Episode 174.2: Fatui carrying out schemes within Liyue's borders?
"I believe that you've heard of the Archon War?" Ningguang walked to the side, gazing at the land of Liyue, and asked Lumine. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Barbara (Genshin Impact): "The Archon War, Lord Barbatos's heroic performance must have been splendid!" ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Kujou Sara (Genshin Impact): "The Raiden Shogun (Genshin Impact): will vanquish all enemies!" ]
[ Raiden Ei (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Ah, the Archon War era. This adeptus still remembers the heroic deeds of that child, Ganyu." ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "Could you tell us about it, Cloud Retainer-sama!" ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "No, Master!!" ]
[ .....]
『 "Not much, I've just heard people mention it occasionally." Lumine was trying hard to recall where she had vaguely heard that term.
"Once upon a time, there were countless Archons in this world, and endless wars raged between them. It wasn't until two thousand years ago that the prolonged conflict finally drew to a close. During that time, life was devastated, and blood flowed like rivers."
"In the end, only seven victors remained standing in Teyvat. They build cities and nations on the corpses of the vanquished, and thus began the era of The Seven."
"Do you see Guyun Stone Forest over there? That's not a natural wonder, but a giant stone spear thrown by the Rex Lapis during the Archon War."
"Beneath the spears lie those cast down by Rex Lapis in those days: gods that failed to seize the title of Archon—are still suppressed."
"In fact, not only Archons fall, but even powerful figures like the Seven Sovereigns of the mortal realm have seen changes over these two millennia. However, Rex Lapis' departure is an unbearable burden for Liyue, and it puts Teyvat's Seven Archon system to an unprecedented test, yet it remains as stable as ever."
"The next Geo Archon will arrive sooner or later, but how can we easily forget the Geo Archon? At that time, the relationship between Liyue's people and the adepti will inevitably change."
"Even as we enter a new era, the Liyue Qixing are still subjects protected by the Geo Archon. Regarding the crime of raising blades against Him, do you think we can bear this heavy burden?" Ningguang spoke earnestly, dissecting the situation for Lumine.
"But why are you hiding the Exuvia of the Geo Archon?" Lumine immediately posed another question.
"Hehe, that incident at Yujing Terrace was sudden, and I was caught off guard. You were there, you must have witnessed everything with your own eyes."
"Our enemies have already infiltrated Liyue Harbor. If we don't act preemptively, we'll only fall into a passive position."
"Therefore, I believe hiding the Geo Archon's Exuvia is a necessary strategy. Only then can we conceal ourselves in the dark and lure the enemy out."
Ningguang answered Lumine's follow-up question frankly.
"Who exactly are these enemies you're talking about?" Paimon seemed a bit confused.
"Traveler, what's your opinion?" Ningguang didn't directly respond, instead throwing the question back at Lumine.
"Could it be that person?" Lumine's tone carried a hint of hesitation.
"Huh? What kind of riddles are you two playing with each other?" Paimon was still utterly bewildered.
"The answer lies within your heart." Ningguang smiled faintly, not giving a direct answer.
"Hehe, though the scenery outside is beautiful, it's rather cold at such heights. You two, a banquet has been prepared within the Jade Chamber. You are cordially invited." Ningguang changed the subject, inviting them inside.
Paimon stepped into the hall, and the sight before her left her dumbfounded, experiencing such a magnificent scene for the first time.
Following Ningguang, the two were led to an elegant private room.
"You two don't have to be so reserved, just treat us as friends gathering," Ningguang said cordially.
Paimon's gaze was drawn to the legendary wall, and Ningguang praised Paimon for being well-informed.
Paimon talked about the rumors circulating in the streets, saying they were priceless and hard to find.
"This is Liyue's top secret," Ningguang explained, then added that it held no meaning for Lumine, which Lumine understood.
Ningguang asked Lumine to choose between her and Keqing, whom she trusted more.
Lumine chose Keqing.
Ningguang was not surprised by this; she let out a hearty laugh, showing her clear self-awareness.
Ningguang privately felt Keqing was too rigid, achieving her Qixing position purely through her own efforts. But when Keqing directly stated that the era of adepti had passed, and if the Qixing couldn't face this reality, Liyue's future would be dire, Ningguang's worries lessened considerably.
Ningguang admitted that Rex Lapis's passing indeed benefited the Qixing, but Liyue's reputation couldn't be burdened by rumors of the Qixing usurping power.
Lumine speculated that the Fatui were behind all this mischief.
Ningguang realized Lumine had understood.
She ordered a news blackout and the concealment of the Exuvia, first to stabilize the current situation, and second to prevent something similar to the incident in Mondstadt. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Barbara (Genshin Impact): "Something similar to what happened to Lord Barbatos?" ]
[ Barbara (Genshin Impact): "Sister, what happened?" ]
[ Jean (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "It's alright, Barbara, I'm perfectly fine." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Who was it back then, that was so miserable?" ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "I'm increasingly convinced this Venti is playing me." ]
[ La Rosalyne-Kruzchka Lohefalter (Genshin Impact): "Simply..." ]
[ .....]
