Chapter 134

With his previous experience absorbing the Geo Archon's power, Jiang Ning was now quite adept at absorbing the Anemo Archon's power.

It only took two or three days, without any major disturbance, to absorb the portion of Anemo power that Venti had given him.

The moment he absorbed it, Venti, who was drinking in the tavern, sensed something and looked toward Mondstadt city, then laughed heartily.

There was another Anemo god in the world now.

This lightened his burden a bit.

Thinking this, Venti happily took several more big gulps of wine.

Ah, worthy of being Master Diluc's aged wine - the taste was excellent.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ning's first concern was for Eula.

During this time, Eula had been avoiding everyone, even her close friend Amber.

She didn't want her friends to see her in such a helpless state.

So she shut herself away.

But shutting herself away wasn't enough.

Whether it was spontaneous from Mondstadt's citizens or directed by those higher-ups, every day people would come to Eula's door, shouting about driving her out, saying the Lawrence clan didn't deserve to be in Mondstadt.

Eula said nothing, but Havria, who had been accompanying and comforting her like a big sister, became angry.

Although she temporarily had no physical form and wasn't as powerful as before, Havria could still use some of her former powers.

So two salt statues appeared at the doorway.

Mercy was for her own people; towards others, one should be like a fierce storm - this was what Jiang Ning and Zhongli had taught her after her revival.

So Havria took action.

Lisa and Kaeya were furious too. Though Jean was still recovering, weren't these people going too far?

That night, Kaeya and Lisa visited several noble households.

Though no one knew what happened, after that, no one came to cause trouble at Eula's door anymore.

Knowing the whole story, Jiang Ning felt it was time for the final push.

He hadn't done anything except consistently speak up for Eula and help her get revenge without caring about Mondstadt's rules.

As a result, Eula felt Mondstadt wasn't worth it anymore.

Jiang Ning was thrilled - it was all thanks to Mondstadt's setup, whether it was the parasites, the foolish masses, or even the friendly fire support.

To successfully convince Eula to come back to Liyue with him, they had truly put in painstaking effort, working tirelessly.

He could cry.

"Honestly, Lady Havria said these... salt statues should wait for your handling, Jiang Ning. Though they did these things, they were still misled Mondstadt citizens, so..."

Kaeya spoke tactfully.

But he hoped Jiang Ning could get Havria to release these people from the salt statues.

As for Lisa, she was utterly disgusted with these people who usually acted like giant babies and now like brainless mobs. Asking her to plead for them? Impossible.

So this task fell to Kaeya.

Even Kaeya had to steel himself to come, after all, he was facing not just one god, but two.

Jiang Ning looked at the salt statues outside the house, felt Eula's gaze from inside, then turned back to give her a big smile.

Eula immediately retreated, her heart fluttering. Damn, why hadn't she noticed before how good-looking Jiang Ning's smile was...

Just when Kaeya thought Jiang Ning was about to relent, seeing his smile, Jiang Ning directly kicked the salt statues to pieces.

"Jiang Ning?!"

Kaeya was shocked. If they were just salt statues, they could still live if Havria agreed to release them, but now that they were shattered, surely they couldn't be put back together?

Jiang Ning's smile slowly faded as he looked calmly at Kaeya:

"Don't be surprised. These people were just selfish drunkards and unemployed troublemakers who inconvenienced the Knights and other Mondstadt residents. They were just pawns used by those parasites to incite the masses, disposable at any time."

Kaeya had a headache: "Although that's true, but..."

"That's enough. I helped you solve a problem, I won't ask for your thanks, I'm generous. However..." 

Jiang Ning's eyes held a dangerous glint:

"Eula is my friend, and Sister Havria's friend. Havria even sees Eula as a sister..."

"During her time in Liyue, not to mention saving my senior sister Yanfei earlier, just on my side, Senior Sister Shenhe, Senior Sister Ganyu, and Sisters Ningguang and Keqing all highly praise Eula."

"Your Mondstadt calls Eula a criminal and wants to drive her out? Fine, Liyue will take her, and we'll definitely value her talents. I've already discussed this with your Anemo Archon Barbatos, and he didn't object."

"Also, since Eula is now considered one of us from Liyue, I don't want any troublemakers bothering her during her remaining time in Mondstadt. Otherwise, it's challenging Liyue."

"And to those watching from the shadows, think carefully. Right now, Mondstadt only has one god, Barbatos, while Liyue has two gods just here alone."

"Finally, the Liyue Qixing asked me to tell Mondstadt something - with your current chaos, the previously agreed-upon goods are frequently damaged. We're even doubting whether Mondstadt is capable of protecting cargo within its borders."

"If this continues, you'll be in fundamental breach of contract. Liyue has the right to terminate the contract and demand compensation. Only because of the good relationship between Barbatos and our Lord Archon, we won't demand compensation, but we will find a new trading partner."

Jiang Ning cut through everything decisively.

You don't want her? Fine, we'll take her. Jean, you have no good solution internally and need time? 

I won't give you time - I'll directly poach her and elevate this to a diplomatic issue.

You want to play tricks? Fine, see if you can count - you have one god, we have two.

Although he didn't have a god's body, and even with a physical form Havria would only be at the level of a god's envoy, the public didn't know this except for Barbatos.

Jiang Ning deliberately raised his voice when speaking, making sure everyone around could hear clearly.

Then, there seemed to be fewer people around.

Jiang Ning was very satisfied with this.

"Wait, when did I agree to go to Liyue!"

Eula hurriedly came out, frantically trying to explain.

