Chapter 203.
The situation was extremely unusual.
Rex Lapis falling from the sky clearly exceeded Ningguang's plan, but she still decisively issued the lockdown order. First, control all personnel present; other matters can wait.
Fortunately, in addition to preventing the Fatui from causing trouble, there were more Millelith here than usual. Upon hearing the order, the Millelith immediately took action, first controlling the people inside Yujing Terrace. As for those outside Yujing Terrace, they were still unaware of what had happened.
But many people, upon hearing the words "Rex Lapis has been harmed." turned pale.
Who was Rex Lapis?! He was the deity who had protected Liyue for countless years. How could his venerable self possibly be harmed?! Who had the right to harm him?!
"This?!"
The Snezhnayan Delegation members sitting in the front row stared blankly at the dragon corpse of Rex Lapis in front of them.
For a moment, they pondered: Are the Harbingers so fierce?! They actually took out Rex Lapis?
Yes, upon seeing the dragon corpse of Rex Lapis, the Snezhnayan Delegation members immediately assumed it was the work of their Harbingers. After all, the Snezhnayan Delegation was well aware of how powerful their Harbingers were, and recently, Childe and The Knave seemed to be planning something in Liyue. Therefore, the Snezhnayan Delegation members naturally subconsciously believed that they were responsible for this incident.
Of course, they weren't the only ones who thought so; others thought the same, which is why the Millelith immediately took them into custody.
"What, what is going on?!"
Paimon, seeing this scene, immediately panicked.
Rex Lapis was dead?!
This was something she had not anticipated. She had been discussing with Hu Tao what to eat for dinner, but now Rex Lapis had fallen with a plop in front of them.
How could they even think about eating now?!
"I don't know."
Lumine was also shocked by this scene, completely unclear what was happening. However, her gaze immediately went to the Chat Group. She knew very well that Mr. Zhongli was Rex Lapis, so she was checking on Mr. Zhongli's situation.
Seeing that Mr. Zhongli was still chatting casually, Lumine breathed a sigh of relief, but at the same time, she couldn't help but wonder what the meaning of Mr. Zhongli's actions was.
Was it to cause panic among the Liyue Citizens?
Lumine could clearly feel that although the Millelith soldiers immediately controlled them, their gaze couldn't help but drift towards the dragon corpse of Rex Lapis in the center.
It was evident that these incredibly brave Millelith soldiers were currently suffering an unimaginable blow to their hearts. But then again, for one's own deity to die right before their eyes, anyone would feel an unimaginable shock.
For the Chat Group members who didn't know Zhongli was Rex Lapis, they were now extremely shocked, completely bewildered by what had happened.
"Things have gotten serious now." Yae Miko murmured to herself, looking at Rex Lapis, who was exuding divine pressure—this was a genuine Archon.
As the being closest to the Raiden Shogun, Yae Miko arguably understood Archons better than anyone else present. She looked at the deceased Rex Lapis before her, not believing for a moment that this could be faked, yet a strange feeling stirred within her.
Both Raiden Makoto and Raiden Ei had expressed admiration for Rex Lapis's power, even considering him the most powerful among The Seven Archons. But why would such a powerful Archon suddenly die?
Yae Miko felt very odd; her intuition told her that the body before her was indeed Rex Lapis's, but her rationality told her that such a powerful Archon as Rex Lapis couldn't possibly die so uneventfully.
Not only Yae Miko, but people from Inazuma were also very shocked. Kujou Sara looked at the corpse of Rex Lapis before her, a hint of fear rising in her heart. She was contemplating how desperate she would be if it were the Shogun who lay dead before her.
Gorou's tail stood erect; the divine pressure was still present, and his intuition told him this was a genuine Archon's corpse, just like Watatsumi Omikami, Orobashi.
Ayaka, on the other hand, never expected that such a world-shaking event would occur during her visit to Liyue.
The Mondstadt Delegation was equally shocked.
"Things have become troublesome now."
Jean murmured, looking at the corpse of Rex Lapis not far away.
"Could this be a scheme by the Fatui?"
In Mondstadt, the Fatui had a record; they had attempted to harm Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, but failed due to Futsu Mitama. So, when something happened to Rex Lapis, Jean immediately thought of the Fatui.
Were they behind this?
"If that's the case, then things will become terrifying."
