Chapter 7: Gold Medal Worker Zhongli
The lamps of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor burned quietly through the night, casting warm light across polished wood and ancient relics.
Kael strolled through the hall, inspecting the decor with mild amusement. "So this is the famous Funeral Parlor? I must say, it's more elegant than I expected. Shame the director isn't here—I was looking forward to meeting that eccentric Hu Tao everyone talks about."
Zhongli, standing beside him, poured tea into a porcelain cup. "The director is attending matters at Wuwang Hill. You will no doubt meet her soon enough. Until then, I've arranged a room for you."
Kael nodded. "Appreciated. Though…"—he grinned mischievously—"I'll be needing Mora if I'm to blend in properly."
Zhongli's brow lifted slightly. "You wish for payment?"
"Payment," Kael corrected with a wink, "or profit. Either one will do."
From within his sleeve, he produced a small crystalline object that gleamed faintly in the candlelight.
Zhongli's eyes widened ever so slightly. "This is… an unawakened Vision."
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He took it carefully, feeling the dormant energy humming within. For most mortals, it would be a priceless artifact. For him, it was a reminder of divine irony.
"Many believe Visions are directly granted by the Archons," Zhongli murmured, his voice low. "But in truth, they are gifts of the Heavenly Principles. Even we Archons hold no sway over their distribution.
"Unawakened Visions like this are exceedingly rare. They are pure potential—fragments of destiny not yet claimed."
He handed it back gently. "If the Fatui caught wind that such an object could be sold, they would cause chaos across the continent."
Kael rolled the Vision across his knuckles idly. "Well, desperate times. I'm new here, broke, and I'd rather not rob anyone. Might as well sell it. So tell me, how much is it worth?"
Zhongli tapped his chin in thought. "Ningguang once acquired an unawakened Vision several years ago. I assisted her in examining it. Since it lacked resonance, she considered it a decorative artifact. The market value, however…"
He paused, calculating. "…should hover near one hundred million Mora."
Kael blinked. "That much?"
"Liyue places great value on potential," Zhongli said mildly. "And Ningguang values everything."
Kael laughed. "Then it's settled. Time to message our favorite businesswoman."
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He opened the Teyvat Chat Group, snapped a quick picture of the Vision, and typed with an irreverent grin:
> Kael: Hey, rich lady. Interested in this?
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Inside the Jade Chamber, Ningguang was mid-conversation with Keqing when her vision blurred and the message appeared.
"Rich lady?" she muttered, nearly choking on her tea.
Keqing raised an eyebrow. "Who dares call you that?"
Ningguang opened the image and froze. The unawakened Vision shimmered faintly, its clarity too perfect to be fake. Her amber eyes glinted with sudden curiosity.
> Ningguang: I'll take it. But where did it come from?
Kael: Picked it up on my travels. Don't worry—found it fair and square. I'd keep it, but I'm a little… financially challenged at the moment.
Ningguang: Five years ago, I purchased one for eighty million Mora. The market value has risen since then. A hundred million is fair.
Kael glanced up from the screen toward Zhongli. "You were dead on with the pricing. You sure you're not secretly a broker?"
Zhongli allowed himself a small smile. "Centuries of observation lend a certain… accuracy."
> Kael: Deal. When and where shall we trade?
Ningguang: Tomorrow at noon. Liuli Pavilion. Keqing and I will host a private banquet for you and Mr. Zhongli. We have questions regarding this chat group of yours.
Zhongli: Agreed.
Kael chuckled softly. "Looks like we've got ourselves an official invitation."
"Indeed," Zhongli said, setting down his cup. "It seems the Qixing are moving swiftly. I anticipated hesitation, but Ningguang and Keqing both act decisively."
"Efficient women," Kael replied with a grin. "I like them already."
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Morning at the Funeral Parlor
Dawn broke over Liyue, its first light filtering through the funeral parlor's carved windows. Kael stirred awake in his guest room, though sleep had been unnecessary.
He yawned anyway. "No matter how divine you are, pretending to be human's part of the fun."
When he stepped outside, the scent of tea greeted him. Zhongli sat beneath the maple tree, serene as ever, a steaming cup in hand.
Kael smirked. "Morning, Morax. Looks like you've already been up working. Again."
Zhongli's eyes glimmered faintly in the light. "The Chasm demanded attention. I spent the night purifying its corruption."
Kael's expression brightened. "You're serious? You actually went out and worked all night?"
"Of course," Zhongli replied smoothly. "Contracts must be honored. You required strength, and I required balance restored. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement."
Kael poured himself tea from the nearby pot and chuckled. "No wonder you're the gold medal worker of Liyue. At this rate, I'll have to start paying you overtime."
Zhongli gave him a sidelong glance. "That would be appreciated."
They shared a quiet laugh.
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Then Kael frowned, sensing something within. "Your purification last night… it strengthened me. Considerably."
Zhongli nodded. "As expected. Cleansing the Abyss purifies not only the land but the Principle that governs it. Our cooperation is functioning perfectly."
Kael looked out toward the horizon. "Good. Keep this pace up, and I might not even need another Gnosis."
He paused, thoughtful. "By the way, could you gather some of Liyue's martial arts manuals for me? I want to analyze and enhance them—create something mortals can use without Visions."
Zhongli's golden eyes glinted with quiet approval. "So be it. The archives of the Adepti and the Millelith hold what you seek. You are free to take what you need."
Kael smiled faintly, eyes brightening with purpose.
Soon, the banquet at Liuli Pavilion would begin.
The mortals of Liyue would meet the new Heavenly Principle.
And for the first time since the fall of Celestia—
Gods and humans would sit at the same table once more.
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✨ End of Chapter 7