At the Guiyan Assembly, the shopfront was unusually quiet. Behind the counter, the Shopkeeper's Daughter leaned on her hand, stifling a yawn. Yesterday, she had accepted a sizeable commission—one that, if handled properly, would bring in no less than fifteen million mora. Judging by the client's appearance and manner, he seemed affluent enough that the payment posed no issue.
Whether the necessary materials could be gathered within a week did not trouble her. Her parents had left her vast connections throughout Liyue Harbor; she knew every reputable ore merchant by name, and they treated her almost like family. With a few visits and a handful of favors exchanged, the stock would surely come together. And yet—
Her thoughts drifted back to Aila—the maid with that cold and reticent expression. A faint unease stirred within her. She was certain she had seen that face somewhere before.
Five parts resemblance to her mother— White hair, like her own—And from the moment they met, an indescribable sense of familiarity tugged at her heart—as though they shared some quiet bond. But no matter how she searched her memories, she could recall no relative who matched that girl's appearance.
A sigh escaped her lips. She had appeared calm yesterday, but in truth, the matter still gnawed at her.
"White hair… but I remember a relative's child—when I was young—she had black hair…"
Her murmurs were abruptly cut short. The doors of the Guiyan Assembly swung open, and Futsu Mitama strode in with confident steps, Aila and Kuki Shinobu following close behind. The instant he spotted her, he called out energetically:
"Shopkeeper's Daughter!"
A vein twitched on her forehead. She very nearly snapped back that she had an actual name—
but given their limited acquaintance, she forced the impulse down and kept her composure.
"What is it now? Didn't I tell you—seven days. If you come pestering me every day before the deadline, I will cancel the contract."
Her tone carried the weary resignation of someone too familiar with impatient customers. Late delivery? She could accept blame for that. But someone who rushed her immediately after placing an order? Those were the kind she wished she could expel and blacklist on the spot.
"Who said I came to rush you?"
Futsu Mitama blinked in genuine confusion, then said earnestly:
"I'm here to sell ores. I fought a Primo Geovishap in an abandoned mine today and retrieved quite a number of rare ores. If you're interested, I can sell them to you—or we can trade."
"Oh, and its scales were in good shape too. If you want those, I can include them. I'm just not sure you'll be able to handle the quantity."
The Shopkeeper's Daughter froze mid-blink. Her expression slowly contorted into one full of silent question marks.
A Primo Geovishap?
Was he serious? As the daughter of ore merchants, she naturally knew of the Dragon Crisis. After that ancient calamity, Primo Geovishaps had vanished from Liyue hundreds of years ago. To merchants like her, their disappearance was a shame—after all, the creatures' burrowing instincts made them invaluable for uncovering ore-rich locations.
But now this man stood before her, claiming not only to have fought one, but to have harvested ores and stripped its scales?
She very nearly laughed at him. However, remembering Aila's presence, she maintained her professional courtesy—and her smile.
"In that case… bring them out. I'll take a look."
Even if his story was nonsense, she would know the truth the moment she inspected the goods. She expected, of course, the usual scenario: customers bringing in piles of worthless stones, insisting they were rare treasures.
"Hmm… give me a moment."
Futsu Mitama snapped his fingers, and the Chakra Desiderata manifested behind him. He gave her a calm nod. "I'll retrieve them through spatial teleportation."
"Huh?" She tilted her head again. Teleportation? Just how many things did he intend to bring out?
A crack of violet lightning tore open the air. And then—A cascade of ores and blood-stained scales poured out like debris from a ruptured cavern, piling onto the floor in a rapidly growing mound.
Noctilucous jade. Crystal ore. Rare minerals she had only seen in books. And scales radiating a pressure so tangible it made her chest tighten. Even someone as experienced as she was had never witnessed a sight like this. Her pupils trembled. Her breath caught.
"This… this…"
She stepped out from behind the counter, speechless.
"Give…give me half an hour! I'll appraise everything immediately!"
Clutching one of the scales—one of the few only lightly damaged—she fled toward the back room at a sprint.
While she worked, Futsu Mitama sifted through the ores to choose suitable materials for forging Geo-elemental defensive gear for Aila. Kuki Shinobu idly chatted in their group. Aila closed her eyes and entered a meditative state, attempting once again to refine her Mirrors Reflection of Tranquility into a naturally-triggered ability.
