That single gulp of liquor—
Venti felt like he had just swallowed a mouthful of aged Geo itself: bitter, metallic, and reeking of minerals.
But under Zhongli's gaze, he still forced himself to gulp it down.
In truth, the Punishment of Stone didn't literally require one to eat rocks.
It had no exact definition.
In the past, when merchants violated contracts and disrupted Liyue's markets...
Zhongli had once invoked Planet Befall without hesitation.
Just making Venti eat a "stone" could already be considered merciful.
Of course, to Venti, the cruelest part wasn't the punishment itself—but the fact that this cup of centuries-old fine wine had been turned into stone.
"Absorbing divine power is beneficial to your internal injuries," Zhongli said lightly, after taking a small sip of the wine himself.
Upon hearing this, Jean and the others finally relaxed.
It seemed this Geo Archon wasn't as unfeeling as legends claimed.
After all, perhaps it was due to his relationship with Venti.
Even if Venti had to drink a "stone," at least it helped heal hidden wounds, right?
"What a petty tsundere dragon..."
Venti muttered under his breath, completely unaware that Zhongli's gaze on him had grown even deeper.
"The reason the Archon came today..."
Ningguang sipped her tea, organizing her thoughts.
Though they all knew Zhongli was the Geo Archon, since he hadn't openly revealed it himself, the two identities still had to be kept separate in name.
She glanced at Venti—her suspicions from earlier had been confirmed.
Judging by the speed at which Jean's group had arrived in Liyue, they had clearly been assisted by the Anemo Archon.
Among the group, besides Venti and Lumine, Ningguang knew the others well.
Lumine was the Traveler, and as for the Anemo Archon—there was no need to guess.
Still, Venti's quirky personality amused Ningguang somewhat.
That said...
Zhongli wouldn't have come under his civilian identity just to dish out the Punishment of Stone, would he?
Surely not?
Could the Geo Archon really be that petty?
Just as she thought that—
"I came merely to express my appreciation for Liyue's recent developments," Zhongli said.
Hearing that, Ningguang and the others let out a breath of relief.
So the Geo Archon wasn't that petty after all...
"And also, to fulfill the responsibilities of a contract."
"…"
Yep. Still a petty dragon!
"Passing by" his way into Liyue, just to punish Venti?
Otherwise, why bother digging up Venti's hidden wine stash?
Ningguang felt awkward on the inside, but her expression remained composed and elegant.
"In that case, would the Archon like to stay and listen to our discussion?" she offered gracefully.
Zhongli had originally planned to accept, but glanced at Lumine—who looked like she was seconds away from blurting out a question.
He decided it was best to leave for now.
This wasn't the right time for their meeting, nor the right time to answer her questions.
At the very least...
He still needed her to run an errand first.
"I've been observing your progress. No need to report to me—just continue your efforts," he said calmly.
"I have other matters to attend to. I shall take my leave."
With those words, he didn't even give Venti a chance to speak. With one firm hand on the bard's shoulder, he whisked him away from the Jade Chamber.
Lumine stood frozen, watching the Geo Archon vanish right in front of her—realizing only then that she had just missed her best chance.
The Geo Archon wasn't someone one could just meet anytime.
Now that she'd missed it, she'd probably have to wait another whole month until the Rite of Descension.
Frustration crept into her heart.
But something also felt... off.
Her instincts told her: Zhongli was deliberately avoiding her.
But...
He was the mighty Morax, the God of Contracts.
Even when she and her brother were at their peak, they might not have been able to defeat him.
Why would he avoid her, when her current strength hadn't even returned to the level of a top-tier Primordial God?
Lumine shook the thought away.
It was only a month—she could wait.
Besides, it was a chance to enjoy Liyue's scenery and maybe earn some Mora along the way.
She had forgotten, though—
Nowadays, the monsters in Liyue were all considered prime resources by the Millelith.
Even they didn't have enough to go around.
So Lumine's dream of getting rich? Crushed again...
Ningguang composed herself and turned to the still-confused Jean and her companions, offering a polite smile.
"My apologies. It seems the Archon and Lord Barbatos hadn't seen each other in many years and had much to discuss."
"But rest assured, the two are among the Original Seven—close allies. There's no conflict between them."
Jean nodded.
Even though Zhongli had served Venti the Punishment of Stone, he had also healed him.
And he had addressed him as an old friend.
Clearly, there was no real animosity between them.
"It's good that Lord Barbatos and His Excellency the Geo Archon are close. We won't overthink it," Jean said respectfully.
Ningguang's smile deepened as she replied, with a pointed undertone:
"Which means that Liyue and Mondstadt, too, can be close allies…"
Jean was momentarily stunned—unsure how to respond.
From a personal standpoint, she very much wanted to affirm that. After all, Liyue was incredibly strong right now.
Its economy was booming.
Their visit also had a purpose—to request alchemical potions.
But she felt she didn't have the authority to respond. As acting Grand Master, she couldn't decide such matters unilaterally.
The atmosphere became slightly awkward.
Lisa sighed inwardly.
Compared to someone like Ningguang—who spoke in veiled meanings and wielded subtle yet powerful influence—Jean indeed seemed a bit lacking.
But that was only a matter of experience.
Everyone knew Ningguang's rise to power, and she had held the position of Tianquan for quite some time.
Though Liyue had the Seven Stars, the real power ultimately lay in her hands.
This long-standing authority over all of Liyue was something Jean, for now, couldn't compare with.
Still, Lisa firmly believed that with time and more experience, Jean would be no less formidable than anyone else.
