NOVEL NEXT Chapter 202: Chapter 202
Menogias looked embarrassed. No wonder he had been feeling a bit chilly earlier, thinking he was in the underworld…
Turns out, he just wasn't wearing any clothes.
Xiao quickly brought over a set of clothes, identical to what Menogias used to wear.
Menogias swiftly changed into them. After the emotional reunion, someone couldn't help but crack an inappropriate joke.
"Though, I have to say, Menogias, for a guy, your butt is surprisingly white and perky…"
Moon Carver muttered under his breath.
Menogias' face stiffened, then he retorted with a huff:
"No wonder, back during the Archon War, so many fairies and yakshas took a liking to you, yet you're still single to this day."
"Turns out you're into men? Mountain Shaper, my advice is to stay away from this guy. Who knows when he might develop some… inappropriate intentions toward you."
Moon Carver chuckled: "That's such a baseless accusation. Mountain Shaper and I are just normal old friends. We just happen to hang out a lot… Right, Mountain Shaper? …Mountain Shaper?"
Seeing Mountain Shaper quietly distance himself, Moon Carver was utterly shocked.
We're friends! How could you avoid me like this?!
Mountain Shaper coughed awkwardly: "I'll go call Madame Ping and Xianyun up."
Menogias smirked smugly at Moon Carver's crestfallen expression. Ah, this was what it felt like to be alive again…
But then, he turned his attention to the only stranger in the room and bowed respectfully:
"Thank you, young friend, for your assistance."
Jiang Ning smiled warmly: "No need for thanks. We're all family here. It's what I should do."
"Family?" Menogias was still a bit confused. "Xiao, what's going on?"
Xiao looked conflicted. He was never good with words, and explaining this situation was pushing him to his limits.
Fortunately, Zhongli stepped in to save him: "It's quite simple, actually. Liyue has now entered an era of human governance. The adepti and gods, while still present, primarily serve as overseers."
"Jiang Ning is the next Geo Archon I've chosen. Though young, he's already comparable to me and will undoubtedly protect Liyue well."
Menogias relaxed a bit. Family, huh? That made sense.
He had been worried that he might be asked to leave Liyue or join another nation. Having just reunited with Xiao, Menogias wasn't ready to part ways again.
"And this young man is also the husband of the two Electro Archons of Inazuma, as well as the chosen one of the Salt Goddess of Sal Terrae…"
Madame Ping's voice chimed in. Menogias turned to see two more old friends.
"Madame Ping, Xianyun, it's been a long time," Menogias said with a nostalgic smile.
"It has indeed," Xianyun replied calmly.
Madame Ping glanced at Xianyun and added, "Oh, and by the way, Xianyun is also with this young man now. She's even his master."
"What?" Menogias was completely lost.
It seemed like so much had happened during his absence that he felt completely out of the loop.
Xianyun didn't refute the claim, simply turning her head away.
She had learned that as long as she didn't engage or get flustered, these people couldn't tease her further.
However, Menogias seemed to remember something. If this wasn't the underworld, then…
"But, Rex Lapis, what about Bonanus…"
Menogias hesitated, his face filled with guilt and regret.
Zhongli knew what Menogias was thinking and slowly shook his head:
"We've long known the truth. It wasn't your fault. It was the karmic debt that drove you. The responsibility ultimately lies with me, for sending you to absorb and purify the remnants of fallen gods, which led to the accumulation of karmic debt."
Menogias quickly interjected: "Rex Lapis, please don't say that. We yakshas volunteered for this duty. Now that I've been revived and my karmic debt is gone, I'll continue to help Xiao fulfill our responsibilities."
Xiao was touched but spoke up: "The remnants of fallen gods are no longer a concern… Jiang Ning can help us purify them, along with the erosion."
Menogias was stunned. He grabbed Xiao's wrist and felt for himself—there was indeed no trace of karmic debt.
