"So, if that's the case, we're going to look for the Adeptus, right? But we don't even know where they are! And what if they refuse to see us?" Paimon stroked her chin, voicing her concerns.
"Don't worry," Mu Qingge reassured her. "I'm quite familiar with Ganyu and have had the honor of meeting Cloud Retainer a few times. I have a map here; I can mark the location for you."
Mu Qingge unfolded the map and began marking the coordinates. Once finished, she handed it to Lumine and then produced a feather.
"Take this with you. Cloud Retainer will emerge to meet you when you present it."
Tartaglia silently retracted the Sigil of Permission he had been holding.
"Once I return, the Millelith will cease their pursuit of the two of you. Thank you for your assistance."
Paimon crossed her arms, her little head held high. "Don't worry! We'll definitely complete the mission!"
Despite their initial misunderstanding, Paimon now fully trusted Mu Qingge again.
First impressions are crucial, and Paimon reasoned that anyone who could be good friends with someone like Rola couldn't possibly be a bad person.
"Very well. If that's settled, I have urgent matters to attend to. Please excuse me."
Mu Qingge's expression was downcast, clearly still shaken by the Geo Archon's demise.
After walking a short distance, she turned back and warned:
"The Fatui are utterly untrustworthy. Though I haven't yet uncovered their true motives, I'm certain they're plotting something. Be extremely cautious around them."
Lumine nodded to show she understood.
Tartaglia shot Mu Qingge a speechless look.
"Seriously, sis? I'm right here~"
"Hmph," Mu Qingge retorted. "You know I'm right. I warned you before—once I uncover the truth, even as Snezhnaya's envoy, the Qixing won't let you off easily."
After Mu Qingge left, Tartaglia turned to Lumine and Paimon. Noticing their renewed wariness, he sighed.
"Look, this is awkward, but I still need to ask you to come to Northland Bank. I'll tell you everything I know there, and then you can decide what to do. Deal?"
"Besides, you both look exhausted. I've prepared a meal at the bank. Even if you're going to find the Adeptus, you'll need to eat first, right?"
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance before finally nodding in agreement.
Let's hear what this fellow has to say. It can't hurt.
-
Back at her official residence, Mu Qingge immediately rescinded the arrest warrants for Lumine and Paimon. After settling internal Millelith affairs, she sought out Ningguang.
By then, night had fallen, and the Geo Archon's Exuvia had been secretly moved to the Golden House, where Ningguang and Keqing were waiting.
Keqing's expression was somber as she gazed at the Exuvia. "Though I yearn for Liyue to be governed by humans, I never wished for such a transition. Geo Archon..."
Ningguang noticed Mu Qingge approaching and gave a slight nod. "You've come."
"Mm."
Mu Qingge drew closer to the Exuvia, her hand hovering as if about to touch it, but she ultimately withdrew.
"Why did you bring the Geo Archon's Exuvia here?"
Ningguang sighed. "The Geo Archon's passing is a matter of immense gravity, far beyond what any of us could have anticipated. The populace is in a panic, and those lurking in the shadows are growing restless. In these turbulent times, stabilizing public sentiment, apprehending the true culprit, and providing the people with answers must take precedence."
Mu Qingge disagreed. "Tradition cannot be abandoned. With the Geo Archon's passing, the Rite of Parting must take precedence."
Ningguang shook her head.
"The mastermind behind this hasn't revealed themselves yet. The situation is far more complex than you imagine. Hiding the Geo Archon's Exuvia was a necessary measure. The people haven't fully accepted his passing, and it will take time for the news to spread. For now, the situation remains under control..."
After hearing Ningguang's explanation, Mu Qingge nodded slowly.
"I understand, but I don't agree. Our current actions will appear highly suspicious to outsiders. If the Adeptus come asking questions, how will we explain?"
"Since the deed is done, there's no need for further concealment. The people aren't as fragile as you think..."
Mu Qingge trailed off mid-sentence.
