Zhongli came back to his senses. Despite his usual composure, even he couldn't help but break into a cold sweat.
A sense of guilt and shame welled up inside him. As the oldest and strongest among the Seven Archons—a Main God, no less—he had actually lost his composure over a few tea leaves.
And it just so happened that Lord Heavenly Principle had witnessed it all.
On second thought, even though Director Hu was rather mischievous and difficult for him to handle, she was clever and always had a reason behind her actions, no matter how outrageous they seemed.
She was not like ordinary mortals who became arrogant with favor. If she brewed this tea, then it must have been for someone even more distinguished than himself.
He quickly apologized, "My deepest apologies, Lord Heavenly Principle. I lost my composure just now and acted disrespectfully. Please forgive me."
Were it not for knowing that Lord Heavenly Principle was always mild with the gods, he would already be preparing to accept punishment.
Behind Noah, Hu Tao playfully stuck out her tongue, feigning innocence. "Oh my, so Consultant Zhongli really does get upset over a few tea leaves. I won't touch your tea again."
She did understand the tea's value. While she hadn't asked for a cup herself, just the aroma alone told her it was an unparalleled... immortal tea.
Noah waved his hand. "I'm not blaming you, Zhongli. That immortal tea is indeed rare—tainted with a trace of Kabbalah's aura, giving it unique effects. But there's no need to be so possessive."
"As the universe grows stronger, that tea tree will mature quickly. When the universe expands again, it will bear leaves once more. At most, you'll wait a year for another harvest."
That Jade Leaf had been infused with a trace of Kabbalah's aura when the Kabbalistic Tree of Life took root in Teyvat.
While such plants number fewer than ten across the universe, they were still not entirely unique.
For example, Mondstadt's Frostbearing Tree, Inazuma's Sacred Sakura, Sumeru's giant onion-like plant, Fontaine's unremarkable Bulle Fruit—
Each of these flora had revealed extraordinary properties, noticed instantly by any Primary God who encountered them, and quietly collected and hidden away.
After all, anything linked to Kabbalah aided the comprehension of Truth, making them extraordinarily rare.
Zhongli stepped up to Noah, speaking with remorse, "I made the mistake of a mortal. I'm deeply ashamed. But I did not intend to hoard it—I planned to hand the tea tree over to Guizhong and Marchosius once I reached a higher realm."
Hu Tao was taken aback by Zhongli's humility. So the tea leaves were that precious? Even Rex Lapis intended to keep them secret?
Noah raised his teacup. "Alright, sit. Since I'm here, let's talk about what you encountered today."
Zhongli sat on a stone stool to Noah's left. "Lord Noah refers to the Gift Game for merging pantheons?"
"Did what I and Indra did constitute a taboo? If so, I'll accept any punishment."
After all, this involved the gods, human history, and even the Supreme Gods. It had to touch upon the forbidden.
The Pseudo Star Map Creation was, after all, a collective divine authority—and also the blueprint of another universe.
Currently, Teyvat had yet to become a Single Universe, and yet the Pseudo Star Map Creation already contained all aspects of a singular universe.
This was surely an overstep of the Heavenly Principle's dominion.
Noah gently sipped the immortal tea. The sweetness and fragrance exploded in his mouth—truly the best tea in Teyvat.
A faint trace of Kabbalah's aura accompanied each sip.
To him, it was just pleasant tea.
But to anyone beneath a Supreme God, this was a treasure more valuable than a divine core.
"Punishment? No need to go that far. On the contrary, it's immensely beneficial for Teyvat. Even Phanes wanted to initiate the Gift Game regardless of cost."
"But I stopped her. It's still not time yet."
After finishing his tea, Noah slid the cup toward Hu Tao, signaling her to pour another. Hu Tao immediately caught on and quickly refilled the cup, ears perked up attentively.
If Lord Rex Lapis was speaking this seriously, it must be about something incredibly important.
Zhongli pondered a moment. "The merging of pantheons benefits Teyvat because of that Pseudo Star Map Creation? But why did Lord Noah stop it?"
"Is it not yet time because Teyvat still lacks something?"
"Is there something we must do?"
Strengthening and elevating Teyvat had always been part of his duty.
Noah smiled. "Indeed, there are still many things missing. Even if the Gift Game were activated now, Teyvat would gain much less."
"The Pseudo Star Map Creation is still in an unfinished state. Only when Teyvat possesses a singular-level Pseudo Star Map Creation will it be complete."
