Original God, I am the only designated Red King God Envoy of Xumi

The manager asked while taking notes quickly in her notebook. She wrote so fast that Amber didn't even need to slow down her speech to accommodate her. She was indeed a veteran reporter.

"Regarding Labor Day, I actually have a lot to say." Amber crossed her fingers and slowly told the story under the manager's inquisitive eyes.

"Looking at stories and history from ancient times to the present, you can actually find that the people who are praised are always heroes, kings, generals or other people who hold high positions."

"Even if there really is a person born into a common family, he will eventually become the kind of person I described earlier. If you rank people's status in society, it forms a pyramid. The higher you go, the smaller the group becomes. The so-called elite only comprises a tiny fraction at the very top."

"This small group is praised as if all the credit belongs to them, but few people care about the structure beneath the top of the pyramid and the solid foundation that supports the entire pyramid."

Amber paused for a moment, then explained to the administrator, "But without the underlying structural support, without the foundation that holds the entire pyramid in place, can the elite at the top still exist?"

"..." The manager recorded it quickly, and she also fell into deep thought. Amber's words guided her thinking and showed her a new perspective.

"It's like a hive of ants or bees. Without the hardworking worker ants and bees, can the hive be built? And without the hive, can the entire colony still exist?"

"Obviously not. Castles in the air are simply unrealistic." The manager pushed his glasses and answered seriously.

"Yes, without the contributions of these grassroots people, this entire pyramid would no longer exist. There are so many stories and legends praising heroes and legends, but there has never been a single story praising these ordinary people, these grassroots people."

"Labor Day is to commemorate them, just like the people of the desert who are currently struggling against the wind and the scorching sun. Even as we are talking about this, they are still working hard."

"Just like the farmers working in the forest and the workers earning their wages with their own hands, they too should be praised and commended. It is because of their existence that civilization can exist and society can function."

"I don't deny the leadership of the elite, but there has to be something to commemorate the vast majority of working people."

"Thank you for your answer. I think I understand now." The manager felt a little emotional for a moment. As Amber spoke, she recalled a lot. She remembered the vast number of people who made a living with their own hands that she had seen in her daily life. Indeed, it was their existence that supported the operation of the entire society.

This is a brand new perspective. If you think about it carefully, there is indeed no day to commemorate these people. The managers initially just thought that this was a day to commemorate the initial achievements of environmental governance work, but they did not expect that the core of it was so noble.

"Next question, the Chi Nian Foundation has been established in Xumi City. Many kind-hearted people have donated Mora in the hope of helping those who are truly in need. Could you please share your thoughts on this?"

Amber's mouth corners rose slightly. The successful establishment of the foundation was good news.

"I think most people are willing to do good deeds within their means. They often lack the channels to help those truly in need. The lack of proper guidance greatly increases the threshold for doing good deeds."

"The establishment of the Chi Nian Foundation can be considered to provide an official channel to help foster genuinely warm social relationships, where people help and understand each other, which will contribute to a better future."

"However, I also have some concerns about this matter." Amber thought for a moment and sighed slightly.

"Concerns?" The manager was puzzled when he heard this. No matter who saw such a scene, they would feel warm from the bottom of their hearts. It was such a noble scene. But did the messenger of God in front of him discover any problems?

"Yes, Madam Administrator, you can calculate how much donations the foundation has received so far and how much Mora can be obtained by selling books."

As Amber spoke, the manager performed calculations. She hadn't paid much attention to it before, but now she was shocked when she calculated it - this was undoubtedly a huge sum of money.

"I believe you've discovered that with such a large sum of money, there's no doubt that there will be people who are greedy. After the establishment of the Chi Nian Foundation, there may be other foundations that will appear one after another, using the guise of 'philanthropy', but in fact they are greedy for money and want to get something for nothing."

"...Indeed." The manager nodded upon hearing this. The problem Amber raised was reasonable and well-founded. Although it has not appeared yet, there is no guarantee that it will not appear in the future.

"I think this requires everyone to supervise and maintain it, and not give greedy people any opportunities to take advantage of it."

"You have a long-term vision. You can see at a glance the problems that may arise in the future." The manager admired her from the bottom of his heart. When most people were blinded by the warm scene before them, this messenger of God could see the hidden problems at a glance, which was enough to prove her vision.

"It's nothing. I just hope that things like this can be prevented before they happen, and not discourage kind-hearted people from doing good deeds."

The manager continued to ask questions, and Amber patiently answered them one by one. After half a day of interview, the manager felt that he had benefited a lot and that this trip was right!

"Well, the interview ends here. Thank you very much for your cooperation." The manager solemnly thanked Amber. The two exchanged a few more words. The manager then led the team to another place and began to discuss the details and started to organize the interview records.

Such a noble person should be seen by more people and should be used as a "role model", the manager thought.

