"…"
The private room was unusually quiet.
Outside, the storyteller had finished, and the applause could not stir Zhongli from his trance.
His golden, amber-like eyes gleamed with memory, as if piercing through all obstacles, as if time itself dissolved, returning him to an era before the Archon War.
Six thousand years had passed, but though the span seemed endless, memories carved into the soul did not fade. They only grew sharper.
Guizhong, Havria, Osial, Bosacius, Bonanus, Indarias, Menogias.
So many old friends had departed.
Makoshious had dispersed his power, merging with the ley lines to protect Liyue's people from countless calamities.
Azhdaha, tormented by erosion, lost most of his mind. In the end, he fought Zhongli and the Adepti before voluntarily binding himself beneath the Dragon-Queller tree at Nantianmen.
The Yakshas dwindled, until only Alatus—Xiao—remained, and even he was tormented daily by karmic debt.
"…Such temptation."
Zhongli awoke from his memories.
His calm, reserved demeanor vanished, replaced by a sharpness that made the air tremble.
Though he wore no divine armor, the overwhelming pressure proclaimed the truth.
From this moment on, Taro was no longer speaking with Zhongli.
He was speaking with Morax.
"Brother Taro, even I… cannot deny my heart stirs at such an offering."
Morax turned his gaze fully upon Taro.
"What is it you seek?"
Even gods knew: all miracles had their price.
Could such a treasure truly be traded for mere mora?
"What I seek… is simply to live in peace."
Taro smiled, unfazed.
"As the God of Contracts, you know this well. Value is not universal. It is personal.
"To me, if this can be exchanged for some mora, to let me live comfortably, then that is its highest value.
"And besides—securing a favor from the greatest local power here? That's not bad either."
Greatest local power…
From a certain angle, it was true.
"…So be it."
Morax sighed, the sharp aura fading as Zhongli returned.
"I will take this staff. In return, all your living expenses in Liyue—so long as they are not excessive—will be covered by me.
"And I will owe you a favor."
"Deal."
Taro flicked his wrist, and the staff flew into Zhongli's hand.
Expenses covered, plus a favor. A win-win.
Zhongli caught it calmly, then spoke with solemn respect.
"Brother Taro, this staff holds a power beyond my knowledge. Might you be willing to guide me in its use?"
The chance was rare. He had to ask while he could.
"Don't worry."
Taro patted his chest. "It's durable. As long as you use it properly, nothing will go wrong.
"I offer after-sale service. If it fails under proper use, I'll replace it."
He wasn't some crooked merchant.
And this staff was only the opening move. Its true value lay in being used. Bigger deals would come later.
"…Very well." Zhongli relaxed slightly.
But even as he accepted, a new problem rose.
His heart stirred.
"Brother Taro…"
"Restless? Understandable."
Taro stretched out his hand. "But before you leave, give me some mora. I'm broke."
"Understood."
Zhongli reflexively touched his belt—then froze.
He had forgotten his purse. Again.
"Wait a moment."
His form vanished instantly.
Moments later, he returned with a heavy bag of mora, handed it to Taro, and left again in haste.
The whole exchange lasted less than a minute.
Even Taro could tell: the old god was unsettled.
"Well, money's here now."
He weighed the pouch with a grin.
On his first day in Liyue, he had secured ties with the biggest figure in the land.
Tomorrow, he would own two properties.
Retirement life was about to begin.
"Perfect."
He downed the cold tea and rose.
First day in Liyue—he would stroll around.
Tomorrow, his new life would start.
"Waiter, the bill."
The innkeeper bowed. "Sir, Consultant Zhongli has already arranged it. Charged to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Please, travel safely."
"…Hah."
Another charge to Wangsheng's accounts.
No wonder Paimon once called him a "society freeloader."
"Hmph hmph hmph~"
Taro hummed tunelessly as he strolled toward Chihu Rock.
Time to celebrate with a meal.
Destination: Wanmin Restaurant.
Not Xinyue Kiosk or Liuli Pavilion—reservations required. He'd never get a seat tonight.
Wanmin was the right choice.
"Grilled tigerfish!"
"Zhongyuan Chop Suey, tasty and cheap!"
"…Good."
Familiar yet unfamiliar, the bustle of life filled his senses.
He stopped at a corner, taking it in silently.
Then he stepped forward, as if melting into it.
Meanwhile, Jueyun Karst, Mt. Aozang.
The long-sealed gates of a mountain estate creaked open.
A white-and-blue crane emerged, alighting at a stone table by the lake.
It shifted into a stately woman, murmuring:
"Strange. So many years without a summons, yet today the tone is urgent?"
"Cloud Retainer!"
Two voices called.
A crane and a stag approached swiftly, landing on the lake's surface before walking toward the table.
They transformed into two solemn men.
"You came quickly," Cloud Retainer remarked, brow raised.
"Cloud Retainer," Moon Carver spoke first. "It has been long since the Lord summoned us. What has happened?"
"Indeed troubling," Mountain Shaper added. "Perhaps I misheard, but I thought his voice carried unrest. Has calamity arisen?"
"How would I know?" Cloud Retainer shook her head.
She had sensed no change. Neither had they.
The Lord had not explained.
Before more questions came, two more streaks of light descended.
They landed by the table, becoming a young man and an elderly woman.
"Strange… Vigilant Yaksha and Madame Ping as well?"
Even Xiao, bound to Dihua Marsh, and Ping, stationed in Liyue Harbor, had been summoned.
Could it be that a sealed demon god had broken free?
Or that another god had invaded Liyue?
Would calamity soon fall upon the land?
The Adepti thought the same, their hearts growing heavy.
(End of Chapter)
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