[Zhongli: Mm. As the progenitor of the adepti, the Rite of Parting must be conducted with the utmost formality.]
Regarding Zhongli's invitation, Lumine agreed without hesitation.
Childe said, "A wise choice. The Tianquan, Ningguang… is preventing anyone from viewing the Geo Archon's divine body. So if you want to achieve your goal of meeting the Seven, this is the only remaining path."
"Yes," Zhongli emphasized. "Only by participating in the Rite of Parting can you behold the Geo Archon's body. Since you have agreed, then follow me."
[Paimon: If the livestream hadn't revealed it earlier, I never would've guessed that the one arranging the Geo Archon's funeral… is the Geo Archon himself…]
[Furina: I had many doubts, and I did consider the possibility that the Geo Archon hadn't truly died. After all, the power of gods is immense. Still, this development far exceeds my expectations. Many times, reality is more dramatic than fiction.]
[Paimon: As expected of a veteran artist—what a great commentary.]
[Keqing: Is the Excellency… testing us?]
[Ningguang: Perhaps those being tested are not only us, but also the Fatui. While the Excellency remains, the Fatui and other factions within Liyue must restrain themselves. Only once he is gone would they dare to surface.]
[Venti: Truly worthy of the Geo Archon.]
[Paimon: Why does it feel like this Zhongli in the video doesn't care at all about what you're saying, and is instead fully focused on preparing his own Rite of Parting?]
[Keqing: As expected of the Excellency—his considerations run deep, beyond our comprehension.]
In the video, Lumine followed Zhongli outside. The two chatted casually as they walked.
Zhongli asked, "Traveler, after witnessing a nation where a god has departed, how do you view Liyue, a land where a god once presided?"
Lumine answered sincerely, "I think Liyue is better."
Zhongli nodded.
"Indeed. A land with a god possesses a historical depth of 3,700 years—the greatest among the Seven Nations. Preparing the Rite of Parting will also become part of your journey, broadening your horizons."
"Liyue is the most prosperous of the Seven Nations. In past years, with both the Geo Archon and the Qixing governing, many of the Fatui's diplomatic tactics simply did not work here. Ningguang, one of the Qixing, has always maintained strict vigilance toward the Fatui. Perhaps that is why Childe seeks to act through the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Paimon asked curiously, "What benefit does preparing the Rite of Parting bring to Childe?"
Zhongli replied bluntly, "I do not know, nor do I wish to know. To me, the Fatui merely provide financial support. I only hope that Liyue's traditions are not forgotten."
As he spoke, Zhongli handed Lumine a sum of Mora.
"This is the initial advance for your wages. If it runs out, you may return to him to reimburse the subsequent expenses."
[Venti: Brilliant. Let the Fatui pay for everything. Maybe I could handle my wine tab this way too?]
[Paimon: But isn't all Mora in circulation created by the Geo Archon? Would the Excellency ever lack money?]
[Zhongli: Indeed. All Mora circulating across the continent is my flesh and blood. I use it as collateral for humanity's sweat, wisdom, and labor. This is my trust in all living beings. To betray it is to betray my own blood.]
[Venti: Zhongli is still so serious. Even after his identity was exposed, he didn't feel awkward at all…]
[Zhongli: Awkwardness? I do not quite understand that sensation.]
[Lumine: The Geo Archon is very similar to Neuvillette—both are earnest and meticulous.]
[Ningguang: The Rite of Descension is held every year, but the Rite of Parting has not been conducted for several hundred years. This was my oversight—I failed to notice this matter.]
[Paimon: It hasn't been held for hundreds of years?]
[Ningguang: The departure of an adeptus is extremely rare. I only learned this after consulting historical records. Even the previous generation of the Qixing did not conduct a Rite of Parting, nor did they mention it during the handover.]
[Lumine: I see… The departure of an adeptus is so rare that the current Qixing were unaware of the tradition.]
[Furina: An unexpected explanation. I was truly misled before—I thought the Qixing were dissatisfied with the Geo Archon.]
[Paimon: Being dissatisfied with a god—that kind of thing probably only happens in Fontaine.]
[Yae Miko: Not quite~ I, too, have some dissatisfaction with my god…]
[Kamisato Ayaka: In fact, those dissatisfied with the Shogun could already form a complete army.]
