Lumine: "About your... 'transcending a tribulation'?"
Zhongli chuckled: "Quite the idea they came up with. 'Failed a tribulation'... what a reason to give. However, the reason the Qixing are eager to close this case and stop pursuing the culprit is indeed because they secretly received news that the Emperor is not truly dead. Not just the Qixing, I have already hinted to the various adepti as well, using a convenient adeptal art: dream visitation."
[Paimon: Dream visitation? That sounds really convenient! But what if someone stays up all night and doesn't sleep?]
[Zhongli: Objectively speaking, that is indeed a problem.]
[Lumine: Surely no one stays up all night?]
[Furina: You never know. Whenever I get to an exciting part in a novel, I get so engrossed I forget to sleep and read straight through until dawn.]
[Yae Miko: A fellow enthusiast! I am also very fond of novels. Inazuma's largest publishing house for novels was founded by me.]
[Furina: Novels from another nation? How exciting!]
[Ganyu: I... I also often stay up late. But... it's because there's too much work to finish.]
[Paimon: Ganyu sounds so pitiful. Ningguang and Keqing must be very busy too.]
[Ningguang: Yes, there are many matters to attend to each day, requiring careful and meticulous arrangement.]
Paimon: "Speaking of which, before the Qixing issued their announcement, we heard many people on the street talking, placing all the blame for this recent series of incidents squarely on Childe."
Zhongli replied seriously: "Even if those false accusations are confirmed to be untrue, the fact remains that Childe sent people to board the Jade Chamber, attempting to obstruct the adepti and the Qixing from confronting the ancient god. I've heard Ningguang is currently holding onto this matter tightly on the diplomatic front, giving the Fatui envoys quite a headache."
"Those poor Snezhnayan diplomats... If the Harbingers weren't so highly ranked, they would undoubtedly prefer to pin all the blame on Childe and announce his expulsion."
Lumine: "I'd also like to know your evaluation of the current Qixing."
Zhongli smiled as he answered: "The era of the adepti has passed. If even the Liyue Qixing dare not face this fact, what then should be the future of Liyue? Keqing's words were quite apt. Although I once praised Ningguang's thirst for power, considering it a good thing, and took for granted that the Qixing's plan to take over Liyue from the gods was spearheaded by Ningguang... but thinking back now, could it be that Keqing was the one who first proposed seizing authority?"
[Paimon: Looks like even Zhongli tacitly acknowledges Ningguang as the head of the Qixing.]
[Lumine: With that enormous Jade Chamber floating in the sky, it's hard not to notice. People do say 'Tianquan stands supreme.']
[Ningguang: It's true, the authority I wield is somewhat greater. However, that's because my capabilities are sufficient to handle more affairs.]
[Paimon: Yeah, Ningguang really is an amazing person.]
[Ningguang: I am merely more adept at learning from my mistakes. With every failure, I make significant progress.]
Paimon: "By the way, Zhongli, now that you don't have your Gnosis anymore, what will happen to Teyvat's Mora? After Morax dies, will it disappear? Also, the Golden House is the continent's only mint. Will it be able to continue operating in the future?"
Zhongli answered affirmatively: "The Mora currently in circulation will not disappear. However, the Golden House will indeed cease production for a very long time, because creating Mora requires the power of the Geo Archon."
Paimon felt a chill down her spine: "That's terrifying! Does that mean we'll all be penniless?"
Zhongli: "Indeed, this is a matter of great significance. From a financial perspective... well, such a troublesome topic is better suited for the Qixing to discuss."
[Furina: Slacking off to this extent already?]
[Paimon: You're one to talk, handing everything over to Neuvillette.]
[Lumine: Speaking of which, Venti is also living in seclusion in Mondstadt.]
[Paimon: So all three of these Archons are masters of slacking off, one more than the last, not bothering with anything.]
[Venti: Ehe, I have my reasons for not intervening. As the God of Freedom, I am the embodiment of freedom. If I managed too much, wouldn't that interfere with Mondstadt's liberty?]
[Jean: If you were to return to the Church, the people of Mondstadt would be overjoyed.]
