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

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139 Mr. Al-Hysen, would you mind working for me?

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh..."

The great sage, panting heavily, struggled to his feet, staggered to his seat, picked up the mirror above him, and looked at his reflection.

Unlike his previous refined and meticulous image, he now has a pale face, bloodshot eyes, hair stuck together with sweat, and he has even lost weight in this short period of time.

He closed his eyes, feeling a sense of relief; what had just happened was terrifying.

He felt that if that meat shield were transformed, he would most likely be killed without any chance of fighting back.

Moreover, the destructive imagery in his mind and the will lingering in his heart were as if a voice was urging him that he would be destroyed at any moment, that the end of everything would eventually come, and that he would have no way to avoid it!

"I...I am a great sage. Destruction and such is ridiculous."

The great sage Azar gave a somewhat forced smile, but under the pressure of that imagery, he couldn't help but think about how to avoid this situation.

He felt he would go crazy if he didn't find a way to deal with it.

The unease I feel inside requires more strength to cope with.

"Yes, I am the Great Sage. All the resources of Sumeru are at my disposal. Let's accelerate that plan: create artificial gods. With such supreme combat power, they will surely be able to protect me."

"But the core that drives this artificial god... Ah, if we could modify the circuitry of the Pure Goodness Palace, could we extract the divine power of the Grass God to power the artificial god?"

The Great Sage stroked his chin. Creating the body of a god was not difficult for Sumeru, who had many scholars. However, the power to drive this body was not easy to find. Although elemental power could be used to drive it, the power would be greatly reduced.

And Sumeru just happens to have such a useless, good-for-nothing deity.

Extracting the power of this useless god and supplying it to truly capable creations is the rational and maximized use of resources.

Anyway, as the Grass God, it's only right that you contribute your strength to the survival and future of Sumeru.

It's an honor for you!

Thinking of this, the great sage Azhar laughed smugly, feeling very satisfied with his wisdom.

This is the mindset of a true scholar: unconstrained by morality, prioritizing efficiency and convenience above all else, and willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals.

As for continuing to scan Bai Zhi's side, the Great Sage would never dare to do so.

He was also very fortunate that he did not directly receive that knowledge, but instead found a human shield to filter it. Otherwise, if it had been directly transmitted into his brain, he would most likely have become the person he was at the beginning, disappearing in a golden light.

With a long sigh, the Great Sage rose from his seat and tidied his appearance. He needed to immediately begin the task of extracting divine power, otherwise the overwhelming sense of urgency to destroy him would crush him.

At this very moment, Bai Zhi, led by the bespectacled official, had already arrived in Sumeru City.

"Honorable guest, this is our holy city, the gathering place of the wisest people on the continent of Teyvat. If you are looking for people to build a Void Terminal for Liyue, then recruiting people here is the most suitable option."

Pointing to the Church House located at the top of the sacred tree, the bespectacled official said with considerable pride.

"The academic atmosphere at Sumeru is indeed strong. Along the way, I have seen many students working hard on their research projects. If possible, I would really like to have a chat with them."

Xianyun pushed up her glasses and said with great interest. She was originally an immortal who was good at invention and creation, so she was naturally very interested in Sumeru, which gathered many scholars.

"Haha, that's no problem at all. Xumi has always been known for his openness and rigor. I can arrange relevant identities for you, allowing you to freely enter and leave the Academy and discuss issues with other scholars."

Bai Zhi nodded slightly. "So, regarding Liyue establishing its own Void Terminal, do you have any suggestions for candidates?"

"Well..."

Before the bespectacled official could speak, a slightly cold voice interrupted from the side.

"You want to build a Void Terminal in Liyue? I advise you to stop dreaming. The principle behind that thing is not so simple, nor can it be easily replicated. Instead of thinking about building something that is destined to be impossible, you should think about other possible projects."

"That voice...could it be him?"

Bai Zhi turned around following the sound, and sure enough, it was a guy who called himself a weak scholar.

"Why do you guys, all muscle and looking more like soldiers than soldiers themselves, always like to call yourselves intellectuals?"

Bai Zhi thought to herself, "Elhesen is like this, and so is Doctor Truth in the Star Iron World. They call themselves intellectuals, but they're all more violent than the last."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, guest from Liyue. I am Elhesen, a humble scribe."

