Creating Teleport Waypoints to establish transportation hubs would strengthen connections between nations.
At the same time... it was also a strategic tool.
If conflicts arose with other nations in the future, these waypoints would allow instant troop deployment deep into enemy territory.
But this latter function could not be disclosed—it had to remain hidden.
Otherwise, other nations would reject the idea of waypoints being placed within their borders.
As Jiang Chen sped toward Liyue, his thoughts crystallized.
While Jiang Chen was traveling, Lumine had already finished giving Ayaka a tour of the Hall of Heroes.
Afterward, she approached Guizhong with a request.
"Guizhong, could you do me a favor?"
Guizhong blinked in surprise.
"What is it, Lumine?"
This was sudden.
A favor?
What did she need?
"Ahem!"
"Could you make me a seal?"
"Engrave eight words on it!"
"Mandated by Heaven, Eternal Prosperity."
"Thanks!"
"Make it durable—something that can't be smashed."
"I want to give it to Jiang Chen as a gift."
Lumine spoke with grave seriousness, as if this were a matter of utmost importance.
Guizhong was baffled.
"Huh?"
"A gift for Jiang Chen?"
Was it his birthday or something?
Though confused, she agreed.
"Well, I borrowed a nice piece of jade from Morax."
"I'll use that."
"What style do you want?"
She pulled out a high-quality jade stone.
Lumine's eyes lit up at the sight.
Even with her limited knowledge, she could tell this was top-tier material.
Immediately, she began describing the specifications.
"Four inches square, with five intertwined dragons on the top."
"Make it elegant!"
Guizhong nodded and got to work.
In no time, the jade had transformed under her skilled hands.
Lumine's eyes sparkled as she inspected the finished product.
Ayaka, however, was utterly lost.
What was this for?
A seal?
As a local, she didn't understand the significance.
But Lumine didn't explain.
Once Guizhong finished, Lumine nodded in satisfaction.
"Your Majesty, this concubine has prepared the Imperial Seal for you."
"When will you ascend the throne?"
Oh right, I still need to prepare the yellow robe!
Lumine's expression turned solemn—she had preparations to make.
Jiang Chen, oblivious to Lumine's scheming, finally crossed the ocean and returned to Liyue.
Spotting the coastline, he accelerated toward Liyue Harbor.
Instead of landing below, he headed straight for the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang was inside, reviewing documents, when she heard movement outside.
Who could be arriving unannounced?
Before she could ponder further, Jiang Chen walked in.
Seeing him, Ningguang's eyes brightened.
"You're back?"
She set down her work and stood.
"Yes, and I've brought you a big client."
With that, Jiang Chen released Ayaka and the others from the Heroic Spirit Realm.
The group, mid-conversation, suddenly found themselves in a new location and froze in surprise.
"We're here already?"
Ayaka was astonished.
"L-Lady Ayaka, this is Ningguang."
"She oversees all trade—anything you need to purchase, she can arrange."
"So you can discuss things directly."
Jiang Chen almost slipped up and called her "little turtle" but caught himself just in time.
Ayaka blinked, then quickly nodded.
"Lady Ningguang, greetings!"
"I am Kamisato Ayaka. My sudden visit must be an inconvenience."
She bowed politely, flustered at being brought before Ningguang without warning.
She hadn't even prepared a formal introduction letter!
Talk about cutting to the chase.
"Welcome to Liyue."
Ningguang's eyes gleamed—this was the goddess of wealth standing before her.
Jiang Chen had already informed her that Inazuma needed massive quantities of goods.
The profit potential was staggering.
So in Ningguang's eyes, Ayaka was practically a money-printing machine.
"Take your time negotiating. I'll leave her in your care."
"I'm heading back to Guili Plains."
"Ayaka, if you want to visit later, you're welcome to stop by."
Ayaka nodded.
"Of course!"
"I'll make sure to visit."
She was deeply curious about Guili Plains—Liyue's newly developed settlement.
It would be a learning opportunity.
After bidding farewell, Jiang Chen departed, storing Lumine and Guizhong back in the Heroic Spirit Realm.
With everyone accounted for, he vanished in a swirl of spiritual particles, heading straight for Guili Plains.
Meanwhile, Ningguang and Ayaka began their business discussions.
Inazuma's most urgent need was food—lots of it.
So Ayaka's primary focus was securing large-scale grain shipments.
The fact that Inazuma had sent only Ayaka—no advisors, no assistants—spoke volumes about their trust in her.
Had Makoto handed full authority to Ayaka to test her?
Or was this a deliberate move to train her?
Whatever the case, it was no longer Jiang Chen's concern.
As Jiang Chen flew over Guili Plains, he observed the progress below.
Though he'd only been gone a few days, several buildings had already been erected.
Even more surprising—merchants were inspecting the properties!
Had Keqing already started selling unfinished units?
Jiang Chen mused for a moment but didn't stop to investigate.
Instead, he headed straight home.
But as he approached, he noticed something unexpected.
A new house had been built right next to his!
Damn, Leave-It-To-Me-Cloud (Liu Yun Zhenjun) works fast!
She'd mentioned wanting to build a new residence, but to finish it in just a few days?
Now that's efficiency.
Landing at his doorstep, Jiang Chen released Guizhong and the others.
Guizhong immediately spotted the new structure.
"Finished already?"
"Leave-It-To-Me-Cloud never disappoints!"
She had to admire the speed.
Just then, Cloud Retainer herself emerged from the new house.
She had sensed Jiang Chen's return.