For all the countless legends whispered across Teyvat, only a scant few had ever truly beheld the Sect Master of Mount Shu. Today, for the very first time, he appeared before all.
The artists who had so boldly sketched portraits of other cultivators earlier froze as Jiang Yan revealed himself. Their brushes faltered, and one by one, they lowered them.
No command had been given, yet none dared to record his likeness.
To capture such a transcendent existence—one who towered above the very world—felt like sacrilege.
All they could do was sneak glances from the corners of their eyes while he teased Klee, committing every detail to memory.
With his aura completely restrained, Jiang Yan looked no more than a refined young lord: elegant, handsome, exuding noble grace. And yet, there was a dreamlike unreality about him, as if his form were but a reflection upon still waters.
He sat here—and yet seemed already beyond this world.
Not because he willed it so, but because this world could not contain him.
The Cryo Archon and others gradually sensed his mild temperament, and so their secretive peeking gave way to unabashed stares.
Every concern, every burden they bore… this man could dissolve with but a single word.
They did not even need him to act. They could feel it clearly—Teyvat itself bent over backwards to please him.
Here, within this world, there was no problem his word could not resolve.
"Fourth-grade spirit pills, huh…"
A wistful murmur escaped Tartaglia as his gaze drifted toward Klee.
"They're that valuable?" the Cryo Archon whispered.
Tartaglia nodded without hesitation.
"'Valuable' doesn't even begin to cover it.
"A fourth-grade pill is mid-tier among elixirs. Even cultivators at the Spirit Transformation stage would feel its power.
"The best we can usually exchange are second-grade pills.
"As for Zhongli, even as First Seat, he can only occasionally trade for leftover third-grade pills when the Sect Master refines them.
"And most of those third-grade pills? They end up in Klee's hands.
"And now she has fourth-grade pills… I can't even fathom how many contribution points her wealth would equal."
He paused, then gave a helpless smile.
"Not that it matters. Klee doesn't need contribution points. Whatever she wants, Master gives. Often, she doesn't even need to ask—he prepares it for her."
The Cryo Archon, Rosalyne, and Arlecchino exchanged glances, tongues clicking softly.
Their understanding of Klee's favor had deepened yet again.
"But…" the Cryo Archon frowned slightly.
"Klee is only in the mid-stage of Refining Essence into Qi. Carrying so many treasures around—won't that draw disaster?"
"Disaster?" Tartaglia shook his head.
"Impossible. Who would dare? To lay a hand on Klee is to spit in the Sect Master's face.
"Even if she wandered into the Nine Nether Secret Realm, facing the Seven Demon Kings themselves, she would walk away unscathed. The Sect Master has armed her with countless safeguards.
"And Klee isn't just an inner disciple—she's truly his apprentice, bound by master-disciple ties.
"The Sect Master rarely acts, but that doesn't mean he won't. And Klee… she is his untouchable taboo.
"In Mount Shu, she walks unchallenged. In Teyvat, the same. Tell me—who would dare think ill of her?
"You know, though I cultivate demonic arts, even my cruelest methods pale before some of the Sect Master's curses. With but a thought, he could condemn a soul to eternal despair.
"Klee is Mount Shu's little princess. When Master soars to the Immortal Realm one day, it wouldn't surprise me if he left Mount Shu in her hands."
The Cryo Archon and others nodded thoughtfully.
Nearby, Focalors sighed inwardly.
"So this is the fabled Sect Master of Mount Shu… Even standing before me, I cannot fathom his strength.
"I can feel it—one word from him, and Fontaine's bodily affliction, its looming prophecy, would vanish without a trace.
"Furina… you won't consider asking him?"
Furina withdrew her gaze and replied flatly:
"Ask what?
"I've said before: the Sect Master will not meddle in mortal affairs. No nation lies within his eyes—only cultivators.
"To plead for his aid would only prove our incompetence.
"There's no need!
"We already have a way forward. Why not resolve our own fate?"
Hearing her conviction, Focalors chuckled softly, setting aside her last worry.
"You truly have grown, Furina…
"In that case, I'll entrust the introductions to you. The future of Fontaine will rest in your hands."
Furina winked playfully, patting her chest.
"Leave it to me! Just remember, when you two become Elders or First Seats, save me some spirit stones, alright?
"As they say in Liyue—don't forget the well when you drink its water!"
The pair sighed, but nodded.
"…We know."
Where Jiang Yan sat, it was as if a spotlight shone eternally upon him. His presence drew every gaze like moths to flame.
Countless citizens below stared upward. Many had once sworn that, should the Sect Master appear, they would seize the chance to beg entry into Mount Shu.
Yet now that he was truly here, that thought dared not even rise.