Thirty minutes passed.
The Shopkeeper's Daughter finally returned—scale in hand, face pale, expression grave.
"This scale… it truly came from a Primo Geovishap?"
"Yes." Futsu Mitama folded his arms. "Just give me a fair price. Don't go too hard on me."
He trusted Zhongli's recommendation; Guiyan Assembly was reputable. Estimating the numbers, he already felt the thrill of profit. He had left home with ten million mora—perhaps he would return with twenty.
"One million mora," she said at last.
Futsu Mitama blinked. "Ten thousand? A hundred thousand? Don't tease me."
"A single scale of this size sells for approximately one million mora," she repeated steadily. "If it were intact and unscarred, the auction value could reach ten million."
She gestured toward the towering pile behind her.
"There are dozens here. Most are damaged…but the quantity makes up for it."
Even Aila's concentration slipped at that. Kuki Shinobu's surprise was tempered only by her understanding—Geovishaps were living treasures. Their blood alone was coveted by alchemists like Albedo.
The Shopkeeper's Daughter took a deep breath.
"To think you were strong enough to defeat such a creature… no wonder you can make mora so easily. We merchants can't compare."
Futsu Mitama hesitated. To him, the battle had been far from simple—without the Chakra Desiderata to relocate the girls, the opening charge alone might have injured them. Had the Primo Geovishap not feared the Electro Archon Authority, the outcome could have been drastically different.
But he kept those thoughts unspoken.
"Let's move on," she said firmly. "About your offer to trade—what is it you want?"
He handed her a prepared list. She scanned it quickly.
"These are materials for defensive gear… you intend to forge armor?"
He nodded lightly toward Aila. "I want to make her a set of Geo-enhanced armor. The main material is ready—I just need secondary components."
The Shopkeeper's Daughter's gaze softened.
"Understood. These materials won't cost you mora. Consider them a gift."
"Are you sure?" Futsu Mitama raised a brow.
"I know you won't lower the price of the scales," she said. "I'm not asking for that."
Her voice grew resolute. "I only ask that you sell these scales under the name of Guiyan Assembly. You take eighty percent. I take twenty."
For a merchant, such an offer was nearly unthinkable. Even Futsu Mitama could not hide his surprise.
"Are you certain?"
In Inazuma, the International Chamber of Commerce had extended considerable support to him. The wine he supplied brought astonishingly high profit margins, and more than once, he had helped them through difficult times. Chairman Kurisu, grateful for his assistance, had even taken the initiative to share profits with him.
Yet the Shopkeeper's Daughter—he had met her fewer than three times. Why, then, would she willingly hand over eighty percent of the profits? Why send him off with gifts of such value?
If these items were sold through Guiyan Assembly, the Assembly would need to promote them, leverage its network, negotiate with buyers, and endure endless bargaining. Futsu Mitama himself might be decisive in trade, but not everyone walked the same path—many merchants were meticulous, calculating each mora with precision.
More importantly, the Shopkeeper's Daughter had not offered to buy the materials outright. She had only promised to display them for sale under Guiyan Assembly's name—no guaranteed payout, no bulk purchase, no safety net.
"Of course I'm sure." She folded her arms, impatience flickering across her expression. "My family has no shortage of mora. Guiyan Assembly has been running for many years—our accumulated wealth is in the hundreds of millions."
"But reputation matters far more to us. I am willingly giving up profit, and my goal is your Primo Geovishap scale. With that, Guiyan Assembly's name will echo through Liyue Harbor for a year or two."
"And with the Rite of Descension approaching, if everything is handled well…we may even catch the attention of Lord Rex Lapis."
A soft, eager smile appeared on her face, her hands rubbing together unconsciously—as if already envisioning the glory. If Rex Lapis were to mention Guiyan Assembly even once, everyone related to her, no matter where they lived, would celebrate her name with pride.
After all, to be acknowledged personally by the Geo Archon…that would be a blessing earned across lifetimes. Thus, she wanted the rights to sell the Primo Geovishap scale more than she wanted profit. Even if it meant taking a loss, she would seize this chance.
