Chapter 103. Target the God of Wind! The Rite of Descension Arrives!
Zhongli arrived—swiftly so. Albedo had only just mentioned him, and in the very next moment, Zhongli was already standing there.
Everyone felt surprised, yet at the same time found it strangely natural, as though this was exactly how Mr. Zhongli ought to be. Thus, Zhongli entered without ceremony. His gaze settled upon the special husk doll before him, and a faint trace of surprise flickered in his eyes.
Whether this object could truly revive Guizhong and Raiden Makoto remained uncertain. But one thing Zhongli knew clearly—
This item was anything but ordinary. Like condensed resin, it was an existence of exceptional nature. Its specifications were likely no lower than condensed resin's, perhaps even comparable.
"Mr. Zhongli," Albedo said, clearly pleased by his arrival. With someone as knowledgeable as Zhongli present, the two of them working together would likely decipher the secrets of the special husk doll far more quickly.
After all, Zhongli—as Morax—possessed knowledge far surpassing his own.
"Hm."
Zhongli gave a slight nod. He slowly circled the special husk doll, observing it for a moment before speaking calmly.
"I can sense that this object is highly unusual. If one were to attempt to replicate it," he continued, "the difficulty would be exceedingly great."
Kuki Shinobu and Aila nodded in agreement. In truth, even without Zhongli's assessment, they already understood this well.
Items obtained through the Chat Group were, for the most part, impossible to replicate.
The easiest exceptions were forging blueprints and brewing recipes—things that could simply be copied down.
Other items, however, were extraordinarily difficult to reproduce. Even the maid outfit and the broken pocket watch Aila had signed in for could only be approximated, never truly duplicated.
Yet—
"Even so, it's not something we can simply give up on," Kuki Shinobu said quietly.
Yae Miko's earlier words—about making Inazuma regress five hundred years—still lingered in her mind. She believed that any Inazuman would find such a prospect irresistibly tempting. Having been in the Chat Group for so long, Kuki Shinobu had also learned of how magnificent Inazuma once was—five hundred years ago.
At that time, yokai were not mere legends. The gods walked close to the people. Inazuma thrived, and its people pursued their dreams freely. Back then, the one who governed Inazuma was not the current Raiden Ei, but Raiden Makoto.
From her time in the group, Kuki Shinobu could sense that Raiden Makoto had been a gentle, approachable god.
Had she still ruled Inazuma, the nation likely would not have fallen into its current state—beset by troubles both internal and external, with those in power indulging themselves while those below tightened their belts, took up household weapons, and became Nobushi.
If Raiden Makoto were in power, Inazuma might resemble Liyue today—where the distance between gods and people was not so vast.
As for present-day Inazuma—
The emergence of the Resistance was, in essence, a clash between the will of the people and the will of the gods. Even so, many still hoped that the Shogun Puppet would one day change her mind—repeal the Vision Hunt Decree and the Sakoku Decree, and bring the corrupt officials to justice.
Zhongli and Albedo both nodded faintly.
If Guizhong could be saved, then Raiden Makoto should be saved as well. After all, Raiden Makoto was also an Old Friend of Zhongli—one of the original Seven.
Zhongli's stance toward her was clear: if salvation was possible, he would not refuse it.
Guizhong, at the very least, possessed hope—she now had the special husk doll. As for Raiden Makoto, everything depended on whether Zhongli and Albedo could replicate a similar item.
Failing that, it would come down to whether fate allowed her—or someone else—to obtain such an item through a future sign-in.
"We can only do our utmost," Albedo said softly. "And…whether the God of Dust can successfully inhabit this special husk doll remains uncertain."
His gaze rested on the puppet, a trace of worry surfacing in his eyes.
The reason was simple.
Though the item theoretically nourished souls, Guizhong's current state was not that of a weakened or incomplete soul. Rather, she existed as an exceedingly faint consciousness—a remnant soul bearing memories.
