Mr. Pantalone has no crazy plans today.

"Therefore, the first obstacle that mankind needs to overcome is the gods on whom mankind relies."

Pantalone's words plunged Zhongli into deep thought once again. After hearing Pantalone's words, he basically understood what Pantalone was trying to say.

This is not only his answer to his own views, but also Pantalone's answer to the question he asked himself: what should humanity do if it lost its gods?

The meaning of this answer is quite obvious: if you want children living under your parents' wings to have the ability to withstand the storms of life, then the first thing parents need to do is let go.

Only when parents who are gods let go of their children, can humanity truly enter an era of human-led governance.

Otherwise, humans living under the protection of the gods would ultimately be nothing more than toys for the gods.

Perhaps this statement is somewhat biased, but it is not entirely without merit.

As he pondered and sorted through all this, Pantalone suddenly brought up another topic that seemed somewhat inexplicable to him.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Zhongli, do you know why birds can fly?"

"Hmm... According to common sense, I would answer that birds can fly naturally, and there's no reason why, but that's obviously not a satisfactory answer, is it?"

Faced with this seemingly inexplicable question, Zhongli gave the following answer.

Upon hearing this answer, Pantalone simply smiled and didn't say anything more, such as that the answer wasn't what he wanted, since this was the very topic he had brought up.

"In my opinion, Mr. Zhongli did not say anything wrong, but as you pointed out, it is not a qualified answer for a debate topic."

"But if I were to answer this question as the person involved, I would say that birds fly because they want to fly, and that's the destiny they create for themselves."

"However, this is just an ideal answer. If I were to express my true thoughts, my response would be—"

"When divine punishment descends from the heavens, only the free bird can escape its predetermined demise."

"The sacred plan that was created in the heavens from the beginning encompasses everything, and the eternal law that no one in the world has ever witnessed governs all things in the world."

"The true Dharma can only be submitted to and respected, and must never be usurped. If anyone dares to imitate or copy that forbidden technique, only annihilation awaits at the precipice of wisdom. But what in this world is eternal and unchanging?"

"Even the highest laws in the heavens may not be the truly eternal and unchanging laws. Under the eternity of the false heavens, all that awaits humanity is a dreamless future."

"Humanity needs to change; it is inevitable. Only through change can we escape our predetermined demise, even if it means violating the absolute laws of the heavens."

"Because only in this way can mankind transform into birds and escape their predetermined demise."

Pantalone's words silenced Zhongli. Although there were many metaphors in Pantalone's words, he still clearly understood what he meant.

He had personally witnessed the downfall of dynasties and ancient kingdoms that had violated the sacred laws of the heavens, and for that reason, he understood all too well what Pantalone was alluding to.

Those are taboos that are absolutely inviolable according to the sacred laws of the heavens.

This further confirmed for him the will of the Ice God in the distant northern snow country.

Even if it means violating the law, it is a determination to do it.

The meaning conveyed in Pantalone's words is quite clear.

Without a doubt, this was an invitation to join the game.

Just as Zhongli was pondering this matter, Pantalone slowly stood up from his seat and said.

"Of course, Mr. Zhongli can also take everything I have said as the ramblings of a fool. At least I have answered my question. As for how Mr. Zhongli views my ramblings, that is his own business."

As he spoke, Pantalone gestured to the teahouse owner next to him to settle the bill.

After paying for the tea, Pantalone got up and left, waving goodbye to Zhongli before leaving.

"In that case, let's leave it at that for now. I hope I will have the chance to meet Mr. Zhongli again."

With a light laugh, Pantalone greeted Zhongli and then disappeared from his sight.

Zhongli remained silent, holding the cup of hot tea in his hand, unable to forget it for a long time.

Chapter 123 Consumption from Tartaglia (4k)

After Pantarone finished his conversation with Zhongli, he left the tea stall and walked along the streets of Liyue Harbor.

The misty rain fell from the gray sky, splashing ripples on the wet ground, like delicate flowers blooming.

The entire street was shrouded in a hazy mist by the drizzle, creating a poetic scene as Pantarone, dressed in traditional Liyue attire, walked under the rain-colored sky.

Even though he had grown accustomed to the scenery of Liyue Harbor during this time, he still preferred to walk slowly through it at this moment, gazing at the landscape with his own eyes.

For Pantarone, this was a different landscape from the winter snow and the skies and plains of Mondstadt. This ancient charm was filled with a unique flavor that could only be found on the land of Liyue. This feeling always gave him a sense of familiarity compared to other countries.

This is true even when you are in a foreign country or in another world.

This feeling is something that no other country in the world, except Liyue, can give him. Even though he knows that this country is not the same as the land in his memory, it is enough for him to be able to find some familiarity.

However, the scenery along the way was ultimately just fleeting smoke, and he would never forget what his true purpose was.

After the leisure time is over, it's time to work.

He abandoned his previous casual demeanor, and his expression became indifferent.

After crossing to the end of the street, he saw the carriage that had been waiting for him there.

Around the carriage stood an intellectual young man dressed in traditional Liyue attire, and another man in a Fatui uniform, all standing respectfully awaiting his arrival.

He is Yusupov, the head of the Fatui's ambassador to Liyue.