Whoosh... whoosh...
The sea breeze at Liyue Harbor was as strong as ever. With it being the early hours of the morning, the temperature had dropped, making this area quite cold.
Because of the cold, the vendors had long since moved elsewhere. In weather like this, forget about customers—even they couldn't endure it.
But that suited their purposes just fine. In this deserted, unnoticed place, it was the perfect spot for exchanging information.
Docked nearby were rows of merchant ships, fishing vessels, and Liyue's own military ships. Standing beside these vessels was a tall, youthful-looking figure.
That person was Zhongli.
Zhongli stood with his hands clasped behind his back, the sea breeze lifting his hair and billowing the hem of his coat. He remained silent, standing there motionless.
Originally, he and Bonanus had agreed to discuss matters in detail at Wangsheng. But now, with Director Hu around, if he stayed there, he'd almost certainly be pestered by her.
Besides, Bosacius had just returned; both of them were in high spirits.
It wasn't that conversation at Wangsheng was impossible—he just worried about unwanted ears. Certain individuals' little maneuvers didn't escape his notice.
He simply chose not to call them out.
Moreover, judging from Bonanus's subtle expressions earlier, it seemed she wanted this kept between them.
Thus, this location was ideal. Good visibility, plenty of wind to mask their conversation, and nothing but a few cargo crates around.
Bonanus didn't keep Zhongli waiting long. Within minutes, she appeared behind him and knelt on one knee, adopting a respectful posture.
"Rex Lapis."
Hearing this, Zhongli slowly turned around and sighed lightly. He waved his hand, signaling that such formalities were unnecessary, then spoke calmly.
"After yesterday's gathering of adepti, you came to me saying you had important matters to discuss. I've been looking forward to hearing your truth."
Bonanus slowly rose to her feet. She looked directly at Zhongli without flinching, gently pressed a hand to her chest, exhaled slowly, and began.
"I wish to form a contract with Rex Lapis."
At the mention of a contract, Zhongli nodded slightly. As the God of Contracts, he was always deeply interested in such matters.
"Go on."
Seeing his response, Bonanus relaxed. Without hesitation, she continued.
"Yesterday, I withheld much information about certain matters. I believe it's necessary to discuss this with Rex Lapis alone."
"This concerns the power granted to me by that otherworldly god."
Hearing this, Zhongli frowned. He could feel his expression turning serious. Stroking his chin, he waited silently.
As a listener, he maintained proper silence.
"That otherworldly god not only granted me the ability to absorb karmic debt but also the power to distort space."
As she said this, Bonanus inwardly cringed. There was no god at all—it was just the golden finger my system gave me.
Honestly, even I think my story's getting ridiculous. Hope I don't slip up!
"Oh?"
At the mention of space distortion, Zhongli raised an eyebrow. Such an ability could be interpreted in many ways. He wondered which type hers was.
An otherworldly god... saves a completely unknown Yaksha, grants her such powerful abilities—what could be their purpose?
He also harbored doubts about her statement yesterday: "I saw that god die before my very eyes." Not that he suspected Bonanus of lying—rather, he doubted the "dead" god.
To grant such power, that god must have been extraordinarily capable. How could they die so easily? Unless some curse was involved.
Could this be connected to Celestia, or perhaps to that one? It was worth pondering...
This matter was complex. Even Zhongli couldn't immediately grasp it—these revelations exceeded his expectations.
After brief contemplation, Zhongli spoke.
"Could you elaborate on this space-distorting ability?"
Bonanus nodded seriously.
"This ability is strange. It's more like a reversed teleportation gate. Simply put, it can take us back to the time of the Archon War."
Before Zhongli could process this, Bonanus continued.
"That deceased god said, 'This power can bring back the dead.' But seemingly, that's its only function."
"I have a bold hypothesis. Could this power possibly bring back Menogias and Indarias? Could it bring back the other adepti who fell during the Archon War? Could it even bring back Guizhong..."
At the mention of Guizhong's name, Zhongli's shoulder twitched almost imperceptibly. The movement was so slight that even the keenest observer would miss it.
He was deeply astonished by this power that defied the natural order—it was a terrifying force, one that violated this world's very rules.
This unexpected power could potentially disrupt this peace and order and might attract unnecessary trouble.