[Zhongli: The wisdom of the Qixing is not inferior to mine. With their abilities, they are fully capable of managing Liyue well.]
[Ningguang: The Emperor's wisdom is far more profound. If given the chance, I would still hope to receive your guidance.]
[Furina: Uh, why is everyone trying to one-up each other in being humble? Neuvillette, you won't undermine me too, will you?]
[Neuvillette: I will not. However, Furina, you are an intelligent person. You could handle these administrative affairs quite well yourself.]
[Furina: I don't want to handle them! Just glancing at them makes my head spin.]
[Paimon: Ehe, could it be that the Archon of Inazuma is also trying to find ways to slack off?]
[Yae Miko: In a sense, Paimon is quite correct.]
[Paimon: It really is like that! Is there not a single reliable Archon?]
[Ningguang: The Emperor is merely tired. For the past several millennia, the Emperor has been laboring tirelessly for Liyue.]
[Jean: Venti has always been watching over us. It was his divine power that dispersed the blizzards, allowing Mondstadt to enjoy spring all year round.]
[Neuvillette: Actually, Furina... well, the Hydro element seems a bit excessive at the moment.]
[Paimon: ...]
Paimon asked again: "So, Zhongli, do you still have any private savings?"
Zhongli thought for a moment: "Private savings... objectively speaking, that is a good suggestion. Unfortunately..."
Paimon: "Unfortunately what?"
Zhongli: "Unfortunately, I forgot."
The screen went black.
White text appeared on the black screen.
["Of the Land Amidst Monoliths" has finished playing. According to the prior voting agreement, "Omnipresence Over Mortals" will now play automatically. A new video entry has appeared.]
[1.Omnipresence Over Mortals: The Shogun's idea of protecting eternity did not gain the people's approval. Faced with countless wishes, how did the Electro Archon respond?]
[2.The Morn a Thousand Roses Brings: Wisdom is the enemy of the God of Wisdom. While committing heresy against their deity, what forbidden power did the Sumeru Akademiya seek to grasp?]
[3. Moonchase Festival: It began as an ordinary cooking competition. What historical tales were uncovered while searching for ancient recipes?]
[4. The Illuminated Beast of the Sea of Clouds: Ningguang decides to rebuild the Jade Chamber, and Lumine actively participates. What stories did Lumine witness while gathering materials?]
[Yae Miko: Finally coming to Inazuma, little one.]
[Paimon: Hey, you're not planning to eat us, are you? I've heard that monsters in Inazuma eat people.]
[Yae Miko: Haha, you could say that. I especially love eating little children. Crunchy, one bite each. I've eaten plenty of ordinary children, but I've never tried a flying one?]
[Paimon: Ah! Traveler, let's not go to Inazuma! Miko really does eat people!]
[Yae Miko: I am Inazuma's most formidable monster. Is that really so surprising?]
[Kuki Shinobu: I once worked at the Grand Narukami Shrine for a time and had some contact with Lady Miko. I never saw her eat anyone. Her regular order was a dish called Agedashi Tofu.]
[Yae Miko: How dull, how dull. Ruined the fun just like that. Still, after eating so much tofu, trying Paimon might be nice too.]
[Paimon: I don't bathe! I don't bathe! I'm very stinky...]
[Yae Miko: Hahahaha.]
[Zhongli: Monsters and humans in Inazuma have long coexisted peacefully. No need to worry, Paimon.]
[Paimon: I... I'm not scared at all!]
[Furina: A Paimon that doesn't bathe, hahaha!]
[Ningguang: Regarding Inazuma, I also have many curiosities.]
[Venti: Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I visited Inazuma for fun. Maybe I'll take a trip there sometime.]
[Zhongli: We could go together.]
[Venti: You'd actually choose to leave Liyue? Rare, rare indeed.]
[Zhongli: My responsibilities have been laid down. Now, I have nothing pressing to attend to.]
[Paimon: You two are really so leisurely!]
Not waiting long, the video began to play.
Lumine and Paimon appeared inside a tea room. A silly-looking dog sat on the counter. Paimon swayed her head: "Huh? Did that Thoma guy not keep his promise?"
