"Master, your meaning is… we could even use the God-Sealing List to forcibly enshrine the departed, allowing them to return to the present as true gods?"
Cloud Retainer took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself.
Ever since beginning the path of cultivation, she had often imagined the day when she might revive old friends.
And as for Zhongli, after obtaining the Clear Source Divine Manifestation Mantra, he had indeed confirmed that once he reached the Spirit Transformation, Returning-to-Void realm, he could bring back his fallen companions.
But how long would it take Zhongli to achieve that realm? A conservative estimate—at least a thousand years.
Though immortals hardly cared for a millennium's passing, Cloud Retainer did not wish to leave her old friends separated from Liyue for so long.
Rather than letting them linger away from Liyue for a thousand years before returning, she would rather they witness with their own eyes the great changes that millennia would bring.
And now…
This God-Sealing List could forcibly enshrine gods, reason or no.
Didn't that mean… her old friends could return?
As for whether they would be acknowledged by the nation's fortune—what a joke!
Those old friends had shed blood for Liyue; the nation was forged upon their sacrifice.
The nation's fortune? That was their child!
If the nation's fortune did not acknowledge them, would that not turn heaven's order upside down?
The more Cloud Retainer thought about it, the more excited she grew. Zhongli, on the other hand, after a flicker of joy, grew silent, as though torn.
Seeing Cloud Retainer's eyes filled with hope, and the others watching expectantly, awaiting his answer, Jiang Yan smiled gently and said:
"Let me give an example.
As of now, Zhongli is the one truly governing Liyue. Thus, only he may wield the God-Sealing List to link with the fortune of the nation.
If he were to hold the list, connect to Liyue's fate, and enshrine the ancient demon god Guizhong as a true god of Liyue—
Then, in the very next instant, the true spirit of Guizhong would be drawn out of Teyvat into the list.
Crossing the span of ages, her body and soul would be reshaped, returning as Liyue's true god to govern its lands once again."
"Be it your old friends among the adepti, or any who contributed greatly to Liyue's history—even if dead and their dao destroyed—as long as their true spirit endures, they may be revived and enshrined."
"And furthermore…"
Jiang Yan paused, watching their faces nearly bursting with excitement, then continued:
"Those enshrined as gods by the nation's fortune—while the country stands, the God-Sealing List remains. Unless struck down by the God-Beating Whip, they cannot be destroyed.
Their lifespans become infinite, sharing fate with their nation."
Upon hearing this, Baizhu's eyes flashed with heat—but he quickly calmed, closing his eyes and turning away from the list.
Endless lifespan was tempting, but… to be bound to national fortune was to share its demise.
More than that—once a true spirit was absorbed into the list, would such a god truly be free?
Perhaps those utterly selfless might accept it willingly, but Baizhu knew himself—he was not so lofty.
Now that he had embarked upon the path of cultivation, though arduous, each shred of power gained was his own bitterly earned.
That kind of strength was steady, reliable.
Besides, Baizhu did not believe he could not attain an even longer lifespan on his own.
Even now, his life expectancy already spanned over a thousand years—nearly a third of Liyue Harbor's age.
With his thoughts clarified, Baizhu sank into meditation, circulating his true essence.
His talent was inferior; he had to seize every chance to cultivate.
Even the newly inducted disciples of Mount Shu, though fresh to the sect, were each monstrously gifted. He was only slightly above the likes of Baizhu's trio and the Liyue Qixing.
If he slacked, he would be overtaken in a heartbeat.
And indeed—what Baizhu thought was the same doubt echoing in Lumine and the others' hearts.
The God-Sealing List was enticing. To be frank, were it not for cultivation, even Zhongli himself would have chosen godhood without hesitation.
He was willing to live and die with Liyue, to shoulder its fortune.
And if that were so—then a lifespan endless as the nation endured was free of wear or loss.
But now that he had the path of cultivation… why walk the road of sealed gods?
Yet still—Guizhong's enshrinement…
Zhongli furrowed his brows, deeply conflicted.
After long silence, Diluc suddenly turned, gaze uncertain, to Kaeya.
"Do you think… our father has the qualifications to be enshrined as a god?"
Kaeya answered without hesitation:
"Of course! The Ragnvindr family has protected Mondstadt for generations. Though Father lacked a Vision, he revitalized Mondstadt's commerce—his merit to the nation is undeniable.
Even more, when the demonic dragon threatened, Father did not hesitate to wield a Delusion at the cost of his life to shield Mondstadt…
In my view, if nothing else, he is worthy of being enshrined as a God of Wealth!"
Hearing this, Diluc nodded with satisfaction. For once, a faint smile appeared on his icy face.
From this moment, he had a new goal.
His eyes grew deep as he gazed at Jean, who was pondering the matter of godhood.
He had resolved.
Jean must wield Mondstadt's true authority—only then could the God-Sealing List enshrine his father as Mondstadt's guardian deity.
By that time, he would have avenged himself upon the Doctor. His father, too, could be summoned back to share Mondstadt's fate as its true god.