Menogias immediately bowed solemnly to Jiang Ning:
"Your great kindness will never be forgotten… Menogias, General Kapisas, pledges his service to you. If there's ever anything you need, just ask, and I will fulfill it."
Jiang Ning smiled: "Like I said, we're family. And about Bonanus and Indarias you mentioned earlier—they're also being nurtured by me. As for Guizhong, her remains haven't been found yet."
Menogias thought for a moment: "As for Bosacius… I might have some leads…"
Xiao was startled: "What leads?"
Menogias looked into the distance: "The Chasm…"
"That place…" Xiao frowned. "I'll go there later."
Menogias wasn't about to let Xiao go alone: "I'll go with you."
Xiao didn't object.
Jiang Ning added: "Before you go, make sure to inform Master Zhongli. Also, Menogias, take some time to recover your strength… And if you can, try to gather some remnants of fallen gods. I have a use for them."
Xiao knew this was to prepare for the revival of his siblings and Guizhong, so he readily agreed.
Menogias, though unsure of the purpose, was determined to help.
"Well, tonight calls for a celebration to welcome back an old friend…"
Zhongli finally showed a rare smile.
"Go, make us some dishes."
The Earth Dragon, Azhdaha, said casually.
Jiang Ning rolled his eyes: "Fine."
Menogias, who knew how to cook, immediately offered: "I'll help."
…
After Menogias' return, he left with Xiao.
After all, the yakshas were a tight-knit group, and they had much to catch up on after so many years apart.
The two adepti and two dragons went off to enjoy their bachelor lives—drinking and admiring the moon.
Meanwhile, Jiang Ning went home to sleep with his beloved wives.
The night passed uneventfully.
The next morning, Menogias showed up at Jiang Ning's door.
"Menogias… Is something the matter? Care to join us for breakfast?"
Jiang Ning was in the middle of eating when Menogias waved his hand:
"No need, I've already eaten. I just have some questions for you."
"Is it about Indarias and Bonanus? Wondering when they'll be revived?"
Jiang Ning saw right through him.
Menogias felt a bit embarrassed. He had just been revived and was already bothering Jiang Ning, which felt a bit inappropriate.
But this concerned his siblings, and Menogias still carried guilt over his fight with Bonanus.
As for Xiao, the youngest of them, he was a man of few words and wouldn't ask about such things, so Menogias had to come himself.
Jiang Ning thought for a moment and said:
"About that, it'll have to wait. Guizhong is next in line…"
"Originally, the plan was to revive Guizhong first, but after going to Inazuma and obtaining the Electro Archon's authority, it synergized perfectly with Makoto's energy, making the process much more efficient."
"Then, after returning, I planned to continue nurturing Guizhong, but you showed up. And among you, Menogias, your energy aligned perfectly with mine, Master Zhongli's, and Azhdaha's."
"That's why you got to jump the queue. If I don't hurry up and finish nurturing Guizhong, Master and Madame Ping will probably knock some sense into me."
Jiang Ning looked a bit exasperated. He had thought that after gathering so much energy in Inazuma and Liyue, he'd be set.
But it turned out the more resources he had, the more he needed. It was never enough. He couldn't just drain his divine energy every day, leaving himself weak and sickly, just to speed things up, could he?
Menogias scratched his head: "I see… I understand. Let's stick to the plan. No need to rush."
Though Menogias was anxious, there was nothing he could do except gather more remnants of fallen gods to help Jiang Ning replenish his energy.
Jiang Ning sighed. Look at other protagonists—they could casually manipulate time, pluck people from the past, and do all sorts of incredible things with a wave of their hand.
Why was it so complicated for him?
Ah, it must be the system's fault.
"System, come out and take the blame."
[...]
But the system couldn't respond. A few days ago, it had mentioned that it would be entering a dormant state for a while.
Its new body was ready, and it needed time to adjust and find a suitable template.
Jiang Ning was just venting. He then asked with concern:
"By the way, Menogias, is there anything wrong with your body? Any discomfort?"
