Genshin x Minecraft: Building the Temple of Virtue

On the aerial platform, now three-quarters complete, the diligent Yaksha tirelessly poured his effort into multiple tasks at once.

From time to time, Xiao would rush to the monster spawner tower, slay the fallen creatures, shut the trapdoors, and collect the drops. Once no monsters remained, he would hurry back to the cobblestone generator and resume wielding his pickaxe.

Watching Xiao’s relentless toil left Ryen feeling a bit guilty.

Pressing his lips together, Ryen sighed.

”Next time we venture into the mines, we need to find more iron and craft some hoppers. That’ll save Xiao the trouble of climbing in to collect everything.”

Well… perhaps there was a hint of exploitation in this arrangement.

But Ryen had tried to convince Xiao otherwise. The monsters falling from the spawner posed no real threat—anyone else could have handled it.

Yet Xiao refused.

His answer was as straightforward as it was resolute. Zhongli was his superior, and he couldn’t possibly let him do such menial labor. Ryen, meanwhile, was someone Zhongli had specifically assigned him to protect—a figure of great importance to Liyue. Xiao would never allow Ryen to risk himself either.

As for Ganyu, Ningguang, and Keqing?

They were all refined young women. Xiao couldn’t fathom asking them to deal with monsters, let alone pick up things like rotting flesh or bones.

After weighing all the options, it seemed only natural for Xiao to handle the task himself.

Xiao didn’t mind—he even seemed to enjoy it. As a Yaksha, his nature was steeped in combat and violence.

Strangely enough, Xiao had mentioned feeling a peculiar sensation every time he defeated monsters in this world. It was as if something was seeping into his body—a power that suppressed the karmic debt’s corruption. With that in mind, Ryen stopped worrying and let Xiao do as he pleased.

After all, Xiao shared Ryen’s constitution due to their bond. Any monsters Xiao killed also contributed to Ryen’s system mission.

Judging by the efficiency of the spawner tower, Ryen estimated they could deal with seventy monsters by sunset. Once night fell, another thirty wouldn’t take long to handle.

Today’s system mission? Practically guaranteed.

All that remained was the enticing question: what kind of reward would he receive?

As these thoughts swirled, Ryen’s hands never stopped moving.

Thanks to Xiao’s steady supply of stone, he and Zhongli had nearly completed constructing the massive floating island base. Only the remaining quarter needed finishing—a task that would take no more than ten minutes.

This impressive feat left Ningguang and the others marveling. While they had already seen the peculiar mechanics of this world, witnessing such monumental progress firsthand was still a challenge to accept.

Over time, though, they’d likely adapt. Perhaps one day, they too could build sprawling mansions in just an afternoon.

”Ryen, you look quite pleased.”

The sound of chimes accompanied by a cool breeze drew Ryen’s attention. Turning, he found Ganyu crouched beside him, resting her chin in her hands and gazing at him with an adorable expression.

Ryen chuckled softly, continuing to stack stones.

”Of course I’m happy. Back when I was wandering this world alone, it was miserable—lonely and far from secure. But now, with all of you here, trusted companions by my side, I’ve made more progress in just a few days than I ever dreamed.”

”And besides, compared to the monotonous days of chopping wood alone, even stacking stones feels enjoyable when I have Ganyu chatting with me. Why wouldn’t I be happy?”

Hearing Ryen’s sincere words, devoid of any teasing, Ganyu’s cheeks flushed a light pink. Shyly, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

”W-Well, it’s not that big of a deal…”

”We all know we’re still unfamiliar with this world. It’s you who’s been leading us through everything…”

”I… we’re all very grateful to you, Ryen. Once we’ve learned enough, we’ll do our best to truly support you. And Liyue—Liyue will stand by your side as you explore this world.”

Placing the last stone in its proper place, Ryen straightened up and stretched.

He looked down at Ganyu, still crouched, her wide eyes gazing up at him with an innocent charm. From this elevated angle, he caught a glimpse of something he shouldn’t have seen.

Ryen, however, didn’t feel embarrassed. He reached out and helped Ganyu to her feet with a warm laugh.