[Furina: A complete army? Rebelling against whom—against a god?]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: The Shogun issued the Vision Hunt Decree, confiscating Visions throughout Inazuma. Those who lose their Visions also lose their ambitions. We do not wish to lose our ambitions.]
[Furina: I recall that the next feature is Inazuma, isn't it?]
[Lumine: Yes.]
[Furina: I'm truly curious about the people and events of Inazuma. But as a god watched by all, I cannot leave Fontaine.]
[Venti: I happen to be planning a trip to Inazuma soon. Perhaps you'll see me in the video.]
[Furina: Really? That's wonderful. I wonder whether the Dendro Archon, Nahida, will appear in Inazuma.]
[Nahida: M-me? I do want to go out, but… I still can't manage it…]
Seeing the Mora, Paimon's eyes lit up.
Zhongli said, "Let us go. The first step of preparation is to obtain Noctilucous Jade of a quality worthy of the finest deity."
With that, the two headed to Shitou's Jade Mystery.
The shop owner, Shitou, a round-bellied middleman, greeted Zhongli enthusiastically.
"Welcome, honored guests! Would you like to try your luck opening a couple of uncut stones today? Cheap and fun—who knows, you might strike it rich!"
Paimon waved her hands repeatedly.
"Uncut stones? No, no! We're here to pick a specific stone—what was it again?"
Zhongli replied, "Noctilucous Jade. The quality must be at least Candlelight Grade."
"C-Candlelight Grade Noctilucous Jade?" Shitou was visibly startled.
"Ah—I see you're not ordinary tourists. My apologies. I'll fetch the goods at once. Please take a look…"
He took out several pieces of Noctilucous Jade and introduced them.
"What do you think? We're an old-established jade shop. Look at this quality—absolutely top-tier. Truly a blessing bestowed by the Geo Archon himself. Please, feel free to choose."
After careful inspection, Paimon commented,
"These three pieces do look really nice—nothing like the ones dug up normally. But how are we supposed to choose? Should we just pick one at random?"
Lumine looked toward Zhongli.
Zhongli answered directly,
"You want me to choose? If so, the answer is simple. Boss, I'll take all of them."
[Childe: I suddenly feel like I'm being taken for a fool. Good thing the Northland Bank is paying—if it were my Mora, I'd go bankrupt.]
[Paimon: Isn't the Northland Bank yours?]
[Childe: Of course not. The Northland Bank is managed by a Harbinger codenamed 'The Regrator.' I'm only responsible for spending money—I'm not good at making it.]
[Paimon: Looks like there's someone even better at spending money now.]
[Childe: These are all trivial matters anyway—since it's not my Mora.]
[Furina: Hahahahaha! This is way too funny.]
Shitou beamed.
"Excellent! I knew at once that you were extraordinary, sir. Such generous spending indeed—"
Paimon hurriedly interrupted,
"W-wait, boss! Let's discuss this a bit more."
They moved to a quiet corner.
Paimon asked curiously,
"If the ritual only needs one piece, wouldn't buying all of them just waste triple the Mora?"
Zhongli thought for a moment.
"Mm, that is true. I did not consider that aspect earlier. That was my oversight."
Paimon put her hands on her hips.
"Exactly! How can you do things without considering Mora?"
Zhongli did not mind the criticism.
"If one must always consider Mora first, then one's hands and feet will forever be bound by Mora."
Paimon half-understood.
Zhongli continued, "Mora is inherently a currency, but currency is not inherently Mora."
Paimon still did not understand.
Lumine commented quietly, "He really does seem rich."
Paimon added, "Is he so rich that he never needs to save on small expenses?"
[Dori: I'm so jealous of that feeling—spending without checking one's wallet. Even though I've earned plenty of Mora, I still can't help but haggle every time.]
[Paimon: This kind of price-blind spending is something only the creator of Mora—the wealthiest being in Teyvat—could do.]
[Lumine: I agree.]
[Ningguang: While many are willing to pay thirty million Mora for the chance to dine with me, even I would not purchase goods this way.]
[Dori: How much?! Thirty million Mora just to eat lunch together?!]
