Yae Miko watched as Lin Mo pulled her back a few steps.
She couldn't help but cast her gaze toward the pile of glistening salt crystals in the room, asking curiously, "Are you wanting Paimon to... rewind time to three thousand years ago?"
Lin Mo nodded. " In that era, Havria... would have been a beloved Archon by her people.
"
Paimon also nodded excitedly at Lin Mo. " Paimon will do her best!
" With that, Paimon immediately closed her eyes and pressed her palms together.
Lin Mo quickly pulled Yae Miko back a few more steps. "It's starting. Let's keep our distance so we aren't affected."
"What does it matter~" Yae Miko's beautiful eyes held a trace of pride. "Even if I were affected, I'd still be your beloved little fox~"
Her reminder made Lin Mo recall that Yae Miko was also born in that era. Even if affected by the time rewind, it likely wouldn't be a major issue. The one who should be worried about being affected was probably Lin Mo himself.
After all, in this lifetime, Lin Mo was only around eighteen or nineteen. If he went in, he might just vanish, since... he hadn't even been born a dozen years prior.
Now, under the influence of Paimon's time-rewinding ability, the scene within the room gradually began to change.
The ivy that had climbed to the ceiling was visibly 'growing younger' at a remarkable rate. Under Paimon's influence, Lin Mo witnessed the 'rejuvenation' of plants like ivy and wild grass from the very beginning. It was evident that over the long years, aside from plant life, no other living beings had ever come to Havria's place of annihilation.
As time rewound, while Lin Mo watched the pile of salt crystals on the floor, his thoughts couldn't help but drift back to the time he first met Havria.
He remembered...
It was a bright and sunny morning.
Lin Mo, with nothing better to do, was wandering around Guili Assembly, where the people of Liyue first settled.
"What should I eat today?" Lin Mo pondered. "How about... some boiled fish~!"
Once the thought came, he decided to act.
But a problem arose.
Lin Mo promptly bought a pufferfish from a vendor in Guili Assembly, intending to prepare a sumptuous meal for himself. He had the fish, he had most of the seasonings, but he was missing one crucial ingredient—salt.
Lin Mo searched through the entire market of Guili Assembly but couldn't find a single vendor selling salt. This puzzled him greatly. Although this era was one of scarce resources and salt was a precious seasoning, it shouldn't have been completely unavailable.
"Guoba!"
At that moment, a familiar voice sounded beside Lin Mo.
Guoba at this time wasn't the size of a small bear plushie, but was as large as a black bear. He patted Lin Mo's shoulder with a helpful look in his eyes. Seeing Guoba's expression, Lin Mo knew he was asking if he had encountered some difficulty.
Lin Mo smiled and patted Guoba's sturdy arm. " Hey, Guoba~ Do you have any salt?
"
"Wu..."
Guoba immediately looked dejected, shaking his head and gesturing while saying, "Gulugulule..."
After Guoba chattered for a bit, Lin Mo nodded thoughtfully, roughly understanding his meaning.
Due to issues with Liyue's salt production techniques, output was extremely low. So, in recent years, Liyue's salt had been provided by the followers of the Archon Havria. However, a few days prior, Havria's territory had once again been invaded by another Archon.
Havria had no choice but to retreat with her people to settle in the northeastern region of Liyue. This back-and-forth had caused significant delays and led to a severe salt shortage throughout Liyue in the short term.
" Retreating again?! "
Lin Mo couldn't help but sigh. " How many times has Havria retreated now~"
In Lin Mo's memory, this Archon had never participated in the Archon War from the very beginning. Whenever she faced invasion by another Archon, she would immediately surrender and cede territory.
"... Alright, thanks. "
Lin Mo patted Guoba's shoulder with a smile. " Then I'll go find Havria and see if I can purchase a batch of salt for Guili Assembly.
"
"Hu!!"
Guoba looked very happy. With salt, the meals of Liyue's people could definitely improve again.
And so, Lin Mo embarked on his journey.
The northeastern direction of Liyue was the future Sal Terrae, Havria's final territory.
Half a day later, Lin Mo arrived at the entrance to Havria's underwater palace.
The followers watched as Lin Mo approached, stepping on clouds, and immediately grew wary. " Who are you?!
"
Lin Mo smiled and said, " I am an adeptus under the Lord of Geo, the Carefree Wandering True Lord, Lin Mo. I have a matter I wish to discuss with your Archon, Havria.
"
The followers grew even more alert. In their eyes, the Lord of Geo and the adepti under him were all warmongers on this land! Lin Mo's arrival made them think that the Lord of Geo had set his sights on Havria's last remaining territory.
Was he here to declare war?
But just then, a gentle female voice came from within the palace.
" So it is the Carefree Wandering True Lord, representing the wisdom of Liyue. I have long heard of your great reputation~ I actually had a matter I wished to discuss with you recently, but I didn't expect you to seek me out first~ Please, come in~"
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T/N:
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