Zhongli appeared at the Northland Bank and engaged in a conversation with the Fatui.
As it turned out, Zhongli was none other than the Geo Archon himself. He had orchestrated this entire act to return governance to the people.
"Holy sh*t?!" The people of Liyue were stunned. That funeral parlor consultant who wandered the streets every day, sipping tea and listening to opera, was actually the Geo Archon in person?!
This couldn't be right, could it? Whenever they chatted with him about the Geo Archon, he always seemed to subtly "disparage" him—anyone unaware would think he disliked the Archon.
Only now did they realize he was simply telling the truth!
Quickly recalling their past interactions, they breathed a sigh of relief upon confirming they'd never offended the Archon.
Truth be told, Zhongli truly lived up to being the Geo Archon—he had never quarreled with anyone, always maintaining peaceful discourse even when opinions differed.
The people of Liyue were deeply moved, as their conduct had evidently satisfied their Archon.
Aside from the Liyue locals, one Sumeru resident was also relieved—Dori.
"Whew, good thing Morax is fine. Otherwise, what would happen to my precious Mora?" Dori patted her chest in relief.
Then, they saw Lucian's narration reveal the reason behind the Geo Archon's desire to retire.
[On a drizzly white day, the Geo Archon strolled through the harbor and overheard a merchant praising his subordinate: "You've fulfilled your duty. Now, go and rest."]
[—At that moment, the Geo Archon stood still amidst the flowing crowd, lost in thought: "Has my duty... also been fulfilled?"]
[At the final moment, he would sign a contract to end all contracts.]
Act I, Chapter III: A Star Approaches, Concluded.
The news spread like wildfire, instantly igniting the entire harbor. People buzzed with discussion, arguing fervently and clamoring to know: Who was that merchant?
At this moment, the most awkward person was undoubtedly Iron Tongue Tian. Proudly known for his silver tongue, he found himself utterly tongue-tied when recounting the events at the Northland Bank.
Because the Geo Archon himself—Zhongli—was currently seated at the Three-Way Teahouse, teacup in hand, gazing intently at him.
The mere thought of all the tales he'd spun about the Geo Archon right in front of him made Iron Tongue Tian want to dig a hole and disappear.
For a moment, he even considered helping Lyney with his underground magic tunnel escape.
"This... this Zhongli arrived at the Northland Bank... he... he..." Iron Tongue Tian stammered, ultimately unable to continue.
Storytellers usually prepared their material in advance, but the popularity of this prophetic book left no time for Iron Tongue Tian to study it beforehand.
Thus, he had no choice but to read and narrate on the spot, relying on his storytelling flair and personal interpretation to keep the audience engaged.
Now, he'd inadvertently stumbled upon the subject of the tale himself.
Seeing Iron Tongue Tian's pitiful expression, Zhongli understood the situation.
Setting down his teacup, he calmly applauded. "Bravo. This tale was exceptionally well-told."
"Bravo what?! What did Zhongli say at the Northland Bank? Hurry up and tell us!" The crowd, unaware of the subsequent content, grew restless.
"Why don't you tell us, Zhongli?" they heckled.
Encouraged by the Archon's words, Iron Tongue Tian steadied himself, unwilling to disappoint. He continued:
"He took out the Geo Archon's 'Gnosis' and declared: 'The contract is fulfilled. As requested, I bestow upon you the promised reward.'"
Iron Tongue Tian's relentless narration sent the crowd into chaos.
"Holy sht→?! Holy↘sht↗!" The person beside Zhongli practically leaped out of their seat.
"Ahem, truly bravo."
"Yes, bravo!" The crowd clapped.
Zhongli sighed inwardly. Would his ordinary life ever return?
Had Lucian been present to hear his thoughts, he'd surely have retorted:
Do you even understand what 'ordinary' means? Even if you weren't the Geo Archon, Zhongli's knowledge and worldly insight alone already place you far beyond 'ordinary'!
"My Arch—uh, Lord Zhongli, may I refill your tea?" Zhiruo asked timidly.
The Geo Archon almost smiled at the timid girl—she hadn't addressed him as "Archon."
"'Lord' is unnecessary. But I'd appreciate the tea, Miss Zhiruo," Zhongli replied softly.
Zhiruo, flustered, accepted the teacup. The Geo Archon, such a great man, has less airs than my lousy boss!
This hand just touched the Geo Archon! I'm never washing it again! MaMa!
Zhongli observed the crowd. Their gazes brimmed with reverence, admiration, and affection—yet no one cried out "Archon."
Perhaps the people of Liyue had truly passed his test. The Geo Archon's influence would never vanish, but at least they showed no desire to reinstate him—they respected his choice.
Over this period, Liyue had prepared itself to embrace a "godless nation."
Now, learning of the Geo Archon's survival was an unexpected delight.
Liyue was like an eaglet pushed off a cliff by its parents, forced to spread its wings and soar.
The moment it took flight proved it no longer needed their protection.
Accepting the refilled tea, Zhongli made no move to leave despite the stares—he still wanted to hear Iron Tongue Tian's next tale.
Across the street, Xiangling watched the commotion at the Three-Way Teahouse. Too busy to read, she could at least listen to the storytelling.
"Zhongli is the Geo Archon, that bard is the Anemo Archon, and Shenhe is the Divine Damsel... Wow, everyone around me is so incredible," Xiangling marveled.
"I need to work harder too! I'll create even more delicious dishes!" she cheered herself on.
"Gouba, the Moonchase Festival is coming. Let's test some new recipes and have Hu Tao and Lucian taste them!"
She chose those two for their high tolerance to culinary disasters—Chongyun and Xingqiu were currently away from Liyue Harbor.
"Lu lu lu!" Gouba nodded determinedly.
Meanwhile, Shenhe, out delivering takeout, remained unaware of the story. She only found it odd.
Why is this customer looking at me so strangely? Did I deliver too slowly?
With that thought, Shenhe activated Divine Striding. The second customer didn't even see her—the food simply appeared before him.
"Hmm? Why is my junior sister running so fast?" Ganyu mused, spotting Shenhe darting through the streets.
She was en route to the Northland Bank for diplomatic negotiations—last time, they'd met at Yuehai Pavilion; this time, the bank.
"Miss Ganyu, would you like a sunsettia?" A voice interrupted her thoughts.
A fruit vendor nervously held out the fruit.
"Eh? Me?" Ganyu blinked. She was rarely approached by anyone outside the Qixing or Yuehai Pavilion staff.
Accepting the sunsettia, she smiled sweetly. "Thank you for your kindness."
Beautiful. Truly beautiful. The vendor felt his exhaustion melt away. Is this the power of an Adeptus?
Ganyu took a small bite. Sweet.
At least it's not meat.
Come to think of it, everyone's gazes seemed much friendlier now. Why?
Ganyu didn't know—she'd been too busy to read Act III's story.
Keqing was equally puzzled. Passing the Three-Way Teahouse on her way to the Golden House, she noted the packed crowd.
"Since when is that storyteller so popular?" she wondered.
But she had no time to stop—she was leading a team to the Golden House.
Once again, she'd missed crossing paths with the Archon she admired.
The crowd stared at Zhongli. Zhongli stared at Iron Tongue Tian. Iron Tongue Tian hid behind his book.
Should I run... or keep telling Shenhe's story?