At this moment, Hu Tao found herself quite curious about the whereabouts of Zhongli, the consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Hadn't he been here just a moment ago? How had he vanished so suddenly?
"Mr. Zhongli mentioned that an old friend had come to visit, so he left early," Albedo stepped forward at just the right time to smooth things over. His voice was calm and even as he explained, "At the time, Director Hu and Klee weren't feeling particularly well."
"So Mr. Zhongli didn't wish to disturb you. After informing me, he departed the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
This clarified that Zhongli had not disappeared without reason—rather, an old acquaintance had arrived, prompting his early departure.
Under normal circumstances, such an explanation would not have been necessary. However, with the Rite of Descension approaching, Zhongli's identity as the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant, his sudden absence, and the fact that Futsu Mitama and the other members present had all witnessed it, meant that Albedo still needed to provide an explanation.
After all, Rex Lapis had been exceedingly busy these past few days, and as one of the few who knew the truth, Albedo bore the responsibility of providing suitable cover.
"Oh~" Hu Tao nodded lightly, then waved it off with an indifferent tone. "Never mind. My consultant gets like that when he's busy."
She tilted her head thoughtfully before adding, "Though sometimes I do wonder whether he might be an Adeptus. He's far too knowledgeable, after all. There are plenty of tales in Liyue about Adeptus descending into the mortal world to wander about. It wouldn't be unprecedented."
As she spoke, Albedo felt his heart tighten slightly. He hadn't expected Director Hu's intuition to be quite so sharp.
"It's possible," Shenhe said quietly, nodding once. Her expression remained calm. "Mr. Zhongli carries himself with an extraordinary presence, and his knowledge is profound. From him, I can sense an aura similar to my master's. Yet among the Adeptus I know, there is none like him. Hm—"
She stopped there.
The reason was simple.
If Mr. Zhongli truly were an Adeptus, then it would be inappropriate for her to speculate too openly. And if he were not, yet she spoke as though he were, would she not become the very kind of person she disliked most?
Shenhe detested it when others assumed she was an Adeptus upon seeing her, then immediately begged her to grant wishes or intervene in their affairs.
Kuki Shinobu and Aila remained silent. Each harbored her own conjectures. Zhongli's strength was undeniable—could he truly be an Adeptus?
Yet regardless of the answer, since Zhongli himself had chosen not to reveal anything, he must have had his reasons.
Why press the matter further?
Futsu Mitama, however, already knew Zhongli's true identity. At present, he was most likely occupied with the Liyue Adeptus. With the Rite of Descension set for tomorrow, that scene would undoubtedly be spectacular.
After all, it was a rare occasion—Rex Lapis appearing together with the Liyue Adeptus, something that had not occurred in hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years.
Futsu Mitama found himself genuinely looking forward to the Rite of Descension. And, if possible—He also wished to see what sort of scene Ningguang's Rite of Descension would be like next year.
What kind of expression would Ningguang—who always maintained a poised and amiable demeanor—wear when she saw Rex Lapis fall from the sky with a resounding thud?
Phew.
Seeing that Futsu Mitama and the others neither pressed the matter nor voiced any suspicions, Albedo quietly let out a sigh of relief. It was fortunate that he had managed to keep the secret intact—for now. Acting alongside Rex Lapis and helping conceal his actions left him with a faint sense of guilt he couldn't quite explain.
After all, Azhdaha in the Chat Group was greatly anticipating tomorrow's Rite of Descension. And Futsu Mitama had once attempted to pull Lord Rex Lapis—Morax himself—into the Chat Group.
Naturally, that was impossible.
Zhongli already knew, from Futsu Mitama himself, that as long as he maintained a certain distance, Futsu Mitama would be unable to drag him into the Chat Group.
Later, Futsu Mitama and Albedo continued their conversation. Futsu Mitama found himself looking forward to the upcoming trip to Mondstadt.
More than that, he was eager to see Albedo—this "Mondstadter"—leading Zhongli, the Rex Lapis himself, to Mondstadt in search of the Anemo Archon.
That scene would surely be unforgettable.
He fully intended to record it and release the footage once Venti joined the Chat Group and Zhongli officially retired, no longer concealing his identity.
The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was lively and full of chatter.
Meanwhile, atop a mountain peak overlooking Liyue Harbor, Zhongli—currently in the form of a golden dragon—gazed calmly at the Adeptus gathered below.
Nearly all of Liyue's Adeptus were present: Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Streetward Rambler, and the Conqueror of Demons.
They discussed many matters, most of them concerning Futsu Mitama and Aila, as well as the Abyss Order and Snezhnaya.
Streetward Rambler, who had been active within Liyue Harbor, possessed the most firsthand intelligence. She relayed everything she had gathered to the assembled Adeptus.
Morax listened quietly. Though surprised, he understood why the Adeptus had chosen to attend the Rite of Descension.
