Chapter 181

The journey to Liyue was uneventful. Everything was calm and peaceful - even Beidou was surprised that they hadn't encountered any storms during such a long voyage. This was quite rare on the open seas.

However, Jiang Ning and the others found it quite normal. After all, they had the Electro Archon on board, so thunderstorms were impossible. Moreover, Jiang Ning possessed the powers of the Anemo Archon, so the peaceful seas were to be expected.

Upon arriving at Liyue Harbor, Raiden Makoto and Kitsune looked at the prosperous city and compared it to Inazuma, which had barely changed and had even become somewhat dilapidated. They couldn't help but feel dejected, followed by a mix of anger and helplessness towards Raiden Ei.

Look at Liyue, and then look at what you've done to Inazuma.

"Lady Makoto, don't worry. Inazuma will get better and better. After all, aren't Inazuma and Liyue family now?" Jiang Ning consoled her.

Comforted by these words, Raiden Makoto felt somewhat better. She nodded slightly, "Yes, I know... it's just a matter of time..." But she still couldn't help feeling annoyed at her troublesome child.

At the dock, Ningguang and others were already waiting. Seeing Jiang Ning waving at her from the ship, Ningguang revealed a gentle smile and waved back. In front of her stood Zhongli, who had already dropped all pretense of his mortal facade.

Although the dock wasn't specifically cleared, no one dared to crowd around and watch. After all, the Rex Lapis was present, accompanied by immortals and the Liyue Qixing. They were all prominent figures - if someone accidentally offended these divine beings, even if they didn't pursue the matter, no one would dare to do business with that person anymore.

"Master Zhongli, Master Xianyun, Lady Ningguang, Lady Ganyu, Lady Shenhe... it's been a while." Although Jiang Ning met regularly with the latter three in the Serenitea Pot, the proper greetings still needed to be made.

"It seems your journey to Inazuma was quite fruitful," Zhongli said while his eyes kept glancing behind Jiang Ning. Not far away, Havria and Raiden Makoto, who had just disembarked, both had physical forms now - old friends returning. Unfortunately, he didn't see that particular lively figure he was hoping for, which was somewhat disappointing.

However, thinking about the comprehensive alliance between Inazuma and Liyue, which could even extend to military cooperation, Zhongli felt that having Guizhong's revival delayed was acceptable. On one side was an old friend, on the other was his child - Zhongli figured the old friend could wait a bit longer. Now that Jiang Ning could heal erosion, there would definitely be enough time, but this opportunity for an alliance between the two nations was truly rare.

Besides, after all this time... there was still no response from above, which clearly indicated tacit approval of Jiang Ning helping revive the gods. After all, it was just a few gods - compared to Jiang Ning's ability to purify the Abyss, it was insignificant. This was what gave Zhongli such confidence.

Jiang Ning cheerfully replied, "Yes, Master."

"Jiang Ning, we owe you our thanks. Liyue's affairs in Inazuma have become much more convenient," Ningguang said with a light laugh.

"Indeed, we owe much to Jiang Ning. He put in a lot of effort in these matters," Havria added as she approached, her happiness unconcealed. She could finally appear before everyone.

"Greetings, Lord God of Salt, Lord Raiden," Ningguang bowed to the two deities.

However, Raiden Makoto quickly stopped her with her hand. While Ningguang was still surprised, Raiden Makoto said, "Oh, there's no need for that! Jiang Ning has told me everything - we're all family now. No need for such formalities."

"Family?" Ningguang was surprised but then seemed to realize something unbelievable.

Could it be...?

Seeming to notice Zhongli's strange look, Raiden Makoto gave Morax a playful expression: "Long time no see, Morax... no, if I'm following Jiang Ning's way of address, I should call you Master."

After saying this, Raiden Makoto directly hugged Jiang Ning's arm, smiling at Zhongli.

"Uh..." Zhongli froze. Had his erosion gotten worse? No, that couldn't be right - hadn't Jiang Ning already treated quite a bit of it? Even some of his previously blurry memories had become clear again.

But why... why was Raiden Makoto, who was his peer, calling him Master? How could he be having such a dream?

