The people in the collapsing iron gave the immortal ship a small shock from the Holy Lord.

Page 76

Zhongli raised an eyebrow. He could tell that it wasn't the Eye of God at all, but a glass bead. Inside the glass bead, there seemed to be some strange runes engraved, which was probably why it could guide elemental power.

However, this glass bead itself has no elemental force, which is very abnormal.

In this world, it's not only those with the Eye of God who can use elemental power; others, such as elemental creatures or demon gods, can also use elemental power for combat and various other things.

However, these entities themselves store elemental power, which serves as a guiding force.

Even the Fools, who are able to use elemental power, do so because their weapons and equipment are made of materials containing elemental power. This glass bead, however, has no elemental power of its own, yet it can draw out elemental power.

He could sense that when water appeared in Zheping's hand, a strange power appeared out of thin air inside the glass bead, and then that power dissipated, serving as a guide for elemental forces, and eventually forming the water.

Where does that power come from?

This question popped into Zhongli's head.

But immediately, Zheping's words answered his question.

"Thank you... thank you for lending me your power!! Great God, I will make good use of this power to help more people!"

"Use it well, but miracles and power are not free. Using it will drain your spirit. Don't use too much, or you'll faint."

Bai Zhi did not take out a Divine Eye that could borrow power without limit, because she knew that it was not a good choice. When a person has power that can be borrowed infinitely, it becomes terrifying.

"Yes, I will, Your Majesty." Zheping looked at Baizhi with reverence.

"It's actually power borrowed from Bai Zhi?!"

Zhongli was somewhat surprised, but then relieved. This was not unexpected, because this method actually existed in magic. In Liyue, many people would burn incense and then use a specific ritual to call upon the power of the immortals for protection.

However, the same old question remained: he was genuinely curious about who Bai Zhi had been before.

This method of borrowing power is generally quite complicated, especially for ordinary people. While it's not impossible to shrink it down to such a small glass bead, it's not a simple matter either.

This means that Bai Zhi should be very skilled in magic.

There aren't many demons with this ability. Zhongli searched through all the ones he knew, but none of them matched Bai Zhi's characteristics.

"Alright, now that you have received my gift, you should hand over what you originally gained power from. That power is not something you can use."

"Of course that's no problem!"

Without saying a word, Zheping took out a pendant similar to the Eye of God from his pocket and handed it to Baizhi.

"As expected, it's the Evil Eye. These Fools are truly incorrigible."

Upon seeing it, Hu Tao immediately recognized the item. In some parts of Liyue, Fatui often roamed around, and Hu Tao had naturally defeated many of them, obtaining this item from them as well.

"Hmm, so this is the Evil Eye..."

Bai Zhi carefully observed the scarlet pendant, infusing it with her spiritual energy to meticulously examine the pendant's structure and its mysteries.

The structure of this thing isn't particularly difficult. It absorbs life force into it through certain methods and then transforms it into elemental power. The main thing is that the materials inside seem to be creations of several powerful elements.

"The Evil Eye is made using some residual materials left behind by the dead demon gods. I once saw the Fatui collecting the remains of those dead demon gods in Liyue. I happened to pass by and overheard them talking."

Seeing Bai Zhi's curious look at the Evil Eye, Hu Tao told her what she knew.

"This is a method worth learning from. Maybe I can make one myself to play with in the future."

Bai Zhi stroked her chin. Although the Evil Eye was harmful, sometimes, some people might actually be willing to use their own lives to gain power.

If she could replicate this thing and create some of her own Evil Eyes, giving them to people she didn't want to grant her Divine Eyes, that would be a good option.

You could say this is a great tool for causing trouble.

Putting away the Evil Eye, Bai Zhi looked at Zhe Ping with a smile. In her previous life, this matter was a source of regret for her, about the struggle of ordinary people against their ordinary lives.

However, in his previous life, Zheping was not watched over by the gods and died tragically. But now, she can offer a little help to this person who is unwilling to be ordinary.

158 I believe Yingbao should be willing to listen to the advice of his seniors.

"What did you say? You didn't receive Lord Geo?"

On the island, Yae no Miko looked somewhat surprised as the company's magistrates rushed over.

"Yes... Lord Yaehime, we haven't seen any ships from Liyue outside the island... On the contrary, uh..."

"Why are you hesitating? Just say what you have to say. Don't you know how important this is?"

Yae no Miko frowned, and her tone became somewhat unfriendly. Normally, she could be a little unrestrained, but this was a matter of receiving gods from other countries, and she could not be careless in any way.

She had been corresponding with Gan Yu, the sister from Liyue, for a long time and knew just how great that Geo Archon was. Compared to her own homebody, he was practically a perfect saint, achieving the ultimate in every aspect.

It truly lives up to its name as the most ancient of the seven gods.