Indeed, Liyue had been beset by too many unexpected incidents of late.
The awakening of the Primo Geovishap had been like a warning bell, spurring both the Abyss Order and the Fatui Harbingers into action.
The Adeptus's appearance at the Rite of Descension would serve partly as a deterrent to those lurking in the shadows, and partly as protection for Aila.
Moreover, it had been a long time since they had visited Liyue Harbor. On this rare occasion, they naturally wished to see how the city had changed.
"Lord Rex Lapis—is there truly nothing even you can do?"
Cloud Retainer finally spoke, her voice carrying a trace of concern. She had come for Aila, and regarding "Black Aila," she still hoped—if at all possible—to help her resolve this matter.
Though Aila had to face this calamity herself, Cloud Retainer could not help but seek a more stable path for her disciple.
"No." Morax shook his head slightly, his tone calm and resolute. "Even if I were to interfere by force, though it might succeed, it would still constitute 'external interference,' not a victory achieved by her own will."
"They must merge into one—or rather, they already are one. If outsiders forcibly intervene, it would leave behind grave hidden dangers."
This struggle of existence was unlike the erosion of one's mind by Demon God Remnants, nor was it a case of possession by an evil spirit.
Aila and Black Aila were fundamentally the same person—each incomplete, each a fragment of a whole. Only through merging could the true Aila be born.
Whoever prevailed would inherit everything from the other. This was not mere rhetoric.
If outsiders such as Raiden Ei or Morax himself intervened, their power could easily secure Aila's victory. But what would follow?
Will cannot be erased so simply. If the will of "Black Aila" were forcibly extinguished, the damage would be reflected upon Aila herself once the merging was complete.
Thus, they could only observe and wait—to see whether Aila or her other self would emerge victorious.
Of course, if Aila were to lose, Morax would step in without hesitation to preserve her will, preventing her from being completely subsumed.
"Alas."
Cloud Retainer sighed softly. If even Rex Lapis could not intervene, then all Aila could do was train diligently and strive to reach Shenhe's level of strength as soon as possible.
Recently, Aila's progress in Adeptus arts had been remarkable, her power advancing by leaps and bounds. At this pace, she would likely need one or two years to reach Shenhe's level. Fortunately, with Futsu Mitama—the so-called "Young Master"—at her side, Black Aila would remain wary and refrain from acting rashly.
After all, Aila's emotions had already been transmitted to Black Aila through shared memories.
The other had once infected Aila with Abyssal power and Demon God Remnants.
And in turn, Aila had used those same memories to show Black Aila the life she had lived over the past few years.
This, too, was something to be thankful for.
Because of it, Black Aila had no intention of confronting "herself" before Futsu Mitama. In this subtle, unseen way, Aila was granted precious time—time enough to grow stronger. Otherwise, within the mental space, she would already have been defeated by that existence, her consciousness merged and erased.
"Nothing."
Mountain Shaper's voice was calm, steady as stone.
"Aila walks her own destiny. Her fate was taken from her, reduced to 'nothingness.' She survives without fate, and that alone proves that no one may forcibly impose destiny upon her. Moreover, 'nothingness' signifies infinite possibility. Her future is something even we cannot foresee."
Mountain Shaper looked upon Aila's path with quiet anticipation. Compared to Black Aila, who stood alone,
Aila possessed companions—Shenhe, Futsu Mitama, Kuki Shinobu, her two masters, Cloud Retainer and himself, and even Lord Rex Lapis watching over her.
Thus, Mountain Shaper felt no agitation. Unlike Cloud Retainer, he did not allow worry to cloud his judgment. Everything that could be prepared for Aila had already been placed in her hands. If, even with all of this, she could not overcome her tribulation, then there would be nothing more he could do.
"Mm."
Moon Carver nodded in agreement. An existence capable of continuing to live without fate was, by all accounts, a miracle among miracles.
"Nothingness" implied erasure—but also the boundless potential of an infinite future.
Because of this, Moon Carver could not help but envy Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper. To have taken in such a disciple was fortune indeed.
"Indeed, Cloud Retainer."
Madam Ping smiled gently as she spoke, her gaze resting on Cloud Retainer.
"Those with virtue are blessed by heaven. And is not Raiden Shogun's retainer also deeply concerned for her? You worry too much. Concern clouds the mind."
Cloud Retainer nodded in acknowledgment.
"Concern does make one flustered. Still, it is rare for this one to accept a disciple. And…her potential cannot be measured. If nothing unforeseen occurs, she may one day become an existence akin to ourselves."
Adeptal disciples were numerous, yet the limits of lifespan had always been an insurmountable barrier.
Through the ages, Cloud Retainer and the other Adeptus had guided many, but those capable of breaking free from mortal bounds and accompanying them through the ages were virtually nonexistent.
