Morax is dead, Liyue will fall into my hands.

Chapter Thirty-One: They're All Talented

Ningguang used to think that she had seen everything since she started from scratch and worked her way up to the position of Tianquan of the Seven Stars.

She was present at both the assassination attempt on the Geo Archon and the breaking of the seal by the Whirlpool Demon, and she calmly directed the response, perfectly resolving all the crises, which led to the peace and stability that Liyue enjoys today.

But when Ningguang saw Li Ye leading Xiao, the Demon-Subduing Great Sage and Dharma-Protecting Yaksha of the Three-Eyed Five Manifestations Immortal, into the room, and acting like an experienced person, earnestly imparting his wisdom on how to conduct oneself in the world, Ningguang was completely devastated.

Especially when he thought back to the business negotiations earlier, when Li Ye made some outrageous remarks at the dinner table, claiming that he would replace Morax, he was completely stunned.

She could only silently pray that Xiao had just returned from outside and hadn't overheard the conversation at the dinner table. Otherwise, Ningguang was racking her brains, not knowing how to save Li Ye's life.

Ningguang was devastated, and Zhongli froze completely.

He knew that Xiao was in Wangshu Inn, and he was also very clear that Xiao was by no means an impulsive or reckless person. Even if he heard Li Ye speak rudely, as long as he saw him nearby, he would definitely not attack Li Ye casually.

But Zhongli forgot that he understood Xiao but not Li Ye.

What's going on here?

Successful people trying to save troubled teenagers?

What else is there to say that Xiao trusts me?

I am merely a humble guest of the Hall of Rebirth!

Crucially, Ningguang was also present; she knew Xiao's identity.

If Xiao really acts like he's completely obedient to her, wouldn't that indirectly tell Ningguang that she's Morax?

This must be prevented from happening!

Unlike the two who were in a state of confusion, Li Ye did not forget to introduce the situation to Zhongli and Ningguang, saying: "Look, what a good person he is. He is strong and handsome. He is just a little short. Otherwise, he would be a well-known handsome young man in the surrounding area."

And what's the result? At such a young age, he doesn't think about working or saving any money. He just lazes around in Wangshu Inn every day, what will he do in the future?

I can see that this young man is very capable, and we happen to lack such talent around us. I hope he can adjust his mindset, cooperate with everyone for mutual benefit, and have something to look forward to in the future.

Even if you don't want to come to my place and prefer to stay at Wangshu Inn, you should still sign an employment contract. Your daily duties and monthly salary should be clearly stated; don't feel embarrassed.

"Boss Ji, do you think what I said makes sense?"

I don't think this makes sense! Ningguang is going crazy.

What does this mean? Are you suggesting I sign an employment contract with an immortal?

I haven't even prepared to integrate the seven stars of Liyue yet, and you're already asking me to take over as the next Geo Archon ahead of schedule?

Under normal circumstances, Ningguang might wonder why Xiao would trust Zhongli, and whether there was some hidden secret behind it.

However, upon hearing Li Ye's words, Ningguang, even though she wasn't completely flustered, had no time to think about such things.

Her mind was now completely focused on how to help Li Ye escape this predicament: "Mr. Li, I observe that this young man's eyes are sharp as knives, he is definitely not an ordinary person. Is there some misunderstanding here?"

"Misunderstanding?" Li Ye looked at Xiao beside him in confusion and said, "No, I inquired at the inn and even asked him to confirm it. He admitted it himself."

"Hey buddy, you're not actually rolling in money and already financially independent, but you're just trying to mess with me, are you?"

Xiao turned his head away, seemingly too lazy to answer Li Ye.

Seeing Xiao's attitude, Li Ye was speechless: "Look, you see, I wasn't just being presumptuous, was I? It's just the rebellious phase!"

Besides, if someone were truly a successful person, why would they bother with me? They would have already turned their backs and left. Why would they bother with me?

Mr. Zhongli, please help persuade him to see the error of his ways and not go down a dark path.

