As Jiang Bai led Aether and Paimon out of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Aether couldn't help but voice his confusion.
"Didn't you say earlier that Mr. Zhongli was probably the culprit? So why are you letting him handle the Geo Archon's Sending-off Ceremony?"
"Yeah, exactly!" Paimon chimed in, equally curious.
"That was just speculation on my part," Jiang Bai replied, spreading his hands helplessly. "I just thought he seemed suspicious—but I don't have any real evidence."
Speculation was, after all, mere guessing.
Now that Zhongli was about to become his master, Jiang Bai was effectively in league with him. Naturally, he couldn't keep sabotaging his own teacher.
Trying to save face for his earlier suspicions, Jiang Bai explained earnestly, "After thinking it over carefully these past few days, Childe from the Fatui seems even more suspicious. You know they're after the [Gnoses] of the Archons. They even attacked the Anemo Archon, so murdering the Geo Archon isn't beyond them."
Paimon blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected such a drastic shift in his suspicions.
"Previously, I was just warning you to be cautious around Mr. Zhongli. You two are far too kind and trusting of others. When traveling abroad, it's always better to be cautious—you never really know who's good or bad."
"Hmph!" Paimon crossed her arms, feeling slightly offended at being underestimated.
"In any case," Jiang Bai continued, "we can only confirm the truth behind Rex Lapis's death once the adepti arrive and examine his remains. If it was natural, there'll be no culprit at all. The adepti will also attend the Sending-off Ceremony, so if someone truly is responsible, they definitely won't let the culprit go unpunished."
"That makes sense!" Paimon nodded.
Chatting idly, they eventually arrived at Northland Bank.
"This is the Fatui's base of operations here in Liyue—a bank operated by the Fatui in Liyue Harbor, and currently the largest bank here. If you're short on Mora, you can borrow from them. Their interest is lower than other moneylenders in Liyue, but their debt collection methods are also far more ruthless."
Explaining casually, Jiang Bai led Aether and Paimon inside.
"Welcome to Northland Bank. Are you here to make a deposit or a loan?" greeted a receptionist.
Looking at the receptionist in a Fatui uniform and wearing a mask, Jiang Bai spoke directly, "We're here to see Childe."
The receptionist eyed them carefully, lingering on Aether, clearly aware of Childe's prior instructions.
"Very well. Please wait in the lounge; Lord Childe will see you shortly."
"The Fatui sure are flashy," Paimon whispered, looking around the bank filled with masked Fatui members.
"Well, they're known as the strongest military power in Teyvat," Jiang Bai shrugged.
Although he'd only recently arrived in Liyue, even he knew this common knowledge by now.
"My friends, you're finally back!" Childe entered from the lounge entrance with a broad smile.
"We completed your request—so, where's our payment?" Paimon wasted no time, immediately stretching out her tiny hand.
"So straightforward! I was hoping for a little chat first," Childe said playfully, yet still pulled out a bag of Mora.
Aether counted it swiftly, satisfied with the hundred thousand Mora inside.
All that mountain-climbing was worth it.
"Well, how did it go?" Childe asked.
"We met a bunch of adepti! The Conqueror of Demons, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer…" Paimon crossed her arms, willing to share a bit more freely now that payment was secured.
"Liyue certainly has many adepti," Childe sighed, somewhat intrigued. "Even Fatui intelligence lacks detailed information on these adepti names."
He paused before adding meaningfully, "In recent days, the Liyue Qixing's actions regarding the death of their Archon have been intriguing. Ningguang hid Rex Lapis's remains, publicly claiming it was due to uncertainty about the cause of death and to prevent possible sabotage. They've forbidden anyone from viewing the 'Exuvia.'"
"Exuvia?" Paimon tilted her head curiously.
"The Geo Archon is known as the God of Contracts and is also regarded as the ancestor of all adepti. 'Exuvia' is the respectful term the Qixing use for his physical remains."
"Ohhh," Paimon nodded in understanding.
Jiang Bai crossed his arms, eyeing Childe expressionlessly. "Are you implying that the Qixing might be behind the Archon's death?"
Childe shrugged innocently. "I didn't say that—I'm just questioning their behavior. It certainly seems suspicious, doesn't it?"
"From where I stand, the suspicious one is the guy from Snezhnaya who's overly interested in this whole affair," Jiang Bai remarked sarcastically.
"Yeah! Why are you so concerned about the Geo Archon's death anyway? You're not even from Liyue!" Paimon eyed him skeptically.
"Liyue and Snezhnaya have diplomatic relations. Such a significant event naturally draws my concern," Childe replied smoothly.
"Really? It feels like you have an ulterior motive," Paimon persisted doubtfully.
Childe didn't defend himself further. "Rex Lapis's soul may have ascended, but who knows what the Qixing might do to the Exuvia while claiming they're waiting for adepti to investigate?"
He wasn't particularly skilled at subtle manipulation, but redirecting suspicion was within his capabilities.
"Whether that's true or not, we'll know when the adepti arrive," Jiang Bai interjected. "We still need to prepare the Sending-off Ceremony, so we'll leave first. Farewell."
He wasn't interested in arguing any further with someone who clearly had hidden intentions.
Sending-off Ceremony… Childe's eyes flickered momentarily.
What a perfect chance to approach the Exuvia.
The Geo Archon's [Gnosis] might very well be hidden within the remains.
He waved casually, watching them leave. "If you need anything, feel free to ask. I'd be more than happy to assist in seeing off this mighty god."
"Sure, sure!" Jiang Bai responded perfunctorily.
---
At the Jade Chamber, Ningguang lifted her head from her desk upon receiving a report.
"Oh? They've returned already?"
She glanced toward the distant sky. "Then the adepti should be arriving soon as well."
After a thoughtful pause, Ningguang turned to Baishi, her secretary busy processing documents beside her.
"Has there been any unusual activity at the sealed domains?"
"Our scouts at Guyun Stone Forest spotted Fatui soldiers. We ordered them to leave, leading to a brief conflict. They withdrew visibly but remained in the area secretly."
Ningguang's eyes narrowed coldly. "Anywhere else?"
"No other incidents elsewhere yet, though Fatui soldiers have set up scattered encampments throughout Liyue's mountains. Should we expel them?"
"If they aren't nearing dangerous zones, leave them be for now."
"And The Chasm?" Ningguang questioned further.
"No unusual activity."
Stepping onto the veranda, Ningguang gazed into the distance toward Guyun Stone Forest, as though piercing through layers of stone to the terrifying god sealed below.
"I sincerely hope they're not seeking their own deaths."