"Osial..."
Speaking of Osial, Rex Lapis seemed to recall something, and his expression also became difficult, just like... the expression of Baizhu and the others faces upon seeing the Sunset fruit handed over by Bai Luo.
And Bai Luo, as if he hadn't clearly seen Rex Lapis's expression in the rain, continued to speak to himself, "As the Vortex Demon god, whom you suppressed for a thousand years, its power must be far less than before. If today's Liyue can defeat it, then those petty individuals hiding in the dark, if they wish to invade Liyue, they will have to reconsider their own capabilities."
"Hmm, Gods are still somewhat difficult for Liyue to deal with. I remember there's also a dragon-shaped elemental beast, the 'Chi,' in the mountains. How about we bring it out?"
"The Chi died thousands of years ago, how would we bring it out? Besides... no matter how dragon-shaped it is, it doesn't change its essence as an elemental creature. It ultimately doesn't have the deterrent power of a God."
"How about... you lead an army to attack Liyue? I believe your deterrent power is no less than Osial's."
"..."
Firstly, Bai Luo didn't want to be randomly blown up by the Jade Chamber in the sky, because he didn't know if he could open his eyes at a nearby Statue of the Seven.
Secondly... You old man, were you planning to openly beat me up a few times before coming up with this terrible idea? Scrutinizing Rex Lapis with suspicious eyes, Bai Luo felt he might actually have such a thought.
"Let's discuss this matter later. I think Liyue still needs some time to mature before it's ready for Osial's test." Rex Lapis ultimately did not agree to Bai Luo's slightly outlandish test.
The fundamental reason was that Rex Lapis didn't fully trust Bai Luo. Even though the two of them were so close, it didn't change the fact that this guy was the Tsaritsa's Harbinger.
Bai Luo's words were well-reasoned, but who knew what role he would play in it? Rex Lapis needed to have a clear understanding before he could confidently execute the plan.
This was not the Archon War era; there were many things he couldn't gamble on, otherwise, he would lose not only his divine position but also a thousand years of effort. And this so-called "understanding" would slowly be uncovered during their spar three days later.
And just then, Bai Luo made a request that many would consider particularly outrageous.
"Rex Lapis, Can I see your Gnosis?"
The Seven Archons pursued seven ideals and represented seven elements. However, the Seven Archons did not possess the aspirations of a Vision; they inherently wielded great power and did not need such a basic organ as a Vision.
As a substitute, the gods' magical organs resonated and connected with Celestia, which was the Gnosis.
As proof of the Seven Sovereigns, the importance of the Gnosis was beyond doubt. Even though that fellow Tartaglia had come specifically for the Gnosis, he hadn't dared to make a fuss about it.
Not being able to find Rex Lapis himself was one thing; more importantly, such an action was more like a provocation. It was like going to another country as an envoy and immediately demanding to see their national treasure. Not killing you would already be considered showing respect.
"You may."
To his surprise, Rex Lapis didn't get angry. Instead, he smiled casually, lightly brushed his right hand over the deep folds on his chest, and took out a golden, chess-piece-like object.
This Gnosis, entirely pale golden, bore some resemblance to the chess pieces Bai Luo remembered. And Rex Lapis's Gnosis looked somewhat like a rook in chess.
Rex Lapis wasn't afraid of Bai Luo snatching it, because the power contained within the Gnosis was not something he could control; in his hands, it would merely be an exquisitely shaped chess piece.
Even if used to prop up a table leg, it would probably be too tall; it would likely only serve as a paperweight, like a certain mischievous fox.
"May I touch it?" Bai Luo extended his hand, then pulled it back. He looked at Rex Lapis, wanting to ask for his permission.
"Feel free."
The Gnosis was not important to the current Rex Lapis. He himself possessed power beyond mortals.
The reason he was unwilling to hand over the Gnosis according to the contract was actually simply because of the Gnosis's significance. As long as he still held the Gnosis, he would remain Liyue's Rex Lapis.
Bai Luo didn't do something like taking Rex Lapis's Gnosis and running off. Instead, he playfully handled the exquisite chess piece, seemingly wanting to touch every part of it. This gave Rex Lapis beside him a chill.
After observing for about a minute, Bai Luo finally reluctantly returned the Gnosis to Rex Lapis.
"Not playing anymore?" Rex Lapis, taking back the Gnosis, was like a parent finally reclaiming their phone from a child. While distastefully wiping away non-existent drool, he asked.
"Hmm, it's enough." Listening to the sound from his system, Bai Luo smiled mysteriously and nodded. Now was indeed an excellent opportunity to take Morax's Gnosis.
As long as he concealed himself and used Quantum Form to teleport away, he could perfectly complete the mission. But doing so would inevitably lead to conflict with Liyue; his meager reputation, painstakingly built in Liyue, would probably be completely ruined.
This was not what he hoped to see. Since he could obtain it peacefully later, why bother with such a thankless task?
"If Liyue can truly reach a state of human governance in the future, then this Gnosis will be given to you." Zhongli said it was given to Bai Luo, but in reality, it was given to the Tsaritsa, because this was originally part of the contract.
In fact, Rex Lapis also used a bit of clever wording here. If Bai Luo didn't know the content of the contract, it would seem as if Rex Lapis was specifically giving it to him, which could win some favor with Bai Luo.
Even if Bai Luo knew, saying so was merely fulfilling the terms of the contract. These were common tactics used by those in power.
For example, when the Tsaritsa promoted Bai Luo to the Twelfth Harbinger, from Pulcinella's tone, it sounded as if he had spoken a few good words to the Tsaritsa, leading to Bai Luo's promotion.
He had indeed said what needed to be said, but it was when the Tsaritsa had already decided to promote Bai Luo. Perhaps it was a nice gesture, but it definitely earned Bai Luo's goodwill.
Even if one day the Fatui were to engage in internal strife, at least the Instructor would be on his side.
After discussing so much, Rex Lapis finally bid farewell to Bai Luo. Regarding Osial, whom Bai Luo had brought up, he still needed more time to analyze the pros and cons.
Bai Luo was left alone, walking on the streets of Liyue. Before long, he arrived at Chihu Rock in Liyue. As one of Liyue's markets, it was also bustling.
Not only was Xiangling's Wanmin Restaurant here, but even his cherished "Chongyuan Dish" had a stall here. He just didn't know if it would be open on a rainy day, hoping this trip wouldn't be in vain.
However, after entering the vicinity of Chihu Rock, he didn't see the famous "Chongyuan Dish" stall, but instead encountered an unexpected person.
"Bai Luo!"
Tartaglia seemed to have known he would come here and was already waiting with a large group of Fatui, holding umbrellas.
However, looking at Tartaglia's soaking wet appearance, he didn't seem to have been rained on; rather, he looked like he had fallen into water, like a drenched duck.
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