Zhongli, who everyone always thought was just a knowledgeable scholar, suddenly turned out to be the Geo Archon, Morax.
And not only that—he made a dramatic public move.
"I killed myself..."
What kind of plot twist was this?
Jean was utterly confused.
Lisa gently tugged Jean's arm to quiet her down—this wasn't the time for explanations.
Ningguang frowned slightly, her eyes fixed on Zhongli.
After a moment of silence, he spoke helplessly:
"Looks like you've all figured it out."
"Even if we didn't before, the way Xiao treats you—with such reverence—made it clear," Ningguang replied.
Zhongli nodded, sighing:
"So it's true… Xiao's acting really does leave much to be desired…"
"Don't change the subject, Your Excellency. Why did you do this so suddenly? Now all of Teyvat thinks you're on the brink of death!"
Ningguang still didn't understand.
With this incident, the future of Teyvat and the potential chaos in Liyue were completely unpredictable.
Sure, Liyue was strong. Even if the Geo Archon never stepped in again, it would remain a major power.
Even if Zhongli wanted to step down and give way to human governance, no one objected.
But this method? It was too much.
Zhongli looked out over Liyue Harbor, his gaze distant.
"Liyue has stood for over 3,700 years, and I have fought for 6,000."
"Ever since Yuheng questioned me at the Rite of Descension last year, I've been thinking it over."
"My power has waned, and Liyue grows faster than ever. I can no longer guide it like I once did. Nor does it need my guidance for its future."
"As I walk through Liyue Harbor, I see countless workers who, after fulfilling their duties, are promised rest."
"I believe I too have finished my work. And with that, it's time for me to retire."
"From the beginning, Liyue wasn't just mine or the other adepti's. My battles to clear the land and subdue the Archon War were all to give the people a peaceful place to live."
"Now that Liyue has achieved that, it's only right I return it fully to the people."
"This idea isn't new. And today's Liyue has proven itself worthy, so I see no issue with my decision."
Zhongli spoke calmly, but everyone present was left with heavy hearts.
Still, no one could really argue.
He had protected Liyue for 3,700 years and fought for 6,000.
Whether as a guardian or a leader, he had done more than enough.
He wasn't a machine—he deserved rest and his own time.
Yes, Liyue was growing stronger, but that also meant it didn't need Zhongli the same way anymore.
That wasn't healthy—for either side.
Letting go when the time is right was something even Ningguang had planned for.
But still...
"Even so, don't you think this method of stepping down is a bit extreme?"
Ningguang bit her lip, troubled.
"The Geo Archon has always been everything to the people of Liyue..."
"No," Zhongli interrupted, shaking his head.
"The most important thing for Liyue's people isn't Morax, but Liyue itself—the home they've built together and the future they shape."
"I know this will cause some initial pain, but a young eagle must spread its wings. If it clings to the shelter of the past, it'll never become a great bird."
Ningguang let out a sigh and stopped trying to dissuade him.
"Understood... Liyue will adapt to this new era of human governance. We'll settle things quickly."
Hearing that, Zhongli finally looked satisfied.
With everyone more or less accepting the outcome, Ryen couldn't help but tease:
"Honestly, this outcome's not bad. Before this, he actually wanted to fake his death entirely and cut off the Geo Archon identity completely."
Ningguang and Ganyu froze and glanced at Zhongli.
He remained calm, so Ningguang could only say:
"But this... how is it any different from faking your death...?"
Ryen shrugged.
"Either way, from now on, Liyue will fully embrace human rule. That's what you need, and what Zhongli needs too."
"Face it, and get to stabilizing Liyue quickly."
Ningguang didn't say much more.
The events of today had her mentally drained, her thoughts in disarray.
"Next, I'll begin preparations for the Farewell to the Adepti Ceremony, and during that, I'll officially announce Liyue's transition to human rule."
That snapped everyone to attention. Hu Tao, especially, perked up excitedly.
"The Farewell to the Adepti? Isn't that for when the adepti pass away...?"
"Zhongli! You're really going through with this? That's amazing! Ahem—I mean…"
"For you to go this far for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's publicity... You really are the best consultant ever!"
Zhongli's mouth twitched, and he calmly replied:
"The ceremony has always been used to say goodbye to departed adepti, but it isn't purely a funeral."
"In this case, it's more appropriate to call it a retirement ceremony."
Hu Tao waved her hand dismissively.
"Eh, same difference! Either way, it's prime advertisement!"
Zhongli gave her a look—she was probably already brainstorming new ad slogans.
To prevent things from going too far, he added:
"This time, the Farewell Ceremony won't be handled by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Hu Tao's face darkened instantly, glaring at Zhongli like he was a traitor.
"So now that we've revealed the Geo Archon's identity, you're ditching Wangsheng too?! Rude! Give me back all the expenses we covered before!"
