Throughout Liyue, there are many mountainous areas, but there are actually very few places where people live.
Only Liyue Harbor and Qingce Village have larger populations. Then there are scattered villages, but these villages are no longer inhabited. Most of the residents have moved to Liyue Harbor.
Not to mention Qingce Village, where there are no young people at all—only the elderly and children remain. Because of this, Liyue Harbor has become heavily congested, with 90% of Liyue's population residing there.
Takumi, Ningguang, and the others discussed the next steps for development at length.
Takumi did not refuse Mondstadt's request to build a road. However, he expressed concerns about the efficiency of Mondstadt's workers.
"If the road is to be built, inform Acting Grandmaster Jean," Takumi said. "Let's use Liyue's people for the construction. If we rely on Mondstadt's people, who knows when the road will be finished?"
"After all, Mondstadt's citizens rely on the Knights for every little thing—even finding lost kittens and puppies. And now they're supposed to build a road? We might as well get a group of Hilichurls to do it."
Takumi couldn't help but complain. To be honest, he found Mondstadt's residents too dependent on the Knights of Favonius.
Collie blinked in surprise but soon nodded in agreement. "Brother Takumi is right. Captain Jean helps people find lost pets every day."
She felt that Takumi had a point—Mondstadt's people were even lazier than Klee.
Seeing Klee agree, the others were dumbfounded.
"Really," Ningguang admitted. "Mondstadt does seem too relaxed at times."
Yanfei, who frequently corresponded with Eula, also knew about Mondstadt's situation. She understood Takumi's concerns. If they wanted the road completed efficiently, they really couldn't rely on Mondstadt's workers.
"Then I'll speak with Acting Grandmaster Jean about this," Ningguang said. "It's time to invite her here for a proper discussion."
Takumi nodded. "No problem. You handle it."
"And then there's the matter of electricity. I've developed some electrical devices, but we'll need specific materials."
Takumi then materialized a light bulb and a wire, placing them on the table and signaling Keqing to demonstrate.
Curious, everyone watched as Keqing injected Electro energy. The bulb immediately lit up.
"Electric lights can transform Liyue into a city that never sleeps," Takumi explained. "No more burning oil lamps, no more unpleasant kerosene fumes."
"Currently, Liyue's lanterns are alchemy-based and use kerosene, which emits a strong smell. If we switch to electric lighting, it will improve air quality and provide brighter, more efficient illumination."
"And electricity has other uses. For example, using alternating current through a coil can generate heat, allowing us to cook without an open flame."
"In the future, electricity will be essential to our daily lives."
Hearing this, everyone was amazed.
"What materials do you need?" Ningguang asked immediately. She understood the potential benefits of electricity and agreed without hesitation.
"We need a large supply of Electro Crystals," Takumi replied. "They can store electricity efficiently. The electricity generated by slimes or power stations must be stored before distribution, which requires many Electro Crystals."
Ningguang fell into deep thought. "Electro Crystals... Liyue has some, but not in large quantities. The highest concentration is in Inazuma."
"I understand. I'll ask Beidou to transport some back."
Although Inazuma was currently in isolation, Beidou's connections made smuggling possible. She could acquire Electro Crystals at minimal cost since they were not widely used in Teyvat, mainly reserved for weapon forging and alchemy. As a material, Electro Crystals were relatively cheap.
"The only drawback," she added, "is that they randomly discharge electricity and are quite fragile. If exposed to heat, they can even explode."
Takumi nodded, satisfied with Ningguang's response.
After finalizing these details, Ningguang turned to Takumi. "Have you manufactured many cars already? I plan to have Liyue's officials learn how to drive. Also, can you produce larger vehicles for the Millelith? If there's a disaster in Liyue, the Millelith can use them for quick deployment."
She had clearly thought about the practical applications of cars, so she proposed the idea without hesitation.
Takumi agreed. "That makes sense. I'm already working on it. I'll have some ready soon."
"In the meantime, you should start learning how to drive. And be careful not to hit anyone. If you do, Yanfei will have to send you to jail—long-term."
Takumi couldn't help but joke, causing Ningguang to roll her eyes.
"Of course, I'll learn properly," she replied. "I won't take risks with public safety."