Chapter 115

With nothing to do today, Jiang Ning practiced swordsmanship at home while familiarizing himself with the salt authority.

Initially, Jiang Ning thought this power's development depended on creativity, like a certain thief king. But he was quickly proven wrong.

Think about it - what's salt's essence? Sodium chloride, right? And the human body contains lots of salt. So couldn't controlling salt instantly kill opponents?

But experiments proved this power was disappointingly useless. 

It could only produce salt, and due to the incomplete authority, even after the System's enhancement, it remained weak.

No wonder Havria kept retreating back then - she simply couldn't fight.

Looking on the bright side, at least his household would never lack salt, and his salt would be the most nutritious in all of Teyvat. 

Compared to his previous mastery of embroidery needles, this was somewhat better.

'Has Liyue become so prosperous now...'

A gentle voice sounded, making Jiang Ning instantly tense up.

He gripped Summit Shaper, looking around: "Who's there? Show yourself!"

'Don't be nervous, I mean no harm. On the contrary, I should thank you...'

Jiang Ning's hair stood on end. The voice was right by his ear, yet his perception was at full alert.

This must be at least a god.

"System, stop playing dead, come see what's happening!"

Jiang Ning hurriedly thought.

[Coming... Hmm, this voice is coming from inside your body...]

The System paused, then raged.

[Which bastard's trying to steal my territory!]

After cursing, the voice continued asking curiously:

'What year is it now? Has the Archon War ended? How is the Domain of Salt?'

[...Host, she can't hear my voice.]

"Obviously. If anyone could hear voices in my head, you'd have been exposed long ago."

Jiang Ning asked cautiously: "Who are you?"

'Well, you can call me Salt God, or Havria, either is fine.'

The gentle voice seemed nostalgic.

"Havria... Weren't you dead?!"

'Not exactly. Gods are essentially embodiments of authority. As long as the authority exists in this world, the god doesn't truly perish. Under the right circumstances, they might reawaken, or like humans, reincarnate as new beings.'

"System, what about that Death God then?"

[That one was sleeping when your soul-pacifying technique sent it away... It was just a fragment, about as strong as a normal person. Later, your purification constitution cleaned out its remnants because it harbored resentment. Havria must have no ill intentions, otherwise she'd have been purified too.]

"I see... And here I thought I'd just improved..."

'What are you thinking about?'

Havria asked.

"Nothing, just... need time to process this..."

"Salt God... um, My Lady?" Jiang Ning asked carefully, "What's your current situation? How did you awaken?"

Havria laughed softly: 'Just call me Havria. The Salt God is dead, and I feel somewhat relieved...'

She explained her authority should have dispersed, but Jiang Ning's absorption had somehow consolidated it. She'd been nurturing in his body, regaining consciousness that morning.

"Nurturing in my body..."

Jiang Ning hesitated.

Havria reassured him she couldn't read his thoughts and he maintained control.

They spent the morning discussing current events. Though still curious, Havria eventually said: 'I see... The Seven Archons ruling, people living in peace... That's wonderful.'

Jiang Ning could barely suppress a smile. 

The Seven ruling was true, but peace... not necessarily. 

Snezhnaya hunting Gnoses, Inazuma in civil war, Natlan at war, Mondstadt infiltrated by Fatui. Only Liyue and Fontaine seemed truly stable.

"Can you leave my body? Or talk to others?"

'Not until the salt authority is complete and I have a body. After separating, all authority would be yours, and I could live as a normal person. As for talking to others... I think I can try.'

"Just to be clear, I need to tell my master about you."

'That's fine. I had good relations with Liyue's Guizhong, and friendly trade relations with Liyue.'

Havria readily agreed.

'Go ahead and tell them. I won't say more - I'm feeling tired and need to rest.'

"Alright, I'll call you when we meet my master."

Jiang Ning said.

After that, Havria fell silent.

Jiang Ning pondered - he'd need to be more careful when absorbing divine authority with god's resentment...

Though... what kind of System checks the user manual after the fact? Exhausting.

But now the priority was finding his master and explaining everything.

...