"Alright."
Futsu Mitama nodded, accepting her proposal. Relief washed over the Shopkeeper's Daughter, and she immediately set to drafting the contract. With Kuki Shinobu beside him, Futsu Mitama felt no fear of hidden terms. Her legal expertise was exceptional—and in Liyue, the nation of contracts, her presence made everything smoother.
Her reputation as the "Inazuma Lawyer" was not undeserved.
In fact, when he first recruited her, he had planned to use legal pressure against the Kanjou Commission. But he hadn't expected the Raiden Shogun herself to intervene—removing the former Commission head and imprisoning him. From that moment, Shinobu's role had become somewhat awkward.
Still, now that she was in Liyue, she could return to her craft.
The Shopkeeper's Daughter finished drafting the contract. Shinobu skimmed through it quickly—then glanced up in genuine surprise. Approaching Futsu Mitama, she whispered:
"The terms favor you entirely. She's taking all the burden. She truly wants fame, not mora."
A contract where Party A suffered losses was unheard of in her experience. It only confirmed the shopkeeper's daughter's intentions: she sought renown far more than immediate profit. And indeed—if she grasped this opportunity well, future earnings would far eclipse what she surrendered today.
Futsu Mitama understood. If the Primo Geovishap scale led to her name reaching Rex Lapis' ears during the Rite of Descension, she would achieve prosperity beyond imagination.
He signed the contract. The ores he selected for Aila would take several days to prepare. And so, after finalizing a deal worth fifty to sixty million mora, he prepared to return home.
The Shopkeeper's Daughter personally escorted them out, reminding them to visit again whenever they had time. As she watched them leave, her gaze lingered on Aila's retreating figure.
"I've definitely seen her before." She tapped her chin, expression sharpening. The more she looked, the more familiar Aila seemed—but the memory refused to surface. Was it long buried, or simply a trick of resemblance?
"Forget it. This isn't something to dwell on."
She slapped her cheeks lightly, then turned toward the towering pile of materials. Her eyes gleamed with burning enthusiasm.
"The real work starts now!"
Meanwhile, Futsu Mitama, Shinobu, and Aila made their way back toward Liyue Harbor—until Futsu Mitama spotted Zhongli approaching from the opposite direction. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
Why would Zhongli be looking for him?
Coincidence? Impossible. Zhongli would never be casually strolling down an ordinary street. If he wasn't savoring tea and storytelling, he was studying antiques, observing birds, or enjoying a simple meal. Aimless wandering was far too unlikely.
"What a coincidence."
Zhongli greeted them with a gentle smile, as though this truly were chance.
"Mr. Zhongli." Shinobu offered a respectful nod.
Aila remained silent but acknowledged him with a small gesture.
"Would you care for some tea?" Zhongli asked calmly. "Heyu Tea House has fine tea today. The storyteller is recounting an excellent tale."
Futsu Mitama accepted. If Zhongli was inviting them, he likely wanted to discuss something in private—though in the back of his mind, he did wonder who would pay. Archons were notoriously terrible with mora.
They soon arrived at the familiar Heyu Tea House. As Zhongli and Futsu Mitama took their seats, the storyteller's voice rose, weaving a tale of Liyue's distant past.
Aila handed a few mora to the attendant, covering the entrance fee. Tea arrived shortly after, fragrant steam curling into the air. Futsu Mitama listened only briefly before turning his gaze to Zhongli, noting the slight awkwardness in his expression.
"Ahem." He cleared his throat softly. "Mr. Zhongli, you called us here because you have something to discuss, correct?"
Zhongli was not someone who sought company without purpose. And at this point in time, he had not yet stepped back from his duties as the Geo Archon. Every moment he spent among mortals carried the weight of Liyue's future.
Zhongli was still Rex Lapis.
This era had not yet granted him the leisure of wandering among the people; the mantle of a god still rested upon his shoulders, and the weight he bore stretched far beyond mortal comprehension. Matters concerning Liyue's future pressed upon him from every direction. Thus, he had little time for idle conversation — prompting Futsu Mitama to raise the matter directly.
"There is something I wish to discuss."