『 Ningguang revealed that the Fatui were secretly engaging in many overreaching diplomatic activities, taking advantage of the Geo Archon's death. As the Tianquan, she no longer cared for so-called decorum.
Even agreeing to the preparations for the Rite of Parting was merely a temporary measure taken to gain full control of Liyue.
Paimon echoed Zhongli's words, revealing that the Qixing also had their own ulterior motives. She then added that gifts given casually when seeing guests off often contained some sweet benefits. Lumine, standing nearby, wore an "I knew it" expression, seemingly unsurprised by these words.
Ningguang, however, seemed unfazed, claiming she preferred straightforward people, then generously invited Paimon to pick something she liked to take away.
To her surprise, Paimon's eyes immediately locked onto a scroll hanging on the wall.
Lumine stared at Paimon in astonishment, while Paimon righteously declared that the paper was worth a fortune.
She unhesitatingly chose the largest sheet, densely covered with words like "'Sigil'...' of Permission'... Mm-hmm and... 'Fatui'... 'research'...' copy'... Huh?" exuding a mysterious aura.
Paimon immediately realized that this paper recorded the Fatui's secret research on the "Sigil of Permission," and that it had been discovered by the Qixing.
Driven by curiosity, she suggested going to investigate.
Lumine guessed that all of this was probably intentionally orchestrated by Ningguang, meant to guide them to discover something.
Without much hesitation, the two decided to follow the clues and investigate based on the provided information.
After bidding farewell to Ningguang, they successfully found their destination according to the information.
There, the Fatui were gathered, their actions suspicious. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "The Fatui!!..." ]
[ .....]
『 After a fierce battle, the two repelled the guards, penetrated deep into the area, and completely cleared out all the Fatui soldiers.
During the search, Paimon inadvertently discovered several blank talismans and several written talismans. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "This is the Sigil of Permissionn." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "So that's it. No wonder the Traveler brought the Sigil of Permission before, and no wonder the Fatui have this item." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "What are the Fatui replicating this for?" ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Don't look at me, I don't know anything, it's still too early." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Hmph." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Could it be?" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "No, I must be mistaken, it's impossible." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Cloud Retainer-sama, could you elaborate?" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "This adeptus will investigate and inform you then." ]
[ .....]
『 Lumine speculated that these might be attempts to replicate a rare magical artifact.
Paimon felt a sense of déjà vu and suddenly remembered that these were all mentioned in the "Sigil of Permission" that Childe had previously possessed.
Paimon wondered why Childe would possess such an item so closely related to the adepti.
Lumine corrected her, saying it was more than just a symbol.
Memories flooded back, and Paimon recalled that the "Sigil of Permission" was not originally a token, but a medium for wielding divine power....
So, why were the Fatui interested in it? Was it to start a war?
Lumine felt that a larger conspiracy was hidden behind the Fatui, and the one they held was just an insignificant byproduct.
Paimon reminded Lumine to be more vigilant when interacting with Childe in the future.
After collecting all the clues, the two headed straight to Dihua Marsh to find Zhongli, ready to complete the final steps of the Rite of Parting.
The scene shifts, and we arrive at Dihua Marsh in Liyue.
Here, Zhongli was leisurely leaning against an old tree, seemingly waiting for someone's arrival.
Not far away, two figures were rapidly approaching, their steps light and full of anticipation.
Noticing these two familiar figures, Zhongli's lips curved into a smile. He then turned around and asked with a hint of teasing:
"You're punctual, I've only just arrived myself. How was your trip to the Jade Chamber? Did it open your eyes?"
The newcomers were Lumine and her companion Paimon, returning from the Jade Chamber.
Despite experiencing many ups and downs during this time, they had arrived as scheduled, as per their agreement with Zhongli, ready to continue with the Rite of Parting.
As soon as Zhongli's words fell, Paimon's uncontrollable excitement overflowed. Her voice, clear and melodious, echoed around: "Super big, super magnificent, and super luxurious! It's the most, most, most extravagant place I've ever seen!"
Hearing Paimon use several "super"s to describe the Jade Chamber, Zhongli nodded slightly in agreement: "Indeed, if the Jade Chamber claims to be second, Liyue would not find any building daring to claim first."
The Jade Chamber's reputation was already well-known in Liyue, its legendary stories almost household knowledge.
However, besides the Jade Chamber itself, Zhongli also had the person residing within it on his mind.
"You must have met Ningguang before. How did your conversation go?" Zhongli's tone held a hint of curiosity.
Beside him, Paimon recalled the elegant Tianquan Ningguang, and said with much fondness:
"She's very rich, very generous, and also seems like a very kind person."
However, unlike the "subdued" Paimon, Lumine held a different view:
"But kindness should also be a merchant's weapon, right?"