He searched everywhere for Master Xianyun but couldn't find her.

Even Madame Ping didn't know where she was.

Left with no choice, he went to find Zhongli.

Fortunately, Zhongli was easy to find - he was listening to storytelling.

With fine tea and snacks, occupying a table alone, leisurely listening to Tian Tiezui's stories.

Jiang Ning sat down directly across from him:

"Master, I need your advice on something."

Zhongli slowly put down his teacup: "What is it?"

"Master, after absorbing Havria's authority, I found something extra inside me."

"What thing?" Zhongli frowned, grabbing Jiang Ning's wrist.

Divine power circulated through Jiang Ning's body, leaving Zhongli puzzled.

"Nothing wrong... just the Salt God's authority."

Looking around, Zhongli understood and stood up:

"Let's find somewhere private."

"Mr. Zhongli, the bill..."

A waiter hurriedly asked.

"As usual, send it to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"Very well! Have a good day, Mr. Zhongli!"

At Mount Tianxing, after ensuring they were alone, Jiang Ning said:

"Well, I'll let her speak to you directly..."

"Morax, long time no see. I'm Havria... You seem to be doing well."

Havria's voice sounded pleased to meet an old friend.

Huh... What? WHAT???

Jiang Ning froze, staring at Zhongli in disbelief, mouth agape.

"Morax? Who? Master, you're...?!"

His voice cracked.

Zhongli narrowed his eyes - this wasn't the time to explain about his identity being revealed.

There were more important matters.

Since Havria's voice came from within Jiang Ning, Zhongli's dragon eyes fixed on him:

"Havria? An old friend returns?"

"It's me, Morax. I thought I would dissipate into the world, but unexpectedly, through some fortune and your disciple's help, I've recovered."

Havria, seemingly lonely for many years, became talkative:

"You have an excellent disciple. Though unsurprising - only you could train someone so outstanding in Liyue."

Zhongli's gaze showed reminiscence: "I'm glad to see you."

"Jiang Ning, how did you manage this?"

Zhongli asked, his words carrying expectation.

Jiang Ning finally spoke: "Wait, Master, you're Morax? Rex Lapis? Aren't you an adeptus?!"

Zhongli replied: "First, I never claimed to be an adeptus. Second, by common sense, Morax is called the Prime of Adepti, so calling me an adeptus isn't wrong."

"Do all the others know and just keep it from us juniors?"

"Yes." Zhongli nodded. 

"I just wanted a peaceful life. After protecting Liyue for so long, I'm tired. Don't tell others."

"Yes, Master..." 

Jiang Ning nodded, confused. 

Then he understood - he was essentially like a crown prince, and an only child at that.

Oh no, he was more privileged than the privileged.

"Master..." Jiang Ning summoned Geo energy, "I felt your Geo energy was different. Does that mean..."

"It contains my authority. Since you know my identity, I'll tell you directly - if you pass my test, you'll be my successor."

Jiang Ning felt pressure on his shoulders. The task would naturally complete itself, legitimacy wasn't a concern, and after 'usurping' he wouldn't worry about his senior sisters turning against him.

But what was this test?

"The time hasn't come. You'll know when it does."

Zhongli said.

"I hate riddles..." Jiang Ning muttered.

Havria meekly asked: "Morax, did I mess things up?"

"It's fine, not a big deal. He would have known eventually."

Worst case, they'd be open about the test.

"Now, answer my earlier question."

After Jiang Ning explained, Zhongli pondered: "I see... After absorbing authority, with enough god remnants or resentment converted to energy to complete or strengthen the authority, it might awaken the soul sleeping within..."

Zhongli seemed eager to explore whether ordinary elemental or adeptal power could find soul fragments, but that could wait. 

First, they needed to understand Havria's situation and possibilities.

"Can you come out and talk face to face?"

"Not yet... My soul needs more nurturing before it can temporarily leave Jiang Ning."

Havria said.

"Then rest for now... Jiang Ning, go home. Don't tell others about this. Tonight, bring Xianyun to Jade Chamber."

"Yes, Master."

Jiang Ning nodded.

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