"Hm?"
From the deck, Fanan sensed the unrestrained surge of power sweeping across the sea of clouds.
He turned at once. A streak of pink light shot up from below the clouds, rushing straight toward the Jade Chamber.
"Stop!"
"State your purpose and reveal your true form."
The aura felt faintly familiar, yet Fanan still leapt forward and blocked the intruder.
His soft palm had already become a claw; if the visitor ignored the warning, he was ready to strike at any moment.
The rule was clear: no one entered without permission.
Unless it was the Geo Lord himself—or someone the Master had authorized—no exceptions.
The pink light halted abruptly. Sparks of radiance shimmered, and a figure emerged—
Yae Miko, her fox ears glowing softly as they swayed in the breeze.
"I am the Guuji of Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko of the White Fox Clan, servant of the Thunder God of Inazuma," she announced.
"I come by the Shogun's order to request audience with the Geo Lord."
"I am acquainted with Ganyu; she can vouch for me."
Her tone carried haste and restraint, revealing her identity and mission at once.
When seeking another's aid, one had to lower oneself.
Now was not the time to risk conflict over pride—she truly could not afford another mess.
"Servant of the Narukami Shogun?" Fanan thought.
He remembered that night in the forest—both the Inazuma Shogun and the Natlan Pyro Archon had visited.
If this fox came on the Thunder God's command, it meant the Master, the Geo Lord, and the Shogun had likely reached some accord.
An ally, not an enemy.
"Follow me."
Fanan sheathed his hostility and turned silently back toward the deck of the Jade Chamber.
"Phew…"
Yae Miko exhaled in relief.
The man before her radiated killing intent so heavy it made her very soul tremble.
Had a fight broken out, her frail body would never have survived.
She stepped onto the deck behind him—and immediately, her gaze caught on a brilliant blue door glowing on the planks.
She looked at Fanan and asked softly,
"May I ask, this door—"
"Silence."
Fanan turned his head slightly.
"I know why you are here. The Master is presently in discussion with the immortals. He cannot appear for now."
"Wait quietly."
"…"
The words left no room for argument.
Yae Miko fell silent, anxiety stirring inside but outwardly obedient.
This was Liyue, not Inazuma's divided palace.
In Inazuma, she was the White Fox King, servant of the Thunder God, the High Guuji of Narukami Shrine—high status, free to act as she pleased, even to make mischief.
But in Liyue, she was merely a five-hundred-year-old fox.
Anyone who overstepped here could be suppressed in minutes.
She understood perfectly and dared not overreach.
Moreover, this "Master" the immortal mentioned—
he must be the same man the Shogun had spoken of, the one who could even resurrect gods.
Were they, behind that glowing door, discussing how to restore the Adepti and Archons lost in the Archon War and the Cataclysm of Khaenri'ah?
If her previous intelligence was correct, that should be it.
Liyue's foundation runs deep, she mused.
If its fallen gods and immortals all return…
"—Tch…" Just imagining it made her scalp tingle.
The mere thought was terrifying.
Yet another thought sparked.
If sufficient price is paid, perhaps not only Liyue's dead will return… maybe even the Kitsune Saiguu could…
Her violet eyes glittered.
If Saiguu returned, Miko would gladly step down as Guuji.
Inside the Mortal World's Small Realm
When all the immortals had finished absorbing the Master's transmitted knowledge, they gradually came back to themselves.
"What an ingenious concept of divine incense," exclaimed Cloud Retainer, clapping her hands. "Such brilliance—truly heaven-defying craftsmanship!"
Moon Carver nodded deeply. "To merge a nation's fate, gather the souls of its heroes, and forge divine forms through the people's prayers—mutual growth, shared life and death—this is a path of the nation itself."
"Indeed." River Calmer stroked his chin. "As Moon Carver said, if this succeeds, Liyue may truly have a chance to break free from the fetters of Teyvat's destiny."
Would the Heavenly Principles allow it?
Perhaps not easily.
But neither was it impossible.
"Everyone," Guizhong's eyes shone faintly, "we have never yet tested this Divine Incense Path. The blueprint exists, but it must not be rushed. We cannot afford reckless haste."
It was a brand-new road—one that required the combined strength of every being in Liyue to traverse.
To hurry would only invite disaster.
The immortals all nodded, expressions solemn.
To escape fate sounded simple, yet most who claimed it only deceived themselves.
The more one tried to flee destiny, the sooner one would collide with it head-on.
To break free from fate's cage… was easier said than done.
Ningguang finally organized her thoughts, her expression turning grave.
The Divine Incense Path demanded that all of Liyue unite as one—
prosper together, fall together—mortals, immortals, and even the gods themselves.
It required the four pillars of Divinity, Immortality, Humanity, and Law.
Omit one, and the system would fail.
"Keqing, what do you think?" she asked.
"Me?"
Keqing withdrew her gaze from Taro and replied calmly,
"This Divine Incense Path has both merits and flaws. It cannot be judged in a few words. Personally, I believe it's feasible."
The matter was beyond the jurisdiction of the Qixing; they only represented the human side, not all of humanity.
Once this plan was announced, only traitors or schemers would oppose it.
Anyone else who did so would be either foolish or malicious.
Liyue's bloodline ran deep—heroes had risen through every era.
"Ningguang," Keqing smiled faintly, looking toward the distant peaks, "this year's Lantern Rite still lacks a theme, doesn't it?"
"…"
Ningguang's eyes narrowed; she instantly understood Keqing's intent.
A small smile formed.
"I see. Use the Lantern Rite to plant the seed of the Divine Incense Path—let it take root in the people's hearts and spread naturally. Clever."
"…"
Keqing's smile was thin, her tone cutting.
"Your stride is too short. Since when did your vision become so narrow?"
Ningguang said nothing.
(End of Chapter)
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