87: “I, Hu Tao, Am Expanding My Coffin Business to Piglins!”

A Divine Weapon!

Everyone's gazes flickered with uncertainty as they stared at the Lions' Roar in Keqing's hands.

Ganyu and the others still weren't entirely sure what to make of it, but for Ningguang, Xiao, and the others who understood Zhongli's true identity, a tempest was already brewing in their minds.

As the Geo Archon, the oldest god still walking the world, he was a living encyclopedia.

If even Zhongli had declared that this was a weapon worthy of bearing the name of the gods—then what else could it be, if not a divine artifact?

And yet…

How many true artifacts existed across all of Teyvat?

Keqing was momentarily thrilled by Zhongli's words, but she quickly came back to her senses, shaking her head with a wry smile.

"Master Zhongli, aren't you exaggerating a little? The divine artifacts of Teyvat can be counted on one hand."

"Lions' Roar may be strong, but compared to the legendary artifacts of old, it's hard to believe a mere enchantment could bridge that gap."

Zhongli had expected skepticism, yet he remained unhurried. He leisurely took a sip of tea before replying in a calm, measured tone.

"In that case, Lady Yuheng, tell me—what is the defining characteristic of a divine artifact?"

Keqing was well-versed in such matters. Liyue was vast and wealthy, and naturally, divine artifacts existed within its borders.

"The most obvious examples would be the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear wielded by the Conqueror of Demons and the Staff of Homa carried by Master Hu."

"The former was already a famed artifact during the Archon War, while the latter is a ritual weapon passed down for centuries within the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"I don't know the precise nature of their effects, but I imagine they must be capable of amplifying elemental power."

Xiao and Hu Tao both nodded in agreement.

As the wielders of these weapons, no one understood their power better than they did. It wasn't just about amplifying elemental energy—that was an oversimplification.

Zhongli, satisfied with Keqing's answer, nodded approvingly before posing another question.

"And have you ever studied what makes a divine artifact?"

"Of course," Keqing answered with confidence, her tone carrying a hint of pride.

"Artifacts earn their name because of their connection to the gods. The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, for instance, is tied to the Lord of Geo himself, while the Staff of Homa has been sanctified through countless centuries of funerary rites."

"These weapons appear repeatedly in legend, enshrined in history as symbols of power. They gather faith and the energy of the ley lines over time, gradually accumulating divine authority."

"It's because of this process that divine artifacts gain their supernatural properties—properties that feel almost like the embodiment of la—"

Keqing abruptly fell silent.

A moment later, her eyes widened in realization, and she turned sharply to look at Zhongli.

The former Geo Archon continued sipping his tea, but when he met Keqing's gaze, he gave her a knowing nod.

"Yes. Their properties resemble laws inscribed upon the world itself, do they not?"

"…They do…"

Zhongli gestured toward the Lions' Roar in Keqing's hands, his voice steady.

"Then tell me, Lady Yuheng—why do you believe this sword, capable of wielding the power of flame and granting you mastery over a second element, cannot be considered a divine artifact?"

"Is it because its name lacks renown? Or is it because you cannot accept that Ryen, in a single morning, took an unremarkable, freshly forged weapon and turned it into something divine?"

"Is it simply because these enchanted weapons are too easily obtained that you refuse to acknowledge them as artifacts?"

Keqing was at a loss for words.

But as she thought it through, she realized—Zhongli's logic was impeccable.

The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear enhanced Xiao's elemental power, making it easier for him to strike at enemy weaknesses.

And so, they called it a divine artifact.

Then what of a diamond sword, forged from the hardest material, imbued with enchantments that ensured it would always knock back enemies, always deal enhanced damage, always increase loot drops…

A sword that could even summon fire with no cost at all?

If such a weapon appeared in Teyvat, it would drive the world into a frenzy.

Ningguang was certain—scholars, historians, and archeologists alike would fabricate countless myths to justify its power.

Because—

This was a weapon that could grant anyone command over Pyro.

A weapon that could allow any wielder to possess two elements at once.

Then by what reasoning could it not be called an artifact?

Keqing fell silent, and after a long pause, she sighed in resignation.

"It seems… we've been underestimating the true potential of enchantments…"

Ningguang and the others nodded in agreement.

Zhongli said no more. His earlier words had been meant as a mere reminder—that enchantments were not to be taken lightly.

The moment Lions' Roar was enchanted, he had sensed it immediately.

That wasn't just an enchantment.

That was the inscription of laws themselves.

And not just one law—multiple, overlapping laws working in tandem to produce an even greater effect.

There was a common saying:

Weapons are mere tools—external power can never compare to one's own strength.

But in truth, no one could deny the advantage of wielding a superior weapon.

Zhongli had thought this fact would be self-evident.

Yet never in his wildest dreams did he expect Ningguang and the others to take it a step further—

To propose enchanting weapons for all the Millelith.

That idea…

Was something Zhongli wholeheartedly supported.

But...

The degree must be controlled.

If the entire Qianyan Army was armed with artifacts, anyone who didn't know would think they were preparing for a war with the demon gods!

Liyue would become stronger, but have they thought about what Celestia would think?

Suddenly, so many people carrying artifacts would appear in Teyvat...

Even if Celestia were in slumber, they would surely be awakened by the shock.