"From a general theoretical point of view, what Mr. Li said is indeed correct. Young people should indeed save more money while they are young."

As Zhongli spoke, she quickly and secretly gave Xiao a wink, signaling him to cooperate.

Seeing Zhongli's suggestive glance, Xiao thought to himself: This young man named Li Ye just now seemed to be trying to recruit me to work for him, and Lord Zhongli said that young people should save some money...

From this perspective, it seems like he's telling me to accept his invitation?

Could it be that, like Lord Zhongli, they are taking this opportunity to infiltrate his side?

This person appears frail, but judging from his boast that he will replace the Rock King Emperor, and the fact that Lord Zhongli attaches such importance to him, things are definitely not that simple.

Could it be that he was hiding his strength, and even I couldn't see it?

That's why we need to find a way to sneak into his life and then slowly work our way up!

That's probably it. Lord Zhongli is a man of great foresight and would never do anything meaningless!

After thinking it through, Xiao immediately said to Li Ye, who was still preparing to continue persuading him, "Since Mr. Zhongli says so, then I agree to give you a job."

"Even if you... ah? Wait, you said you agreed to work for me?" Li Ye was completely dumbfounded. What did that mean?

I've been trying to persuade you for so long, but you've been ignoring me. Then Mr. Zhongli just said one sentence, and you agreed to work for me.

Is the difference between people really that big?

Li Ye, filled with doubt, couldn't help but ask, "Have you two met before? Otherwise, why do you listen to him so readily, but ignore what I say?"

When Ningguang heard Xiao say that he had agreed to work for Li Ye, she instantly understood!

Xiao's real goal was probably to use this opportunity to infiltrate Li Ye's inner circle.

The claim that Xiao obeys Mr. Zhongli's every word is probably just an excuse. Even without Mr. Zhongli's words, Xiao would definitely have agreed to Li Ye's offer to recruit him in the end.

Playing hard to get! That's right!

It must be so.

If he hadn't already had this idea, given Xiao's cold-hearted nature, he probably would have already taken action against Li Ye. Why would he bother with this whole charade?

It seems that Xiao stayed in the inn the whole time and overheard Li Ye's nonsense at the dinner table.

However, he felt that Li Ye must be involved in some big secret. If he rashly killed him, it would only alert him. It would be better to sneak in and follow the clues to eventually uproot the entire force.

As a demon-slaying sage and guardian yaksha, Xiao is undoubtedly capable of killing thieves and defeating enemies, but his acting skills... are rather clumsy.

He should at least wait for Mr. Zhongli to say a few more words before agreeing. Such a rapid change in attitude is no wonder it aroused Li Ye's suspicion.

We must help Xiao dispel Li Ye's doubts, otherwise if Li Ye feels something is wrong and gives up the idea of ​​recruiting him... Xiao, seeing that the opportunity to follow the clues is gone, might turn on him on the spot.

At that point, Li Ye would truly be doomed!

Chapter 32: Xiao's Work

The more confident a person is, the more easily they fall into the trap of preconceived notions.

This is especially evident in emergency situations.

After confirming her guess, Ningguang quickly said, "Mr. Zhongli's erudition is widely recognized in Liyue Harbor, and Wangshu Inn is never short of travelers."

The young man had lived at the Wangshu Inn for many years, and must have often heard stories of Mr. Zhongli, thus developing a deep longing to visit him.

After listening to Ningguang finish speaking, Li Ye immediately snapped his fingers and said, "Boss Ji is right. I know about the rebellious phase. People don't listen to their parents or teachers at all, but instead idolize those inferior idols and believe their words without question."

"Oh, Mr. Zhongli, please don't misunderstand. I really didn't mean to criticize you this time; I just wanted to complain about this bizarre phenomenon."

After hearing Li Ye's words, Zhong Li's lips twitched slightly. Could you explain what he meant by "this time there really isn't any"?