Kaeya said with a solemn expression, his initial calm gone. Any strong individual could feel the divine pressure emanating from the corpse. Although Kaeya had never encountered an Archon, Futsu Mitama was akin to one, which made Kaeya's expression very grave.
He had initially thought this Rite of Descension would be a simple, relaxing trip. Now, things had become complicated and terrifying.
"Indeed."
Eula's expression was equally solemn. She wanted to help, but in the current situation, non-Liyue individuals could not intervene. Although Liyue and Mondstadt were allies, the passing of an Archon was not something just anyone could meddle with.
"Hmm."
Albedo also nodded seriously. As someone who knew Rex Lapis's true identity, he glanced at the Chat Group. Well, Zhongli was fine, so this situation was most likely self-staged.
"This... this..."
Klee, seeing an Archon's corpse for the first time, had a slightly nervous look on her cute little face and was at a loss for words.
The Sumeru Delegation next door was in disarray. Great Sage Faruzan looked at the corpse of Rex Lapis, almost fainting. She knew that for a long time to come, she would likely be stuck in Liyue. If the death of Rex Lapis remained unsolved, cooperation with Liyue would likely be affected, and subsequent collaborations could result in a significant reduction in Mora earned.
Coupled with the multitude of issues currently facing the Akademiya, Great Sage Faruzan had to find a way to resolve the situation here quickly and return to Sumeru. The later she returned, the more problems would accumulate within the Akademiya.
Thinking of this, Faruzan felt quite distraught, but as for who killed Rex Lapis, her thoughts were the same as everyone else's.
That is! This was absolutely the work of the Fatui!! Besides them! No one on the continent of Teyvat could be so audacious!!!
In Sumeru, the Fatui and the Akademiya were jointly carrying out the God-Creation Project, which showed that they had already lost reverence for Archons. Since they dared to undertake the God-Creation Project, assassinating an Archon was no big deal to them.
Cyno pursed his lips slightly, seemingly lost in thought. He was pondering how the Fatui managed to kill Rex Lapis. How did they achieve this in broad daylight, under everyone's watchful eyes?
Futsu Mitama also didn't seem to notice anything unusual; otherwise, he wouldn't have been standing there blankly.
Did an even more formidable entity intervene?
Although Cyno wasn't particularly active in the group, besides playing Genius Invokation TCG, he paid close attention to the group chat. Simply put, he wasn't active in speaking, but he was number one in lurking!
"Good opportunity."
Alhaitham whispered, observing the deceased Rex Lapis before him, and analyzed very rationally,
"The passing of Rex Lapis is an opportunity for us."
"The Fatui are the most suspicious at the moment. If we successfully find the culprit or clues, it will be helpful to Liyue. It will be very beneficial for our upcoming cooperation plans, and I am also very interested in how the Fatui managed to achieve this."
"And... whether it was truly the work of the Fatui is also something worth considering."
Alhaitham put forward another conclusion: it was possible that this incident was not the work of the Fatui. He believed that under such high scrutiny in Liyue Harbor, even if the Fatui wanted to do something, they would be closely watched and absolutely unable to make any moves. Yet, in this situation, the Fatui still succeeded.
So, was it really them? Or was it another force? For example... the Abyss Order.
In Sumeru, the Abyss Order wasn't particularly active, but Alhaitham knew their actions, so he suspected them.
"Let's discuss this later."
Faruzan interrupted Alhaitham. His idea was good, but the current occasion was not right. They could discuss it slowly after returning.
Here, the various national delegations were abuzz with discussions, while other Liyue officials and merchants felt as if the sky had fallen, completely unaware of what was happening.
This was Rex Lapis! How could he just die?!
Today was the Rite of Descension, the first year of the era of mortals and Adeptus.
Didn't Rex Lapis say he had found a successor? Why did he suddenly die? Did he foresee this all along?!
The crowd was abuzz, and many, unable to accept the reality, fainted directly.
At the very front, Futsu Mitama and Ningguang, looking at the corpse of Rex Lapis, also fell into a brief silence. Futsu Mitama approached the corpse of Rex Lapis, placed his hand on it, pretended to sense for a while, and then slowly said to the pale-faced Ningguang,
"There is no life force left. The Lord has passed away, and I found no wounds on his body. I have no idea what caused his death."
Futsu Mitama spoke earnestly, his face showing shock and incredulity, as if to say,
'How is this possible? It makes no sense.'
