firmly held her other. This guy was getting bolder!
Keqing glanced down at their intertwined fingers, a soft ripple stirring in her heart. This feeling… wasn't bad at all.
"Are we going to see Madame Ping?" Keqing asked, noticing their direction.
Madame Ping's existence wasn't a secret among Liyue's upper echelon. Keqing held a deep respect for her, as she was an Adeptus who had integrated into human society, offering guidance and support rather than maintaining an aloof distance like some others.
She was also a good friend of Xiangling and Yanfei.
"Yeah. She has a disciple with a Dendro Vision," Smith explained.
Keqing quickly understood his reasoning. Currently, the guild store only had Visions of Hydro and Dendro available. While Hydro Visions were relatively easy to find—after all, Xingqiu had one—Dendro Visions were far rarer in Liyue. As far as Keqing knew, only a few individuals possessed one.
As they walked, Smith browsed the newly upgraded guild store. A special discount section had appeared, featuring three randomly selected items on sale every seven days, each with a randomized discount.
The current special offers were:
1. Meditation and Soul-Nourishing Method – A technique from a higher realm to enhance and strengthen the soul. (Original price: 100,000 points, discounted at 35%, now 35,000 points.)
2. Hybrid Rice Technology – A technology from a scientific world that improves rice strains, increasing yield, disease resistance, and adaptability. (Original price: 5,000 points, discounted at 20%, now 1,000 points.)
3. Wood Release Ninjutsu Collection – Techniques from the Naruto world, famously used by the First Hokage. Said to have the power to bring peace to chaotic times. (Original price: 10,000 points, discounted at 30%, now 3,000 points.)
Wood Release? Smith's eyes narrowed. This aligned surprisingly well with his goals. However, this set only contained techniques. To use them effectively, one would likely need Dendro affinity.
Even if someone with a Dendro Vision tried, their effectiveness might only be comparable to Yamato from Naruto.
Smith: "@Zhongli, have you checked the special discount section in the store?"
Zhongli: "Yes. I have… and I feel quite conflicted."
Xiao: "Emperor, do you think this could help with that issue?"
Zhongli: "I'm not sure, but it's worth testing. If effective, it might resolve the problem of erosion. It could even alleviate your torment from demonic energy."
Zhongli had originally assumed they would need to explore different worlds for a solution to erosion. After several missions, he realized the outside worlds held methods to counteract wear, restore life, and even resist the Abyss.
He hadn't expected the guild store upgrade to provide such an opportunity. The technique was expensive, but points held little value to Zhongli now. He had accumulated the most points among all members due to his contributions in recent missions.
Moments later, the Meditation and Soul-Nourishing Method was purchased. Everyone knew Zhongli had acquired it.
Ningguang: "What exactly is this Hybrid Rice Technology?"
Smith: "It enhances rice quality, increases yield, and improves resistance to pests and harsh environments. It was developed by a great man in my original world. He's considered the modern-day Shennong. Oh, right, you might not know who Shennong is—think of him as a legendary agricultural god. This technology is truly remarkable."
Ningguang: "Huh? I was about to buy it, but someone beat me to it. Who bought it?"
She had limited points—just the minimum from her first mission—but she felt this technology could greatly benefit Liyue. Spending 1,000 points on it seemed like a bargain.
Zhongli: "I bought it. It's indeed a valuable technology. Combined with alchemy, its effects could be even greater."
Smith: "Does that mean the Meditation Method is working for you?"
Zhongli: "Theoretically, yes. But we need to conduct tests first."
—
Their journey continued towards Madame Ping's residence, but Smith's mind buzzed with new possibilities. The discovery of Wood Release Ninjutsu was particularly intriguing. If it could be adapted for use in Teyvat, it might open doors to new powers and strategies.
This mission had been fruitful, but more adventures awaited. And with the guild store's new upgrade, their future held even greater potential.
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