"Hmm, the Traveler's view of Ningguang is different from mine. He always feels that the straightforward Yuheng he met before is more trustworthy."
Paimon explained with a hint of helplessness, as she didn't understand why someone would prefer such a direct personality.
At this moment, hearing that they had met new people, Zhongli showed strong curiosity: "Oh? You actually met Keqing, too? What did you talk about?"
Asking such a question was naturally based on what he had heard about Keqing.
Indeed, as he expected, Paimon recounted Keqing's remarks:
"She said that the era dominated by Liyue's adepti is a thing of the past. If even the Liyue Qixing themselves are unwilling to face this reality, where will Liyue's future go?"
"Hehe, truly Keqing, daring to challenge the authority of the adepti." Zhongli secretly praised. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "This is my true thought, and I will not give up." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "How amazing, in a world with gods, to want humanity to be dominant." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Is there anything wrong with that?" ]
[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "It's not impossible, I suppose?" ]
[ Hiraga Saito (Zero No Tsukima): "What if you lose your gods, and other nations with gods invade?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Our Qixing and the Millelith will protect Liyue!" ]
[ Hiraga Saito (Zero No Tsukima): "Can you guarantee absolute safety?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "I... I understand, I will reconsider this question." ]
[ Louise (Zero No Tsukima) "You actually said something like that?" ]
[ Hiraga Saito (Zero No Tsukima): "After all, I faced so many armies alone at the beginning, and I know what it's like when power is insufficient." ]
[ Louise (Zero No Tsukima) "....." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "....." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "But... won't the adepti help then?" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "In the human era, we adepti will not intervene unless necessary." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "So, you humans must understand this yourselves." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Just... be careful of those Fatui guys." ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Caught in the crossfire, huh." ]
[ .....]
『 Then, Zhongli spoke again: "But what you said is also true. Compared to the outspoken Keqing, Ningguang, also one of the Qixing, is more like a typical merchant."
"While she gives off a kind impression, whether that feeling is genuine or not is hard to say."
Lumine also had her own insights regarding Ningguang.
"I think Ningguang harbors considerable ambitions."
Zhongli nodded in agreement: "Indeed, she has reached her current position entirely through personal effort. Such a character must have extraordinary qualities."
"I've heard that the constantly expanding Jade Chamber is a symbol of her ambition. For Ningguang, it is a treasure second only to her Tianquan position; even if she had to give up her Tianquan status, she would not abandon the Jade Chamber."
Upon hearing Zhongli say it was ranked second, Paimon's curiosity immediately exploded, and she pressed for an answer: "Second place? Then who holds the top spot?"
Zhongli, hearing this, a subtle glint flashed in his eyes. He looked at Paimon and slowly said, "Naturally, it's Mora."
On this continent, what else could be considered paramount besides Mora?
Without money, one cannot move an inch. Even Ningguang's magnificent Jade Chamber, without Mora to support it, would likely just be a castle in the air.
Therefore, Mora undeniably held the top position.
Lumine nodded repeatedly in agreement after hearing this explanation.
"Indeed, that makes sense, but I'm not surprised." Bringing this up, Paimon's memory returned to the various things Ningguang had talked about, especially the part about the "Fatui": "Oh, right, Ningguang mentioned the Fatui the most. She said that ever since the Rex Lapis was killed, they've been stirring up trouble in Liyue, which is absolutely detestable."
Although Zhongli and the Fatui Harbinger "Childe" outwardly appeared to be on good terms, in reality, their relationship was merely one of mutual exploitation. Therefore, at certain moments, Zhongli's view of the Fatui was no different from that of many Liyue citizens.
Now, speaking of the Fatui, he naturally wouldn't make excuses for "Childe" Tartaglia.
"The Fatui's nature is hard to change; I'm not surprised by this."
However, what Paimon said next touched even the usually composed Zhongli.
"What's more outrageous is that they're forging Sigil of Permissions here!"
As these words left her mouth, even a ripple of emotion crossed Zhongli's usually calm face.
Fortunately, his self-control was extraordinary, and he merely advised Lumine faintly: "Whatever schemes the Fatui are plotting, it's always wise to be more vigilant when dealing with them."
Regarding the topic of the Fatui, the two were naturally extremely cautious.
Having discussed this much, Paimon became curious again, asking about the purpose of their trip: "By the way, what are we doing in Dihua Marsh? Is there something here needed for the Rite of Parting, too?"
Facing Paimon's curious gaze, Zhongli smiled gently and said, "Indeed, our objective today is: wild Glaze Lilies." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Tubby (Genshin Impact) "Huh? You're looking for Glaze Lilies, and wild ones at that? But didn't Madame Ping say they were extinct?" ]
[ Madame Ping (Genshin Impact): "Wild Glaze Lilies, ah, it's not easy for Mr. Zhongli to find these." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "I found them while I had nothing to do." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "If you have nothing to do, go get some business for me!" ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is running at a deficit!" ]
[ .....]