Zhongli lifted his cup, allowing the fragrance of the tea to disperse into the quiet air. His amber gaze shifted toward Futsu Mitama and Aila, calm yet inscrutable.
"After joining that Chat Group, I have received much enlightenment," he said. "In consideration of this…I have decided to prepare a small gift, as a token of my gratitude."
Zhongli — no, Morax — truly felt indebted. Thanks to Futsu Mitama, he had been able to witness something he believed long lost: his old friend, freed from erosion, regaining clarity, even reclaiming control over his own body.
The Chat Group—possessed the power to restore that which erosion had stolen. If given time — perhaps he might once more share wine and fine cuisine with Azhdaha.
And within that same space, he had encountered another unexpected presence: the consciousness of Raiden Makoto, the first Electro Archon. As one of The Seven, the chance to speak with a colleague long departed from the world stirred a quiet emotion in him.
More amusingly, Azhdaha and Raiden Makoto had even begun discussing the beauties of Liyue within the group chat, bringing warmth to the heart of a god who had carried his burdens alone for too long. For the first time in centuries, he felt…accompanied.
He even wavered for a moment — contemplating whether he should abandon his plan and continue guarding Liyue as he always had. But that hesitation vanished the moment he recalled Makoto's words.
The Chat Group could not exist forever. Its existence might hinge upon Futsu Mitama's life. Once he passed, the connection would fade. Makoto had already made her decision: to allow the Resistance to move as they wished, to let the will of Inazuma's people challenge Beelzebub's misguided pursuit of eternity, and to awaken her sister.
Likewise, he had to proceed. Rex Lapis had protected Liyue for millennia. It was time to let go, and let his people stand upon their own future. Thus, Zhongli prepared a gift — a gesture of gratitude toward the one who had brought him into that strange and miraculous place.
"What is it?" Futsu Mitama leaned forward, eyes filled with anticipation. Any gift from Zhongli would surely be of exceptional value — perhaps even something crafted specifically for him.
"This is an Elemental Skill developed by a friend of mine." Zhongli took out a pristine, hand-copied booklet. "This is the only written record. My friend prefers that it not be circulated, but at my request, he has agreed to let you learn it. I trust you will not pass it to others."
His gaze briefly shifted toward Aila and Kuki Shinobu.
"These two are exempt from that rule."
Futsu Mitama accepted the book, flipping through the fresh ink as his expression gradually turned…complicated.
He really wanted to ask: Isn't this friend you, Zhongli?! And how is this a simple Elemental Skill? I wasn't born yesterday!
The "small gift" was anything but small.
The technique — "Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine" — taught methods of channeling Geo power in battle. It included the construction principles behind Zhongli's own Elemental Skill, and even detailed notes on the application of his Elemental Burst, Planet Befall.
This wasn't a gift. This was a fully packaged, god-tier inheritance. Even if he mastered only a fraction of it, he could rightfully be called a "little Zhongli", just as Yae Miko often teased him as a "little Raiden Shogun".
He had already learned a fragment of the Raiden Shogun's techniques — enough to injure an ancient Primo Geovishap and shatter its scales. If he added Zhongli's teachings to that—
The destructive power of the Electro Archon combined with the defensive might of the Geo Archon — a terrifying, nearly invincible combination once fully matured.
"Thank you, Mr. Zhongli." Futsu Mitama exhaled, overwhelmed, then suddenly paused. "But…why not upload this to the Chat Group files?"
If Zhongli did, then every night, after sparring with the Raiden Shogun, Futsu Mitama would have a second session — fighting Morax himself.
"My friend is not in the Chat Group," Zhongli replied lightly.
More precisely — he could upload it. But if he did, Azhdaha and Yae Miko would recognize him instantly. Makoto could not access physical files, but those two certainly could.
Revealing his identity prematurely would disrupt his long-standing retirement plan. Once Morax had officially 'passed' from this world, then he could reveal everything freely. He even looked forward to that day — to drinking with Azhdaha again, no longer as Rex Lapis, but as Zhongli.
How would his old friend react when he realized the mortal "Zhongli" he held in such regard…was Morax all along?
That thought alone brought a faint smile to his lips.
"I understand." Futsu Mitama did not press further — doing so would be discourteous.
