Chapter 552: Chapter 552
On Sumeru's side, everything was progressing smoothly.
After listening to Ningguang's detailed explanation, Takumi and Keqing felt reassured.
She had already arranged the goods and preparations.
Liyue was well-prepared to open the market in Sumeru.
There were many goods that, once brought to Sumeru, would surely generate significant profits.
And with no middlemen, the profits would be even higher.
"What's the status of the power grid over there?"
"Is everything ready? Have you coordinated with Sumeru properly?"
Takumi asked another key question.
Without a stable power grid, sending goods would be pointless.
Ningguang nodded confidently.
"I've been in close communication with Sumeru."
"The power grid construction is progressing well."
"In Sumeru City, electric lights are already in use."
"Other regions are still under construction, but it won't be long before the entire nation is electrified."
"You don't need to worry about this."
Takumi felt relieved. Ningguang's connections and planning ensured everything was on track.
Interestingly, the people of Sumeru were so excited about the arrival of electricity that they had begun posting about it online.
However, due to their reliance on the Akasha Terminal, they could only share text—no pictures yet.
It was rumored that the Lesser Lord Kusanali was considering shutting down the Akasha system, but that was Sumeru's internal matter.
Ningguang didn't need to delve too deeply into it.
After discussing these updates, Ningguang took out a document and handed it to Takumi.
"Here's some new intelligence."
Takumi raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
Ningguang passed him the document and explained:
"It's about the Fatui in Snezhnaya and Fontaine."
Curious, Takumi opened the document.
His expression shifted to surprise.
"Fontaine has already built a power grid?"
"And they're developing their own internet?"
Ningguang nodded.
"That's correct."
"Keep reading."
As Takumi read further, his surprise deepened.
"Snezhnaya is building a network too?"
"Did the Doctor really figure it out?"
Ningguang sighed.
"According to our spies, the Doctor has been researching the internet for some time."
"He's had some success."
"It seems their own mobile phones and internet systems will be launched soon."
"I have to admit, Snezhnaya does have some remarkable capabilities."
Even Ningguang had been taken aback when she first received this information.
The idea that the Fatui had progressed this far was both surprising and concerning.
Takumi finished reading and spoke thoughtfully.
"When someone else has already paved the way, it's easier to imitate."
"And the Doctor..."
"He was once a scholar in Sumeru."
"He's likely studied the Akasha system extensively."
"For him, creating a network from that knowledge isn't too difficult."
"I didn't expect him to achieve this so quickly, though."
Takumi's expression darkened slightly.
The Doctor was a dangerous character.
He would have to find an opportunity to eliminate him.
However, the Doctor still had some use.
If he continued to innovate, it could indirectly benefit Takumi.
Every technological advancement made Takumi stronger.
The thought brought a sly smile to Takumi's face.
Perhaps he could manipulate the situation further.
If Snezhnaya developed their technology enough, he might drag them into a competition they couldn't win.
This might lead to their own downfall.
His mind raced with possibilities.
Should he provoke them into an arms race or a technological competition?
It was an intriguing thought.
For now, though, the Doctor still had value.
Let him continue working and perhaps push their technological boundaries further.
Eventually, Liyue would launch its own satellite.
Would Snezhnaya try to follow?
The thought made Takumi chuckle.
When the satellite was launched, he planned to make it a major event.
It would be best to ensure all of Teyvat knew about it.
"If Snezhnaya wants to develop, let them."
"In a while, we should also recruit talent from other nations."
"Seek out capable people who aren't valued properly in Snezhnaya."
"Bring them to Liyue."
Ningguang's eyes widened slightly but then she nodded.
"I'll see what I can do."
Poaching talent wasn't a simple task.
It would require careful planning and execution.
But if successful, it could significantly boost Liyue's technological edge.
Takumi's suggestion also sparked new ideas in Ningguang's mind.
Liyue didn't just need talent from Snezhnaya.
Talented individuals from all over Teyvat would be valuable assets.
After all, Liyue's current power was unprecedented.
With the adepti revived and the military strong, they also had substantial wealth.
If it came down to it, Liyue had the strength to challenge any nation.
However, such aggressive tactics weren't needed.
Ningguang set those thoughts aside.
Takumi had a clear plan.
She had known him long enough to recognize his strength.
His power seemed to grow alongside technological progress.
"What kind of existence is Takumi, really?"
She pondered this as she looked at him.
A sense of awe mixed with curiosity.
Takumi's gaze met hers, and they shared a long, thoughtful look.
The exchange made Keqing, who had been watching quietly, feel a bit lost.
"Why are they staring at each other like that?"
Keqing's cat-like expression turned wary.
"Are Takumi and Ningguang... hiding something?"
A small, uncomfortable feeling welled up in her.
She couldn't help but pout slightly, her cat-like demeanor giving away her thoughts.
There was just a bit of jealousy there, mixed with a lot of curiosity.