Chapter 30 — Ningguang in Action
Ningguang's words hit Keqing like a thunderclap, leaving her momentarily stunned.
But the Yuheng Star quickly composed herself — her sharp mind already spinning with implications.
Until now, all of their plans had rested on a single assumption: Liyue held the advantage.
The introduction of internal cultivation, the cooperation of the Adepti, and Kael's mysterious system had all been exclusive to them.
But now…
Mondstadt had entered the picture.
Someone from that carefree nation had joined the group — Venti, though neither Keqing nor Ningguang yet knew his true identity.
All they knew was this: he was close to Zhongli, spoke with the authority of someone ancient, and clearly wasn't an ordinary man.
"Strange," Keqing murmured. "Mondstadt doesn't have adepti… at least, not officially."
And yet, whoever "Wendy" was, he carried himself like one — or perhaps something even higher.
If more from Mondstadt joined — the Knights of Favonius, or the Church of Favonius — the existence of the chat group would eventually become public knowledge.
Once that happened, even the simplest internal cultivation manuals would spread across Teyvat like wildfire.
Liyue's advantage… would vanish.
Keqing's chest tightened with unease.
To her, Liyue wasn't just her homeland — it was the future of civilization.
But now, it felt as though that future was slipping out of her grasp.
---
Strategic Response
Taking a deep breath, Keqing turned to Ningguang.
"So what do we do now? We can't control who joins the chat group."
She spoke carefully — avoiding Kael's name, though they both knew he was at the heart of all this.
Even if she suspected that he was directly managing the group, she couldn't openly ask him to stop others from joining.
That would cross a line she wasn't ready to step over.
Ningguang leaned back, the light from the Jade Chamber's lanterns reflecting in her crimson eyes.
"We accelerate," she said simply.
Keqing blinked. "Accelerate?"
"Yes," Ningguang replied, her tone firm. "Especially the promotion of internal cultivation. The Qianyan Army must begin their training immediately. We've already secured three votes among the Qixing with Uncle Tian's support.
The Tianquan star—myself—and you, the Yuheng, are aligned. That's three out of seven."
She tapped a manicured finger against the armrest, eyes sharp with calculation.
"If we offer the right business incentives, we might even sway the Yuheng's ally on the board. That would give us a majority."
Then her voice lowered, serious and cold.
"At the same time, we can't delay the removal of Tianxuan and Tianji any longer."
Keqing frowned. "You really plan to oust them?"
"Yes," Ningguang said without hesitation. "Their corruption runs deep. They've grown fat off the city's wealth while preaching loyalty to Liyue. If they remain in power, they'll drag us down sooner or later."
Her gaze sharpened.
"I plan to push Yelan into one of those seats."
---
The Web of Liyue's Politics
"Yelan?" Keqing tilted her head thoughtfully. "I can't deny she's qualified. Her network spans every shadow of Liyue Harbor. She's competent, resourceful, and discreet.
If she's willing, she could replace Tianji overnight."
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Exactly. Yelan's already done more for Liyue from the shadows than most Qixing ever have in daylight."
"But…" Keqing crossed her arms, her tone pragmatic. "Removing Tianxuan and Tianji won't be easy. If it were, we would've done it already. Their ties to the merchant guilds and the northern trade fleets run deep. Half of Liyue's bureaucrats owe them favors."
"That's why," Ningguang said, "we'll use their own greed against them."
She leaned forward, her fan snapping open with a crisp sound.
"If they attempt to obstruct the implementation of internal cultivation, we'll document every move — every bribe, every delay, every speech.
When the time comes, we'll expose them to the entire Qixing Council."
Her fan closed with finality.
"Once the people see where their loyalties lie, they'll have no choice but to step down."
Keqing sighed softly. "So… it's going to take time."
---
Reflections on Power
For a moment, silence fell between them.
Both women knew how hard this path would be.
The Qixing had once been formed to represent the will of the people — but now, some had turned it into a throne of gold.
In the past, Keqing had been idealistic.
She believed humans could govern themselves, that Liyue should rely on its people, not its gods.
She had even argued with Rex Lapis himself about it.
But now… she wasn't so sure.
Tianxuan and Tianji were living proof of human corruption.
Even with Zhongli's presence, they had manipulated policy for personal gain.
Without divine oversight, would Liyue truly thrive? Or would it rot from within?
I was too naive, Keqing realized.
And then there was Ganyu.
The half-qilin adeptus who served the Qixing diligently… yet rarely involved herself in politics.
Why did she remain silent while corruption festered beneath her nose?
Maybe, Keqing thought bitterly, the adepti had grown tired of human flaws.
---
Ningguang's Hidden Motive
"Keqing," Ningguang said suddenly, her tone softening as she rose from her seat.
"You need to step up."
"Huh?" Keqing blinked, startled. "Step up? In what sense?"
Ningguang smiled knowingly. "Not politically — personally."
That caught Keqing completely off guard. "What are you talking about?"
Ningguang's expression turned teasing, almost mischievous.
"Kael. You know exactly what I mean."
Keqing's heart skipped a beat. "W-what about him?"
"He's important to Liyue — and to us," Ningguang said. "But you've noticed, haven't you? He treats you differently."
Keqing's face heated instantly. "Differently? You mean—"
"Yes," Ningguang interrupted smoothly. "He likes you. Have you really not noticed?"
"L-likes me?!" Keqing stammered, her composure cracking for the first time.
"At the very least," Ningguang continued, "he's more interested in you than in me."
Her crimson lips curled into a faint smile. "And you don't dislike him either. Be honest — you enjoy spending time with him, don't you?"
Keqing turned away, her cheeks flushed.
She couldn't deny it.
Whenever she returned from long days of meetings or inspections, she found herself dining with Kael, laughing in quiet conversation, listening to his strange stories about other worlds.
He calmed her storms.
Even when she disagreed with him, she found comfort in his presence.
Do I… like him?
The thought made her heart race.
Ningguang chuckled softly. "Don't look so panicked. I'm not telling you to pursue him for political gain. I just want you to think carefully."
Her tone turned serious again. "Kael isn't a normal man. He's brilliant, mysterious, and incredibly powerful. Men like that attract attention — and rivals."
She stepped closer, placing a hand on Keqing's shoulder.
"I just hope you don't let the opportunity slip away."
Then, with a knowing smile, Ningguang raised her hand and lightly tapped Keqing's forehead.
"After all," she said, "in politics and love alike, hesitation costs the most."
---
Keqing stood frozen, face still warm, watching as Ningguang turned to leave.
For all her cunning, Ningguang's advice carried sincerity.
Keqing looked out over the glittering lights of Liyue Harbor below — the jewel of the Geo Archon's legacy, now resting in human hands.
Somewhere out there, Kael was shaping the world.
And she had to decide what role she wanted to play in it — as the Yuheng of the Qixing… or something more.
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End of Chapter 30 — Ningguang in Action