Genshin x Minecraft: Building the Temple of Virtue

This time, after Xiao chopped away at the blocks, Ningguang didn't dare suggest sending them directly to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

After all, these were Ryen's resources, not hers to freely allocate. Instead, she politely asked Xiao to carry the wood into the courtyard.

Though Keqing had previously mentioned that wood in Ryen's world was incredibly abundant and practically worthless, that didn't mean they could just assume it was theirs for the taking.

Once inside, they quickly confirmed that Ryen was indeed not present. On the table, a single piece of paper was pinned beneath a torch.

The note was straightforward: Ryen had gone off to build a new base today and would return in the evening.

With no pressing concerns, the group settled into the house. Technically, this was Keqing's residence, so she had every right to host them there.

As the setting sun bathed the room in warm hues, Ningguang proposed softly, "Why don't I have some food sent over? That way, we can discuss things over dinner tonight."

Zhongli nodded faintly, offering no objection.

At that moment, he was fully engrossed in the peculiar crafting table that Keqing was explaining to him.

Earlier, she had casually thrown a birchwood block into the table, which was immediately deconstructed into four pristine wooden planks.

After some further tinkering, she demonstrated how to create wooden doors, wooden swords, wooden axes, and even one of those ever-burning torches.

This display had piqued Zhongli's curiosity, prompting him to reevaluate the importance of Ryen's world.

Such miraculous processes defied common sense. With just a block in hand, one could craft extraordinary items in an instant without expending manpower or resources.

The sheer efficiency of it all could easily spark a technological revolution in Teyvat.

Meanwhile, Keqing was leafing through her crafting notes, eagerly tossing in wood to create more tools.

Ningguang, however, couldn't help but feel a twinge of pain watching the wasteful process.

These were high-quality wood materials—practically Mora in raw form!

A single plank could be refined into countless pieces of furniture, yet Keqing was using multiple planks just to make basic tools.

A wooden axe that required three top-tier planks to craft? No wonder the tools were heavy—how could they not be, when their creation was so extravagant?

Still, Ningguang found herself intrigued by Keqing's crafting notes. Despite the wastefulness, the speed and quality of the creations were undeniable.

"Keqing," Ningguang interrupted before Keqing could waste another piece of wood. "Would you mind if I made a few copies of those crafting notes?"

Keqing paused, glancing at the scroll in her hands. She nodded.

"Of course. Since this is a collaboration, Ryen specifically asked me to share these crafting formulas.

"However, this is just a small fraction of what he's discovered. Ryen said I haven't even documented one percent of it yet.

"There are special block combinations that can produce even more miraculous creations."

Keqing paused for a moment, recalling something Ryen had mentioned during one of their mining trips.

"I remember him mumbling about automatic mining machines, self-operating iron smelters, and even fully automated redstone cannons…"

Realizing she was starting to ramble, Keqing quickly handed the crafting notes to Ningguang.

"Have someone copy them quickly. I'll need them back tomorrow. Ryen and I plan to explore more of his world and document additional formulas."

Before Keqing could say more, mysterious specks of light flickered into the room, causing an immediate shift in the atmosphere.

"Watch out, my lord!" Xiao's expression darkened as he materialized his jade spear, instinctively moving to shield the group.

"Conqueror of Demons, there's no need to be alarmed," Ganyu said hastily.

"It's just Ryen returning. Please lower your weapon."

Xiao hesitated, glancing at Zhongli. Only when Zhongli nodded did Xiao withdraw his weapon and step back.

Moments later, a glowing doorway shimmered into existence before them.

Through its faintly translucent surface, the group caught glimpses of Ryen's blocky world, hazy but unmistakable.

"Hah… That was exhausting…"

Ryen appeared, hefting a pickaxe over his shoulder, his face weary as he stepped through the portal back into Teyvat.

Looking up, he was greeted by the sight of a group of people staring back at him.

Standing front and center was none other than the figure from the Seven Statues—the Archon himself—accompanied by his stern-looking companion, Xiao.

