Genshin Impact, starting from becoming the God of the Ocean

"Liyue opera, like storytelling, mostly has fixed themes. They are mostly based on folk tales about immortals. These stories are full of mystery and can arouse people's curiosity about immortals, making them easy for Liyue people to accept."

Zhongli suddenly said slowly.

Xiao Gong's attention was drawn back from the distance. He looked at him and then at Su Zhe, a look of doubt flashing in his eyes, as if asking, 'Is he talking to us?'

Su Zhe thought for a moment and said, "Do you often come to listen to operas, sir?"

"I'm a regular customer."

Zhongli put down his teacup and said gently, "You two look unfamiliar. Have you come for the ceremony of inviting immortals?"

Am I unfamiliar?

Su Zhe felt that Zhong Li had probably been eyeing him for a long time.

“My name is Su Zhe, and she is my friend Xiao Gong. I am originally from Liyue, but I didn’t live in Liyue Harbor before. She is from Inazuma.”

“No wonder.” Zhongli nodded and introduced himself. Then he said, “I noticed that you two were quite curious about the things here. I know a little about opera. If you have any questions, I may be able to answer them for you.”

Chapter 4: Su Zhe Meets Zhong Li; Life is Like a Play, All About Acting Skills >>

Xiao Gong understood perfectly well; she hadn't even started listening to the first opera yet.

Su Zhe didn't really care; he preferred watching art films to listening to music.

But since we have the opportunity, we might as well take the chance to build some rapport.

"Actually, Xiaogong and I had never heard of opera before. We came here by chance. But you mentioned the theme of opera in Liyue earlier. Is there any story behind it?"

Zhongli pondered for a moment and said, "Liyue has a long history, and many stories have been recorded by later generations and passed down to this day, becoming popular tales. Some have been interpreted by storytellers, and many have been adapted into operas by opera troupes. This is the theme of Liyue opera at present."

"To the people of Liyue, the identity of the immortals is shrouded in mystery. Labeling the performers on stage as 'immortals' and spreading their stories often attracts more listeners, but..."

"Just what?"

"Liyue has immortals, but it's not just about immortals. The stories of Liyue are all-encompassing. Immortals have long lived in the mountains. If we're talking about stories, I think the stories in the mortal world are much richer and more wonderful."

As soon as he finished speaking, the people at the tea table next to him immediately became unhappy.

“Mr. Zhongli, why are you saying such things again?” One person moved his stool over and squeezed in, saying, “You always say that stories of immortals are no good, but stories of mortals are good? We are all mortals, and everyone knows what happens in daily life. If we were to tell stories of mortals, even if Boss Yun’s kung fu was excellent, we probably wouldn’t have this scene today!”

Zhongli wasn't angry. He said calmly, "I'm not saying that fairy tales are bad. Fairies have their own wonders. But fairies are ultimately high above. Mortals can only watch and can't immerse themselves in the stories."

"The affairs of the world are varied and complex, full of joys and sorrows, and are even closer to life. If they can be performed well, they will surely resonate with the listeners, allowing them to empathize and become immersed in the story."

"As the saying goes, life is like a play, and a play is like life. Listening to a play is like living a part of life."

Upon hearing this, the man exclaimed, "Nonsense! Nonsense!"

"Then tell me, the recent rumors that Mr. Yun is going to wear the Goddess's Robe at the Temple, isn't that also a story with the magic of immortals? It proves that Mr. Yun still likes fairy tales."

"The Goddess Splits the Temple... Although I don't know if Mr. Yun is really putting on an act, as far as I know, the people in this story are just ordinary people, not like the rumors about the white-haired immortal. The rumors are just wishful thinking."

"Nonsense! According to you, Mr. Zhongli, even the story of the Emperor is probably fake?"

“If we go by those rumors, that’s true.” Zhongli nodded slightly. “These stories are quite different from the conclusions reached by archaeologists. History is a record of people, and as such, it is inevitably mixed with subjective intentions. It’s not surprising that it deviates from the truth.”

wow~

The teahouse building was in an uproar.

Everyone looked at Zhongli and began to discuss the outrageous remarks of this person. Although Zhongli would occasionally say a few words in the past, he had never been so 'outrageous' as today.

Su Zhe was also somewhat surprised, not expecting Zhong Li to be so reckless.

If it were an ordinary person, it would be a miracle that Zhongli has survived to this day.

"This guy is talking nonsense; he doesn't understand the Rock King Emperor at all!"

Someone shouted.

Upon hearing this, everyone was about to launch into a verbal attack when they heard a clear, crisp voice from the side.

“Mr. Zhongli’s insights are truly unique. There are some things I don’t understand about the creation of operas. After the performance, may I have a few words with you?”

When everyone turned around, they saw that it was Yun Jin, who was already dressed up.

A young girl walked over from one side of the teahouse, carrying an exquisite teapot in her hands, and placed it on the table.

"It is an honor to receive your invitation, Mr. Yun."

Zhongli did not refuse, after all, time was far too much for him, even more than Mora.

"Then thank you in advance, Mr. Zhongli." Yun Jin smiled slightly and turned to look at Su Zhe. "I left in a hurry just now and forgot to tell him. This pot of tea is for you to enjoy, Su Zhe, as a token of my gratitude. Drinking a cup while listening to the music will enhance the experience."