Ningguang didn't notice Futsu Mitama's abnormality, or rather, she was completely in no mood to pay attention to such things right now. She couldn't possibly suspect Futsu Mitama. Her mind was in turmoil, looking at the Lord's corpse.
She had always thought the Lord's departure was a distant event, but now the Lord appeared before her with a 'thud,' making it impossible for her to accept, her mind even going momentarily blank.
Although Ningguang controlled the crowd in an instant, temporarily suppressing the panic, this year's Rite of Descension was too grand—so grand that all of Liyue and other nations were watching.
What should she do? What should she do now? Were there any remedies?
How should she explain to the Adeptus? How did the Fatui manage this?
No, all movements of the Fatui were within her surveillance. But if not the Fatui, then who did this? Who could kill the Lord?
Ningguang's mind was a mess, frantically thinking, completely unlike her composed self in the original story.
Futsu Mitama looked at Ningguang's constantly changing expression and couldn't help but sigh with emotion.
Indeed, even a woman like Ningguang would fall into chaos when faced with such a sudden situation. When the Archon they respected and believed in suddenly died before them, anyone would feel panic and confusion. That Ningguang could still think calmly now already showed her excellent capabilities.
"Lady Ningguang—"
A Millelith officer walked over. He looked at the deceased Lord on the ground, his eyes filled with disbelief and sorrow, but still said very seriously.
"What should we do next?"
"This isn't a solution. We can't control much; there are too many people at the Rite of Descension. Our brothers can't manage them all."
Ningguang had to make a decision.
The current situation couldn't be solved by delaying. Yujing Terrace could temporarily control all personnel, but what about outside Yujing Terrace? All the people in Liyue Harbor were curious about what was happening here. They knew that usually by this time, Rex Lapis would have started his speech. He would even begin to praise and criticize merchants for the year, and evaluate various policies.
"Hmp~~."
Ningguang took a deep breath. She looked at the Millelith officer very seriously and said.
"Continue to seal off Yujing Terrace. Then, spread the news that the Lord has passed away, and we are currently investigating the specific cause. Regarding the Lord's immortal body, I will hide it with Futsu Mitama. As for other matters—we will discuss them after the Qixing meeting."
Yes, Ningguang could only do this much.
Although she was unclear about what exactly happened, the Lord's immortal body had to be preserved, and the news had to be released. As for other matters, Ningguang alone couldn't decide; she had to contact the other Qixing to make a final decision. The incident was too unexpected and sudden; she could only do this much.
"Yes!"
Upon receiving the order, the Millelith officer immediately dispatched men to continue controlling the people at Yujing Terrace, and then sent people to spread the news.
"Buzz—!!"
Ningguang used her Geo Elemental Power to lift Rex Lapis's immortal body. She looked at Futsu Mitama and said.
"Could I trouble you to escort me?"
At the moment, Ningguang could only rely on Futsu Mitama; he was the only one present with Archon-level combat power. The enemy had used unknown means to kill the Lord. Currently, only Futsu Mitama might discover something, and with his formidable strength, having him escort her would significantly increase their safety.
Moreover, Ningguang genuinely needed a reliable presence to lean on right now.
"No problem."
Futsu Mitama nodded seriously. He then drew Seven Thunder of Retribution: Narukami and said to Ningguang,
"You just carry the Lord. If any enemies come, I will cut them down with one strike."
"Alright."
Ningguang nodded earnestly. She glanced at the Jade Chamber in the sky, then continued to use her Geo Elemental Power to carry the Lord's immortal body, accelerating towards a certain location.
The Jade Chamber's movements were too conspicuous; if they acted carelessly, they could easily be discovered by the enemy. Currently, they had to act discreetly. With Futsu Mitama present, safety was at least guaranteed, and there was no need to bring the Millelith.
Ningguang and Futsu Mitama quickly left Yujing Terrace, while the Millelith were responsible for maintaining order, first controlling the personnel at Yujing Terrace. They were very polite to the various national delegations, except for the Snezhnayan Delegation, hoping for their understanding.
Jean, Yae Miko, and Faruzan expressed their understanding and agreed to cooperate with the work.
At the same time, the news of the Lord's passing also spread from Yujing Terrace. Most of the populace initially disbelieved it, completely unprepared for such an event. Cries and wails echoed throughout Liyue Harbor, and there were even pessimistic and desperate individuals who wished to accompany the Lord in his departure.