Zhongli sighed helplessly.
"I'll be organizing the ceremony myself. Also, the Traveler will participate."
Hu Tao narrowed her eyes.
She wasn't thinking about why Lumine was involved—just that Zhongli was hosting the event himself.
But still, Zhongli was publicly known as Wangsheng's consultant.
Even if he handled it personally, it was still technically "Wangsheng-adjacent."
Free publicity. And best of all—
She didn't have to pay a single Mora.
Score!
Smiling slyly, Hu Tao clung to Ryen's arm and said no more.
The others, though, felt complicated.
Half-killing himself, then personally sending himself off?
What kind of illness did Zhongli have?!
"Hold on a second," Jean raised her hand awkwardly.
"Your Majesty Morax—"
"Just call me Zhongli. From now on, I'm no longer the Geo Archon."
Zhongli said gently. Jean nodded.
"Mr. Zhongli, then—why specifically ask for Lumine to be involved?"
After all, Lumine was Jean's friend and also the Honorary Knight of the Knights of Favonius.
Given the scheming of gods, Jean was very worried that something might happen to her.
Zhongli remained silent for a moment and then shook his head slightly.
"This is part of a contract I have with someone else."
"Can you tell me who that person is?"
Jean pursed her lips and asked gently,
"Lumine is our friend, and with the upcoming Rite of Parting, I'm afraid she might get hurt…"
Since Liyue was holding the Rite of Parting, it was highly likely that something major was going to happen.
If there was any real danger to her life, Jean wanted to persuade Zhongli to spare Lumine.
Zhongli glanced at Venti, who was carefreely enjoying the scenery.
After a moment of silence, Zhongli said softly:
"Lumine's brother, Aether, is currently the so-called 'Prince' of the Abyss Order."
"???"
Jean and the others were utterly shocked.
They looked at each other, speechless for a moment.
"After the Khaenri'ah incident, I had a private meeting with Aether. He had become the Prince of the Abyss Order, with the intention of overturning the world order…
I needed to use him to achieve my goals.
Aether and I made a contract. He asked me to help Lumine complete her journey, recover her memories and powers, and leave her mark on this world."
"This matter was a contract between Aether, me, and Venti."
Hearing this, the group turned their heads to Venti. He tilted his head, thought for a second, then shrugged:
"Ehehe~!"
"..."
It was clear that no more could be extracted from him.
Since the Prince of the Abyss had signed a contract with the two original Archons, who knew what they were planning.
Knowing too much was definitely not a good thing.
But in any case, as Lumine's brother, Aether wouldn't harm her—that much was certain.
"This contract was originally supposed to remain secret, but now, since we've signed a new contract with Ryen, the original plan no longer matters."
Zhongli spoke calmly.
"However, even so, don't spread this matter—especially not in Teyvat."
Ningguang nodded.
"We understand."
Jean paused for a moment and then looked toward Venti.
"So that time when Dvalin was corrupted and brought disaster to Mondstadt, yet not a single citizen was harmed…"
"Ehehe~! I don't know~"
Venti smiled cheerfully and shook his head.
"The Abyss Order did indeed try to corrupt Dvalin as a war machine, but I only found out about it later.
But that wasn't part of the terms in our contract, so don't ask me. My relationship with that guy isn't exactly friendly, you know."
"But you still played along, didn't you?"
Lisa gave Venti a deep, meaningful look. Venti scratched his cheek.
"Oh come on! What's with that tone of interrogation?
Since the old man was putting on an act, why couldn't I?
Besides, my acting skills are way better than his!"
Hu Tao pouted.
"I really don't get what you thousand-year-old folks are thinking."
"You're not supposed to."
Ryen chuckled and affectionately pinched Hu Tao's nose.
"If you could figure them out, you'd end up gloomy and serious like Zhongli."
"Ehehe~! But I'm still super lively, aren't I?"
Venti leaned in and blinked his eyes.
Ryen scoffed.
"You're just totally carefree and clueless."
"How rude! You're picking on me, aren't you?!"
Venti huffed and glared at Ryen.
At the side, Ningguang had already sorted out her thoughts. She lifted her head and stared at Zhongli with a sharp gaze.
"So, making the Geo Archon unable to act during the Rite of Descension—that was just the first step.
Next comes the true test of Liyue's ability to govern itself by human hands, right?"
Zhongli wasn't surprised that Ningguang figured it out.
Even so, it wasn't like she could stop it now.
After all, who would've thought Zhongli would go so far as to unleash the Demon Gods—
Let alone call in Osial's wife too.
Zhongli gave no response.
But Ningguang had already steeled herself. She smiled confidently.
"I understand… But no matter what, Liyue today is more than ready to face any formidable foe!"
"Liyue has the strength to face any storm head-on!"
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