["Last time, we spoke of how the Geo Archon wandered the mountains alone and heard an unfathomably distant voice from a crevice in the earth."]
Turning the page reveals a new illustration: Zhongli clad in divine attire, standing atop a mountain peak, gazing at the distant ranges. Only his back is visible in the painting.
The difference in artistry was immediately apparent, and the people of Liyue carefully tore out the page to preserve it.
Pantalone frowned, then retrieved another copy of [No Mere Stone] from the side and ripped out its illustration as well.
[Zhongli: "Most ancient geo lifeforms dwelling beneath Liyue are blind, having never seen the light of day for millennia."]
[Iron Tongue Tian: "The voice was at times mournful as a song, at times terrifying as thunder."]
["After much searching, the Geo Archon finally discovered a peculiar stone deep within the bedrock."]
Another illustration followed: a frontal portrait of Zhongli in divine raiment, arms outstretched, bathed in radiant light that accentuated his divinity. In his arms lay a strange 'stone.'
[Zhongli: "Such was the case with the Azhdaha. I granted his wish and brought him to the surface."]
The next illustration depicted the Geo Archon floating barefoot in the air, chisel in hand, carving the 'stone' into the form of a dragon.
[Iron Tongue Tian: "Moved by the stone's sentience, the Geo Archon took up his tools and carved it into a dragon so exquisite it seemed alive."]
At this point, the people of Liyue grew puzzled—was Azhdaha's plump figure really sculpted by the Archon?
Not quite. Iron Tongue Tian's account contained artistic embellishments, while Zhongli's own words reflected the truth.
Iron Tongue Tian: Everything is subject to the Archon's will. I wouldn't dare claim to understand the Geo Archon better than anyone.
[Zhongli: "I gave him eyes to see the world and established three covenants with him."]
[Iron Tongue Tian: "Then, with a touch of his finger, he painted the dragon's eyes. In that instant, lightning split the heavens, and a true dragon was born!"]
Another illustration showed Zhongli extending his arm forward, with Azhdaha following closely behind him.
[Zhongli: "I permitted him to coexist with the people aboveground, but should he ever disrupt the order, he would be sealed back into darkness."]
[Iron Tongue Tian: "From then on, the dragon often accompanied the Geo Archon, aiding him in battles far and wide."]
["As the verse goes: 'The clash of stone and metal scattered dust, parting mountains and bending rivers.'"]
["'The dragon, brought to life with a stroke, lingered and drew forth the rain and dew.'"]
The final illustration depicted Zhongli and Azhdaha standing together on a mountain, watching the sunrise. Zhongli rested a hand on Azhdaha's pillar-like arm.
This segment recounted part of Zhongli and Azhdaha's shared history, leaving readers deeply moved.
The Archon and the Dragon King first met in The Chasm, and it was also there that they ultimately parted ways.
Zhongli's words proved prophetic—Azhdaha broke the 'order' and was once again sealed away in darkness.
At the story's conclusion, Zhongli spoke with the Traveler.
He reflected on his battle with Azhdaha, noting that his victory was not due to superior strength, but because Azhdaha, clinging to a shred of reason, willingly allowed himself to be sealed.
[The Traveler asked: "Have you also been affected by 'erosion'?"]
[Zhongli replied: "I am not exempt. But I understand something most do not: when the time comes to depart, one must depart."]
Venti, too, understood this principle. After fostering the right environment for Mondstadt, he chose to leave.
Ei grasped only half of it—she 'left' at a time when she shouldn't have.
["Sealing away an old friend myself is also part of the 'erosion' I have endured."]
Guizhong and Xiao read the Archon's words in silence. Her death, and those of the Yakshas, were also part of Zhongli's 'erosion.'
Hu Tao grew somber as well. Would she, too, one day become the Consultant's 'erosion'?
Glancing at Lucian, she thought: At least let me die after him. I don't want to see him cry.
[Zhongli continued: "But I am the God of Contracts. No matter how my identity changes, these eyes will continue to witness the history of humanity."]
The people of Liyue were deeply moved. This was their god.
Fortunately, they had not disappointed him. After his retirement, they upheld Liyue in his stead.
At the Third-Round Knockout, the crowd raised their glasses in a toast—not directly to Zhongli, but in his general direction.
They wished to honor him but hesitated to intrude, hence the symbolic gesture.
Zhongli noticed but made no remark.
The people's gratitude was not born solely from Lucian's writings. Such reactions were only natural after his identity was revealed.
What weighed heavier on Zhongli was the book's content. In the future, he would seal away his old friend once more—a fate he had long anticipated.
In the final segment, the Traveler asked Zhongli about her sibling.
Having met Dainsleif, she had gained new information—and new doubts—about Khaenri'ah.
[Zhongli: "...I cannot speak of it."]
["My apologies. This is my contract."]
["This contract predates all things. As its keeper, I must remain silent."]
This contract referred to Zhongli's 'employment agreement' with the Heavenly Principles, forbidding him from disclosing such information.
Rather than resolving readers' questions, this only added another: With whom—and what—had the Geo Archon made this contract?
[Zhongli changed the subject: "This land holds many pasts, many secrets..."]
["They have endured too long, forgotten or discarded by time."]
["But if anyone could uncover them, it would be you."]
["Witnesses come to bear witness. Those who remember exist to remember."]
[Historia Antiqua Chapter - Act II: No Mere Stone - End]
At the chapter's conclusion, Lucian included additional remarks from Zhongli.
This segment revealed that the stone tablet beneath the great tree was erected by Mountain Shaper (the second crane adeptus).
Labeling Azhdaha as a 'malevolent dragon' was meant to warn future generations to steer clear of the seal.
"Thereafter, Zhongli fell silent, gazing quietly at the stone tablet."
Originally, the Traveler was the sole witness and rememberer. But with Lucian's intervention, the entire world had become the rememberer.
By now, reading Lucian's works had become a global habit, his stories etched into collective memory.
Letting more people learn the truth—whether it moved or angered them—this was the power of 'memory.'
The only concern was if Lucian ever wrote of the era before the 'Age of Eternity,' such as Before Sun and Moon—that would likely blow Teyvat sky-high, turning memory into oblivion.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice - Azhdaha: On [Historia Antiqua Chapter - Act II]
"The records of the Outlander—carved with 'memory' more enduring than ore—are truly remarkable."
-----
Two new New stories are out