It seemed that Ningguang had realized this too. She furrowed her brows slightly, and after a moment, spoke in a low voice:

"It seems that the idea of arming the entire Qianyan Army with enchanted weapons is not feasible. However, we can still pick a trustworthy team."

Matters involving multiple factors were something Ryen didn't want to get too involved in.

He simply provided opportunities and channels; how to proceed was up to Ningguang and the others.

"As for the matter of arming the Qianyan Army with enchanted weapons, you all can discuss it yourselves later."

Ryen stretched lazily and reminded them:

"However, it's best to finish your own enchanted gear first."

"Resources are limited in the early stages. We can't plan too big just yet."

"As for the Villager Trading Hall, there's no rush. The villagers are still reproducing, and in the short term, we won't have enough to form the scale we need."

"So, we'll have to find a solution from outside."

As soon as he finished speaking, Ganyu tilted her head and asked:

"Outside? Do you mean Liyue?"

Ryen chuckled, lightly tapping Ganyu's forehead, and spoke in a soft tone:

"Of course, I'm talking about outside this world. I mean, since there aren't enough villagers here, we'll go to other regions and bring some back."

"Just right, we should also start exploring the world. Many treasures are hidden in the corners of the world, and even treasure chests often contain enchanted tools."

"Hmm..."

Ryen thought for a moment, a hopeful smile spreading across his face as he said:

"Let's consider it an exciting treasure hunt. After all, the base here is getting on track, and we can't keep coiling up here forever."

Naturally, no one opposed Ryen's invitation to explore.

Except for Hu Tao, even Liyue had begun to feel a bit bored.

Just last night during dinner, Keqing had asked Ryen when they would begin exploring other regions.

Ryen had mentioned places like the Woodland Mansion, Abandoned Mineshafts, desert temples, and sunken ship treasures—places they were all very curious about. Ryen had said that there were plenty of resources in those areas.

Thinking of this, Keqing's excitement was rekindled.

"Ryen, when will we start exploring this world?"

Ryen pondered for a moment before speaking seriously:

"It should be within the next few days. Once the miners are settled, let them familiarize themselves with the mines."

"Then... I'll have to make a trip to the Netherworld first."

Upon hearing this term, Hu Tao, who had previously seemed a little bored, immediately perked up, looking at Ryen eagerly.

"To hell? I want to go too!"

"..."

Ryen was speechless.

In order to avoid bad luck, he had intentionally kept the term "hell" hidden.

So...

How did Hu Tao find out that the Netherworld was hell?

And what did she mean by wanting to go to hell together?!

Though there was a sense of shared life and death in her words, Ryen, in the prime of his youth, still hadn't had the chance to indulge fully.

He hadn't even gotten to taste coconut milk yet.

He certainly didn't want to die young.

Besides...

Given Steve's unique constitution, would he even have a death day?

Lost in his thoughts, Ryen didn't forget to warn Hu Tao, or rather, to explain the dangers of the Netherworld.

"I'm just going to explore the situation around the portal."

"If possible, I'll collect some special materials from the Netherworld to make alchemy potions and redstone mechanisms."

"I don't plan on going deep into the Netherworld, and I'm actually not in favor of you all going there."

"It's too dangerous. The place is filled with lava, and while the piglins can trade, they're also hostile."

"Besides, there are Wither Skeletons, Blazes, Ghasts, Magma Cubes, and more..."

"If you don't have experience, it's easy to get into trouble."

Ryen wasn't exaggerating. The Netherworld was nothing like the main world. The environment there was harsh, and almost all creatures were hostile toward humans.

Don't be fooled by the piglins trading gold. If you slap one, see how fast they chase you.

Not only will they chase you, but they'll call their entire clan to join the pursuit!

It could be said that a slight mistake would send you right back to square one.

Especially if they accidentally brought a bed into the Nether to sleep on...

That could become a serious issue.

However, despite Ryen laying out all the dangers, everyone merely acknowledged the information seriously and showed no signs of backing out.

Hu Tao giggled and propped her chin, looking at Ryen with a mischievous grin:

"I know the Netherworld is dangerous! But it's not every day I get to visit, so I want to see the boundary between life and death in your world!"

"..."

Ryen twitched his mouth in exasperation and said helplessly:

"I've already told you, the Netherworld isn't hell, and hell is just one of the spatial worlds, not the boundary between life and death like you imagine it!"

"Doesn't matter, doesn't matter!"

Hu Tao, showing no sign of backing down, pouted and muttered:

"I'm going! This is market research for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. What if the Wither Skeletons and Piglins are potential clients?"

"Hmph! Ryen, don't try to trick me! Ganyu said the piglins are rich! They trade with gold!"

Hearing this, Ryen shot a helpless look at Ganyu, whose large, watery eyes were staring back at him, leaving Ryen at a loss for words.

He sighed, shaking his head.

"I really can't win against you... Alright, fine, I'll let you come along since it's just an exploration, but you all must listen to me and stay close."

"Otherwise, if something happens, none of us will be able to escape!"

Everyone exchanged knowing smiles. The idea of the Netherworld sounded so mysterious, and they naturally didn't want to miss out.

Just as Ryen was about to start explaining what to be cautious about in the Netherworld, a Qianyan soldier rushed over in a panic.

"Ningguang-sama! Keqing-sama! Something... something's happened!"

"Over there... over there are about a dozen wolves!"

~~----------------------

Get 30 additional chapters on patreon:

patreon.com/dreamer20