In essence, most of Guizhong's soul had already dispersed into the world. What remained was but a tiny fragment, retaining her awareness and memories. Such a fragile soul might be extinguished the very moment it manifested in the world—
Or even before entering the special husk doll, upon leaving the Memory of Dust.
"Hm." Zhongli nodded, then said calmly, "Perhaps we should ask Guizhong herself about her current condition. If her state is stable, and she can return to the Memory of Dust at any time, we may allow her to attempt it."
"Should she find that recovery is not possible," he added, "she can immediately return."
In truth, Zhongli himself had never thoroughly examined the internal structure of the Memory of Dust. He lacked certainty regarding its precise mechanisms.
Thus, Guizhong's own experience would be the most reliable answer.
"Guizhong," Kuki Shinobu muttered softly, frowning slightly. She still held deep reverence for the Archons.
To her, Archons were beings on the same level as the Shogun—referring here to Raiden Ei and Raiden Makoto, not the Shogun Puppet. As such, she did not dare casually address an Archon by name alone.
"Hm," Zhongli nodded again, then explained, "One must use a name when speaking."
"If I refer to her as the God of Dust, it feels overly formal. Calling her Lady Guizhong would be…rather strange."
"So it is simplest to use her name directly," he said. "She herself does not seem to mind."
Aila nodded faintly in agreement. She felt Zhongli's reasoning was sound—she, too, disliked addressing everyone as 'Lord' or 'Lady.'
And since Guizhong herself did not object, there was no issue.
"…."
Albedo, meanwhile, remained silent. If Zhongli were truly to call Guizhong 'Lady,' the implications would be catastrophic. Rex Lapis addressing the God of Dust in such a manner—such a scene was unthinkable.
Even in legend, Guizhong was an ally of Rex Lapis, never a subordinate.
Fortunately, Zhongli appeared unconcerned. Yet from this alone, it was evident that Kuki Shinobu and Aila were entirely unaware of his true identity.
As for the Group Leader—
He was intently examining the special husk doll, clearly oblivious to the surrounding discussion.
Albedo's thoughts stirred quietly. He then turned his attention back to the Chat Group.
As expected, it was in complete uproar—after all, this item was simply too important. Even Azhdaha could no longer remain calm. He urged Guizhong repeatedly, pressing her to unlock the Memory of Dust and enter the special husk doll as soon as possible.
[Azhdaha: "Guizhong, hurry! Unlock the Memory of Dust and enter it!"]
[Guizhong: "Don't rush, Azhdaha! I know you're anxious, but please—don't!"]
[Azhdaha: "How can I not be anxious? This thing can't be stored, can it? Even the Group Leader can't preserve it! What if it gets destroyed?!"]
[Albedo: "No. Judging from its structure, it is extremely sturdy. Ordinary attacks should not be able to damage it."]
[Yae Miko: "You wouldn't attack the special husk doll, would you? Don't!!! This is Inazuma's hope!!! I'll cross the sea immediately—wait for me!!!"
[Raiden Makoto: "Miko…aren't you being a little too excited? The description does sound promising, but we don't even know whether it can be used."]
[Guizhong: "She's right. Don't place too much hope in it. The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment. For now, let's assume it can't revive either of us. If we still wish to try—then I can be the guinea pig."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "The risk is far too great. If something goes wrong—wouldn't that mean the first ever 'Leaving the Group' would appear?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Indeed—Lady Makoto and Lady Guizhong are both remnants of souls. If anything were to happen, it would truly be…"]
[Azhdaha: "This…sigh. If only Morax were here. If he were, everything would be simple. If not him, then calling those fellows over would also suffice."]
[Zhongli: "Actually, Albedo and I have already examined it. This special husk doll does indeed possess a very powerful effect."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Hmm? Zhongli, weren't you with friends? How did you end up at Futsu Mitama's residence?"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "That's right, Mr. Zhongli. Didn't you say matters would only conclude after the Rite of Descension?"]
[Zhongli: "More or less, they have been settled. My friends are currently resting. On my way back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, I noticed the discussion in the Chat Group and, out of curiosity, came to see the special husk doll."]