[Ningguang: Mm. I auctioned off the opportunity. I did not expect Liyue's merchants to offer such prices. Still, I prepare extensive business information and answer many questions during those meals.]
[Dori: I should auction off a dinner with me too…]
Zhongli said calmly, "Do not waver. Even if Mora binds one's hands, I still have ways to resolve matters under such constraints. Evaluating the quality of Noctilucous Jade is indeed tricky. In raw form, regardless of quality, its texture, color, and internal patterns differ little. Only after the jade is crafted does one discover that some finished products are entirely unsuitable."
"At that point, if you argue with unscrupulous merchants, they will simply blame your crafting station, your heat control, and so on."
Paimon gasped. "That's dangerous! So it's that easy to get scammed?"
Zhongli nodded. "However, a true method of appraisal does exist. True experts can discern it—like pointing at the moon with a finger: observe the finger, not the moon."
Paimon did not understand.
Zhongli explained, "When you point at the moon, the wise understand that you mean the moon. The unwise see only the finger."
"Veins and outer shells are the finger. Noctilucous Jade is a luminous stone for nighttime illumination. Brightness is the moon. High-quality jade has greater affinity with the Pyro element—under high heat, the brighter and bluer the glow, the better the quality."
Lumine could not help but admire, "So Mr. Zhongli is truly an expert. Is this the refined lifestyle of an elegant gentleman?"
Zhongli nodded. "I have shared with you a secret worth a fortune in the jade trade. The rest is practice."
[Dori: Truly knowledge worth a fortune! I'll go to Liyue and use this to identify premium Noctilucous Jade and make a killing!]
[Paimon: Dori, Ningguang is Liyue's greatest merchant—she definitely won't miss this kind of opportunity…]
[Dori: Then I'd better stay in Sumeru…]
Muttering to herself, Paimon said, "Worth a fortune? Feels like knowledge I'll never use again."
Returning to the shop, Paimon said excitedly, "Boss, we're back to choose the stones! Please lend us the stones so we can heat them up."
Shitou waved his hands frantically.
"You can't do that! If you burn them, what am I supposed to sell?"
Lumine replied, "We just need a tiny sample from each stone. Just a little. Otherwise, we won't buy them."
The words "won't buy" carried immense pressure.
Shitou sighed.
"Fine, fine. I'll do as you say. I'll take samples from all three stones. I'll take the loss—consider it making friends."
Zhongli reassured him calmly, "Rest assured. I understand the rules of trade. If the jade proves good, you will not suffer a loss."
Shitou then produced three extremely thin stone slices.
"All right. Use these for the test. Each piece is marked."
Paimon stared at the slices and complained weakly, "Aren't these way too thin? Thinner than paper—no, thinner than an insect's wings. They're practically transparent."
Lumine added, "The boss's craftsmanship is impressive, in its own way."
Shitou laughed without shame.
"Hahaha, you flatter me. These stones are my precious darlings—I have to treat them gently. If I cut even a bit too much, it'd cost me my life."
Paimon worried, "But if they're this thin, won't they turn to ashes the moment they touch fire?"
Zhongli replied, "Convincing a merchant to give up profit is like making a starving wolf spit out the meat it just swallowed. There is no helping it. Still, under special conditions, these thin slices will suffice."
Paimon asked, "What kind of conditions?"
Zhongli answered, "Apply high heat while simultaneously protecting the sample with Hydro elemental energy. This prevents it from burning away instantly."
[Furina: Using both water and fire at the same time? That would require two Vision holders—one Hydro and one Pyro.]
[Layla: I wonder if a water-bath heating method would work.]
[Paimon: What's water-bath heating?]
[Layla: A common method in Sumeru laboratories—heating materials indirectly through water.]
[Paimon: So… boiling it? I use water-bath heating all the time when cooking.]
[Furina: Suddenly curious—Paimon, do you like fish?]
[Paimon: Why would you ask that?]
[Furina: I remember the Traveler fished you out of the water. But you can fly—and you're always flying—so how did you end up in the water? Considering your love for food, were you trying to catch fish and got stuck?]
[Lumine: A very reasonable guess…]
[Paimon: The exact reason… I—I actually don't remember anymore…]