Chapter 38: The Not-So-Smart Goblin Laborer, Granny Ping's Invitation (Fourth Update)

"Can it really be done like this?"

Keqing was somewhat incredulous.

If those green-skinned goblins could truly do that, she'd essentially be getting free labor.

After all, manpower in Liyue was very expensive these days.

Even the most remote workers charged eighty Mora per day.

But a goblin could be recruited for just ten Mora.

The cost-performance ratio couldn't be higher.

"Why don't you try recruiting one and see?"

(

"Hmm, true."

One

Keqing took out ten Mora and tapped "Use" on the Goblin Recruitment Contract.

)

Swish.

0

A flash of light.

0

A green-skinned dwarf about eighty centimeters tall appeared out of thin air before the two.

One

"Gah?"

⑥

"Goblin..."

⑺

The creature's gaze was somewhat dull.

Yi

In fact, it could even be described as dimwitted.

Mio

Su Han began to doubt whether this idiotic thing could actually do anything useful.

Five

Beside him, Keqing was visibly exasperated.

Wu

"Hey... Su Han, can they really become laborers? This one looks pretty dumb to me!"

"Ahem... probably. Try communicating with it?"

Skirt

Su Han chuckled awkwardly.

He had only ever seen goblins in games before.

These creatures weren't intelligent.

But they were excellent at manual labor—as long as you gave them food.

"How am I supposed to communicate? Should I just tell it to squat over there? But I don't understand its language at all."

"Just give it a try."

"Alright then, you... go squat over there."

Keqing said it offhandedly.

But to her surprise, the goblin actually walked toward the spot she had pointed at.

It stopped when it reached roughly the right place.

Then squatted down.

This discovery was astonishing.

Keqing and Su Han stared at each other in shock.

The goblin could understand their words!!!

Then, Keqing began attempting to direct the creature, quickly reaching a conclusion.

Goblins can understand human speech.

But their intelligence is very low.

They cannot comprehend complex commands at all.

Simple commands, however, they can carry out—such as transporting items or mining—basically acting on instinct.

"Looks like I've really struck gold..."

"Not bad. Recruiting five hundred per month means six thousand goblins in a year! The cost is too low..."

Ten Mora could recruit one goblin.

Five hundred goblins would only consume five thousand Mora.

And these creatures are obedient and well-behaved.

They're simply too useful.

Keqing thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "I think we can send them to Mingyun Town. We're currently building a railway and urgently need a large workforce.

They can temporarily fill this labor gap."

Because the Chasm has been sealed off.

Therefore, all current mining operations

have been relocated to Mingyun Town.

Even so, the workers are still somewhat overwhelmed, mainly because constructing the railway requires an enormous amount of ore.

For this reason, Ningguang specifically sent Beidou to Mondstadt.

"Then shall I have Meyer escort you over? The sooner mining begins, the more we can ease the workers' burden..."

"Hmm, then I'll take my leave now."

Keqing didn't have time to rest; after finalizing the plan,

she stood up and departed.

Su Han had wanted Fengyuan Wanye to accompany her, but Keqing refused.

At that moment, a private chat within the group lit up.

He opened it.

It was a message from Xiangling.

"What's up? Do you need something?"

"Hehe, just missed you. Come to Yujing Terrace later—I invited my master, who just returned from her travels, and she wants to meet you..."

"Your master?"

"Yeah, she's taken care of me since I was little. She left on a journey three months ago and only came back now.

I never got the chance to introduce her to you before.

Besides, after hearing about you,

my master is quite concerned.

Oh right, you don't even know my master's name yet. Hehe... she's none other than the renowned Madame Ping..."

"I see. Truly honored to hear of her. I'll head over right away..."

Song of the Wanderlust Market True Sovereign.

How could Su Han not know of her?

He just hadn't expected she'd been traveling all along.

Still, meeting her would be good.

This would be the first True Sovereign he'd ever met in person.

Half an hour later.

Su Han arrived at Yujing Terrace.

The nearby Millelith soldiers, seeing him appear, immediately bowed respectfully.

Word had already spread around.

(1) 00167 Yimiao 55-Group

The man who destroyed the Fatui and the Treasure Hoarders a few days ago was this very individual.

"Greetings, Master Su Han..."

"Hmm, no need to be so formal. Where is Madame Ping's residence?"

"This way, Master, please..."

Tieshan quickly led the way.

Today, Yujing Terrace wasn't as bustling as usual.

But occasionally, many people could still be seen coming and going.

"Master, this is Madame Ping's dwelling. I won't disturb you further..."

"Hmm, go ahead."

Su Han looked at the simple, rustic cottage, feeling slightly puzzled.

Does Madame Ping live in a place like this?

There must be some hidden mystery within.

The moment he pushed open the gate,

a gentle spring breeze brushed his face.

Before him lay a lush green bamboo grove.

In the sky, immortal cranes danced.

Not far away stood a small courtyard, its rolling fragrance carried by the wind into his nostrils.

"Truly worthy of being an immortal..."

Su Han sighed in his heart.

The technique of containing Mount Sumeru within a mustard seed.

He had only seen it described in Journey to the West.

This was his first time experiencing it.

Arriving in front of the courtyard.

Su Han saw the little chef hard at work cooking.

But due to Guoba's mischief,

the little chef became a bit angry.

(

Xiangling stood with her hands on her hips, huffing:

One

"Guoba, no stealing food! Brother Su Han is coming over soon—how am I supposed to treat him if you eat it all..."

)

"Lielie...!"

Zero

Upon hearing Su Han's name,

0

Guoba tilted its head, recalling something.

One

It actually began dancing joyfully.

⑥

Seeming to be in a good mood.

⑺

"Oh... hello there."