Genshin Impact: My villain system is a little different.

[Distributing reward: Method to create empty vessel at Archon-level]

Jiang Ning rejoiced internally. 

This came at the perfect time - even though his powers were strong, his physical body still needed improvement. 

Could his body finally keep up now?

[This is a creation method for others to use, not for yourself...]

"..." Jiang Ning felt deflated, his excitement premature.

But he quickly cheered up, realizing this meant he could properly resurrect Havria. Along with the departed adepti of Liyue, it was quite a generous reward.

[Also, host, there's something I need to remind you... Originally, killing Osial would have earned a reward, since you weren't from the same faction.]

[It originally triggered tags like 'suppressed by enemy for thousand years', 'enemy's successor', 'revenge target' - basically making you a perfect villain to Osial.]

[But because you killed both him and his wife together, it became a good deed... triggering the tag 'reuniting husband and wife in death'.]

"...What kind of terrible tags are these? Also, I get it now - is this system just a namesake?"

[Don't know, I was just assigned here right after graduation.]

The system replied cheerfully.

Jiang Ning realized he had gotten used to the system's personality - scary.

During the Rite of Parting, everything proceeded smoothly. 

Since everyone had recognized Zhongli anyway, Hu Tao rushed backstage after the ceremony and pulled down his hood.

No one dared stop Hu Tao now - after all, who would dare confront Rex Lapis's employer?

Looking at the familiar face before her, Hu Tao stroked her chin, clicking her tongue:

"Tsk tsk tsk. Who would've thought that I, Hu Tao, would be worthy enough to have Rex Lapis himself as my consultant? How impressive!"

"No wonder Grandfather always told me to be extremely respectful to our consultant and never drive him away."

"But, all these years you've been spending my Mora - shouldn't we settle accounts? If you really didn't have Mora, that would be one thing, but you can actually create Mora! Shouldn't you give your Director a few million Mora?"

Looking at the mischievous Hu Tao, Zhongli replied: "Director, I'm preparing to step down as Geo Archon, so as an ordinary person, I should respect ordinary people's way of life."

"Hey hey hey, what ordinary person spends money as lavishly as you? I don't care, you have to repay the Mora!"

Hu Tao wouldn't back down, sticking her hand right under Zhongli's nose demanding payment.

Hu Tao was frustrated - she had originally thought her consultant was truly penniless, only to suddenly discover that if he wanted to, he could be the richest person in Teyvat.

She felt cheated.

"Sigh..." Zhongli sighed. He really wasn't good at dealing with this child.

The surrounding Millelith all lowered their heads. If they had enough hands, they would've covered their ears - curse it, couldn't they put down their halberds for a moment? This wasn't something they should be hearing.

Xianyun smiled gently nearby.

Just as Rex Lapis had said, even after learning his identity, Director Hu's attitude barely changed. She truly was an interesting person.

"If Director Hu doesn't mind, I can cover Rex Lapis's expenses for this period. Just name the amount," Ningguang stepped forward.

"Ah? That's not necessary... I was just feeling annoyed. After all, he's our consultant, so we should cover his expenses... But listen here, Zhongli, you can't slack off on future business!"

Hu Tao glared at Zhongli.

Zhongli sighed: "Rationally speaking, I have always been conscientious in my work, never slacking off."

"Oh right, I just thought of something! We could advertise Wangsheng Funeral Parlor like this: 'Want Rex Lapis himself to handle your funeral? Choose Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! Rex Lapis, personally serving you - because you're worth it!'"

Hu Tao's plum-colored eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Rationally speaking, let's not..." Zhongli said with embarrassment.

"Fine, fine, since you put it that way."

Hu Tao was just trying to tease Zhongli anyway.

Zhongli said, "Well then, we'll take our leave now. Jiang Ning, come with me."

With a flash of golden light, Zhongli disappeared before everyone.

Jiang Ning followed immediately after.

