After that conversation, Zhongli thought deeply. The idea of returning power to the people lingered in his mind until one day, while walking through Liyue Harbor, he overheard a merchant say to his subordinate, "You've done your duty well. Now, go and rest."
Hearing this, Zhongli stopped in his tracks, crossed his arms, and gazed at the false sky above, lost in thought. After a long while, he whispered to himself, "Have I... fulfilled my duty?"
From that moment on, he was determined to return power to the people. As Yun Fan had said, Liyue was no longer a child. Now, he would give Liyue the "catalyst" it needed to grow up.
Zhongli explained all his considerations to Yun Fan, who nodded continuously to show he was listening. The Gnosis was in his hands, so what exactly had Zhongli traded with the Tsaritsa? Moreover, since La Signora hadn't come to Liyue, that meant Tartaglia was the only Fatui Harbinger in Liyue at the moment.
Hmph, what kind of trouble could a mere Tartaglia cause?
"This is the entirety of the plan. If the Qixing and the people of Liyue ultimately fail the test, I'll have to trouble you to step in and help," Zhongli said seriously to Yun Fan.
"Alright, since we had a prior agreement, I'll protect Liyue in times of crisis. Consider it me fulfilling our contract!" Yun Fan shook his head helplessly. It seemed Zhongli was determined to retire.
Whether the test succeeded or failed, from this point on, there would no longer be a Geo Archon in the world—only a mortal named Zhongli.
——————
Snezhnaya…
The palace of Snezhnaya was as peaceful as ever, but at this moment, the Tsaritsa, who usually sat on the throne, was nowhere to be seen. Only the icy throne remained.
Not long ago…
"Your Majesty, I have a question I'd like to ask..." Pantalone knelt on one knee, respectfully addressing the Tsaritsa.
The Fatui's intelligence network spanned the entire world. News of Rex Lapis's death had reached Snezhnaya as soon as it happened, thanks to their spies.
As a secret admirer of Rex Lapis, Pantalone's first reaction was, "I don't believe it!" In his eyes, the invincible Geo Archon couldn't possibly meet such an anticlimactic end. So, he came to the palace to seek an audience with the Tsaritsa, knowing that only a god could truly understand another god.
"Pantalone, I am aware of your concerns. You may leave now," the Tsaritsa's words were like a bucket of cold water poured over Pantalone. He looked up, about to say more, but the throne was already empty.
Pantalone: ???
Where's the Tsaritsa? Where did my big Tsaritsa go?
Where had the Tsaritsa gone? She had already set off for Liyue. Since Morax had "fallen," it meant their deal had begun. As one of the parties to the contract, she had the right to oversee its execution. This way, she could legitimately go to Liyue and seek out Yun Fan, the so-called "Divine Lord."
——————
Back at the entrance of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Lumine and Paimon were talking to the staff. They had rushed back as quickly as possible to save time.
"I'm sorry, Miss Lumine, but our Director is not at the funeral parlor right now. She left for Yujing Terrace a short while ago to handle matters related to the Rite of Parting," the staff member at the entrance said apologetically.
"Huh? What a coincidence," Paimon said with a sigh. It really was a small world.
Lumine nodded in agreement. She had wanted to say goodbye to Hu Tao before heading to Jueyun Karst, especially since she and Paimon were staying at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and Hu Tao was one of the few friends she had in Liyue.
"Why don't you two wait inside? Director Hu should be back soon."
"No, we have urgent matters to attend to. We just wanted to say goodbye," Paimon replied honestly.
"In that case, Consultant Zhongli is currently inside. Why don't you let him know, and he can pass on the message for you?" the staff member suggested.
"Zhongli? Isn't he usually never at the funeral parlor? Why is he back today?" Paimon tilted her head, confused.
"Well, Mr. Yun Fan, a distant relative of Consultant Zhongli, has arrived. Consultant Zhongli is currently hosting a welcome dinner for him."
"Yun Fan?! x2"
Paimon and Lumine exchanged glances and rushed into the funeral parlor. After a few turns, they reached the inner hall. The moment they opened the door, Yun Fan's silver hair was the first thing they saw.
"Huh?" The door suddenly opened, and Zhongli and Yun Fan, who were in the middle of a toast, both looked over. Seeing Lumine, Yun Fan was momentarily stunned, then broke into a charming smile.
"It's Lumine and Paimon! Long time no see. Did you miss me?"
"It really is Yun Fan!" Paimon flew over to Yun Fan's side, her voice filled with excitement.
"Long time no see," Lumine said, a rare sweet smile appearing on her face. Spending time with Yun Fan had made her smile more often.
"So much delicious food! Can Paimon join you?" Looking at the feast on the table, Paimon, who had just had lunch at the Jade Chamber, felt her stomach growl again. She was practically drooling.
"Paimon, we have important matters to attend to!" Lumine quickly reminded her. They still had to go to Jueyun Karst. There was no time for a feast.
"Oh, right, I forgot. Hehe," Paimon chuckled, scratching her cheek in embarrassment. Then, as if remembering something, she turned to Yun Fan and said, "By the way, Yun Fan, come with us! We need your help."
Hearing Paimon's words, Lumine also looked at Yun Fan with hopeful eyes.
"Uh, could you explain what you need me to do?" Although he already had a rough idea, Yun Fan asked formally.
"We need to..." Paimon quickly explained their mission to Yun Fan, then picked up a glass of juice and took a sip, waiting for his response.
After a moment, Yun Fan shook his head.
"I'm sorry, but I can't go to Jueyun Karst with you."