[Guizhong: "Hmm What a coincidence Then, Mr. Zhongli, what do you think?"]
[Albedo: "…"]
[Zhongli: "Rather than thoughts, I have a question. Guizhong—what is your condition when you leave the Memory of Dust?"]
[Azhdaha: "Ah! Right! Zhongli is correct! Guizhong, what happens to you once you leave it?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "It will likely be similar to me. You will briefly exist in this world—and then disappear."]
[Guizhong: "It's actually worse than that~ This consciousness was never meant to persist. It was designed only to startle Morax."]
[Guizhong: "Think of it as a surprise~ Like solving a difficult puzzle, only for someone to suddenly jump out, make a funny face, and vanish."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Fireworks?"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Somewhat similar. Perhaps like those prank gift boxes from Snezhnaya?"]
[Guizhong: "Fireworks? Prank gift boxes? What are those?"]
[Guizhong: "Never mind~ I understand too little now. In any case, it lasts only an instant."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Fleeting…in an instant."]
[Albedo: "The time is far too short. Guizhong would likely dissipate mere seconds after appearing. Even if she entered the special husk doll, it would already be too late."]
[Zhongli: "Then she cannot leave the Memory of Dust. However, this Chat Group itself possesses a soul-nourishing effect."]
[Zhongli: "As long as she remains within it, her soul may recover—though it will take time. This means our trip to Mondstadt must be moved up."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Mondstadt?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Why Mondstadt?"]
[Albedo: "Because condensed resin also has a powerful soul-nourishing and stabilizing effect."]
[Albedo: "When the Yaksha—Conqueror of Demons—consumed condensed resin, the karmic debt entwined with his soul was forcibly dispelled. Furthermore, condensed resin resists erosion."]
[Albedo: "Erosion, in this context, refers to damage inflicted upon the soul by the long passage of Time. From an alchemical perspective, condensed resin should also strengthen or repair the soul."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Hmm?!"]
[Aila: "What?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Soul-nourishing?"]
[Yae Miko: "Ah?! Condensed resin has that effect? That's perfect! Little Kokomi happens to have some!"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Wait—then wasn't it a terrible waste that I ate it as dessert at first?!"]
[Azhdaha: "Exactly! Even if one is used now, there's still some left. And more may be obtained through daily sign-ins."]
[Guizhong: "No, that won't work. I'm not in a state where I can consume it yet. I likely need to wait a few days."]
[Raiden Makoto: "For souls, consumption should be possible. At least, it works for me."]
[Guizhong: "I'm probably too weak. Ah~ I knew I should have left more of my soul behind back then."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Moreover, we don't know how much soul condensed resin can restore. If it restores only a small amount, that would still be problematic."]
[Yae Miko: "Then…we need to find a way to mass-produce condensed resin?"]
[Zhongli: "Yes. Which is why we must go to Mondstadt. There exists a legend of Time and Wind. If fortune favors us, we may find something imbued with 'Time.'"]
[Raiden Makoto: "If Barbatos can be found, he may have a solution. He is on good terms with that person."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "You didn't even say the name this time."]
[Raiden Makoto: "A taboo. One cannot be too careful. Still, I wish you luck in finding Barbatos. He's been missing for a long time, hasn't he?"]
[Yae Miko: "Hard to say. But he is certainly free. Mondstadt is a city without a god's governance, after all."]
[Zhongli: "If nothing related to 'Time' can be found in Mondstadt—"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Then I will have no choice but to hand over what I possess. But by then, you'll likely need to deal with the Raiden Shogun and Ei. I reside within Musou Isshin."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Moreover, this item cannot appear directly in Teyvat. It must exist in a special space."]
[Zhongli: "You jest. How could I possibly deal with the Raiden Shogun and Raiden Ei?"]
[Azhdaha: "I'll do it! Give me condensed resin! I'll go talk to Beelzebub! Wait—no. Even with condensed resin, I'm still sealed by Morax."]
