Chapter 219: Her name is Ye Lan

The lady's sudden appearance caught Luo De off guard.

But no matter how unwilling he was.

This underground mining trip must be made together with the lady, which has become a settled matter.

Faced with this unavoidable situation, he could only suppress his impatience, furrow his brows, and wait for the Xu Mi Cheng scholar team to arrive.

The leader is an old acquaintance.

No.

Or rather, there are two old acquaintances.

Nadixa actually sent you out as well~

Luo De's furrowed brows, which had been tense these past few days, finally relaxed a little.

The scholar team sent by Nadixa.

They are all scholars specializing in ley lines and demonology, plus forest rangers who constantly deal with the Dead Zone.

The leaders are Saino and Tinari respectively.

This otherwise ordinary squad instantly became luxurious with their addition.

It was already expected that Tinari could come to Luo De.

The trouble beneath the Chasm is the spread of Abyssal Power.

So Xu Mi Cheng, possessing the richest experience with the Abyss, Tinari definitely belongs in this scholar team.

As for Saino.

Luo De truly didn't expect Nadixa to let him come along as well.

Know that Xu Mi Cheng is not exactly stable now.

Especially in Hope City of the newly built city, the situation there likely still requires Saino to maintain stability.

When this matter is brought up,

Saino's expression suddenly turned strange as he stared at Luo De and said, 'One of the Scarlet King's Seven Sages, Ahe·Apepu, has appeared.'

?

Luo De tilted his head, not quite grasping his meaning.

Hasn't Ahe·Apepu been staying in Hope City all along?

Moreover, he had been there since shortly after the city was newly built, even helping to haul bricks for a long time.

The Great Merciful Tree King also said so back then.

She simply used the name Ahe·Apepu, but nowadays no one remembers that this name once belonged to one of the Scarlet King's Seven Sages.

Logically speaking.

Given Saino's patrol intensity, he should have known long ago that Ahe·Apepu appeared in the city; why is he only confirming it now?

Next.

In Luo De's doubtful gaze, Saino spilled the whole story.

It's not even that complicated.

It was just that after Luo De left Xu Mi Cheng together with the Mondstadt envoy team, a day later the Dendro Archon publicly announced that Ahe·Apepu had returned from a long slumber, and, in the name of the Scarlet King's Seven Sages, entered into cooperation with the Dendro Archon.

Actually I just heard there is a woman of immense strength in the city, whose name is the same as that Scarlet King Sage.

I also went to observe her.

To be honest,

I can't read her at all, and when her gaze falls on me, I feel a shudder from the bottom of my heart.

But back then I still didn't dare confirm that she was that Sage.

The more Saino spoke, the stranger his expression became: 'I don't know if you're aware, but that Sage's reputation among us descendants related to the Scarlet King is not good.'

Saino's words softened a bit.

Ahe·Apepu, in the Scarlet King's lineage, is far more than just 'not good.'

It's practically hated by both people and dogs.

As a figure recorded in history for disrespecting the Scarlet King and even devouring his corpse, even bearing the title of Scarlet King Sage, the Scarlet King's lineage's historical records show no sparing in their criticism and loathing toward her.

So even if Saino didn't go on to say more,

Luo De also understood his meaning.

An ancient figure who never revered the Scarlet King and even showed contempt for his subjects, she does humble mortal work in the city, and it is the toughest, most grueling mortal labor.

It is truly difficult to confirm Ahe·Apepu's true identity.

So when Ahe·Apepu publicly acknowledges his identity and admits his current allegiance to the Dendro Archon, the uproar it could cause among the desert folk who follow the Scarlet King's lineage is easy to imagine.

'Working with the Dendro Archon—is that her own statement, or was it announced by Nadixa?'

Luo De is also quite curious about this.

Ahe·Apepu's attitude toward Nadixa is something he has witnessed fully.

Not to mention cooperating with Nadixa.

This guy's initial attitude was outright to drive Nadixa down from her divine position and let the Great Merciful Tree King return as the Dendro Archon.

But given Xu Mi Cheng's military strength, trying to force her to cooperate with Nadixa is absolutely impossible.

Could it be that she voluntarily chose to cooperate?

That would seem even less reasonable.

Yet this most unreasonable situation was confirmed by both Saino and Tinari.

Ahe·Apepu truly did, as he said, reach a cooperative relationship with the Dendro Archon.

She appeared in the form of a dragon.

