Chapter 534

Adventurers are actually quite competitive, especially in Liyue. As long as there is money to be made, many adventurers are willing to take on work. Unlike Mondstadt, where adventurers often spend their earnings quickly and then look for more work only when needed, Liyue's adventurers maintain a steady work ethic.

In Mondstadt, adventurers like Bennett and Fischl are considered hardworking. Though still young, they have already become key figures in the Mondstadt Adventurers' Guild. If others were as diligent as them, the competition would be much stiffer.

Liyue's adventurers, however, are generally more industrious. As long as the mission is reasonable and offers fair compensation, they readily accept it. Even well-known individuals like Xingqiu and Chongyun often visit the Adventurers' Guild to take on quests. While Xingqiu is not lacking in money, he enjoys the thrill of adventure.

It was this hardworking spirit that led to the swift completion of the Qingxu Pool mission. The Hilichurls there hardly stood a chance. When the slime-capturing task was previously announced, adventurers had already partially cleared the area. This made the new mission even easier.

After hearing Keqing's explanation, Takumi understood the situation. "Now that it's cleared up, let's set up the defenses. Bring in the construction team to start building bridges and stairs first. We'll proceed gradually, demolishing what needs to go and repairing what doesn't."

Keqing nodded. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements. It should take about a week to repair the road. By spring, everything over there can be completed."

She pulled out her phone to coordinate the construction work. Watching this, Kamisato Ayaka became curious.

"Are you building something at Qingxu Pool? What exactly are you planning to construct?"

Takumi explained, "We're establishing a transfer station between Sumeru and Liyue. The road between the two regions is about to open, and Qingxu Pool will serve as the transit point. Travelers can go from Liyue Harbor to the Chasm, rest overnight at Qingxu Pool, and then continue through the Chasm to Sumeru the next day."

Upon hearing this, Ayaka's curiosity grew. "I thought you were building a scenic spot."

Takumi chuckled, "Well, there are buildings, and even real Adepti. If you're interested, you could visit the temple in the mountains. Who knows, maybe you'll receive a blessing and meet a charming young man named Takumi."

Ayaka's interest was piqued. She had heard stories of Liyue's Adepti and wondered if they were real. Silently, she made a mental note to visit the place later.

After chatting with Takumi for a while, Ayaka left to continue her work. As soon as she was gone, Keqing turned to Takumi.

"You seem to like Ayaka quite a bit," she remarked, her tone slightly sour.

Takumi caught the hint of jealousy in her voice. "Are you jealous?" he asked with a sly smile.

Keqing's face turned red. "No! I'm not. Stop talking nonsense!" She quickly denied it, but her reaction only amused Takumi more.

"I do like her," he teased. "In every sense. After all, she does have white hair."

Keqing's brow furrowed. "Just because she has white hair? What about Nuo Al and Ningguang?"

Takumi boldly declared, "They're all my wings! A man should face such things head-on!"

"Oh, really?" A new voice joined the conversation, and Ningguang stepped into the room with a playful smirk. "If I hadn't come, I wouldn't have heard such interesting things. A sweet romance, you say? Why not?"

Takumi felt a chill run down his spine. "How did you get here?" he asked, feeling a bit cornered.

Ningguang's smile widened. "If I hadn't come, I would have missed this delightful confession. Perhaps we should pursue this love story further?"

Before Takumi could respond, Keqing interjected, "Absolutely not! What are you thinking, Ningguang?" She looked like a cat ready to pounce, clearly not amused by the idea.

Ningguang didn't seem bothered by Keqing's reaction. She turned back to Takumi. "Well, what do you think?"

Keqing's glare intensified, as if daring Takumi to agree. His survival instincts kicked in, and he quickly backed down. "Okay, okay. Enough joking around. Let's get back to business."

The tension eased as Ningguang chuckled softly. However, there was a hint of seriousness behind her playful words. She had her own reasons for considering Takumi as a potential partner. In Liyue, she felt there was no one else who could match her. She had to think about her future, about finding someone to share her life with.

Takumi noticed this but decided not to press the issue. He had no shortage of admirers, but dealing with Ningguang required a careful approach. As the three resumed their work, the atmosphere returned to normal, though a playful undercurrent remained.

Keqing, still a bit flustered, pretended to focus on her tasks. Ningguang's casual attitude only added to the lighthearted mood. And as for Takumi, he knew better than to underestimate either of these remarkable women.