From the moment Zhongli first opened his mouth, many of Liyue's shrewd minds had already sensed that today's Rite of Descension would not be an ordinary one.
Looking back, the signs had always been there.
It was supposed to be no more than the annual Rite of Descension—important, yes, but hardly grand enough to warrant such extravagance.
Why had the Qixing gone to such lengths?
Why had they even invited the Sect Master of Mount Shu in person?
For what? Just a festival?
However great the Rite was to mortals, to cultivators it was still a worldly ceremony. How could it possibly justify the sect master's arrival?
Now, at last, it all made sense.
The Sect Master hadn't come for the ceremony—he had come to give Zhongli, Mount Shu's First Seat, his due respect.
From this day forth…
Liyue would be without a god.
The news thundered across Yujing Terrace, leaving not only the citizens of Liyue dumbstruck, but even the foreign envoys reeling.
The oldest of the Archons, Rex Lapis himself, had stepped down?
And not only stepped down—he had abolished the very office of Geo Archon altogether?
From now on, Liyue would never again be governed by a god, only by its own people?
They had known Liyue was taking bold steps forward, but this…
This was not bold. This was a leap across an abyss.
Even in Mondstadt, where freedom reigned supreme, there was still an Anemo Archon on the throne. He might not govern, but at least the position still existed.
But Zhongli—Zhongli had shattered the structure of the Seven Archons with one stroke.
From now on, Teyvat would have but Six Archons.
"Lord Rex…"
For a long while the crowd stood dumbstruck. Then, as one, their eyes turned toward Zhongli, frantic, imploring.
They even forgot the cultivators of Mount Shu were present; the terrace erupted with cries.
"Lord Rex, reconsider!"
"Liyue cannot lose its god!"
"You are already an immortal cultivator—surely you can continue to guide Liyue!"
"Without you, how will Liyue endure the days to come?"
"Lord Rex! You must not abdicate!"
The chorus of pleas tugged at every heart.
Ningguang and the other Qixing could only sigh inwardly.
Yes, it was better to cut out the sickness early than late, but the truth was plain: the people of Liyue had grown far too dependent on Zhongli.
Better to strike now, like a swift blade severing tangled roots, even if it caused upheaval. Delay would only make matters worse.
Mondstadt stood as a cautionary tale—an entire nation of grown infants. Ningguang would not allow Liyue to become the same.
Neither would Zhongli.
Though sentiment weighed on him—this was, after all, the land he had raised like a child—when he heard the desperate cries of his people, his lingering attachments fell away.
This must be done.
And it must be done cleanly.
Hesitate, and chaos would follow.
Liyue stood at a turning point. He could no longer be its crutch.
"Silence."
At Zhongli's signal, Xiao's low command echoed through heaven and earth.
An unseen barrier stilled every tongue.
The people could only gaze at Zhongli with wounded eyes as he began to speak.
"Liyue is not mine alone.
Nor does it belong to the Adepti.
Liyue belongs to its people."
"Long ago, I said this:
'When demons rise and chaos reigns, though I do not seek dominion, I cannot ignore the suffering of the masses.'"
"From its founding to this day, Liyue has never changed its essence.
In the beginning it was the people's Liyue.
Now it is the people's Liyue.
And in the future, it must remain the people's Liyue."
"Today, the Qixing are wise and capable, the Millelith are strong in arms, commerce flourishes, the land is vast and rich.
I dare say I have handed over a satisfactory answer sheet.
My three thousand seven hundred years of stewardship—
are complete."
"Liyue's past ends here.
The old me must leave.
Liyue's future is yours to create."
His voice, calm and steady, rolled like the tide.
He spoke of the resurgence of spiritual energy, of the beasts it would bring, of the challenges to come. But compared to the Demon War of old, today's Liyue had more strength, more cultivation, more inheritance.
He spoke of trust—the trust he placed in the Qixing, the trust he urged the people to place in themselves.
And then, quoting the Sect Master of Mount Shu, he gave them a truth to carry:
"No matter when, no matter where—remember this: Man triumphs over Heaven."
If they could not even believe in themselves, then all struggle would be meaningless.
Gone was the aloof Archon issuing decrees and laws.
