Lumine and Guizhong exchanged odd looks after hearing Cloud Retainer's speculation.
Was Jiang Chen really thinking like this?
Cloud Retainer's theory wasn't far-fetched—after all, Jiang Chen could do exactly that.
Now, the two couldn't help but wonder:
Was Jiang Chen secretly preparing to take control of the seven nations, despite his denials?
The moment this thought crossed Lumine's mind, she lit up with excitement.
Good, good—so this is what you're planning?
Everyone underestimated you.
"Jiang Chen already controls the original Electro Archon, which means he holds Inazuma—since the current Raiden Shogun has handed everything to Makoto."
"As for Mondstadt, it's still unclear, but Jiang Chen mentioned going to Sumeru next—to resurrect the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and use the Irminsul as a network?"
"In other words, Jiang Chen might be targeting Sumeru next."
Guizhong quickly analyzed Jiang Chen's potential moves.
And it all made sense.
Once the Greater Lord Rukkhadeva was revived, the Irminsul would be under his influence.
Hiss—!
Jiang Chen would effectively control two nations.
As for Liyue, Morax had already delegated most authority to Jiang Chen.
That was practically handing him the reins.
And Mondstadt? Barbatos might just surrender outright.
That would make four nations under his sway.
Then, all Jiang Chen needed was to handle Fontaine, Natlan, and Snezhnaya.
As Guizhong pondered this, she suddenly realized—
Without anyone noticing, Jiang Chen had already set everything up.
This guy was unbelievable.
Conquering nations without bloodshed—truly, only Jiang Chen could pull this off.
The group huddled together, marveling at Jiang Chen's masterful schemes.
Cloud Retainer's wild imagination had convinced both Lumine and Guizhong.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen remained blissfully unaware, still studying the Gnosis.
With the knowledge from Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (Paracelsus)'s template, he gradually deciphered the Gnosis's secrets.
"The remains of the Third Descender?"
The Gnosis could resonate with Celestia and even unlock the ley lines.
Possessing a Gnosis allowed one to teleport by syncing with the Statues of The Seven through the ley lines.
Jiang Chen's next goal was to study the link between the statues and the Gnosis.
Morax could still teleport via statues even without his Gnosis, right?
Jiang Chen stroked his chin—he needed to consult the old man.
With that decision made, he planned to ask Zhongli how he resonated with the statues.
With that knowledge, Jiang Chen might replicate the ley line teleportation method.
Then, he could build Teleport Waypoints modeled after the statues.
"What are you thinking about?"
Lumine suddenly appeared beside him.
After hearing Cloud Retainer's wild theories, she was buzzing with excitement.
Seeing Jiang Chen deep in thought, she assumed he was plotting how to take over Sumeru.
She had completely fallen for Cloud Retainer's nonsense.
"I'm thinking about how to create a fast-travel network."
"Something that uses the ley lines to instantly reach other regions."
Lumine's eyes sparkled.
"That's an amazing idea."
"If you can build it, traveling will be so convenient."
"Just like in the game—teleport anywhere instantly!"
She immediately grasped the potential.
If this really worked, it would be revolutionary.
"Exactly."
"It could even be used for military deployment."
"Imagine—if two nations clash, I could just drop the Millelith right into the enemy's backyard."
Jiang Chen couldn't help but admire his own brilliance.
Lumine's expression, however, grew stranger.
And you claim you have no ambitions?
You're already planning troop deployments!
For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
If Jiang Chen didn't want to admit it openly, she wouldn't press him.
From now on, she'd just support him quietly.
One day, she'd rule by his side!
The thought energized her.
She'd even send her brother to serve as Jiang Chen's personal guard!
"Do you need any help?"
"Do you need materials or something?"
"If so, I'll go gather them."
"I've got nothing else to do anyway."
After her bizarre fantasies, Lumine switched topics.
She wasn't planning to visit Sumeru yet—her brother was safe, so she wasn't in a hurry to travel.
She still lacked Pyro and Cryo Visions, but she wasn't worried.
Her current strength was more than enough.
If she was free, she might as well help Jiang Chen.
Like collecting materials?
Jiang Chen nodded.
"If you're free, help me gather some alchemy materials."
"I need lots of resources for my experiments."
"Might as well save where I can."
Since Lumine offered, Jiang Chen didn't hold back.
He needed all kinds of materials—common or rare.
"What kind do you need?"
In the game, 50 Primogems could make her flatten entire deserts.
Now, one word from Jiang Chen, and she'd plow through Teyvat.
So, all he had to do was ask.
"Any material works, as long as it's usable in alchemy."
"High-grade or low-grade, doesn't matter."
Jiang Chen said it casually.
But this sentence doomed countless monsters.
"Got it!"
Understood—anything alive, anything killable, must die once!
My husband needs your materials, so perish!!
"But let's wait until tomorrow—no rush."
"It's almost dinnertime—let's get some seafood ready."
"In a few days, I'll craft a puppet to help with cooking."
"Then we won't have to cook manually."
Jiang Chen stretched lazily.
Checking the time, it was about right.
With that, he got up to start preparing.
Lumine and Paimon volunteered to hunt for ingredients.
Everyone divided tasks to prepare lunch.
By noon, Keqing and the others returned home.
They'd been notified—otherwise, they probably wouldn't have come back.
When Jiang Chen wasn't around, everyone ate out.
After all, with no one home, they just grabbed whatever.
Keqing, seeing Jiang Chen, couldn't help but ask:
"How was your trip to Inazuma?"
Jiang Chen gave her a thumbs-up.
"Huge success. The Raiden Shogun is now on our side."
"From now on, I call the shots in Inazuma!"
Keqing's jaw dropped.
Huh?!
Are you kidding me?