It took quite a while of explaining before Baiwen and the others finally believed that she had only just begun the path of immortal cultivation, and had not actually ascended.
However, judging by the look of pride on the faces of Baiwen and her two companions, they clearly still thought she had already become an immortal.
Ningguang felt a bit weary and chose not to argue further.
They would understand in due time.
Seeing the eager expressions on the faces of the assembled Qixing, she let out a slow breath.
"The events of today have been truly overwhelming. I hardly know where to begin. Why don't I list a few key matters,"
"and explain them one by one."
"First—His Excellency the Geo Lord has stated that during this year's Rite of Parting, he will feign death and step down from his position as the Geo Archon."
The very first item was already explosive. How could there be more after this?
Uncle Tian and the others exchanged glances, momentarily at a loss for words.
"This…"
As the eldest present, and having met Zhongli on several occasions, Uncle Tian was naturally pushed forward by the other Qixing to speak on their behalf.
But this news came so suddenly—like a bolt of lightning—that he truly didn't know what to say.
"About… this matter of the Archon stepping down…"
"The Archon's words are true," Ningguang confirmed once again.
"Since last year, the Archon has considered abdication. First, because the long years have worn him down—he no longer has the strength to continue leading Liyue forward.
Second, he believes that Liyue has now grown strong enough to move forward without him."
"With immortal cultivation now emerging, and having been invited by the Sect Master of Mount Shu, the Archon has joined Mount Shu as Acting First Seat of Longshou Peak. From now on, he will devote himself entirely to cultivation and the pursuit of the Dao, with no concern for mortal affairs."
"He has told us that during the Rite of Parting, he will feign death and disappear, entrusting Liyue to mortal governance. Unless Liyue faces a crisis beyond its ability to resolve, he will not reappear."
"This is merely a formal notice—his decision is made. We cannot demand that the Archon, after working tirelessly for over three thousand seven hundred years, continue to bear this burden."
"All you need do is handle whatever waves his feigned death will cause during the ceremony."
The Qixing could only smile wryly. There was nothing to say.
This was Zhongli's own decision, already finalized—they were merely being informed.
Could they really force him to keep leading Liyue?
Besides… perhaps under human governance, Liyue might have an even brighter future.
With that thought, some of them even began to feel a hint of anticipation.
Seeing that everyone had accepted this, Ningguang continued:
"Today, Keqing and I, together with the other adepti, have formally joined Mount Shu as disciples of its Seven Veins. From this point on, we walk the true path of immortal cultivation."
"The adepti will now be based permanently in Mount Shu and, barring special circumstances, will not often return to Teyvat. This is also the Archon's will. They wish to devote themselves to their own cultivation, and with Liyue entering an era of human rule, it is only natural that mortal problems be solved by mortals."
"Like the Archon, they will only intervene if Liyue faces a crisis it cannot overcome on its own."
"Furthermore, after the Rite of Parting, Keqing and I will be focusing on cultivation, so we will have to trouble the rest of you with more of the work."
At that, the Qixing's expressions soured slightly.
Uncle Tian only gave a rueful smile, but the Qixing of the Star of Opulence spoke up:
"Liyue has only just set foot on the path of human governance. The Tianquan and the Yuheng—the most crucial posts in the Qixing—intend to immerse themselves in cultivation? How will Liyue develop then? What would the Archon think?"
Ningguang did not take offense.
All the Qixing here had set aside personal interests to work for Liyue's sake—none of them spoke from selfish motives.
But she already had a reply prepared.
"After a single afternoon of training in Mount Shu, Keqing and I already possess strength on par with an ordinary adeptus or even a follower of an Archon.
In a Liyue governed by mortals, humans must also have a deep foundation of strength—we cannot rely on the Archon and adepti every time trouble arises."
The Star of Opulence frowned, thought for a moment, then nodded.
"If that's the case, we can help share your workload. A Liyue ruled by humans should have its own fighting force of true strength. I only hope the Tianquan and Yuheng will continue to advance."
The other Qixing nodded in agreement.
"My thanks to you all for your understanding," Ningguang said softly.
"Third—deploy elite Millelith troops to station beneath Jueyun Karst, rotating monthly. Each rotation must have no fewer than two thousand men."
This made some of them hesitate.
"Leaving aside that most of the elite Millelith are already scattered across the land suppressing monsters—Jueyun Karst is the abode of the adepti, and now even the Sect Master of Mount Shu himself is there. If we send soldiers…"
The Star of Daybreak gave Ningguang a doubtful look. Ningguang replied calmly:
"The Millelith I brought today happened to catch the Sect Master's morning lecture beneath Jueyun Karst, and their strength increased dramatically. I have proposed to the Sect Master that we send troops to listen daily. As payment—"
"We will gather more animals to be sent to Mount Shu, and collect various Liyue classics for its archives. This is the only bargaining chip Liyue can offer that Mount Shu might find acceptable."
"A Liyue ruled by humans must have not only top-level combat power, but also a solid base at the lower levels. Of course, the stationed Millelith must behave with respect toward Mount Shu."
Hearing this, the Qixing brightened considerably.
The Star of Daybreak nodded repeatedly.
"I'll go arrange this immediately. Once the elite units are reorganized, they can rotate to Jueyun Karst in turn—keeping the place peaceful while turning away any intruders. But animals and books? That feels rather… trivial. The trade hardly seems equal."
Ningguang smiled helplessly.
"The Sect Master's strength is unfathomable—what could we possibly offer that he would value? This just happens to be useful to him right now, so it can serve as the price. As for mora—currency only mortals need—what use would an immortal cultivator have for it?"
