Chapter 11: Zhongli's Proposal
"This is the estate I mentioned earlier. My home is right next door," Keqing said as she led the way through a quiet, stone-paved path.
After their meal at Liuli Pavilion, Ningguang had left to handle urgent matters, leaving Keqing to guide Kael and Zhongli toward a secluded district just below Yujing Terrace.
Some said this was the finest place to live in all of Liyue—close to the beating heart of the city, yet quiet enough to hear the breeze rustling through the lanterns at night.
Kael's eyes swept over the elegant courtyards, the serene lakes, the intricate stone bridges that gleamed like gold under the afternoon sun.
By the standards of his old world, this was prime luxury.
If this were Earth, he thought wryly, this would be the equivalent of living in central Yanjing. Easily worth billions.
Yet here, he was about to buy it for under a hundred million Mora.
---
The property owner, an aging merchant in a silk robe, greeted them at the entrance with barely concealed nervousness.
When he noticed Yuheng Keqing standing beside the prospective buyer, his palms went slick with sweat.
"L-Lady Yuheng! I didn't expect you to—ah, please, this way!"
Under his guidance, Kael explored the estate.
The main residence covered nearly 2,500 square meters, complete with jade-tiled corridors, an artificial lake reflecting the sky, and a small pavilion framed by blossoming Glaze Lilies. The air smelled faintly of cedar and incense.
Inside were more than a dozen rooms, each meticulously furnished and well-maintained.
Kael blinked. "Are you sure I can afford this? It feels… suspiciously cheap."
If this were back on Earth, he'd need a mortgage, a few lifetimes, and possibly his soul to buy it.
Keqing folded her arms, her tone matter-of-fact.
"Property in this district is heavily regulated. Prices can't spike beyond set limits, and all transactions are handled internally. You also need a guarantor—and few qualify."
She glanced toward Zhongli. "You happen to have one of the best possible guarantors with you."
Zhongli smiled faintly. "I do try to be helpful."
Keqing continued, "Also, Beiguo Bank's expansion has driven several local merchants into bankruptcy. As a result, property values have dropped in some areas. This estate is one of them."
Kael nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Market compression caused by foreign financial intervention. Typical."
The owner, still sweating, cleared his throat. "If you finalize the purchase today, 90 million Mora will be acceptable."
Kael's eyes flicked toward Keqing for confirmation.
She gave a small nod. "That's a fair price."
Kael smiled. "Then I'll take it. Have Ningguang handle the transfer."
---
The property owner froze mid-bow.
Ningguang? The Tianquan herself would be facilitating the payment?
And this man spoke as if it were a casual favor?
His gaze darted between Kael and Keqing, a thousand wild thoughts racing through his mind.
Could it be… Yuheng and Tianquan were both competing over the same man?
He immediately stopped thinking. In Liyue, curiosity killed not cats—but careers.
Within the span of a single cup of tea, the paperwork was completed. Keqing personally verified and stamped the transaction seal.
Kael accepted the deed with a satisfied grin. "Perfect. I'm officially a homeowner."
Technically, as the embodiment of the Heavenly Principles, he could claim the entire planet if he wanted. But somehow, owning one house legitimately felt far more rewarding.
The leftover 10 million Mora from the initial transaction was placed neatly in a golden pouch.
A mansion, a title, and spare cash, Kael mused. Now all I need is a girlfriend and my life's complete.
His eyes briefly drifted to Keqing. No, definitely not her.
She was beautiful, yes—but far too hardworking. He could already imagine her lecturing him about tax reforms during breakfast.
---
Keqing turned toward him, expression calm. "I still have a great deal of work to attend to. With Mr. Zhongli here, I'm sure you'll settle in easily."
Kael gave a casual smile. "Thanks. I'll treat you to a meal next time."
Just as she turned to leave, Keqing suddenly leaned in close—so close he could feel her breath against his ear.
"I have no proof," she whispered, voice like lightning in a storm, "but I know the person who broke into my home last night was you.
"For the sake of the chat group, I'll overlook it—this time. But if you lie to me again…" Her eyes glinted dangerously. "I'll personally throw you into Liyue's prison."
Then, as if nothing happened, she straightened, nodded politely to Zhongli, and departed.
Kael stood frozen for a second. "…She's terrifying."
Zhongli chuckled softly. "If you've done wrong, perhaps you should reflect on how to make amends."
"I didn't do anything wrong," Kael protested weakly. "I just… took a wrong turn."
Zhongli sipped his tea with amusement. "Regardless, Yuheng is a good woman. Though she lacks reverence for the divine, that independence may serve you well. After all, if your true nature were to be exposed, allies would be few."
Kael exhaled, letting the moment pass. "Fine, fine. Lesson learned. No more uninvited visits."
He clapped his hands. "Anyway! Since I'm officially a Liyue citizen now, how about we celebrate? You mentioned tea houses, right? I heard there's one with a beautiful musician—"
Zhongli raised a brow. "You've only had the deed for five minutes and already want to spend Mora on entertainment?"
Kael grinned. "You can't take Mora to the afterlife, old man."
Zhongli sighed. "You remind me of someone I once knew."
His tone shifted suddenly, serious and deliberate. "But before you squander your fortune, I have a proposal."
Kael straightened. "A proposal?"
Zhongli's gaze sharpened like polished amber. "I've observed that your system allows you to acquire knowledge instantly—but mastery still requires effort. Training. Discipline. Correct?"
Kael nodded. "Yes. The chat group grants access, not mastery. True skill demands practice."
Zhongli's eyes glinted with the quiet wisdom of millennia.
"Then I propose this: I will teach you how to cultivate properly. Not merely in theory—but as a god teaches a successor."
Kael blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You… want to train me?"
Zhongli nodded slowly. "Liyue has always honored contracts. Consider this one between the old and the new—between Geo and Heaven."
Kael's smirk returned, this time tinged with curiosity and respect.
"Very well, old man. I'll accept your proposal."
"Good," Zhongli said, standing and adjusting his gloves. "Then tomorrow morning, we begin. I'll show you what it means to wield power worthy of an Archon."
Kael chuckled under his breath as the sun dipped beyond the peaks of Mt. Tianheng.
A house, a mentor, and an empire to reform. Not bad for my first week in Teyva
✨ End of Chapter 11