Ningguang stared at Jiang Chen with a mix of exasperation and awe.
Your ambitions are truly something else. Who knows if they'll even be achievable in our lifetime?
She had once thought her dream of having the Jade Chamber loom over all seven nations was grand—but Jiang Chen's vision was outright insane.
He wanted to leave Teyvat?
This was beyond shocking.
"Don't stress. This is a long-term project. For now, we focus on development."
"At the very least, let's raise our living standards first."
Jiang Chen grinned. The necessary explanations were done—now it was up to Ningguang's stance.
After a moment of silence, Ningguang spoke slowly.
"Since Rex Lapis supports you… I'll back this as well."
"Do you have a budget for the power grid project?"
No nonsense—straight to the numbers.
If the highest authority approved, what could she do?
Besides, Rex Lapis seemed fully behind Jiang Chen.
"Not too expensive. Gather materials, and Albedo will handle construction."
"Just fund his procurement."
Seeing Ningguang agree, Jiang Chen smirked and immediately instructed Albedo in the Liyue leadership group chat.
"Albedo alone can manage this?"
"Should we recruit more help?"
Ningguang frowned slightly.
This was a nationwide project. Relying solely on Albedo seemed unrealistic.
Perhaps they needed additional personnel?
"Hmm… let's borrow some alchemists."
"Mondstadt wants closer ties, right?"
"Have them lend us the Albedo."
"Once Liyue's power grid is operational, we can sell electricity to them."
"Pure profit."
"Mondstadt lacks Archons—and the ones they have aren't usable."
"Without our supply, they'd have to rely on wind turbines. Too cumbersome."
"Nothing beats Archon power!"
Archons were the ultimate clean energy. No arguments accepted.
Ningguang had no words for Jiang Chen's blatant exploitation of divine beings.
But on reflection… Mondstadt did have fewer Archons than Liyue.
"Understood. I'll contact Jean for personnel."
As they discussed, Albedo chimed in the group chat.
Albedo:
[I'll need to survey before estimating.]
[Liyue's vast—I must calculate the required capacity.]
He didn't provide an immediate budget.
Jiang Chen:
[Proceed. Ningguang will arrange Mondstadt's alchemists—including you-know-who.]
Jiang Chen wasn't concerned. The budget would come later.
Albedo's eyes lit up at the mention of reinforcements.
Perfect.
Liyue's alchemists were scarce. With Mondstadt's experts—and him—the workload would ease significantly.
Jiang Chen:
[The Archon Power Generation Plan is yours to execute!]
The group chat erupted in confusion.
What was this about?
Azhdaha:
[Using Archons for electricity… how?]
Even the Geo Sovereign was baffled. What kind of mad scheme was this?
Jiang Chen:
[Document]
[Read it yourself.]
Jiang Chen dumped the file without explanation.
Everyone clicked—and fell silent.
Havria:
[This is extremely unfriendly to us Archons!!]
[@Jiang Chen, you can't do this.]
She feared Jiang Chen might toss her into a generator if Liyue faced an energy crisis.
The mere thought made her want to cry.
Morax:
[...]
Even Zhongli found this outrageous.
Using slain Archons as batteries?
Jiang Chen:
[Relax. Liyue has plenty of Archons.]
[Remember the Archon War? Rex Lapis slaughtered dozens. I'll just revive and repurpose them.]
[You're safe.]
Jiang Chen wouldn't actually use his allies.
But Havria wasn't convinced.
This man has no bottom line!
"What do we do? We can't let him throw us into a power plant!"
Havria turned to Guizhong, panicked.
Guizhong sighed.
"I know you're anxious, but calm down."
She's really scared.
A mischievous glint flashed in Guizhong's eyes as she recalled Jiang Chen's earlier words.
Leaning in, she whispered into Havria's ear.
Havria's face flushed crimson.
"T-that's… indecent!!"
"No way!!"
She was a pure Archon! How could Guizhong suggest such things?
"What's there to fear?"
"He's already close with Lumine. And let's face it—we're bound to him after being revived."
"This is just… accelerating the inevitable."
"Are you in?"
"If not, I'll go first."
Guizhong saw the truth clearly.
They were his now—no escaping that.
Might as well secure their positions early.
Lumine was the first, but not the last.
Jiang Chen had revived how many people already?
Better stake their claims before the competition grew.
"Huh?!"
Havria was stunned.
Guizhong too?!
This was… too much.
But as an Archon from the old era, she wasn't that opposed.
It did sound effective!
Her only hesitation was propriety.
Yet with Guizhong joining her, courage surged.
Let's do it!
Guizhong was right—they were tied to Jiang Chen forever.
Better act now before it was too late.
She refused to be a minor wife!
Resolved, Havria nodded.
"Then… how do we proceed?"
She'd agreed—but how?
Help me, Guizhong!