Al-Hysen spoke very concisely.

"Hello, you can call me Bai Zhi."

Bai Zhi reached out her hand.

"Hello, Ms. Bai Zhi, regarding the project you just mentioned, my sincere advice is not to pursue it, because it is destined to be very difficult to develop, and even if it is developed, it will be difficult to recoup the investment."

After shaking hands with Bai Zhi, Elhesen continued the previous topic, causing the bespectacled official next to him to twitch the corner of his mouth.

“Secretary Elhesen… Regardless of whether things succeed or not, the guests of Liyue have their own opinions on this matter, so please don’t get involved.”

Elhesen glanced at him. "Oh, it's you. I was just stating the facts. Is it wrong to speak the truth in Sumeru? I just didn't want this guest's money to be wasted on things that shouldn't be wasted."

"Instead of wasting it, you might as well give me the funds. I have a few projects that need some help."

Well, they're here to steal project funding.

This left the bespectacled official speechless. He knew Al-Hysen, the clerk, well; he was a straightforward person, but also a very capable one.

But he and the other party didn't usually interact.

Unexpectedly, this guy, who had no connection with me before, actually came to steal project funds.

Could it be that he knows this person is the Geo Archon of Liyue and wants to gain a lot of fame by getting a few projects under the other party, and then use that fame to smoothly ascend to the position of Great Sage?

"Mr. Elhesen, would you mind working on our Liyue version of the Void Terminal project?"

Bai Zhi smiled slightly and extended an invitation.

140 Zhongli's Appreciation

“Miss, was I not clear enough just now? Building a Void Terminal in Liyue is basically impossible without a huge investment. You are Liyue merchants, right? This is a losing proposition.”

El-Heinz frowned slightly, then repeated his thoughts.

Bai Zhi shook her head. "Of course I know it's a very difficult business with a large investment, but we can't just give up because of the large investment. Then how will Liyue develop?"

"It is not acceptable to focus solely on immediate gains while neglecting the future."

“That’s right… Lady Baizhi is right. We can’t ignore future development for the sake of temporary gains. Shortsightedness is a common human failing, so we must overcome it and take a long-term view of things.”

Zhongli clapped his hands, his eyes filled with admiration. Over the years, he had traveled to many places and met many more people than anyone else on the entire continent.

Most people, or rulers, are short-sighted and lack long-term plans. They will not act if the short-term benefits are not worthwhile, which leads to long-term losses.

It is remarkable that Bai Zhi was able to know this so clearly without any specialized instruction, and then strive to promote a project that currently seems likely to lose money. This demonstrates extraordinary insight and talent.

"Ok?"

El-Hysen then glanced at Bai Zhi and the others with some surprise.

"You...aren't you ordinary businessmen? At the very least, you have official connections."

“Mr. Elhesen, what makes you say that?” Bai Zhi asked.

Elhesen raised an eyebrow and calmly analyzed, "Many merchants from Liyue have come here, and many of them want to import advanced technology from Sumeru. Some of them have also inquired about the development costs of the Liyue version of the Void Terminal."

"After these businessmen learned about the research and development costs of the Void Terminal, they unsurprisingly all backed down. As businessmen, this is in their nature."

"Even though some people know that large investments will definitely yield large returns, they still did not invest in Mora to start the project due to the uncertainty of the risks."

"As for you, although I am just a scholar, I still have a way of judging people. You, young lady, don't have the demeanor of a businesswoman."

"Oh? Then what kind of person does Mr. Elhesen think I am?"

Bai Zhi asked with great interest. In the game, she felt that Elhesen was very smart, much smarter than that old sage, and could be called the King of Sumeru.

Now that she has met him in person, she has to admit that this guy seems to have some real talent.

Such talent... it's a waste to leave him in Sumeru. Recruiting him to Liyue would be a great idea.

Anyway, the other party doesn't want to be a great sage, and usually acts like a lazy bum, mainly portraying himself as a techie who leaves work on time.

Even if Nasita loses one person, it won't stop her from continuing to rule Sumeru.

At most, it just means working a little more overtime.

“You resemble a young lady of high status, or at least someone of considerable standing, while the lady next to you wearing glasses possesses the technical air of many scholars in our Academy. To be honest, I would be very willing to exchange ideas with this lady on some academic issues.”