Whenever he thought of Apep's body, which was several times larger than Hope City, Saino couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva.

The oppressive presence of the Dendro Dragon Apep is such that even Nadixa, who is a god, would feel powerless.

Not to mention the mortals in the city.

Saino remembered it very clearly.

When Apep appeared, not only the rainforest people who claimed to be children of the Dendro Archon, but also other tribal peoples and followers of the Scarlet King were equally panicked.

And such panic.

Until Apep openly declared an alliance with the Dendro Archon as a cooperative relationship, it then turned into an uproar.

"Could it be that the Great Merciful Tree King would say he's busy?"

"With something like this happening, how could he not be busy?"

Compared to others, Luo De cared more about what means the Great Merciful Tree King used to make that arrogant dragon, which even the Heavenly Principles couldn't tolerate, lower its head and willingly ally with the weak little god he looked down upon most.

"Impressive."

Luo De really couldn't figure out what method the Great Merciful Tree King used; a thousand words could only boil down to this sigh.

But it's precisely because of Apep's declaration, and having such formidable military power and a deterrent existence akin to nuclear weapons for the desert people,

Saino was able to be freed.

Next.

Luo De, as the guide, first settled the scholars, then brought Saino and Tinari to the Jade Pavilion to register.

The matter of the Sumeru scholars coming to support the Chasm had already been notified to the Liyue officials early on.

No need to bother Zhongli; just tell Ningguang, confirm what time to go mining, and that's it.

Along the way.

Saino and Tinari then gave an update on Hope City's recent situation.

In short.

It has truly gotten onto the right track.

When the community-based management system was first announced, it sparked considerable controversy; neither the tribal people nor the Red King's followers wanted to be managed by each other.

During that period, there were some small-scale protest actions.

Later, Rahmann personally led people to suppress it with forceful measures.

Oh, right.

Rahmann has already hoped for the city.

This fervent Red King follower, who once scoffed at the Dendro Archon, subsequently took the position personally assigned by Nadixa and joined the management team of Hope City.

His mouth is still as hard as ever.

But he no longer calls others lackeys of the Dendro Archon.

"Just as I thought."

Luo De laughed.

Rahmann's religious fervor is genuine, but he is a person with principles.

His goal is also very clear.

That is to let the desert people live as the rainforest people do.

For this life goal.

He would rather join the team to save the Dendro Archon, just for Luo De's words: "After the Dendro Archon's restoration, the desert people will truly live."

And when the Dendro Archon truly fulfills his promise.

He would rather endure the blame and scolding of other Red King followers, yet join this Hope City that has reappeared in the desert after a thousand years.

"This person is very capable."

"His leadership ability is strong, his methods are tough, he has sufficient prestige among the desert people, and he perfectly fills the position previously held by Kantisi."

Cyno and Tighnari both hold Rahmann in high regard.

Cyno values his managerial talent; his individual ability is enough to suppress the dissent among the desert people, and with him, Cyno doesn't know how much easier things would be.

Tighnari, on the other hand, praises him for not meddling in fields he is unfamiliar with.

Although Hope City is just beginning construction, the technology used in its building is all the cutting-edge technology of Sumeru at present, much of which is newly deciphered Red King technology.

Moreover, Luo De spares no effort in scouring Sumeru for talents from other countries to come help Hope City.

Nowadays, not to mention the desert folk who barely know a few characters.

Even the sage from the Academy personally overseeing Hope City has to learn while building.

Rahmann, who never studied at the Academy, naturally doesn't understand all the ins and outs here.

But his ignorance is his ignorance; he absolutely will not say an extra word in front of experts, perfectly exemplifying what it means for a layperson not to meddle in professional matters.

He now simply does his duty of directing dispatch and suppressing dissent, while all other technical matters are handed over to the Academy's people; the cooperation between the two sides is clearly distinct yet harmonious.

Such a work style.

In a very short time, this earned him unanimous praise among Hope City's management.

"Hey."

Listening to Cyno and Tighnari praise Rahmann there, Luo De's face was full of smiles.

No matter what.

This person is his recommendation; receiving praise also means his own judgment has been recognized.

How could he not be happy?

The prosperity of Liyue left Cyno and Tighnari somewhat dazzled.

After all, they have seen the world; their performance is much better than Luo De's when he first came to Sumeru.

Moreover, when they looked at Liyue's city layout, they were more inclined to adopt a serious attitude of learning, rather than Luo De's genuine fondness.

