Chapter 20: A Way to Restore the Stove God
For the Liyue Qixing, especially Keqing and Ningguang, caution toward the Fatui had become second nature.
Ever since the arrival of the Northland Bank, Liyue's local financial institutions had steadily collapsed—either bought out or forced under by the Fatui's ruthless business tactics. In a few short years, Snezhnaya's reach had infiltrated Liyue's economic heart.
Ningguang had fought tooth and nail to counter it, but the Bank's operations remained technically within Liyue's laws.
When she attempted direct suppression, the other Qixing—particularly Tianji and Tianquan—blocked her, arguing that interfering would damage Liyue's trade credibility.
Every move she made was strangled by bureaucracy and politics.
So when Kael managed to trick Tartaglia—the Fatui's Eleventh Harbinger—into polishing their own image through "good deeds," Ningguang found the situation… hilariously poetic.
Let the Fatui shovel Mora into the streets of Liyue?
Why not?
If Tartaglia wanted to rebuild Liyue's roads and help purify the lands while smiling for the press, Ningguang certainly wouldn't stop him.
Besides, the reconstruction of Guili Plains would require mountains of Mora. If that Mora came from the Fatui's coffers, all the better.
Would improving the Fatui's reputation matter?
Not in the slightest.
If Ningguang ever wanted to ruin them again, she could crush their public image with a single word. In fact, if their reputation grew too clean, they would become easier to control—more dependent on appearances, more hesitant to act in the shadows.
She smiled faintly as she sipped her tea in the Jade Chamber.
Kael, you may have just leashed a Harbinger without realizing it.
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The Adeptus in the Park
Meanwhile, Kael was heading home with a small takeout box in hand—a serving of Golden Shrimp Balls, still warm and fragrant from Wanmin Restaurant.
As he passed Yujing Terrace, an elderly woman sitting by the railing caught his eye. Her calm smile and graceful posture radiated warmth—but Kael felt the ancient aura immediately.
"Madame Ping…" he murmured, stopping in his tracks.
True Lord of Gechenlang—one of Liyue's most respected Adepti.
Though she appeared as a gentle old lady, she was powerful enough to rival even Cloud Retainer and Moon Carver. Some whispered that her strength, when fully unleashed, could even surpass Xiao's.
She noticed him watching and chuckled softly. "You recognize me, young man?"
Kael inclined his head respectfully. "It's an honor to meet the True Lord of Gechenlang. I was hoping we'd cross paths someday."
Her eyes glimmered with faint amusement. "Ah, so this is the one Zhongli mentioned. The mysterious outsider who seems to know far too much."
"You flatter me," Kael said with an easy smile. "But since we've met… perhaps you'd care to join us?"
He opened the chat group interface, projecting its faint light between them.
Madame Ping's brows lifted. "This… is what the others spoke of?" She chuckled softly. "The Geo Archon and the Conqueror of Demons are already entangled in this thing, and now you seek to involve an old woman as well?"
"Liyue's in a delicate state," Kael replied evenly. "And even an old mountain can steady the earth when the ground begins to quake."
Her gaze softened. "Hmm… such silver words. Zhongli was right about you—you're far too persuasive for your own good."
For a moment, her serene aura shifted. The tranquil Adeptus before him pulsed with a quiet but vast power, enough to shake the stones underfoot. Even suppressed, it was the strength of ages.
"…Very well," she said finally, raising her hand. "Let this old woman see what all the fuss is about."
A moment later, the chat interface flickered.
> System Notification:
Madame Ping has joined the chat group!
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The Chat Room Buzzes
> Keqing: "Madame Ping?! Welcome!"
Ningguang: "An honor, True Lord of Gechenlang."
Ganyu: "Madame Ping? You've joined too?!"
Kael smiled faintly as the messages poured in. He didn't bother to hide the truth—there was no point. The Qixing and Ganyu already knew Madame Ping's true identity.
> Madame Ping: "What an interesting little gathering. I see I'll have to learn quickly to keep up."
Ningguang: "Your help is invaluable, Madame Ping. We're truly grateful."
Madame Ping's gaze returned to Kael, thoughtful. "Tell me, young one… this system of yours—can it truly restore what was lost? Can it return divine power to a fallen god?"
Kael immediately understood who she meant.
"You're referring to Marchosius, aren't you? The Stove God."
Her expression grew wistful, eyes distant with centuries of memory.
"He gave everything to protect this land," she said softly. "He exhausted his divine power feeding the people during their most desperate days. When he finally faded into Guoba, I thought it was the end of his story."
She looked at Kael intently. "But if there's a way to bring back his divinity—to let him reclaim his name and strength once more—then I must do it. That is a debt Liyue owes."
Kael nodded slowly. "It's possible. The system's points are fragments of my own energy. On Teyvat, that power can reshape nearly anything—even the divine. But restoring a god, even one as gentle as Marchosius, would require an immense amount of points."
Madame Ping's eyes closed briefly. "As long as it can be done… that's all I needed to hear."
For so long, she had told herself that Guoba was content—living happily beside Xiangling, spreading warmth through food instead of flame. But now that a path existed, she couldn't ignore it.
The Stove God deserved to be remembered.
And she, the last of his old companions, would see it done.
Kael inclined his head. "Then I'll leave the preparations to you, True Lord. And if you need anything, just message me in the group."
Madame Ping smiled. "You speak like Zhongli these days. So polite. Come by for tea next time, Kael. I'll brew something that might surprise you."
He chuckled. "I'll hold you to that."
And with a ripple of golden light, Kael vanished.
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The Wrong Time. Again.
In the blink of an eye, Kael reappeared inside Keqing's residence.
But before he could even speak—he froze.
Keqing, standing in front of her mirror, had just begun changing out of her battle attire.
The silk of her undershirt slipped halfway down her shoulder before she realized someone was there.
Her amethyst eyes widened. "K–Kael?!"
She spun around, her face instantly burning red. "Why are you here?! Turn around! Close your eyes!"
Kael blinked, raising both hands defensively. "Wait—it's not what it looks like! You sprained your ankle earlier, remember? I just brought you some Golden Shrimp Balls from Wanmin!"
He placed the warm box on the nearby table with careful precision—like offering tribute to a dragon.
"I'll… just go now," he muttered.
And before Keqing could unleash lightning on him, he vanished in a flash of gold.
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The Yuheng's Overthinking Begins
Keqing stood frozen for several seconds, her face crimson.
"…This man is going to drive me insane," she muttered, pressing a hand to her forehead.
She looked at the box on the table. It was neatly tied with string, still steaming faintly.
Golden Shrimp Balls—her favorite.
She hesitated. It was still warm. He must have come straight here from Wanmin. He wasn't lying.
But still… why did these things always happen under such embarrassing circumstances?
And more importantly—how did he even know her favorite dish?
She'd never mentioned it. Not to him, not to Ningguang, not to anyone outside her family.
Had he… been paying attention?
Her blush deepened as a dozen questions raced through her mind.
Does he… like me?
The thought startled her more than it should have. She immediately shook her head. "No! That's ridiculous! He's just… polite. And infuriating. And… way too casual about teleporting into people's homes."
She groaned softly and sank into her chair, hiding her face in her hands.
This was getting completely out of control.
If Kael kept appearing in her room unannounced, she wasn't sure whether she'd scold him, strike him with lightning—or start worrying about what he might see next time.
And heaven forbid he ever noticed her secret Rex Lapis figurine collection hidden in the corner of her room.
Keqing buried her face deeper into her hands, mortified.
"…I need to install a teleportation barrier," she mumbled.
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✨ End of Chapter 20