Keqing's work efficiency was incredibly high. Not everyone could keep up with her pace. In Liyue, being able to work under Keqing was already an achievement. After all, the most outstanding talents were those who had passed the civil service examination. However, even most of them struggled to match Keqing's speed. Perhaps she was simply too exceptional.
"We have computers, and we can install photovoltaic panels when we get the chance, but we need to set up the wiring first," Smith said as he pulled a few computers from the Chen Ge pot, sighing helplessly. "Besides, setting up network equipment is a massive project no matter how you look at it. You might be busy for a while."
"Yes, it's a real challenge," Keqing admitted. "After all, the continent of Teyvat is not like Earth. We can't lay cables on a large scale. If they get destroyed by hilichurls or other monsters, it would be a huge hassle."
She sighed and continued, "At most, we can only ensure secure information transmission within the city. Even that will require me to redesign the infrastructure. If only the resentment of the demon gods in Guiliyuan disappeared, I could go there and build the kind of modern city you always talk about."
Keqing understood that Liyue was vastly different from the world where Smith had come from. While Liyue Harbor was beautiful, she wanted to build a city for him—a city that blended the best of both worlds, where he could feel a true sense of belonging. She admitted to herself that she had some personal motivations, but she was certain that Morax would support her. After all, Smith had unknowingly become one of the most important people in Liyue, second only to the Rock King himself.
Even though Smith had not been in Liyue for long, the changes he had brought were monumental.
"It depends on Nahida and the others. Don't forget about Sumeru's Void System. Though it was created using the Heart of God, Sumeru already has a successful case study. Although I'm not particularly fond of Sumeru, the Void System is undeniably powerful. However, such a system shouldn't be controlled by the Akademiya," Smith said thoughtfully. "Are you familiar with Fontaine's Steam Bird News?"
"The most famous newspaper in Teyvat? Of course, I know it. Even in Liyue, many people subscribe to the Steam Bird News."
"I plan to publish something in the Steam Bird News," Smith's eyes gleamed. "The people in the Akademiya are far too comfortable. I plan to stir things up a little. And if possible, I want to add some excitement for the people of Inazuma as well."
"This would mean interfering with the internal affairs of other nations," Keqing cautioned. "I doubt the Steam Bird News would agree to publish such information, considering the impact it would have. The Akademiya might even ban the publication."
"And if they do? So what?" Smith smirked. "After all, I am the God of Water!"
Keqing didn't know whether to laugh or sigh at Smith's confidence. Did he truly see himself as the Water God now? Well, technically, he could be considered one. But if he continued down this path, the real Water God, Fukaros, might end up in tears!
"Besides, I also plan to recruit them into our group to provide some convenience for myself and my allies. Makes sense, doesn't it?"
"It does, actually," Keqing admitted. Learning that Smith wanted to bring Fontaine into their circle, she had no reason to stop him. Currently, in terms of technological advancement, Snezhnaya might be the most developed, but Fontaine was undoubtedly second. In some areas, Fontaine even surpassed Snezhnaya.
Originally, Sumeru should have been far ahead, but the Akademiya had abandoned its pursuit of progress. In Keqing's opinion, if Sumeru had remained on its original path, it might have been superior to its current state, even if it were set back five hundred years. Meanwhile, Snezhnaya continued to dominate in weapons technology.
"Still, is it really okay for you to go to Fontaine like this? Won't you end up clashing with Fukaros?" Keqing asked hesitantly.
"There is a disaster looming over Fontaine. To resolve it, a great price must be paid. Fukaros is even prepared to sacrifice herself to save Fontaine. My arrival will only benefit them."
"I see. So you're really set on going to Fontaine. When will you leave, and when will you return?"
"If I want to leave, I can go as soon as tomorrow. There's no need to enter Fontaine as an envoy. Meeting Furina shouldn't be difficult," Smith's eyes darkened slightly. "Besides, I believe the waters of Fontaine will welcome my arrival."
Keqing wasn't sure how to respond. Smith was clearly looking forward to stirring up trouble. Who knew? After this, people might start claiming that the true Water God resided in Liyue. If that happened, things would get interesting.
But since Smith had made up his mind, what could she do? Of course, she would support him. If she weren't so busy, she would have liked to accompany him to Fontaine herself.
Fontaine—A New Arrival
"Fontaine is just ahead!" Smith murmured as he made his way toward the region, choosing to cross from Chenyu Vale rather than traveling through Sumeru. He stood near the border, gazing at the waters of Fontaine, which had a distinct aura compared to Liyue's. His expression turned thoughtful.
"In that case, let the waters of Fontaine welcome me—the true Water God! Your ruler has returned!" A mischievous glint flashed in Smith's eyes as he exerted his influence. Under his command, the water elements across Fontaine began to stir, brimming with vitality.
"Hmm? This energy?" Neuvillette immediately sensed the sudden surge in elemental activity. Stepping out of his office, he gazed into the distance, where the ocean waters seemed to shimmer with newfound life. An incredulous expression crossed his face.
With his sensitivity to elemental forces, Neuvillette could clearly feel that this was the work of a Water God. However, the presence behind it did not seem to match Furina's.
Could it be that Furina was not truly the Water God?
No, that didn't make sense. He had felt the divine aura within her before. Although Furina rarely displayed her power and sometimes behaved foolishly, Neuvillette had never doubted her identity. And yet, the energy radiating now felt more authentic, more divine than ever before.
Even Neuvillette found himself wavering. Was this truly the return of Fontaine's rightful Water God?