[Azhdaha: "Then we need to raise the Group Level! To LV3! Let Futsu Mitama gain invitation authority so we can pull Morax into the Chat Group! He definitely has a solution! I remember he has ties with the Anemo God!"]
Azhdaha wailed endlessly in the Chat Group, desperate for the group to level up. Yet he had already completed today's sign-in.
No one knew how much experience LV3 required. There was no progress bar—no indication at all.
It was maddening.
In truth, Futsu Mitama was secretly amused. Azhdaha's current state was pitiable—anxious, impatient, yet utterly powerless. He could confront Beelzebub directly. Zhongli himself had once stated that even with a Gnosis, defeating Azhdaha outright would not be easy.
Azhdaha had been sealed not by defeat, but by choice.
Among Liyue's founders, if Morax was first, then Azhdaha was unquestionably second. And yet now, he could do nothing but howl in the Chat Group.
What he did not know was that Morax had already joined. Raiden Makoto and Guizhong, meanwhile, clearly saw through it—and chose to remain silent.
"So," Zhongli asked at last, his gaze returning to the special husk doll, "how do you intend to handle this item?"
"I'll place it into an encrypted group file," Futsu Mitama replied. "Only I will be able to access it."
He stated his decision plainly. If Zhongli were to reveal himself as Morax, Futsu Mitama would hand the item over without hesitation. But if not—then he would safeguard this fragile hope of 'life' for Guizhong with everything he had.
"It is a wise choice," Zhongli said, nodding faintly.
After all, Futsu Mitama had helped Liyue repeatedly, unconditionally aided Xiao, and—according to the group—assisted Raiden Makoto and Azhdaha in witnessing the present era.
After securing the special husk doll, Zhongli rose.
"It grows late. I should take my leave. Everyone should rest and prepare for the Rite of Descension."
"Mr. Zhongli, I'll see you out," Albedo offered.
Futsu Mitama yawned and waved lazily. "I won't. I fought one of Il Dottore's slices today—I'm exhausted."
Aila immediately followed him. "Young Master, I'll attend to you."
Kuki Shinobu watched as they departed, then as Albedo escorted Zhongli out.
After a moment's thought, she turned upstairs as well.
Some matters lay beyond her expertise. Better to rest, and attend the Rite properly tomorrow.
Outside, Zhongli and Albedo walked together.
The night was quiet—at least near Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Elsewhere, Liyue was lively. With the Rite of Descension approaching, many planned to celebrate until dawn.
"Mr. Zhongli," Albedo asked softly, "are you confident?"
Confident…in finding the power of Time.
Guizhong's condition was precarious. How much condensed resin would be enough? Would it be enough at all? The Memory of Dust sustained her now—but outside it, her existence was fleeting.
Her lively presence in the Chat Group was only possible due to its influence. Otherwise, as she herself said—
She would appear, startle Morax…And vanish within seconds.
"I am confident I can meet Barbatos, but as for persuading him to take action and help us obtain the power of Time…that, I cannot guarantee."
Zhongli shook his head slightly. Even for him, ensuring a meeting with Barbatos was one thing; convincing the Anemo Archon to take such a risk was another matter entirely.
"This—" Albedo's expression turned subtle for a moment, yet he found himself at a loss for words.
The effects of condensed resin were simply too comprehensive, and its connection to Time destined it to be extraordinary. Who would have thought that its creation would ultimately require the involvement of two—no, three—Archons?
Though Raiden Makoto now existed only as a remnant soul, she had once been one of The Seven. Even in her current state, she was still doing her utmost to assist them in obtaining the power of Time. Perhaps because she had glimpsed a sliver of hope for life, she had even stated that if Zhongli could retrieve Musou Isshin from the Raiden Shogun and Raiden Ei and bring it into a special space, she would hand over an item imbued with the power of Time.
"Let us discuss this once we reach Mondstadt," Zhongli said calmly, clearly unwilling to pursue the topic further. He turned to Albedo. "After the Rite of Descension concludes, we will travel to Mondstadt together to seek Barbatos."
