Chapter 17: Keqing — Is the Little Bird an Emperor?
"So that's how it is?" Keqing murmured softly, gazing down at her ankle as Kael explained the intricacies of internal energy. "This cultivation method really is fascinating. To think it could complement a Vision's power so naturally…"
Despite the setbacks she'd faced today, she couldn't deny it—the internal energy technique had immense potential.
If it could be mastered and shared, it might change everything.
Even if the common people of Liyue lacked access to the mysterious chat group, they could still cultivate this energy. Slowly, steadily. A year, a decade—it didn't matter.
Liyue was eternal. Liyue had time.
"This power could become the foundation for all of Liyue," she whispered, half to herself. "It may take generations, but internal energy… it could make everyone stronger."
Kael nodded faintly, crouching down in front of her. "Exactly. It's not a shortcut—it's a long-term evolution."
Then, before she could react, his hand gently grasped her injured ankle.
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A Sudden Touch
"Hey—what are you doing?!"
Keqing's eyes widened. She instinctively tried to pull back, but his grip was firm, steady—not rough, but unyielding. His touch carried a strange warmth, like smooth stone heated under the sun.
Her face flushed. "You—! Don't touch a lady's foot without warning!"
Kael didn't seem flustered in the slightest. "Relax. I'm just checking your injury."
He examined the swelling calmly, tilting her foot slightly as his fingers traced over the skin with professional precision. "No fractures. It's just a mild sprain. You'll recover fully after resting for a day."
His tone was so casual that it almost disarmed her anger. Almost.
Still, she couldn't ignore the faint heat rising in her cheeks.
"…You could've said that before grabbing my leg," she muttered, glaring down at him.
Kael chuckled quietly, still focused on her ankle. "If I had, you'd have argued for five minutes before letting me do it."
"…Tch." She looked away, refusing to admit he was right.
As she sat there, watching his calm expression, her thoughts drifted. He really didn't seem flustered. Was he truly this composed, or just oblivious?
For someone like Kael, who carried himself with quiet confidence and power, she couldn't imagine he'd need tricks or excuses to get close to anyone.
And besides, he'd never acted this way toward Ningguang.
Then why does he seem so at ease around me?
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The Carry
Before Keqing could dwell on it further, Kael suddenly scooped her up—arms sliding beneath her knees and shoulders in a single smooth motion.
"Wha—Kael!"
Her voice came out sharper than she intended, the tips of her ears turning bright pink.
"Relax," he said casually, looking down at her with that infuriating calm smile. "You're in no condition to walk down the mountain. If you force it, you'll risk tearing the muscle. I'll carry you."
"This is—this is highly inappropriate!" she protested, glaring up at him. "Put me down right now!"
"Would you rather crawl?"
Her mouth opened—and closed again. "…Fine," she muttered, crossing her arms with a defeated sigh. "But only until we reach the base!"
Kael smiled faintly. "Understood."
His grip was steady but respectful, avoiding any impropriety as he stepped carefully down the rocky path. The golden light of the setting sun painted the cliffs around them, casting long shadows that shimmered with dust motes and lingering Geo energy.
For a brief moment, Keqing glanced at his face. His expression was calm, focused—but there was something else there.
Something… ancient.
As if he'd seen far too many sunsets.
And somehow, that made her chest tighten.
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The Turmoil of Ley Lines
Kael's voice broke through her thoughts. "Have you noticed? The ley lines across Liyue have been fluctuating unnaturally."
Keqing's eyes widened. "You've sensed it too?"
"Not just Liyue," Kael said, his tone grave. "The entire continent of Teyvat is being affected. The ley lines are pulsing irregularly—as if the flow of the world's energy itself is being rewritten."
She frowned. "Could it be… the Abyss?"
"Partly," Kael replied. "But I suspect it's also connected to the fall of the previous Heavenly Principles. The balance that governed Teyvat's flow has been disturbed."
He adjusted his grip slightly as he continued walking. "This isn't something a single nation can handle. Even the Seven Archons might struggle. For now, your priority should be growth. Learn, adapt, and protect yourself."
Keqing clenched her fists. "I've already tested it—spending one hundred points grants me nearly a year's worth of cultivation progress.
The internal energy might not yet rival elemental power, but the two don't conflict. They enhance each other.
If I can master both swordsmanship and cultivation, I can create a new form of combat for Liyue's future."
Kael gave a small, approving nod. "Good. But remember—your weakness isn't power, it's restraint. You're too confident in your Vision.
You rely on it as a crutch instead of using it as an extension of your will."
He glanced at her briefly, a faint smile playing at his lips. "You're already one of Liyue's finest swordswomen. You don't need divine favor to be great."
Her breath caught at that. For some reason, hearing it from him meant more than any praise she'd received before.
"…Thanks," she said softly.
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The Emperor's Test
Silence followed them for a few minutes—just the soft echo of Kael's boots against the stone path and the distant rustle of wind.
Then Keqing finally spoke.
"Kael… have you met Morax before?"
Kael glanced at her, a mysterious glint in his golden eyes. "As you once said—'Morax doesn't know everything.'"
Keqing blinked, then scowled. "Are you mocking me again?"
He smiled faintly. "Not at all. Morax respects you. He admires your ideals. But he also knows that your dream—complete human rule—is far more complicated than you think."
Her expression softened, the fire in her eyes dimming slightly.
"So you're saying he doesn't disagree with me… he's just waiting to see what path we choose?"
Kael didn't answer directly—but the curve of his smile was enough.
Keqing's mind raced.
"That's it, isn't it? This is all part of Morax's test! He's been watching us this entire time!"
Her eyes shone with sudden clarity. "That's why he's silent. He wants to see if the Qixing can lead Liyue without him! And that's why he sent Ganyu into the chat group—to guide us subtly!"
Kael blinked, impressed despite himself. She actually figured out seventy percent of the truth… in one go?
For a moment, he didn't know whether to praise her or panic.
Keqing's excitement only grew. "Then… by process of elimination, Morax must be inside the chat group too! But who—?"
Her eyes narrowed in realization.
"There's only one person who never speaks in the group," she said slowly. "That ridiculous name… 'Little Bird.'"
Kael's expression froze.
"No way Morax would pick something that absurd on his own," she continued confidently. "But if he wanted to avoid suspicion, that's exactly what he'd do."
Her gaze sharpened. "Which means the 'Little Bird' isn't some random member—it's the Geo Archon himself!"
Kael's lips twitched slightly.
She had absolutely no idea how right—and how wrong—she was at the same time.
"…This woman's intuition is terrifying," he thought, half amused, half alarmed.
And as Keqing crossed her arms, clearly proud of her deduction, he sighed quietly.
For someone who claimed not to believe in gods…
She was getting dangerously close to uncovering one.
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✨ End of Chapter 17