Aila, however, was different.
Cloud Retainer harbored a premonition: perhaps this disciple would go further than any before her. She had already split into two, and even after losing fate and memory, her main body continued to exist.
The being that should have merged upon meeting instead harbored reverence toward the strong.
Such contradictions defied reason. Even an Adeptus who had endured the Archon War found this outcome astonishing.
Because of this, Cloud Retainer believed Aila's future would exceed all expectations. Perhaps, centuries from now, they would still sit together on Mt. Aocang, drinking tea and studying mechanisms side by side.
"Mm."
Morax inclined his head slightly.
He knew more than Cloud Retainer. The Chat Group was capable of bestowing extraordinary items such as condensed resin. In time, it might grant even greater wonders— items capable of extending lifespan, or even altering one's very nature.
If so, none among them would leave empty-handed.
"Lord Rex Lapis."
At this moment, the Conqueror of Demons stepped forward, hesitation clear in his expression.
"I obtained a dessert capable of resisting erosion. It was strange. I consumed it, and the karmic debt and erosion upon my body vanished. It was given to me by Futsu Mitama, retainer of the Raiden Shogun."
Among the Adeptus present, only Madam Ping showed visible shock. The others already understood, having learned of the matter along the way. Madam Ping, who remained within Liyue Harbor, had been unaware.
Though surprised by the disappearance of the Conqueror of Demons's karmic debt, she had assumed it to be Lord Rex Lapis's doing. After all, only he possessed the power to suppress such burdens.
She never imagined that Futsu Mitama played a role—much less through a dessert.
In all her years, she had never witnessed such a thing. Of Futsu Mitama, Madam Ping knew only that the Raiden Shogun herself had crossed seas to guide him. From her disciple Xiangling of Wanmin Restaurant, she had also heard many accounts of him.
In her eyes, Futsu Mitama was likely an existence favored by the gods—rare, but not unheard of.
After the Rite of Descension, she had even planned to visit him alongside Xiangling, bearing dishes made from Primo Geovishap.
As Raiden Shogun's retainer, his standing was comparable to that of the Liyue Adeptus.
Given how much he had aided Liyue, it was only proper that she meet him in person. Yet before she could do so, he had already delivered an astonishing revelation. A dessert capable of resisting erosion and erasing karmic debt—what manner of object was this?
"I am aware."
Morax's reply was calm.
"The primary ingredient involved is—sensitive. Even I cannot directly handle it. I must go to Mondstadt and seek the aid of the Anemo Archon."
The Adeptus listened in solemn silence, admiration stirring within them.
As expected of Lord Rex Lapis—he had discerned the matter early, traced its origin, and even identified the need to consult Barbatos of Mondstadt.
The Conqueror of Demons's expression flickered subtly.
Regarding this journey, he wished to accompany Morax—to express gratitude to the Anemo Archon for past assistance. Yet after a moment's thought, he lowered his head and remained silent.
Perhaps another opportunity would arise.
Morax surveyed the Adeptus and continued evenly.
"When I depart, I will inform you. Until my return, Liyue shall be entrusted to you and the Qixing."
At these words, the expressions of the Adeptus grew grave.
For a thousand years, Liyue Harbor had stood secure beneath Lord Rex Lapis's watch.
There had been a time when a sealed Demon God broke free, its resentment boundless, intent on destroying the land.
Lord Rex Lapis, then present in Liyue Harbor, suppressed it once more and reinforced its seal, nailing it within the ruins forever.
That Demon God was no weak foe.
Had the Adeptus intervened alone, even victory would have come at the cost of untold devastation.
Without Lord Rex Lapis's timely action, Liyue would have faced catastrophe.
Thus, their solemnity was well founded. Yet an object capable of resisting erosion could not be ignored.
Deep beneath Liyue lay an old friend, driven mad and stripped of memory by erosion. If salvation were possible, none would rejoice more than the Adeptus. To see that one return from darkness to light would be a blessing beyond measure.
"What is the primary ingredient?" Cloud Retainer stepped forward. "May Rex Lapis enlighten me?"
An inventor by nature, she believed her research rivaled any mortal scholar's. Given time and reference, replication was not impossible.
"It concerns Time itself," Morax replied calmly. "Time is not something that can be grasped at will, Cloud Retainer. Do not transgress the taboo."
He knew her well.
Without warning, she might truly attempt to seize Time—an act that would invite calamity. That was why he would seek Barbatos. His old friend might possess a way.
Cloud Retainer fell silent, then nodded.
"I understand, Lord Rex Lapis. For Liyue's sake, I will not violate the taboo."
Silence descended once more. Those who had survived the Archon War understood the weight carried by that word.
Taboos were boundaries that must never be crossed.
To do so would invite ruin.
At last, Morax spoke again.
"Then—"
"Let us discuss the Rite of Descension tomorrow."
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