But some people believed that the Lord had not passed away; he might just be tired and had merely taken a nap. The so-called passing was just a lie fabricated by Lady Ningguang; the Lord might be severely injured, but he absolutely could not be dead!
For a time, rumors spread throughout Liyue Harbor, with everyone having their own theories, but there was one common point: the Lord could not have died just like that. As for whether the Liyue Qixing had seized power, what a joke ~ everyone thought it was impossible!
One must know that the Lord had already voluntarily relinquished power to the Liyue Qixing, and this year was still the first year of the era of mortals and Adeptus. Anyone with a bit of intelligence knew that the Liyue Qixing could not rebel, and... no one believed the Liyue Qixing had the ability to kill the Lord.
In any case, Liyue Harbor was now in utter chaos.
In the teahouse, Zhongli silently drank his tea. He watched all the activities below, knowing that the plan had begun.
"Honestly, isn't this a bit much?"
Venti was right beside him. He casually remarked, picking up a pastry from the table and putting it into his mouth. He mumbled indistinctly while eating.
"Liyue Harbor is in chaos now. You, Rex Lapis, show no reaction, and when did you learn this trick?"
Venti had just witnessed Zhongli sitting there, doing nothing, and then the Rex Lapis at Yujing Terrace fell to the ground with a 'thud.'
How was this done?
Venti was very curious! And that Rex Lapis, viewed through the group's live stream, was indeed very, very realistic. If a grander scene were added, the effect would certainly be even more astonishing.
And... this was too fake.
A true Archon's death was not like this.
Azhdaha must have seen through some things, and Bosacius would certainly also see through some things.
Those who had experienced the true Archon War knew what would happen after an Archon's death. Even if an Archon willingly died, it would cause extensive environmental damage. At the very least, if Morax were to die within Liyue Harbor, the power unleashed after his death would likely be more than enough to destroy the entire Liyue Harbor.
"Nothing much, just preparing a body in advance and then dropping it down."
Zhongli explained calmly. He took a sip of tea and watched Ningguang in the group's live stream, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes as he said.
"Indeed, the current Tianquan is even more outstanding than I imagined. Such a quick response, and hiding my body—I have to say, this will probably make Tartaglia anxious."
In Morax's original plan, after he died, Tartaglia would immediately summon Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex. Then, the people of Liyue Harbor, without time for grief, and the Qixing and Adeptus would unite to face the enemy.
But now, Ningguang had hidden Rex Lapis's body and immediately trusted Futsu Mitama.
This was quite rare in Morax's eyes, because as things stood, the only one in Liyue Harbor with a suspicion of having acted was Futsu Mitama. He had stepped into the Demon God Realm, and was the only one in Liyue Harbor who could possibly have killed Rex Lapis.
Yet, Ningguang hadn't suspected Futsu Mitama at all, choosing instead to trust him. This was very uncommon in Morax's opinion.
However, it seemed the plan was heading in an unforeseen direction.
"Are you going to intervene?"
Maha Rukkhadevata looked at Zhongli and asked. Since the plan had changed, he should probably step in to adjust it.
Raiden Makoto also looked at Zhongli. In this situation, if he didn't intervene, the Fatui would likely be in a lot of trouble. After all, the Fatui were now in a situation where they were caught red-handed, guilty whether they were or not.
"No." Zhongli shook his head. He gazed at Liyue Harbor below, his tone very calm. "Let Tartaglia and The Knave worry about this. I signed a contract with them. If they can't even accomplish this much, then the contract is void."
Zhongli was a very rigid being. He included the Gnosis in the contract precisely to make the Fatui perform well and help him successfully reform Liyue. If they couldn't even do that much, then they could forget about the Gnosis. If he had to do everything, what was the point of having the Fatui?
"Speaking of which—" Raiden Ei looked at Zhongli and said. "Morax, do you really intend to give the Gnosis to the Fatui?"
Knowing the Tsaritsa's plan, Raiden Ei's attitude towards the Gnosis was indifferent.
Ultimately, it didn't matter whose hands it was in. With the Heavenly Principles having been dormant for so long, they all knew more or less what had happened. While the Tsaritsa's actions had a rebellious undertone, Raiden Ei inwardly agreed. Otherwise, when she attacked Snezhnaya, merely killing a few Dottore clones wouldn't have appeased her anger.
