Ningguang was now eagerly anticipating what Takumi would come up with next.
She had no hesitation in providing resources—whether it was manpower or funding. As long as Takumi could produce results, the investment was worthwhile.
His previous suggestions had already yielded great success.
For example, Liyue Harbor had started using Geo Slimes to break down waste.
For anything that couldn't be decomposed, Pyro Slimes were used to incinerate it.
Everything was progressing smoothly.
Wind Slimes were even being used to purify the air, preventing the spread of smoke from the incineration process.
However, using Wind Slimes for air purification proved problematic.
They only lasted for a few days before perishing.
Despite this, their effectiveness was undeniable.
It wasn't a significant issue—capturing them carefully ensured a steady supply.
Ningguang had even assigned researchers to study the potential applications of Wind Cores.
She believed that it wouldn't take long to fully harness their power.
If these creatures could be efficiently utilized, Liyue would benefit greatly.
Many foreign merchants residing in Liyue were astonished by these innovations.
Visitors from Fontaine and Sumeru, in particular, had witnessed Liyue's transformation firsthand.
Liyue was evolving rapidly, and no one could predict what would come next.
However, one thing was certain—Liyue was brimming with business opportunities.
Once the new city was built, it would flourish.
This meant even more commercial prospects.
Some entrepreneurs had already inquired with the Ministry of Civil Affairs about purchasing property in the new city.
Many sought to buy storefronts in advance, intending to establish businesses.
After all, the new city was closer to Mondstadt.
As a free city-state, Mondstadt had many merchants conducting trade.
Reducing travel time meant maximizing profits.
Mondstadt's wines were renowned across Teyvat.
With a more direct export route, no businessman would miss out on this opportunity.
Being landlocked, Mondstadt lacked a major port.
The city had only a small pier, incapable of accommodating large vessels.
Thus, all Mondstadt exports had to pass through Liyue's harbor.
With the new city's port under construction, exporting Mondstadt's wines through this location was entirely feasible.
Moreover, the newly built concrete roads facilitated faster transportation.
Once all roads were completed, travel between Mondstadt and Liyue would become even more efficient.
It was the perfect time to invest.
Who would want to miss out on such an opportunity?
Despite growing interest in purchasing commercial property, the Ministry of Civil Affairs declined to sell any yet.
Instead, they advised interested buyers to wait for an official announcement.
After all, future plans depended on Takumi's progress.
Whether properties would be sold or leased remained undecided.
From the start, it had been made clear that Liyue Harbor would not interfere with Guili Plains' development.
The decision ultimately rested with Takumi.
...
After briefing Ningguang, Takumi resumed his work.
He then went out to inspect the construction site.
Upon finding Keqing, who was overseeing operations, they proceeded to the water purification facility to check its progress.
Gazing at the site under construction, Keqing asked,
"Is this really necessary?"
"Wouldn't it be easier to just let people fetch water from the river?"
"The water here is already quite clean."
She didn't understand the need for such an elaborate setup.
Takumi blinked before explaining.
"This water purification facility will use Hydro Slimes to refine river water into higher-quality purified water."
"The purified water will then be distributed through pipelines to every household."
"We'll also install an alchemy-powered device to regulate water pressure."
"That way, water can reach upper floors in high-rise buildings."
"Additionally, every household will have a meter installed to track water usage."
"In the future, tap water will not be free."
"And while we're at it, we need to work on electricity as well."
"There's a lot to do."
"A power plant needs to be built, too."
"This new city won't be like Liyue Harbor."
"A lot of things need to change."
"Liyue Harbor still carries strong adeptal influences."
"This new city, however, will be built by and for its people."
"It should have its own identity, don't you think?"
Hearing Takumi's words, Keqing's eyes lit up.
Clearly, Takumi's vision aligned with her ideals.
"I fully support this."
"Just tell me what you need me to do."
"Getting rid of adeptal influence is something I strongly believe in."
Keqing was fired up.
She felt that Takumi was absolutely right.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Takumi smirked.
"For now, just focus on supervising the project."
"I'll take care of the rest."
"In the near future, my priority is setting up transportation."
"Then, we'll complete the residential areas."
"Once we've tackled transportation, I'll move on to electricity."
"We can't have people still relying on candlelight, can we?"
"It's time to introduce modern lighting."
Hearing this, Keqing nodded, feeling inspired.
They continued inspecting the site.
The water purification plant was quite large.
Once operational, it would source water directly from the river.
A large number of Hydro Slimes would also be contained within the facility.
In summer, Cryo Slimes could be used to provide cold water.
For hot water, Pyro Slimes could be employed.
Takumi had carefully thought through every detail.
Slimes were invaluable resources that shouldn't be wasted.
Liyue had already begun capturing slimes in large numbers.
In the future, wild slimes might become rare.
Perhaps they would even need to start breeding them artificially.
Never underestimate human ingenuity.
Slimes might one day become protected creatures.
Beyond slimes, Takumi also pondered how Hilichurls could be integrated into Liyue's development.
Could they be assigned jobs?
It seemed feasible.
However, Hilichurls were deeply connected to the ley lines.
For now, it was best not to interfere.
Perhaps in the future, when Liyue had the strength to challenge Celestia, such matters could be reconsidered.
After contemplating for a while, Takumi pushed the thought aside.
He and Keqing continued their rounds.
After finishing his inspections, Takumi returned to Wangshu Inn.
The day passed quickly.
By then, Klee and Hu Tao had also returned.
However, Hu Tao was sprawled across the table like a lifeless fish.
It seemed Klee had exhausted her.
Even Hu Tao, who was usually full of energy, couldn't keep up with Klee's boundless enthusiasm.
After all, Klee wasn't just any child—she was an elf, not a human.