"Two hundred and eighty-two pieces of coal!"
"Is it really that much?!"
"This mine is unbelievably rich!"
Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu exchanged delighted looks, their faces alight with joy. For a brief mont, they seed to forget their lofty identities. Deep in the mine, the trio's expressions were filled with a pure happiness reminiscent of the days when they had yet to ascend to their current positions, chasing their dreams with unburdened hearts.
On the other hand, Cloud Retainer glanced at the three of them with a sowhat peculiar expression. Shaking her head slightly, she remarked, "Such small-mindedness…"
"rely two hundred and eighty-so pieces of coal, and you three are acting as if you've unearthed so priceless treasure. This amount pales in comparison to the Cor Lapis I collect in Jueyun Karst."
Hearing the sowhat proud remark, Keqing's face twisted slightly in annoyance. She opened her mouth, prepared to retort, but Ningguang subtly tugged at her sleeve, signaling her to hold back. Instead, Ningguang, ever the diplomat, smiled warmly at Cloud Retainer.
"Cloud Retainer, you misunderstand. The uniqueness of this coal lies not in its quantity but in its properties. It's a distinct feature of Ryen's world. Even if it's just two hundred pieces, the implications are profound."
Cloud Retainer's first instinct was to refute this claim outright, but after pausing for thought, she hesitated. This world was full of mysteries: she had already seen the strange phenonon of floating islands producing endless stone and the miraculous chain mining chanism. To make a hasty judgnt might expose her to ridicule. After a mont of contemplation, her expression softened, and she asked in a gentler tone, "Then, Lady Tianquan, what exactly makes this coal so remarkable?"
Ningguang's smile deepened. ntally, she cursed the informants who had painted Cloud Retainer as impulsive and easily provoked. What nonsense! This ancient adeptus, having lived for millennia and weathered the Archon War, was far too shrewd to fall for petty provocations. If she were truly so hotheaded, she wouldn't have survived the chaos of the past eras.
Although disappointed that she couldn't bait Cloud Retainer into a wager, Ningguang found so comfort in knowing that having a calm and rational adeptus ally was undoubtedly advantageous.
She gathered her thoughts, then elegantly picked up a piece of coal, offering it to Cloud Retainer with a serene smile. "I'll admit, when I first learned about its properties, I was equally astonished. But after repeated asurents conducted by Ganyu, we've confird the truth."
As soon as the coal touched Cloud Retainer's hand, her expression froze.
Ningguang's smile widened slightly. "Indeed, this unassuming piece of coal weighs a staggering one hundred and sixty kilograms."
Cloud Retainer fell silent, her gaze fixed on the coal in her hand. It was no larger than her palm, yet it felt dense and impossibly heavy. If soone had told her this before today, she would have assud they'd taken leave of their senses. Even the finest Cor Lapis or Crystal Chunks couldn't possibly weigh this much at such a size.
But the weight in her hand didn't lie. This was no trick or illusion. The coal was as mundane as it appeared—just an ordinary piece of coal, save for its astonishing density.
Taking a deep breath, Cloud Retainer looked back at Ningguang, her tone laced with disbelief. "So, two hundred and eighty-two pieces of this coal weigh…"
"Forty-six thousand eight hundred kilograms," Ningguang replied smoothly, her voice carrying a note of pride. "Nearly forty-seven tric tons."
Keqing, unable to resist, added dryly, "In Teyvat terms, that's about half a day's output from a small-scale coal mine."
"And we…"
Cloud Retainer's eyes shone brightly as she interrupted, her tone now urgent. "You mined this in under five minutes, with miners who have no prior experience or training. The cost was… rely a few easily crafted pickaxes?"
Ningguang, finding it increasingly difficult to suppress her grin, nodded. "Indeed, with the chain mining ability in Ryen's world, our actual costs for this batch of coal are effectively zero. If we were to sell it, considering its superior quality, nations like Snezhnaya or Fontaine—which have a high demand for coal—would pay a premium for it."
"And the net profit?" Cloud Retainer pressed, her voice now tinged with genuine curiosity.
Ningguang chuckled, her tone light yet full of satisfaction. "Thirty million Mora."
Silence descended upon the group.
Thirty million Mora.
That was no trivial sum. Even in Liyue, it was enough to purchase a luxurious property within the harbor. What's more, this profit wasn't earned through a grand, elaborate operation. It was achieved in re minutes with minimal effort and resources.
For soone like Ningguang, who had scaled the heights of comrce, the notion of earning such a fortune so quickly and effortlessly was nothing short of mind-boggling.
Cloud Retainer remained quiet, her head bowed as if lost in thought. After a long pause, she suddenly turned her sharp gaze to Zhongli, her tone carrying a peculiar weight.
"Zhongli, the Conqueror of Demons once praised your unparalleled wisdom, calling you the most learned individual he has ever known. Tell , what insights do you have about this seemingly insignificant coal?"
Keqing and Ganyu exchanged puzzled glances. They couldn't understand why Cloud Retainer was suddenly seeking Zhongli's opinion. Despite his undeniable knowledge, Zhongli had kept a low profile throughout their journey, his presence often fading into the background. Still, Cloud Retainer's respect for him suggested that his answer would be worth hearing.
But...
Neither Zhongli nor Ningguang shared the sa perspective.
The question posed by Cloud Retainer almost confird Zhongli's identity in Ningguang's mind. If that were the case, then the question couldn't rely be about coal.
It was about Liyue—or more specifically, Liyue's future.
