Clang—clang—
The sound of weapons clashing echoed across the open field.
Noelle had activated Breastplate, Geo energy forming a transparent shield around her. The greatsword of Favonius in her hands whirled with vigor.
Koji, serving as her sparring partner, had not drawn Divine Sword: Dawn. This was Noelle's request.
[Blessing of Swordsmanship: Master-level swordsmanship.]
This wasn't a duel to the death. Just a practice match to feed her some moves.
"Noelle-chan is really impressive. For a mortal to wield Geo power to this extent—she's among the best," Guizhong said with interest.
"Koji once teased that Noelle was the 'Geo Princess,'" Lumine remarked playfully.
"Huh?"
Guizhong looked at Zhongli. His expression was equally bewildered.
"Strong Geo power, great strength, and her massive Geo claymore stretching meters long," Lumine continued with a straight face.
"Pfft, hahaha! Zhongli, maybe you should hand over the Geo Archon's seat to Noelle?" Guizhong laughed.
"Guizhong, that isn't funny."
Zhongli sighed helplessly. Godhood wasn't a throne to be abdicated like some monarch's seat.
"Zhongli, they say the Geo Archon manifests in countless forms to walk the world. Have you ever become a woman?" Koji asked loudly while still sparring.
Noelle paused to wipe sweat. She too was curious about such gossip.
Guizhong's eyes widened at Zhongli.
Gods could choose their gender, but usually fixed one. Osial, for instance, was male—he had a wife.
But she never imagined Zhongli would play so wildly in the years after her death.
This wasn't mere rumor. Perhaps Morax had been too bored and took to such disguises.
"…"
Zhongli didn't know how to answer. But it was true. He had, in fact, wandered the mortal world once as a tall and elegant woman.
"Oh my, Zhongli—why not transform now? I want to see the 'Geo Princess,'" Guizhong said eagerly, eyes burning.
Zhongli was handsome enough already, but as a woman? Even more irresistible.
He felt sweat bead. He had maintained this form for so many years. Becoming the "Geo Princess" again? Impossible.
Cloud Retainer also hadn't expected such juicy gossip.
They adepti had stayed in seclusion too long. The thought of a female Geo Archon… truly intriguing.
"By the way, where has Venti been these days?" Koji asked.
"I sealed him. He'll be out in a few days," Zhongli said flatly.
Venti's laughter had been unbearable. Guizhong's theatrics he could tolerate. But that drunkard? No.
"Hahaha! Now that's living." Koji felt no pity.
Eula pretended not to hear. Her Archon likely had done it on purpose.
Behind Mt. Tianheng, three stone ridges encircled Venti. A golden barrier sealed all exits.
"Old man didn't even leave me some wine…"
Venti lay lazily on the ground. He could easily escape, of course, but then Zhongli would just beat him down again.
Forget it. A few days of rest would do.
"Zhongli, how much do you know about Snezhnaya?"
"Snezhnaya… not too much. But in terms of technology, they rank first among the seven nations," Zhongli answered.
Cloud Retainer did not refute it. Their rapid growth was undeniable.
"Zhongli, is Liyue truly inferior to Snezhnaya?" Guizhong asked.
Cloud Retainer explained first: "During the Archon War, Liyue surpassed them. But now…"
She left it unsaid. In weapons and equipment, Snezhnaya had surpassed Liyue. With Visions scarce, strong arms were decisive.
"The Fatui developed Delusions from scraps of fallen gods. Though the side effects are heavy, in war they are critical," Madame Ping added.
"Liyue's development has been slow. Without Morax and you adepti, its peak strength can't compare to Snezhnaya," Koji said bluntly.
The Fatui's top three Harbingers wielded godlike might. Not quite Zhongli's level, but far above ordinary Vision bearers.
As for Natlan, its draconic technology was incomplete.
The "game" never showed it, but compared to Fontaine, Mondstadt and Liyue's tech resembled ancient times.
"You are correct," Zhongli admitted. He knew the Tsaritsa's goal was Celestia. She sought all power possible.
"Their Delusions burn life force for elemental might, rivaling Visions in output."
"Then I'll strengthen Liyue myself," Guizhong declared with fighting spirit.
"And then sweep the Six Directions?" Koji joked.
"Exactly, I want to see Teyvat unified!" Lumine chimed.
"Koji, if we joined forces, we could unify the continent."
Like Qin Shihuang who swept the Six Kingdoms—now Teyvat could be unified.
Zhongli pressed his temples, black lines across his face. How had the topic jumped to world conquest?
The seven nations were stable. A war of unification would mean rivers of blood.
And Celestia, quiet for so long, would notice.
No one wanted another Skyfrost Nail dropped on their land.
Dragonspine had once been a mighty nation. One Nail annihilated it.
So no.
Guizhong, why were you joining in?
Zhongli sighed and ignored them, focusing on clearing dust.
Still, he listened.
Good grief. They even thought up a strategy. They really want Teyvat unified.
First strike Sumeru. The Dendro Archon was weakest, and their neighbor.
He had heard whispers of her, though little concrete. A second-generation god, five hundred years was too short to rival the ancients.
Hiss… They weren't just babbling. It almost made sense. But no.
After centuries of peace, war would bring immense casualties.
The Seven Archons still maintained cordial ties. None would rush to war.
…Though a lightning raid on Mondstadt might be feasible.
Venti: Achoo!!
(End of Chapter)
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