Under the bright summer sun, Aether and Paimon set foot in Liyue Harbor.
They walked along the bustling streets, their eyes drawn to the unique architectural style of Liyue Harbor. The ancient, traditional buildings and their exquisite carvings all revealed a deep historical heritage. Their occasional gasps of amazement drew strange looks from passersby.
Not far away, a quaint teahouse stood quietly on a street corner.
Inside, Yide and Zhongli were seated, sipping fragrant tea while watching Aether and Paimon's every move from a distance.
"The Traveler has finally arrived." A playful smile graced Yide's lips. "It seems a grand show is about to begin."
Zhongli gently lifted the delicate teacup in his hand, took a small sip, and then calmly said, "With the Traveler as a witness, this grand show will undoubtedly have more meaning."
Before long, Aether and Paimon's figures gradually disappeared into the bustling crowd, fading from their sight.
Yide turned to Zhongli and said with a hint of teasing, "The Rite of Descension is about to start. You should go play dead at Yujing Terrace."
Hearing this, the corner of Zhongli's mouth twitched involuntarily. He responded calmly, "I can control the Exuvia with my will alone; there is no need for me to go in person."
Yide suddenly remembered something and asked, "Lord Rex Lapis, can the Exuvia accommodate the consciousness of other gods?"
Zhongli pondered for a moment, his hand on his chin, and slowly began, "Generally speaking, the Exuvia should indeed be able to contain the consciousness of another god, but a strong rejection reaction would occur soon after."
Yide's disappointment was visible upon hearing this answer.
Zhongli, keenly aware of the shift in his mood, looked at him thoughtfully, as if pondering something.
...
"The Rite of Descension, formally known as the Qixing Rite of Descension, is an important annual ceremony in Liyue Harbor," explained Linlang, the beautiful young owner of Xigu Antiques, in a soft voice to Aether. "Every year, a different member of the Qixing will host this grand ceremony. During the rite, Rex Lapis will descend and give a divine oracle, guiding Liyue's business direction for the new year."
Beside her, the hunched figure of Gentry De'an couldn't help but sigh, "Another year, another Rite of Descension... a cause for joy for some, and sorrow for others..."
Aether and Paimon naturally understood the reason for his sigh.
The fortunes of Liyue's merchants were closely tied to the words of Rex Lapis. Those who could accurately interpret and follow the deity's guidance would often see their wealth multiply and their businesses flourish. However, a single misjudgment, a failure to grasp the god's will, could mean a year of fruitless hard work at best, or even the brink of bankruptcy at worst.
Afterward, Aether asked Linlang for the location of the ceremony and headed there with Paimon.
After about a half-hour walk, they arrived at their destination—Yujing Terrace.
By this time, the central area of Yujing Terrace was already bustling with excitement, surrounded by a large crowd that had come to watch the Rite of Descension. In the very center of the venue stood a simple yet solemn incense burner, about half a person's height. An orderly arrangement of various precious offerings encircled it.
As the time drew near, Ningguang's elegant figure appeared. Dressed in magnificent attire, her noble temperament was complemented by a natural aura of authority. The crowd, upon seeing her, respectfully made way, their gazes filled with reverence and admiration.
Ningguang walked slowly to the front of the incense burner, looked up at the sun hanging high in the sky, her expression solemn and sacred.
She announced in a loud, clear voice, "The auspicious time has arrived. The Qixing Rite of Descension will now officially begin."
As her voice fell, a mysterious and solemn atmosphere filled the venue.
Under Ningguang's mental control, particles of yellow Geo element appeared out of thin air, rotating around her body and shining with a dazzling light. At this moment, Ningguang was like a goddess from legend descended to the mortal realm, sacred and inviolable.
Standing in the crowd, Aether and Paimon were captivated by Ningguang's impressive display.
As the ceremony proceeded, Ningguang pointed a slender finger, and the Geo particles, as if summoned, surged into the incense burner.
A sacred golden pillar of light shot into the sky, piercing the clouds and connecting heaven and earth. Usually, the body of Rex Lapis would descend within this pillar of light.
However, the weather suddenly changed. The sky darkened, and ominous clouds gathered, foretelling ill fortune.
Ningguang stared at the sky, her heart sinking as she felt a strong sense of unease.
Just then, a massive half-dragon, half-qilin creature fell from the sky, crashing heavily onto the incense burner and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Everyone present was stunned by this sudden turn of events.
Remaining composed, Ningguang quickly stepped forward to carefully inspect the condition of the Exuvia. After a thorough examination, she confirmed that it had lost all signs of life. A chilling fact lay before her—Rex Lapis, the Geo Archon, had likely fallen.
At this critical moment, Ningguang made a swift decision, ordering decisively, "The Geo Archon has been assassinated! Seal the exits! No one is to leave until their identity has been verified."
Not wanting to get involved, Aether turned to leave quickly with Paimon.
But their movements were noticed by the Millelith, and worse, they were now considered suspects.
Squads of Millelith soldiers were rapidly closing in on them, and it seemed they were about to be cornered. Just in the nick of time, Tartaglia intervened, leading them to a successful escape from Yujing Terrace and into the protection of the Northland Bank.
In a secure room within the Northland Bank, Tartaglia candidly revealed his true identity—he was a member of the Fatui.
This news immediately put Aether on high alert, his guard up.
Sensing Aether's wariness, Tartaglia sighed softly and said, "It's only natural for you to be wary of me. After all, we are still strangers." A hint of disappointment laced his words.
Hearing this, Aether felt a pang of guilt. After all, Tartaglia had just saved them, yet they were so suspicious of him.
Tartaglia continued, "Right now, if you want to clear your name, the only way is to find the adepti of Liyue and deliver the true, undistorted message to them."
Aether nodded in agreement.
He then left the Northland Bank with Paimon.
Watching them leave, a triumphant smile crept onto Tartaglia's lips. The Qixing, the Traveler, and the adepti—all would be puppets in his hands.