Chapter 226

Takumi and Shenhe arrived at Qingce Village.

The elderly villagers who were busy in the fields noticed Takumi's arrival and immediately brightened up. One by one, they put down their work and hurried over.

"Master Takumi! You're here!"

Looking at the villagers, Takumi smiled and greeted them.

"It's been a while. How are the new seeds doing?"

Hearing Takumi's words, the villagers eagerly nodded.

"No problem at all."

"Everything looks great."

"If all goes well, we might have a bumper harvest this year!"

The excitement in their voices was evident.

Sucrose frequently visited the fields to check on the crops, ensuring any issues were addressed promptly. Thanks to her assistance, the crops were thriving, and the villagers were optimistic about the upcoming harvest.

After discussing the progress, Takumi and Shenhe made their way toward Sucrose's laboratory in the village.

Inside, Sucrose was busy conducting research. Upon hearing footsteps, she turned around.

"Takumi! You're here!"

She hurriedly tried to make tea for him.

Seeing this, Takumi chuckled and waved his hand.

"No need for that. I just came to check on things. From what I see, the crops are doing fine."

Sucrose paused for a moment, then nodded.

"Yes, everything is progressing according to the experimental data. The crops should start bearing grains soon. As long as they don't wither or fall prematurely, the project will be a success. The next phase is crucial."

Takumi nodded in agreement.

"Keep a close eye on them. Once the harvest is ready, we can discuss your next research plans. Liyue will fully support you."

He spoke with a serious tone, emphasizing his commitment. If Sucrose managed to help Liyue with its agricultural development, the nation would ensure her future research was funded.

Hearing this, Sucrose's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"Really? Thank you!"

Research required significant funding, and with Liyue's backing, she could focus on her experiments without financial worries. Takumi had already mentioned this when inviting her to work in Liyue, but hearing it again reassured her.

She handed her research notes to Takumi. Previously, when consulting Albedo, she had learned that Takumi was a highly skilled alchemist. Albedo had even encouraged her to ask Takumi if she had any doubts. Even if he didn't initially know the answer, he could quickly analyze and deduce it.

Seeing this, Takumi couldn't help but sigh but accepted the notes.

"Alright, let me take a look."

He spent the rest of the day helping Sucrose with her research, clarifying everything she was struggling with. By the time they finished, night had fallen.

After dinner, Sucrose eagerly returned to her laboratory, likely immersing herself in further research.

That night, Takumi and Shenhe stayed in Qingce Village.

The next morning, the two set off for Mt. Aozang, enjoying the serene landscape of Liyue's mountains and forests. Along the way, Takumi visited the place where Shenhe had grown up.

Upon reaching Mt. Aozang, they ascended to the summit, experiencing the beauty of the open sky and endless scenery.

Shenhe also took Takumi to Cloud Retainer's cave. Inside, Takumi found numerous treasured books, especially many focused on mechanical designs. Among them were blueprints for various types of ruin guards, including heavy artillery models and even super-giant versions.

True Monarch Liuyun had clearly collected extensive research on Khaenri'ah.

Seeing these records, Takumi realized how advanced Khaenri'ah had been. If not for the intervention of the gods, Khaenri'ah might have unified Teyvat. However, their knowledge had also led them into forbidden territory, resulting in their destruction by the divine.

After studying the mechanical books, Takumi sighed in contemplation.

He and Shenhe didn't linger too long. They continued their journey, visiting various places—Mt. Aozang, Qingyun Peak, and Jueyun Karst.

Upon reaching Jueyun Karst, they noticed three figures racing nearby.

Hu Tao, Zhongli, and Childe.

Takumi and Shenhe exchanged confused glances. Were these three seriously racing?

Zhongli, of all people, leading an illegal race?

Zhongli noticed Takumi and immediately slowed down, driving toward him. Hu Tao and Childe, noticing Zhongli's halt, also stopped, initially confused.

However, as soon as Hu Tao saw Takumi, her confusion turned into irritation.

She had received several fines the day before, all sent directly to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

The reports cited "Someone."

It didn't take long for Hu Tao to figure it out.

The one who reported her convoy was none other than Takumi.