Genshin Impact: My Villain System Isn't Working Properly

After another period of training, Jiang Ning returned to Liyue Harbor. Looking at the prosperity before him, he felt like he'd been away for ages.

He'd spent all this time surviving in the wild, seeing nothing but mountains and forests except when returning to the Serenitea Pot to sleep.

He had literally farmed from Liyue Harbor all the way to Qingce Village, then returned via Stone Gate after taking a detour.

Jiang Ning wasn't quite himself anymore.

Upon returning home, he went straight to sleep without a word.

Havria sat at the doorway, looking at Xianyun helplessly:

"I told you force-feeding education wasn't good. Look what you've done to the child!"

Xianyun looked embarrassed: "Well, it's because we'll be staying in Liyue Harbor for the next month, so I thought we needed to catch up on progress..."

Havria sighed: "Never mind, at least he had those treasure hoarders and Fatui as stress relief..."

Because of constant "wilderness survival" and daily high-intensity encounters with archon remnants and corrupted monsters, Jiang Ning had been in a constant state of battle readiness.

This caused significant mental stress.

Thus, the Fatui and treasure hoarders became excellent stress relief tools.

Without exaggeration, during this time, Jiang Ning could have worked in intelligence.

His interrogation techniques came naturally - Xianyun even wondered if her disciple should skip the divine position and shine in the interrogation department instead.

However, regarding these methods, both the adeptus and the archon had lived through that era, so it wasn't an issue.

With Xianyun and Havria watching, Jiang Ning wouldn't go completely astray.

Let him sleep now, and after a few days of cuddling with Shenhe and Ganyu, he should return to normal.

Havria had many complaints about Xianyun's methods. Although she understood the desire to revive friends, and she herself benefited from it, but... this wasn't how you should train a disciple.

By now, Havria could completely separate from Jiang Ning, and only needed a body to officially "revive."

"By general rationality, Havria is correct," Zhongli arrived at the courtyard with Madame Ping, looking at the embarrassed Xianyun and somewhat angry Havria.

Madame Ping said: "Xianyun, really, I don't know if you're good at teaching disciples or not..."

If we say you're not good - look at these three disciples, all exceptional, especially Jiang Ning who's preparing to take over.

But if we say you're good - look at young Ganyu's troubles.

First nearly scared to death by humans, then raised until ridiculously fat, and finally swallowed by a monster.

Then look at Shenhe - if not for knowing how to gather Qingxin and having medicines and pills in the cave, she probably would've starved as a child.

When she grew up, wanting good food, she had to hunt herself, and most times was brainwashed by you saying immortals shouldn't crave food.

She never had anything good to eat from childhood to adulthood.

As for Jiang Ning... first exploited to write books, then used as a farming ox, and now made to cook for you.

Really... impressive.

Xianyun crossed her arms: "These- these are necessary trials!"

Madame Ping said helplessly: "Just be mindful in the future."

"But, does Rex Lapis have important matters?" Xianyun asked.

Zhongli said: "I came mainly to check on Jiang Ning's condition. Fortunately, he just needs some rest. Also, don't let him go out these days - the Rite of Descension is approaching. By the way, in a few days, the Fatui Harbinger Childe Tartaglia is hosting a banquet for me, and I plan to bring Jiang Ning along."

"I see... I understand, don't worry."

"I'm not reassured!" Madame Ping glared at the confident Xianyun and said irritably, "During this time, don't make little Jiang Ning do anything. Let him come to my place more often, understand?"

Knowing she was at fault, Xianyun could only turn her head: "I- I understand."

"Alright, everyone disperse, Jiang Ning is sleeping inside, don't make noise," Havria couldn't help saying.

"Let's leave it at that. I'll come back for Jiang Ning in a few days," Zhongli said.

...

Time ticked away, and Jiang Ning took several days to reorganize his thoughts.

Every day he spent time with Madame Ping and Yaoyao.

Focusing on the healing power of a sweet little sister.

Then at night, there was comfort from his caring sisters, Shenhe and Ganyu taking turns.

Within just a few days, Jiang Ning recovered completely, fully revitalized.

"Nothing beats sisters and little sister for relaxation," Jiang Ning thought quietly while following behind Zhongli.

[Host, I think you're just purely perverted. Why say so much?] The System showed no mercy.

Jiang Ning gave a confused look: "Wait, do you hear what you're saying? Sisters are one thing, but Yaoyao - you're really crossing a line."

The System said: [Isn't this your sect's tradition? Look at Shenhe, wasn't that criminal back then too?]

Jiang Ning justified confidently: "When both parties are willing, how is it criminal? That's called mutual love."

The System fell silent. Fine, you win, I'll go shopping at the mall, see what materials we're missing... damn, still so short on performance points.

At this moment, Zhongli suddenly spoke: "Later, don't reveal my identity. Just treat me as a knowledgeable retainer, and consider us as master and disciple in terms of scholarly knowledge."

Although... Master, praising yourself as highly knowledgeable is quite strange.

However, thinking about the outside rumors of Rex Lapis taking thousands of forms, even female ones, to walk the streets and conduct secret investigations, Jiang Ning understood.

A god who had lived for so many years needed no face to save.

For reference, see the drunk next door - we in Liyue have our own wanderer.

Jiang Ning wondered what embarrassing forms the future gods would take.

Because Zhongli didn't eat seafood, Liuli Pavilion was immediately passed over. Childe Tartaglia had reserved the second-best private room at Xinyue Kiosk.

As for the best room, that was always reserved for Xinyue Kiosk's major shareholder, Ningguang.

Entering the private room, Tartaglia's situation was somewhat awkward.

He held his chopsticks in a strange position, eyes fixed intently on the plate before him, which contained peanuts.

