Chapter 202.
Before they could settle the plans, Klee crashed in and dragged Hu Tao away toward a blonde girl covered in bandages standing in the courtyard.
"Sister Hu Tao!!!" Klee cheered. "This is Sister Yoimiya from Inazuma! I talked to her about the latest Jumpy Dumpty, and she said she has a way to help us modify a brand new one!"
Hu Tao's plum-blossom eyes lit up instantly.
She had discussed upgrading the Jumpy Dumpty with Klee before, but as the Director of a funeral parlor, her expertise was strictly limited to increasing raw, lethal payload. Klee's ideas were too chaotic. Finding someone who could actually engineer the mechanics was incredibly rare.
"Hello, hello! I am Hu Tao, the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!" she greeted enthusiastically. "You really know how to modify a Jumpy Dumpty? We've been stuck on this for ages!"
Futsu Mitama covered his face.
This was happening too fast. Should he stop them?
But looking at the dangerously sparkling eyes of the explosive trio, he realized interrupting them would only force them to experiment in secret.
Better to supervise the madness.
"Oh, that~"
Yoimiya smiled, completely unfazed by Hu Tao's intense energy.
"Actually, it's very simple. You two are too focused on the explosion's power and range on the ground. I was thinking, why don't you launch it like a firework? How far can Klee really throw it by hand? If the power is too great, she'll just blow herself up!"
Yoimiya proudly placed her hands on her hips.
"So I told Klee we can make the new bombs launch like fireworks! And as for making the explosion spread out and look more beautiful in the sky—I'm the Queen of the Summer Festival! I'm very good at that!"
Paimon scratched her head in utter confusion.
"How to spread out and look more beautiful? What does that connect to—with bombs? Lumine, do you understand?"
Lumine shook her head.
Kokomi pursed her lips, deeply analyzing the tactical implications of an aerial, shape-forming cluster munition.
The following Albedo's mouth twitched; he desperately wanted to intervene, but he doted on Klee too much to crush her creative research.
The just arriving Faruzan simply watched in absolute bewilderment.
Weren't fireworks just disguised bombs? In Sumeru, setting them off in the rainforest was strictly banned.
Yae Miko simply smiled, thoroughly enjoying the impending chaos.
"I see, I understand!" Hu Tao declared, her wavelength perfectly syncing with Yoimiya's. "That is a brilliant idea! But how do we build it? This... oh~ I'm sorry, what was your name again?"
"Oh, oh, oh!!! I forgot to introduce myself!" Yoimiya laughed. "You can just call me Yoimiya. I'm the current owner of Naganohara Fireworks. If you ever come to Inazuma, I'll customize fireworks just for you!"
"You're the owner?!" Hu Tao's eyes lit up. "Well, isn't that perfect! As the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, I can offer you a VIP package!"
"Oh, that's great! Thank you, Hu Tao!"
Yoimiya beamed. She had no idea what a Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was, but a VIP package sounded wonderful.
Hu Tao was momentarily stunned that someone had actually thanked her for a coffin package, but her smile widened, her goodwill toward the Inazuman girl skyrocketing.
"Hahahaha, let's continue! I'm modifying the Jumpy Dumpty because Klee was in danger last time. Futsu Mitama saved the day, but I want her to have the ability to protect herself safely from a distance!"
"Right!"
Yoimiya agreed, and the two immediately launched into a rapid-fire exchange of ballistics engineering, bonding instantly while Klee watched with sparkling eyes.
Leaving the bomb squad to their devices, Futsu Mitama walked over to Jean, Yae Miko, Faruzan, and the massive gathering of foreign delegates in his courtyard.
"Why did you all decide to come looking for us?"
Shouldn't the delegations be at the Rite of Descension venue? They hadn't even warned him in the Chat Group!
"Because we wanted to come and see you." Yae Miko chuckled, her fox ears twitching. "Miss Yelan here said we have four or five hours of free time. Since it's just casual sightseeing, we thought we might as well come and find you. You should have nothing to do at this time."
Miko had been bored, and to Futsu Mitama's surprise, everyone—Jean, Faruzan, Eula, Ayaka, Cyno, Albedo, Kaeya, and Alhaitham—had agreed to tag along. The Sumeru Delegation had already spent the morning harassing the Snezhnayan diplomats, and they couldn't officially meet with Ningguang until after the ceremony anyway.
