The central location of Liyue, slightly to the east, in the living room of Zhongli's residence.
"Lord Martial God, today we have come to bid farewell."
Jing Hongchen put down the teacup in his hand and cupped his hands towards Zhongli, his face showing a trace of reluctance.
This was not an act for Zhongli's benefit, but genuine reluctance.
Having stayed in Liyue for so long, he had truly come to like this place and greatly wished to integrate here.
But with his great task unfinished, how could he settle down?
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, the siblings, hung their heads low, like defeated roosters.
Is it time to leave? When will we return after this parting?
As geniuses from the Sun and Moon Empire, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen needed to return to prepare for the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament.
They were substitute members for this session, and even as substitutes, they had to return and coordinate with their teammates.
But they truly didn't want to leave!
How wonderful it is here in Liyue!
Everyone speaks so kindly, with no pressure at all, free to learn whatever they wish without any criticism.
In the living room were only Zhongli, Jing Hongchen, and the Hongchen siblings. As for Juzi, she was Xuan Ziwen's disciple and currently would not return to the Sun and Moon Empire.
"All feasts must come to an end, but farewells pave the way for sweeter reunions."
Zhongli looked at the three Hongchens and continued, "You are always welcome to visit."
Hearing this, the reluctance in the hearts of the grandfather and grandchildren grew even stronger.
After a long silence, the three Hongchens left Zhongli's residence and headed straight for Liyue Harbor.
As they boarded the ship, they looked back towards the harbor, where a familiar figure stood, watching them depart.
The three trembled, and Meng Hongchen's eyes even misted with tears.
Lord Martial God Zhongli had been very kind to her and Xiao Hongchen, like an amiable and knowledgeable older brother, without any divine airs.
"Grandpa, I don't want to leave."
"Grandpa, for this Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, Meng and I are just substitutes. It doesn't matter if we're there or not. Can't we stay in Liyue?"
Meng Hongchen and Xiao Hongchen spoke to Jing Hongchen, their faces showing a hint of pleading.
They truly didn't want to leave!
Lord Martial God... Lord Martial God is seeing them off!
What an honor is this?
Hearing this, Jing Hongchen shook his head, "I don't want to leave either, but we have no choice."
"One who eats the ruler's grain must serve the ruler's cause."
"If one day my achievements overshadow the ruler... perhaps Liyue will be our best haven."
Hearing this, Meng Hongchen frowned, her beautiful eyes narrowing.
"Grandpa, how much power is considered enough?"
"Lord Martial God's divine power is vast, yet he never interferes with human choices, nor uses force to rule others."
"Exactly, Grandpa, must you wait until the day of 'the rabbit dies and the hound is cooked' before you relinquish your power?"
"Power is a public tool. The power of the Liyue Seven Stars is immense, yet they have no selfish desires, dedicating themselves to Liyue's development, managing it orderly, with doors unbolted at night and lost items left untouched."
"Force can solve many problems, but it cannot bring about such prosperity..."
Facing the questioning from his granddaughter and grandson, Jing Hongchen was not angered but instead smiled.
They have finally grown up!
This trip was truly worthwhile!
"Xiao, Meng, I'm glad you can say such things, but you haven't thought deeper into it, which is a bit of a pity for me."
"On our way back, I'll show you the true customs and lifestyles of the Three Empires of Douluo, which might give you profound insights."
"Lord Martial God stays in a corner, guarding peace, turning Liyue into a paradise that makes one reluctant to leave."
"But... but there are still many, many people in this world who can't even get enough to eat!"
Jing Hongchen shook his head.
Why can the Sun and Moon Empire, with the strength of one nation, oppose and even suppress the Three Empires of Douluo?
Simple, the Sun and Moon Empire ensures all its people are well-fed and have their martial souls awakened!
And the Three Empires of Douluo?
The leaders of the Three Empires, fearing another Spirit Hall incident where commoners rebelled and rose to power, have deprived most commoners of the chance to awaken their martial souls.
Of course, martial souls can awaken naturally with age, but they miss the best awakening age. Even with innate soul power, their achievements in life won't be very high.
Jiang Nannan's mother, for example, worked herself to illness to save money for her daughter's martial soul awakening, leading Jiang Nannan down that path...
"Not... not enough to eat?"
For people like Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen, this was almost unimaginable!
They grew up in Mingdu, meeting all sorts of people, but... they had never seen anyone who couldn't get enough to eat.
"Hmph... there are many who can't even afford a meal!"
Jing Hongchen sneered, such Three Empires of Douluo would inevitably be destroyed by the Sun and Moon Empire!
"Do you know?"
"How easy it is to bribe a commoner from the Three Empires of Douluo to be a spy!"
"Just two meals a day, and they will serve the empire with their lives!"
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen were stunned, their eyes filled with disbelief.
Two meals a day?
Two meals a day could make them...
"Xiao, Meng, this is not betrayal, because there was never any sincerity to begin with."
"The Sun and Moon Empire can provide them with food, and they will be the empire's most loyal subjects!"
At this point, Jing Hongchen looked at Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen and continued, "Xiao, Meng, do you know why Lord Martial God is so beloved?"
"???"
Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen were full of questions. Isn't this common knowledge?
Lord Martial God is a deity, and under his protection, Liyue is peaceful and prosperous.
Seeing their expressions, Jing Hongchen shook his head. After all, they are still just children!
"Sigh..."
"Lord Martial God is beloved not just because of his strength, but also because of Liyue's... policies, and because of his broad-mindedness that encompasses everything."
"The nobles of the Three Empires of Douluo have never even glanced at us, yet Lord Martial God holds no prejudice. When we left, Lord Martial God even... even..."
Even someone like Jing Hongchen was moved, reluctant to leave, let alone the commoners!
"Lord Martial God, I, Jing, will carry forward your thoughts and measures to bring them to those who are not yet under your protection!"
Hearing this, Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen were deeply shaken and suddenly enlightened.
At Liyue Harbor, Zhongli watched the ship sail away, standing for a long time before finally turning and walking towards the streets.
His steps were steady, his expression unchanged, as if he had long been accustomed to farewells.