NOVEL WEB Chapter 194: Chapter 194
In the afternoon, the two Adepti visited the shop again. To Xia Zhi's surprise, he saw Zhongli walking with them.
The three seemed like old friends, their interactions warm and harmonious.
Mr. Zhongli had likely returned from the construction site because Granny Ping's birthday was approaching.
Xia Zhi exchanged a few pleasant words with Zhongli and then offered them some of the peach cookies he had made that day.
The two Adepti each took a piece, nodded in satisfaction, and their expressions showed clear approval.
Zhongli took a bite and was visibly surprised by the improved flavor compared to the pastries he had eaten here before.
He glanced at Xia Zhi, who was calmly preparing juice, then returned to enjoying the cookies while chatting with his old friends.
From his god-like perspective, Xia Zhi hesitated for a moment before deciding to use his [Skill Steal] ability on Moon Carver.
He had already used it on Mountain Shaper the day before, and while Zhongli was undoubtedly stronger, he lived next door, so there would be more opportunities to learn from him later.
"[Skill Steal] successful. You have learned the skill [Yin-Yang Divination]."
"[Yin-Yang Divination]: Using mediums imbued with spiritual or divine energy, communicate with the forces of Yin and Yang, perceive the unseen, and discern fate."
A divination skill. Xia Zhi's mind was instantly flooded with knowledge about fortune-telling.
He found the skill quite intriguing.
As for mediums imbued with spiritual or divine energy, the most common would be Mora.
Each Mora coin contained a trace of the Geo Archon Morax's divine power.
There were even rumors that the first Mora ever minted held immense power, and that Zhongli had used it to enhance a sword and a blade.
Wielding the sword would make one the ruler of Liyue, while drawing the blade would crown them the king of Liyue.
Xia Zhi naturally didn't believe such outlandish tales, but in Teyvat's mysticism, Mora was indeed a commonly used catalyst for various arts and spells, including the rumored weapon enhancement.
After finishing their juice, the two Adepti and Zhongli left the shop.
The three strolled through the bustling streets of Liyue, their eyes filled with nostalgia.
They had initially planned to visit Heyu Tea House to listen to storytelling, but due to the popularity of Yun Jin's new opera, the tea house was packed, with many guests standing due to the lack of seats.
The atmosphere was too crowded and noisy, so they opted for a nearby tea house instead.
As they entered, a waiter greeted them enthusiastically. "Welcome to Feiyun Tea House! Would you like to join a table? We have one guest waiting, and we need three more to start a game."
"Join a table? Three more?"
"Ah, it seems this is your first time at Feiyun Tea House. We've recently introduced a new tile-based game called Mahjong. It's simple yet thrilling and has become quite popular. However, it requires four players, so we've introduced this shared table service. Would you like to give it a try? It's currently event time, and we'll provide a free pot of premium tea for each table."
The two Adepti looked curious and turned to Zhongli for his opinion. He nodded slightly. "Let's give it a try."
"Right this way, please!"
---
Back at summer shop, Ningguang arrived to patronize the business once again.
During a quiet time, Xia Zhi took out a few Mora coins and casually tossed them onto the table. The coins scattered, forming a divination pattern. He interpreted the results.
Ningguang's fortune indicated great wealth and prosperity. However, it also suggested that she would soon face a calamity, though it would turn out to be a close call with no real harm.
Xia Zhi shook his head inwardly. Ningguang was indeed a magnet for trouble. It was best to keep his distance.
Next, he divined Shenhe's fortune.
The reading revealed that Shenhe's fate was marked by the "Lone Star" and "Calamity Star," indicating a life of solitude and constant peril. Her destiny was one of separation from loved ones and a life fraught with disasters. It was an extremely rare and dangerous fate, one that could harm both herself and others.
The divination also suggested that Shenhe would soon face a calamity but would be aided by a benefactor, turning danger into safety.
Xia Zhi's expression grew serious.
This was too much of a coincidence.
Both Ningguang and Shenhe's readings pointed to an impending disaster.
If the divination was accurate, it meant they would face the same calamity soon.
One was a Liyue magnate, the other a disciple of the Adepti.
What kind of disaster could they both face? Could it be on the same level as the recent Osial incident?
Xia Zhi frowned and performed another divination for the impending disaster.
This time, the reading was somewhat unclear, but he managed to glean some information: the disaster would occur at sea next month, in the northeast direction.
Northeast… That would be near Guyun Stone Forest.
The place where Zhongli had sealed away the ancient gods. Could it be that another god was about to break free?
Xia Zhi pocketed the Mora coins, feeling a sense of unease.
Ningguang's fate didn't concern him much—they weren't close.
But Shenhe was one of his own.
While the divination suggested she would be fine, he didn't want her to suffer even a scratch.
He had promised to take care of her, after all.
Next month…
He wouldn't reach the divine realm until the end of the month, and he wasn't sure if he'd be ready in time for this trouble.
Would he be in time to deal with this mess? Once he became the God of Light, he could simply bestow Shenhe with a set of light-based blessings, letting her roam freely. Even if she died, he could just resurrect her.
---
That evening, Zhu Zi came by again. "Boss, I've been eating too well lately and feel like I'm gaining weight. Can you give me another massage?"
"Sure."
"Thank you, boss! I'll go take a shower first!"
"Alright."
Qiqi walked over and whispered, "Boss, my body feels a bit stiff. Can I get a massage too?"
"Of course. I'll call you after I'm done with Zhu Zi."
"Thank you, boss."
Miss Chi Yu floated over. "Boss!"
"300 or 800?"
"Let's go with 800!"
"Alright, I'll call you after Qiqi."
"Okay!"
Diona watched as her seniors lined up for massages, her face turning red.
Massages… making those strange noises… it was just too much… Was it really that enjoyable? She was a bit worried about gaining weight from the good food, but she couldn't bring herself to ask the boss like Zhu Zi had.
At least… she had Shenhe sitting with her… otherwise, she'd feel like the odd one out in the shop.
Just as Diona was thinking this, she noticed Shenhe suddenly stand up and walk toward the boss.
Huh? Wait!
Senior Shenhe!
What are you doing?!
"Boss, I'd like to try a massage too."
"Sure."
"The 800 one."
"Alright."
Diona sat there, utterly stunned.
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