Chapter 135

When Zhongli heard Venti's words, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but rise slightly.

"I see."

"It was indeed he who told that little girl."

What a delight.

Unexpectedly, Barbatos had been recognized so easily.

"Old friend, you seem to be enjoying this a little too much!"

Seeing Zhongli's reaction, Venti felt even more dejected.

"Not at all," Zhongli replied expressionlessly.

He slowly crossed the bridge and entered Mingyun Village.

Once there, he drove directly onto a side road.

Venti followed closely behind.

Many onlookers found the scene strange.

One person driving ahead while another sprinted behind?

What an odd combination.

After entering the village, Venti chose not to fly and instead ran along the road.

Yet, despite running, he showed no signs of fatigue.

After all, he was still a god.

Following Zhongli, Venti reached Takumi's manor with a sulking expression.

As they arrived, Zhongli simply pushed open the door and walked in.

The Qianyan Army stationed there did not stop them, merely pretending not to notice the two visitors.

Everyone was well aware of Zhongli's connection to Takumi.

So, they had no reason to interfere.

Upon entering the manor, Venti curiously looked around.

At that moment, Takumi had just finished his work.

As he was about to take a break, he saw Zhongli walk in—with an unruly bard in tow.

Takumi was slightly surprised to see Venti.

"Master, why did you bring the Wind Archon here?"

Hearing Takumi's words, Zhongli nodded.

"He came to visit me."

"Since he wanted to meet you, I brought him here."

Venti grinned and greeted Takumi.

At the same time, he secretly observed him.

"Hello~!"

"I'm Venti."

As Venti spoke, he felt something peculiar.

On Takumi's body, he sensed the presence of a Gnosis.

And beyond that—a terrifying power.

This was someone he couldn't afford to provoke.

Well, if his identity was already exposed, then so be it.

Venti, being the carefree god that he was, decided to let it slide.

"Hello."

"Come in and have a seat."

Takumi's eyes flicked to the bottle of wine in Venti's hands, and he smirked slightly.

So, he was here for a drink.

Figuring as much, Takumi turned around and walked inside.

He then took out his radio and contacted Xiangling, asking her to bring over some prepared dishes.

Seeing Takumi's actions, Venti was taken aback.

What was this?

A remote communication device?

Was Liyue this advanced now?

Why did he feel like he barely understood anything anymore?

Had the world changed while he slept?

Outrageous!

Shaking his head, Venti decided not to dwell on it.

Instead, he found a comfortable spot to sit.

After settling in with Zhongli, he scanned the surroundings, taking in Takumi's manor.

It was impressive.

Luxurious, even.

Takumi placed three wine glasses on the table.

Seeing them, Venti's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Without hesitation, he opened his bottle of wine and poured a drink for each of them.

"Hehehe~!"

"I couldn't wait!"

An alcoholic through and through, Venti had no patience for formalities.

Even without food, he was ready to drink.

Excited, he raised his glass.

Takumi sighed in amusement.

This guy...

"The food will be here soon."

"You don't have to rush."

Hearing Takumi's remark, Venti chuckled.

"This is my precious stash of wine."

"I have to enjoy it while I can."

"Come on, let's toast!"

Raising his cup, he clinked it against Takumi's.

Takumi was speechless but didn't refuse.

There was nothing more to say.

As they drank, Venti brought up the questions that had been bothering him.

"Takumi, did you build this city?"

"And those vehicles—did you create them too?"

Hearing his inquiry, Takumi nodded.

"Yes, I did."

"Why? Do you have an issue with it?"

Venti grinned.

"No, no!"

"Just curious."

"Everything here is fascinating."

"When will you bring some of this to Mondstadt?"

"If Mondstadt had all of this, it would be much better."

Although he had let Mondstadt govern itself, he still wanted it to improve.

He was its Archon, after all.

"No need to worry."

"We've already been coordinating with Acting Grand Master Jean."

"Building roads between Liyue and Mondstadt is just the beginning of our cooperation."

Takumi spoke honestly.

Hearing this, Venti's eyes lit up.

"Oh? Really?"

"That's great news!"

Much more than he had expected.

With a satisfied grin, he poured himself another drink and happily continued drinking.

At that moment, Zhongli spoke.

"Give him your Gnosis."

Venti paused, blinking in confusion.

"This thing?"

"Sure."

Without hesitation, he pulled the Gnosis from his pocket and casually tossed it to Takumi.

It was just a Gnosis—nothing special.

Takumi caught the divine object and weighed it in his hand before activating his power to replicate it.

As soon as he did, the power of the Herrscher of Reason surged within him.

In that moment, the Core of the Herrscher of Wind awakened inside him.

Takumi had gained the ability to manipulate fluids.

Both Venti and Zhongli immediately sensed the shift in power.

Their expressions changed in an instant.

At this moment, Takumi had gained enough strength to pose a genuine threat to them.

"What's going on with this guy, old friend?"

Venti was stunned.

He never expected that handing over his Gnosis would trigger such a transformation.

Did Zhongli already know this would happen?

Venti turned to Zhongli in confusion.

Zhongli's expression was solemn.

"When I gave him the Vision, it awakened a force within him."

"I didn't expect it to happen again now."

Zhongli's tone carried weight.

Takumi... what was he?

Venti, sensing Takumi's newfound power, realized something shocking.

It was stronger than his own.

If someone in Mondstadt saw this, they might mistake Takumi for the true Anemo Archon.

While he, Barbatos, would be reduced to a mere imposter.

He had no doubt about it!