The screen focused on the dog's head. Thoma's voice sounded: "Who says I didn't keep my promise? I'm heartbroken that you forgot about me."
Lumine looked shocked.
Paimon also widened her eyes: "What's going on? Is the dog talking?"
[Paimon: As expected of a nation with monsters, encountering a dog demon right from the start.]
[Kamisato Ayaka: But, Thoma is human, not a monster.]
[Paimon: Ah, he's not a monster?]
[Kamisato Ayaka: Having been with Thoma for years, I am certain he is human.]
[Paimon: I see, a wife would definitely know if her husband is human or not.]
[Kamisato Ayaka: Wife? But I am not yet married.]
[Thoma: Must have mistaken me for Lady Ayaka's husband. I am merely the Kamisato Clan's chief retainer.]
[Paimon: Oh, a retainer. A retainer, living together day and night... well, that seems fine too.]
[Furina: Hahaha, is Paimon single for too long and wants to find a wife?]
[Paimon: I'm a girl!]
The screen focused on the dog's face again: "Hahaha, no need to be so surprised. This is your first time seeing me like this, right?"
Lumine: "Could it be... Thoma is a dog? Haven't you seen similar things in there?"
Paimon rested her chin on her hand: "Ah, I think I understand now."
Lumine: "Something's not right here! This is completely, utterly a dog."
The next second, Thoma walked out from the side: "Hahaha, alright, alright, enough of this joke."
Paimon looked displeased: "Hey, how could you do that?"
Thoma: "Both back at Ritou and now here at the tea house, the time I spent waiting for you was a bit too long. So I thought of this special way to receive you."
"However, please allow me to apologize to both of you. The various tests before were necessary formalities. They determined whether I could bring you before Lady Kamisato, and whether we could become partners daring enough to face the lightning's glow together."
[Ningguang: I recall the Kamisato Clan oversees the Yashiro Commission. In Inazuma, that's somewhat analogous to the Qixing.]
[Kamisato Ayaka: Yes, the Yashiro Commission is one of Inazuma's three major commissions.]
[Ningguang: Meaning you are subordinates of the Raiden Shogun. Why would you need to 'face the lightning's glow'?]
[Kamisato Ayaka: Because, like Lady Yae, we are also trying to change the Almighty Shogun's mind.]
[Furina: It feels like... the Electro Archon's situation is somewhat similar to mine.]
[Navia: We have always respected you. It's just that we were seeking a way to save Fontaine.]
[Kamisato Ayaka: We also deeply respect Her Excellency, the Almighty Shogun. However, Inazuma likewise needs saving. The current Inazuma is fraught with peril.]
[Yae Miko: Sigh, and the Shogun is such a stubborn person. Changing her mind is truly difficult. But none of us will give up easily.]
[Paimon: Is it really okay for you to talk about the Electro Archon like that? She can see this.]
[Yae Miko: Hahaha, I was precisely saying it for Ei to see.]
Paimon put her hands on her hips: "Don't think I'll forgive you just because you suddenly turned all serious and earnest."
Thoma scratched the back of his head: "Ah, did I go too far? Sorry, sorry."
Lumine: "'Partners daring enough to face the lightning's glow'... refers to?"
Thoma: "From the very beginning, you placed yourself above those rules, didn't you? Because your will never wavered, nor did it yield. Long ago, we also knew a partner like that. It's just that after the flash of lightning..."
Lumine: "You're talking about that friend of Kazuha's..."
Thoma seemed surprised: "Oh, even you have heard his story? It seems... yes, his light was by no means dim."
[Kazuha: His light was by no means dim.]
Lumine: "So, can we go see the White Heron Princess now?"
Thoma nodded: "Of course, no problem. I will take you to the Kamisato Estate of the Yashiro Commission. However, before that, there is one place I hope you two can accompany me to see first."
Paimon rested her chin on her hand, curiously asking: "What place?"
Thoma: "That colossal structure under construction on Narukami Island, impossible for any resident to ignore—the Statue of the Thousand-Armed, Hundred-Eyed God."