Divine artifact!
Everyone looked at the Lion's Roar in Keqing's hand with stunned and uncertain expressions.
Ganyu and the others were still somewhat unsure, but Ningguang and Xiao, who clearly knew Zhongli's identity, felt a tsunami welling up in their hearts.
As the Geo Archon, the longest-living deity, he himself was an encyclopedia.
He himself was a magnifying glass for appraising everything in the world.
Since Zhongli could say this was a weapon that could possess a divine name, what else could it be but a divine artifact?
But a divine artifact...
How many could there be in all of Teyvat?
Although Keqing was excited for a moment by Zhongli's words, she quickly came back to her senses.
She shook her head helplessly and said,
"Mister Zhongli is being a bit too exaggerated. Divine artifacts in Teyvat are few and far between."
"While the Lion's Roar is strong, compared to those famous divine artifacts, it's not something an enchantment can make up for."
Zhongli had anticipated that some would question him, so he wasn't in a hurry. He leisurely took a sip of tea and calmly said,
"Then does Yuheng know what makes a divine artifact special in Teyvat?"
Keqing naturally understood the characteristics of divine artifacts. Liyue was vast and wealthy, and naturally possessed divine artifacts.
"To put it most directly, there's the Vigilant Yaksha's Primordial Jade Winged-Spear and the Hu Tao's Staff of Homa."
"The former is a divine artifact that was already famous during the Archon War, and the latter is a sacrificial implement passed down through generations of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's funeral rites."
"I don't know the exact effects of these two weapons, but I imagine they both enhance elemental power, and so on."
Xiao and Hu Tao nodded from the side.
As users, no one understood the power of these two weapons better than them. It wasn't just a matter of elemental power amplification.
However, Zhongli was satisfied with Keqing's answer, and nodded again.
"Then has Yuheng ever studied why a divine artifact is a divine artifact? 27"
"Of course."
Keqing nodded confidently, saying proudly,
"Divine artifacts earn their name mostly because they are related to gods. For example, the Vigilant Yaksha's weapon is related to the Geo Archon, and with the passage of long eons."
"Like those Holy Relics, they repeatedly appear in myths, are sung about in epics, gathering wishes and Ley Lines power, thus acquiring a divine name."
"It is also based on this that divine artifacts possess various transcendent powers, those blessings far beyond what ordinary people can imagine, as if laws are..."
Keqing froze, and after a moment, she looked up at Zhongli in shock.
The latter was leisurely sipping his tea, and seeing Keqing look over, Zhongli nodded slightly.
"As if laws are engraved within them, correct?"
"...Indeed..."
Zhongli pointed at the Lion's Roar and said softly,
"Then, Yuheng, why do you think the Lion's Roar in your hand, a weapon with the power of fire and capable of granting you a second element, cannot be called a divine artifact?"
"Is it because the Lion's Roar is less famous than the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear? Or is it because you discovered Jiang Xuan forged a brand-new artificial weapon into a divine artifact in a single morning?"
"Is Yuheng thinking that these specially enchanted weapons are too easy to obtain, and therefore cannot be called divine artifacts?"
Keqing was speechless.
But upon closer thought, everything Zhongli said was logical.
The Primordial Jade Winged-Spear could enhance elemental power and make it easier for Xiao to attack enemy weaknesses.
They called the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear a divine artifact.
So, why couldn't a Diamond Sword, crafted from the hardest material, diamonds, be called a divine artifact?
It had the ability to inevitably repel enemies, inevitably increase damage, inevitably increase drops...
And even cast fire without consuming resources.
Why were they unwilling to call it a divine artifact?
Because it had no history?
Ningguang dared to say that if this weapon were thrown into Teyvat, countless people would frantically pursue it.
Perhaps, archaeologists and senior scholars would concoct countless glorious historical anecdotes for this reproducible, mass-produced enchanted Diamond Sword.
Because...
It could grant ordinary people the power to wield the Pyro element!
It could grant other elemental Archons a second element.
So, why couldn't it be called a divine artifact?
Keqing was silent, and after a long while, she said with some emotion,
"It seems we still underestimated enchantments too much..."
Ningguang and the others nodded in agreement.
Zhongli remained silent. He had spoken earlier only to remind everyone not to underestimate enchantments.
The moment the enchantment was applied to the Lion's Roar, Zhongli noticed it.
It wasn't an enchantment; it was an engraving of laws!
Moreover, it wasn't just one law, but multiple laws working together, producing even more powerful effects.
Although it was always said that weapons were external forces, and power gained externally was unreliable.
In reality, no one could deny the power boost a good weapon provided.
Zhongli had thought everyone would understand.
But to his surprise, Ningguang and the others wanted to enchant all of the Millelith.
Zhongli supported this idea.
However...
The extent had to be controlled.
Hundreds or thousands of Millelith, all equipped with divine artifacts—those who didn't know might think they were going to fight another Archon War!
Liyue would be stronger, but had they considered what the Heavenly Principles would think?
With so many people suddenly appearing in Teyvat carrying divine artifacts, even if the Heavenly Principles were asleep, they would probably be scared awake.
Ningguang clearly understood this point, frowning slightly, and then said softly after a moment,
"It seems the idea of fully arming the Millelith with enchanted weapons won't work. However, we can still select a reliable team."
