Baiwen finished speaking, and the other two secretaries glanced up at Gu Sanqiu, clearly ready to indulge in some juicy gossip during this rare moment of leisure.
"Wait, someone actually had the nerve to venture into that battlefield?"
Gu Sanqiu was genuinely surprised. That adventurer must have nerves of steel—or rocks for brains. For a regular adventurer to get close enough to see the heart of the battlefield… that level of recklessness could rival his family's.
"Was it really you? Are you trying to give the Millelith stationed outside an early vacation? Just yesterday, we even received an application from them to host a team-building activity."
"Huh? No corrupted fragments? What about other tasks? Are the hilichurls gone? Has the Treasure Hoarders' activity ceased? And what about those Whopperflowers corrupted by malevolent energy? Are they all dealt with?"
No bosses left to fight, no dungeons to grind—surely, they weren't done with everything else too?
Have all the treasure chests been opened? Reputation quests maxed out? Side missions completed? Invitations and legends fulfilled? Supplies stocked? Plants cultivated? Fishing handled? And those endless Serenitea Pot renovations finished?
Even the Millelith stationed within the city were drowning in work, let alone those stationed outside. Gu Sanqiu doubted the validity of that team-building application.
"After such a massive commotion, do you think anything else would dare stir up trouble? Anyone unaware might assume Liyue was testing some kind of high-powered weapon in the Guili Plains."
Baiwen rolled her eyes at him. "Good thing Guili Plains is in Liyue's heartland. If this had happened near the borders, the diplomats would be scrambling, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs would have to deal with spies trying to steal data."
"Oh, so that's how it is. Can I get an honorary citizenship certificate for my contribution? Or better yet, a cash reward? The assets of the Sanxuan Guild would suffice."
"You're still eyeing that money?"
Ningguang chuckled. "Alright, you've done enough for today. But if you're planning to come by over the next few days, you can just stay here. Your room is still ready."
"That's a tempting offer, but not today. I have to stop by the Secret Archive."
Gu Sanqiu sighed. "Dealing with those research maniacs again... It's a nightmare."
"Unfortunately, we need you to keep an eye on them."
Ningguang shook her head. "For them, only someone they respect in their field can command their attention. Right now, you're the only one who fits the bill."
"If it's not a major issue, even the Seven of us struggle to influence them. Only you can make them behave."
"Sometimes, I really wonder why our ancestors created the Secret Archive. It feels more like a headache for us descendants."
"Wait, Gu Sanqiu, don't leave yet!"
In a secluded area, a man in white hurried after Gu Sanqiu, bombarding him with questions. The exasperation on Gu Sanqiu's face was unmistakable.
"Regarding certain issues," the man continued, "the Secret Archive's Military Division still lacks adequate understanding. How about you stay and guide us for a bit longer? We only need ten days or so. With our collective expertise, that's all the time we'd need to crack these problems!"
"Gu Sanqiu, if we solve the 'Thunderstrike Arrow Elemental Leakage' issue, it could become a standard-issue weapon for the Millelith!"
"This equipment could significantly increase our lethality while reducing casualties. You can't just leave this unresolved!"
"If I recall," Gu Sanqiu said, narrowing his eyes, "I already provided detailed reports about the Thunderstrike Arrow during my last visit. Yet you still haven't initiated an official project?"
The man in white hesitated, his expression turning awkward.
"So… am I to assume you haven't even read the documents I gave you?"
"Of course not! Your reports are treasures within the Secret Archive. Every member working on the Thunderstrike Arrow project can recite them verbatim!"
"Then why was the prototype I tested last time still a complete mess? If it causes paralysis in the field, you know what the consequences would be."
"That's why we haven't deployed it yet…"
"Yet here you are, wasting my time asking me to explain it again! Were you planning to drag me into something else halfway through the discussion?"
"Uh… For Liyue's prosperity, the Secret Archive has many projects to juggle. The Thunderstrike Arrow isn't exactly a priority…"
Gu Sanqiu's temple throbbed. "So that's the truth, huh?"
"But if you stayed at the Secret Archive permanently, we could transform Liyue into an unassailable fortress within three to five years!"
The man grew increasingly animated. "Then no armed personnel could enter Liyue Harbor, Fatui or otherwise. We'd guarantee everyone's safety with absolute confidence!"
"Three to five years? Too long."
Gu Sanqiu clapped the man's shoulder.
"Also, don't forget the Archive's original purpose. Beyond agricultural and military research, your primary responsibility is something else entirely."
"That's why we want you to take charge!"
"Great idea, but it's not enough to trick me into being your unpaid labor."
Gu Sanqiu deadpanned, "When you took a mountain of records and techniques from my family, I knew you were overambitious researchers with no self-awareness."
"Stop aiming for grand schemes all the time. Focus on the present. Have you worked on the crop improvement and soil restoration plans I mentioned last time?"
"Uh, the Archive usually focuses on…"
"Don't tell me it's unimportant. If you do it well, you'll be hailed as heroes, worshiped in temples. My descendants might even be responsible for offering incense to you."
The man in white hesitated. "Gu Sanqiu, isn't it a bit early to talk about future descendants when you're still single?"
...
Gu Sanqiu gave him a long, hard look.
"Goodbye."
With a flash of green light, Gu Sanqiu vanished.
"Wait! That looked like Anemo energy! But the Gu family's Visions are usually Geo!"
The man's eyes lit up. "Wait, Gu Sanqiu, come back! Let's discuss replicating that ability of yours!"
It was probably for the best that Gu Sanqiu didn't hear this. Otherwise, the man would've found himself buried under a well-executed Geo quake.
---
T/N: I have no idea what the translation for the Secret Archive is...
Greetings, esteemed reader.
Your presence throughout this chapter's journey is deeply appreciated. In Liyue, we hold that every tale, much like the enduring stone, gains strength through the appreciation of those who encounter it.
Should you wish to support WiseTL's dedicated endeavors in bringing these narratives to you, you may consider visiting:
[patreon.com/WiseTL].
Even the most modest contribution serves as a cornerstone, fortifying the foundation upon which future stories are built.
With sincere regards,
Zhongli