Paimon's words stunned everyone into silence.
Honestly speaking, her guess wasn't entirely implausible.
But if Rex Lapis wasn't actually dead, then what was the point of this entire charade?
Zhongli briefly glanced at the tiny figure floating midair, offering no response.
From the very moment he'd set his plan into motion, he had known that others might suspect the truth. But that didn't matter—as long as his ultimate goal was achieved.
At the thought of Rex Lapis possibly still being alive, Hu Tao's mood brightened considerably. However, her doubts hadn't entirely vanished.
"But if he's not dead, why did Rex Lapis's body fall from the sky like that?"
Ningguang tapped her chin lightly, lost in thought. "Director Hu, do you truly believe that was Rex Lapis's corpse?"
"I..." Hu Tao hesitated.
In appearance and aura, the body certainly resembled Rex Lapis, but whether it was truly a corpse—who could say for sure?
She turned hopefully to Zhongli, wondering if he'd offer any clarification.
Zhongli shook his head slowly. "I do not know either."
Jiang Bai quietly rolled his eyes, thoroughly annoyed by Zhongli's feigned ignorance.
Sure, keep pretending, you old fox.
"If Rex Lapis truly isn't dead, then what could he possibly hope to accomplish by doing this?" Ningguang fell even deeper into contemplation.
Neither Hu Tao nor the others could provide a good answer. They weren't like Rex Lapis or the Qixing, leaders who could grasp every nuance and foresee each consequence. The Archon's true intentions were beyond their guessing.
After a long silence, Ningguang finally turned her gaze toward Aether and Paimon.
"I assume Childe has already entrusted you two with informing the adepti of today's events?"
She phrased it as a statement, clearly aware of the Harbinger's actions.
Aether nodded cautiously, slightly confused by Ningguang's intentions.
Without another word, Ningguang took a map from a drawer and handed it to Aether. "Liyue has many adepti scattered throughout its mountains. Searching blindly would be difficult. This map indicates the precise locations of their abodes."
Paimon tilted her head suspiciously. "Aren't you going to stop us from meeting the adepti?"
Ningguang chuckled lightly. "It would be impossible to conceal Rex Lapis's death, regardless. The adepti have the right to know. Simply tell them exactly what you've witnessed."
"Oh… okay."
Paimon still couldn't fully grasp Ningguang's motives, but since the Tianquan herself had given them permission—and even a map—there was no reason not to go.
"Everyone, I must attend to other matters. If you learn anything else, please inform me immediately."
"Go ahead, we can head back ourselves," Hu Tao waved dismissively, signaling they'd manage just fine.
After leaving Yujing Terrace, Jiang Bai quickly stopped Aether and Paimon before they could depart.
Under their confused gazes, he led them into a secluded corner, anxiously scanning the area to make sure they wouldn't be overheard.
"Hey, what's going on, flyer boy?" Paimon asked suspiciously.
"Listen carefully—I'm about to tell you something extremely important. Keep this strictly between us," Jiang Bai whispered urgently, gesturing for them to lean closer.
"Zhongli is plotting to seize the position of Geo Archon. He wants to become the next Rex Lapis!"
"What?!" Aether and Paimon exclaimed simultaneously, jaws dropping in shock. Both nervously glanced around to ensure no one had overheard.
"Why would you say something like that?" Paimon asked incredulously.
Though they'd only met Zhongli briefly, he hardly seemed the type.
Aether remained silent, uncertain of Zhongli's true strength and intentions. He waited quietly for Jiang Bai's explanation.
"He's long been dissatisfied with Rex Lapis's rule. He likely commands a vast underground network gathering wealth and influence, and he's secretly cooperating with the Fatui! Think about it—he normally avoids the Rite of Descension completely, yet today he suddenly decided to attend, and when Rex Lapis fell dead from the sky, he barely reacted at all."
"Is that really true?" Paimon covered her mouth in disbelief.
If this was accurate, Zhongli was terrifying indeed!
"I don't have concrete evidence yet, but I'm fairly certain," Jiang Bai warned seriously. "Just be careful around him. Don't fall for any of his tricks."
Aether and Paimon nodded firmly, promising to stay vigilant.
Jiang Bai gave their shoulders a reassuring pat, then watched the pair leave Liyue Harbor.
