Jiang Chen transformed into a stream of spiritual particles and returned to Liyue Harbor. After sensing his surroundings, he quickly located Zhongli's position.
As usual, Zhongli was listening to an opera—today was Yun Jin's special performance.
The man was leisurely sipping tea and enjoying the music, living his best retired life.
Jiang Chen materialized directly inside the private booth.
Seeing him, Zhongli raised an eyebrow.
"You're back?"
He already knew Jiang Chen had returned to Liyue that morning.
After all, carrying a Gnosis straight into the city wasn't something he could miss.
Even without his Gnosis, Zhongli could still sense its presence.
Losing the Gnosis didn't mean losing his power.
Morax's strength had never relied on the Gnosis.
"Came to ask you something."
Jiang Chen pulled out a chair and sat down, cutting straight to the point.
Zhongli, intrigued, poured him a cup of tea.
"By all means, ask away."
He slid the teacup toward Jiang Chen, who took a sip before explaining:
"The Gnosis can resonate with the ley lines, allowing its wielder to teleport within their own territory."
"But how exactly does this mechanism work?"
"Can you explain it in detail?"
Zhongli wasn't surprised when Jiang Chen produced the Gnosis—he'd already sensed it.
But the question itself piqued his interest.
"You want to harness the ley lines?"
He immediately grasped Jiang Chen's intention.
This inquiry was clearly about replicating their teleportation method.
"Exactly. If ordinary people could use it, travel would become much more convenient."
"So I plan to construct Teleport Waypoints."
Zhongli pondered for a moment before responding:
"The Gnosis is merely a key."
"Once activated, as long as you're within your own domain, you can use the Statues of The Seven as anchors."
"The statues themselves link to the ley lines."
"The ley lines are chaotic—without the statues as guides, you might end up in strange places."
"And each jump would be random."
"I can explain the ley line teleportation method to you."
"As well as how to construct the statues."
"With these two things, plus the Gnosis in your hand, researching this shouldn't be difficult for you."
With that, Zhongli produced a small notebook and handed it to Jiang Chen.
It contained detailed instructions on statue construction—materials, ley line connections, and more.
If Jiang Chen wanted to build his own, he could simply modify the design.
Zhongli had never considered allowing humans to use them.
Without the "key" (Gnosis), humans couldn't activate the statues. Plus, other factors had discouraged the idea.
But now, with Jiang Chen's proposal and a Gnosis in hand, it suddenly seemed possible.
If these Teleport Waypoints could be created, the benefits for Liyue would be immense.
So Zhongli supported the idea.
As long as Jiang Chen didn't drain the ley lines, tapping into their power shouldn't be an issue.
After all, the ley lines naturally dissipated energy over time.
Even a large-scale teleportation would consume less energy than what the ley lines passively lost.
That's why Zhongli was willing to assist.
Accepting the notebook, Jiang Chen eagerly flipped through it.
It indeed contained statue blueprints, including their dual functions:
Teleportation anchors
Ley line stabilizers
As he read, a sudden realization struck him.
The Fatui's teleportation technology also utilized statue mechanics!
Though their version was far less refined.
He hadn't studied their research deeply, but skimming it had left an impression.
Now, comparing it to Zhongli's notes, the connection became clear.
"I see."
"The Fatui are already working on this."
"We obtained some of their research, but it's incomplete."
After reviewing the material, Jiang Chen returned the notebook.
Zhongli wasn't surprised.
"Nothing that nation does should shock us."
The Tsaritsa had inherited much from Khaenri'ah.
Researching the ley lines was right up her alley.
For a militarily ambitious nation like Snezhnaya, instant troop deployment would be invaluable.
"I've got the general framework now."
"Next, I'll dive deeper into the research."
Jiang Chen smirked confidently.
With his new template, he had absolute faith in his abilities.
"Then I'll await your masterpiece."
"If successful, travel will become far more convenient."
As someone who'd used this system for millennia, Zhongli could attest to its convenience.
Hu Tao would love it, for sure.
"The deceased in the morning, the coffin ordered by noon, delivered to Wuwang Hill by afternoon, and back by evening."
"Efficiency at its finest."
If no rites were needed, a pre-ordered coffin could be delivered instantly upon death.
The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's speed would reach new heights.
As they chatted, the opera below continued.
Listening to the melodies, Zhongli was reminded of an old friend.
He turned to Jiang Chen.
"I'll need your help soon."
"There's one more friend I must save."
Mentioning this figure, Zhongli sighed heavily.
If erosion couldn't be reversed, then the next best solution was to eliminate the eroded and resummon them.
Now that Jiang Chen possessed this power, Zhongli had to seize the opportunity.
"Azhdaha?"
Jiang Chen immediately guessed.
Who else could it be?
"Indeed."
"I'll trouble you when the time comes."
Zhongli's expression was grave.
If there were any other way, he wouldn't resort to this.
But now, it was the only option left to save his friend.
"So we're killing him, then reviving him?"
Jiang Chen rubbed his chin.
"Morax is really coming for you, Azhdaha!"
"If there were another path, would I choose this?"
Zhongli exhaled wearily.
This was the last resort.
To restore his friend, he had no choice.