"What do you say, Yelan?"
Futsu Mitama asked, deferring to the Qixing's official escort.
"Me?" Yelan smiled smoothly. "This is free time; you can do whatever you want. However, please do not leave Liyue Harbor. I will notify you when it is time to head to the venue."
"Alright then, let's go for a stroll."
Futsu Mitama agreed.
The massive, overpowered tourist group swept through the streets of Liyue.
Hu Tao, Klee, and Yoimiya continued plotting aerial destruction.
Kujou Sara, Jean, and Alhaitham engaged in rigid debates over political management.
Gorou, Cyno, and Kaeya aggressively discussed Genius Invokation TCG strategies.
Shinobu, Eula, Kokomi, and Ayaka walked together, whispering in hushed tones that left Ayaka and Kokomi blushing furiously while Shinobu and Eula remained perfectly stoic.
At the front, Futsu Mitama, Yelan, Yae Miko, and Faruzan discussed the Rite.
Futsu Mitama casually mentioned that he would be accompanying Ningguang to welcome Rex Lapis.
Yae Miko narrowed her eyes, instantly dissecting the politics.
"Ningguang's plan is quite clever. Bringing you along curries favor with Rex Lapis, while simultaneously guarding against the Fatui."
Miko knew Futsu Mitama was a terrifying anomaly—a twenty-year-old human who had ascended to the Demon God Realm.
She even suspected that if Raiden Ei hadn't forcefully claimed him as the Next Electro Archon, Rex Lapis might have actively tried to steal him for Liyue.
Azhdaha had already been shamelessly trying to recruit him in the group chat.
"Don't overthink it. It's just a simple arrangement."
Futsu Mitama deflected.
Yae Miko smiled indifferently, silently calculating that Raiden Makoto and Ei were currently in Liyue precisely to ensure the Geo Archon didn't try to poach their prize.
During the tour, Futsu Mitama ran into the Shopkeeper's Daughter, who was selling stones and lamenting her lack of opportunities this year. Despite earning record profits, she was desperate for another divine commendation. Futsu Mitama cryptically advised her that this year's Rite might bring a surprise, though she brushed it off as impossible.
At noon, the massive entourage descended upon Wanmin Restaurant. Xiangling gleefully ushered them in, unveiling her latest experimental masterpiece: a massive Mushroom Feast featuring exotic fungi imported directly from Sumeru.
Everyone was thrilled—except for the Sumeru Delegation, who stared at the food with hollow eyes, given they ate this back home every single day.
After a satisfying meal and a few mandatory head-pats for Guoba to suppress the God of the Hearth, Yelan stepped forward.
"I have instructed a squad of Millelith to escort you to Yujing Terrace."
She announced.
"Eh? Yelan, aren't you coming with us?"
Paimon asked in surprise.
"It's my duty." Yelan smiled gently. "My mission was to make sure you had fun in the harbor. But before the Rite begins, I have a task of my own. I'll tell you about it after it's over."
With a sharp wave, she strode off into the crowds.
"What a pity." Yae Miko sighed, watching her leave. "I wanted to chat with her more. I suppose I'll just have to bother Sister Ganyu instead."
Faruzan nodded thoughtfully. Given yesterday's tension with the Snezhnayan diplomats, she knew exactly what Yelan was leaving to do. The Fatui were making their move.
Guided by the Millelith, the entourage arrived at Yujing Terrace. The air was thick with incense and anticipation. The foreign delegations were ushered to their premium seats. The layout was aggressively tactical: the Mondstadt, Inazuma, and Sumeru delegations completely boxed in the Snezhnayan diplomats.
Futsu Mitama scanned the VIP section.
The first few rows—the exclusive seats reserved for the Liyue Qixing and Ganyu—were completely empty.
Ningguang must have sent them all out to hunt the Fatui, he realized.
"Lord Futsu Mitama." one of Ningguang's secretaries approached. "Please come with us. Lady Ningguang has been waiting for you."
Instructing Aila and Black Aila to wait with Lumine, Futsu Mitama followed the secretary to the absolute front of the altar.