"And the 'Divine Collective Gift Game' and 'Pseudo Star Map Creation' together are the key for Teyvat to ascend to a 'Single Universe'."
"When pantheons with similar cultures and origins merge into a 'Divine Collective', the group itself becomes a manifestation of a complete 'Cosmology'. Each divine authority corresponds to a complete universe."
"As a result, the Pseudo Star Map Creation will be completed."
"The Pseudo Star Map Creation is itself the entirety of another universe."
"Once most 'Cosmologies' are activated, Teyvat's mass will be equivalent to the superposition of multiple universes. At that point, it will successfully break through to become a 'Single Universe'."
As he listened, Zhongli's rock-like heart thumped loudly, as if drums were beating within him.
"So that's how it is... Thank you for revealing these secrets, Lord Noah."
Noah nodded approvingly. "Zhongli, you old fox, you're already on the path to becoming a Supreme God. The upcoming No Game No Life world will be the key to making Teyvat a 'Single Universe'."
"With your ability, by then you'll be just one step away from becoming a Supreme God. Once the Divine Collective Gift Game begins, your advancement will be a natural result."
"These secrets—you're worthy of knowing them."
"And besides, even for Primary Gods, it's only a matter of time before they learn these things."
The merging of pantheons was bound to be brought up sooner or later. When that time came, all gods would come to know.
"Also, once Xiangling finishes her Gourmet Divine Championship, it'll be time to open the third major world."
The Teyvat Universe was now incredibly stable. All previously annexed time had been fully digested.
As for Re: Creator—that 'Dream Truth' world would be set aside for now. First, they would tackle No Game No Life.
Teyvat Universe had now reached a critical phase.
It stood at the threshold of ascending to a galactic-level universe.
If comparing Teyvat and No Game No Life in terms of strength, there was no doubt:
No Game No Life was far stronger.
Based on information, that world had already existed for over 100 million years.
But for a world born as a universe, that age was no different from infancy. It hadn't even developed a universal will.
It simply had complete universal laws and truths.
The war of divine races was just the universe's instinctive effort to create a regulating force to unify itself.
Another point worth noting was the "Omnipotent Device" Star Grail.
The No Game No Life universe was born from energy unconsciously leaked by the Star Grail.
This meant the Star Grail was at least Single Universe level—possibly even stronger.
It was highly likely that the Star Grail had once been the 'Cosmic Core' of a great universe.
Just like Teyvat's 'Cosmic Nexus'.
Moreover, the Star Grail had only a basic 'judgment mechanism', no consciousness, not even instinct—a 'dead object'.
Otherwise, how could a universe born from its leaked energy have been allowed to choose a victor to control it?
Therefore, the Teyvat Universe can overcome the strong while being the weaker party.
It's like—even if you're a baby elephant, without tusks or size, you'll still become prey when faced with a pack of fully armed, sharp-fanged wolves.
A trace of anticipation appeared in Zhongli's eyes.
Just a few more days until the third major world is opened.
And it's a universe-level world.
Every major world brings a qualitative leap for Teyvat.
A crucial step toward becoming a "Single Universe"—and afterward, he too would ascend to "Supreme God." A subtle but unmistakable joy glimmered in his expression.
He also felt somewhat sentimental. How time flies.
From the annexation of the first world to now, only two years had passed for him.
Though for the annexed worlds, over a hundred years had already gone by.
Noah stood up. "Alright Zhongli, you old fox. You now know everything you should. It's time for me to take my leave."
Zhongli immediately rose and bowed respectfully. "Allow me to see you off."
Hu Tao blinked. "Eh? Leaving already? You've only had two sips of tea."
Noah flicked his finger, and Hu Tao instantly clutched her forehead.
"Ow—"
"There's no way I could finish this much tea, Little Hu Tao. And it's too strong—after a few sips, the aftertaste dries out the mouth."
Hu Tao stuck out her tongue. "I didn't expect the tea to be so strong either. No wonder Zhongli always brews just one leaf—I thought he was just being stingy."
Zhongli listened to her playful teasing and felt his heart ache.
She used it all... What a waste. And Lord Heavenly Principle only took two sips.
If left overnight, the tea would lose its effect.
Zhongli respectfully escorted Noah out of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Outside the main gate, Buer, who had been waiting, couldn't help but giggle upon seeing the slightly stiff expression on Morax's face.
Who would've thought that among the Seven Archons, the oldest and most composed—the very image of perfection—Morax himself would get so worked up over a cup of tea?
