Victor Wang hadn't even had lunch when he fled Wangshu Inn.
Truthfully, he didn't want to go to Liyue Harbor while the region was still actively hunting for the "Murderer of the Geo Archon."
Back in the game, after visiting Xiao and returning to Liyue Harbor, it was supposed to be Childe who took the lead, organizing the Rite of Parting alongside Zhongli.
During that arc, when returning with Zhongli to the site of the Archon's fall, Paimon explicitly stated: "Since we got back from Jueyun Karst, the Millelith haven't been giving us trouble."
That likely meant the Adepti had pressured the Qixing to drop the pursuit.
From the looks of things now, that process might take a bit more time. But since Xiao was already on his way to summon the other three Adepti, the bounty would probably be lifted today. By the time he reached Liyue Harbor after a few hours' journey, the risk might be gone.
"Little Wen, the people you've seen use teleport waypoints before—did they always have to touch the waypoint?"
["Uh… I think so?"]
"Think so?"
["Pretty sure! Pretty sure!"]
"Does it really make a difference…? You seem distracted."
["I am thinking! Ugh… I can't remember. But suddenly, I feel like using waypoints is dangerous!"]
"Why's that?"
["Think about it! Everyone who could use waypoints… they're dead…"]
["Wait, wait! I'm not cursing you! I mean those people long ago—they could use waypoints, but people today can't. That's suspicious, right?"]
["Human knowledge doesn't just vanish like that. It's like the method of using waypoints became some forbidden or cursed technique. And one day, everyone who knew it just disappeared. Isn't that terrifying?"]
"…You're right."
…
Liyue Harbor, Yujing Terrace.
After yesterday's upheaval, Millelith with grim expressions and polearms stood guard at every corner, forbidding entry to any ordinary citizen.
From time to time, some guards cast uncertain glances at the now-empty central platform. The Exuvia was gone. Only the large, octagonal incense burner—knocked over by the falling Archon and since righted—stood alone.
Despite it being midday break, the area grew more and more crowded. One by one, the Qixing arrived, each bringing trusted aides but entering the grand, ornate southwest structure alone—Yuehai Pavilion.
That building, steeped in gold and majesty, was where the Qixing met for council. Many of Liyue's most significant decisions had been made within those walls.
It seemed that after a full day of chaos and multiple failed emergency meetings, the Qixing were finally ready to give a verdict.
As the last to arrive—Yuheng, Keqing—entered, the doors of Yuehai Pavilion slowly closed.
Many guards began silently praying. Hoping that when those doors opened again, the Qixing would stand tall and declare the Archon's death a false rumor.
Even now, few truly believed Rex Lapis was gone…
"Aren't we waiting for Ganyu?" Tianshu Tian asked, noticing Keqing's move to shut the door.
Ganyu held a uniquely important position: Secretary to the Qixing.
She served the Qixing—but belonged to none of them. She had assisted many generations of Qixing. Every decision made here, she'd likely had a hand in. Her importance was clear.
She also, in many ways, represented the voice of the Adepti. How could she be excluded so easily?
"This is a meeting of humans. We seven—no more, no less. We don't need an Adeptus," answered Ningguang, Tianquan.
Tianquan was the star of law and authority, and Ningguang—an unashamed merchant who'd risen from nothing—embodied wealth and wisdom, giving her an unspoken edge as leader among the seven.
If you asked the average citizen of Liyue Harbor who was the strongest among the Qixing, there was an 87.65% chance they'd answer: "Tianquan Ningguang."
Still, none of the Qixing would ever tolerate one of their own becoming a dictator—nor would the people.
Tian pressed, "So what's your point?"
"First, we've all seen the Exuvia—we've confirmed its authenticity."
"Second, the Millelith pursued the suspicious person to Jueyun Karst and encountered the Adepti. They will no doubt soon be here, seeking answers."
"Third, the information lockdown has failed. It's been a day. The people of Liyue are waiting for our judgment. We can't delay any longer."
"This meeting must produce a decision."
Ningguang paused, scanning her colleagues. No one objected.
"Therefore, I propose: regardless of whether Rex Lapis died naturally, was murdered, faked his death, or truly perished—we must assume he is dead in order to proceed."