Menogias shook his head: "No, it's perfect. Even stronger than my original body."
"What are your plans now?"
Menogias smiled: "I'll definitely settle down in Liyue Harbor. Back when we were the Five Yakshas, we always talked about living a peaceful, ordinary life."
"Now's the perfect opportunity to fulfill that dream. Plus, I've always wanted to open a clothing and design shop."
Among the Five Yakshas, Menogias had a passion for fashion. The clothes they wore were all designed and made by him.
Menogias continued: "And Xiao… I've always told him to interact more with people. He used to use the karmic debt as an excuse, but now that it's gone, he has no reason to avoid it."
"Even if I have to drag him by the collar, I'll bring him from Wangshu Inn to Liyue Harbor," Menogias added.
Jiang Ning chuckled: "Good luck with that."
"As for the tailor shop… I can help with that."
Jiang Ning thought for a moment, then pulled out a flip-phone-like device his master had made, which allowed communication within Liyue, and called Ningguang.
The call connected quickly, and Ningguang's voice came through:
"What brings you to call me?"
Jiang Ning said: "Ningguang, can you do me a favor?"
Ningguang replied: "Go on."
Jiang Ning explained: "Menogias, one of the Five Yakshas, has returned. He wants to open a clothing and design shop. Do you know of any good locations?"
Ningguang casually said: "That's easy. I'll arrange it. Head to XX shop in Feiyun Slope. A merchant will hand over the deed and keys to you. Just let me know what design style you want, and I'll have it taken care of."
Jiang Ning grinned: "Thanks, Ningguang."
Ningguang chuckled: "It's nothing. The Five Yakshas have done so much for Liyue. A small shop is the least we can do. I'll also handle all the paperwork and provide staff and promotion if needed."
Menogias quickly interjected: "That won't be necessary. Just having a shop is more than enough."
After all, he had just been revived and didn't have a single Mora to his name…
Ningguang exchanged a few more pleasantries with Menogias before Jiang Ning ended the call.
"Well, that's settled!"
Jiang Ning looked triumphant.
Menogias hesitated: "Won't this make you owe her a favor?"
Jiang Ning waved it off: "Not at all. Ningguang is family—my wife, to be exact. We don't keep score between family."
Menogias finally relaxed.
After finishing breakfast, the two headed straight to Feiyun Slope.
Even early in the morning, Feiyun Slope was bustling with activity.
The shop Ningguang mentioned was in one of the best locations on the main street.
A merchant was waiting at the entrance, scanning the crowd. When he spotted Jiang Ning, he immediately approached with a smile.
"Lord Jiang Ning, Lord Menogias, your presence honors us. I'm Zhang, here on Lady Ningguang's orders to assist you."
Jiang Ning nodded, then frowned: "You seem familiar… Zhang… Manager Zhang?"
Manager Zhang beamed, flattered:
"Lord Jiang Ning, your memory is impeccable. Some time ago, you and Lady Ganyu sold a batch of adepti artifacts to me. That transaction helped me build my fortune, and I've since had the honor of serving under Lady Ningguang."
Jiang Ning remembered. This was the merchant who had bought a bunch of useless items from his master when they needed money to buy a house in Liyue Harbor.
The merchant was overjoyed.
That transaction had earned him respect among the major guilds, even though his own wealth couldn't compare. After Jiang Ning was announced as the next Geo Archon, those guilds had started giving him preferential treatment.
This had allowed him to climb the ranks and eventually join Ningguang's circle. Now, the shop he had been hesitant to sell had been purchased by Ningguang at a high price and handed over to Jiang Ning and the yaksha.
This was a golden opportunity to curry favor, but he knew Ningguang and these esteemed guests valued honesty above all.
He decided to stick to his usual straightforward approach.
With that in mind, the merchant began enthusiastically introducing the shop to Jiang Ning and Menogias.
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