But in Tartaglia's eyes, these weren't just peanuts, but rather some formidable enemy.

He held his breath, focused like a hawk, suddenly reached out and picked up a peanut. Just as his face showed joy, he was startled by the sudden opening of the door, his hand slipped, and the peanut flew away.

Tartaglia looked frustrated, put down his chopsticks, patted his head, then looked up at Zhongli:

"Mr. Zhongli, I was about to succeed, but you startled me."

Zhongli said: "By general rationality, picking something up right in front of you doesn't count as proficiency. Only when you can casually pick things up during unconscious conversation can it be considered mastery."

"Indeed..." Tartaglia replied. "But I've learned so many weapons, I refuse to believe I can't master these simple chopsticks."

"Besides, what you said about using this small tool to train control over force and power points is truly useful."

Tartaglia looked very excited.

"How did you manage to convince him of this, Master?" 

Jiang Ning thought incredulously to himself.

As Zhongli and Jiang Ning took their seats, Tartaglia's eyes lit up:

"It's been quite difficult to meet you, my friend. I've been wanting to visit you all this time, but you weren't in Liyue Harbor."

Jiang Ning said: "Well, I need to train outside too. The path of cultivation is like rowing upstream - if you don't advance, you fall behind."

As a player with cheats, Jiang Ning could make up stories effortlessly.

Tartaglia strongly agreed: "Indeed, it seems we're similar people."

A warrior who loves challenges and self-improvement couldn't be a bad person.

Jiang Ning exchanged subtle glances with Zhongli, feeling this Fatui Harbinger seemed somewhat simple-minded...

Tartaglia said: "Come, come, we've been waiting for you to begin. These are all specialties here. I've been eating here often lately, and the taste is indeed excellent."

"I must say, Mr. Zhongli truly knows how to eat, and he's very knowledgeable about Liyue's culture. I've learned so much."

Tartaglia felt his investment was successful - knowing these things would give him talking points when negotiating with Liyue's major business associations, perhaps leading to better cooperation.

Jiang Ning, feeling hungry, casually asked while eating: "So what have you learned?"

Tartaglia said: "Well, I heard Liyue merchants know how to enjoy life, so I need to learn what they like."

"Things like calligraphy, antiques, watching opera, listening to stories, watching birds, and such."

Jiang Ning felt increasingly confused - some of these were rich young masters' pastimes, others were retired old men's hobbies...

Looking at Zhongli's composed face, he suddenly understood.

Oh my, under the guise of teaching, he's treating him like a cash cow... no, that's not right to say about this Snezhnayan friend.

Should say - a walking wallet.

"How do you think I'm doing with these things?"

Tartaglia smiled after his elaborate speech.

Jiang Ning said sincerely: "Your theoretical knowledge is excellent, but as for practical application..."

Tartaglia replied: "Ah, regarding that, I'm trying, but I keep troubling Mr. Zhongli to accompany and guide me."

Well, that confirms it - he's truly being treated as a wallet, and somehow his old man had managed to convince him.

Not only is he their wallet, but he's even grateful for it.

They say "May Barbatos trick you," but it turns out Morax is the biggest trickster of all.

After several drinks, Tartaglia gradually moved toward the main topic:

"I'm very curious about the Rite of Descension. What exactly is the procedure?"

"Every year it's Rex Lapis's inspection, followed by reviews of the year's work and points for improvement. Beyond that, the Qixing might seek Rex Lapis's instructions. That's generally it, though each Qixing member's specific preparations and arrangements differ."

Jiang Ning explained.

"I see... This year it's the Tianquan, right?"

Tartaglia stroked his chin.

"Yes, that's correct."

Jiang Ning replied.

This is tricky, that Tianquan isn't easy to deal with.

Tartaglia felt a headache coming on.

Zhongli spoke timely: "Regarding the specific arrangements for the Rite of Descension, I can find out. If Mr. Tartaglia is curious, you can wait for my news."

"Really? That's wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Zhongli!" Tartaglia's face lit up with joy.

Indeed, Her Majesty was impressive - the person she introduced was truly remarkable.

Jiang Ning said: "At the Rite, you can observe up close. It's Liyue's biggest annual event."

"Yes, I've long admired this Martial God. I really want to cross blades with him."

Tartaglia looked very excited.

"Such words are fine here, as I know you mean no harm, but don't say this outside. It would displease Liyue's citizens."

Zhongli said.

Jiang Ning kept eating, thinking: Hmm, fighting with Master... I'm worried Master would have a headache... a headache about how to hold back enough not to kill you.

If only all Fatui Harbingers were as easy to deal with as this Tartaglia.

He really believes everything Master says.

After getting his desired answers, Tartaglia left satisfied. Jiang Ning walked with Zhongli along the street.

"Master, do you think Tartaglia plans to make a move during the Rite of Descension?"

Jiang Ning asked.

Zhongli said: "Very likely..."

"Will he be okay? Attacking a god? What's he thinking?"

Jiang Ning muttered.

Zhongli didn't answer - answering would be like giving away the test answers.

"Anyway, the assessment will begin soon. During this assessment, unless absolutely necessary, I won't intervene. I hope you and the Qixing can give me a satisfactory answer."

Zhongli spoke slowly.

"Mm, I understand, don't worry Master."

As they walked, they arrived at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor again. Hu Tao seemed to have gone to bury someone.

Zhongli took out an object that looked like both a lock and a constellation.

"This is..." Jiang Ning sensed its power - it was a five-star divine artifact.

"The Dust Lock... an artifact left by the God of Dust. It's said that unlocking it will reveal the wisdom left behind by the God of Dust."

"I hope you can unlock it."

Zhongli's gaze grew nostalgic, as if seeing that lively, unrestrained old friend again.

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