This wasn't the first time this idea had come up. The Qixing were smart enough to see the reasoning. Still, many of their gazes flickered with unease.
Silence stretched.
"Why isn't anyone speaking? How do we solve this if we don't communicate?" Keqing broke the silence, but no one replied.
"Then let's vote. A show of hands. Do we proceed on the premise that the Archon is dead? Majority rules. Objections?"
To decide the life or death of the Archon by majority vote—even replacing the gods themselves wouldn't be more audacious than this.
But after only a day, letters had flooded in from all quarters, officials and aides alike pleading for an answer. As Ningguang had said—it couldn't wait any longer.
"Fine by me."
"No objection."
"Let's vote."
"All in favor of proceeding as if the Archon has died, raise your hand."
Keqing raised hers first. Ningguang followed.
No third hand rose.
"You'd better think carefully. This isn't a matter of belief. Liyue's 5,000 years of history—3,700 in the Harbor and 1,300 before—rests on our shoulders. We must honor the past and protect the future," Keqing urged.
"If we pretend he's alive, we might comfort the people—but every day he doesn't 'return,' trust erodes. Every missed Rite of Descension, public confidence in us halves again."
"But if he's truly dead… why not go with the tide?"
Ningguang added gently, her voice both elegant and pragmatic.
The Qixing knew Rex Lapis better than anyone outside the Adepti. They each had their doubts. Even Keqing and Ningguang didn't fully believe he was dead. But outwardly, that's how it looked.
Tianshu slowly raised his hand.
"Tianshu?" Kaiyang couldn't help but speak up.
"An empty bottle doesn't make noise. A half-full one clanks. Better to be empty than loud and wrong. If Rex Lapis can return, I'm all for it—but don't string the people along."
"..."
After brief hesitation, Yaoguang raised her hand too.
Four to three.
"You really believe Rex Lapis is gone?" Kaiyang asked in disbelief.
Tianshu sighed. "We serve the people—not the Archon."
Yaoguang added, "If he's dead, returning is impossible. If he's alive, and we assumed he was dead, we've lost nothing.
"But if we assume he's alive, and it turns out he's gone… Liyue will collapse.
"Ningguang and Tianshu are right. You understand this too, don't you? You just won't say he's dead."
Kaiyang was silent.
"What if he's alive—who takes responsibility?" Tianji objected, eyes fixed on Ningguang.
Everyone knew what he meant. Ningguang's calm confidence had always foreshadowed the result. He wasn't questioning the vote—just the consequences.
To everyone's surprise, Keqing answered, "I will take full responsibility alone."
So, it's you. Fine by me. As long as it's not me.
"Yuheng's bold. In that case, I'll support it too," Tianji became the fifth to raise his hand. "Five to two. The rest need not vote. Let's move on to next steps."
"Heh," Ningguang lowered her hand and covered her smile with her fingers. "Then let's hear my proposal."
"We acknowledge the Archon's passing. We lift the information lockdown. In fact—we spread the news."
"And we hold a grand funeral for him."
"But we haven't even caught the culprit."
"According to my sources, after the dragon crisis in Mondstadt, the Eighth Fatui Harbinger, The Fair Lady, came to Liyue. The Eleventh, Tartaglia, has been acting suspiciously in Liyue Harbor."
"Yesterday, Tartaglia aided the suspicious person during the Rite of Descension and sent them to Jueyun Karst."
"You're saying the Fatui are behind it?"
"I've just received additional intel. The Fatui have been secretly crafting Sigils of Permission. At the very least, they're trying to stir conflict between mortals and Adepti."
"I knew the Fatui were up to no good!"
"But… that's not solid proof of murder," Tianshu remained measured.
Liyue had always valued just cause. Without it, even the right action could be condemned.
Ningguang remained confident. "After the Rite, Childe has had repeated contact with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. So, we'll give them what they want—a Rite of Parting."
"If they take the bait, we'll have our evidence."
"Using the Archon's funeral as bait… Is that wise?"
"To catch the killer is the best tribute we can offer the Archon. He wouldn't mind."
"What about the suspicious traveler? If she had nothing to hide, why run?"
"She may have been aided by Childe, but her origins are not ordinary. There may be a misunderstanding.
"I'll meet her myself and find out."