Chapter 79: The Land of Rocks and Wealth

On the other side of the sand barrier, across the vast rainforest, is the kingdom of rocks and wealth. The gods guarding this place are the God of Rocks, the God of War, and also the God of Wealth.

This god, who is probably the oldest, is named Morax. The Mora in Teyvat was created by him using part of his own body. According to legend, a thousand years ago, the country called Liyue was also a place where many demons were rampant, but those demons were suppressed one by one by Morax with absolute force. He and his fellow travelers created the most prosperous Liyue era today.

To this day, this god is still protecting his people. Every year during the ceremony of inviting the immortals, the God of Rock will send down new oracles based on the current situation of Liyue, blessing Liyue with eternal peace and tranquility.

Perhaps there is no being more responsible than this god, but even he has a worry that has lasted for thousands of years - when will the people of Liyue be able to truly break away from him and move towards independence?

Morax is the well-deserved father god of Liyue. He watched this "sapling" grow slowly until it became the towering tree it is today. But even now, this tree still needs his careful care. Morax hopes that the people of Liyue can break away from the gods and become independent, but now seems not the time.

The main city in the vast land of Liyue is Liyue Harbor, the largest port of the Seven Kingdoms. Thanks to the fact that Liyue is the only country among the Seven Kingdoms that has the ability to cast Mora, it is in a unique environment in terms of business, and the amount of Mora circulating in Liyue Harbor every day is incalculable.

This is also the largest city and has the largest market. It has a long history and a wide variety of delicious food. It is a well-deserved country of history and commerce.

In that bustling market, the mixed sounds of hawking were heard incessantly. There were stalls selling furniture, calligraphy and paintings, snacks, staple foods, and even providing various services. A man with extraordinary eyebrows, wearing a long gown made of fine silk, was walking among them.

He didn't walk fast, and looked at everything around him leisurely. It was rare to see people like him here. He had no purpose, but just walked around and looked around.

"Grilled tiger fish! Fresh grilled tiger fish! Hey, sir, would you like to try this grilled tiger fish?" The vendor of the snack stand stopped the man who looked quite extraordinary and invited him to come and have a look at his snacks. The man was not dissatisfied and came to the snack stand.

Seeing the customer coming, the vendor took the initiative to introduce: "Sir, my tiger fish is a must-try. If you miss this place, you will never see it again. Please try it, I guarantee you will be satisfied!"

As he spoke, the vendor handed a skewer of grilled tiger fish to the man, who took it and judged it slowly.

"Indeed, this grilled tiger fish is golden in color and has an even more tempting aroma. It must be made from live fish caught this morning, supplemented with some chopped green onions, spread with green onion and ginger water, and grilled over charcoal fire, and finally sprinkled with a little salt." As he spoke, the man took a small bite. The fish tasted excellent, maximizing the characteristics of this fresh fish.

“It has a unique combination of color, fragrance and taste.”

"I didn't expect that you are so knowledgeable, sir. This grilled tiger fish is just a snack, but there are many details involved." Seeing that the customer in front of him could see the trick of the trade at just one glance, the vendor knew that he had met an expert.

"The key to grilling tiger fish is freshness! You can't choose fish that's been left overnight just to save money. It has to be freshly caught that day. Even if you catch fish in the morning, the taste will change by the afternoon."

"The charcoal for grilling fish is also very particular. We have to use Naquesha charcoal. This kind of wood is weatherproof and can last for hundreds of years. The fire it produces is also extremely stable. This fire is perfect for grilling fish!"

"This grilled tiger fish doesn't need too much seasoning, just a simple mixture of scallion, ginger, water, and salt. Too much will affect the original flavor of the fish."

The vendor's explanation, coupled with the presence of the well-dressed man in front of the stall, attracted a lot of attention for a while.

"I wonder if you are satisfied with this fish, sir? If you are, you can buy a few more skewers and I will pack them for you."

"This kind of delicacy is indeed rare, so please give me a few skewers." The man did not hesitate at all, with affirmation of the vendor's craftsmanship in his eyes. As he confirmed that he would give a few skewers, people around him slowly gathered in front of the stall, and at once many people decided to order a few skewers.

"Okay! Here's your fish, sir!" The vendor quickly wrapped three skewers of grilled tiger fish and handed them to the man. The man took the fish and was about to pay, but suddenly realized that he didn't bring Mora.

Seeing that the vendor in front of him did not suspect him - probably because the man's clothes made him look rich or noble, no one would think that he could not afford such a small snack.

This small business was not suitable for selling on credit. The man thought for a moment, took out a folding fan he carried with him and unfolded it.

There are two cranes on the folding fan, and there is a poem on the fan. The writing is as smooth as flowing water, and the words are unique. The two cranes are also extremely vivid.

"Sir, what is this?" The vendor was quite puzzled. There were also some knowledgeable people among the crowd gathered here, and they immediately figured out what it was.