"This is simply the Sect Master's generosity. There's no need to dwell on it. There are other trades to discuss, and for those we have other resources."
"Fourth—the spiritual energy in Mount Shu's hidden realm is so abundant that some animals have already evolved into fearsome beasts."
At that, Ningguang gave Keqing a look, and Keqing took out some beast meat for Baiwen to distribute among the Qixing.
"Please, try it for yourselves," Ningguang said with a hint of mystery, tasting a piece first.
The Qixing, though puzzled, trusted her enough to follow suit.
The moment the meat entered their stomachs, they were astonished.
Every one of them, all Vision-bearers at the very least, felt their stagnant elemental energy begin to rise again—and even their bodies felt far stronger.
"This—!"
Uncle Tian clutched his chest in disbelief—the tightness and shortness of breath he'd long suffered vanished instantly.
The toxins in his body… were gone.
"Even the finest elixirs could hardly compare! Truly worthy of the immortal path," he praised between eager bites, soon finishing his share.
"Well, Qixing—what do you think of this meat?"
Ningguang dabbed the corner of her lips gracefully, smiling at them.
The impatient Star of Opulence immediately asked:
"Tianquan, how much of this meat can be produced? How hard is it to hunt? Does it only work on Vision-bearers, or…"
Ningguang gestured for Keqing to answer.
Keqing handed around a list.
"This meat comes from a mutated wild boar-beast, and a single animal yielded nearly twelve tons of meat. Production seems promising. As for its effects—today's Millelith soldiers already match ordinary Vision-bearers in physical strength alone. It certainly works on ordinary people as well."
"The only drawback is that each beast has extraordinary power, and even the weakest are as difficult to hunt as a juvenile Geo Vishap. Still—compared to the benefits, that's a small price to pay."
Uncle Tian nodded firmly.
"Indeed. This meat has cured my hidden ailments. If the Millelith ate it regularly, within three months they would be the strongest fighting force in Teyvat."
Ningguang smiled.
"The Sect Master has agreed to trade this meat to Liyue, as these beasts evolved from those brought into Mount Shu from Teyvat. The price will be paid in raw crystals, ores, medicinal herbs—and in the immortal arts and secret techniques of the Archon and the adepti."
"The materials—especially the raw crystals—must be gathered by you all, with both quantity and quality assured. Once this trade is stable, the meat could even become a signature Liyue export."
The Star of Opulence immediately refused.
"Absolutely not! For friendly nations, perhaps we could gift some as a gesture—but selling it widely would let the Fatui get their hands on it. Why help others strengthen themselves? Ordinary people gaining such power would throw Teyvat into chaos."
Ningguang shook her head.
"There's no need to worry. I meant selling it only when we are fully prepared. The Sect Master has said that once the Archon has mastered cultivation, he will be able to create martial techniques for ordinary people. With such techniques, this meat, and the chance to train at Jueyun Karst, why wouldn't our Millelith surpass the world?"
"At that point, selling it would only enrich the treasury—nothing but benefit."
After some thought, the Star of Opulence nodded.
"In that case, it could indeed be killing two birds with one stone."
Ningguang continued with a small smile.
"Everything about today's visit to Mount Shu has been a blessing. Set aside your worries. Once we get through the initial transition, Liyue will only grow stronger."
The others' faces lit with satisfaction.
After a pause, the Star of Daybreak asked curiously:
"Tianquan, will the Sect Master open Mount Shu's gates widely?"
Ningguang shook her head.
"Not for now. But he has said that since Liyue's people understand and accept the concept of cultivation better than most, if the gates are opened in the future, Liyue will be the first priority. Even so, we must not grow arrogant just because of his regard."
"For all the help Mount Shu has given us, we must provide conveniences in return—even if they are trivial for them. It's a matter of attitude."
"Right now, Mount Shu needs nothing from us. But we must still think ahead. raw crystals, herbs, ores, animals, books—these are all we can offer. Please gather as much as possible."
"In addition, I wish to establish a dedicated Mount Shu fund—both to support ordinary Liyue citizens who join Mount Shu in the future, and to make things easier for its members, especially the Sect Master, when they act within Teyvat. Though he prefers quiet, he has said he will temper his heart in the mortal world. We must be ready."
The Qixing nodded in unison. A leg as powerful as Mount Shu's was not one they could afford not to cling to.
For all Ningguang's talk of giving resources, granting privileges, and preparing a fund that might never be used, none of them objected.
The very fact that Mount Shu was willing to guide Liyue into cultivation was a blessing beyond compare.
Yet in truth, the wealth Liyue was so proud of meant little in Mount Shu's eyes.
Between mortals and immortal cultivators lay a gulf that could never be crossed.
They had nothing truly worthy to repay such aid—only the sincerity of their attitude, and the resolve to meet every request to the utmost.
From now on, every move Mount Shu made would affect whether Liyue could stand atop Teyvat—or even surpass it.
If Mount Shu ignored worldly matters, then Liyue must take the initiative to manage them on its behalf.
After a moment's thought, Ningguang and Keqing realized there was nothing else to say.
"That concludes today's matters. Thank you all for waiting so patiently. Tomorrow, Yuheng and I will return to Mount Shu. If anything urgent arises, send someone to Jueyun Karst with a message. If not, we will handle it in the evening."
The Qixing rose one by one to take their leave.
The news they had received today was all good, and each was visibly pleased, ready to set to work with renewed vigor.
Ningguang glanced at Keqing, who then spoke:
"There's still quite a bit of beast meat left from today. Take some home with you—it will strengthen you personally, which can only be a good thing."
This made them even happier.
Without false modesty, they accepted it with thanks, and quietly departed.
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