When Raiden Ei said this, Venti, Raiden Makoto, Maha Rukkhadevata, and Nahida also turned their gazes to Zhongli.
"…"
Zhongli was silent for a moment. He didn't look at the other Archons, but slowly said. "Who knows?"
Clearly, Zhongli didn't intend to answer, as he had his own thoughts, but he didn't plan to violate the contract.
As the Archon of Contracts, Zhongli had his own principles. So, by putting the Gnosis on the line, he was making the Fatui work their hardest. If they succeeded, he would naturally hand over the Gnosis.
But whether the Gnosis could ultimately reach Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's hands, Zhongli wasn't sure. There was a saying in Liyue: Goods sold are not returnable!
What happened along the way had nothing to do with him?
"I see."
Venti seemed to have thought of something and smiled.
"You're not an old fogey anymore, Morax."
Raiden Makoto teased Zhongli.
Maha Rukkhadevata just smiled without speaking. After a thousand years, Morax had also learned to be cunning.
Nahida, on the other hand, was pondering what "goods sold are not returnable" meant.
On this teahouse, the Archons chatted merrily.
Meanwhile, near The Chasm, Tartaglia was surrounded by Ganyu, Keqing, and Yelan. In fact, it wasn't just the three women; there were also a hundred Millelith soldiers and more than a dozen Exorcists.
"Hey, hey, hey, is this really necessary? I'm just going out to collect a debt, that's all?" Tartaglia looked at the group helplessly, sighing. "Have I broken some law? You actually mobilized such a large force for this?"
Tartaglia raised his hands in surrender.
He couldn't defeat this lineup!
At this moment, Tartaglia still had a psychological shadow regarding these hundred Millelith soldiers and over a dozen Exorcists, because back at The Chasm, he was almost overwhelmed by this lineup. Sometimes, one really shouldn't underestimate Liyue's elite troops; they truly could surround and kill him.
Although, according to the Conqueror of Demons, the current Millelith and Exorcists no longer possessed their past strength. After all, peacetime tends to weaken people, but there was also the Secretary of the Qixing, the half-Adeptus Ganyu, whose aura made Tartaglia feel danger. She was also a formidable foe, and if it were a one-on-one fight, Tartaglia would be very willing to battle her.
But she wasn't alone; Keqing, the Yuheng Star, and Miss Yelan of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, were not to be trifled with either.
At this moment, although Tartaglia was very anxious internally, he still maintained a calm facade, as if he was merely out to collect a debt.
"Behave yourself, Harbinger."
Keqing looked at Tartaglia, her tone serious.
"As long as you stay put, we won't harm you. Your and The Knave's actions are highly suspicious. As Yuheng Star, I am restricting your movements for half a day."
"If you dare to resist, then from now on, Liyue will consider your Snezhnaya an enemy!"
Keqing's voice was very serious; she wasn't joking.
If Tartaglia dared to resist, she would undoubtedly launch an attack without hesitation. Although the Fatui Harbingers were strong, Keqing was not unprepared. Even knowing that Tartaglia possessed the Tsaritsa's authority, she showed no fear.
Keqing had already discussed this with Ganyu, and Ganyu stated that if the Tsaritsa's authority within Tartaglia erupted, she would also intervene.
The Millelith formed their ranks, gripping their spears and pointing them at Tartaglia. The Exorcists also looked at Tartaglia with solemn expressions, various talismans already appearing in their hands, seemingly ready for battle at any moment.
"You're being too unreasonable." Tartaglia was very helpless. He tried to reason. "I'm just here to collect a debt, and our Fatui's movements have been restricted by you. So, all the targets for debt collection during today's Rite of Descension are outside. I had no choice but to come out."
Tartaglia was protesting Liyue's actions. If the Rite hadn't trapped all their Fatui members within Liyue Harbor, he wouldn't have come out to collect debts like this, so Tartaglia claimed.
"It's fine. We will help you deal with those who need to be collected from today." Keqing said calmly, looking at Tartaglia with a smile. "In that case, Harbinger, you shouldn't have any objections, right?"
Yelan nodded slightly, interjecting. "Yes, Lord Harbinger, you can trust my abilities. I will make those who deliberately refuse to pay their debts return the money obediently."