"Along the way, we can also examine the special husk doll more closely. Tonight was far too rushed to determine its true material."
"Tomorrow is the Rite of Descension. Both you and I should properly witness it."
With those words, Zhongli turned and departed.
Albedo watched his retreating figure and let out a quiet sigh. Rex Lapis was bearing a heavy burden—concealing his identity from the group while simultaneously preparing to seek out the Anemo Archon on behalf of Guizhong and Azhdaha.
And beyond that—how would he eventually reveal the truth, given that he was deliberately hiding it now?
Within the Chat Group, Azhdaha was already growing restless. His anxiety was plain to see; without Zhongli, Raiden Makoto, and Guizhong repeatedly calming him, he might already be attempting to forcibly break free from his seal to draw Morax's attention.
If that were to happen, Morax would inevitably seek out Futsu Mitama and compel him to reveal everything concerning Guizhong and the special husk doll. After all, news of an old friend's possible revival was enough to unnerve anyone—Azhdaha included.
Even Guizhong herself had urged him to remain calm. She, at least, had already come to terms with life and death.
"Just what kind of plan is he intending to carry out?" Albedo murmured to himself.
He could not discern Morax's true intentions. Why conceal the truth from everyone? Would revealing it disrupt the plan? Or was he simply waiting for the proper moment?
After a brief contemplation, Albedo shook his head and let the matter go. Rex Lapis surely had his reasons.
Rather than dwell on that, it would be wiser to consider how to deal with Klee and Hu Tao tomorrow. Klee had been clinging to Hu Tao incessantly, and Hu Tao, for her part, clearly adored the child. Their personalities were far too similar—hopefully, they would not cause any trouble during the Rite of Descension.
With that thought, Albedo returned to Futsu Mitama's residence to rest.
That night was destined to be sleepless for many.
Yelan worked through the darkness, coordinating efforts to restore the ruins. Tartaglia gathered the Fatui, announcing the cancellation of their leave, the death of Dottore, and the continuation of operations in Liyue.
Under Rex Lapis's guidance, the Adeptus were informed of their roles in the upcoming Rite of Descension—no, today's Rite.
The Qixing convened an overnight meeting as well. Keqing proposed a new idea and shared what she intended to say before the Archon.
Meanwhile, Ganyu, secretary of the Qixing, wandered through Liyue Harbor with bow in hand, searching for traces of the Adeptus.
As for Futsu Mitama and the others, they slept soundly.
Before dawn had fully broken, a loud knock echoed through the residence.
"Wake up! Wake up! The sun's already high—are you still sleeping? Today is the Rite of Descension! ~~~"
"Once a year, you know! And seeing Rex Lapis is no small matter, so hurry up and get out of bed! ~~~"
Hu Tao's lively voice rang out, jolting Futsu Mitama awake.
He yawned repeatedly, rubbing his eyes groggily. As for why only he was still asleep—it was because Klee, Albedo, Kuki Shinobu, Shenhe, and Aila were already up.
Futsu Mitama had clearly overexerted himself the night before. Though his stamina had since recovered, his mind remained sluggish. If not for Hu Tao's intervention, he might have slept the entire day away.
When he came downstairs, he found Hu Tao sitting boldly at the table, already helping herself to breakfast.
"Oh, you're up!" she said cheerfully. "Hurry, hurry! Your maid's cooking is amazing. It's practically on par with Xiangling's—I'm so jealous you have someone like her."
The others were already eating. They had originally planned to wake Futsu Mitama, but Aila had stopped them at the door, insisting that if the young master could sleep a little longer, then he should.
In the end, Hu Tao's shout had undone all of that effort.
"I know, I know~" Futsu Mitama yawned, taking a seat between Shenhe and Aila. He picked up a bun and took a bite.
