Genshin Impact, My Villain System Is a Bit Abnormal

Jiang Ning immediately changed his tune.

He could tell from the side that his Master Zhongli was very powerful, and his Master Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun also gave him a direct warning.

If any other immortal is willing to impart their knowledge, then calling them "master" would be fine... Immortals are all comrades-in-arms; although they don't see each other often, their relationship is very good.

Therefore, Jiang Ning called out "Master" without any psychological burden.

Zhongli nodded with a smile: "That's very good... In the future, when you have time, you can come to the Hall of Rebirth more often. Rock element, spear techniques, and immortal techniques. If there is anything you don't understand, I will answer your questions based on my knowledge."

“Yes, Master Zhongli,” Jiang Ning said.

"Alright, the opera is about to begin, let's take a look." Zhongli said this last sentence and then fell silent.

…………

After the performance ended, many people gave tips, especially some elderly people who were particular about such things, who placed Mora on the character's hat.

"This is called the 'first prize,' which is an affirmation of the individual performer. This income belongs to the individual and is not counted towards the entire troupe."

Zhongli explained.

"I see," Jiang Ning said, suddenly understanding.

Zhongli gently tapped the bell beside her, and a waiter entered through the door.

Zhongli, holding his teacup, said, "Today's opera was alright... It deserves a reward of 10,000 Mora, to be recorded in the accounts of the Hall of Rebirth."

After saying a few auspicious words, the waiter outside also left.

Jiang Ning was stunned. Could tipping really be recorded? It seemed that his master held a very high position in the Hall of Rebirth.

Zhongli stood up and walked to the window, and Jiang Ning quickly followed.

Following Zhongli's gaze, they found that Zhongli was looking at a girl with a cloth hat wrapped around her head.

Jiang Ning was taken aback. Although she had disguised herself and concealed her aura, he recognized her immediately because he often worked with Ke Qing and was very sensitive to auras and elemental forces.

"Keqing? What are you doing here wiping the table?"

Zhongli explained, "This generation of Yuheng Star does everything personally and believes that going deep into the grassroots, listening to the voices of the people, and experiencing the lives of ordinary people is crucial to the development of Liyue."

"Therefore, in my spare time, I often disguise myself as a peddler or a grassroots worker to conduct undercover visits and experience things firsthand, and then go back to revise a series of my decisions."

"That's really impressive..." Jiang Ning said sincerely.

Zhongli suddenly said, "In the future, you and she should spend more time together..."

"However, it seems that Keqing and her senior sister had a falling out over something."

Jiang Ning hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Zhongli smiled: "Gan Yu, that child? I can understand. But Gan Yu will gradually understand in the future that with someone like Ke Qing who is willing to think independently, I think even the Rock King Morax will feel gratified."

Jiang Ning said, "Oh, I see."

The two then chatted about their daily spiritual practice.

After calculating the time and sensing someone coming upstairs, Zhongli lightly raised a finger to confirm that Jiang Ning was unaware of what was happening outside before speaking:

"Please sit down, we still have some time... Tell me, what is your opinion on what Yuhengxing said during the Immortal Invitation Ceremony?"

Not only was Jiang Ning stunned, but the person outside also pricked up their ears.

38. Evaluation of Keqing

"Master Zhongli, why are you suddenly asking this question?"

Jiang Ning was a little confused.

Zhongli said, "I'm just curious. If it's inconvenient to say, that's fine."

Jiang Ning pondered for a moment, then said, "There's nothing I can't say... It's just that I feel Ke Qing is being a bit too radical. Her words and opinions aren't entirely correct, but they're not entirely wrong either..."

"Oh? Tell me more."

Zhongli said.

Jiang Ning said, "Well, although Keqing is an unconventional person who values ​​efficiency and wants to make Liyue soar, she overlooked one thing."

"That is, she strode forward and worried about what would happen if the Emperor were no longer around, but she didn't look back at the people around her. Not everyone has such foresight."

"Continue," Zhongli said succinctly.

Jiang Ning said, "That's why I said she's radical. Only by slowing down and leading those around her to progress together, and having this sense of crisis together, can we work together towards a common goal. Look at Ke Qing now, all alone."

Zhongli said, "Then, what's your opinion on Keqing? Will Morax lead the people into the next millennium, the next ten, a hundred, or a thousand millennia?"

Jiang Ning said, "That's impossible. I read in my master's books that immortals and demons have something called wear and tear, right? That means they are not eternal. Liyue will leave Morax one day and move on on its own. It's just a matter of time."

"But not now, at least not now."

Jiang Ning said.

"I'm a little curious about what you said, not now, but I think someone else is even more curious, isn't there? Come in."

Zhongli finally quietly withdrew his magic, hoping that this would allow the two children to start a conversation.

Zhongli was thinking and trying to figure out what path to take next.

"……what?"