Ningguang and Keqing, who had been listening intently, exchanged puzzled glances.
"What is it?"
Mu Qingge frowned, carefully examining the Exuvia.
After a moment, she asked, "What's the current state of Yujing Terrace?"
"It has been restored to its original state."
Mu Qingge pondered for a long while before finally turning to Ningguang.
"Very well, let's proceed as you suggest. I'll handle the Rite of Parting for the Geo Archon. Rest assured, it won't cause a major disturbance. Once everything is concluded, we'll hold a grand Rite of Parting to commemorate him properly."
With even Mu Qingge agreeing, Ningguang had no further objections.
She had previously worried that Mu Qingge's views might clash with theirs, given her notorious fanaticism for the Geo Archon in Liyue and her command of military authority.
Now, this outcome couldn't be better, perfectly aligning with her subsequent arrangements.
"If you need any assistance, just send someone to find me. If I'm unavailable, ask for Feng Yan."
-
By the time she left the Golden House, it was already late into the night.
She now understood: the Geo Archon hadn't truly died!
Ancient texts revealed that when a God fell—even the weakest among them—a forbidden zone would form around their remains, rendering the area uninhabitable.
Given the Geo Archon's immense power and his mastery over the Geo Element Authority, one of the most potent elemental authorities, how could his demise leave no trace whatsoever?!
She had been blinded by ignorance earlier, compounded by the scarcity of ancient knowledge about Gods—knowledge she had stumbled upon by chance.
Now that she knew the Geo Archon lived, she could deduce his intentions with greater clarity.
(The above represents Mu Qingge's outward demeanor, or perhaps her performance.)
As for personally orchestrating the Rite of Parting, besides blending into the main group to secure more screen time, it would also help cultivate the Geo Archon's goodwill!
Besides, the Geo Archon's passing, though not a true death, still warranted a grand spectacle...
Liyue's traditions must be upheld!
Since she had decided to personally organize the Rite of Parting, the items required for the ceremony had to be the finest available!
Fortunately, she had a fondness for collecting the highest-quality gemstones and possessed a piece of Noctilucous Jade of unparalleled quality in her home.
No other Noctilucous Jade on the market could rival the quality of her prized specimen.
The journey from the Golden House back home took considerable time.
The Mu Family residence was located in the eastern part of Liyue Harbor—a modest dwelling that housed four members: Mu Qingge, her younger sister Mu Qingxu, and their parents.
Mu Qingxu was three years younger than Qingge, making her fourteen this year.
Perhaps due to Qingge's influence, Mu Qingxu—a character who had no role in the original game—had also been granted a Vision.
And a Hydro Vision, no less.
With both daughters of the Mu Family now Vision wielders, they were the envy of all in Liyue Harbor.
When they were young, Mu Qingxu had always trailed behind her older sister. As Qingge grew older, her responsibilities multiplied, and she became increasingly busy, leaving her with less time to spend with her sister.
The two sisters had always shared a close bond, with Mu Qingxu viewing her elder sister as the lifelong goal she strove to emulate.
Mu Qingge harbored complex emotions toward her family. She loved them deeply, yet from the very beginning, this affection was destined to be fraught with challenges. According to her plan, none of her personas would meet a good end.
As these personas gradually matured on the continent of Teyvat, Mu Qingge repeatedly considered abandoning her plan. Her sister from her original world was her family—weren't these individuals in this world also family?
In the end, however, Mu Qingge resolved to adhere to her plan. The System had promised her that the final outcome would undoubtedly be a happy one. Though the journey might be painful, the ultimate resolution would be glorious!
Yet they would inevitably experience the anguish of loss—there was no way around it. They were the group of people whom Jiang Mumu was destined to betray.
Precisely for this reason, each of her seven personas would strive to compensate them as best they could before the inevitable arrived.
While her personas might occasionally appear cold or distant toward outsiders, they were invariably devoted, loving, and filial toward their family members.