"Good, good, good—so this is how you want to play it?"
Hearing Morax decide with a single word that she would succeed him as Archon, Guizhong couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. Her eyes swept past the people around her.
She had only just learned about this from the other Adepti. No preparation at all—yet he just went and announced it?
So this was his plan all along, to act first and explain later?
"Cough, cough~"
Being stared down by Guizhong, Cloud Retainer gave a dry cough and turned her head aside.
"This matter… even I was unaware of. The Emperor did not say he would make such an announcement at this Rite of Descension."
"Unaware?"
Guizhong narrowed her eyes, turning her gaze onto Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper.
"And you two?"
"We knew nothing!"
Both shook their heads hastily in unison, genuinely expressing that they too had no idea.
"Then… little Ganyu?"
Guizhong's eyes fell on the qilin secretary.
"..."
Ganyu blinked, looking a little lost, then shook her head. She too had not expected Rex Lapis to suddenly pull something like this today.
"Wonderful."
Guizhong's lips curved into a smile—but one that seemed just a bit unnerving.
Morax, you really outdid yourself.
Drop one line and vanish, leaving all the mess behind for her to deal with?
What, should she thank him for his trust?
Zhongli (off somewhere): No need to thank me.
"Hu~."
Guizhong sighed. "So be it. What's done is done, no point dwelling on it."
"Little Ganyu, while we still have time, take me through how Liyue Harbor operates nowadays."
"I'll just have to grit my teeth and bear it."
"Understood." Ganyu nodded quickly. "All the records are in Yuehai Pavilion. I can gather them at once."
"Good."
Guizhong's expression softened slightly. "And one more thing—the procedure for succession of the Archon's seat?"
"Ah?"
Ganyu froze, stumbling over her words before murmuring:
"Liyue has never gone through a change of Archon before… I… I don't know how it should be done."
So… there's no procedure?
That meant everything was left for her to figure out from scratch.
Tsk—
Guizhong drew in a sharp breath, gritting her teeth slightly.
Morax, no wonder you bolted so fast.
Turns out you had no idea how to handle it either, huh?
Thanks a lot.
"No matter."
Cloud Retainer offered a suggestion: "There's no need to worry about legitimacy. With us Adepti standing as witnesses, would the Qixing dare refuse to recognize you?"
"Well said."
Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper quickly nodded in agreement.
"..."
Madame Ping only shook her head helplessly, choosing not to comment.
"You think I can't see through that?"
Guizhong cast Cloud Retainer a sidelong glance. "Forcing authority down their throats will only backfire."
"Forget it. For now, it's the only option. We can smooth things over later."
Right now, there was no better plan. The only choice was to cut the knot quickly.
As for winning over hearts… that would have to come gradually.
"How strange~"
Moon Carver frowned.
"Today's actions are not at all in line with the Emperor's usual style. Surely there must be deeper meaning."
"Yes." Mountain Shaper nodded. "That's how I see it as well."
Deeper meaning?
No—he just wants Liyue thrown into chaos.
Light the powder keg, let all the conflicts built up over centuries explode at once, and then leave her to sort through the mess and restore order, proving her worth in the process.
Crude. No finesse whatsoever.
Who governs a nation like this?
Hmph. Morax, brute that you are. One day she'd settle this score.
"Come, let's head to Yujing Terrace."
Glancing down at the Qixing already gathered below, Guizhong suppressed her irritation.
The priority now was to stabilize the situation.
The Adepti exchanged looks—then, Ganyu included, they all surged skyward together, cloaked in blue light. Each revealed their true forms, striding upon the clouds with their auras fully unleashed, making no effort to conceal their overwhelming presence.
If they were to use pressure, then they would use pressure.
Their job was to seize control of the scene—the rest would be up to Guizhong.
The Qixing below immediately sensed their arrival, each raising their gaze to the Adepti descending in unison.
Their brows furrowed tight.
These arrivals… clearly did not come with kind intentions.
On Tianheng Mountain's peak.
Zhongli reappeared silently at Taro's side, all his aura concealed. His eyes stayed fixed on the looming confrontation below, unease flickering in his chest.
"Already worrying?"
"Come now. You've already stepped down—better to let them handle it themselves, no?"
"I've got wine from another world. Care to try?"
Seeing Zhongli unsettled, Taro grinned, having already set out table and chairs like he was here to enjoy a show.
He had barely stepped away, and already he was fretting again.
"Ah… it's not quite worry, just difficulty adjusting for the moment."
"Brother Taro, where is this wine?"
Zhongli didn't hesitate, taking a seat opposite Taro. Tonight, he could allow himself a little indulgence.
What's done was done. Worrying would change nothing.
And besides, he trusted the Adepti.
After a thousand years of camaraderie, he knew their tempers well enough.
Proud, yes. But not unreasonable.
They wouldn't actually come to blows.
That much, at least, was certain.
"Congratulations—free at last."
Seeing Zhongli truly relax, Taro flicked his hand. A finely packaged bottle of liquor appeared on the table.
This "wine"… was actually just a consumable item.
It only looked like alcohol.
"Hm?"
The moment his eyes fell on the bottle, Zhongli froze.
Somehow, his very soul felt… steadier.
Was it just an illusion born of laying down his burdens?
"Here, try it."
Taro popped the cork casually, pouring a cup for Zhongli, then filling his own.
He raised the glass and took a light sip.
"Mmm… a unique aroma of herbs and wood. The taste is good."
He'd never tried this before. Usually he just used such consumables for forging gear or skill books. This was his first time drinking one.
"Haa~"
Opposite him, Zhongli inhaled the fragrance, his spirit instantly invigorated. He sipped lightly, then sat frozen, glass unmoving, as though petrified.
"…?"
"What's wrong, Old Zhong?"
Taro arched a brow, glancing at the drink.
Don't tell me this had side effects?
That would be a problem.
"No harm~"
Just as Taro was considering tossing out a healing spell, Zhongli stirred at last. He lowered the glass with eyes full of complexity.
That single sip of this nectar had steadied his very soul.
Even the erosive "wear" of the Heavenly Principles seemed to have eased, even reversed.
If he drank the entire bottle…
His thoughts turned at once to a certain friend, still sealed away.
Zhongli's expression turned unreadable.
Debts unpaid, and already he was about to owe a new one.
This debt…
Might never be repaid.
"Old Zhong."
"What's with this wine? Why such a reaction from just a sip?"
Taro frowned, puzzled.
To him, it was just another consumable. Nothing special.
Had he overlooked something?
(End of Chapter)
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