Ningguang initially suspected Zhongli more, as his demeanor and behavior seemed closer to that of the Rex Lapis.
But now, due to today's experiences and Yelan's report, she began to suspect Lucian more.
This guy, Lucian, appeared unremarkable on the surface but was actually quite adept at using his mind. Not only were his abilities extraordinary, but his connections were also impeccable.
—Hu Tao, the current director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, was on good terms with Lucian.
He even had an adeptus (Shenhe) following him as a bodyguard.
During the Rite of Descension, he was chatting and laughing with the Hydro Archon and the Anemo Archon.
When the Traveler was asked about him, they would stammer, unable to say this or that.
If you claimed to be an ordinary person, Ningguang wouldn't believe it at all.
This was all due to an information gap. Ganyu hadn't told Ningguang that Lucian had become Cloud Retainer's disciple because it was an adeptus' private matter and didn't need to be mentioned to everyone.
Moreover, compared to the title of "adeptus disciple," Lucian's reputation as the "Prophet" was far more prominent.
So when Ganyu communicated with the Qixing, she referred to him as "Prophet·Lucian" rather than "my junior brother·Lucian."
If Ningguang had known Lucian was Cloud Retainer's disciple, she wouldn't have suspected him anymore—since when would Rex Lapis bow to an adeptus as his master?
After listening to Ningguang's analysis, Lucian finally understood her meaning.
So, she knew Rex Lapis wasn't dead and suspected that either he or Zhongli was Rex Lapis? And what's more, she suspected him more?
Those Treasure Hoarders got the answer right despite messing up the entire process, but you got the process right and still picked the wrong answer between two options!?
Originally, he thought he had blown the old man's cover and even apologized to him.
But now, he'd become the one covering for him? Zhongli, how are you going to repay me for this apology!?
Besides, suspecting Zhongli was one thing—he clearly looked like an old man, appearing ancient despite his young age.
But him? He was so lively—how could he possibly seem like an old man? At most, a middle-aged man!
Suddenly, Venti's image flashed through Lucian's mind, reminding him that not all old men looked like old men.
"Regarding your analysis of Zhongli, I think it's quite accurate. But your analysis of me is a bit unnecessary," Lucian hinted.
Unfortunately, Ningguang was now even more convinced that Lucian was Rex Lapis.
To her, this seemed like Rex Lapis trying to hide his identity by pushing the blame onto the adeptus around him.
However, Ningguang was, after all, an intelligent woman. She would never give a definitive answer without absolute certainty.
So she still suspected Zhongli, though she now weighed Lucian's possibility more heavily.
"Then, according to Mr. Lucian's opinion, what exactly is Rex Lapis' plan?" Ningguang asked, treating Lucian as if he weren't Rex Lapis.
"Well, the plan is simply that he wants to retire and return power to the people."
"But before doing so, he needs to test Liyue's ability to withstand risks."
"To see whether Liyue can handle dangers without Rex Lapis," Lucian explained.
The Rite of Descension was over, and Lucian and Zhongli's "contract" was partially fulfilled, allowing for some spoilers.
Ningguang stared at Lucian: Lucian, how dare you say you're not Rex Lapis!
"How will this test be conducted?" Ningguang asked.
"By observing how the people and the adepti react after Rex Lapis' death," Lucian replied.
"Then, by releasing Osial to see if Liyue's people and the adepti can resist the attack of an ancient god."
Ningguang was shocked. Was Rex Lapis' plan too reckless?
Directly releasing a sealed ancient god? What if Liyue couldn't withstand it?
Actually, this was Ningguang overthinking things. Not only would she go all out to protect Liyue, but even if they truly couldn't hold out, Zhongli would step in. Osial wouldn't even get close to Liyue.
Throughout the entire incident, Liyue suffered no casualties—all the losses were on the Fatui's side.
The Harbinger got beaten up, and their underlings got beaten up too.
If Liyue repelled Osial, Zhongli's contract would be fulfilled, and he could retire successfully.
If Liyue failed to repel Osial, Zhongli would probably have to keep working.
This would be a headache for the Tsaritsa—how could she obtain the Geo Archon's Gnosis without a contract?
Would she really have to fight him? Her, against the Geo Archon?
"So this is Rex Lapis' plan..." Ningguang murmured softly, already considering how to deal with Osial.
"...Mr. Lucian, what do you think of the Qixing and the adepti's performance so far?" Ningguang asked.
Lucian didn't overthink it, assuming Ningguang was genuinely asking for his opinion.
After some thought, he said, "Pretty good. In my eyes, as long as there's no infighting, it's a pass."
Indeed, this time, the adepti and the Qixing not only avoided infighting but also established cooperation in advance.
Ningguang sighed in relief and continued, "Then do you think we and the adepti can repel Osial?"
"Of course," Lucian nodded. There was the Jade Chamber, after all.
He'd read the script—they won. The power of "Heavenly Dome's Descent" was still formidable.
However, Lucian considered that the Jade Chamber was quite important to Ningguang. If possible, it'd be best if she didn't have to use "Heavenly Dome's Descent."
Ningguang relaxed. "Is that so? Then we must live up to Mr. Lucian's expectations."
Lucian was baffled. Live up to his expectations?
Shouldn't it be Zhongli's expectations? He'd read the script—he had no particular expectations.
Did she still think he was Rex Lapis? He'd hinted hard enough.
If not for his agreement with Zhongli to keep his identity secret until the plan was complete, he would've outright said it.
"Mr. Lucian, regarding you—I mean, regarding Rex Lapis' plan, how should we cooperate?" Ningguang asked.
"How to cooperate? Let me think..."
Lucian recalled Zhongli's plan—they still needed to use Childe to release Osial.
"Give the Fatui some freedom, place the Exuvia in the Golden House, and then leak this information to Childe," Lucian said.
Zhongli, give me back the "I'm sorry" I said last time.
I've been way too good to you! Damn it, I apologized too early!
Ningguang immediately recalled Childe's story, which mentioned him being injured in the Golden House.
Connecting this to Rex Lapis' plan and the Fatui's factory, she understood.
So the Fatui really were researching the Sigils of Permission—likely to break Osial's seal.
Rex Lapis had discovered this in advance and deliberately chose the Golden House as the location, as fighting there wouldn't affect Liyue's citizens.
Ningguang pondered: the Fatui's goal was probably the Gnosis.
By leaking the Exuvia's location to them, they'd assume the Gnosis was inside.
Once Childe arrived at the Golden House, he'd realize there was no Gnosis and suspect either that Rex Lapis wasn't dead or that the Qixing had taken it first.
This would force Childe to use his last resort—releasing Osial to pressure Rex Lapis into appearing or to crush the Qixing and seize the Gnosis.
From this perspective, this Harbinger, Childe, had been dancing in the palm of Rex Lapis' hand all along... As expected of the Geo Archon.
"I understand. Leave the rest of the plan to me," Ningguang said with a smile.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice·Ningguang: About Lucian·Misunderstanding
"Sigh, I really thought he was Rex Lapis back then. It was a rare misjudgment on my part.
But with his overwhelming abilities and mysterious nature, it's no wonder. If only someone like him could work for me..."