Chapter 109
Hu Tao considerately left the courtyard temporarily, leaving only Jiang Ning and Zhongli present.
With a casual wave of his hand, Zhongli sealed the courtyard with heavy Geo energy, ensuring their conversation wouldn't be overheard.
Jiang Ning composed himself, realizing his master had serious matters to discuss.
The sword training could wait.
"I heard from others that you... have the ability to purify the Abyss?"
Zhongli's vertical pupils fixed intently on Jiang Ning.
Jiang Ning scratched his head: "How did you know? I thought only those present at the time knew..."
Wait, was he spotted by the Abyss Order then?
His expression changed, becoming alert. After all this time, why hadn't the Abyss Order come for him?
Zhongli said: "No need to panic. I'm quite familiar with Mondstadt's Anemo Archon. He told me, and he helped cover for you, creating the illusion that his divine power temporarily suppressed those shallow Abyss forces."
Jiang Ning sighed in relief. No wonder the Abyss Order hadn't troubled him... Venti had helped conceal it.
Zhongli continued: "So... you can indeed purify the Abyss?"
Jiang Ning scratched his head: "Actually, it's not active purification... mainly my constitution and ability absorb the Abyss, then automatically purify it, separating the negative energy. The remaining energy purely helps me grow stronger."
Zhongli said: "I see..."
It felt like a weight had been lifted from his heart, strengthening his resolve. Barbatos wouldn't lie about such matters, and Jiang Ning showed no signs of deception.
Next, as long as he could witness Jiang Ning purify Abyss power, the position of Geo Archon would definitely be his, no question.
"Though I don't understand why I can purify Abyss power, but eating Hu Tao's cooking... nearly killed me."
Jiang Ning looked terrified.
Zhongli fell silent, then said: "By common sense, you merely fell unconscious then, with no real danger to your life. Compared to others who claimed to see their great-grandmother after eating it, you fared much better."
"So can I consider Hu Tao's Ghost March more extreme than Abyss power?"
"That... I cannot answer." Even Zhongli was stumped.
Shaking his head slightly, Zhongli produced an object covered in talismans, emanating an ominous aura.
"What's this?"
Jiang Ning's gaze sharpened, sensing Abyss energy.
Zhongli explained: "This is an Abyss remnant, bearing its energy. It's sealed with adeptal arts and part of Morax's authority. Thus, it won't affect those of us with adeptal power, but would harm ordinary people..."
"I want to see if you can purify it. Consider it a good deed for those nearby."
Jiang Ning said: "Sure, give it here, Master."
He took the object from Zhongli and casually tore off the talismans.
Without the talismans' suppression, the Abyss's ominous energy burst forth instantly.
But compared to Dvalin's aura, this was nothing.
Sneering dismissively, Jiang Ning began absorbing and his body automatically started purifying.
In just a minute or two, the object returned to its original state - merely an ordinary mask fragment.
"Done."
Jiang Ning returned it to Zhongli, who examined it carefully, confirming the Abyss energy was gone and Jiang Ning remained unaffected. He suddenly smiled.
He seemed somewhat relieved yet melancholic, like someone who'd finally seen dawn after walking through the night.
"Master?"
Jiang Ning asked cautiously.
Zhongli shook his head: "It's nothing... just happy..."
Then his expression turned serious: "Remember, keep this special ability secret. If you must tell others, inform us beforehand."
"Understood, Master."
Jiang Ning nodded.
Zhongli gazed deeply at the sky: "Of course, the ability to purify gods remnants needn't be hidden. That won't attract the Abyss's attention; rather, it will make others welcome you."
"Yes, understood."
Jiang Ning was very obedient.
Zhongli said: "Good, now take out the Summit Shaper that Xianyun and the others gave you. It's time to teach you something new."
...
"This is truly something remarkable."
Atop Yuehai Pavilion, Ningguang and Keqing examined the cement and its formula that Ganyu brought.
Keqing was delighted - this would significantly improve both construction time and durability.
As for Ningguang, her eyes sparkled with interest. This was a business opportunity.
"Ganyu, you brought this cement to collaborate with us?"
Ningguang asked directly.
Ganyu nodded: "Yes, this is Master's formula, offered as a partnership. The formula can be given to you directly, but future use of cement, whether for roads or buildings, must compensate Master."
"Rest assured, we'll provide Lady Xianyun with satisfactory compensation."
Through their conversation, Ningguang learned that Cloud-Retaining True Lord had taken the name Xianyun and settled in Liyue Harbor.
On one hand, this represented adepti integrating with society; on the other, it might be Rex Lapis's way of having the Qixing supervised to some degree.
Though pleased, Keqing felt some regret.
If she'd known, she wouldn't have come to discuss matters with Ningguang today - it could have waited a few days.
Now the cement formula she could have acquired alone would be shared.
Though just a verbal agreement, Ganyu confidently handed the formula to the two Qixing members.
After all, in this land of contracts, with the General Secretary witnessing, even the Qixing couldn't go back on their word.
Moreover, the formula came from an adeptus who'd followed Rex Lapis from the beginning.
That would be suicide.
"There's another matter to discuss while you're here, Ganyu."
Ningguang said.
Ganyu adopted a serious listening posture.
Ningguang continued: "Reliable intelligence confirms that the Fatui Harbinger Signora, after leaving Mondstadt, first returned to Snezhnaya and has now definitely entered Liyue territory. Though she snuck in secretly, Yelan discovered her."
"Meanwhile, officially, Snezhnaya has given another Harbinger, Childe Tartaglia, the status of Snezhnayan envoy. He'll enter Liyue soon."
"This open and hidden approach... deserves careful consideration."
----
Read chapters early on patreon.com/rivyura