"As for the gentleman next to me, although he looks young, he has a calm demeanor and mature eyes, and is most likely a very learned person."

"The remaining two... seem like typical adventurers. If I were in trouble, I would definitely spare no expense to invite them to solve the problem."

El-Hysen gave a detailed critique of each and every one of Bai Zhi's group.

“That’s very accurate. We do have some connections in Liyue, though we’re not exactly businessmen. The main reason we’ve come to Sumeru is to find someone who can lead this project. Mr. Elhesen, I think you’re quite suitable. Would you like to consider it?”

Angelica dahurica began a direct attempt to recruit him.

After a moment's thought, Al-Hysen replied:

“I am honored by your kindness, Miss, but I am currently serving as a scribe in Sumeru and I am afraid I cannot leave easily. However, I know many scholars who have excellent academic achievements, and I can recommend some to you.”

Hearing Elhesen's words, Bai Zhi was not disappointed. After all, she never thought of herself as some kind of arrogant genius who could command the obedience of all underworld figures with a single tremor.

However, she has a trump card.

Conquering someone like Elhesen isn't exactly easy, but it's not difficult either; all you need is sheer strength.

However, before Bai Zhi could continue speaking, the bespectacled official couldn't wait any longer.

“That’s right. I also know many scholars with profound academic knowledge. Distinguished guest, if you would like, I can introduce you to them.”

"Of course, I have great faith in this gentleman, but the funds are always limited, and a project may not need too many people. Therefore, I hope that everyone can communicate with our expert, Sister Xianyun."

Bai Zhi slightly turned her body, fully revealing Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun who was following behind her.

"Sister Xianyun, as one of the most outstanding inventors in Liyue, you are very proficient in mechanics and other theories, and you also have many of your own ideas. So I hope you can make some arrangements. As long as we can pass her test, we are willing to accept it."

"Well... I do have some humble insights, and at Miss Bai Zhi's request, I am willing to exchange ideas with the scholars of the Order Academy."

Xianyun pushed up his glasses, his tone slightly excited.

"This...of course, no problem!"

Upon hearing this, the bespectacled official was taken aback for a moment, then gritted his teeth and agreed to the condition.

He had completed the task given to him by the great sage; all that remained was to fight for his own interests.

If Liyue truly intends to build its own Void Terminal System regardless of cost, the research and development funds it can obtain will be extraordinary.

The Academy has so many research groups that are fighting tooth and nail for a little Mora every day, but this one for Liyue is a super big order.

If I can win it, I might be able to advance further in the Order of the Church.

Becoming a great sage would require considerable ability in various aspects, but at least coveting the position of scribe shouldn't be too much of a problem, right?

"Very well, then I'll leave it to you."

Bai Zhi smiled. The plan was going very smoothly. This competition for the project had just brought out what she wanted.

141. Can human wisdom solve this problem?

"What? The Geo Archon of Liyue wants to hold a conference to have scholars and experts from Liyue discuss and select the most suitable team to build the Liyue Void Terminal?"

Inside the Great Sage's office, the Great Sage turned around, his eyes fixed intently on the bespectacled official.

"Yes, Your Excellency, now that the task you assigned has been completed, I would also like to try my best to secure this project and obtain more funding for my scholars."

The bespectacled official swallowed hard and spoke somewhat timidly, for the great sage before him exuded a strange and tyrannical aura.

His once wise eyes now seemed to be invaded by pitch-black ink, like a bottomless pool of water, concealing terrifying currents, as if they would drag him down at any moment.

"Go ahead, let them handle this trivial matter. In fact, the more of this kind of thing happens, the better. It can wear them down and make them stop paying attention to the Little Lucky Grass King."

The great sage waved his hand somewhat impatiently.

"Okay, I'm sorry to bother you."

After the bespectacled official finished speaking, he immediately turned and left. Staying there was too oppressive. He even suspected that the Great Sage would pull out a knife and stab him at any moment.

After the bespectacled official left, the Great Sage Azar took a deep breath, and the blackness in his eyes grew even more intense.

"This urgent sense of destruction, even from just a tiny bit of the Demon God, makes me so anxious. I must quickly resolve the matter of creating a god; only the power of a deity can protect my safety..."