He glanced at the pages again. Even with mere written instructions, he sensed that he could learn this technique. The intuition settled deeply within him.
"If you encounter difficulties," Zhongli added, setting down his teacup, "you may ask me. I am familiar with the contents."
His tone shifted ever so slightly.
"For the early stages, I can guide you. But after that…you must rely on your own comprehension."
The implication was clear. Zhongli could teach the basics — but beyond the threshold, only mastery earned through one's own insight would suffice.
Futsu Mitama nodded solemnly. Even Kuki Shinobu and Aila exchanged curious glances—rarely did they see him treat something with such gravity. If the contents of Zhongli's "small gift" could make him adopt this attitude, then it was clearly no ordinary technique.
Up to now, aside from the two secret arts uploaded by Raiden Makoto, nothing had ever caused Futsu Mitama to pause in earnest thought. Yet today, after receiving Zhongli's handwritten teaching, his spirits rose noticeably. From start to finish, fortune seemed to be on his side.
From the massive haul of materials earned from the Geovishap, to successfully selling goods at Guiyan Assembly and turning a profit from thin air, and finally receiving this unexpected legacy from Zhongli—today's gains bordered on excessive. The sheer abundance made Futsu Mitama briefly wonder whether calamities might soon follow, for blessings seldom came without shadows.
Just as he lifted his cup to enjoy his tea and settle in for a story, Zhongli spoke again.
"There is one more matter."
"Hm?" Three voices overlapped—Futsu Mitama, Aila, and Kuki Shinobu all turned toward him.
Zhongli's amber gaze fell upon Aila, her silhouette reflected clearly in his eyes. "Your name is Aila, is it not?"
"Yes." Aila nodded lightly. Her respect toward Zhongli was instinctive; with his breadth of knowledge and poised bearing, anyone would show reverence before him.
Zhongli studied her for a long moment before asking, "Do you still remember your family name?"
It was a question that made Aila's breath pause.
Through the Chat Group, Zhongli had already learned much of their past. Futsu Mitama—once nobility, now fallen. Aila—an orphan of unknown origin, appearing one day near Ritou, then drifting to Inazuma City, her past shrouded in blankness.
The winter she arrived had been brutal. Snow fell for days without end, and many citizens, unprepared for the sudden cold, perished quietly in their homes. Had fate not intervened—had Futsu Mitama not stepped outside that night—Aila would almost certainly have frozen to death beneath the merciless blizzard. By the time he found her, she remembered nothing except the name "Aila." No homeland. No family. No surname.
"I don't."Aila shook her head, puzzled by Zhongli's unexpected question.
"It is nothing." Zhongli gently dismissed her concern. He reached into his sleeve, produced a talisman, and placed it before her. "This is the Talisman of Everlasting Morality, passed down within my lineage."
"In that battle, I witnessed the potential you carry. You have the aptitude to become far stronger. With this talisman, you may seek out Adepti and learn their arts."
Though his words were spoken plainly, for some reason the surrounding patrons—all absorbed in the storyteller's performance—seemed not to hear a single word of their conversation.
Aila stared at the talisman, baffled that such a small object could open a path toward Adepti techniques.
"—!!" Kuki Shinobu gasped quietly, her voice trembling with disbelief. "This… this hasn't been lost?! Zhongli-dono, you actually still possess the Talisman of Everlasting Morality?!"
Even Futsu Mitama was taken aback. He looked toward Zhongli once more, surprise flickering across his expression. He had certainly not expected Zhongli to bestow such a rare heirloom upon Aila.
Why? Did Zhongli truly see such remarkable potential in her? And in the Chat Group's live broadcast, Zhongli had indeed remarked that Aila carried the aptitude of a human Adeptus… but then why ask about her surname first? Was there some deeper implication?
While Futsu Mitama puzzled over this, and Kuki Shinobu remained stunned, Aila slowly lifted her gaze. She pushed the talisman back toward Zhongli.
"Why?"
That single word struck both Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu like a bolt of lightning. Inside, their thoughts erupted in one synchronized scream:
Take it!! Take it!!
It's the Talisman of Everlasting Morality!! Accept it and you can seek out an Adeptus and learn Adepti arts—just take it already!!