Gu Chen and his companions began to converse with Ganyu.
Naturally, the topic turned to the "departure" of the Geo Archon, which made Ganyu visibly melancholic.
When Zhongli asked for her thoughts on the Archon's "farewell," her true identity was finally revealed.
[Paimon]:Half-human, half-qilin? Wow! I really wanna touch Miss Ganyu's horns and see what they feel like~ (Xiangling·starry eyes)
[Ganyu]:L-let's not talk about that, please… (Ganyu·don't touch)
[Cloud Retainer]:Speaking of Ganyu, this immortal still remembers her when she was just a little—
[Ganyu]:Master!!
[Cloud Retainer]:Tch, fine, fine, this immortal won't say it! (Keqing·pout)
[Kaeya]:Master Cloud Retainer, it's very rude to stop mid-story, you know!
[Gu Chen]:Master, let's discuss this privately~ (smirk)
[Ganyu]:(Ganyu·don't touch) (Qiqi·collapse)
[Paimon]:Must've been some embarrassing childhood story. Anyway! Miss Ganyu's super nice—she gave us a Glaze Lily!
With the wild Glaze Lily secured, the preparations for the Rite of Parting were nearly complete.
The group decided to head back to Liyue Harbor.
Upon their return, they learned that tensions were running high—
The Millelith were on full alert, keeping a close watch on the Fatui.
Even the adepti of Jueyun Karst had begun moving toward Liyue Harbor.
Trouble was brewing.
"Ah, that's right!" Paimon exclaimed. "Mr. Zhongli, I heard your Wangsheng Funeral Parlor got dragged into some kind of dispute—the Millelith are at your doorstep!"
Zhongli sighed. "That is… quite troublesome."
Then he turned to Gu Chen.
"Traveler, I believe the young lady by your side could use a bit more experience.
If we are to prevent an imminent explosion, we must first find the fuse.
How about joining me at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?
Given my recent association with the Fatui, if Hall Master Hu is unable to handle things properly, your assistance may be necessary."
Gu Chen's gaze shifted to Lumine.
"Are you alright with that? If not, it's fine."
"I'm fine! I don't want to just be some pretty face tagging along behind you!" Lumine said firmly.
Gu Chen nodded. "Then be careful. If things get dangerous, call for me—I'll come right away."
"Got it!" Lumine smiled, warmth rising in her chest.
The perspective shifted—to Lumine's view.
She sprinted toward the Golden House, while not far behind, Zhongli and Gu Chen stood still, watching her leave.
Their expressions… looked almost as if it were all planned.
[Paimon]:Wait, are those two deliberately letting Lumine walk into danger?!
[Lumine]:Why does it feel like Gu Chen always knows more than he lets on?
[Heizou]:Judging from his composure, Mr. Gu Chen's intellect far surpasses Miss Lumine's. He likely has an intricate plan in mind. While he appears to move within the web, he can already see the end of the game. Zhongli holding Gu Chen back here likely means he doesn't want Gu Chen at the Golden House—because Tartaglia's no match for him, especially now when he's injured. Lumine, on the other hand, though she's often protected, has fought gods herself. She's clearly powerful. So sending her is the best strategic choice! Zhongli might even be the true mastermind—or at least an accomplice!
[Paimon]:Conspiracies everywhere! Everyone's plotting something! (Nahida·pointing)
[Lumine]:What's with Liyue and picking on outsiders, huh?!
[Tartaglia]:Miss Lumine's already reached the Golden House. As expected, the Exuvia is here!
In the video.
Lumine entered the Golden House.
Mountains of Mora glittered under the light, making Paimon's eyes sparkle.
"Keep your hands to yourself—touch it and you'll get caught," Lumine said, shaking her head. "The atmosphere here feels… off."
"It's the Millelith—they've all fainted!" Paimon gasped.
Sensing danger, they hurried forward to inspect the Exuvia—
only for a familiar voice to echo from the shadows.
"Mr. Gu Chen isn't here, I see…"
"Heh. That's a relief."
"As guides, your mission should've ended long ago. Why insist on meddling further?"
Tartaglia emerged, his smile cold and composed.
"Your goal is to find the Gnosis inside the Exuvia, isn't it?!" Paimon demanded.
"As one of the Fatui Harbingers, I am bound to fulfill Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's will."
"If the Tsaritsa desires it, we shall claim it."
Tartaglia's grin widened—as if speaking of something trivial.
[Paimon]:So arrogant!
[Lumine]:We'd better be careful with this guy!
[Tartaglia]:No need, I'm already sitting in Liyue's jail. (photo of prison bars)
[Paimon]:Oh nice! Liyue's law enforcement efficiency is amazing! But… can Lumine really beat him though? (worried)
[Lumine]:Of course I can. Even if he were at full strength, he wouldn't be my match! (Paimon·leave it to me)
[Signora]:Childe, when exactly are you quitting Fatui? If you lose again, you're dragging down the entire Harbinger reputation.
[Tartaglia]:...
In the video.
Lumine and Tartaglia clashed fiercely.
Though initially at a disadvantage, Tartaglia swiftly retreated toward the Exuvia—
only to find… nothing.
No Gnosis.
Believing Lumine had taken it, his rage flared.
He activated his Foul Legacy transformation, his form now wreathed in Hydro energy.
But even that wasn't enough.
He was ultimately defeated, collapsing back into his normal self.
After catching his breath, he muttered,
"Could the Exuvia itself… be a decoy?"
"You mean…" Paimon's eyes widened.
"The Geo Archon isn't dead?" Lumine frowned.
"Exactly. How fascinating…" Tartaglia said with a laugh.
"In that case, I'll have to activate the backup plan."
"I didn't want to resort to this—it'll harm innocent people—but as a Harbinger, I can't afford to be picky about my methods.
Tell me, oh mighty Geo Archon—
if I awaken a god of old, will you still sit idly by and watch from the shadows?!"
As his words fell, countless Talismans of Boundless Taboo ignited around him, glowing ominously.
"With enough of these, plus the Tsaritsa's blessing, temporarily breaking the seal of the divine spear isn't impossible!"
"Let the ancient malice of the deep consume everything!"
And with that, Tartaglia vanished.
Lumine and Paimon rushed outside—
where the clear sky had turned black.
From the direction of Guyun Stone Forest, an overwhelming, malevolent presence surged forth.
[Vortex God]:Hahaha! My seal is broken?! (rubbing hands)
[Keqing]:Don't get too excited. Tartaglia just said the Geo Archon might not actually be dead!
[Vortex God]:What?! Is he or isn't he?! Give me a straight answer!
[Azhdaha]:He's dead, for sure! (nodding)
[Venti]:No way he's alive! (nodding)
**[Vortex God]:Excellent! Then Liyue shall soon fall into my hands! @[Tartaglia] Hurry up and break out of jail! When I rise again and rule Liyue, I'll make you my Grand General! And as for you, @[Gu Chen]—help me, and I'll make you my Divine Envoy! Left arm around Tianquan, right arm around Yuheng!"
[Ningguang]:...
[Keqing]:...
You're literally conspiring out loud in public—
Do you even know what "subtlety" means?!
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