Chapter 8: Keqing and Ningguang's Proposal
The noon sun bathed Liyue Harbor in golden light, its reflection glittering across the clear blue sea. From the balcony of Liuli Pavilion, one could see the entire city laid out like a tapestry of trade and stone.
Inside a private room adorned with silk curtains and intricate jade carvings, Ningguang and Keqing sat across from each other, their conversation hushed but sharp.
When footsteps echoed outside, both women turned toward the door.
The waiter opened it respectfully.
"Lady Ningguang, Lady Keqing—your guests have arrived."
Kael entered first, dressed in a sleek black robe that caught the light with faint, celestial sheen. Beside him, Zhongli followed with his usual poise, hands clasped behind his back.
"Mr. Zhongli, Mr. Kael—welcome," Ningguang greeted with a graceful nod.
Zhongli inclined his head politely. "We appreciate your invitation. It has been some time since I've dined at Liuli Pavilion."
Kael's gaze flicked briefly toward Keqing. Her sharp violet eyes met his with cool assessment. She didn't bow, didn't smile—just watched, as though dissecting every detail about him.
He couldn't help but smile inwardly.
Sharp, suspicious, and beautiful. A dangerous combination.
"This is our first meeting," Kael said, his tone light. "I look forward to working with the esteemed Tianquan and Yuheng of Liyue."
Without ceremony, he set a small crystalline object on the table.
An unawakened Vision.
Ningguang's eyes gleamed faintly as she picked it up, her delicate fingers turning it beneath the light. "It's genuine. An unawakened Vision—an item rarer than gold. However…" she said smoothly, "one hundred million Mora is no small amount. I suggest we finalize through the Liyue Bank."
Kael leaned back casually. "That's fine by me. Mora isn't urgent. Though, if possible…" His gaze shifted to the cityscape beyond the balcony. "I'd prefer a residence instead. A home in Liyue, equal in value."
Ningguang exchanged a knowing look with Keqing. "I see. Unfortunately, since the construction of the Jade Chamber, prime properties are scarce. But," she added, her lips curving, "our Yuheng happens to have experience in such matters."
Keqing blinked, then sighed softly. "A property near my home was recently put up for sale. Fully furnished, excellent location near Yujing Terrace. The owner ran into financial trouble—it's priced at around ninety million Mora."
Kael's lips twitched slightly.
Next door to the Yuheng herself, huh? Quite the coincidence.
"Perfect," he said smoothly. "Though I'd like to inspect it first, of course."
Keqing's eyes narrowed just a fraction, as if trying to read his intentions. "Naturally. I'll take you there after lunch."
Ningguang, amused by the unspoken tension, interjected lightly. "Then it's settled. I'll handle the Mora transfer afterward."
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The Banquet of Liyue
At Ningguang's signal, a team of waiters entered silently, carrying silver trays lined with fragrant dishes. Steam rose in elegant spirals from plates of Matsutake Meat Rolls, Golden Shrimp Balls, and Jueyun Chili Chicken.
"This," Ningguang said with a smile, "is the pride of Liuli Pavilion. Liyue cuisine is divided into Li and Yue styles. Li specializes in mountain delicacies—Yue, in seafood. Together, they embody the harmony of our land."
Kael picked up his chopsticks and took a bite of the meat rolls. His eyes widened slightly. "This is… divine."
Even Zhongli's stoic composure cracked into a faint smile.
"To receive praise from someone who has seen other worlds is no small compliment," he said softly.
Ningguang's gaze sharpened at those words.
"Other worlds?" she repeated internally. The phrase lingered in her thoughts, heavy with implication.
She smiled gracefully. "I'm glad our cuisine meets your standards, Mr. Kael."
Kael set down his chopsticks. "Please—just Kael. We're all members of the same group now. Titles feel unnecessary."
"Then you may call me Ningguang," she replied smoothly. "And perhaps, Kael, you can satisfy my curiosity—how much do you and Mr. Zhongli truly understand about this chat group?"
---
Zhongli took a measured sip of tea before answering.
"It bears resemblance to the Akasha System of Sumeru," he began. "Its knowledge-sharing function mimics their canned wisdom. However, this chat group transcends mortal design—it possesses purification power capable of cleansing Abyssal corruption."
His voice deepened. "That alone makes it unlike anything in Teyvat. Even the Archons cannot replicate it."
Ningguang's fan tapped gently against her chin as she pondered his words.
But before she could speak, Keqing interjected sharply. "And yet, that's exactly what worries me. What is the true purpose of this power?"
Her violet eyes locked on Kael. "If it's strong enough to tempt even Archons, why give it freely to us? What does its creator stand to gain?"
Kael barely stopped himself from smirking.
Ah, if only you knew…
Outwardly, he only chuckled. "I heard Rex Lapis is the wisest among the Seven. Why not ask for his counsel?"
The faintest glimmer of amusement flickered in Zhongli's golden eyes, but he said nothing.
Ningguang sighed softly. "We tried. But the Geo Archon remains silent. The Adepti, too, only told us to judge with our own hearts."
She paused, tracing the rim of her teacup. "They also acknowledged the potential of these Internal Arts. Some even believe it could become a path fit for mortals—an alternative to divine blessing."
Kael leaned forward, voice calm but edged with curiosity. "Then it seems this is both a gift and a test."
"Precisely," Ningguang said. "Keqing and I have decided to begin a small-scale trial. A few trusted members of the Millelith will learn the technique first. If results prove stable, we'll propose expanding it further."
Zhongli's expression was thoughtful. "That is a wise approach."
"However," Ningguang continued, "without the Geo Archon's direct approval, there will be resistance—from within the Qixing, the trade guilds, perhaps even the Adepti themselves."
Kael nodded. "That's politics. The heavier the coin, the more hands try to hold it."
Ningguang chuckled softly. "Well said. You speak like someone who's lived many lives."
"Maybe I have," Kael replied with a grin. "Or maybe I just learn fast."
---
As the meal continued, laughter mingled with discussion. Yet beneath the polite smiles, each of them measured the others carefully.
For Ningguang and Keqing, Kael was an enigma—an outsider who wielded a god's power but spoke with human pragmatism.
For Zhongli, the meeting was a quiet success. Liyue's mortal leaders had begun to adapt—to think, to plan, to lead.
And for Kael, this was merely the opening move.
He had sown the seeds.
Now he would watch how they grew.
---
When the meal concluded, Ningguang rose gracefully. "Then it's decided. Keqing will guide you to the property. We shall meet again soon, Kael—perhaps under clearer skies."
Kael smiled faintly. "I'll hold you to that, Lady Ningguang."
As Zhongli and Kael departed, Ningguang turned toward the balcony, her fan half-open before her lips.
"Yuheng," she said softly, "what's your impression of him?"
Keqing's gaze followed their retreating figures. "He's dangerous. But not malicious."
"Then he's the kind we must understand quickly," Ningguang murmured.
Below them, the harbor glimmered in the afternoon sun—bright, golden, and fragile.
The wind carried the faint sound of bells from the harbor.
Change had already begun to stir in Liyue.
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✨ End of Chapter 8