Ganyu didn't speak. She just quietly watched Tartaglia, her bow already drawn. If anything seemed amiss, she would decisively launch an attack.
Tartaglia watched this scene, sighing inwardly, but soon his gaze sharpened.
There was no other way; it had come to this, and a fight was inevitable. Although fighting at this juncture was not his wish, the Rite of Descension was a rare opportunity. He believed Rex Lapis had already appeared in Liyue Harbor.
He had to fight and leave here.
His subordinates would arrive to rendezvous with him in about ten minutes. Once they arrived, he would have to quickly unseal Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex.
As for The Knave, once he unsealed Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex, the Liyue Adeptus monitoring her would surely leave. Then, by releasing Orochi, he could seize the opportunity to obtain the Geo Gnosis.
Thinking this, Tartaglia was willing to wait. Once his subordinates arrived, he would seize the chance to break through. Even if it meant breaking ties with Liyue, he had to complete Her Majesty the Tsaritsa's mission!
"?!"
But at this moment, Keqing's expression slightly changed, as if she had seen something shocking.
"What's wrong?"
Yelan, whose attention was very focused, noticed Keqing's abnormality.
She asked. "Did something happen?!"
"?"
Ganyu also looked at Keqing, not understanding what had happened, that it could make the usually calm and decisive Yuheng Star lose her composure like this.
"Retreat! Return to Liyue Harbor!" Keqing didn't explain much. She said decisively. "Don't worry about Tartaglia anymore. We are returning to Liyue Harbor immediately."
Saying this, Keqing immediately put away her weapon and issued the retreat order.
"Huh?" (X2)
Ganyu and Yelan were very puzzled, not understanding why Keqing would issue such an order. The Millelith and Exorcists also felt very strange, but since Keqing had given the order, they immediately put away their weapons, though they didn't understand what was happening. But listening to Lady Keqing's words was never wrong.
Tartaglia, who was preparing for battle after his subordinates arrived, was also a bit confused.
What's going on? Did something happen in Liyue Harbor? Why did they let him go so easily?
Tartaglia was a bit bewildered.
He had prepared for a fierce battle and to release Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex, but why did the Yuheng Star suddenly say to retreat?
Could Arlecchino have made a move? But this wasn't according to the plan, was it? Wasn't it supposed to be him making the first move, and then she would follow?
"What happened?" Ganyu was a bit confused. She leaned closer to Keqing and asked. "Miss Keqing, why are we letting him go?"
Tartaglia was clearly up to no good. Letting him go now was like letting a tiger return to the mountains, wasn't it?
Yelan also didn't understand Keqing's actions, but she was merely a subordinate, so she didn't speak, just watched Ganyu and Keqing's conversation.
"…"
Keqing then took out the Qixing's token, which was faintly glowing.
"?!" (X2)
Seeing this, Ganyu and Yelan's pupils slightly contracted. They both knew what a glowing Qixing token meant. A glowing token meant that no matter what the Liyue Qixing were doing at the moment, they had to gather immediately.
If it were in the past, Ganyu and Yelan wouldn't have cared.
It was just a Qixing Meeting, what was the big deal? But now it was the Rite of Descension. No matter what, nothing was more important than Rex Lapis's descent. Calling a Qixing Meeting at this critical juncture meant something major had happened in Liyue Harbor, and not just an ordinary major event!
"Go."
Keqing stared at Tartaglia for a moment, then decisively gave the order.
She already knew from the group broadcast that the Geo Archon had passed away. Although she couldn't accept this, it was more important to return to Liyue Harbor quickly than to keep an eye on Tartaglia right now.
Liyue Harbor was already in chaos, and someone needed to take charge.
Ningguang and Futsu Mitama had temporarily left Liyue Harbor to lay the Geo Archon's body to rest. So now she had to return to Liyue Harbor. Ganyu and Ningguang were both good at handling such matters, and the hundred Millelith soldiers and other Exorcists she led were elites.
In short, Keqing couldn't waste time on Tartaglia anymore. Whatever the Fatui's plan was, stabilizing Liyue Harbor was the most important thing now.
Ganyu and Yelan also didn't object. In this situation, the Qixing needed to hold a meeting, which meant something extraordinary had happened in Liyue Harbor, and they had to return quickly.
Thus, Keqing withdrew her team. A hundred Millelith soldiers and dozens of Exorcists quickly departed, heading back towards Liyue Harbor.