Zhongli, in his capacity as the Geo Archon, had entrusted Ningguang to fully oversee cooperation with Ryen. This was sothing Cloud Retainer was well aware of.
Cloud Retainer was clever. Seeing Zhongli accompany the group as a mortal and explore this strange world alongside them gave her a glimpse into what was happening, even if she didn't want to admit it outright.
Now, though, the truth could no longer be ignored.
Cloud Retainer had seen the imnse potential of this world, its wealth, and its frightening possibilities.
She finally understood what it ant for Zhongli to allow Ningguang, as a representative of Liyue and its people, to work with Ryen.
The Liyue of gods and adepti would gradually fade into history. From here on, Liyue would thrive under human governance, basking in a glory all its own.
Cloud Retainer was asking Zhongli how he viewed what was to co.
Once she pieced this together, Ningguang's palms began to sweat, despite her composed deanor.
She cast an inconspicuous glance toward Zhongli, who was casually chatting with Ryen. Hearing Cloud Retainer call his na, he paused montarily, but quickly understood her intention.
With his usual calm and steady voice, Zhongli replied, "This coal is indeed a remarkable resource. But regardless of what it is, if it can aid in Liyue's developnt, nothing else matters."
Cloud Retainer sighed softly, as if burdened and relieved at the sa ti. Her expression shifted, a faint smile now lingering on her lips.
Her gaze swept over Keqing montarily, her once-critical stare softening into sothing gentler.
After a pause, she spoke again, her tone quieter now.
"Ningguang, may I take a share of this coal for myself? I wish to study its peculiar properties further."
Hearing Cloud Retainer directly address her as "Ningguang" instead of the more formal title "Tianquan," Ningguang imdiately understood that Cloud Retainer had co to terms with Liyue's chosen path forward.
Her heart lifted, and she replied cheerfully, "Of course, True Lord. Take as much as you need. If you do uncover anything, I'd be grateful if you'd share your findings with us."
Cloud Retainer nodded, her composure as calm as ever.
"As it should be."
Keqing and Ganyu, unaware of the subtle exchange that had just occurred, didn't notice that it marked a pivotal mont in Liyue's future.
However, both of them could sense that Cloud Retainer's attitude seed gentler sohow, her usual sharpness replaced by a softer deanor.
Not that Keqing cared much about such subtleties.
With the last bite of an apple quickly swallowed, she glanced at her fully replenished hunger bar, then urged eagerly, "Ryen, let's keep moving! We still need a ton of iron ore, and didn't you say you were looking for redstone too?"
Ryen gave her an exasperated look, raising his hands in mock surrender.
"Alright, I get it! But can we at least take a break first?"
"Uhm…"
Ganyu timidly raised her hand, her voice soft but clear.
"Actually, since we've been here, including the mining, we've only spent about an hour. Ryen, with your shared stamina boosting us, we're not going to tire out so easily."
Ryen shot her a playful glare, reaching out to gently pinch the base of her horns.
"I'm giving you a chance to rest out of concern, and this is how you repay ? Fine, no need to be grateful!"
Stretching his arms with a dramatic sigh, he called out, "Xiao! Lead the way. Zhongli, bring up the rear. Let's move out!"
The group chuckled and bantered as they rose to their feet, each gripping their weapons and torches as their gazes flicked cautiously around the dim tunnels.
No one noticed the faint blush creeping up Ganyu's ears, her flushed cheeks hidden by the flickering shadows. Her head remained lowered as her fingers fidgeted nervously.
"C-concern for …"
The darkness of the cave beca the perfect cover for the delighted smile spreading across her face, happiness brimming in her gentle gaze.
To be fair, Ryen hadn't thought too deeply about his choice of words—Ganyu was simply one of his closest friends, soone he naturally cared for.
At that mont, his mind was preoccupied with the mysteries of the mine.
Logically, such a deep and resource-rich mine so close to a village should have at least one abandoned mineshaft.
Ryen was particularly eager to locate such a place. After all, abandoned mineshafts ca with pre-laid rail tracks, cobwebs, and often chests filled with treasures.
The rails could save significant resources, doubling as essential components for future automation projects.
And the cobwebs? Perfect for crafting bows and other useful tools.
Not to ntion, any chest he stumbled upon could hold enchanted books or gear, a potential jackpot waiting to be claid.
However, judging by the layout of this mine, the likelihood of stumbling across a mineshaft seed slim.
Which begged the question…
"Could the area with all those monsters hold a mineshaft?"
Ryen quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought for now.
"Better wait until we've got so defensive gear before heading there," he muttered to himself, shelving the idea for later exploration.
With that, he refocused his efforts on thoroughly excavating the current tunnel.
As the group pressed on, placing torches to light the way, they soon left the now-empty coal deposit far behind.
The faint orange glow of the torches cast long, flickering shadows across the damp cavern walls, making the atmosphere feel even heavier.
No one could say how long they walked before it happened.
A shadowy figure suddenly materialized in the spot they had left behind.
It was tall and gangly, its entire form jet-black save for its glowing white eyes.
With a tilt of its elongated head, the creature stared in the direction the group had gone, emitting strange guttural noises.
Without warning, it vanished in a burst of purple particles, only to reappear beside the wooden staircase they had constructed earlier.
Long, claw-like fingers wrapped around the staircase, lifting it effortlessly.
With another burst of violet light, the Enderman disappeared, leaving behind only a faint shimr of scattered particles—silent proof that it had ever been there at all.
~~----------------------
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