What stood before them was but a father, imparting final words to his children:
Once, he taught them how to act.
Now, he taught them how to live.
The terrace, moments ago shaken with cries, grew warm and tender.
Time seemed to blur, until Zhongli finally raised his head to the heavens and sighed.
"It is time. My era may now end.
The age of walking beside gods ends today.
From this day forth, Liyue shall be without a god.
Its fate lies in your hands alone."
"But as you believed in me, so have I always believed in you.
For three thousand seven hundred years I have walked with Liyue, for six thousand more I have fought for others.
Today, my duty ends.
From this day forth, I shall live for myself."
"People of Liyue…"
For once, Zhongli's expression softened into a rare smile.
"Rex Lapis, Morax, is dead.
From this day, there remains only Zhongli, Acting First Seat of Longshou Peak, Mount Shu."
"Now then, the final announcement—Tianquan, it is yours to declare."
But Ningguang only shook her head, solemn.
"No… Lord Rex. For the last time, let it be you who bids Liyue farewell."
Silence fell again as Zhongli swept his gaze across his people.
Their eyes brimmed with tears, yet none spoke to hold him back.
At last, there was no pleading—only blessing.
They knew.
Morax had never once lived for himself.
He had given everything.
And now… now he deserved freedom.
Zhongli breathed deep. When he opened his eyes again, only serenity remained.
"Then… farewell, all of you. My age is ended.
"Congratulations. From this day forth, the skies are high, the seas wide—spread your wings, and let Liyue soar with your own strength.
"By decree of the Geo Archon, the final contract between Morax and Liyue is dissolved!
"From this day forth, Liyue shall be without a god!
"As Zhongli, I thank you, my people, for your faith and companionship through all these years.
"As Zhongli, I wish Liyue ever greater prosperity."
He bowed deeply.
It was like the curtain falling on a performance six thousand years in the making.
The weight of the past lifted from his heart, leaving only expectation for the life ahead.
The Qixing bowed in unison.
"We thank Lord Rex for three thousand seven hundred years of care. Liyue will not fail your trust—we swear to defend her with our lives!"
Then Ningguang straightened and smiled.
"And finally… thank you, Mister Zhongli, for your blessing. May your immortal path be smooth, and may you ascend soon."
Zhongli inclined his head, his smile faint but unshakable.
"My thanks."
With that, his blade flashed. In a heartbeat he stood atop the pavilion, nodded to his peers, and took his seat.
From this day, Morax was no more.
Only Zhongli, First Seat of Longshou Peak, remained.
He closed his eyes, steadying the storm in his heart. Six millennia of memories flickered past, then faded into smoke.
When he opened them again, sword-light gleamed within.
"Farewell, Morax… From this day forth, I am Zhongli."
"Eh-heh~!"
Venti grinned, hand outstretched.
"Hello there, Zhongli."
Zhongli chuckled softly. Only an old friend could read his heart from so small an expression. He clasped Venti's hand.
"Though honestly," Venti added, "it feels weird calling you that. I'll just stick with 'old man.' After all, you've lived longer than me! Speaking of which, shouldn't you bring out that vintage osmanthus wine of yours for such a fine retirement party?"
Zhongli quietly withdrew his hand and shut his eyes again.
"…Stingy."
Venti pouted, but his eyes shone with joy. His friend was finally free.
From the pavilion, Jiang Yan gave a satisfied nod.
With Zhongli retired, his focus would turn wholly to Mount Shu and cultivation. He would surely soon reach the stage of Return to Void. Then the title of "acting" First Seat could finally be cast aside.
Mount Shu would rise!
With a gentle tap of his chair's armrest, golden radiance bloomed across the heavens, descending like rain over all of Liyue.
Cripples stood whole.
Cultivators felt their strength surge.
The sick were healed.
The healthy grew stronger still.
All received blessing.
At once, every gaze turned to Jiang Yan, seated with eyes closed in calm composure.
For who else in all Teyvat could bestow such grace so effortlessly?
As one, they bowed and cried:
"Thank you, Sect Master, for your blessing!"
Even Zhongli was moved.
He bowed his head with solemn gratitude.
"Many thanks, Sect Master. From this day forth, Zhongli will walk through fire and water for Mount Shu without hesitation!"
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