Even though Lin Ze's explanation was coherent and logically sound, Zhongli continued to stare at him in silence.
After all—
A person's mindset could be feigned.
So no matter how reasonable Lin Ze sounded, Zhongli still didn't fully believe him.
"Fine. Believe it or don't—up to you."
Lin Ze sighed helplessly and shrugged.
"Let's put that aside. Answer my question."
"Can this thing be sold or not?"
"And if you can't answer me," he added casually,
"I'll just go ask the Heavenly Principles myself."
Zhongli glanced at him, clearly exasperated.
"There's really no need to go that far."
He let out a long sigh.
"Creating an ownerless Gnosis… this has never happened in Teyvat."
"Even those who ascended to godhood were first summoned to Celestia."
"And even then, newly ascended gods were not granted Gnoses."
"This situation has no precedent."
He paused, studying Lin Ze quietly.
"So… I can't give you a definitive answer."
After a moment, Zhongli continued:
"But tell me this first—
why did Ningguang suddenly think of creating weapons capable of threatening other nations' gods?"
"Wasn't she always focused on developing the Jade Chamber?"
From Zhongli's perspective, the Jade Chamber itself was already terrifying.
If dropped—
Its destructive power could rival one of his casually cast Falling Star techniques.
Of course, Ningguang would never casually destroy the Jade Chamber.
It was her life's work.
"She's always planned to use the Jade Chamber as a last-resort weapon."
Lin Ze snorted softly.
"You can't tell me you never noticed."
"That thing crashing down is absolutely comparable to your Falling Star—
at least when you're not being serious."
Zhongli nodded calmly.
"That much is true."
"But now there's a better alternative," Lin Ze continued.
"One that preserves the Jade Chamber and increases Liyue's standing across Teyvat."
"With that on the table, how could Ningguang not be tempted?"
"Didn't she once say she wanted the shadow of the Jade Chamber to cover the Seven Nations?"
Zhongli fell silent.
That did sound like Ningguang.
"The opportunity Ningguang and the others received," Zhongli said slowly,
"is it related to you?"
"Yes."
"You cannot disclose the details?"
"No restrictions," Lin Ze replied calmly.
"I just don't see the point."
"You didn't receive it, and odds are—you never will."
"And I don't control how it's distributed."
Zhongli's eyes sharpened slightly.
"But it truly benefits Liyue?"
"Truly."
Zhongli nodded.
"Very well. I know the chances are slim, but if I were to pursue it—
what would increase the odds?"
Lin Ze thought for a moment, then answered casually:
"Maybe… create a female incarnation?"
"…Only women can receive this opportunity?"
"As far as I know—yes."
Zhongli fell silent again.
"…Very well. We'll discuss this another time."
"You should go speak with the Heavenly Principles."
"I won't disturb you further."
"Sounds good," Lin Ze replied, unconsciously mirroring Zhongli's phrasing.
His figure vanished from the courtyard in an instant.
Zhongli remained behind, deep in thought.
Moments later, he too disappeared.
Meanwhile, atop the Jade Chamber.
"I hope the final outcome is that we're able to purchase Gnoses from Lin Ze."
Ningguang exhaled slowly, smoke curling as she used it to keep herself alert.
"If not… we'll have to seek other methods."
She had no illusions—
Convincing Lin Ze to personally protect Liyue was unlikely.
He'd made it clear he had no such intention.
Which meant—
This might be the closest Liyue would ever come to acquiring god-level deterrence.
"Ningguang," Keqing said calmly,
"I don't think you need to be so worried."
"If Lin Ze can casually produce Gnoses…"
"And judging by his personality—his love of showing off, and his refusal to forcefully 'cultivate' his mindset…"
"He's chosen to let time temper him instead."
"That tells me one thing."
Keqing met Ningguang's gaze.
"Even if we don't get a Gnosis this time, opportunities will come again."
"One day, he might suddenly decide to recreate something from his novels."
"With Black Flag's conceptual, will-based nature, that's entirely possible."
"And when that happens," Keqing smiled faintly,
"he'll definitely show it off."
"We just need to seize the moment then."
She added thoughtfully:
"And besides, we don't even know when the Geo Archon plans to step down."
"It won't be during this Rite of Descension… right?"
Ningguang frowned slightly.
"Don't forget—Lin Ze once mentioned something strange."
"'The Geo Archon is assassinated. Seal off the entire venue.'"
"If I had to guess… this Rite of Descension might be the one."
"And this time, I'll be presiding."
Before Keqing could respond—
A calm yet authoritative voice echoed through the chamber.
"And how exactly did you learn that I intend to feign death and relinquish authority?"
At the same moment—
A woman clad in magnificent divine attire appeared.
Her presence alone exuded nobility beyond measure.
"…Your Grace?"
"Greetings, Geo Archon!" ×3
Though the figure before them was female, none of the three hesitated.
The Geo Archon had countless incarnations.
Legends of female manifestations had always existed among the people.
Combined with the divine aura and her words—
There was no doubt.
This wasRex Lapis.
Gods had no fixed gender—
they merely chose forms.
Still, confusion lingered.
Why a female incarnation?
And from her words—
She did not possess the Diary Replica.
At least, not yet.
"May I ask how Your Grace came to know?" Ganyu asked carefully after bowing.
She avoided mentioning the opportunity outright.
After all, she wasn't sure whether Ningguang's earlier workaround would apply here.
"It was Lin Ze," the Archon replied calmly.
"He said the opportunity is limited to women."
"And judging by your expressions… you cannot explain what it is."
"So instead," she said, eyes narrowing slightly,
"tell me this."
"How did you know
that I planned to feign death and relinquish authority?"
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