"If I say you agreed, then you agreed. You're someone I care about, so I can't stand seeing you mistreated here. Objection denied."

Jiang Ning said.

Eula's pretty face reddened, but before she could say anything more, Jiang Ning shut her down with one sentence:

"Don't say anything more, or when you leave, I'll just tie you up and carry you on my shoulder. I haven't tried kidnapping a maiden yet."

Eula quietly closed the door. Due to how things had developed these past few days, surprisingly, she didn't object, and was even curious about her future life.

Mondstadt, Lawrence... Eula didn't want to think about these issues for now.

"Master Jiang, you really are..."

Kaeya couldn't help but laugh and cry.

Their side was still playing chess while the opponent just flipped the table.

Jiang Ning said: "I just got tired of wasting words... Besides, you all predicted this outcome, didn't you?"

Hearing that Amber hadn't visited during this time but was instead called by Lisa to help with work, Jiang Ning understood.

Seeing Eula's situation, Lisa couldn't stand it anymore.

As for Kaeya... well, honestly, Jiang Ning didn't know what he was thinking.

So, while Jean was unaware and still resting, the Knight's affairs were neatly arranged.

Kaeya said: "Well then, I'll take my leave. Regarding Liyue's complaints just now, we'll quickly work out a solution."

Jiang Ning nodded: "Mm, good."

With that, Kaeya left with light steps.

Their side had found a brighter future for Eula, and they could use this incident as leverage to make those parasites actually contribute to Mondstadt.

At least it would lighten Jean's burden.

This was a tacit mutual assistance.

...

News of Eula's situation spread again, and Amber and Barbara were finally "released" by Lisa.

"Eula, are you really going to Liyue?"

Amber asked anxiously.

Eula pursed her cherry lips, then said: "Yes, for me now, this might be the best choice... and I'm also tired."

Amber opened her mouth, but the words trying to persuade Eula to stay died in her throat.

Because as Eula's best friend, she knew best about Eula's current situation and awkward position. Basically, if it had been someone less strong, they might have already broken down or given up.

That Eula had persisted until now, even changing some people's opinions about her, was quite remarkable.

If not for those Lawrence clan members and the higher-ups, Eula might have gradually been accepted by everyone, even becoming Jean's right-hand woman.

But it was too late for all that now.

"Then... make sure to come back and visit me."

I might not be able to help with your romance anymore, but be happy, Eula.

Amber sniffled, the little bunny about to cry.

Barbara also said: "Eula, I'll miss you."

Eula's nose also tingled, fighting back tears as she actively hugged her friends:

"I know, I'll come back to visit... and we'll always be best friends."

Amber nodded vigorously: "Yes, forever!"

Barbara added: "When we have time, we'll come visit you too..."

Eula said: "That would be great, I'll definitely welcome you..."

The three girls were teary-eyed, while Jiang Ning stood aside with folded arms, watching coldly, almost wanting to laugh.

"Hey hey hey, I think that's enough, aren't you being too dramatic?"

"No we're not!" Amber glared at Jiang Ning indignantly, "You- you just don't understand girls' friendships!"

Jiang Ning was amused; he understood girls' friendships all too well.

Four people in one dorm having four different group chats, pretending to be sisters on the surface - he'd seen plenty of that.

But Jiang Ning said: "Um, is there a possibility that you all have access passes and can visit my Serenitea Pot anytime..."

The number of people with Serenitea Pot access passes was increasing, and Jiang Ning was planning to upgrade these passes.

For example, a system-authenticated version that would be bound to one person until death, eliminating the danger of someone else finding and using a lost pass.

At his words, the three girls fell silent, their eyes gleaming with subtle light.

Jiang Ning said: "Don't tell me you hadn't thought of this?"

"Well, ahem, what do you want for dinner? I'll go buy it," Amber said.

Eula said: "Uh, get me some dandelion wine..."

"Mm, okay, what about you, Barbara?"

"Anything spicy is fine..."

"Hey hey hey, don't change the subject!"

Jiang Ning persisted.

"No girl will like you if you keep digging like this!"

Eula glared at Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning showed a mischievous smile: "Sorry, but I'm not that unfortunate. Senior Sister Ganyu and Senior Sister Shenhe are already mine, and Sisters Ningguang and Keqing also have feelings for me... Even the Traveler seems to look at me strangely. If that's not enough, Eula, don't you have a whole notebook of grudges? You're welcome to spend a lifetime taking revenge."

"You're terrible!" 

Eula was embarrassed and angry. She extended her long, slender leg and kicked at Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning dodged easily, making a face at Eula.

After Jiang Ning's teasing, the mood of the three girls lightened a bit.

Amber still went out to buy food. Eula didn't want to go out, and as for Barbara...

"Were you harassed again?" 

Eula crossed her arms, looking at Barbara.

Barbara looked troubled: "Well, it's not really harassment, just people being a bit too enthusiastic..."

Eula frowned: "Was it that Albert again? That unemployed vagrant?"

"Who?" Jiang Ning was curious.

Eula said: "That Albert guy claims to be Barbara's super fan, but he's actually just a stalker."

"He doesn't have a proper job, but lives off his parents' money to follow Barbara around."

"And because of his obsessive behavior, Barbara is really troubled. He's even tried to follow her home several times, often lurking suspiciously outside the church. He's been warned many times, but since he hasn't committed a crime, the Knights can't do anything about it."

"...What a creep," Jiang Ning said.

"Should we make him disappear?" 

Havria popped up, looking fierce but somewhat cute.

"That's not necessary... let me handle this," 

Jiang Ning suddenly had an interesting idea.

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