Ningguang wanting to establish nuclear-level deterrence was something Lin Ze fully supported.
That said—
There was one unavoidable problem.
How exactly was she planning to explain this…
to Rex Lapis?
After all, the Geo Archon hadn't even officially abdicated yet.
"When the Geo Archon relinquishes authority," Ningguang said calmly,
"there will certainly be a trial."
"Once that trial concludes and authority is formally handed over, Liyue will fully enter an era of human governance."
"At that point, developing weapons capable of threatening other nations' gods would be entirely reasonable."
As she spoke, wisdom gleamed in her eyes.
Tianquan Ningguang was never a name built on reputation alone.
The moment she and Keqing learned that Rex Lapis intended to fake his death and withdraw, they immediately inferred one thing—
There had to be a test.
And knowing Rex Lapis, once that test was passed, he would truly retreat behind the scenes rather than publicly announcing it as a mere examination.
Which meant—
There was plenty of room to maneuver.
"Who knows," Ningguang continued,
"if the Geo Archon were to see that we created something so terrifying—
a weapon with a Gnosis as its core, solely to protect Liyue under human rule…"
"He might even consider that a form of 'worthy continuation' and return."
"If that happens, Liyue would once again be a nation that walks alongside its god."
If one were to ask who would be happiest about the Geo Archon stepping down—
It would unquestionably be Keqing.
Ningguang, on the other hand, was… complicated.
In Liyue, there were only Rex Lapis devotees, and deeply unhinged Rex Lapis devotees.
Even knowing that the Archon's death would be staged, Ningguang still disliked the idea.
If there was even a chance that the Geo Archon could "return" because of this—
That would be ideal.
"I don't think it matters whether the Geo Archon 'returns' or not," Keqing said, frowning slightly.
"He's only withdrawing behind the scenes. It's not like he's truly gone."
"He's protected Liyue for thousands of years. Letting him rest—what's wrong with that?"
Keqing had always been committed to one thing:
Human independence.
Relying on the Geo Archon forever was never the answer.
"You both have your own perspectives. I won't judge."
Lin Ze rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"As for the Gnosis… the price is too high. I don't even know how to price it."
"So let's do this—
I'll think it over."
"And I'll also discuss it with your Geo Archon."
"When I created a Gnosis, Celestia cast its gaze down."
"I'm not afraid," Lin Ze added casually,
"but you might want to be."
"So before anything happens, this absolutely needs to go through him."
He paused, then added calmly:
"Liyue's scenery is beautiful.
Its culture closely resembles my homeland's ancient era."
"To be honest, I like this place quite a bit."
"I'd rather not wake up one day and find that Liyue has simply… vanished."
Celestia was not something Lin Ze could ignore.
Last time, a single extra Gnosis had already drawn attention.
If that Gnosis were handed over to Ningguang and the others—
What would happen next?
That was not something even Lin Ze could predict.
"There are indeed layers we failed to consider."
Ningguang nodded immediately.
"Then we'll stop here for now.
Mr. Lin Ze still has the Geo Archon to receive—we won't disturb you further."
With that, Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu departed without hesitation.
As they left, Ningguang was already calculating—
If Rex Lapis truly approved the transfer…
How many Gnoses would it take to create a weapon capable of threatening Celestia itself?
Her ambition wasn't to stand above the world.
Only this:
No one stands above Liyue.
At most—equal footing.
As the three departed, a familiar figure quietly manifested.
"Apologies for the intrusion, Mr. Lin Ze."
"What were you discussing just now?"
Zhongli was deeply concerned.
During the brief moment when his divine sense had been blocked—
What exactly had Lin Ze and the others been talking about?
Especially Ningguang's sudden topic shift.
Her certainty that someone was observing.
And that fleeting trace of fear in her eyes.
"All things I can't really explain to you."
Lin Ze waved his hand dismissively.
"Just think of it as Ningguang and the others receiving some…
unspeakable opportunity."
"Don't worry—nothing bad for Liyue."
He paused.
"…Actually, that's not entirely true."
"They now know I can create Gnoses."
"They wanted to buy some from me and use them as cores for god-tier deterrent weapons."
"I don't even know if I should sell them—
or how to price them."
"After all, I don't fear Celestia."
"But if something happens after the Gnosis leaves my hands…"
"I can't guarantee I'd notice in time."
"Unless I stare at Ningguang all day," Lin Ze shrugged,
"and that sounds exhausting."
"…."
Zhongli fell silent.
How did Ningguang know about the Gnosis?
He was certain—
At the time, only Lin Ze, Hu Tao, and himself were present.
And Hu Tao had no idea what a Gnosis was—
she'd simply thought it a pretty chess piece.
"You told them?" Zhongli asked slowly.
Lin Ze nodded.
"Why?"
Zhongli genuinely didn't understand.
What benefit did Lin Ze gain from revealing something so sensitive?
With his Black Flag power, Lin Ze didn't need schemes at all.
"I was showing off."
Lin Ze poured Zhongli a glass of cola, added ice, and answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"…Showing off?"
Zhongli stared at him with an expression that clearly said:
Do you take me for a fool?
"It's true," Lin Ze said seriously.
"Before coming here, I was just an ordinary person."
"I only obtained Black Flag after transmigrating."
"My power is absurd—Celestia itself would kneel."
"But my mindset hasn't caught up at all."
"That much should be obvious."
"I don't believe you can't see it."
As he spoke, a flash of light appeared.
Lin Ze glanced at the photo in his hand and nodded in satisfaction.
Another one collected.
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