Chapter 6: The Alliance of Ningguang and Keqing
A Sleepless Night in the Jade Chamber
The moon hung low over the Jade Chamber, its reflection rippling across the dark waters of the sea. Inside, the soft scent of sandalwood mingled with the rustle of parchment.
Ningguang sat at her desk, eyes scanning line after line of reports. Yet, for once, the Tianquan's attention wasn't fully on her work.
Her mind kept returning to the strange "chat group" that had appeared out of nowhere.
Zhongli—someone she had always suspected to be an adeptus—had acknowledged the power of that so-called Basic Internal Strength Technique. That alone made it impossible to dismiss.
If such a method truly worked, then Liyue's foundation could shift overnight.
The Millelith could be strengthened. Ordinary citizens could become capable of defending themselves. Even the balance between the Qixing and the Adepti could change forever.
But… without verification, it was dangerous.
And without Morax's approval, impossible.
Ningguang leaned back in her chair, eyes reflecting the stars.
"Tonight will be a long one," she murmured.
Knowing Keqing, she was probably already on her way here.
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Kael's "Housing Problem"
Meanwhile, somewhere between the mountains and the harbor, Kael yawned. "Alright, I think that's enough divine business for one day. Time to find a place to sleep."
Zhongli gave him a sidelong glance. "You intend to rest? A curious thing for a god to do."
Kael stretched lazily. "Even gods need pillows. Besides, Sky Island is… dull. It's just me, clouds, and a very sleepy Sustainer who refuses to talk. I'd rather stay somewhere lively."
Zhongli considered it. "Then remain in Liyue. It is, after all, under your jurisdiction in a sense. If you wish, you could reside with me at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The director, Hu Tao, is… hospitable."
Kael's eyes lit up. "Oh, the Funeral Parlor? Sounds cozy! Sure, I'll stay there."
He snapped his fingers, his white robes shifting into a sleek, black design reminiscent of Zhongli's. "Though I'll need Mora. I heard Hu Tao's easy to trick when it comes to money. How about a job as a guest consultant? You can put in a good word for me."
Zhongli froze mid-step.
For a long, silent moment, the Archon simply stared at him.
If Hu Tao ever had to deal with both of them together—one god who spent Mora like air and another who treated divine power like a business—she would probably explode.
"…I will arrange lodging," Zhongli said at last. "As for payment, you'll need to earn it yourself."
Kael grinned. "So stingy, Morax."
"Prudent," Zhongli corrected smoothly.
As the two descended toward Liyue Harbor, a faint breeze carried laughter across the night air—one amused, one resigned.
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Keqing's Arrival
By the time Keqing reached the Jade Chamber, dawn's first light was still far from breaking. Her purple hair was damp, her expression firm, and her eyes blazed with purpose.
Ningguang set down her pen and gestured for her to sit.
"You arrived faster than I expected," she said, pouring tea. "It seems this chat group truly caught your attention."
Keqing downed the cup in one gulp. "Of course. I can tell this system is an opportunity—a chance for Liyue to grow stronger."
Her eyes gleamed with determination.
"I already downloaded the Basic Internal Strength technique on my way here."
Ningguang's pen froze midair. "You've already begun cultivating it?"
Keqing nodded. "I know what you're thinking. But hesitation is the enemy of progress. If we always wait for approval, we'll never move forward."
She placed a hand on her chest. "Besides, if the creator of this chat group wanted us dead, we wouldn't be having this conversation."
Ningguang couldn't argue with that. It was precisely this mix of courage and recklessness that had earned Keqing her Vision—and Morax's quiet respect.
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The Future of Liyue
"What do you think of the technique?" Ningguang asked.
Keqing closed her eyes, recalling the faint warmth that had spread through her body while cultivating. "It's remarkable. It generates an energy distinct from elemental power—something internal, self-sustaining. With enough practice, this could change how we fight, how we live."
She looked up, her voice firm.
"Ningguang, I want your support. I plan to introduce this to the Millelith. Even without Morax's protection, Liyue must learn to defend itself."
Her conviction filled the room like thunder.
"Morax has guarded us for 3,700 years. He's given us every chance to thrive. Now it's time we learn to stand without leaning on him."
Ningguang rubbed her temples, sighing softly.
She had expected this.
Keqing wasn't rebelling against the gods—she was trying to prove humanity's worth to them.
Ningguang, too, leaned toward human governance, but she preferred diplomacy to confrontation.
"Keqing," she said at last, "you know this won't be easy. Without the Geo Archon's blessing, spreading this technique publicly is impossible. And not everyone among the Qixing—or the Trade Guilds—will agree. Power shifts breed instability."
Her golden eyes sharpened.
"And what of the man who gave us this power? What does he gain from it?"
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Two Minds, One Goal
At the mention of Kael, Keqing's expression darkened slightly.
She had to admit—the chat group and its technique were incredible. But that didn't excuse the fact that Kael had intruded into her home. Or that he'd seen something he absolutely shouldn't have.
And he hadn't even apologized!
She exhaled sharply through her nose. "Regardless of his motives, we can't ignore what he's offering. If it benefits Liyue, I'll use it."
Ningguang smiled faintly. "That's the spirit I expected from the Yuheng."
Then, after a pause, her tone softened.
"How about this: tomorrow, we meet with Mr. Zhongli and this mysterious Kael together. We'll evaluate him ourselves."
Keqing crossed her arms. "Fine. But if he tries anything suspicious, I'll strike first."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Ningguang said, amused.
---
As Keqing prepared to leave, Ningguang lingered by the window, gazing down at the glittering harbor.
"Keqing," she called softly.
The Yuheng turned. "Yes?"
Ningguang's voice was calm, but her eyes were sharp.
"You're right—everything that's happening seems tied to that man. But something tells me… he's far more than he appears."
Her golden eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"The chat group didn't choose its members at random. We're all bound by one thread."
She turned back to her desk, moonlight tracing her silhouette.
"And tomorrow, we'll find out exactly what kind of thread that is."
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✨ End of Chapter 6