However, looking at Raiden Makoto's intimacy with his disciple, Zhongli fell silent. So this was how you made Inazuma and Liyue as close as family, almost like one nation?

By seducing their supreme leader?

And then running off with her?

You really are a disaster with the ladies, using your emotional abilities to interfere with other nations and even conquer them?

This is bad - Liyue has become an incubus nation.

Meanwhile, Havria was laughing while explaining everything Jiang Ning had done in Inazuma.

Everyone present fell silent.

Now they understood - they had truly become family... Originally, they thought it was just a comprehensive cooperation relationship, but how did it turn into marriage? Nobody had said anything about this.

Not one person who returned had mentioned it.

Even Ningguang was momentarily stunned.

She had become sisters with a deity? But then again, considering her husband was the next Rex Lapis, it was fine after all.

"Everyone must be tired from the journey," Ningguang finally said. "I've arranged a feast at Yansheng Teahouse to welcome you all. Please do me the honor of attending."

"Hey, hey, hey, what about me? Aren't you going to invite me to eat?" Beidou complained, somewhat dissatisfied.

Ningguang rolled her eyes: "We haven't even addressed your unauthorized trip to Inazuma yet, and besides, today is a family dinner. Are you sure you want to join?"

Beidou looked at the attendees, all of whom had intimate relationships with Jiang Ning.

She then sheepishly replied, "Maybe not then, but remember, you owe me a meal!"

"Alright, I won't forget," Ningguang nodded.

At the Yansheng Teahouse, with no outsiders present, everyone became much more relaxed.

Zhongli and Raiden Makoto, as old friends, were catching up in one corner, with Havria occasionally joining in, seemingly reminiscing about the past.

Xianyun pulled Jiang Ning aside and asked in a low voice, "Why didn't you bring Guizhong back?"

Jiang Ning scratched his head: "It was a series of coincidences... but don't worry, Master, I'll definitely help you fulfill your wish."

"What wish? I just... I'm thinking of Rex Lapis. Rex Lapis and Guizhong were old friends, and their relationship... though it might be disrespectful to say, was like friends, just like family, so..."

Xianyun's words became stuttered, as if hiding something.

Ganyu smiled and said, "Surely master misses Lady Guizhong? After all, in the past, master and Lady Guizhong would compete in the art of mechanisms, winning and losing against each other, neither willing to admit defeat..."

"Ganyu, child, how can you be so bad at conversation? You haven't learned anything from me at all," Xianyun glared at Ganyu, having her little secret exposed.

Jiang Ning looked strangely at his nominal master, thinking, isn't this exactly how you taught her? Look how Ganyu has picked up your conversation style.

Shenhe had already silently moved to Jiang Ning's side, hugging him. At this moment, Jiang Ning was still sitting on Shenhe's lap.

Feeling her touch, he couldn't help but think that indeed, a seat needs both a backrest and airbags to be comfortable.

He noticed Eula sitting silently nearby, seemingly wanting to say something but not knowing how to start.

So Jiang Ning said to her, "What's wrong, Eula? Why so quiet? Also, have you been working too hard lately? If you're tired, just tell Ningguang directly, she'll definitely give you time off."

Jiang Ning's concern warmed Eula's heart. Eula was actually a very easily satisfied girl who, lacking love since childhood, had turned herself into a hedgehog. Simple concern could make her happy for quite some time.

Eula crossed her arms and shook her head: "I'm not tired, it's just that, just that..."

She didn't know how to express her concern for Jiang Ning, feeling it would be too awkward.

"Eula wants to show her concern for you but doesn't know how to express it..." Although not the eldest in the family, Ningguang, who was the most mature in personality and social dealings, spoke up at the right moment.

"Besides, I wanted to give Eula time off, but she just can't stay idle," she added.

"Well, mainly because I felt that, being new here, I should accomplish something... Anyway, I'm glad you're back. That's all I'll say." Eula humphed, then gave Ningguang a grateful look.

Ningguang returned a smile.

Among the many people in the household, Shenhe was cold by nature and didn't like interacting with others, only showing her inner passion when meeting Jiang Ning.

Ganyu was reliable in handling affairs, but her personality was somewhat soft, sometimes lacking in decisiveness.