When dealing with this kind of person, a playful attitude is absolutely unacceptable.

"According to the soldiers who just returned from Haiqi Island, they seem to have encountered a large ship in the style of Liyue while fighting the rebels. We speculate... it is very likely the vehicle that the Geo Archon was traveling in."

The staff member who was in charge of the company cautiously voiced this conjecture.

"Lord Yaehime, as you know, this matter can be considered a scandal among all the magistrate offices, and it is still in the speculation stage. Therefore, apart from the magistrate office of the company, the other magistrate offices tend to pretend they don't know about this matter. However, Lord Ayato has decided to tell you about it anyway."

"Oh, I see. Those guys are still the same as always, trying to cover everything up. Are they thinking that once they're caught, they can just bow down and apologize and be done with it?"

Yae no Miko narrowed his eyes, his tone somewhat displeased. Over the past few hundred years, the major magistrates had become increasingly arrogant, even daring to make decisions to conceal such matters.

If things continue like this, will they eventually replace Thor in making decisions?

The staff member wiped the sweat from his brow and didn't dare say anything. If these words were to get out, Yae no Kamiko, as a member of the Thunder God's family, would probably be fine, but he, a mere pawn, would likely not fare well.

"Don't worry, this isn't your problem. On the contrary, your magistrate and that kid Ayato did a great job. As for Lord Iwagami's affairs on Umijima Island, you don't need to worry about them. I'll make my own decisions!"

Yae no Miko stood up. This eternal rule that had lasted for hundreds of years should also come to an end. Her own homebody sister's thought process was too stubborn. Without a sufficiently powerful external force to break it, it was impossible to reverse it.

Now, a powerful external force has arrived, and she only needs a small push.

"Hmm... I believe my dear Shadow would be very willing to listen to the teachings of the senior."

Seemingly conjuring up some interesting scenarios, Yae no Miko revealed a smile characteristic of foxes.

Watching the Yae no Miko walk away without giving any instructions, the magistrate's staff scratched their heads in confusion. Why did the Miko leave without giving any orders?

Never mind, I'll just go and report these things back to Ayato-sama.

After thinking it over, he still didn't dare to press Yae no Miko for answers, and thus made this decision.

Meanwhile, on Haizhi Island, Xin Hai had already rushed over to Bai Zhi's side.

"Ah, Lord Xinhai, you've finally arrived."

Upon seeing Xin Hai, Wu Lang hurriedly pointed to Bai Zhi with both hands to the right, saying, "This is the esteemed Lord Yan Wang."

He was afraid that Xin Hai had made a mistake. After all, compared to Bai Zhi, who seemed harmless, the calm and handsome Mr. Zhong Li next to him seemed more like the Rock God.

Upon hearing this, Xin Hai was slightly taken aback. When she first saw the group, she genuinely thought that the tall man was the Rock God.

After all, the messenger returned without reporting what the Rock God looked like.

"Haiqi Island Coral Palace Heart Sea pays respects to the Emperor!"

Upon arriving before Bai Zhi, Xin Hai respectfully prepared to kneel and bow.

"Oh, no need for that..."

Bai Zhi gently waved her hand, activating the chicken talisman and helping Xin Hai, who was about to perform the ceremony, to his feet.

“I’m just a guest here. You’re the host. How can a host bow to a guest? You don’t need to treat me like a god. Just treat me like an ordinary friend and have a chat.”

Bai Zhi looked Xin Hai up and down. He had a light and ethereal temperament and outstanding appearance. In the past, many people speculated that Xin Hai was actually the Water Dragon King, but after the one from Fengdan came out, they knew that this guess was already outrageous.

"Then Xin Hai will accept the offer without hesitation." Xin Hai did not dwell on it further, but instead made a cupped-hand salute. The deity had already given him face, so there was no need for any more formalities.

"Lord Xinhai, just now, the Emperor intervened and saved Zheping. If it weren't for the Emperor, Zheping might have been drained dry by the Evil Eye."

"That's right, if it weren't for the Emperor's intervention, I might really have died soon..."

Zheping seemed somewhat frightened, realizing he had been too impulsive and had ended up losing his life in such a way.

Xin Hai's eyes lit up. "Thank you for your help, Your Majesty. On behalf of everyone on Haiqi Island, I express my gratitude to you!"

"Thanks and such are all empty words. Let's get something good to eat. We've been on the ship for so long. The Emperor is a god and doesn't need to eat, but Zhongli, the guest minister, the captain, the crew, and I are all starving!"

Walnut stood with her hands on her hips, speaking in a very casual manner.

Bai Zhi glanced at Hu Tao speechlessly, thinking, "What do you mean, gods don't need to eat?"

Although she was protected by a dog charm and thus didn't need to eat to avoid starving, humanity's pursuit of delicious food is eternal.