Jiang Ning was taken aback, then sensed that there were people outside the door, and ten familiar faces.

"Excuse me for disturbing you. I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I was just bringing you tea... But I'm really interested in what you two are talking about."

Ke Qing pushed open the door. Although she was dressed as a tea-serving servant, once she removed her disguise, she was still an absolutely beautiful young woman.

"Keqing?"

Jiang Ning was surprised.

Keqing walked in, placed the tea on the table, and then sat down.

"Tell me about it. I'm very interested."

Ke Qing looked at Jiang Ning in front of her with some anticipation. Sure enough, ever since they met at Wangshu Inn, she had felt that this young man would definitely get along with her.

Moreover, slowing down and leading everyone forward together, sharing this sense of urgency, would be a very good suggestion.

"You two are of the same generation, so you should have a lot in common. I won't bother you any longer and will take my leave now."

Zhongli stood up, preparing to leave.

Ke Qing said gratefully, "I'm so glad to have met Mr. Zhongli of the Rebirth Hall, who is so knowledgeable about ancient and modern times. I'll cover today's expenses."

I had a feeling of being guided during my meeting today, so it could only be this Mr. Zhongli in front of me.

Moreover, since Jiang Ning calls this person "Master," then perhaps this Mr. Zhongli must be a reclusive immortal?

No wonder he is so knowledgeable and seems to have an otherworldly air about him.

Zhongli Wenyan said with a smile, "Yuheng Star, there's no need to be so polite. Please continue your exchange. Farewell."

As he spoke, he left the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

After Zhongli left, the atmosphere became strange and awkward.

One was Yuhengxing, who wanted to ask but felt it wasn't right to eavesdrop at the door.

The other was a disciple of a celestial being who secretly commented on others behind their backs and was caught red-handed...

"Ahem..." Finally, Yuhengxing broke the somewhat dull atmosphere, "Jiang Ning, tell me, what I said wasn't entirely correct, why?"

Jiang Ning said, "Well, I've already discussed this with Mr. Zhongli. If other countries have gods and your country doesn't, you'll unconsciously be at a disadvantage in diplomacy because you don't have the strength to match them."

Keqing frowned. Although she still hoped for governance by human intervention, she had a high degree of respect for the strength of the Rock King Emperor.

This is similar to a business negotiation where the other party has an absolute trump card that you don't, so you'll naturally be very cautious.

This is the confidence that the opponent gains from having the two Jokers as their trump card.

Furthermore, while Keqing is confident that Liyue can handle the Demon Gods, she is not arrogant; without practical experience, this remains to be seen.

Besides, even if you can deal with the Demon God, the Thousand Rock Army plus the Immortals are a powerful force, but the opponent is not just the Demon God.

"Furthermore, although you can guarantee your own future, and even the future of the Seven Sages of this generation, what about the next few generations? What about dozens of generations? Humans are not like demons. Demons love people, but humans have selfish desires."

Ke Qing frowned: "Can't we use effective oversight and laws that are strict enough to restrict public officials?"

"Impossible. What use is the strictest law? In my original homeland, there were no gods, only humans. As a result, no country can last for thousands of generations. Some even perish after only two generations because humans have selfish desires."

"With selfishness comes factionalism, corruption, and even the formation of cliques. At that point, a good country will only fall apart, or even suffer from years of war."

"Moreover, once you reach the Seven Star level, you can even directly amend the laws. When the Emperor is present, you still need his consent, but what if he isn't?"

Jiang Ning gave Ke Qing a brief overview of the history of some dynasties.

This includes stories of ignoring or even amending the law, imposing outrageous taxes, and ultimately leading to rebellion by officials who force the people to revolt.

Ke Qing also looked grave, lost in thought.

Jiang Ning paused for a moment, took a sip of water, and then said:

"So, wait a little while for the people around you. Besides, your advocacy of rule by men and whether the Emperor protects Liyue are not actually contradictory."

Ke Qing looked at Jiang Ning.

Jiang Ning said, "Look at the history of Mondstadt next door. Isn't it true that Barbatos, the wind god, never interfered in anything, but when the Lawrence family turned the country into such a dark place, didn't the wind god still step in to set things right?"

"So, rule by man is possible, but when it reaches a certain point, the Emperor can step in to take responsibility. As for what I said, the Emperor is not eternal... This is like the laws of nature, the cycle of nature, which cannot be stopped."

Jiang Ning said.

39. Keqing tried to poach her husband.

Jiang Ning and Ke Qing's conversation lasted for the entire afternoon.

Ke Qing could be said to have been convinced by Jiang Ning's perspective.

Jiang Ning also gave Ke Qing a small taste of the awe-inspiring history of China's five thousand years of civilization.

Finally, Ke Qing excitedly grabbed Jiang Ning's hand, her eyes shining:

"As expected, I'm determined to have you work overtime under me!"