Seeing both main figures leave, Xiao silently departed as well. Mountain Shaper sighed:

"Let us return, let us return... Cloud Retainer, will you leave with us?"

Xianyun crossed her arms and said: "Didn't Rex Lapis say that the adepti should exercise supervisory duties? I'll stay in Liyue Harbor. Besides, I have several disciples here that I'm still worried about."

(You two old folks better leave quickly, serves you right for not including me in your plans.)

"That's fine too. Let us go, let us go..."

The two adepti left one after another. Madame Ping and Xianyun also departed together. Ningguang and Keqing began their own arrangements.

Rex Lapis's retirement and Jiang Ning's eventual succession - there was much work to be done...

At Guyun Stone Forest, where Osial was once sealed, now became Osial's burial ground.

Jiang Ning looked at his master and asked, "Master, is there something you need?"

"During the battle with Osial days ago, I was very pleased. You did well. Have you absorbed Osial's power?"

"Yes, it's very useful."

Satisfaction flashed in Jiang Ning's eyes.

Osial, to put it dramatically, was immortal in water and invincible in the sea. Though known as the Vortex God, he was deeply connected to the ocean.

One could say that now, Jiang Ning had become exceptional in water combat as well.

"That day, did you sense anything unusual?" 

There was a hint of anticipation in Zhongli's voice.

"Something different... yes. The Memory of Dust seemed to have something speaking to me, but after the battle ended, the voice disappeared."

During his recent seclusion, Jiang Ning had studied the Memory of Dust. Its energy seemed stronger, but it wouldn't speak anymore.

"Let me see the Memory of Dust."

Zhongli said.

Jiang Ning quickly handed it over. Zhongli carefully examined it and suddenly smiled.

"Keep this Memory of Dust safe. There is a remnant consciousness inside. You can nurture it using your powers combined with the transformed energy from divine resentment."

"Master, who is inside?"

Jiang Ning asked curiously.

A look of reminiscence appeared in Zhongli's eyes: "An old friend of mine, your Master Xianyun's best friend and rival, a god who built Liyue together with me and the adepti - the God of Dust, Dust Queen Havria. However, for some reason, she didn't like her name, so she gave herself a Liyue name: Guizhong."

"The God of Dust..."

Jiang Ning murmured, looking at the Memory of Dust in his hands.

"This catalyst was her relic, proof of our alliance, and the crystallization of her lifetime of wisdom," Zhongli said.

"I hope you can use it well."

"Yes, Master, I will."

Jiang Ning promised.

"Also, I can help bring Guizhong back to the world. I've learned how to create divine bodies."

Zhongli looked surprised: "Oh?"

Jiang Ning immediately blamed it on Osial - after all, dead men tell no tales.

"While digesting Osial's memories, I found a method to create bodies that can house divine souls."

"What materials are needed?"

Zhongli asked concisely.

"They're all listed here."

Zhongli calmly reviewed the list, then contemplated carefully.

"Many of these materials can be found in Liyue. For the Mondstadt dandelions, you can visit Mondstadt in a while."

He also thought about telling Barbatos about the Anemo powers, which were quite necessary.

Zhongli's eyes flickered.

"The only tricky ones are the Naku Weed and Crystal Marrow."

Perhaps due to their bio-electrical properties, they needed some pure Electro elements as catalysts.

"Master, aren't these items unique to Inazuma? I heard they emerged due to the Electro Archon's influence, like regional specialties."

Similar to Liyue's Cor Lapis and Mondstadt's Windwheel Aster.

Zhongli nodded approvingly, pleased that his disciple hadn't neglected his cultural studies.

"Yes, but Inazuma is currently in a lockdown... How about this - I'll have Ningguang grant you the status of Liyue's special envoy for a diplomatic mission to Inazuma."

He had initially thought about sending Ganyu and Shenhe along, but then realized - with Jiang Ning's current god-level combat ability, who would be protecting whom? So he abandoned that idea.