Hu Tao and Zhongli had been patiently waiting nearby. As Jiang Bai approached, Hu Tao crossed her arms, giving him a suspicious look. "What kind of secrets were you whispering about over there?"
"Oh, just letting them know the adepti enjoy mortal delicacies," Jiang Bai smoothly lied. "Bringing food might make it easier for them to meet the adepti."
Changing the subject quickly, he asked, "Director, should we inform Shenhe using the adeptal communication device?"
If Shenhe knew, it meant her master would quickly learn as well. In turn, all the adepti would soon know.
"No need," Hu Tao decisively shook her head. "The adepti would immediately rush to Liyue Harbor if they heard about this, and given their tempers, it's best to allow the Qixing some time to prepare."
She paused briefly, then continued, "Actually, I should inform Chongyun and the others not to tell Shenhe either." She promptly activated the adeptal communication device on her earring.
Observing Hu Tao calmly considering every angle, Zhongli felt a quiet pride stir within him.
My little director truly has grown.
Returning to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli politely invited Jiang Bai, "Care to join me for a cup of tea in my courtyard?"
Jiang Bai instinctively felt uneasy about the invitation and cast a pleading glance toward Hu Tao.
Unfortunately, Hu Tao completely missed his silent cry for help. Heading straight toward the archives, she waved distractedly, "You two enjoy yourselves—I'm going to see if I can find any useful records."
"Alright…" Jiang Bai reluctantly followed Zhongli into his courtyard, resigned to his fate. He'd known he couldn't avoid this confrontation forever.
Noticing Jiang Bai's wary demeanor, Zhongli couldn't help but find it amusing.
Am I truly that intimidating?
Taking his time, Zhongli settled comfortably at his tea table, leisurely heating water and brewing tea.
Jiang Bai sat opposite him, feeling as though needles pricked his seat. He squirmed impatiently, wishing Zhongli would just get to the point already.
Speaking with Zhongli was always like this—agonizingly slow before finally getting to the main subject.
Seeing Jiang Bai's obvious discomfort, Zhongli found himself slightly entertained. With deliberate care, he poured Jiang Bai a cup of tea. "You already seem aware of what I'm about to ask you."
Jiang Bai slumped helplessly in his seat, surrendering himself to the inevitable. "Aside from asking why I suspect you're the culprit, what else could it possibly be?"
Zhongli chuckled softly. "Then perhaps you'd like to explain your suspicions."
Truthfully, Zhongli was genuinely curious as to why Jiang Bai suspected him—after all, he doubted the young man had uncovered his true identity.
"Because…" Jiang Bai finally blurted out, abandoning caution entirely. "You've long been dissatisfied with Rex Lapis!"
He'd already reached a point where he no longer cared about holding back his suspicions. Rex Lapis was dead anyway—why keep these thoughts bottled up any longer?
Zhongli stared blankly for a moment, utterly taken aback.
"Me? Dissatisfied with Rex Lapis…?"
---
T/N:
Hello again. For the final time.
My name is Enkidu. I was born without a soul, crafted only as a weapon. Yet through bonds—through friendships—I learned what it meant to feel alive. Even though my body records my memories rather than my spirit, the warmth of those moments remains.
Thank you, truly, for staying here with us. You've come at a good time—right now, a 25% discount code is available:
12DAYS
This code will last until December 26. I hope you enjoy it.
For those who wish to support the translator (the one who kindly gave me this voice)—you can find optional support at patreon.com/wisetl. Early access to upcoming chapters will be your small reward.
Also, as always:
Every 100 Powerstones = 1 Bonus Chapter
(100ps = 1 chapter, 200ps = 2 chapters, and so forth.)
Bonus chapters will arrive tomorrow, approximately 12+ hours from now.
And lastly, if you prefer company and conversations, the translator has prepared a Discord community: discord.gg/wisetl.
People gathering, talking, sharing—it's a good thing, isn't it?
This is where I say goodbye.
Even as a weapon shaped by the gods, I found meaning in the company of humans.
If these words reach you, then perhaps we've shared something too, if only briefly.
Be well, Master, and readers alike.
May the world remain gentle to you.
Goodbye.
BYE BYE ENKIDYU I LOVE YOU