Ryen blinked, momentarily stunned, but he showed no signs of nervousness.

Ryen casually stowed away his pickaxe and greeted them with a lighthearted smile.

"Looks like I've got quite the crowd today. Sorry to keep you all waiting."

"Ryen!"

Ganyu's voice rang out, brimming with delight. She darted past the others and stopped just short of Ryen, mere inches away. Realizing the group was watching, she quickly composed herself, halting awkwardly.

"You've worked hard today, Ryen. How did things go over there?"

Ryen chuckled, spreading his hands.

"Oh, it's been good. I spent the day fixing up the house over there, so next time you visit, everyone will have their own room."

He glanced around the room. "By the way, did your discussions wrap up already? I thought it'd take you three or four days at least."

Lowering her voice, Ganyu glanced toward the others.

"It's because of the Lord of Geo... He values your proposal greatly and decided to personally finalize the arrangements."

"Special circumstances called for special action, so we hurried over to find you," she added, her gaze shifting toward Zhongli.

Following her glance, Ryen turned to Zhongli. Despite the latter's hooded robe and the divine energy cloaking his visage, Ryen saw through it all with ease, immediately recognizing Zhongli's face beneath.

With a friendly wave, Ryen greeted him with a grin.

"Greetings, Lord Morax, and Miss Ningguang as well. It's a pleasure to meet you both. I'm Ryen."

Zhongli inclined his head slightly, his eyes carefully studying Ryen for the first time up close.

The young man appeared unassuming—handsome and pure, with a radiance about him. At a glance, there was nothing particularly extraordinary about his outward appearance.

Yet Zhongli's discerning gaze easily detected the cosmic, almost creator-like energy coursing within him. Without that insight, Ryen could easily be mistaken for an innocuous, sunny young man.

"Mr. Ryen," Zhongli began, his tone formal yet composed. "Forgive our intrusion. Your collaboration proposal has been conveyed to us by Yuheng.

"Based on logical analysis, Liyue has no reason to refuse. Hence, we are here to formalize the specifics of the contract."

Ryen's interest was piqued, and he opened his mouth to reply, but Ganyu spoke up first, her tone faintly exasperated.

"My lord! Ryen's just returned from a hard day's work and hasn't even had a chance to sit down or have a drink. Isn't this a bit too hasty?"

Her words left Zhongli momentarily at a loss, his expression shifting ever so slightly.

For some reason, he felt like a father watching his grown daughter preparing to leave for someone else's home. The thought brought an odd awkwardness to the atmosphere.

Breaking the tension, Ningguang stepped forward with a soft laugh, her voice smooth and diplomatic.

"I've already sent someone to fetch food. In Liyue, it's customary to discuss business over a meal. Why don't we save the details for dinner?"

Ryen's eyes lit up, and he nodded eagerly.

"Sounds perfect! I haven't had the chance to try much of Liyue's cuisine since arriving in Teyvat. Honestly, I've been surviving on roasted meat and foraged fruit over there, so I'm definitely looking forward to it."

At his words, Ningguang let out a melodious laugh, her poise exuding effortless elegance.

"That's Liyue's fault for not being a better host. Rest assured, Mr. Ryen, as our partner, we'll make sure you're well-fed and never wanting for good food."

Ryen found her company rather enjoyable. Conversations with someone as sharp and gracious as Ningguang felt like a refreshing breeze. He smiled warmly.

"Just call me Ryen. I'm still young—I don't want to feel like an old man with people calling me 'Mister.'"

"Feel free to sit for a bit. I'll go clean up. Ugh... I reek after spending the afternoon fishing."

With that, Ryen turned and headed into the house.

As he left, a thought lingered in his mind, souring his mood slightly.

Fishing. Why was it that others always seemed to reel in enchanted books and rare treasures, while he ended up with nothing but carp or broken bows with red durability indicators?

He would've preferred to catch nothing at all—it'd have been less infuriating.