What made it even funnier was that it wasn't about offering it to Lord Heavenly Principle, but about Hu Tao wasting it.
...
Back inside, Zhongli looked at the steaming teapot on the stone table, the aroma mingling with the aura of truth, and fell deep into thought.
He picked up the teapot and, with one hand behind his back like an old master out for a stroll, walked out of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Didn't Barbatos shamelessly beg me for tea before?"
"I haven't been to Mondstadt in a thousand years. Seems like a good time for a leisurely walk."
Last time, Barbatos actually guarded against him like a thief on his own turf. It was a bit humiliating.
Coincidentally, he knew there was a special tree in Mondstadt.
That tree was rooted in an extra-dimensional space and couldn't be moved, even by Barbatos.
He thought enclosing it with a wind array would hide it from me?
He still doesn't understand that the closer one gets to "Supreme God," the keener their perception of "Truth" becomes. Even divine authority can't fully shield it.
With these twenty-some tea leaves, one cup should be worth a few Frostbearing Fruits. That's fair, right?
"I wish to buy sweet osmanthus and share wine, yet it's not like the carefree days of youth…"
As Noah strolled through Liyue Harbor with Buer, he sensed Zhongli heading toward Mondstadt with the teapot in hand. Glancing into the future, he nearly burst out laughing.
Well, well. Zhongli, with those thick brows and upright face, doing something like this—he really doesn't want to take even the tiniest loss.
Then again, ever since you were born, when have you ever taken a loss? Others have always been the ones losing to you.
Barbatos is still too young.
Buer tilted her head. "What is Lord Husband laughing at?"
Noah replied, "Just something amusing."
Buer: "Something amusing?"
Noah: "You'll know soon enough."
Just then, a comforting voice sounded nearby.
"Clervie, don't be sad. After all, those in the Culinary Championship are the top culinary gods from various pantheons across the universe. Making it to the second round is already impressive."
"Peruere, I know... but losing still feels terrible."
A pink-haired girl walked down the street with a dejected sigh.
Beside her was the cold, austere Fatui Harbinger Arlecchino—real name Peruere.
After completing two missions, she had used her wish to resurrect her dearest friend Clervie, who had once perished from the cold cruelty of the "House of the Hearth."
Now, Clervie had already become a Middle God and had expanded the House of the Hearth community's orphanage model to other nations.
Although the House of the Hearth was already a sizable community, it still couldn't compare to major collectives like Wanmin Hall—but she was doing her best.
She believed that someday, the House of the Hearth would blossom across the entire universe, taking in abandoned children.
These forsaken children would be raised with utmost care by the House of the Hearth, and in the future, they would become the foundation of the Snezhnaya Pantheon.
The Snezhnaya Pantheon would never miss an opportunity to strengthen its foundation.
Her Majesty now didn't dare take a single day off, tirelessly working to expand the pantheon.
With Rex Lapis's approval, a branch of the House of the Hearth had even been established in Liyue Harbor.
No matter how wonderful a world may be, there will always be children who lose their parents due to various tragedies.
Accidents, disasters—leaving children alone in the world. That's when the House of the Hearth becomes essential.
Arlecchino spoke sternly, "If you're unwilling to accept defeat, then study harder, Clervie. Aim to reach the top ten in the next Culinary Championship—whenever that might be."
"Also, you must at least become a Lower God. Divine power and authority are key to success. You can't neglect cultivation just because you love cooking. You've only awakened your fourth constellation star—you're still far from godhood."
Clervie blinked and giggled. "Pfft. Peruere, you sound just like a 'dad' when you get serious."
"Even though we're girls of the same age."
Arlecchino's severe expression softened into a smile. "Strictly speaking, I'm a few years older than you. That time you spent being dead doesn't count."
Following Noah's gaze, Buer looked in their direction, a gentle smile on her lips.
"Their story is rather touching, isn't it, my dear?"
She knew—this was exactly the kind of story her husband loved most.
...
At that moment—
Elsewhere.
Venti, drunk with joy after wrapping up a deal with Odin, was hugging a wine barrel, face-down and half-submerged in alcohol. He hiccupped.
Back when he had no wine, he'd savor every sip. He never dared gulp it down.
Now, thanks to the faithful in Mondstadt and the lower realms offering wine regularly, he could practically bathe in it. And so he had grown... indulgent.
Suddenly, his body trembled. He sat up with a start, face flushed red with drink, eyes wide in shock.
"The old man came to Mondstadt?! Oh no! He's not here to beat me up, is he?!"
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