"What do I see in Liyue?"
Sipping his tea, Hiroshi savored the flavor of the green tea cultivated in his world. He looked towards the distant city of Liyue and spoke softly, "It feels just like my old hometown."
"Full of nostalgic memories."
"Oh?"
Zhongli turned his gaze towards Hiroshi, curiosity piqued. "What do you mean by that?"
Setting down his teacup, Hiroshi looked at the sky with a smile. "According to ancient legend, in the distant past, two great deities named Nuwa and Fuxi created the human race."
"Back then, the world was just beginning. Heaven and earth were one, and demons roamed freely."
"Nuwa and Fuxi protected the fledgling human race as they lived in the wilderness."
"As time went on, the world started to change. The sky grew higher, and the earth became deeper."
"Some gods began to leave the earth, heading towards the increasingly distant heavens, while some demons settled deep within the earth."
"The land returned to the hands of many races."
"At that time, the various races started fighting endlessly to determine who would become the rulers of the land."
"Humans, of course, were one of those races."
"With the protection of Nuwa and Fuxi, humanity fought in an unending struggle."
"Many races fell in that struggle, and countless guardian gods entered eternal slumber."
"Nuwa and Fuxi also grew weaker from the constant fighting and fell into a deep sleep."
"However!"
"By that time, the children once sheltered under the wings of the two deities had already grown up. After enduring pain and hardship, mythical figures began to emerge from the human race."
"They led humanity, now without their divine parents' protection, through the harsh land."
"They invented writing, passed down knowledge, established moral codes, and united civilization."
"From then on, civilization passed from generation to generation, and its spirit never dimmed."
"With the fire of civilization, humanity absorbed the remnants of defeated races, using the fire to fully integrate them."
"From that moment, humanity embarked on their own unique path."
"Countless years later, the earth was left with only one race: humans."
"In time, to prevent gods and demons from invading their land, humanity once again united their strength to begin a new era."
"They severed the connection between heaven and earth, blocking all paths for gods and demons to reach the human realm."
"From then on, the era of humanity began."
Turning to look at Zhongli, who was listening attentively, Hiroshi smiled. "Of course, these are just the ancient myths of my homeland."
"The place where I was born is an eastern land composed of fifty-six different ethnic groups."
"It was an era of advanced human civilization, where various ideas took root and grew into towering trees."
"At the same time, ancient buildings stood alongside modern structures."
"It was almost identical to Liyue in appearance."
"And those myths, whether true or false, bear a striking resemblance to some of the things in this land."
"So, Zhongli, or rather—"
Hiroshi looked seriously at Zhongli. "Rex Lapis, can you tell me what that island in the sky, shrouded in danger, truly is?"
"Can you tell me what those strange stars in the sky are?"
"Can you tell me what lies in the depths of the earth, that profound darkness?"
"I live in this world now, and I want to know the true nature of these mysteries!"
Zhongli sighed slightly, looking at Hiroshi. "And if you knew, what would you do?"
"I would determine if they pose a threat to me or the people and things I care about."
Staring firmly at Zhongli, Hiroshi said decisively, "If they do, then I will eliminate them completely before they become a threat!"
"Is that so."
Zhongli gazed at the unmelted snowy peak that towered between heaven and earth, then downed his tea.
"In that case, you must grow stronger!"
His golden eyes focused on Hiroshi, Zhongli spoke solemnly, "Stronger than anyone else! Strong enough to stand against the world if need be!"
"Due to my contract, I cannot give you the answers you seek."
"However!"
Standing up, Zhongli looked out at Liyue beneath him, smiling. "Once my final contract is fulfilled..."
"Then, the one known as Zhongli will embark on a new journey with you."
"After all, there are still so many interesting things beyond this world."
Looking at Zhongli with a smile, Hiroshi shook his head. "You sound just like Venti."
"But your final contract, huh?"
Leaning on his hand, Hiroshi looked at the countless ships setting sail from Liyue and smiled.
"The child has grown up, and the parents have decided to let him soar between heaven and earth."
"Hmm?!"
Surprised, Zhongli looked at Hiroshi and said in astonishment, "Hiroshi, have you already understood my next plan?"
"Haha."
Seeing Zhongli's surprised expression, Hiroshi couldn't help but laugh. "It's quite obvious that the age of humans is beginning in Liyue."
"While gods still exist, the adepti have already retreated into the mountains."
"And you, a god—"
Hiroshi looked up at Zhongli and smiled. "You look like a father letting his child go."
"Hahaha."
Laughing, Zhongli refilled his teacup and downed it in one gulp.
"So that's how I appear to you, an outsider, Hiroshi."
Picking up the tea pouch from the table, Zhongli waved his hand in farewell and began walking away.
"Brother Hiroshi, what were you talking about just now?"
Having just returned, Klee ran out from the back door, hugging Hiroshi as she curiously asked, "Who was that big brother just now? Why did he seem familiar to me?"
Patting Klee's head, Hiroshi asked with a smile, "What did Klee think of that big brother?"
"Hehe."
"Klee thinks he's a good person!"
"Hahaha."
Hearing Klee's answer, Hiroshi couldn't help but laugh. He picked her up and playfully pinched her nose. "Where did you run off to this time? Your nose is all dirty."
"Eh?!"
Surprised, Klee quickly wiped her nose. "That's strange. Klee washed her face!"
"Tell me, where did you go after delivering food to Lumine and the others?"
"Hehehe."
Klee laughed awkwardly and took out a five-petaled flower, offering it to Hiroshi.
"This is a gift from Qiqi. Brother Hiroshi, Klee made two new friends today!"
Rubbing Klee's head, Hiroshi took the flower Klee handed him.
"That's wonderful."
"Hehe, Klee thinks so too."
"Brother Hiroshi, Yaoyao and Qiqi are here too. Come with Klee to meet them!"
"Of course, I'd love to meet Klee's new friends."