Whispers instantly swept through the crowd of high-ranking officials and elite merchants.
"This is Futsu Mitama?! Why is the Next Electro Archon attending the Rite of Descension up there?"
"Is he going to speak with the Archon too?"
"Who is Futsu Mitama? Where did this bumpkin come from?"
"You don't know? The Next Electro Archon, successor of the Geo Archon, Acting Dendro Archon, Honorary Knight—"
"I have a premonition something big is going to happen. Maybe Lady Ningguang brought him up there as combat power against the Fatui!"
Ignoring the murmurs, Futsu Mitama stepped up beside the Tianquan.
"You've arrived."
Ningguang smiled brightly.
Futsu Mitama blinked.
Ningguang was wearing makeup today. It was exquisite, drawing out her striking features and elevating her already captivating presence. In a world where the beautiful women he knew were perpetually barefaced, the sudden application of masterful makeup was a stunning indirect shock.
"It seems my makeup today isn't bad." Ningguang chuckled softly, noticing his gaze. "Even you are captivated."
"Indeed, yes."
Futsu Mitama admitted easily.
"Actually, I had no choice." Ningguang explained, lowering her voice. "I've been staying up so late these past few months that I developed terrible dark circles. I cannot let Rex Lapis see me looking exhausted. I planned to apply simple concealer, but... I ended up looking like this."
Futsu Mitama nodded in sympathetic understanding.
Even the brilliant Kuki Shinobu had instantly dieted upon realizing she gained weight.
Ningguang's expression hardened as she glanced at the censer.
"The auspicious time is approaching. Childe and The Knave have vanished from Liyue Harbor. Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan have led strike teams to intercept them. This area is entrusted to you and me."
The Fatui were making their move.
If Arlecchino was anything like The Lady, she wouldn't act rashly.
Tartaglia would prioritize his mission and avoid fighting to the death with the Qixing's elites. Once the Overlord of the Vortex was released, everyone's attention would shift anyway.
No matter how many preparations Ningguang makes, she's indirectly being set up by her own god.
Futsu Mitama thought, silently mourning the Tianquan's wasted stress.
Curious about the absentee Archon, Futsu Mitama opened the Chat Group and initiated the promised group livestream.
[Futsu Mitama]: Started a Group Livestream.
[Azhdaha]: They're here, they're here! I'm the first to enter the live stream room!!!!
[Azhdaha]: Good! Today is the day Morax enters the Chat Group. Yo, Mitama, your position is quite prominent. Morax will have no choice but to enter now.
[Guizhong]: Yes, this position is indeed very prominent. Is that Ningguang next to him? Oh my~ she's even wearing makeup~ she looks much prettier.
[Eula]: Strange, today at the Snezhnayan Delegation, neither Childe nor The Knave has appeared. Where are they?
[Albedo]: Strictly speaking, they are not considered part of the Delegation, so it's normal for them not to be seated there.
[Cyno]: But I didn't see any sign of them, nor did I see any Fatui in the perimeter.
[Yae Miko]: Indeed, Sister Ganyu isn't here either. I was planning to chat with her.
[Lumine]: Keqing isn't here either. Is she busy with something?
[Paimon]: So many important people are missing all at once. Could something have happened?
[Keqing]: Don't worry, Ganyu and I are tracking Tartaglia's whereabouts. He has left Liyue Harbor and is heading towards The Chasm. We are planning to intercept him to restrict his movements on the day of the Rite. Oh, and Yelan has also joined us. You all can rest well in the Harbor.
[Eula]: What about The Knave Arlecchino?
[Kuki Shinobu]: That's a tricky problem. Arlecchino is very strong. From our first meeting, I feel she's even more difficult than Scaramouche was back then.
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: And she gives off a very subtle feeling. Honestly, I can't tell what she wants to do.
[Albedo]: She's tricky, but Liyue should have a way to deal with her.
[Yae Miko]: If nothing unexpected happens, the Liyue Adeptus will probably have to make a move.
[Shenhe]: My Master and I are keeping an eye on her. She hasn't made any moves; she seems to just be looking at the scenery.
[Aila]: Senior Sister?
[Paimon]: Shenhe, long time no see! You've been posting so little lately!