All would be well.
And moreover, his father would thereafter enjoy endless years, cultivating alongside him, watching as he and Kaeya ascended ever higher.
This life—this was the future Diluc yearned for.
His fists clenched tight, eyes burning with unquenchable flame.
None must block his way. Whoever did—would die.
Jean must become Mondstadt's ruler.
The God-Sealing List—must be his.
And only when Jean wielded it could Diluc entrust his father's spirit to the list, for Jean, wholly devoted to Mondstadt, would never abuse it.
So resolved, Diluc began scheming to amass contributions.
The Nine Nether Secret Realm—he would challenge it.
Even Tartaglia's offer of cooperation—perhaps it was worth serious consideration.
Nor was Diluc the only one thus stirred.
Beside him, the silent Yae Miko's eyes, had anyone seen them, would have betrayed their burning hope.
"Makoto… Kitsune Saiguu… Chiyo…
You can all be enshrined! As long as I seize the list, rouse that reclusive fool—
I'll have her enshrine you all! Then we can be together again, walking the immortal path side by side…"
"Makoto… wait for me. I'll see you enshrined!"
Miko clenched her fists, trembling faintly.
Since joining Mount Shu, at last she had seen a tangible way to restore her dearest companions.
Yet… the God-Sealing List was, after all, a top-grade spiritual treasure.
And such treasures—she could not afford.
"Perhaps…"
Her eyes lifted slightly, stealing a glance at Jiang Yan, who sat cross-legged, serene smile at his lips.
"I finally understand Ancestor Daji's intent… If it's the Master, that would be quite the bargain…"
Tighnari and Alhaitham exchanged glances, both thinking of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
But they, too, set the thought aside—for now.
Sumeru's situation was far too tangled; enshrinement was not something they could resolve at present.
Cloud Retainer, however, had received the very answer she had most yearned for.
Were it not for the solemnity of the sect's main hall, with Jiang Yan present, she might have leapt for joy.
Breathing deep to steady herself, she raised her head toward Zhongli.
"First Seat, I implore you—begin the enshrinement swiftly, summon back our old friends!
Their return is a blessing to us all, and to Liyue, a great boon besides.
As true gods, they will surely guard our land well."
Ningguang did not reject these impassioned words.
If she could, she would lend her support—even pour out every last contribution she possessed.
If Liyue's rear could be made secure, then they could cultivate in peace, free of worry.
Contribution points?
Gone today, earned tomorrow.
But against expectation—
After long silence, Zhongli hardened his heart.
"Guizhong and the others must not be enshrined."
Everyone was stunned.
"Why? First Seat! Surely Liyue's fortune would recognize them!"
Cloud Retainer looked anxiously at him, unable to understand—Zhongli, of all people, was the one who longed most for his old friends' return.
Why would he now speak with such finality?
Even Ningguang was puzzled.
"First Seat, Liyue was founded upon the adepti. The nation's fortune would surely embrace them as gods.
And if you fear their true spirits confined in the list—then let it be you who holds it.
So long as the enshrinement is complete, and our rear secure, we can all focus on the immortal path."
Cloud Retainer cast her a grateful glance—for the first time finding Ningguang pleasing to the eye.
Zhongli closed his eyes, feeling the weight of their confusion and the faint sorrow of the immortals.
At length, he spoke in a deep voice:
"In my judgment, Guizhong, Fushou, Bosacius—they all bore fine aptitude for cultivation.
Since that is so, why bind them to false godhood?
The list is mighty, yes—but as Master has said, once one's true spirit is drawn into it, there is no further progress.
I do not doubt they would willingly be bound to Liyue's fate, to live and die with it.
If it were me, I too would accept it gladly.
But now that we walk the path of immortality—what if we one day ascend as true immortals? Would it not part us from them once again?
Would they not envy us, as we climbed while they remained bound forever at their station?
I cannot, for the selfish desire of immediate reunion, condemn their futures to death upon the God-Sealing List.
In my eyes, they have the talent to cultivate. Why waste that, binding them to a path with no true immortal destiny?"
These words left them all silent.
Before, they had only heard Jiang Yan's promise—that the list could call back any fallen to be enshrined.
But they had ignored the truth.
Once enshrined, yes, lifespan endless, nation standing, god undying.
But—
Their true spirit was forever confined within the list.
At best, they would reach the mid-stage of Spirit Transformation into Divinity.
Now, such a realm was formidable. But later?
Cloud Retainer and the others had faith—in the least, they would each reach the peak of Spirit Transformation into Divinity.
Why else would Jiang Yan recruit them at Mount Shu's very rebirth?
By then, Guizhong and the others would still be the same as now. Wouldn't that be cruel?
Would it not be their own selfishness stripping their old friends of brighter futures?
If this were the original God-Sealing List, it might be another matter—those enshrined could at least become earth immortals, even heavenly or golden immortals.
But this was but a replica—unable to even reach the Returning-to-Void realm.
Such a fate did not match their true potential.
If they truly sealed them as gods now, would it not be to bury the futures they might have had?
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