Jiang Xuan was too lazy to consider matters involving multiple factors.
He only provided opportunities and channels; how to proceed was up to Ningguang and the others.
"Regarding arming the Millelith with enchanted weapons, you can discuss it among yourselves later."
Jiang Xuan stretched lazily and reminded them,
"However, it's best to complete your own enchanted equipment first."
"Resources are limited in the early stages, so we can't plan everything too grandly."
"The matter of the Villager Trading Hall can't be rushed for now either. The villagers are still breeding, and it certainly won't reach the scale we need in the short term."
"So, we'll have to find other ways."
As soon as he finished speaking, Ganyu tilted her head and asked,
"Outside? Liyue?"
Jiang Xuan chuckled, tapped Ganyu's forehead, and said softly,
"Of course, it's outside this world. What I mean is, since we don't have enough villagers here, we'll go to other regions to find villagers and bring them back."
"Coincidentally, it's time for us to explore this world. Many treasures are hidden in forgotten corners of the world, and even treasure chests often contain enchanted tools."
"Hmm..."
Jiang Xuan thought for a moment, then smiled expectantly,
"Let's consider it an exciting treasure hunt. Anyway, this base is almost on track, so we can't always huddle here."
No one objected to Jiang Xuan's invitation to explore.
Aside from Hu Tao, even Cloud Retainer was tired of staying put.
Last night at dinner, Keqing even asked Jiang Xuan when they would go out to explore other regions.
Jiang Xuan had previously mentioned Woodland Mansions, cave ruins, Desert Temples, sunken treasures, and so on.
Those were all places they were very curious about, and Jiang Xuan had said there were plenty of ready-made resources there.
Thinking of this, Keqing became excited again.
"Jiang Xuan, when are we leaving to explore this world?"
The latter thought seriously for a moment, then said softly,
"Probably in the next few days. After the miners settle down and get familiar with their first mining trip."
"Then... I need to go to the Nether first."
Upon hearing this, Hu Tao, who had been a bit bored, instantly perked up, looking at Jiang Xuan eagerly.
"Going to hell?! I want to go too!"
"..."
Jiang Xuan was a bit speechless.
To avoid bad luck, he had deliberately avoided using the term "hell" to describe the Nether.
So...
How did Hu Tao even know that the Nether was hell?!
And what did "going to hell together" even mean?!
Although it had a feeling of shared life and death, Jiang Xuan was still young and hadn't had time to enjoy himself.
He hadn't even tasted coconut milk yet.
He didn't want to die young.
Besides...
Given the special nature of Steve's Physique, would he ever truly die?
His mind wandered, but Jiang Xuan didn't forget to dissuade Hu Tao, or rather, to tell them about the dangers of the Nether.
"This trip to the Nether, I just want to explore the area around the portal."
"If possible, I'll collect some special resources from the Nether to make potions and Redstone mechanisms when I return."
"I don't plan to go deep into the Nether this time, and I don't really support you all going there."
"It's too dangerous in there. There's lava everywhere, and although the Piglin are tradable, they are also aggressive."
"Besides that, Wither Skeletons, Blazes, Ghasts, Magma Cubes, and so on..." 657
"If you don't have experience, it's very easy for things to go wrong."
Jiang Xuan wasn't exaggerating. The Nether was nothing like the Overworld. The environment there was harsh, and almost every creature harbored malice towards humans.
Don't let the fact that Piglin trade gold fool you; punch one, and see if it doesn't chase you.
Not only would it chase you, but it would also call all its brothers and sisters to chase you!
It could be said that a slight misstep would mean starting all over again.
Especially if they accidentally brought a bed in to sleep...
That would be a huge problem.
However, even though Jiang Xuan laid out all the dangers, everyone just listened with serious and focused expressions, showing no intention of not participating.
Hu Tao smiled, resting her chin on her hand, and mumbled,
"I know hell is dangerous! But since we're finally here, I, the Director, want to see the boundary between life and death in your world!"
"..."
Jiang Xuan's mouth twitched. He said helplessly,
"I've told you, the Nether is not hell. And 'hell' is just a dimension, not the boundary of life and death you imagine!"
"I don't care, I don't care!"
Hu Tao was completely unyielding, pouting in annoyance.
"I, the Director, absolutely must go! This is for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's market research. What if those Wither Skeletons and Piglin are all potential clients?"
"Hmph! Jiang Xuan, don't even think about tricking me! Ganyu already said that the Piglin are very rich! They trade with gold!"
Hearing this, Jiang Xuan's face fell as he looked at Ganyu. The latter looked back at him with wide, watery eyes, and for a moment, Jiang Xuan lost his temper.
He shook his head helplessly.
"There's no convincing you... Alright, since it's just exploring the terrain, you can come along. But, you must listen to me and stay close."
"Otherwise, if something happens, none of us will escape unscathed!"
Everyone smiled knowingly. The Nether!
Just hearing Jiang Xuan talk about it sounded amazing; they naturally didn't want to miss out.
Jiang Xuan was about to explain what they needed to be careful about in the Nether.
Suddenly, a Millelith rushed over frantically.
"Lady Ningguang! Lady Keqing! Something... something happened!"
"Over there... over there are a dozen wolves!"
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