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Liyue Harbor stood as the most prosperous commercial hub in all of Teyvat. Even late into the night, the city remained brightly lit, its streets a tapestry of movement as merchants and residents went about their business. During his first few days in this world, Li Mo had mostly stayed within the safety of his shop to get the internet cafe running. He hadn't ventured out much, primarily because he lacked the power to protect himself. Deep down, he had been a bit of a coward.
However, the real Liyue was vastly more impressive than the scaled-down version found in a video game. The familiar architecture and the distinct cultural atmosphere put Li Mo at ease. It felt remarkably like stepping into the ancient history of his own world. Seeing the diverse crowd of foreigners on the streets, he was reminded of the legendary "city that never sleeps" from the Tang Dynasty. He caught himself wondering what would have happened if he had traveled back to that era instead. Without a powerful "Golden Finger" system to protect him, he likely wouldn't have survived more than a few days.
Liyue was different. During this period of its history, it was incredibly safe. Even as a total stranger, Li Mo knew that as long as he didn't stir up trouble, Mr. Zhongli wouldn't lift a finger against him. As long as he avoided the taboos of the Ley Lines and the Abyss, he wouldn't disturb the peace of the world.
After wandering the streets for a while, Li Mo decided to head to Wanmin Restaurant for a late-night meal. He had considered Xinyue Kiosk, but the prestigious establishment required reservations made far in advance. Wanmin Restaurant, on the other hand, was one of the most famous eateries in the harbor and was beloved for its high-quality, affordable dishes.
In the game he remembered, Wanmin was just a small outdoor stall run by Chef Mao and his daughter, Xiangling. In reality, it was a massive three-story restaurant staffed by dozens of cooks trained under Chef Mao's expert eye. As fate would have it, Li Mo spotted a familiar figure just as he approached the entrance.
"Oh, Mr. Zhongli? Are you here for supper as well? If you don't mind, please allow me to treat you to a meal," Li Mo offered with a friendly wave.
Zhongli, ever the gentleman, didn't refuse. "Well, that is very kind of you. I would be honored."
Of course, Li Mo wondered if their meeting was truly a coincidence or if the old consultant had been waiting for him. Regardless, he requested a small private room. Once the tea was poured and a feast was ordered, the two began to chat.
"Mr. Li Mo, I must admit I am quite curious about your hometown," Zhongli began, his amber eyes observant. "I wonder, what kind of world is it?"
Li Mo took a slow sip of his tea, a nostalgic glint appearing in his eyes. "My home is actually very similar to Liyue. The architecture, the food, and the traditions all feel very familiar to me. However, there is one major difference: my world has no Heavenly Principles, no elemental laws, and no gods. It is a world governed entirely by human beings."
He leaned back, weaving a half-truth that he had prepared beforehand—the story of a common man who stumbled upon a grand adventure. "Without some unexpected events, my life would have been as mediocre as anyone else's. But an accident allowed me to travel between worlds, eventually leading me to Teyvat."
Zhongli leaned forward, clearly intrigued. "A world dominated by humans with no gods to guide them? How could a civilization develop under such circumstances?"
Li Mo knew this would catch the old Archon's interest. After all, Zhongli was currently contemplating his own retirement and the transition of Liyue into an era of human rule. However, Li Mo's answer was not exactly the glowing endorsement of humanity that Zhongli might have hoped for.
"The development of my kind has always been paved with conflict," Li Mo explained. "There are endless wars between nations and even more bloodshed within them. In the thousands of years of our civilization, dynasties would rise and fall every few centuries. During those transitions, the common people suffered immensely, facing poverty and starvation. It wasn't until my current generation that most people finally achieved a stable, good life."
He looked directly at Zhongli. "Human desire is a terrifying thing, and human nature is often too weak to pass its own tests. Without a sword hanging over their heads, humans can become more demonic than the monsters themselves. That's why I find Liyue so remarkable. With the blessing and guidance of a god like you, humanity here has been steered toward its best traits, while the darker side of human nature is kept in check."
Li Mo's words weren't subtle; he was openly acknowledging Zhongli's true identity. Zhongli didn't seem surprised that Li Mo knew who he was. Instead, he fell into a deep silence, weighing the young man's words.
Was a world ruled solely by humans truly so volatile? He thought of Khaenri'ah—a nation that thrived without a god, only to wage war and eventually fall to the corruption of the Abyss. He thought of Mondstadt, which had fallen into the hands of corrupt aristocrats whenever Barbatos was away. It seemed that without a qualified observer, humanity's capacity for chaos was indeed formidable. Even though he wanted Liyue to enter an era of self-governance, he realized he couldn't simply walk away entirely. He would have to remain in the shadows, watching over them.
Zhongli let out a quiet sigh. "What you say holds a great deal of weight. Perhaps that is why I find it so difficult to truly let go."
The door to the private room opened, and a server began to lay out their dishes. The heavy conversation came to an end, and Li Mo and Zhongli shifted their talk to lighter gossip and the many delicacies of Liyue.