Genshin Impact, I'm Slime

Ningguang had already prepared a countermeasure against the financial trap set by Pantalone.

She could have joined forces with other wealthy businessmen to pool their resources to buy Pantalone's Skylight Bonds and then suddenly dump them all at once, creating panic, shorting the bonds, and causing their prices to plummet, instantly thwarting the Northern Bank's plans.

Alternatively, the Liyue government could launch more attractive investment products with the Seven Stars aura, overwhelming the market and completely squeezing out Pantalone's space.

Just like the efficient work-point system that arose at the dock, it was silent yet extremely disruptive.

Ningguang can even use tactics that aren't strictly business-related. She only needs to inform Keqing, and Keqing can lead the Thousand Rock Army to seal off the Northern Bank in an instant, arbitrarily accuse them of disrupting finance and endangering the stability of Liyue, and directly imprison Pantarone.

In more extreme cases, Ningguang only needs to send a few messages to Yelan in the shadows, and a secret assassination could end all the schemes.

Even if Pantalone possesses the formidable strength of an Enforcer, so what? Liyue is a nation that can withstand attacks from numerous Demon Gods. Surely, even if Liyue exerts all its strength, it cannot defeat an Enforcer of the Fatui.

With the instigator dead, the conspiracy naturally dissipates.

The Traveler and Paimon were clearly unaware of the immense power Ningguang held today. Seeing Ningguang's nonchalant attitude, the two exchanged glances and became even more worried.

Seeing this, Ningguang's lips curled into a faint smile, and she spoke, her voice exceptionally clear in the silent hall:
"Even so, I appreciate your willingness to come and warn us despite the risks."

"You just said that Pantalone invited you to dinner tonight?"

The traveler paused for a moment, then nodded.

"In that case, please take good care of yourself and pay close attention."

“I think Pantalone’s plan is not just to target Liyue’s economy.”

"Perhaps you, traveler, are one of his targets as well."

Ningguang's gaze suddenly became meaningful, and beneath her calm tone lay an unspoken undercurrent, each word carrying weight.

"I?"

The traveler pointed to himself with a bewildered gesture.

What do you mean I'm also one of the targets?

Ningguang noticed the traveler's confusion, but did not answer.

The air inside the palace seemed to freeze for a few breaths. The unease caused by the economic turmoil quietly settled and transformed in the traveler's heart, and was eventually overwhelmed by another, heavier and more direct presence.

That existence is the urn lying quietly on the table.

The wood grain gleamed softly under the lamplight, silently telling a tragic story that came to an abrupt end.

After a moment of silence, the traveler finally lifted his gaze from the box and looked at Ningguang, his voice soft and hesitant, with a hint of cautious probing:

"Miss Ningguang, would you like us to help you deliver Ninglan's message to Heulia?"

Ningguang paused for a moment as she played with her pipe.

"Tell Heulia?"

Tianquanxing raised her eyes, a clear hint of surprise flashing across her deep red pupils, like ripples on a calm lake caused by a stone thrown in. Her gaze lingered on the traveler's sincere face for a moment, as if repeatedly confirming the weight and intention behind this proposal.

But that initial surprise quickly subsided, replaced by a more complex layer of thought.

"No... not now."

Ningguang slowly shook her head, her fingertips unconsciously tracing the smooth edge of the table.

“Herria’s reaction is unpredictable. Liyue is going through a turbulent time right now, and it’s not wise to add any new variables.” She paused, her gaze drifting far away towards the outside of the hall.

A morning breeze brushed against the gauze curtains under the eaves, bringing a touch of coolness.

Through the open windows, one can see the tranquil area below Yujingtai in the distance.

"Let's wait until the storm subsides before making a decision."

Ningguang tapped her knuckles lightly twice on the solid table, making a soft, rhythmic sound, before finally looking down at the secluded courtyard bathed in gentle sunlight.

That was the room where the Salt Demon was being held captive.

At this moment, it silently basks in the sunlight, like a pearl hidden in an oyster shell, or a bomb with an unlit fuse.

Although it's unclear where Ningguang's confidence comes from, Tianquanxing, who is now the de facto ruler of Liyue, is obviously very busy. While they were talking, Baiwen had already quietly stood behind the screen with a large pile of documents.

After confirming that Ningguang had not only been aware of Pantalone's trap but had also prepared a countermeasure, the Traveler decided not to disturb her any longer and bid her farewell.

Before leaving, the girl didn't forget to mention the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild, and then placed the account book that Xingqiu had prepared in advance on Ningguang's table.

Paimon smacked his lips, a hint of lingering enjoyment on his little face.

Clearly, having traveled such a long way only to sip a few sips of tea, the little mascot considered it a losing proposition.

Although Paimon was unaware of what was going on, seeing the Traveler about to leave, he habitually shook his little head, waved goodbye to Ningguang, and then floated after the girl.

When travelers stand once again outside the solemn gate of Yiyan Hall, facing the scene of incense smoke rising and people flocking to worship in Yujingtai Square, they suddenly feel a sense of being in another world.

The financial storm that was discussed in the hall just now, which was enough to shake the foundation of Liyue, seemed to be nothing more than a storm that could be easily resolved, given Ningguang's nonchalant attitude.

As for the dinner in Pantalone, which was destined to be anything but simple, the traveler figured that his past experience would be more than enough to handle it.

Ning Lan's fate, however, weighed heavily on the traveler's heart like a cold stone, leaving her feeling particularly lost and confused.

Since Famas had wronged the Salt Demon God Heuria in the Demon God War and expressed remorse in his words, why did he then kill Miss Ninglan, who devoutly followed Heuria?
The traveler couldn't find the answer.

At that moment, she seemed to hear those profound admonitions echoing in her ears again:

"Do not believe in any demon god."

The young girl lingered in front of the Yiyan Hall for a long time, letting the incense smoke and noise of Yujing Terrace flow around her.

Paimon tilted his head, looking at his thoughtful companion with a puzzled expression, and became unusually quiet.

After a long while, the traveler seemed to finally break free from those heavy thoughts, took a deep breath, and started walking.

"Let's go."

The girl raised her chin at Paimon, her voice returning to its usual calm.

"Time to go to the Adventurers' Guild, I haven't done today's quests yet."

After all, making a living is the most important thing. If the Mora earned from today's commission is not enough, just filling Paimon's belly, which seems to be connected to another dimension, will be enough to empty the traveler's purse instantly.

As for the grudges and affections between the demons, the traveler has been unable to clarify them since the war at Sunshade Harbor ended, and he doesn't know how to face these demons who have buried their past deep within.

Even the seemingly straightforward Wendy, the carefree Famas, and the steady and reliable Zhongli... (End of Chapter)