As for now...
Lisa's usual lazy demeanor vanished as she straightened up, smiling brightly and nodding.
"What Miss Ningguang said is indeed something we in Mondstadt agree with. Back when Mondstadt was facing the Stormterror crisis, only Liyue continued to support us by keeping trade routes open."
"You maintained commercial exchanges, supported us with resources, and helped us maintain stability."
"Moreover, the friendship between Liyue and Mondstadt has a long history. Naturally, it will only grow stronger in the future."
A faint gleam flashed through Ningguang's eyes as she slightly turned her head toward Lisa and said softly:
"That reminds me—I've been remiss in my hospitality. Miss Lisa came all this way at my invitation, yet I failed to receive you properly at first."
Now they were finally getting to the heart of the matter.
Lisa glanced at Jean, who still seemed slightly confused, and sighed inwardly.
Liyue now held the upper hand in the market. Jean's political finesse was nowhere near Ningguang's, and Diluc, driven by vengeance, was willing to sacrifice everything for power.
That was a massive disadvantage.
Alone, Lisa wasn't confident she could match wits with Ningguang.
At this point, she could only hope Ningguang wouldn't ask for the moon.
Otherwise, they'd have no choice but to grit their teeth and pay the price.
"This has nothing to do with Miss Ningguang's hospitality. We arrived a bit hastily—the official letter of visitation wasn't even delivered before we asked Lord Barbatos to escort us."
"So really, we were the ones intruding unexpectedly."
Lisa pursed her lips, planning to buy some time and think of a more strategic response.
But Ningguang saw through her intentions and chuckled lightly, shaking her head.
"No need to stand on ceremony, Miss Lisa. Since we've already shared a meal, it's time we talk about the real reason behind your visit."
At those words, Jean's eyes lit up. She was about to speak, but Lisa gently pressed her hand under the table to stop her.
"I was the one who received the letter, and the matter we're here for falls under my area of expertise."
"So, Acting Grand Master Jean and Mr. Diluc have entrusted me to represent Mondstadt in this negotiation. I'll handle the discussion with Miss Ningguang."
Jean hesitated, then pursed her lips and finally remained silent after careful thought.
Diluc, however, had quickly realized something important—the woman before him was an undisputed authority in the world of commerce: Tianquan Ningguang.
If they let her read them too easily from the start, things would only get more difficult from there.
Taking a deep breath, Diluc composed himself and said:
"That's right. Miss Lisa is well-versed in alchemy and diplomacy. She understands these matters far better than we do."
"The Mondstadt Trade Association has granted her full authority."
Ningguang found herself quite intrigued.
She already knew everything about their situation—from her intelligence networks, from the Millelith who received them, and even from subtle observations during dinner.
She had understood their intentions well in advance.
But what they were thinking... was completely different from what Ningguang intended to do.
So there was no need to play the usual business games.
She clapped her hands, and Baixiao stepped forward, holding a large tray.
When the red cloth was lifted, a variety of alchemical potions—countless in type—were revealed before everyone.
At that moment, Diluc's breathing grew heavier.
"Allow me to introduce them," Ningguang said.
"These alchemical potions fall into two categories: enhancing the self and weakening the enemy."
"Enhancing potions include: strength, swiftness, leaping, healing, regeneration, fire resistance, underwater breathing, night vision, invisibility, and slow fall."
"Weakening potions include: slowness, poison, instant damage, and weakness."
"As for their specific effects… Miss Lisa, as an exceptional alchemist, should recognize the kind of power each potion represents based on their names."
Lisa remained silent, her gaze sweeping across the collection.
She had anticipated that Liyue might have developed some new types of potions…
But never in her wildest dreams had she imagined this many.
It was nearly comprehensive—covering every imaginable angle.
Potions to enhance offense, grant unique powers, even debuff enemies.
Based on the effects she had seen earlier from the Millelith, these potions could elevate an ordinary person to the level of a Vision bearer in an instant.
And those who were already strong... would only become stronger.
From these potions, Diluc could already see a glimmer of hope for vengeance.
Even the possibility of a stronger future for Mondstadt.
Were it not for a shred of remaining reason, he might've been tempted to spend his entire fortune to buy them all now.
He kept signaling to Lisa, urging her to take action.
But seeing Ningguang's meaningful gaze, Lisa surprisingly calmed down instead.
She gave a bewitching smile.
"What a terrifying foundation… such terrifying alchemical potions. It seems the master behind them has truly walked a path far removed from the rest of Teyvat."
"If possible, I'd love to meet that master in person."
"However… I suspect this isn't the real reason Miss Ningguang invited us here, is it?"
As she spoke, Lisa glanced subtly at Ryen—who was still idly playing with Nahida as if none of this involved him.
Ningguang was silent for a moment, then clapped lightly in admiration.
"Miss Lisa, you're as clever as expected. Honestly, if you had immediately asked to purchase these potions—"
"Out of goodwill between our nations, I might've given you a small discount. But beyond that, there wouldn't be any reason to cooperate further."
Hearing this, Jean's heart tensed, and she cast Lisa a grateful look.
Before Lisa could respond, Baixiao clapped again.
From a side corridor came another line of attendants—this time carrying even more trays.
And at the end, two Millelith guards solemnly carried in a large object covered in red cloth.
It looked… like a suit of armor.
With pride gleaming in her eyes, Ningguang turned to Lisa and said softly:
"For you all—these are the true treasures…"
~~----------------------
To read 30 future chapters head over to patreon:
patreon.com/Dreamer20