Still, many maidens found their focus shifting. Watching him cradle Klee, smiling warmly—
Handsome, gentle, noble, immeasurably powerful…
Was this not the perfect other half?
Alas, he was the Sect Master of Mount Shu. An immortal cultivator.
Not someone mortals could even dream of.
Only by becoming cultivators themselves…
Curiously, ever since his arrival in Liyue, the women's hunger for the Dao had suddenly surpassed that of the men.
It was, in its way, amusing.
On the terrace, seeing the Sect Master settled, Ningguang finally breathed easier. She wasted no more time.
Exchanging a look with the other Qixing, she stepped before the altar and began the rite.
Normally, only Ningguang would preside. But this year's Rite of Descension was different—Zhongli was to announce his abdication.
Thus, all were present.
With a gesture, she lit three sticks of incense. Smoke coiled upward, vanishing into the heavens.
She planted them reverently into the brazier and declared:
"The Rite of Descension begins. We humbly invite the Archon to descend!"
The other Qixing echoed her call.
Above, clouds swirled into a seven-hued vortex.
A golden dragon coiled majestically within the storm, its scales blazing with power.
After a time, it dipped its head, dragon eyes radiating awe-inspiring might that sent shivers of reverence through every Liyue soul below.
With a voiceless roar, the dragon plummeted in a beam of gold.
At the last instant, its form shrank—
And Zhongli strode forth.
His attire was unchanged, but after revealing the dragon's true body, his dignity was unmatched.
This time, he concealed nothing. He came openly as Zhongli.
"Behold the Archon!"
The cry thundered from Yujing Terrace.
Zhongli inclined his head, then turned toward Jiang Yan.
With solemn respect, he clasped his hands.
"Acting First Seat of Longshou Peak, Liyue's Geo Archon Zhongli, greets the Sect Master.
"It is Liyue's greatest honor to have the Sect Master attend this rite."
Jiang Yan chuckled softly, his voice gentle yet reaching every ear:
"First Seat Zhongli, there is no need for such courtesy.
"You have served Mount Shu with tireless devotion, reviving the Hall of Enforcement and restoring its duty of oversight.
"My presence here is nothing more than observation.
"And besides, I dwell ever upon Mount Shu, rarely stepping into the mortal dust. Consider this a tempering of the heart in the red world.
"Pay me no mind. Focus on your rite."
Zhongli bowed slightly.
"…My thanks for Sect Master's understanding."
He turned his gaze to the countless citizens of Liyue.
Rumors had long spoken of their Archon joining Mount Shu, becoming one of its First Seats. Now, seeing it with their own eyes, pride swelled in every chest.
Their very Archon was a pillar of Mount Shu. How could they not be proud?
All watched eagerly, awaiting his New Year's decree.
But Zhongli's gaze grew distant. When he spoke, his words were unlike any before.
"Since Liyue's founding, three thousand seven hundred years have passed.
"And I… have lived more than six millennia.
"Six millennia of oceans shifting, of friends lost, of battles fought. I have seen much taken, much given.
"In building Liyue, in guarding her, I have watched countless friends fall, countless citizens sacrifice.
"This nation was never built easily—it was forged in blood and tears.
"But my people did not squander that cost.
"When I asked your ancestors, at the birth of this land, what they desired, their answers varied—wealth, health, peace…
"But when I asked what they wished for Liyue, all answered the same: a nation strong enough to make her enemies tremble.
"And today, after three thousand seven hundred years, you have given that answer.
"This triumph is not mine.
"It belongs to your ancestors. To you. To Liyue."
His eyes shone with determination—and faint, unspoken sorrow.
"From weakness to strength, from poverty to prosperity, through victories and disasters alike—I have walked with you every step.
"Now Liyue stands tall, worthy of pride, worthy of all who came before.
"My heart is content.
"And I believe… the time has come."
Ningguang and the others stiffened, unease rippling across Yujing Terrace. The citizens sensed it too, anxiety welling as they stared at their Archon.
Zhongli lifted his head toward Jiang Yan, voice deep.
"To you, Liyue is but three thousand seven hundred years old. But I…
"I have fought for her since my birth—even before she bore the name 'Liyue.'
"Now, she no longer needs my guidance. Indeed, my outdated ways may even weigh her down.
"So…"
He drew a long breath. His heart had been steeled for this day, yet the words still pained him.
But the arrow was nocked. It could not be withdrawn.
Zhongli raised his head. His voice rang like stone upon bronze:
"In the name of the Geo Archon, Morax, I declare—this Rite of Descension shall be the last.
"From this day forth…
"I abdicate as Archon. Liyue shall be ruled by her people alone, free of gods!"
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