Genshin Impact: Template System

Soon, the Alcor slowly sailed into Liyue Harbor.

"Beidou, we'll part ways here," Akio walked over and said to Beidou. "I plan to explore the city of Liyue on my own."

"Alright," Beidou nodded. She had a lot of cargo to handle and wouldn't have much time to entertain Akio.

"When I'm free, I'll treat you to a drink," Beidou said.

"Sounds good," Akio nodded, then turned and left with Kitsune Saiguu.

He was now carrying a hefty sum of 5 million Mora, enough to live comfortably in Liyue Harbor.

As soon as he stepped off the Alcor, Akio looked at the bustling Liyue Harbor and couldn't help but sigh. "Saiguu, look at how developed Liyue is. If Ei saw this, wouldn't she be envious to tears?"

"The god of Liyue is revered as the Geo Archon. I've heard Lady Makoto mention him," Kitsune Saiguu nodded. "Lady Makoto's evaluation of the Geo Archon was that he excelled in both governance and martial prowess, a great god worthy of learning from. Looking at Liyue's development now, his philosophy is indeed very sound."

"Liyue is truly one of the most prosperous nations, and Mora even originated here," Kitsune Saiguu agreed. "It has to be admitted that Morax is a god worthy of respect. With him supporting Liyue for a thousand years, demon gods dared not invade, and the people lived in peace and prosperity. Ei really should learn from him."

"I don't agree!" Suddenly, a sharp voice rang out behind Akio. He turned to see a girl with cat-like eyes and black stockings walking over, looking displeased. She glanced curiously at the talking white fox in Akio's arms and asked, "Are you travelers from another country?"

"We're from Inazuma," Akio replied. It was Keqing! It seemed she was personally overseeing work at the docks again.

"So, you think the most important thing supporting a nation is its god? What has carried Liyue through the past thousand years is not the Geo Archon," Keqing said. "The reason Liyue has achieved what it has today is not because of the Geo Archon, but because of the hard work of the people of Liyue, who built it step by step."

"The Geo Archon has led Liyue for a thousand years, but what about the next thousand? Or the one after that? Can the Geo Archon always guide humanity forward?" Keqing said seriously. "Besides, does the Geo Archon really know everything?"

Kitsune Saiguu looked at the girl in surprise. She hadn't expected someone in a theocratic nation like Liyue to dare disrespect the gods so openly and speak such rebellious words.

"Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself," Keqing said. "I'm Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing."

Kitsune Saiguu was even more shocked. This was one of the highest-ranking officials in Liyue Harbor! How could she be so irreverent toward the gods?

"Little girl, you question Morax, but do you know how important the existence of a god is to a nation?" Kitsune Saiguu asked Keqing.

"A human's lifespan is but a mere hundred years. To the history of a nation, a mortal's life is but a fleeting moment. With a god ruling, why worry about the future?"

"You're just like those lazy and cowardly people!" Keqing snorted. "You're negating the very meaning of human existence! If people all thought like this, denying themselves, why should they be favored by the gods?"

"Matters related to human destiny should be left to humans themselves!" Keqing said earnestly. "And humans can definitely do better."

"Is that so?" Kitsune Saiguu didn't agree with this attitude. She was born in an era ruled by gods, and while she didn't deny the significance of humans, she believed in the importance of gods to a nation.

"Little girl, let me ask you this: if a demon god were to invade, would you have the ability to resist? With just human strength?" Kitsune Saiguu countered.

"…" Keqing was momentarily speechless. She had thought about this question before, but she didn't have a confident answer.

"We have a complete military system, a disciplined army! We should…" Keqing bit her lip.

"Should? I can tell you with certainty that even the strongest army is fragile and powerless before a god," Kitsune Saiguu interrupted. "Back then, the Seven Archons suppressed countless demon gods, allowing mortals to have a place to live. The existence of gods is the strongest protection for a nation."

"Keqing, the existence of a god is very important to this nation," Akio spoke up. "Not having a sword and having a sword but not using it are two different things."

"!" Keqing looked at the handsome young man, remaining silent for a long time. Finally, she asked, "What's your name?"

"I'm Akio," Akio replied.

"And this is?" Keqing looked at the white fox in Akio's arms.

"You can call her Kitsune Saiguu," Akio said, stroking Kitsune Saiguu's back.

Keqing nodded. "Since it's your first time in Liyue, why don't I show you around?"

"Won't it trouble you?" Akio asked.

"I just finished my work for the day, and the weather is nice. I was planning to take a walk anyway," Keqing shook her head.

Hearing this, Akio nodded. He was unfamiliar with Liyue, and having Keqing as a guide would help him get a better understanding of the city.

With Keqing accompanying them, the two spent the afternoon exploring nearly half of Liyue. The real Liyue City was incredibly vast.

"It's getting late, Akio. How about we have dinner together?" Keqing, who had spent the afternoon with Akio and had become friends with him, invited.

"Sure, I've heard so much about Liyue's cuisine. I'd love to try it," Akio nodded.

Keqing treated them to a meal at Xinyue Kiosk, the most authentic place for Yue cuisine in Liyue.

After entering the private room, Kitsune Saiguu jumped out of Akio's arms. A flash of white light later, she transformed into her human form.

Keqing was stunned. Not only could she speak, but she could also transform into a human? Was she an adeptus?

"Saiguu is a great youkai from Inazuma, somewhat similar to the adepti in Liyue," Akio explained.

Keqing was dumbfounded. She admired Akio—how could a great youkai, comparable to an adeptus, sit in his arms like a pet?

"Lady Kitsune Saiguu, what's your relationship with Akio?" Keqing asked curiously.

"I'm his lover," Kitsune Saiguu replied.

"Huh?" Keqing was even more shocked! Could a mortal really be in a relationship with a great youkai? This news was as surprising as hearing that a mortal was dating an adeptus.

"Keqing, what's with that look?" Akio noticed Keqing sizing him up, her expression somewhat indescribable.

"Sorry, that was rude," Keqing quickly averted her gaze. Aside from being tall, handsome, and looking wealthy, what else did Akio have that could attract a great youkai as his girlfriend?

A/N: Enjoying the story? Read 30+ chapters ahead on Patreon! Your support helps: Patreon.com/nneol

And next target is 600PS