Liyue's prosperity.

It's not just something to envy; there are also many places worth others learning from.

The greeter at Jade Chamber had long known Luo De.

Seeing that he had arrived.

The greeter demanded no password, directly leading them onto the floating stone and watching Luo De and his two companions hurry straight to Jade Chamber.

Soon.

Under the guidance of Ningguang's secretary, Luo De arrived at the reception hall of Jade Chamber.

"Envoy Sir, please wait a moment."

"Lady Ningguang is currently meeting with guests."

After saying that, the secretary named Baiwen summoned a servant to serve tea to Luo De and his companions, then withdrew with an apologetic expression.

The Liyue the Liyue the Liyue Qixing each performed their respective duties.

Among them, the Heaven's Rights Star Ningguang oversees Liyue's commerce and industry, holding control over legal and intelligence confidential affairs; she can be said to be the busiest person in all of Liyue besides Zhongli.

Just like when she previously met with Luo De.

All were because they had received advance notice that the Dendro Archon's envoy from Sumeru would arrive, so they pushed aside other matters beforehand to make time to promptly meet with Luo De.

As for other times.

For an unscheduled visit like Luo De's, it was naturally impossible to see her right away.

Fortunately.

Luo De didn't wait long before hearing Ningguang's voice.

Listening to the sound outside the door.

She seemed still to be arguing with someone about something.

Not knowing what sound‑blocking mechanism Jade Chamber was equipped with, Luo De's hearing could only catch a few faint words: 'resume work', 'I'll go myself', 'can't afford a meal'.

Until the argument's sounds faded, Ningguang seemed to stand outside the door a while longer before pushing it open.

"Sorry, Mr. Luo De, for keeping you waiting."

Regardless of whatever argument she had just had with someone, Ningguang's bearing remained perfect, showing not the slightest irregularity.

"No wonder she's the Heaven's Rights Star who holds Liyue's great power—impressive."

Luo De felt a pang of admiration, then first introduced Cyno and Tighnari, and afterwards informed Ningguang of his plan to go mining the day after tomorrow.

If it were only Luo De, Cyno, and Tighnari.

He had originally planned to go mining tomorrow.

There was nothing to be done.

The other scholars were simply too weak in physique; after the arduous journey from Sumeru to Liyue, they were already exhausted, especially those who got seasick—they hadn't even gone down to the mine yet and were already slumped over.

Without letting them rest a day or two, it would be impossible to carry out the mission.

"Alright, I understand; I'll make the arrangements right away."

Ningguang readily agreed.

The closure of the Layered Rock Abyss has caused Liyue too great a loss; the sooner it is dealt with, the better.

Speaking of this matter.

Ningguang is also troubled by it.

For this Layered Rock Abyss issue, she not only has to face criticism from the miners who make their living from mining, but also has to endure questioning from Ruoyu, the head of the Bureau of Prosperous Dew, which oversees the mining and trade of glazed ware and ceramics.

The argument Luo De just heard.

That was Director Ruoyu coming again to discuss resuming work at the Layered Rock Abyss.

The Bureau of Prosperous Dew's finances and income rely entirely on the Layered Rock Abyss.

Now the Layered Rock Abyss is sealed.

They and their subordinate glazed‑ware and ceramics industries are losing money hand over fist, and for the past two years have been propped up by Liyue's fiscal subsidies.

Therefore, compared with the unemployed miners, they are obviously far more anxious.

Nevertheless, the hidden dangers of the Layered Rock Abyss cannot be ruled out, and Ningguang could not possibly agree to reopen it.

Compared with making money, she still regards human life as more important.

To send the miners into danger for a little short‑term gain is something Ningguang could never agree to.

"Hope the Sovereign Lord's wisdom can help us resolve this quickly."

After silently saying a line to herself, Ningguang casually asked, "Mr. Luo De, do you know that the two executors of Snezhnaya will also be traveling with you?"

"Two?"

Ningguang's words left Luo De stunned: "Isn't it just the Nüshi alone? How come there are two? Who is the other?"

"According to the report sent by the Foolish People, the other is called Gongzi."

After saying that, Ningguang proactively offered: "I have an informant in the Layered Rock Abyss; she has been monitoring those Foolish People in the underground mining area this whole time, and if you need anything, you can contact her."

Immediately afterward.

Ningguang handed Luo De a small device: "Her name is Yelan; with this you can contact her, and with her help you'll find things easier underground."

(End of chapter)