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Genshin Impact: The Gambler of Teyvat
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Seeing how cooperative Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were, Aether immediately said:
"You two were directly involved. I trust you're well aware of what just happened."
"…Yes. We were blind to your greatness. Please, Lord Aether, forgive us," Ning Fengzhi replied with a bitter expression, not daring to lift his head.
"Now then, as for these freed civilians—many of them likely won't be able to find work right away. That somewhat defeats the purpose of helping them, wouldn't you say?"
Helping the people break free from slavery was only the first step. Aether had thought this through many times already.
What came next—how to ensure the freed civilians could survive in this world—was the real challenge.
If this problem wasn't addressed, then his so-called help might end up throwing some of them into a different kind of abyss.
At least when they served under the nobles, they could barely survive—even if they had no money and only ate once a day.
But now? Without work, they might go from slaves to beggars. That would be a disaster.
With only him and Paimon, even if they helped ten or twenty people, what about the hundreds or thousands?
Originally, before the auction began, Aether had planned to discuss a follow-up with Xue Qinghe. Though not the emperor, the crown prince still wielded real power.
He could ask him to take in some civilians from Heaven Dou City, and for those from outside, maybe provide some aid using his influence.
But when Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin stepped up to defend the auction house using flimsy excuses, Aether came up with an even better plan.
In his memories, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was famed as the wealthiest of the three upper sects.
Their wealth was due to their auxiliary abilities and the limitations of their Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul.
From sect master and elders to outer disciples, they had plenty of time to run side businesses, unlike other soul masters who spent their whole lives chasing power.
Take this auction house, for example—if Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin were willing to defend it personally, it was clearly tied to their sect. Aether didn't buy for a second that it wasn't.
Every coin has two sides. They wanted to stand out and uphold so-called "justice"? Then they had to be prepared to take the hit and pay the price.
Aether glanced around at the opulently decorated auction house, then continued:
"I've heard that Sect Master Ning's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is rich beyond measure, and that you yourself are a benevolent man. Would you be willing to offer some money—or better yet, some jobs—for these suffering civilians so they can survive?"
He deliberately emphasized the word benevolent, making it clear that if Ning Fengzhi didn't live up to that virtue, this conversation might not end so peacefully.
"This… Lord Aether overstates it. My sect barely gets by these days. Rich beyond measure—you give us too much credit…"
Ning Fengzhi grimaced. He knew full well that his survival hinged entirely on how he handled this matter.
Everything else paled in comparison. He first played the pitiful card, then continued:
"Still, hearing how harsh life has been for these civilians, my sect—being a soul master sect—cannot stand idly by.
Thankfully, we own many businesses across the land and are currently short on manpower. We can offer them work and pay them in soul coins every month.
Please rest assured, Lord Aether. I'll have people post announcements at our various businesses and set up offices to accept them. We will get it done properly."
"Good. That's the best outcome. On behalf of the common folk, I thank you for your generosity, Sect Master Ning."
Aether nodded. Fortunately, they'd stepped forward to take the hit—otherwise, this would've been much harder.
"Lord Aether, please! That's the least we can do," Ning Fengzhi hurriedly replied, not daring to accept his thanks.
"Lord Aether, your guidance is a kindness I can never repay. Allow me to contribute as well. From today onward, I'll personally lead people to visit various regions and help the refugees we encounter. If I see any oppression or exploitation, I will draw my sword and root out the evil!"
Seeing Ning Fengzhi take on the responsibility alone, Chen Xin finally spoke up too.
He didn't know much about sect finances, but helping the weak and oppressed had always been a dream of his.
It was just that he'd been so focused on honing his soul power and perfecting his sword intent that he'd strayed from his original path.
"This is a good path. Your soul power… hasn't reached its limits yet."
Seeing Chen Xin step forward willingly, Aether offered him a word of advice. With his level of soul power and mental state, locking himself away in cultivation wasn't the right move anymore. What he lacked now was self-understanding.
When top-tier cultivators hit a bottleneck, didn't they often travel the world to find inspiration?
At least, that's how it went in the novels Paimon read—and sometimes Aether flipped through them to pass the time.
"Thank you, Lord Aether! I will do my utmost!" Chen Xin was overjoyed.
He clearly understood the hidden meaning in Aether's words—following this path might let his soul power rise even further!
Though the excitement only lasted a moment before he firmly buried it within.
If he kept chasing such illusions, how would he be any different from before?
No—he would follow Aether's guidance, let go of his obsessions, and serve the people wholeheartedly!
"Good, we'll leave it at that. I hope that, on the road to glory, Sect Master Ning doesn't forget to do good deeds."
Aether waved his hand. At last, this matter had a solid resolution.
"Your words ring true, Lord Aether," Ning Fengzhi replied, sweating slightly. He understood that was a warning.
With the matter settled, Aether turned around to find that Paimon and Yu Keke hadn't been idle. They had already gone around helping the kneeling civilians stand up.
Everyone recognized the cute flying creature that always accompanied Aether and no longer resisted. One by one, they lined up in an orderly fashion, waiting for his orders.
"Everyone, you heard what was said just now, right? Sect Master Ning will send people over shortly to speak with you. If you have any skills, don't be afraid to speak up—they'll find you work.
For everyone else, there will also be arrangements. Just go with the flow and seek honest labor.
And for those who want to return home or start a small business, Sect Master Ning will provide some soul coins for travel expenses or seed money."
Aether repeated the resettlement plan. No matter what path they chose, they could still make a living.
"Lord Aether is truly a benevolent god—not only did you save our wretched lives, you've even given us a future. Thank you, Lord Aether!"
"Thank you, Lord Aether!"
"…Let's go."
Aether quickly waved for Paimon and Yu Keke to head upstairs with him.
He was good at many things—but dealing with this kind of emotional scene? Not so much.
_
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