Celestia had remained silent thus far. Given their modus operandi, they would never allow such power to exist in this world. There was only one possibility—they didn't know yet.
Today's conversation had certainly provided him with quite a few surprises.
"And what is the price of this power?" Zhongli asked gravely. Every great power bore a corresponding curse.
At this, Bonanus simply shook her head, adopting a thoughtful expression.
"That god only mentioned the consequences of absorbing karmic debt. Regarding this spatial ability, he said nothing."
"But he did mention that this power requires karmic debt to fuel..."
Having said this, Bonanus fell silent. She'd let Rex Lapis draw his own conclusions. Though this matter was indeed absurd, this was Rex Lapis they were talking about.
In six thousand years, what strange beings and events hadn't he witnessed? He'd encountered countless unexpected situations. Coupled with her identity as a guardian Yaksha, he might be more inclined to believe her.
Zhongli now furrowed his brow deeply, eyes tightly shut, as he contemplated these issues.
This matter made even him—steady as an old dog—somewhat wary. His mind raced through possibilities, imagining every potential outcome.
Though he was speculating heavily, nothing had happened yet. He only had vague information about this ability. He needed to witness it himself.
If true, he must prepare to protect Liyue from all harm.
After another moment of silence, Zhongli slowly opened his eyes. He needed to wrestle with this matter alone; it wasn't something to share widely.
"This matter shouldn't be disclosed to too many people. Given the opportunity, I will investigate it thoroughly."
"Now, tell me the contents of your contract." Zhongli crossed his arms and waited.
Bonanus exhaled slowly. She'd already prepared her words long ago.
"Before this power is detected by those who 'maintain order,' I hope to use it to bring back more people. But for that, I need Rex Lapis's help."
"I need your power. I need your cover. Some matters will require your personal intervention."
"If something goes wrong, I hope Rex Lapis will personally end it all."
Bonanus spoke with a slight tremor. Though she had her golden finger, danger was inevitable. She knew well what kind of existences lurked above.
She was a transmigrator, a usurper of someone else's body. She'd always felt guilty about inhabiting another's form. If possible, before danger found her, she wanted to bring back as many as she could.
To mend the wounds in certain people's hearts.
She would fight back, but she didn't want others to suffer. If those above discovered this and her resistance and golden finger failed, then to prevent greater catastrophe...
She could only let Rex Lapis end her life himself.
Hearing these words, Zhongli's expression grew heavy. With over six thousand years of wisdom, he naturally understood her meaning.
After brief consideration, he nodded lightly.
"Regarding this contract, might I add one more clause?" Zhongli asked in a consultative tone.
"Please speak." Bonanus nodded seriously.
"I don't yet know the depths of your ability. If you use it, you must report to me beforehand."
Zhongli said this for her safety. First, he didn't know what consequences using this power might bring—if something went wrong, he might be able to save her.
Second, using this power might cause massive energy fluctuations, which Celestia would undoubtedly sense.
If possible, he would use his own power to cover for her, ensuring her safety.
In short, this matter required strict handling.
"That's acceptable." Bonanus nodded in agreement.
After signing the contract, Zhongli nodded silently. Bonanus didn't linger; without hesitation, she quickly departed the area and returned to Yanfei.
Watching her leave, Zhongli exhaled deeply. He walked away from the harbor with somewhat heavy steps—but he didn't seem to be returning to Wangsheng.
He climbed to a mountaintop overlooking all of Liyue Harbor. There he stood, maintaining that pose until dawn.
Some wild Glaze Lilies had somehow sprouted in this area—a rare sight on these mountains.
To a merchant, wild Glaze Lilies were practically silver waiting to be pocketed.
Zhongli stood with hands clasped behind his back, quietly gazing at the city he'd protected for millennia. He murmured to himself.
"Somewhat weary..."
He sighed lightly, looked up at the moon in the sky, and quietly contemplated their earlier conversation.
"If... it really could bring you and yours back..."
Standing there, his powerful silhouette betrayed a hint of pain.
To his right bloomed a particularly beautiful wild Glaze Lily. This one seemed unique, though what made it so was indiscernible to ordinary eyes.
He quietly observed everything before him, taking in all he could see. No sound save the howling of the cold wind.