Atop Mount Tianheng.
Zhongli and Taro stood shoulder to shoulder, gazing down at the scene below.
"Old Zhong, so you've abandoned the original plan?"
Seeing Zhongli's smiling face, Taro asked curiously.
"Mm."
Zhongli nodded. "The plan before was ultimately too hasty. Liyue may be prosperous, but its foundations are still not entirely stable."
Liyue—he had watched this "child" grow for 3,700 years.
And yet, even now, Liyue still wasn't ready to walk independently in such a dangerous world.
Among the seven nations, Liyue was perhaps the most stable. But if he were to truly leave, could it remain secure?
The answer, of course, was no.
Even if after his abdication human rule could bring temporary stability, Zhongli would still be unable to fully depart.
He could only move from the front stage… to the shadows behind the curtains.
This world was dangerous. Far too dangerous.
Dangerous enough that he couldn't allow himself even the slightest distraction.
"Old father's mindset—I get it," Taro said, understanding. At those words, he knew the assassination plot at the Rite of Descension would never happen.
"So then what do you plan to do now?"
"In what way will you test Liyue?"
"Way?"
Zhongli smiled faintly.
"This year, I will give no directives. All decisions will be left to the Qixing and the Eight Gates to manage."
No longer would he issue divine "edicts." From now on, the Qixing themselves would govern and reform.
Bit by bit, he would return the future of Liyue to its people.
As for his burdens… he had already discussed with the Adepti, and intended to entrust them, for the time being, to Guizhong.
When it came to governing the people, Guizhong's talent surpassed even his own. The Adepti acknowledged this, as did he.
His strength lay more in warfare. But when Guizhong fell, he had no choice but to bear the weight alone.
Back then, he and Guizhong had made their pact precisely because of their complementary talents—one excelling in force, the other in wisdom.
Together they formed Guili Assembly, gathered allies, and fought through the Archon War.
This is how today's Liyue came to be.
But the weight of those responsibilities had rested on his shoulders far too long.
Now that Guizhong had returned, wasn't this the perfect chance?
They had sworn to co-govern. Now it was her turn.
Thinking of this, Zhongli felt lighter than he had in centuries, his smile growing wider.
"Also, that Fatui 'Childe'… he may prove useful."
"Oh?"
Taro raised a brow. "You still plan to guide him into releasing Osial? But with you alive, how would that work?"
Liyue with Morax, and Liyue without Morax—two entirely different concepts.
"I can live without dying," Zhongli replied calmly. "But that doesn't mean I cannot abdicate. My successor as the Geo Archon will likely be Guizhong."
"What—wait!"
Taro's expression twisted. "You're letting Guizhong take your place as Archon? But didn't you already sign a contract to trade away your Gnosis to the Cryo Archon?"
"Gnosis? Nothing of real importance."
Zhongli's tone was steady. "What matters is being recognized by Liyue. Only then can one be its Archon."
Recognition is what makes the Archon. Without it, a Gnosis is meaningless.
The Gnosis was little more than a medal awarded to the victor of the Archon War.
Even if it contained remnants of primordial dragon authority—it was useless to him.
Taro whistled low. "You're something else, old man."
So Guizhong would return, only to immediately shoulder such burdens?
"Tch, what a 'chosen wage slave'…"
Zhongli showed not the slightest embarrassment.
"I haven't told her yet, but once she learns, I imagine she'll embrace it."
"You sure about that?"
Taro rolled his eyes. With a friend like you, Guizhong really would suffer.
Then again… perhaps she would enjoy it. People's aspirations differ. One cannot judge another's heart by one's own.
"But… it's been a thousand years. Can Guizhong really adapt to this new era?"
"No matter. At first, the Adepti and Ganyu will assist her."
"And you think she'll command their respect?"
"Do you know why such proud and willful Adepti can still gather in harmony?"
Taro narrowed his eyes. "So you plan on being a hands-off landlord now?"
"Why not?" Zhongli asked plainly.
"Then why throw Osial at her as a 'test' right away?"
"…." Critical hit, x1
"Seems to me you just can't sit still—unless you run off."
"…." Critical hit, x2
Zhongli's defenses sank—struck silent.
He was right. He couldn't exactly run. The Adepti would find him anywhere in Liyue.
"…Taro, your retirement life—care to make room for me too?"
Zhongli turned to him. "If you don't mind, perhaps we could travel together one day, see Teyvat's wonders?"
Taro gave him a sidelong look, lips quirking oddly.
"Tell me, old man—are you really not at ease with me? Or are you just trying to use me as your human shield?"
His hand brushed the hammer at his side. Was it really so terrifying that Zhongli insisted on sticking to him?
Zhongli shook his head quickly. "I trust you. I only wish to see more of the world after so long."
Trust? Oh, he trusted plenty. Trusted that if he ever tried to block that hammer, even if he somehow survived, he'd be crippled.
As for being a shield—well, he hadn't denied that.
Taro snorted. "Fine, I'll buy it."
Whether true or not—he'd take it as truth. And charge him extra.
"By the way…"
Taro gestured down toward Yujing Terrace.
"There. Them."
Following his gaze, Zhongli spotted two figures squeezing through the crowds.
The golden-haired girl and her floating companion—Lumina and Paimon.
"…Another Descender."
Zhongli's eyes dimmed briefly.
He had once thought to place a wager on her.
"Then wager as usual," Zhongli said at last with a faint smile. "If she succeeds, wonderful. If not—Liyue still has its fallback. Either way, nothing changes."
Even at worst, things wouldn't collapse.
And now, at his side, there stood another Descender—one of even higher standing.
Perhaps it was wiser to place his largest bet here.
Still, he couldn't help but wonder—did he even have enough wealth left to cover the stakes?
Difficult… truly difficult.
(End of Chapter)
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