After returning to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Jiang Bai casually dragged Hu Tao toward Zhongli's courtyard.
He wanted to check if Zhongli was home, especially on such a crucial day before the Rite of Descension.
If Zhongli was missing, Jiang Bai was eighty percent sure that he was off plotting something.
Just as he'd expected, Zhongli wasn't there.
"Weird, I wonder where Zhongli-sensei went?" Jiang Bai murmured, feigning curiosity.
Hu Tao shrugged. "Oh, Mr. Zhongli? He could be anywhere. Even I, as Director, can't keep track of him."
Jiang Bai suggested, "Director, tomorrow morning when we head out, let's check if Zhongli-sensei is around. If he is, let's drag him along to the Rite."
"Alright…"
At that very moment, Zhongli stood atop Wangshu Inn, Xiao silently at his side, head slightly bowed.
They gazed into the distance toward Liyue Harbor, though mountains blocked any actual view.
"Lord Morax... must you truly do this?" Xiao asked quietly, lifting his head.
He'd anticipated this day would come ever since their earlier conversation, but hadn't imagined it would arrive so quickly.
"My mind is already made up." Zhongli's gaze drifted upward, watching the stars scattered across the night sky. "Liyue has existed for 3,700 years. I've led her through ages past; now, it's time she transitions from an era of gods to an era of humanity."
"But can they really handle it?" Xiao's anxiety was clear. Morax had guided them all this time—could the people of Liyue truly survive without their Archon?
Zhongli gave a faint smile. "We shall see. Facing the crisis of my death will be their ultimate test. I look forward to their answer."
He held considerable faith in this generation of Qixing, especially in figures like Keqing, who advocated reform, and Ningguang, who'd risen from nothing to greatness.
"What about the other adepti? Have you informed them?" Xiao questioned again.
Zhongli shook his head slowly. "Managing relations between humanity and adepti is another trial I've left for them."
He'd confided only in Xiao, concerned that the impulsive Yaksha might storm Yuehai Pavilion the moment he learned of Morax's death.
Zhongli glanced at Xiao, whose head was still lowered. "The contract you have with me can also end now."
Xiao didn't respond, a flicker of confusion appearing in his eyes. After thousands of years, guarding Liyue had become second nature. Suddenly being relieved of this burden left him uncertain of his purpose.
If fighting is all I've ever known... what am I supposed to do now?
Zhongli sensed his uncertainty, but this was a path Xiao needed to navigate alone.
---
Morning sunlight pierced the horizon, gradually bathing Liyue Harbor in warmth, gently rousing it from sleep.
Today was the annual Rite of Descension, though it meant little to most residents.
The docks had already burst into activity before dawn—Millelith patrols with their long spears, workers busy loading cargo, sailors readying their vessels for voyages.
Ships constantly came and went, bringing wealth from all corners of the world to the prosperous harbor city.
At this very moment, Liyue's wealthiest woman was preparing for her most important duty of the year.
The sun had yet to rise, but she already sat before her mirror, meticulously applying makeup both elegant and dignified.
Carefully selecting among her many hairpins, she finally chose her favorite—a golden phoenix liuli zan—and tucked it gracefully into her hair.
Lipstick, lacquered nails, and finally, she slipped into the magnificent gown specially tailored for today's ceremony.
Finished, she stepped onto the Jade Chamber's terrace, gazing out toward the horizon where the sun would soon rise.
The sea gradually turned golden, clouds along the skyline catching the morning glow.
Bathed in golden light atop the Jade Chamber, she appeared exceptionally regal, though her face betrayed none of her inner emotions.
She remained motionless until the sun fully emerged, rising gently into the sky.
Finally, she turned away, leaving to fulfill her duties at Yujing Terrace.
---
Sunlight streamed through the window, gently hitting Jiang Bai's face. His eyelids twitched briefly before opening.
Remembering the significance of today, he instantly abandoned any thought of sleeping in, swiftly kicking off his blankets.
Quickly washing up, he skillfully vaulted into Hu Tao's courtyard, knocking loudly at her door.
"Director! Time to wake up—the sun's already high!"
Hu Tao emerged from the backyard, toothbrush and cup in hand. "I'm already up! No need to shout."
"Hehe, just making sure you didn't forget!"
While Hu Tao finished washing up, Jiang Bai sat on the swing, carefully cleaning his sword. He had no idea what might happen, but it was best to stay prepared.
"Let's go!" Hu Tao said energetically once ready, wearing her usual outfit. She and Jiang Bai swiped a few steamed buns from the kitchen before approaching Zhongli's door.
Without knocking, Hu Tao barged right in.
"Old man Zhongli! Up and at 'em!"
Zhongli, occupied with tending to his birds, looked over his shoulder. "Director, why the early visit?"
Hu Tao grinned mischievously, grabbing one of his arms and signaling Jiang Bai to seize the other, effectively trapping Zhongli between them.
"Today's the Rite of Descension! I have a feeling the Fatui might stir up trouble again. Come with us and check it out!"
Trapped by their enthusiasm, Zhongli paused briefly before nodding. "Very well."
Jiang Bai was slightly taken aback by Zhongli's easy agreement. Last year, Zhongli had stubbornly refused to attend, calling it boring.
His quick acceptance this year definitely spelled trouble.
I'll have to watch him carefully during the Rite…
Delighted, Hu Tao handed Zhongli a steamed bun.
"Hurry and get ready, then! We're also meeting two friends who traveled a long way to join us!"
The three arrived at the agreed-upon meeting spot precisely on time, where Aether and Paimon were already waiting. Given the importance of today, they too had risen early.
Seeing Aether, Zhongli's gaze briefly flickered before landing on Paimon. He regarded them as if meeting them for the first time.
"And these two are…?"
"Let me introduce you!" Hu Tao announced brightly. "This is Zhongli, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant. And these two are the Traveler, Aether, and his companion, Paimon!"
Zhongli reached out his hand, briefly shaking hands with Aether.
"Pleasure."
"The pleasure's mine," Aether replied politely.
Their handshake lasted only a moment.
Hu Tao turned to Aether and Paimon. "Have you two had breakfast? If so, let's head out now."
"We ate, we ate! Let's hurry—I can't wait anymore!" Paimon eagerly rubbed her hands and stomped her feet in midair.