As for Eula, she was cold on the outside but warm-hearted, a major tsundere who wasn't good at social interaction, but her feelings for Jiang Ning were no less than others.

So only Ningguang could act as this lubricant, managing some "harem affairs."

However, with the addition of Raiden Makoto and Raiden Ei, she thought she could relax a bit. After all, judging from Raiden Makoto's personality, she was very suitable for the position of "first wife" in Jiang Ning's family.

Ningguang didn't want to compete, after all, they were all family, and there was no rule saying being good to one meant being bad to another. Jiang Ning treated everyone equally and did quite well.

Moreover, although Ningguang was very confident in her abilities, she wasn't arrogant enough to think she could win against the Raiden Shogun who had ruled Inazuma for hundreds of years.

"So, my disciple, you must work hard. Whether Guizhong can return depends on you," Xianyun said.

"Don't worry, Master. Guizhong has recovered quite a bit, and now we can faintly sense her soul," Jiang Ning took out the Memory of Dust, which indeed carried Guizhong's strong aura.

Zhongli, who was talking nearby, also sensed this aura and temporarily paused his conversation with Raiden Makoto, showing a nostalgic expression:

"It's been so long indeed..."

"I'm sorry I'm late, I hope I'm not too late? The cargo handover at the dock took quite some effort..." Keqing's energetic voice rang out as she appeared at the family feast.

"Keqing... I knew you would come." Ningguang showed an expression of "just as expected."

She had long known about the budding relationship between Keqing and Jiang Ning.

Now seeing it confirmed.

Keqing didn't argue with Ningguang - in terms of debate and conversation, she figured even ten of her couldn't match one Ningguang.

Besides, they were all family now, and there was no need to embarrass anyone on such a day.

"Everyone's here now, please be seated," Since Jiang Ning and Raiden Makoto had a special relationship, Zhongli was clearly the highest in both seniority and status among those present.

So only Zhongli could speak up.

"Today is a family feast, everyone please be at ease."

The atmosphere gradually became lively and relaxed, truly feeling like a family gathering.

However, Zhongli seemed to have something on his mind. Raiden Makoto asked, "What's wrong, Morax?"

Zhongli shook his head slightly: "It's nothing, just some business matters at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

When would his own director be able to attend this family feast... Really, it was making this old father anxious.

Now in Zhongli's view, outside beauties were jumping into Jiang Ning's mouth one after another.

Those who didn't want to be eaten were being forced to eat.

Yet his own precious one was still happily thinking about how to expand and strengthen the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, creating new glory...

Worried, this old father was worried.

Keqing and Ningguang were quietly discussing some matters, though not official business, seemingly something more informal.

This could be seen from Ningguang's soft laughter and Keqing's reddening face.

As for Jiang Ning's side... it was the usual post-journey home routine.

Jiang Ning was seen holding onto Xianyun, not letting her leave, while using wind elements to carry bowls and dishes, his other hand feeding Xianyun.

"I can eat by myself! I'm not a child..." 

"Open your mouth, Master. You really are troublesome. Tgey told me that you haven't been eating properly these past few days. Even if you're an immortal, you can't be like this."

Seemingly unable to resist her disciple, Xianyun could only accept Jiang Ning's feeding with a slightly red face.

Meanwhile, Shenhe was feeding Jiang Ning...

Ganyu tilted her cocogoat head, feeling somewhat itchy.

Why did she feel... the atmosphere was a bit strange?

Then she looked at the interaction between Jiang Ning and Xianyun, and suddenly had a rather bizarre thought

She was scared by her own thoughts.

No... could it be? Was master really going to enter the field herself?

Although scared, Ganyu wasn't unable to accept it. Having lived for so many years, what hadn't she seen? Sisters, master-disciple, even moth... ahem.

Anyway, Ganyu's acceptance level was quite high, and she was even happy to see it.

After all, her master had been alone for so many years, taking care of her and Shenhe... probably, and it had been very hard.

Finding a partner would be the best thing, and this partner was someone whose depths she knew well, which made it even more perfect.

Not just Ganyu, Havria seemed to have noticed this too.

She patted Zhongli and teased:

"Your Liyue is quite something..."

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