"This is the work of a famous painter from three hundred years ago! I can't mistake that style!"

As the businessman in the long gown started talking, people gathered around to watch the fun, but the man continued to explain calmly and leisurely.

"I was in a hurry to go out today and didn't bring Mora with me, but this can make up for it." As he said this, the man closed the folding fan and was about to hand it to the vendor. Seeing this, the vendor waved his hands repeatedly and didn't dare to reach out to take it.

"Sir, this is too precious! If you forget to bring Mora, you can come back later to make up for it! There's no need to do this."

"It's not right for a small business to owe money. This folding fan isn't the work of a painter from three hundred years ago, but a modern imitation. You can accept it."

"Imitation?" The vendor dared to take it, but he was still a little bit unbelievable, staring at the folding fan in his hand in a daze. However, such remarks aroused the dissatisfaction of the businessman in the long gown, and he immediately came to the man.

"You said this is a fake? Are you questioning my ability?" The businessman looked very dissatisfied, but the man remained calm and just chuckled in response.

"That's not my intention, but this folding fan is indeed a replica. So, please open it." The man gestured to the vendor to open the fan. The vendor slowly opened it and held it solemnly with both hands.

The full extent of the folding fan was revealed to the onlookers, and many marveled at it. The merchant loudly explained, "Look at the layout, and the vivid cranes. The painter loved painting cranes! Cranes are always seen in pairs, and poems often accompany them with the crane placed on the right. And the signature is so insignificant! This is clearly an authentic work!"

As he spoke, he looked at the man, and for a moment the people around him also became interested to see how this man was going to explain.

"What he said is correct, but he also overlooked one problem. Please look," the man said, pointing to the pair of cranes.

"It's true that the painter had always loved painting cranes, and his skills were exceptional. However, the artist only truly achieved this level of freedom and unconventionality in painting these cranes, after he lost his wife in middle age. After his death, the cranes he painted were always solitary. How could they be paired like they are now?"

"This folding fan was a gift from a friend of mine. He was a master of poetry and calligraphy, but because he wasn't famous enough to earn enough money to support his family, he started to have evil thoughts. Fortunately, with my advice, he turned over a new leaf, which is quite an interesting story."

The man pointed out the problem in one sentence and explained the origin of the fan. Seeing this, the merchant had to bow his hands and admit that he was short-sighted. Only then did the vendor dare to accept it - since it was a replica, the price dropped sharply.

The people around him dispersed for a moment, and the man walked away on his own. At this time, someone saw another way. He stepped forward, grabbed the vendor's hand, and sincerely asked him to take another look.

After a while, the vendor became a little impatient, but he still opened the fan again. The man looked at the fan carefully, but his attention was not on the painting but on the poetry and calligraphy.

A moment later, the man's breathing quickened considerably. He explained to the vendor, somewhat shocked, "Although the painting is a replica, this poem is the original! It was written by a famous poet named Fan a hundred years ago, so it's considered an old item!"

"Ah? Really?" The vendor tried to find the customer, but he was already far away. How could he be seen? The man in front of the vendor continued to explain, his voice filled with unconcealable excitement.

"That person said this fan was given to him by a friend, but the author of this poem died a hundred years ago, more than 40 years ago. And the person just now looked very young. If the two were really friends, he wouldn't look like this, unless—"

"...Unless it's an immortal." The vendor's voice trembled a little. Immortals are everywhere in Liyue, but they are either hiding in the mountains or among the crowd. Many Liyue people have gone deep into the mountains to seek immortal fate, but in the end they all come back empty-handed.

Although it was also possible that the man lied to avoid the vendor from accepting the product, his extraordinary temperament and profound knowledge, as well as the two people's mysterious "intuition" at the moment, all made them feel that this was a manifestation of an immortal.

"Brother, why don't you sell me this fan? The price is negotiable!"

"No! I want to leave this to my sons and grandsons! From today on, it will be my heirloom!"

There was some commotion among the vendors for a moment, but it had nothing to do with the man who had already left. He then remembered how long it had been since he had bought the fan, and lamented his miscalculation.

Although that person seemed like a friend from yesterday to him, strictly speaking it had been a hundred years. It had probably been a while since he had walked in the world like this, and he had lost some sense of time.

But it was sent away, and the poet, who had only met once, was gone. It was okay this way, Zhongli - to be precise, Morax, the guardian god of Liyue, thought so, and walked away calmly.

Chapter 80: Leisurely Wandering in the World (Revised)

Morax, the God of Rock, has been guarding Liyue for thousands of years. He is probably the most responsible god, often incarnating as a human to wander the mortal world and experience the customs and culture of this vast Liyue.

Just like now, he has transformed into "Zhongli" and is walking between heaven and earth.

