The sudden arrival of Zhongli made Takumi feel a little embarrassed.
As soon as he revealed Zhongli's identity, the man himself showed up. The timing was too perfect, making the situation even more awkward.
Zhongli looked at Takumi speechlessly.
"Was it really necessary to expose me so quickly?"
After confirming Zhongli's identity, Ningguang and the others hurriedly stood up and bowed.
"We have seen the Emperor."
Zhongli shook his head and replied, "No."
"I am no longer the Emperor, but merely a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"I hope you all will keep my identity a secret."
His words left everyone momentarily stunned. However, Ningguang and the others quickly agreed.
Baiwen and the other secretaries promptly arranged chairs and served tea.
Zhongli did not stand on ceremony and took a seat, sipping his tea calmly.
"Takumi, continue."
With Zhongli seated, Takumi nodded and resumed explaining his plan.
"My plan is to build a new city."
"A test city in Guili Plains, designed for experimental policies and regulations."
"New laws and reforms can first be tested there before implementing them throughout Liyue."
"At the same time, it will ease the burden on Liyue Harbor."
"The new city will be entirely human-governed, reducing reliance on immortals and gods."
"Liyue may have gods and adepti, but it should not depend on them for everything."
"People-oriented development—self-reliance and continuous progress."
"In short, we should focus on infrastructure and modernization."
...
Perhaps due to the power within him, Takumi spoke fluently about these ideas.
His vision was clear—develop Liyue completely.
Teyvat was rich in resources, and it would be a shame not to utilize them effectively.
By investing in infrastructure, he could shift the mindset of Liyue's people and create economic growth.
Listening to Takumi, Ningguang rested her chin on her hand and said:
"It's an interesting proposal."
"However, this will require a significant investment of Mora."
"Just acquiring materials will demand a substantial budget."
"Mining stone and transporting supplies is a massive undertaking."
"Building a new city in just three to five years would be nearly impossible."
"The logistical challenges alone will slow progress."
"Will it take too long?"
Takumi shook his head.
"Not necessarily."
"With enough manpower, it could be done in as little as a year or a year and a half."
"My world has a material called cement—it's excellent for construction."
"Also, Teyvat has plenty of untapped resources."
"For example, rock slimes could be harvested for building materials."
"The stones they generate can be collected and used for construction."
"If necessary, we could issue commissions at the Adventurers' Guild to gather slimes."
"Electro slimes can generate electricity."
"Pyro slimes could replace firewood for cooking."
"Anemo slimes could be used for airship propulsion."
"Cryo slimes could be used for refrigeration."
"The resources are abundant, but no one is utilizing them."
"Liyue's industrial development is severely lacking."
"A new Liyue could focus on this kind of advancement."
Takumi's words made everyone at the table rethink their approach.
He had opened their eyes to new possibilities.
Slimes were everywhere and constantly regenerated.
Even some Hilichurls had figured out how to use them.
Realizing this, Ningguang and the others frowned slightly.
Were humans falling behind Hilichurls in resource utilization?
That thought was slightly unsettling.
"It's an intriguing idea," Ningguang admitted.
"Emperor, what do you think?"
She sought Zhongli's opinion.
Zhongli shook his head.
"These matters are for you to decide."
"I have retired."
"I came today merely to observe."
He had no objections and, in fact, found Takumi's ideas quite fascinating.
Using wild monsters as resources?
That reminded him of someone.
A certain troublesome woman.
Seeing Zhongli's neutrality, Ningguang nodded.
"Very well."
"Guili Plains is yours. Build whatever you see fit."
"However, you will need a supervisor."
"Keqing, I want you to assist Mr. Takumi moving forward."
"Mr. Takumi, inform Keqing of your funding needs and required resources. I will oversee the budget approvals."
"Liyue Harbor will not intervene in your project—we will only provide financial support."
"You will have full control over the city's construction."
"If you need workers, coordinate with Keqing."
Takumi nodded.
"No problem."
"First, we need to prepare the necessary materials."
"I will give you the formula for cement."
"Have it produced—it will be the foundation for our construction."
"We can also use it to pave roads."
"Currently, transportation is too slow. With cement roads, we can establish routes to Mondstadt and other regions."
"It will be an investment, but it will yield significant profits."
Ningguang was momentarily surprised but quickly realized the potential.
"That's an excellent idea."
"I will make sure you receive a portion of the profits."
"By the way, do you have a place to stay?"
"Baiwen, give Mr. Takumi the key to one of my vacant private estates in Liyue Harbor."
Baiwen nodded and promptly left to retrieve the key.
Takumi had no objections.
Having a place to stay in Liyue Harbor was convenient.
He requested a pen and paper from Ningguang and began writing down the cement formula.
Production needed to start immediately.