Chapter 406

Regarding the matter of pirates, there was no need to send information to Takumi at all.

Just let the navy handle it.

It wasn't a big deal.

Shenhe immediately nodded upon hearing Takumi's words. "Understood! I'll take care of it."

Since Takumi had made his stance clear, she knew exactly what to do. She put away the document and instructed someone to relay the message to the navy. From now on, if pirates appeared, the navy would handle them directly.

After settling matters, Takumi set off with Keqing to return to Liyue Harbor.

The two rode their bicycles back to Liyue Harbor. Upon arrival, Keqing parted ways with Takumi to attend to her own duties, while Takumi made his way to the Jade Chamber.

Seeing Takumi return, Ningguang was slightly surprised. "It's rare for you to visit Liyue Harbor. Is something the matter?"

She set her work aside and greeted Takumi.

After sitting down, Takumi got straight to business. "How are things in The Chasm? The road construction should be progressing well, right?"

Many matters concerning The Chasm didn't reach Takumi's desk, as Liyue Harbor was primarily responsible for them. If he wanted updates, he had to ask Ningguang.

Hearing his question, Ningguang nodded. "With Ganyu overseeing the project, everything is going smoothly. The adventurers and workers are making steady progress. Lately, there have been traces of Abyss Order activity in the area, though it's nothing we can't handle."

After finishing her report, she poured a cup of tea for Takumi.

Listening to her words, Takumi raised an eyebrow. "The Abyss Order?"

A thought crossed his mind.

Could this be connected to The Chasm's storyline?

Thinking about the Ruin Serpents, Takumi pondered deeply.

Could they be revived?

If revival was possible, it might not be a bad thing.

"Yes, the Abyss Order," Ningguang confirmed. "Interestingly, Lumine seems to despise them. The moment she heard about their presence, she volunteered to investigate. We don't have detailed reports yet because the underground signals are completely blocked. Your signal devices don't function down there due to some unknown interference."

Hearing this, Takumi snapped out of his thoughts.

"Underground? And Lumine… Hmm, makes sense."

His expression turned slightly strange.

Why did Lumine volunteer so quickly?

It was likely because she suspected her brother was involved.

If the Abyss Order was active there, her brother must have some scheme underway, prompting Lumine to step in and disrupt it.

Takumi could easily guess her reasoning.

After all, Lumine's current goal was singular—finding and confronting her brother.

That was her main motivation.

And Takumi fully understood and supported it.

The road to The Chasm would take a long time to complete, but Ningguang wasn't concerned. As long as it was eventually finished, that was all that mattered.

Especially with the region's rich mineral deposits.

Takumi had previously suggested using Geo Slimes to decompose waste, and after testing, Ningguang found the results highly effective.

She was pleased with the method.

Teyvat didn't have much plastic waste. The closest material was resin, which Grass Slimes might even consume.

Thus, decomposition was possible.

As for household waste and debris, Geo Slimes could break them down into stone.

If The Chasm could be refilled and stabilized, perhaps even Azhdaha could return there for a time.

With its power, mineral regeneration in the area might accelerate.

Liyue Harbor's wealth was deeply tied to The Chasm. For generations, Liyue had mined its resources, exporting them worldwide and amassing great fortunes.

The abundance of ores had played a crucial role in Liyue's rapid development.

Of course, Zhongli's influence was also undeniable—his power was directly linked to the creation of Mora.

Even though he carried none himself.

If The Chasm could be restored, Liyue's mining industry would flourish once more, ensuring long-term prosperity.

Takumi considered another issue.

Azhdaha had suffered memory loss due to erosion.

Should he offer treatment?

Probably.

Perhaps Azhdaha was close to breaking free from the seal.

Or, since Zhongli had recovered some of his power, the seal had strengthened instead?

That wasn't impossible.

It was even likely that Zhongli had forgotten about Azhdaha altogether.

After all, Zhongli was currently too absorbed in playing the role of a teacher.

Takumi and Ningguang continued discussing The Chasm's situation, and he ultimately made a decision.

"Tomorrow, I'll visit The Chasm. If the Abyss Order is active there, they must be plotting something."

Then, another thought struck him. "By the way, when was the last time Yelan contacted you?"

Ningguang was momentarily stunned by the question. "She hasn't checked in for three days. But that's not unusual. She often goes silent for a while before reporting back. I wouldn't be too concerned."

Takumi nodded.

Maybe.

Perhaps Yelan and Xiao had already encountered something underground.

Zhongli might know more about it.

He'd have to ask later.

And while he was at it, he could inquire about Azhdaha as well.

After wrapping up his conversation with Ningguang, Takumi left, planning to grab a meal before heading home.

Later that night, he'd speak with Zhongli.

Then tomorrow, he'd head to The Chasm to investigate.

As he descended from the Jade Chamber, Takumi passed by Liuli Pavilion and suddenly noticed Zhongli's and Guizhong's car parked outside.

Seeing the vehicle, he was momentarily taken aback.

Huh, they're here too?

Without hesitation, Takumi stopped his own vehicle and walked straight inside.

Since Zhongli was wealthy now, it was his turn to foot the bill for dinner.