Genshin Impact: I am the Great General of Liyue

Chapter 265 Deep Undercurrents Beneath the Lamp

Chapter 265 Hidden Currents Beneath the Lamp

After exchanging greetings about their lives, Paimon changed the subject and started talking about serious business.

"Oh, right, Kaya, here's what happened."

After Paimon finished explaining the situation, Kaeya began to think.

"Hmm... the wood, paper, and oil used for building the lamps... no matter how you look at it, they can easily slip into dangerous directions... Hmph, very interesting. Why do you think I can solve the problem?"

Upon hearing the question, Ying answered without hesitation.

"Because Kaiya has connections in both the legal and illegal worlds, Kaiya is dependent on him."

Paimon put his hands on his hips and nodded.

Upon hearing this answer, Kaiya subconsciously looked around and clicked his tongue.

"Tsk tsk. As an honorary knight, one must be careful with one's words. What does it mean to be involved in both the legitimate and illegitimate dealings? We, the Knights of Favonius, do not make deals with the enemy. This is the virtue of a knight's 'honesty.'"

Seeing Kaiya say this in such a serious tone, Ying pouted.

Before we say that, let's memorize the contents of the Knight's Guidebook first.

Calling someone "Storm" the moment you meet them—is that what you call chivalry?

Ignoring Ying's expression, Kaiya got back to the main topic.

"This is the symbol of the transnational criminal organization 'The Treasure Thieves.' If you're interested, I, Kaeya, can arrange for you to meet your informant."

An "informant" is someone who provides intelligence information and voluntarily takes risks to gain benefits.

An "informant" can be an undercover agent in an official organization, or a criminal with a questionable background who is redeeming himself through leniency.

At this moment, Paimon couldn't help but complain after hearing what Kaeya said.

"Don't the Knights of Favonius refuse to make deals with their enemies?"

Upon hearing this, Kaiya put his hands on his hips, looking quite self-righteous.

"—That's my informant, Kaeya's, not from the Knights of Favonius. Let's go to the Windrise later. I'll arrange for my informant to attend the meeting."

"Thank you, Kaya."

Seeing Paimon's rapid change in attitude, Kaeya smiled slightly, left after saying a few words.

"I've remembered that, 'True wisdom comes from wine.'"

"Ok?"

Paimon was completely baffled when Kaiya uttered those five words without any apparent reason.

Why do we need to remember this? Why?

Looking at the bewildered and innocent Paimon, Ying smiled meaningfully.

Paimon was even more puzzled upon seeing this, and had no choice but to silently memorize the proverb.

Upon arriving at the Land of the Rising Wind, near a relatively secluded campsite for solo travelers, Ying and Paimon indeed spotted someone.

This man, named Ninglu, had a handsome face and brown hair with a long whip. He was a 30-year-old man who looked somewhat fierce.

He stood up warily, his eyes scanning Ying and Paimon.

Seeing this, Paimon asked, "Are you the informant recommended by Mr. Kaia?"

"What informant? No."

"But, at this agreed-upon place, only you are here..."

"What agreement? I don't know."

Ning Lu turned away, closed his eyes, and claimed ignorance, showing no intention of engaging with anyone.

Seeing the other party's attitude, Paimon frowned and became furious.

Seeing this, Ying had no choice but to utter those five words.

"True wisdom comes from wine."

Upon hearing the code, Ning Lu opened his eyes and smiled.

"Yes, they're one of our own."

Paimon was utterly speechless.

"What's the point of this formality?!"

Yeah, what's the point? White floating objects, blonde travelers, who else could impersonate this combination?!

Could there be some kind of master of disguise who can shrink his body and float in the air?

Instead of answering Paimon's question, Ninglu got straight to the point.

"Anything you want to ask?"

Seeing this, Paimon didn't press the matter further and began to recount the story in detail.

After listening to Paimon's account, Ning Lu showed a thoughtful expression.

"I don't think this was the work of a treasure-hunting gang. The reason they were able to build a multi-national empire is because they always adhered to one fundamental principle—'Fortune favors the bold' is a lie; steady, methodical progress is the only true path."

For example, before Huiyuan, when the Rock King Emperor had just been assassinated, the roadblocks he encountered were more than ten people dressed as treasure-hunting groups, but they were actually impersonators from other unknown organizations.

The purpose is to increase the deterrent effect and tarnish the reputation of the treasure-hunting gang, making it easier to make money.

Disguising themselves as a treasure-hunting gang is quite simple; just grab a rag to cover your face and put on a badge.

"Liyue Harbor is protected by immortals, especially during the Lantern Festival... So, attacking the Lantern Festival is something we—ah, sorry, my character isn't quite there yet—the Treasure Hunting Guild would never do. Besides... the Treasure Hunting Guild in Liyue recently received an anonymous letter."

"An anonymous letter? Could someone be trying to frame the treasure-hunting group?"

"That's unknown. But I can tell you which branch of the treasure-hunting group has this letter... Alright, I've marked it on the map for you."

Seeing that Paimon happily put away the map, Ninglu pondered for a moment and then said goodbye.

"Well, if there's nothing else, I'll go back to continue stealing... ah, I mean, go back to keep an eye on the treasure-hunting gang."

Meanwhile, in Liyue Harbor, Huiyuan was sitting in Ningguang's office, looking at the festival preparation plans.

Huiyuan's earnest expression as she examined the scroll aroused a hint of curiosity in Ningguang.

Just as Ningguang was about to ask something, Huiyuan spoke first.

"The prototype of the Bright Night Lantern is the True Lord Yi Xiaodao, which was built by various Taoist priests, mechanics, blacksmiths and other craftsmen. It was originally planned to be completed in three days. For the sake of spectacle, this Bright Night Lantern will be briefly imbued with fairy power after being released, walk around Liyue Harbor in the air, and then fly into the sky and explode into a sky full of fireworks, is that right?"

"Indeed, Sister Yuan, did you notice anything amiss?"

"There's nothing wrong with it... I just have a request: could I be primarily in charge of the construction of the Nightfall Lanterns?"

"The Mingxiao Lantern is already more than half finished being manufactured. Changing course at this point might..."

"Can't you?"

"No. Even if I agree, the other seven stars, including all the people of Liyue, will not agree."

Upon hearing this answer, Huiyuan put down the scroll and slowly stood up.

As he watched the lanterns outside the window gradually rise into the sky, Huiyuan revealed a thoughtful expression.

"Ningguang, if I, as a general, were to violate the laws of Liyue, how would you handle it?"

"It depends on the circumstances. In serious cases, the official position may be revoked; in minor cases, a fine may be imposed."

"Then... if I, as an immortal, break the law, what will you do?"

Ningguang frowned upon hearing the question.

"What do you want to do?"

Please answer my question first.

“I’ll turn a blind eye, but Ke Qing might lose her temper.”