"Take some time to rest now. You've worked hard lately. When the time is right, I'll arrange for your journey to Inazuma."

"Yes, Master."

"You may go now."

"Alright."

Miss Lumine once again began her exploration career, starting to clear out tasks from Liyue Harbor's Adventurers' Guild, making many local adventurers want to cry.

They couldn't believe such an overachiever had arrived, and a supremely powerful one at that.

Basically, Lumine's shadow couldn't be seen during daytime.

She only returned to Liyue Harbor at night to rest.

To save money and because she finally met Jiang Ning, Lumine directly moved into Ganyu's mansion.

Xianyun was naturally beaming with joy, but Shenhe and Ganyu fell into contemplation - why did it feel like this mansion was becoming like their junior brother's harem?

Eula and the others also officially began their diplomatic activities with Liyue officials. It wasn't anything major, just routine communication.

Today, seeing Jiang Ning return, Eula said:

"I can't believe you're confirmed as the next Geo Archon?"

Jiang Ning's face showed discomfort: "Please, don't say that... it makes me uncomfortable..."

Eula asked puzzled: "Why?"

Amber burst out laughing: "These past few days, when Jiang Ning goes out, nobody dares to charge him money. Some even kneel down in the street asking for blessings... you should've seen his expression then!"

"Do you have pictures?" Eula grew interested.

Amber said: "Yes, yes! I'll show you later!"

Jiang Ning pretended to be fierce: "You're offending a deity. Want me to make things difficult for you?"

"Hmph, I'll hold a grudge if you do," Eula replied.

Barbara seemed to become somewhat nervous on the side.

Noticing her change, Jiang Ning smiled and said: "Barbara, why so tense? Just days ago I was still an ordinary person. Does becoming a god mean we're not friends anymore? You don't need to be so concerned about divine matters. Look at your Wind God, for example?"

Barbara had been nervous about Jiang Ning becoming a god, unsure how to interact with him.

But seeing him still joking and bantering with them, she relaxed.

The drunk bard's image had been particularly shocking to her.

"Mm, I understand now." Barbara immediately loosened up.

"What? What? How did we get to talking about Lord Barbatos?" Amber asked curiously.

"Uh, let's not talk about that..." Barbara's face became awkward.

Eula said: "If it's something important, you don't have to say it. It's fine."

Barbara said: "It's not really anything important... but prepare yourselves."

"Mm-hmm, don't worry!" Amber quickly assured.

So Barbara told them about Venti, with Jiang Ning adding some details.

"What? That drunk is actually Lord Barbatos?!"

Amber's pupils shook in shock.

Eula's mouth gaped slightly, her face full of disbelief:

"Is this real? The Wind God is really..."

So free-spirited.

"It's not a big deal. Look, Mondstadt's Venti is a drunk, and my master is basically a scammer... I'm curious what the Electro Archon and Dendro Archon are like."

Jiang Ning shrugged.

"Ah..." 

Eula and Amber looked at each other - only you would dare gossip about gods like this.

"No wonder Barbara looks like she's just clocking in for work at the church these days..." Eula's expression was complicated.

Barbara said: "Well, I might go traveling in the future. I feel like staying in just Mondstadt limits my perspective."

Good heavens! The devout deaconess is turning into a wandering traveler! Look what you've done, Venti!

"Though it doesn't seem too inconvenient for you to go out," Eula said.

"That's because Sister Ningguang ordered that people shouldn't interfere with my and Master's daily lives... otherwise, Sister Ganyu's doorstep would've been crowded with people by now."

Jiang Ning explained.

"I see..." Eula nodded, then said, "By the way, our vacation is almost over. Want to return to Mondstadt with us? I heard you need to collect something there?"

Jiang Ning nodded: "Yes, I need fresh dandelions and windwheel asters. I'd like to grow some in the Serenitea Pot..."

"So, I'll be going with you."

----

You can join my P@treon to read 30+ chapters early and support me and my work.

[email protected]/rivyura