Bathed in the black rain, Ningguang's expression grew grim. In Liyue, rain during an important occasion was an ill omen, let alone black rain.
Recalling the astrologer's words, Ningguang began contemplating how to prepare for a great battle after the Rite of Descension. If necessary, she would recall all the Millelith in Liyue to defend the harbor.
Though the astrologer couldn't confirm the nature of that disaster, Ningguang's analysis suggested it might very well be unrest caused by the Fatui. Her informants had reported that the Fatui had been restless lately, secretly plotting something.
"I hope you don't go too far. There are still plenty of Fatui in The Chasm."
Ningguang's gaze grew colder. She had never liked the Fatui. If not for that Fatui Harbinger claiming they had a solution for The Chasm's problems, and with the mentality of "let others die rather than myself," she would never have allowed the Fatui into The Chasm in the first place.
Ganyu, who knew the truth, noticed Ningguang's prolonged silence and thought she was simply stunned. She silently mused that she hadn't expected Rex Lapis to be so extravagant. Had he learned this from Azhdaha?
On a mountain outside Liyue Harbor, Zhongli calculated the time. It was almost time for his retirement ceremony. Sensing the change in Zhongli's demeanor, Venti stopped crying over a jar of fine wine and, for once, asked seriously.
"Old man, have you thought this through? Once you retire, the name Rex Lapis will only exist in legends."
"My mind is made up, Barbatos. You need not persuade me further."
"Perhaps it's time for me to enjoy the prosperity of the human world, just as you have."
Zhongli's eyes held no hesitation. His will, as firm as bedrock, meant that once he decided on something, nothing could sway him.
"Fine, fine. I can't talk you out of it, old man. So go ahead and begin. We can go for a drink once you're done."
"I heard there's a place in Liyue Harbor called 'Three Bowls to Leave the Harbor.' Let's go have a drink there later."
At the center of Yujing Terrace, Lumine held the pot Su Bai had given her over her head. Paimon flew beside her to take shelter from the rain, enjoying the envious looks from those around them. At that moment, Lumine felt this large pot was truly one of the best gifts she had ever received.
"Lumine, why is black rain falling? Do you think Rex Lapis recognized the incense we used? If we get arrested, will Su Bai come to save us?"
"From what people say, Rex Lapis isn't a petty god. He probably won't be angry about this. But I have a bad feeling. Let's leave."
With that, Lumine turned to exit Yujing Terrace. But before she could push through the crowd, she heard a loud CRASH—something heavy had fallen from above and knocked things over.
She turned back to see a giant Geo dragon lying on the ground. The surrounding offerings were scattered everywhere. The entire scene fell into complete silence.
Even Ningguang, who had weathered many storms, was momentarily stunned. A sense of foreboding settled over her. Muttering a few words of apology, she forced herself to approach and examine the dragon despite her shock.
Seeing the majestic dragon eyes now dull and lifeless, Ningguang knew that Rex Lapis might have passed away. But clinging to a sliver of hope, she used her Geo energy to sense the body.
No signs of life. Faced with this lifeless form, though she could scarcely believe her eyes, Ningguang knew she had to deal with it. She waved her hand and commanded loudly:
"Rex Lapis has been assassinated! Seal off the area!"
At her command, Millelith soldiers swarmed in from all directions, immediately surrounding Yujing Terrace. Lumine and Paimon were dumbfounded. Was the special Wangsheng incense really that powerful? They burned three sticks for Rex Lapis, and he dropped dead? They exchanged a glance. Time to run. They knew nothing.
"Search everyone! Detain anyone suspicious!"
"Don't let your guard down. The assassin could be hiding in the crowd!"
The Millelith captain responsible for Yujing Terrace's security loudly reminded his men. Following orders, they detained anyone who couldn't give a clear explanation. If not for their limited manpower, given the gravity of Rex Lapis's assassination, everyone at Yujing Terrace would have been taken in for questioning.
In Lumine's mind, due to Su Bai's influence, she didn't strongly suspect that the Geo Archon was the mysterious god who had defeated her and her brother. But that was no reason for her to be arrested. After all, she and Paimon were probably among the most suspicious people there.
After a series of twists, turns, and hiding, Lumine and Paimon finally reached the exit. Lumine breathed a sigh of relief. Good, they were almost out. She had thought she might be wanted again.
But things were not as simple as she imagined. With a crack, Lumine accidentally stepped on a twig. The sound immediately drew the Millelith's attention.
"Oh no, they spotted us! Run!"
"Huh? Lumine, wait for me!"
Spotted, Lumine turned and fled. Initially, the Millelith hadn't planned to question her—how could a young girl possibly assassinate Rex Lapis? But seeing her eagerness to leave the scene, they began to find her suspicious.
Thus, a scene unfolded at Yujing Terrace: a group of Millelith chasing a young girl. Watching Lumine's panicked flight, Madam Ping smiled and remarked.
"Ah, to be young again."
But unfamiliar with the area, Lumine was cornered after some twists and turns. Seeing no escape, she drew her newly purchased Blackcliff Longsword and held it before her. If not absolutely necessary, she really didn't want to fight the Millelith.
"Miss, you'd better put down your weapon. If you resist, you might get hurt."
"We only want to ask you a few questions. We won't make things difficult for you."
The Millelith squad leader's tone was sincere. As a father, he didn't want to resort to force against a girl around his daughter's age. Lumine hesitated.
"You really won't detain me?"
"Don't worry. Just answer a few questions, and I won't trouble you."
With that, the squad leader signaled his men to put away their weapons. He knew this gesture would show his sincerity.
"Miss, you see, we've put away our weapons. Will you put yours away too? The Millelith are not people who go back on their word."