The wait stretched on, so Mu Qingge went to a nearby tea stall and ordered a cup, sipping it slowly.
The stall owner, a middle-aged woman, even asked if she wanted sugar in her tea, which Mu Qingge declined.
Sugar in tea? What kind of madness was that?
Despite her young age, Mu Qingge had grown fond of the tea's subtle bitterness, likely from her habit of drinking it while working.
The stall owner kept glancing at Mu Qingge, seemingly both intentionally and unintentionally. When Mu Qingge finally asked if something was wrong, she learned the reason and couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.
Just because I'm good-looking?!
She decided to ignore it, letting the woman stare as she pleased.
To be fair, this "identity" was indeed striking. The custom-made Millelith armor accentuated her tall, slender figure, her skin glowed with youthful radiance, and her long, silver-white hair was styled in a high, elegant updo.
Sometimes, even she herself found herself captivated by her own dazzling beauty.
After finishing several cups of tea, Mu Qingge spotted Lumine and Paimon rounding the street corner. She immediately settled her bill.
"Safe travels, Lady Mu!" the stall owner called out.
-
"Lumine, are you finished?"
Lumine held up three neatly wrapped perfumes. "Mm-hmm! Let's go find Mr. Zhongli right away."
The trio immediately set off for the nearest Statue of The Seven.
During the journey, Lumine and Paimon tacitly avoided mentioning their encounter with Ying'er.
Perhaps Paimon was unaware, but Lumine...
She probably just didn't want to talk about it.
When they arrived at the Statue of The Seven, Zhongli had been waiting for quite some time.
"Mr. Zhongli, we're here!" Paimon's voice was as infectious as ever.
Zhongli gazed at the statue, momentarily lost in thought.
"Mr. Zhongli seems to be staring blankly at the statue. Did we keep you waiting too long?"
Snapping out of his reverie, Zhongli replied, "Oh, you're back. I haven't been waiting long at all."
"Compared to the eternal vigilance of Rex Lapis, as carved into this statue, it was but a fleeting moment."
Paimon burst out laughing. "Ha ha! How can a person compare to a statue?"
Mu Qingge stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the Geo Archon's bold posture in the statue. Moved by the sight, she exclaimed:
"The Geo Archon founded Liyue with his own hands, safeguarding it for millennia. He subdued sea monsters, quelled Dragon Sovereigns, established Liyue, and opened maritime trade routes. He forged the most prosperous nation on Teyvat, expanding its territories and commanding respect throughout the eight realms, bringing peace and prosperity to all corners of the world."
"The Geo Archon has been the unwavering faith of the people of Liyue for countless years, supporting us through so much. He must be weary after all these years."
"Every year at the Rite of Descension, the Geo Archon meticulously plans for the coming year's commerce, diplomacy, agriculture, and every other aspect of our nation. He leaves no stone unturned, often considering details we ourselves hadn't even thought of. After the Qixing receive their assignments, we're all swamped with work—imagine the burden on the Geo Archon, who oversees the entire grand scheme!"
"Rest well, Geo Archon. Leave Liyue to us; we will not betray your trust!"
Paimon and Lumine remained silent for a moment, while Zhongli quietly observed Mu Qingge before letting out a soft sigh.
Then, Lumine presented the three perfumes in succession: Golden House Maiden, Valley Weaver, and Fate's Yearning.
These were, respectively, the favorites of young girls, wealthy heiresses, and mature women.
As the final offering, Fate's Yearning, was presented, the statue stirred.
Paimon exclaimed excitedly:
"It's the third one! Rex Lapis prefers the perfume favored by mature women! Could it be... the Geo Archon is actually a mature woman?"
"Ha ha, the Geo Archon has countless incarnations. Perhaps such a form truly exists among them."
Paimon couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. "Ugh, it's such a shame we only got to see that giant dragon..."
Mu Qingge glanced at Lumine, who had remained silent the whole time. It seemed only little Paimon had been chattering away, while Lumine barely spoke.
Initially, Mu Qingge had been slightly worried, but as she watched, Lumine suddenly let out a soft chuckle, instantly assuring her that her concerns were unfounded.
