Ningguang fiddled with the Akasha Terminal for a while, her astonishment growing by the second.
"You plan to promote this in Liyue?"
"Or is there something you need me to do?"
After quickly exploring its functions, she turned to Jiang Chen.
This device was revolutionary.
If fully implemented, distance would cease to be an issue.
Especially the messaging feature—wasn't this just an upgraded communication device?
No need to carry around clunky equipment anymore.
Had Jiang Chen just rendered his own invention obsolete?
This pace is ridiculous.
It all felt surreal.
"Next, I need you to integrate Liyue's banking data into the system. I've already discussed it with the Greater Lord."
"She'll provide a dedicated backend for us."
"Every citizen will have their own account—visible balances, online transactions, even digital storefronts."
Jiang Chen outlined the concept of e-commerce.
Ningguang's eyes gleamed.
As a top-tier merchant, she immediately recognized the profit potential.
Shop from home? Access goods from across Teyvat?
The appeal was undeniable.
Business would boom.
New industries would emerge—express delivery, cross-regional logistics, elemental vehicle stations…
The mora practically materialized in her mind.
"I'm in!!"
"When do we start?"
"How soon can Liyue's banks adapt?"
She was practically vibrating with excitement.
"First, digitize all existing records."
"This is a special Terminal—input the data precisely, down to the last mora. Verify everything afterward."
"Once uploaded, it'll be encrypted. The Greater Lord will handle the backend."
"Oh, and I'll create a group chat—add all of you."
"Including Rex Lapis and the others."
Jiang Chen smirked.
Imagine—the Seven Archons in one chat.
Plus regional leaders.
Chaos guaranteed.
Would anyone dare call out the "irresponsible" Archons in the group?
Ningguang, oblivious to his amusement, was thrilled at the prospect of joining a chat with literal gods.
"Understood!"
"I'll consult Rex Lapis if anything's unclear."
They continued chatting over dinner. Once finished, Jiang Chen left—but not before supplying Ningguang with a batch of Terminals.
He'd brought plenty back.
Venti and Zhongli had their own too.
Venti planned to deliver his to Jean in Mondstadt.
Lisa, with her Sumeru education, would figure it out quickly.
Once they experienced the Terminal's capabilities, its significance would be obvious.
But Venti had suspicions.
Jiang Chen is up to something.
Why else resurrect dead gods?
Stockpiling forces?
The thought unsettled him.
He'd considered asking Jiang Chen to revive his old friend—but held back.
Not yet.
What if another war brewed?
What if Jiang Chen turned his sights on Celestia?
Would the resurrected be dragged into battle?
His friend might perish permanently this time.
So Venti waited.
First, uncover Jiang Chen's endgame.
Jiang Chen returned to Guili Plains.
Guizhong and the others had finished dinner, relaxing in the courtyard with the sea breeze.
His sudden appearance drew everyone's attention.
"Mission accomplished?"
Lumine sprang up, eyes sparkling.
She'd heard about Azhdaha's revival.
Liyue had a dragon king?!
And Jiang Chen just brought him back?
She so should've gone along.
Front-row seats to divine drama!
"Done."
"Also made a detour to Sumeru."
Jiang Chen sat, producing the Akasha Terminals.
Lumine's excitement shifted focus.
"What hack this time?"
Sumeru = new template, right?
She needed details.
"Old Man of the Mountain."
Her eyes bulged.
"Seriously?!"
"You got that grandpa's powers?"
She knew that name.
Hassan of the Hassans.
The bell tolls—dinner's served.
Grand Assassin. King Hassan.
Jiang Chen now had THAT?!
*Holy ***.
This is beyond broken.
Guizhong and the others were lost, but Lumine's reaction said it all—something absurd had been acquired.
"Enough about that. Here, these are for you."
"Put them on."
"Lumine, you're in for a treat."
Jiang Chen's grin turned ominous.
Lumine's curiosity peaked.
A treat?
Oh, this she had to see.
"A Sumeru device?"
Cloud Retainer adjusted her glasses, examining the Terminal.
She'd encountered these in Sumeru—useless outside its borders.
Had Jiang Chen extended its range to Liyue?
Puzzled, everyone attached the Terminals.
Upon connecting, they froze.
Lumine stared at the floating desktop only she could see—utterly baffled.