It has been a hundred years since the last time this happened. The world is changing, and the familiar faces of Liyue Harbor a hundred years ago have been replaced, but some things have not changed, such as Liyue Harbor is as prosperous as ever, and Liyue is as peaceful and harmonious as ever.

"In Liyue at that time, there were great demons invading the sea and evil dragons lurking in the mountains—" In an open-air teahouse on the side of the Liyue Harbor market, there lived a man who made a living by telling stories. He was nicknamed Tian Tiezui.

Zhongli just sat here, sipping a cup of tea and listening to the same old story that he had heard countless times.

There are many legends about Liyue, and today's storytelling tells the most widely circulated one, which can be said to be a classic among classics.

"Emperor Yan Wang summoned all the immortals to return the world to..." Tian Tiezui suddenly opened his fan and said those four words in a sonorous voice: "...a bright and clear world!"

What he was talking about was just ordinary green tea, not some fine tea. What Tian Tiezui was talking about was not a well-known legend, but a story that many people were tired of hearing. But Zhongli didn't care.

Along with the sound of storytelling was the hustle and bustle of the market nearby, as well as the "human touch" brought by the comings and goings of people on the street. This was the kind of scene that Namorax loved the most, the various noisy scenes in Liyue during its heyday.

Whenever he saw these, he couldn't help but think of the old friends who had fought with him. It was with their help that Liyue became what it is today.

He sits here, feeling both present and nostalgic for the past.

Morax didn't know how long his distant memories could last under the "wear and tear". It was probably like this when people lived for a long time. Although they could still remember those things very clearly, the "emotions" accompanying those things were slowly worn away, just like looking at an old picture that had lost its color. They didn't know what to feel for a moment, and only melancholy remained.

"My dear friends, do you feel happy seeing the prosperity of Liyue?"

Tian Tiezui's story soon came to an end, but the listeners around him were all bored for a while. Only some children could still muster up the energy, let alone ask for tips.

Tian Tiezui was not discouraged. He had been prepared for this. The story of the emperor was just to warm up the atmosphere. The main event was to come!

"My dear guests, there's a saying that there's nothing new under the sun. I imagine most of you have already heard the stories of Liyue. So today, I'll tell you about the tale of the exotic Xumi!"

Tian Tiezui spread out his fan and made a gesture to start his story. When the old and new customers around saw that Tian Tiezui was telling stories about foreign countries, which was a rare occurrence, they all became interested. Even Zhongli couldn't help but look at him sideways.

"The story begins thousands of years ago, in Xumi, the Grass Kingdom adjacent to Liyue. During that turbulent era, there existed two gods: the Scarlet King, and the Great Compassionate Tree King. One of them ruled the desert, and the other the rainforest."

"I believe you've all heard of the Great Compassionate Tree King. She is the benevolent and wise god. Legend has it that she created the first rainforest and also fostered the unique environment of the current Xumi Rainforest."

"And the Scarlet King is the god who rules the desert, the god of the sun and sand. Under his leadership, the desert flourishes, its civilization perhaps even surpassing that of Liyue today—"

Tian Tiezui opened and closed the folding fan in his hand and quickly explained the preface. The story reached Zhongli's ears, making him nod secretly.

Tian Tiezui actually told a story about a foreign country. The legend at the beginning was quite brief and contained some fallacies, but considering that it was a story told by a mortal, these flaws were not unacceptable.

Compared with gods, mortals are like insects that are born in the morning and die in the evening. It is normal for these legends to be passed down from generation to generation and produce various different versions.

"However, the good times didn't last long. A hundred years ago, a disaster caused the death of both gods. The Xumi people in the desert believed that the Tree King killed the Red King, but this is just a rumor. The truth is impossible to verify. Perhaps only a knowledgeable god like the Rock King knows the truth."

"Hey! Speaking of this desert, I'm sure you readers don't know much about it. What kind of place is this desert? It's the most desolate place second only to the windless Sea of ​​Silence!"

Tian Tiezui did not hesitate to use his words, and quickly inserted descriptions of the desert in the middle of the story.

"It's covered in endless yellow sand. Ordinary plants can't grow here. Sometimes there's not even a drop of water within a ten-mile radius. It endures the scorching sun during the day and the bitter cold at night. Compared to the rainforest on the other side, it's a veritable 'desert'!"

As Tian Tiezui told the story, the audience began to imagine: if the desert was really as Tian Tiezui described, could anyone really live in such a place?

Tian Tiezui had no intention of answering these questions, and the focus of his speech this time was not here. The previous ones were just appetizers.

"The people of the desert have lived in this environment for centuries. They are undoubtedly the most resilient group of people. They have established tribes around the oases—the patches of vegetation scattered unevenly throughout the desert—and have survived tenaciously."

"If the Scarlet King could still see the current state of his people after his death, I think he would only sigh. The desert people, once united under his rule, are now torn apart, constantly fighting each other for survival."