Chapter 14: Ganyu – Xiao Is More Social Than Me!
Ningguang's expression tightened as Keqing finished her proposal.
Her mind processed the implications with rapid precision—Guili Plains, reclamation, purification, the revival of a forgotten age.
She frowned, but only slightly. "You're certain this is wise?"
Keqing met her gaze with unwavering confidence. "If we hesitate, we'll stagnate. Liyue's prosperity was built on courage, not caution. I believe Morax knows about the chat group already. If he wanted to stop us, he would have done so."
Ningguang exhaled softly, closing her fan. "Perhaps you're right."
If Rex Lapis had chosen silence, it meant permission.
And if that was the case… there was no longer a need for doubt.
Anyone who opposed Liyue's progress—be they ally, friend, or family—would be an obstacle to overcome.
---
The Path Forward
"Starting tomorrow," Keqing declared, "I'll go into the wilderness to clear monsters and earn points. Once I'm strong enough, I'll begin purifying the resentment in Guili Plains.
"While I'm away, Liyue Harbor will be under your care. Try to win over Master Tian—he's pragmatic. If we show results, he'll support us.
"When the land is ready, we'll start reconstruction. We'll restore Guili Plains, step by step."
Ningguang smiled faintly. "You make it sound so simple."
Keqing's eyes gleamed. "Because it will be. With determination, and with the right allies."
Just as Ningguang was about to respond, a crisp notification echoed through their minds:
> [Ding! Congratulations—Ganyu has joined the chat group!]
For a moment, silence filled the Jade Chamber.
Then both women looked at each other, identical smiles forming.
"So," Ningguang said softly, "it seems our assumptions were correct. Morax truly is watching."
"With Ganyu here," Keqing replied, "things just got a lot easier."
If Ganyu had joined, it meant that the Archon's will was behind this. The Qixing's secretary wasn't merely a civil servant—she was Rex Lapis's eyes and ears in Liyue's governance.
Now that she was involved, their reform plans had divine approval.
---
Meanwhile, at Kael's Residence…
A soft knock came at the door.
"Come in," Zhongli's calm voice said.
Ganyu stepped inside—graceful, yet visibly flustered.
The half-qilin adeptus bowed deeply, her long blue hair swaying like water. "Lord Zhongli… you summoned me?"
Kael turned slightly from where he sat, sipping tea. The afternoon light glowed faintly on his white coat, outlining him like a figure from an ancient painting.
Ganyu blinked. So this is the 'consultant' Tianquan hired… He doesn't look ordinary at all.
Still, her mind buzzed with disbelief.
Zhongli. Morax.
She'd suspected it for centuries but never dared confirm it. Yet here he was, sitting casually with his teacup, as if millennia of worship meant nothing.
The mighty Geo Archon who once forged mountains… now sharing tea with mortals.
And occasionally forgetting his wallet.
Truly, he works in mysterious ways.
---
"This is Kael," Zhongli said evenly, placing his cup down. "A friend from another world—and the creator of the chat group."
Ganyu's eyes widened. "The creator?"
Zhongli nodded. "This group may hold the key to Liyue's next era. It has already guided Keqing and Ningguang toward progress. From now on, I want you to assist them discreetly. Support their plans from the shadows."
"Change?" Ganyu echoed softly, her mind racing.
Zhongli's gaze turned serious. "Liyue has stood for 3,700 years. Though it shines brightly on the surface, beneath it lies decay—bureaucracy, complacency, and greed.
"I could fix these flaws with a single decree… but then I'd only delay the inevitable. Liyue must learn to evolve without me."
Ganyu hesitated. "So this is why you stepped down…"
Zhongli inclined his head slightly. "Yes. It is time for mortals to shape their own future. But they will need your help—quietly, without revealing my will."
The qilin adeptus lowered her gaze. "Understood, Lord Zhongli. I will follow your guidance."
Her heart ached faintly. Liyue had always been her purpose—her eternal duty. If her Archon willed it, then even the heavens would not sway her.
Still, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity as she glanced at Kael.
A friend from another world? The creator of something powerful enough to rival the gods themselves?
And so… human.
His smile was calm, but his presence carried weight. Even his silence had pressure, like standing before the sea.
So this is the one who made it possible for us to purify divine resentment…
---
"Should I begin purifying as well?" Ganyu asked carefully. "If it will help restore the Chasm or the lands tainted by resentment, I'm willing."
Zhongli gave a slow nod. "Do so at your own pace. Even for one such as you, the process will be draining. But your assistance would be invaluable."
Kael leaned back with a faint grin. "With your help, we might even clear the Chasm faster than expected."
Ganyu blinked at him, flustered. "I–I'll try my best."
Then she added timidly, "Actually, I think this task suits Xiao better. He's… far more accustomed to dealing with corrupted energy."
Zhongli's expression grew oddly amused. "About that… Xiao has already joined the chat group."
"Huh?"
"He's been using the alias 'I Am a Little Bird.'"
"…What?"
For a moment, Ganyu froze completely—eyes wide, face blank.
Then, the image hit her full force.
Xiao, the vigilant Yaksha…
The stoic, prideful Adeptus who barely tolerated mortals…
Introducing himself to a group of strangers as 'I Am a Little Bird.'
"Σ(っД;)っ L-Lord Zhongli! You can't be serious! Xiao actually named himself that?!"
Kael coughed to hide his laughter, failing miserably. "It's true. He seemed rather proud of it, too."
Zhongli sipped his tea, clearly enjoying himself. "He insisted upon it. Said it 'sounded poetic.'"
Ganyu covered her face, her horns glowing faintly pink with embarrassment. "H-he's more social than me now! How did this even happen?! He never even answers my messages!"
Kael leaned closer, grinning. "Maybe he's secretly enjoying the group chat more than you think."
Ganyu groaned, half mortified, half amused. "No… this is worse than the time Cloud Retainer tried to make him sing karaoke."
Even Zhongli allowed a faint chuckle to escape. "It seems even the Conqueror of Demons has finally begun… to adapt."
---
Ganyu exhaled deeply, finally calming down.
"Alright," she said, straightening her back. "If this is Lord Zhongli's will—and if this chat group can truly make Liyue stronger—then I'll do my part."
Kael smiled softly. "That's good to hear. I have a feeling your calm heart will make you stronger than you think."
Her cheeks flushed slightly at his words. "Th-thank you. I'll do my best, Mr. Kael."
And as she glanced out toward the horizon, the faint glow of the evening sun bathed the harbor below in gold.
Somewhere out there, Keqing and Ningguang were already taking the first steps toward rebuilding Liyue's lost heart.
And now, another star had joined their constellation.
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✨ End of Chapter 14