Li Ye didn't dwell on the issue any longer. He turned to look at Xiao, scrutinized him, and said, "Since you've decided to work for me, you shouldn't mind letting me test your skills, right?"

I didn't mean anything by it. If your skills are really not that great, then I'll arrange for you to work at Jiaxuan Teahouse.

Occasionally, there might be some verbal altercations or minor squabbles, which are usually just people trying to mediate; there's practically no danger involved.

If you're really good at it, then stay by my side.

When the new bank is established, there will definitely be people who are envious and might do something underhanded behind the scenes, so there is probably some danger involved.

If you're not skilled enough, I wouldn't dare put you there.

Ningguang and Zhongli were dumbfounded when they heard that Li Ye wanted to test Xiao's skills. Was that even possible?

However, unlike them, Xiao was on high alert. He looked at the eager Li Ye with extreme caution and thought to himself: This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I must try to test Li Ye's hidden strength without revealing my identity.

With this thought in mind, Xiao looked at Li Ye and said, "Come on!"

Li Ye was waiting for this sentence, and without saying a word, he raised his fist and punched Xiao in the chest.

Seeing this, Xiao dared not be careless in the slightest. While suppressing his own strength, he cautiously reached out and grabbed Li Ye's wrist.

Then...then Xiao grabbed Li Ye's wrist...

Li Ye's eyes lit up upon seeing this: "Hmm? Young man, your skills are indeed quite impressive."

Taking advantage of Xiao's surprise and distraction, she raised her foot and kicked Xiao's knee.

Before the kick could land, Xiao pulled Li Ye's wrist to the side, causing Li Ye to stumble and fall to the ground.

Zhongli and Ningguang, who knew Li Ye's skill level, were completely unable to bear watching.

With Li Ye's mediocre skills, let alone dealing with immortals or Primal Gods with the Eye of God, he wouldn't stand a chance even against the experts from the Liyue sects.

It would be a miracle if someone could last two moves against a Xiao!

Xiao was completely dumbfounded when he saw Li Ye getting up from the ground.

What's going on? Why is this completely different from what I expected?

Could it be that Li Ye discovered something and is deliberately hiding it?

Xiao then recalled the doubts Li Ye had just raised and realized that he had agreed too quickly. Li Ye must have guessed something and was trying to lull him into a false sense of security.

Thinking of this, Xiao regretted his carelessness and dared not underestimate Li Ye in the slightest.

No wonder even Lord Zhongli chose to infiltrate his side and wait for an opportunity to act; he is indeed a formidable opponent!

Li Ye, who had gotten up, dusted off his hands. He wasn't embarrassed at all. Instead, he said to Zhongli and Ningguang with great joy, "As expected, I, Li Ye, have the ability to judge people. The first time I saw this young man, I knew he was very skilled."

The key is the ruthlessness in his eyes; he's definitely a rare and valuable asset.

Zhongli and Ningguang smiled somewhat awkwardly and reluctantly, yet they had to admit that Li Ye did indeed have the ability to judge people, but there were so many flaws that they were speechless.

Li Ye was quite satisfied with Xiao, but then he remembered that after chatting for so long, he still didn't know Xiao's name, so he asked, "My name is Li Ye. What's your name, young man? I don't know your name yet."

Xiao dared not reveal his real name and couldn't think of a suitable pseudonym for a while, so he simply tilted his head and continued to maintain his rebellious persona.

Seeing that Xiao remained silent, Li Ye remembered that Xiao had no parents or family and guessed that the name might be associated with an unpleasant memory, which was why he was unwilling to mention it to others.

He patted his forehead and said, "Sorry, I was rash. But it'll be troublesome to communicate without a name... How about I give you a temporary one? It's not really a name, just a form of address."

"How about calling me... Yuan Hua? If you don't object, then I'll call you Yuan Hua from now on?"

Xiao neither agreed nor disagreed, and Zhongli and Ningguang didn't see anything wrong with it either.