”Don’t underestimate yourself, Ganyu. Sometimes, simple companionship is its own form of salvation.”

”...Okay.”

Ganyu lowered her gaze, her luminous eyes glimmering with quiet emotion. It seemed a maiden’s tender thoughts had begun blooming within her half a year ago.

”All right, I’m done on my end. Once Zhongli finishes up, the floating island will be complete.”

Ryen scanned the bustling island, hands on his hips.

Keqing and Ningguang had finished laying down soil. Keqing had planned out a sizable vegetable plot and was now watering it and planting seeds as Ryen had instructed—though she still refused to use bone meal.

Ningguang had found a spot to plant saplings, and Xiao remained busy darting between tasks.

Zhongli, as always, worked silently, steadily building up the remaining blocks.

With only six people, the floating island felt lively and harmonious—a sight that lifted Ryen’s spirits even higher.

After a moment’s thought, he called Ganyu over and walked toward Ningguang.

At that moment, Ningguang was standing by a chest, staring at the bone meal inside, clearly debating whether to use it. The thought of powdered bones as fertilizer was still difficult for her to accept.

”Ningguang,” Ryen greeted casually.

Startled from her thoughts, Ningguang shut the chest and abandoned the idea of using bone meal.

Turning toward Ryen, she remained as elegant as ever, even after a full day of work—though her platinum cheongsam’s hem was slightly dirtied.

”Ryen, have you finished your tasks? You’ve worked hard.”

Ganyu chuckled lightly, teasing:

”It’s a pity there aren’t any tools on the floating island. Otherwise, I could’ve treated you to a session of my tea ceremony.”

Ryen smiled gently and nodded.

”If the opportunity arises, I certainly wouldn’t pass up such an honor.”

”As for the initial construction of the floating island, it’s done. The time is still early, so I came to ask—when does Liyue plan to send the first batch of pioneers for settlement?”

Upon hearing this, Ningguang’s expression grew more serious. She unconsciously reached for her pipe, only to remember it had been shattered due to her earlier lapse in strength. After a moment of contemplation, she crossed her arms and spoke softly:

”Our initial plan was to move quickly since it involves resource allocation…”

”But after experiencing the wonders of this world firsthand, I feel rushing isn’t the right approach.”

Before she could finish, Keqing approached swiftly, interrupting Ningguang.

”I believe we should proceed faster.”

Keqing’s face was smudged with dirt, giving her otherwise composed demeanor a touch of cuteness. Yet her voice remained sharp.

”Only by showing the adepti our hard work and vision will they permit Liyue to truly walk its own path of independence!”

”I refuse to see the people of Liyue become like the naive Mondstadt citizens!”

Ningguang’s brow furrowed slightly.

”Keqing!”

”...Sorry, I lost my temper.”

Keqing took a deep breath, her determined gaze fixed on Ningguang.

Ningguang glanced discreetly at Zhongli, who remained composed, methodically stacking stone blocks. Her tension eased a little.

After a moment of contemplation, Ningguang shook her head slightly and continued:

”Following the original plan for tomorrow isn’t feasible.”

Before finishing her sentence, Ningguang noticed Keqing opening her mouth to argue. She quickly added:

”The dangers of this world, Keqing, you and Ryen and Ganyu have experienced firsthand. If necessary, you can witness the monsters that the Conqueror of Demons is currently slaying.”

”This world is resource-rich, but I will not allow the citizens of Liyue or the Millelith to make unnecessary sacrifices.”

That statement silenced Keqing entirely. In fact, thinking about her eagerness risking the lives of Liyue citizens left her feeling guilty.

Seeing Keqing’s reaction, Ningguang shook her head internally, maintaining her composed expression. She added gently:

”But Keqing, you raise a valid point. We can’t afford to waste too much time.”

”I believe…”

Ningguang paused for a moment, then looked up at Ryen.

”In two days, the Millelith and the first batch of miners will move in. What do you think?”

”Two days?”

Ryen smiled, his lips curling slightly.

”That works. It’ll give you enough time to familiarize yourself and map out a blueprint for the future miner city.”

”Miner… city?!”

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