What's the point of immortality if you can't eat delicious food?

"However, the Emperor left behind so many legends of delicacies that he personally praised in Liyue Harbor. So, although the Emperor may not eat, he must still be quite accomplished when it comes to food. Miss Xinhai, please bring out all your dishes."

"Perhaps, we can even leave behind a signature dish that the Emperor praised in the future, which could become a source of revenue!"

"This is the perfect suggestion that the head of the Hall of Rebirth has made for you!"

"Ah, I'm sorry, I completely forgot about such an important matter. I'll have someone prepare the special dishes of Haiqi Island right away."

Xin Hai was also slightly taken aback, then found it both funny and exasperating. Meeting the gods had gone wrong because of the meal.

"It seems that many things in the novel are not true. Gods are not beings who do not eat human food. They also make judgments about food. So, General, are you really as stern and ruthless as the legends say, with only eternity in your eyes?"

159 Zhongli, why don't you eat seafood?

"This is a specialty dish of Haegei Island, made with a variety of seafood and some of our unique seaweed."

Inside the Coral Palace, Xin Hai had many dishes served, but most of them were seafood.

"These are just some simple dishes made by people from the mountains and fields. I hope Your Majesty will not mind."

Kneeling before the table, Xin Hai said apologetically, "The food Your Majesty usually eats in Liyue must be delicacies with a long history, but Haiqi Island is short of resources and can only rely on the sea for its food, so it is certainly not as good as Liyue's."

Bai Zhi picked up an octopus tentacle, put it in the bowl, then put it in her mouth. After chewing it a few times, she commented:

"The flavor is very rich and chewy. It is a feast of seafood with extremely fresh taste. The chewy texture fills the mouth. The blue waves surge with white jade, the golden plate sparkles and reflects the red face. The nectar nourishes the lips and tongue, and the scallops and dragon whiskers are wrapped around the fingertips. The seafood delicacies are praised by everyone, and the table full of delicacies makes everyone smile."

After saying that, Bai Zhi nodded in satisfaction. Although she had only been on the Immortal Ship for a little over two years, she had still picked up a little bit of the literary flair from being exposed to it all.

"Your Majesty's poetic skills are quite impressive. I, the Hall Master, will also have one. The seafood is truly delicious, with a satisfying chewiness that makes one exclaim. One bite and the fresh juices flow, filling the mouth with a lingering fragrance. Shrimp soldiers and crab generals all come together, and the shellfish are not to be outdone. One bite and the heart is satisfied, the aftertaste is truly delightful."

Seemingly spurred on by Bai Zhi's poem, Hu Tao also wrote a limerick.

"Very well said, Master Hu."

Bai Zhi gave a thumbs up, then looked at Zhong Li.

"Mr. Zhongli, why aren't you eating? This seafood is delicious, you should try it too."

Seeing Zhongli's troubled expression, Baizhi smiled mischievously and said in a serious tone.

"Hehe, Your Majesty, you don't know, Guest Master Zhongli is usually very particular, so seeing such simple dishes, he's a little hesitant to start eating them~"

Hu Tao added a comment from the side.

Zhong Li: "......"

Is it even possible to have a boss who treats his employees so badly?

"Ahem, Your Majesty, I... I am allergic to some seafood, especially squid. I am truly unable to enjoy it. Just give me some simple rice balls or other food."

Looking at the pot full of seafood and the bunch of tentacles floating on top, Zhong Li swallowed hard. A long-forgotten feeling of nausea rose in his heart, reminding him of the monsters that emerged from the deep sea during the Demon God War.

That sticky feeling was driving him crazy.

"This is really good, the seafood is delicious. But speaking of seafood, I am reminded of the story in the biography of the Emperor. It is said that during the War of the Demon Gods, monsters from the deep sea wanted to invade Liyue. The ancient people were powerless to stop them, so they asked the Emperor to eliminate those deep-sea monsters."

"According to records, the Emperor caused rock pillars of various sizes to grow on the earth, thus eliminating these deep-sea monsters."

"Back then, Liyue survived a pretty good period by eating the flesh of these deep-sea monsters. Many seafood dishes originated from that time... Hey, Zhongli, why do you look like you're about to throw up?"

Hu Tao looked at Zhong Li, whose expression was growing increasingly grim, with some suspicion.

"Master Hu, let's not talk about it anymore. Mr. Zhongli probably has some kind of psychological aversion to seafood. This doesn't seem like an allergy anymore. If Mr. Zhongli is sick, how can he work properly?"

Seeing that Zhongli's expression was getting increasingly strange, Baizhi quickly stopped Hu Tao from continuing to speak.

Master Zhong is, after all, an emperor. It would be quite undignified for him to vomit here.

"...Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty..."