「Act I: Of the Land Amidst Monoliths」
The story opened with a single passage:
[Before the eyes of all, the God of Contracts was murdered.]
This line alone made many Liyue citizens question the authenticity of the prophecy book.
The Geo Archon, murdered? How could that be possible?!
This is the Rex Lapis we're talking about! Who in all the world could assassinate Him?!
Ordinary people grew indignant, unwilling to read further.
But the higher-ups of Liyue took it seriously. Could something truly happen to Rex Lapis?
"I... I must inform the adepti!" Ganyu, for once, set aside the documents in her hands.
"The Geo Archon, actually..." Keqing was filled with disbelief.
Though she often said they shouldn't rely solely on the Archon's guidance, deep down, she still saw Him as an omnipotent existence.
"How could this be?! No, I must go find Ningguang!" Keqing acted without delay.
As for the adepti, there was no need for Ganyu to notify them—that woman was already reading the book.
"Before the eyes of all... Could it be the 'Rite of Descension'?" A certain great bird grew furious.
Reading further, she saw the Geo Archon's half-dragon, half-qilin form plummet from the sky.
["The Geo Archon has been assassinated! Seal the area at once!"]
So, Rex Lapis was indeed assassinated during the Rite of Descension.
"To think such a calamity would befall Him during the Rite! I must go to Liyue Harbor at once!" The great bird flapped her wings, swiftly making her way toward the harbor.
Shenhe watched the departing bird with an indifferent expression, thinking: How rare for Master to leave the mountain.
Then, she noticed that Cloud Retainer had left the book behind.
"Shikikan? The author of that last book... It seems to be the same person." Shenhe picked it up and began reading.
She was quite interested in this writer, having also read If You're Trapped in a Windless Land.
Meanwhile, Ningguang had already sunk deep into contemplation.
Her hands unconsciously crumpled a paper ball—a draft of her latest Liyue development plan.
[Before the eyes of all, the God of Contracts was murdered.]
"Before the eyes of all..." Even without reading further, Ningguang could guess—it could only be the Rite of Descension.
If Rex Lapis truly was to be assassinated during the Rite, should they suspend the ceremony?
But the Rite of Descension had never once been interrupted in all its years. Would it have to be during her generation as one of the Qixing?
"What kind of existence could possibly murder the Geo Archon... And if such a being exists, would canceling the Rite even make a difference?"
Since becoming the Tianquan, Ningguang had never faced such a vexing dilemma.
As she brooded, two great birds and a stag arrived outside her window. Xiao was also present, though he remained low-key, standing atop the roof without showing himself.
"Qixing of Liyue, you must already know about the matter concerning Rex Lapis?" Mountain Shaper (the bird) was the first to speak.
"Bang!" The door burst open as Keqing rushed in—she had overheard the conversation outside.
"Adepti, I, Keqing, on behalf of the Qixing, swear to you that none among us would ever conspire to harm Rex Lapis."
Her gaze was resolute. If any of the Qixing dared plot against the Archon, she would be the first to strike them down.
Ningguang understood—the adepti had come to demand answers. They likely suspected the Qixing of tampering with the Rite of Descension to seize power.
"The Yuheng is correct. The Qixing would never harm Rex Lapis," Ningguang concurred.
The adepti nodded. They, too, found it hard to believe the Qixing alone could orchestrate such a thing.
Their true purpose in coming was to discuss countermeasures.
Knowing of Rex Lapis' impending assassination, they couldn't simply do nothing.
"On the day of the Rite, I, along with Mountain Shaper and Alatus, shall stand guard. Not the slightest mishap shall be permitted!" Moon Carver (the stag) declared.
"And you, the Qixing, must also do your utmost in arranging security."
Moon Carver didn't entirely trust the Qixing's capabilities. By having them handle security, it would be easier to monitor their movements.
"That is only reasonable," Ningguang agreed. She had been worrying about manpower shortages anyway.
"Wait, what about me?" Cloud Retainer spotted the oversight.
You've accounted for Mountain Shaper and Alatus, even considering bringing along Streetward Rambler—but not me? Where do I fit in?
"Ahem. Cloud Retainer, perhaps you should focus on preparing adeptal artifacts?" Moon Carver replied dismissively.
Truthfully, Cloud Retainer's temperament was somewhat volatile. If anything were to happen, she would be the least composed.
Rather than have her present at the scene, it was better to have her prepare adeptal artifacts in advance—after all, anyone capable of slaying Rex Lapis would be no ordinary foe.
"Hmph." Cloud Retainer gave a haughty sniff. Though displeased at being excluded, she relented—Fine, since you clearly appreciate my artifacts, I'll let it slide this time.
Xiao, who had remained silent atop the roof, suddenly appeared before Ningguang.
"If you discover anything, call my name—Xiao."
With that, he vanished, this time returning directly to Wangshu Inn.
"Alatus speaks for us all. Should you uncover anything, summon us at once," Moon Carver added.
Ningguang nodded. "If we learn anything, the adepti will be the first to know."
As the adepti departed, Ningguang suddenly spoke. "Any leads?"
Yelan stepped forward, casually taking a seat.
"Unfortunately, none."
"No entity within Liyue possesses power rivaling Rex Lapis."
"None of the seals show signs of weakening."
"However, we've noticed the Fatui conducting some manner of research. Infiltration will require more time."
After hearing Yelan's report, Ningguang analyzed the situation.
The Fatui were suspicious, but with only the 11th Harbinger (Childe) and 8th Harbinger (Signora) present, the idea of them assassinating Rex Lapis was pure fantasy.
The book's "Outlander" didn't even know what had happened, ruling them out as the culprit.
She knew the Qixing were innocent, and the adepti's reactions didn't seem feigned—so who was the murderer?!
"Sigh." Ningguang exhaled deeply. How long has it been since I last faced such a thorny problem?
"I'll mobilize the Millelith in advance," Keqing said.
"Yes, thank you, Keqing." Ningguang offered a faint smile.
Though the situation was dire, as the Tianquan, she couldn't afford to show weakness.
They had done all they could. Now, on the day of the Rite of Descension, they could only do their best and leave the rest to fate.
Keqing rarely saw Ningguang sigh, but in this case, anyone would react the same.
For the Geo Archon to meet His end during their generation of the Qixing... Just who is the culprit?
Meanwhile, Zhongli was at Third-Round Knockout, listening to Iron Tongue Tian's storytelling—the man was practically spitting with fury.
The tale he recounted was none other than the newly released Act I of the Liyue chapter—the death of Rex Lapis itself. Iron Tongue Tian was on the verge of tears.
The crowd erupted into heated discussion, everyone eager to uncover the murderer's identity.
"Brother Zhongli, you've always been well-informed. Could you analyze for us—just who is the culprit?" a bystander asked.
Zhongli set down his teacup and replied calmly:
"I fear my knowledge is insufficient. The true culprit's identity remains... unknown."