"Hehe~ Thank you Yun Jin, we were just thinking of ordering a drink."

Xiaogong said with a smile.

Zhongli glanced down at the tea in her hand, then at the teapot in front of Su Zhe, and fell into deep thought.

Because of Yun Jin's arrival, the impact of Zhong Li's remarks eventually faded away.

In Su Zhe's opinion, Yun Jin probably appeared intentionally just now. After all, everyone in Liyue reveres the Rock King, and some things may seem small, but they have a big impact. The best way to deal with this is to quickly divert everyone's attention.

Before long, the performance began on stage. Yun Jin's first song was "Walking in the Snow," which tells the story of a character who gets lost in the snow and, feeling lost and helpless, can't help but sigh.

Yun Jin's singing skills were indeed superb; even Su Zhe, a very ordinary person, listened with great interest.

"When I retire, it seems like it would be nice to walk the birds and listen to music every day."

Su Zhe not only thought of it.

Anyway, he has plenty of money. Although it's not enough to devour and upgrade, it's more than enough for food and drink. He can just scoop up a handful from the ocean.

Maybe I can keep the old man company.

However, once the play started, Zhongli stopped speaking.

Just as he finished his tea and was about to refill his cup, Su Zhe picked up the teapot Yun Jin had given him and poured him a cup.

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhong Li's eyes, then he nodded to Su Zhe to express his gratitude.

After the song ended, everyone forgot the unpleasantness that had just occurred and became completely immersed in the story performed by Yun Jin.

...

the other side.

Inside the meeting room.

"This is the current plan. With the Immortal Invocation Ceremony imminent, we cannot devote too much energy to eliminating Ba Che, so we can only focus on defense."

After discussing the events of this period with Keqing, Ningguang talked about Bazha's attack on Liyue.

"Your previous guess coincided with mine. Ba Che's appearance was too suspicious, and although he seemed to attack Liyue several times, he always retreated easily in the end, obviously not intending to fight head-on."

"Since that's the case, let's just go with the flow. I've set up ambush points around the seal of Ausel in the Lonely Cloud Pavilion sea area, with Gui Zhongji as the main target, and others hidden in the sea fog waiting for orders. If anything happens, they can arrive immediately."

"Besides these, what's left is..."

"Kyogre's side, right?" Keqing continued, following Ningguang's words. "We'll eat tonight... cough cough~ I'll tell him later."

Ningguang frowned: "Why didn't you ask him to come along?"

"Well... it's his first time in Liyue Harbor, so he's too excited and wants to explore on his own."

Faced with Keqing's sophistry, Ningguang simply smiled and remained silent.

Lord Yuheng Star is not good at lying at all.

"Alright, let's leave it at that." She smiled faintly. "The preparations for the Immortal Invitation Ceremony are now complete, and I've also sent Gan Yu to inform Jueyun Pavilion."

"That's good. Is there anything else?"

"There's one more thing. The Fools have been unusually active lately. Keep an eye on them when you have time."

"Again, the Fools? Is there anything special about their actions?"

Ningguang thought for a moment, then gently shook her head.

What's special about him... is that the CEO's son has been getting quite close to Mr. Zhongli lately.

However, Ningguang would never believe that Zhongli had defected to the Fools.

She planned to find a suitable opportunity to inquire about this matter.

"That's all. You can go about your business. The Mondstadt diplomatic delegation will be here in a couple of days, and I'll take care of them."

"Ah."

...

Here.

When the opera troupe announced the end of the day, everyone in the teahouse still looked like they wanted more.

"how do you feel?"

Su Zhe looked at Xiao Gong, whose eyes had been wide open the whole time.

"That's fantastic!" the girl exclaimed excitedly. Suddenly, she turned to Zhongli and asked, "This... oh, Mr. Zhongli, you know a lot about opera, right? Could you tell me something about it? Um, could you? Could you?"

Zhongli nodded: "Of course, what would you like to know?"

"The more the better!"

Zhong Li: "..."

"Mr. Zhongli, you can tell me anything you know, because I don't know anything, hehe!"

Looking at Xiaogong's smiling face, which reminded Zhongli of the energetic girl at home who always gave him headaches, he couldn't help but think of her. Upon closer inspection, she was not only similar to Xiaogong, but also exactly the same.

It's already tough enough to carry one person, let alone another one. It's going to kill him!

Su Zhe noticed Zhong Li's embarrassment and quickly tried to smooth things over.

"Xiaogong, don't be in such a hurry. Master Zhongli is very knowledgeable, and you probably won't understand what he's saying. Go out and buy a few introductory books first, and then come back to ask Master Zhongli for leave once you have a foundation."

"Hmm...that's true, I'll take a look first."

Zhong Li immediately gave Su Zhe a grateful look.

"Will Mr. Su Zhe be staying in Liyue Harbor permanently, or is he only here to invite the Ascendant?"

"I don't have any particular thoughts on the summoning ceremony," Su Zhe said with a grin. "However, I'll probably be staying in Liyue Harbor for a while from now on."

Zhongli asked, puzzled, "You don't like the ritual of inviting immortals?"