Noticing Mu Qingge's gaze, Lumine looked at her quizzically. "Is something wrong?"
"No..."
Without dwelling on it, Lumine turned to Zhongli. "Mr. Zhongli, what's our next step?"
"Would you two mind borrowing the Cleansing Bell for me...?"
"Huh? You two? Isn't Qingge coming?"
Paimon pointed a tiny finger at Mu Qingge, her diminutive hand resembling a delicate figurine—utterly adorable.
Mu Qingge also looked at Zhongli, puzzled.
Zhongli simply shook his head, offering no explanation.
Paimon was about to press the matter, but Lumine seemed to sense something and quickly pulled the little fairy away.
"Let's go for a walk."
"Okay."
Zhongli walked ahead at a leisurely pace, with Mu Qingge following slightly behind.
"What does the Kaiyang think of Liyue's Human Governance?"
"Human Governance?"
Mu Qingge pondered, not over how to answer, but why Zhongli would ask her opinion at this moment.
She glanced discreetly at Zhongli, his face as impassive as ever, revealing no emotion. Yet, a subtle flicker in his eyes was enough for Mu Qingge to understand.
As expected of the Geo Archon. Millennia of experience is beyond my comprehension.
"Since the end of the Archon War, demons and monsters have been largely eradicated. Though beasts still roam the wilderness, they are generally under the control of the Millelith. In my view, whether it's foreign policy or domestic development, Liyue's leaders possess both the ability and the will to excel."
"Though we yearn for the Geo Archon's continued rule, wishing he could remain with Liyue forever, even the most steadfast rock erodes under the relentless tide of time. As the oldest among the Seven Archons, I will unwaveringly support his decisions!"
Zhongli paused slightly in his stride.
"When did you realize?"
Zhongli's question seemed cryptic, but Mu Qingge understood his meaning perfectly.
"The rank of a God is incredibly high. I read about it in an ancient text. Even the weakest God's death would have a tremendous impact on the surrounding environment. Yet when the Geo Archon 'passed away' at Yujing Terrace, there was absolutely no effect on the terrace or its surroundings. This is highly unnatural."
"Moreover, the Geo Archon is revered as the War God. I can't imagine anyone being capable of assassinating him. Even if such a person existed, they could never have done it so silently. Therefore, I conclude that the Geo Archon hasn't truly passed away."
Zhongli awkwardly rubbed his chin, realizing he had indeed overlooked this point.
"Then why do you believe I am the Geo Archon?"
Mu Qingge paused for a few seconds, then met Zhongli's gaze directly.
"I only figured it out recently. Mr. Zhongli's mannerisms, voice, and the aura he carries are remarkably similar to the Geo Archon I've seen. Given my earlier suspicion that the Geo Archon hadn't truly passed away, Mr. Zhongli's recent behavior and words have become highly suspicious."
"Given how deeply Liyue values its traditions, many individuals could have presided over the Rite of Parting at this time. Paradoxically, the Geo Archon himself seemed the least likely candidate. However... I must confess, Mr. Zhongli, I once investigated you. I know you are no ordinary mortal, and combining that with my previous deductions, I suspected you were the Geo Archon."
"Ultimately, this remains mere speculation. The truth depends entirely on the Geo Ar... Mr. Zhongli's response."
A smile played on Zhongli's lips.
"Ha ha, you certainly make bold guesses, and you're quite observant. I've watched you grow up, Qingge, and I know you've already reached your conclusion. But this knowledge must remain with you alone—it cannot be shared with others."
Mu Qingge clasped her hands in a respectful bow. "Your divine will shall be obeyed, Geo Archon!"
"Uh..."
"Do you have any further questions? I can answer them."
"I don't think I showed any unusual behavior before. How did the Geo Archon know I'd realized he hadn't truly passed away, and that it was indeed him?"
"Ha ha, you may be a genius, but you can't excel at everything. Acting is one of your weaknesses."
Mu Qingge nodded silently, as if absorbing his words.
But inwardly, she thought:
Geo Archon, oh Geo Archon... I can act, and I'm very good at it...