Chapter 158: Should I Send a Team Over First?

After receiving the spatial bracelet, Takumi released Xiao from it.

Xiao looked surprised.

"We're already there? That was fast. I didn't feel anything at all."

As soon as he came out, he shared his experience. He had only been sealed inside the spatial bracelet by Zhongli. But not long after, he was released. He didn't even notice the spatial transition.

"You didn't feel anything? Perfect. That means traveling to other worlds just got a lot easier. Thanks for your help."

Takumi smiled at Xiao's words.

And with this, airdropping combat power was now possible.

Xiao nodded. He hadn't really done anything special.

"Well then, I'll send you back now."

Now that everything was confirmed safe, Takumi didn't hesitate. He first sent Xiao back.

This was meant to be an experiment. Now that it succeeded, it was time to return him.

Xiao had no objections. He came and went quickly. Takumi promptly sent him back.

Over on Zhongli's side, seeing Xiao return, he nodded in satisfaction.

Since it worked, it was time to move forward with the plan. Send people over first? He decided to consult Takumi first.

With that thought, Zhongli messaged in the group chat.

Zhongli: [How about I send a group of people over first?] [Let's have them start building Liyue Harbor on the other side.]

Seeing this, Takumi was a bit surprised. So the decision had already been made?

Takumi: [I don't mind.] [You're always welcome here.]

If they were coming, Takumi was all for it.

Zhongli: [Great! I'll start preparing right away.] [I'll offer the full suite of Khaenri'ah technology and alchemy knowledge as payment.] [It's the best I've managed to collect.]

Zhongli didn't have much to offer Takumi materially. So he offered what knowledge he had.

He had already completed a deal with the Tsaritsa from Snezhnaya. He now had all their technology.

As for Scaramouche, he had no authority there. So he used Ningguang to acquire a lot of alchemical knowledge instead.

All of it was meant as payment for Takumi. In the future, he could just trade with points again.

Takumi wasn't too concerned. Alchemical knowledge alone was already a fine reward for him.

He had everything he could need. Zhongli had even lent him a Gnosis before. He was eager to have people sent over.

Takumi: [Just load them into a spatial bracelet and send it over to me.] [I'll arrange everything on my end.]

Seeing that, Zhongli nodded. He didn't say more and got to work.

Looking at Xiao beside him, Zhongli said:

"You go back to your tasks. I'll go discuss this with the Qixing. They're all together right now."

With that, Zhongli vanished from the spot.

Xiao nodded and also disappeared to get back to his work.

...

At that time, in the Jade Chamber.

Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu were discussing recent project progress.

Liyue had undergone drastic changes lately. Construction at Guili Plains was booming.

Because of this, many workers had come from chaotic nations nearby. Especially Inazuma.

Though Inazuma was still under isolationist policy, news of Liyue's hiring spree had reached them.

As a result, many Inazumans had snuck in to find work.

The Qixing turned a blind eye to this. Liyue really was short on labor.

"About the budget..."

Just as Ningguang was about to say more, Zhongli appeared.

The three of them instantly reacted.

Seeing Zhongli, Keqing and Ningguang were stunned. They recognized the guest consultant from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

How did he get up here?

Before they could ask, Ganyu reacted.

"Lord Rex Lapis!"

Ganyu hurriedly bowed.

Keqing and Ningguang were both stunned by her words. Zhongli—the man who often dined without paying—was Rex Lapis?

They were shocked.

"Greetings, Lord Rex Lapis!" ×2

They quickly stood and bowed.

"No need for formalities. I'm here to give some instructions."

Hearing that, Ningguang grew serious.

If Zhongli was revealing his identity and giving orders personally, it had to be important.

"Please speak, Lord Rex Lapis!"

Ningguang looked solemnly at him.

"Prepare some people. I will send them to Mr. Takumi's world. Choose someone to lead and construct a usable city over there. Mr. Takumi will fully cooperate."

Zhongli stated his intentions.

The three were stunned. Sending people to another world?

"Understood! I'll make the arrangements."

Ningguang didn't ask further.

Ganyu had already warned them earlier that they might move to another world.

"Good. Once preparations are ready, meet me at the Funeral Parlor. I'll handle the transport."

With that, Zhongli turned and left.

Showing up today was just to mentally prepare them.

After he left, Keqing finally spoke:

"I can't believe Mr. Zhongli was Lord Rex Lapis all along!!"

"He was right under our noses and we never noticed?"

Keqing was baffled.

If he hadn't shown up himself, they probably never would've known.

Ningguang had suspected, but was still shocked when it was confirmed.

"Since Lord Rex Lapis kept his identity hidden, we shouldn't spread it. Just the few of us knowing is enough. Now, let's carry out his orders."

Ningguang got back to business.

Hearing that, Keqing and Ganyu straightened up.

Ganyu thought for a moment and spoke:

"Keqing, you should be the one to go. You're good at city planning. Bring a few design specialists. Draw up the plans. There'll be robots to handle construction. We don't need to send too many people. Also, bring some experts in mechanisms and alchemy to learn over there."

Ganyu quickly formed a plan.

Since Takumi had robots, they didn't need a huge team. The key was sending designers.