Only Tartaglia was left behind, a bit bewildered.
"No fight?"
Tartaglia looked at the departing Keqing, his expression particularly confused.
He was now wondering if this was Keqing's ploy—first a brief departure, then a surprise attack?
However, Tartaglia didn't care. Even if Keqing wanted to make a surprise attack, by then he would have already released Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex.
Thinking this, Tartaglia changed direction and quickly headed towards Guyun Stone Forest. At the same time, he used his Fatui communication device to inform his subordinates not to come looking for him, but to meet at Guyun Stone Forest.
After rushing for about ten minutes, Tartaglia arrived near Guyun Stone Forest. He stood still, waiting for his subordinates to arrive. The reason he went near The Chasm was actually to cover for his subordinates. The Sigil of Permission was crucial, so he had to use himself as bait to draw out those secretly watching. He needed his subordinates, who were carrying the Sigil of Permission, to reach Guyun Stone Forest. He had already found the place where Osial was sealed.
Now, once his subordinates arrived, he could smoothly begin the plan.
"Counting the time, Rex Lapis should have descended by now."
Tartaglia looked towards Liyue Harbor. Although he wasn't in Liyue Harbor, based on the previous two Rite of Descension, Geo Archon Morax should have appeared in Liyue Harbor, preparing to give his speech.
"Har! Lord Harbinger!"
At this moment, a team of Fatui, transporting the Sigil of Permission, arrived, their expressions particularly excited.
"Oh, you're here. There's no time, give me the item."
Tartaglia saw his subordinates arrive and asked them to hand over the Sigil of Permission. He was ready to begin the plan.
But one Fatui member looked at Tartaglia excitedly and said. "Lord Harbinger, you've already killed Rex Lapis, haven't you?!"
"Huh?"
Tartaglia was stunned.
Killed Rex Lapis? Who? Me??? Where would I get such power??? I haven't even entered the Demon God Realm yet!
Even with the authority granted by Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, plus the Foul Legacy, Tartaglia was at most confident in fighting an average Demon God to a stalemate. But against an Archon like Morax, who had emerged from the Archon War, Tartaglia was quite self-aware. Unless he was given more time to hone his martial arts to the extreme and truly step into the Demon God Realm, only then would he be confident enough to fight Morax.
As for now, if he had the ability to fight Morax, would he still need to release Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex?
It would be better to directly confront Morax, sign a contract, and if he lost, he would have to hand over the Gnosis!
"That's right!!! Lord Tartaglia, stop pretending." Another Fatui was very excited: "We've already received the news."
"Yes, yes." An Electro Cicin Mage also looked at Tartaglia excitedly: "We received news that Rex Lapis tragically died during the Rite of Descension."
"It must have been you, Lord Tartaglia."
Another Fatui holding a lightning hammer also looked at Tartaglia with great admiration.
"To be able to kill Rex Lapis, Lord Tartaglia, you are truly amazing."
"Although I don't know how you did it, I believe that after this battle, no one in the entire Fatui will question you."
Because Tartaglia's expenses were very high, Regrator's direct subordinates had quite a few complaints about Tartaglia. Coupled with the direct subordinates of other Fatui Harbingers, they actually also felt that Tartaglia was a reckless brute who only knew how to fight and spend mora madly. Although the other Harbingers didn't say anything, as Tartaglia's direct subordinates, these Fatui also held their breath.
Now that Rex Lapis had died during the Rite of Descension, the Fatui who were Tartaglia's subordinates immediately felt that Lord Tartaglia had done it.
Yes, besides him, who else could have done this?! Lord Tartaglia had prepared so many things, wasn't it all for today's Rite of Descension?
Thinking this way, killing Morax also seemed like a logical progression of events. What was even more shocking was that these subordinates didn't even know how Lord Tartaglia had managed to do it.
"Wait, everyone, wait a moment." Tartaglia felt a headache coming on. He looked at his subordinates and asked. "Morax is dead?"
"Yes, didn't you kill him?"
The Electro Cicin Mage felt a bit strange, why was Lord Tartaglia so confused?
"I killed Morax?"
Tartaglia was even more bewildered. This was even more baffling than Keqing and the others suddenly withdrawing their troops and leaving.
When did he kill Morax?! No!!! Why would Morax die?!! How did he die?!!
Tartaglia was very shocked and confused.