[Kuki Shinobu]: Because Shenhe has been assisting Guizhong in perfecting the Azhdaha Mech recently. Haven't you been reading the group chat?
[Paimon]: Hahahaha... I did, I just forgot again.
[Lumine]: Paimon was eating at the time. She doesn't have a habit of checking past messages.
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: The Azhdaha Mech is complete? No—are you and Cloud Retainer watching Arlecchino?
[Guizhong]: The Azhdaha Mech isn't complete. I'm still perfecting it, thinking about what energy source would be best, and whether to put a Gnosis in it. Forget it, wouldn't that just be a disguised "Shouki no Kami"? Recently, Morax has also disappeared. He's nowhere to be seen.
[Azhdaha]: Normal. The Rite of Descension is imminent; he's busier than others imagine. In the past, he even had to summon all the Adeptus to discuss matters.
[Keqing]: Shenhe, looking at scenery? What scenery?
[Shenhe]: She's standing in an area not far from Guyun Stone Forest, gazing at the sea. I don't know what she's doing. My Master said she might be waiting for something, so we will wait quietly. If an accident occurs, my Master and I will act together to take her down first!
[Futsu Mitama]: You two be careful.
[Aila]: If anything happens, tell me, and I'll come immediately to assist.
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: Me too.
[Azhdaha]: Yes, if something happens, remember to @ me immediately.
[Guizhong]: I'm still here, don't think too much. If something really happens, I'm still near Guyun Stone Forest. Watch my Azhdaha Mech in action!
[Azhdaha]: Alright, alright, watch your Azhdaha Mech in action.
[Futsu Mitama]: Mr. Zhongli, aren't you coming to watch with us?
[Zhongli]: No, I've arranged to meet a few friends to watch this Rite of Descension together.
[Kuki Shinobu]: I think I heard that exact line during the last Rite of Descension.
[Albedo]: Hmm...
[Klee]: Where? Where??? Klee doesn't see Brother Zhongli.
[Zhongli]: In a teahouse. I can roughly see your situation from here. It's my usual spot every year. From here, I can see you all and hear what Rex Lapis says.
[Yae Miko]: That's nice. Oh well, my spot is pretty good too. At least I have fruit to eat.
The atmosphere in the livestream was exceptionally joyful. No one believed the Fatui could cause any real trouble. Tartaglia was walking into an ambush by Keqing, Ganyu, and Yelan. Arlecchino was being shadowed by Shenhe, Cloud Retainer, and Guizhong. Everything was under absolute control.
The sun hit its zenith.
Ningguang glanced at the sky, then turned to face the throngs of people around her. Her voice rang out with absolute, serene authority.
"The auspicious time has arrived. I invite Rex Lapis to descend."
She rapidly formed a sequence of hand seals. Several streams of Geo energy surged into the central censer—the ancient magical artifact used throughout history to summon the Lord of Geo.
Swish—!!!
A pale golden pillar of energy shot straight into the heavens, announcing the official beginning of the Rite. The sky above Liyue Harbor instantly darkened with surging winds and churning clouds. A massive, swirling vortex slowly tore open in the sky.
Rumble—!!!
Thunder roared violently, as if announcing a cataclysm.
But instead of the slow, majestic emergence of previous years, a colossal golden dragon plummeted rapidly from the vortex.
With an earth-shattering CRASH, the giant body slammed heavily onto the stone terrace. Dust and debris exploded outward in a violent shockwave. The meticulously arranged offerings were blown away in an instant. The sacred censer was violently thrown to the side, tumbling across the fractured stone.
"!!!!!!!!!!"
Ningguang's eyes widened in absolute, paralyzing horror. Her mind went completely blank. Her body began to tremble violently as she stared at the lifeless, unmoving corpse of her god. This was not within her plan. This was an impossibility.
Rex Lapis—Rex Lapis was harmed?!
"REX LAPIS HAS BEEN HARMED!!!"
Ningguang screamed, her voice cracking with terror and fury as she shattered the paralyzed silence. She spun toward the surrounding Millelith, her authority flaring violently to life.
"SEAL OFF THE ENTIRE AREA!!! NO ONE IS ALLOWED TO LEAVE THIS PLACE!!!"