Chapter 23

At Liyue Harbor, as usual, the city was bustling with activity.

However, the sudden explosions in the direction of Guili Plains startled many people.

"What happened?"

"Why did it suddenly explode?"

"What's going on?"

For a moment, everyone was in shock, unable to comprehend the situation.

Why would something suddenly explode?

Inside the Qunyu Pavilion, Ningguang raised her eyebrows.

She, too, had heard the explosions.

Putting down the documents in her hand, she stepped outside and looked toward Guili Plains.

Her sharp eyesight allowed her to catch a glimpse of the fire rising into the sky, even from this distance.

After thinking for a moment, Ningguang recalled that Keqing had submitted a document.

Takumi had asked her to send a letter to Mondstadt, inviting a demolition expert to help with the construction of the pier.

Realizing this, Ningguang sighed.

"Such trouble."

"Why didn't they notify us in advance?"

"Baiwen, go make an announcement to calm the people."

"Let them know this is part of the construction in Guili Plains."

Ningguang turned and instructed her secretary.

Hearing her order, Baiwen quickly carried it out, ensuring the news was spread throughout the city.

It wasn't long before the people of Liyue Harbor understood.

The explosions were the result of the construction at Guili Plains, where the new pier was being developed.

Many were surprised to hear this news.

"Has the construction of the pier already started?"

"That was fast!"

People started discussing the development enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Zhongli, who had been sipping tea, also heard about the explosions.

After pondering for a moment, he stood up and said to the waiter:

"Send the bill to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

With that, Zhongli left the tea house.

Soon, he vanished from Liyue Harbor.

When he reappeared, he was already at the top floor of Wangshu Inn.

As soon as he arrived, Xiao appeared beside him.

"Lord Rex Lapis."

Zhongli nodded.

He gazed down at the new city under construction.

"What do you think?"

Zhongli glanced at Xiao before posing the question.

Hearing Zhongli's words, Xiao shook his head slightly.

"It's still too early to tell."

"However, I believe this place will prosper."

"Recently, more vendors have started setting up stalls here."

"Traveling merchants are excited to hear about the new city being built."

Aside from dealing with demons, Xiao had also been keeping an eye on the developments in the area.

He had seen everything unfold.

He had even seen the model of the planned city.

If completed, this place would thrive.

It was an essential trade route between Mondstadt and Liyue.

Many merchants traveling from Mondstadt to Liyue Harbor chose to rest at Wangshu Inn.

If the new city flourished and provided all necessary goods, some traders might no longer feel the need to travel all the way to Liyue Harbor.

Moreover, this new development could ease the burden on Liyue Harbor.

The project itself wasn't an issue.

However, there were some concerns.

After considering them, Xiao spoke.

"Lord Rex Lapis, Takumi has started studying alchemy."

"He's attempting to develop technology using it."

He shared the information he had gathered.

Hearing this, Zhongli nodded.

"That's fine."

"As long as he doesn't interfere with the ley lines, there will be no consequences from Celestia."

"He should understand this."

Takumi knew a lot about Teyvat.

If he had delved into alchemy, he must have considered the consequences.

If he was aware of the ley lines but still proceeded with alchemy, he must have a plan in mind.

For now, they could wait and observe.

Besides, even Celestia could not easily interfere with those under his protection.

Zhongli remained confident in this regard.

Hearing Zhongli's response, Xiao said nothing further.

Since the Lord of Geo had approved, he had no more objections.

The two sat together, quietly watching the construction from afar.

Zhongli found it all quite interesting.

So, he remained there, observing.

...

Meanwhile, at the construction site, Takumi and Klee were busy.

Klee had just detonated her enormous bomb.

The little girl was brimming with excitement.

She showed no fear, despite the ground trembling beneath them from the powerful explosion.

Seeing Klee's delighted expression, Takumi sighed helplessly.

With Klee's help, the stone layer below had been completely destroyed, causing the ground to collapse.

The underground river was exposed, leading to a sudden rise in the water level.

The water became even more turbulent.

The blasted rocks sank into the underground river.

Takumi observed the results and formulated his next steps.

"Klee, we have more places to blast next."

"But let's wait a bit."

"We need the water to settle first before proceeding."

"Otherwise, your bombs might be washed away."

"Right now, I can't see what's happening underwater."

The water would likely remain unsettled until the next day.

With murky waters and strong currents, dropping bombs now wouldn't be effective.

They might drift away before detonating.

Hearing Takumi's explanation, Klee nodded.

"Okay, Brother Takumi!"

"Then can I go downstairs and collect fish now?"

She looked at Takumi with eager eyes.

Her explosion had launched a lot of fish into the air.

Keqing and the workers were already gathering them below.

It was time to feed everyone.

For a while, they would have an abundance of fish, all thanks to Klee's work.

Seeing her excitement, Takumi chuckled.

"Alright."

"I'll take you there."

With that, Takumi led Klee downstream.

Hearing this, Klee grew even more excited.

She quickly followed him.

"Brother Takumi, my fried fish is delicious!"

"I'll cook for you later, okay?"

"Even Captain Jean praised my fish-flavored shredded meat!"

As she walked alongside Takumi, she continued chattering happily.

Hearing this, Takumi smiled and nodded.

"I'll look forward to it."

"Let me get you a bucket and a fishing net first."

"You can catch as many fish as you like."

Saying this, Takumi activated his power.

He conjured a fishing net and an iron bucket for Klee.

Seeing Takumi create something out of thin air, Klee's eyes widened in awe.

"Amazing!"

"Brother Takumi is so powerful!"

"You can make things appear out of nowhere!"

At that moment, Klee's admiration for Takumi skyrocketed.

Not only did he let her blow things up, but he also helped her catch fish.

She was truly touched.

Takumi was a good person!