He had already washed up, so Hu Tao's presence did not surprise him. The night before, she had said she would drop by in the morning—to freeload a meal, no less. Since he had agreed, Aila naturally allowed it. If Hu Tao had arrived uninvited, Aila would likely have chased her out the moment she raised her voice.
"Mmm, delicious," Hu Tao said, eating as she spoke. "But really, Liyue Harbor is the same as ever this year—not a single death. Truly disappointing."
"Last night, I walked through the streets and alleys and saw those old folks who should have already reached their end. Just like previous years, they're still stubbornly clinging to life."
She sighed. "It's amazing, really~ but also sad. Their bodies are barely holding together. Staying alive like this only brings more suffering, all just to see Rex Lapis one last time."
"Who says you can't see him after death?" she added lightly. "As a ghost, you could still watch the Rite of Descension, couldn't you?"
"Someone did die," Shenhe said quietly.
She recalled the Fatui who had been sent flying by her strike at the Guili Plains, later caught in the aftermath of Futsu Mitama's meteorite. If nothing unexpected had occurred, that man was certainly dead. And Dottore's slice had also perished—so it was impossible that no one had died.
"Huh?!" Hu Tao's eyes lit up instantly. "Where? Where?! There's work? Oh, wonderful! How did I not hear about this? Was it outside Liyue Harbor?"
Shenhe nodded and calmly pointed toward Futsu Mitama, who was drinking porridge. "If nothing went wrong, one was crushed by the rocks he summoned. Another was forced to take his own life. The location is the Guili Plains, currently sealed off by the Millelith. It may be difficult for you to enter. Both were Fatui from Snezhnaya."
"Excellent!" Hu Tao exclaimed. "Thank you!"
She leapt to her feet. "I'm heading to Guili Plains right now! The Northland Bank has a contract with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—whenever one of their people dies, I'm responsible for handling the body and arranging a proper funeral."
"Wait…was it to return the body to the Northland Bank for repatriation?" She waved her hand. "Ah, never mind—I won't overthink it~"
With that, Hu Tao stuffed the rest of her bun into her mouth and dashed out the door.
"I'm off! I'll come find you all after I'm done~"
The room fell silent as everyone watched her leave.
Klee reached out belatedly, staring at Hu Tao's retreating figure. "Sister Hu Tao!!!"
But by then, she was already gone.
"Why did Hu Tao suddenly run off?" a gentle voice asked, tinged with confusion.
Everyone turned to see Ganyu entering cautiously. She had changed into a new outfit, clearly having made an effort to dress properly. Yet her face bore unmistakable fatigue.
Futsu Mitama paused mid-bite, startled. How could Ganyu—the very embodiment of diligence—look this exhausted?
"She got a job," he replied, then frowned. "But are you alright? Did something happen?"
Ganyu smiled faintly. "Thank you for your concern. I'm fine."
She then turned to Shenhe, her expression complicated. "Shenhe, could you summon Cloud Retainer? I have something I need to tell her."
"Is it urgent?" Shenhe asked seriously. "If it is, I can call Master. But this talisman is extremely difficult to make, and Master warned me not to use it unless it's an extremely, extremely urgent matter."
Ganyu hesitated. It was important—but perhaps not enough to warrant disturbing an Adeptus.
"Didn't you find Cloud Retainer?" Futsu Mitama asked, puzzled.
"I searched all night," Ganyu admitted with a sigh. "I couldn't find Cloud Retainer or Streetward Rambler."
"And the Rite of Descension is about to begin. As secretary of the Qixing, I'm already swamped and have no time left to search. Today, Keqing instructed me to invite you all to attend the Rite. The best seats have been prepared. Ningguang also asked me to ensure you are well received."
"I take the Rite very seriously, but time was too short. I could only choose a presentable outfit before coming to meet you."
Her fatigue deepened as she spoke. If she could, she would have ignored all orders and continued searching for Cloud Retainer.
But she was bound by contract—to Rex Lapis, and to the Qixing.
As such, she could only fulfill her duties: guiding and accompanying Futsu Mitama and the others to the Rite of Descension.
And afterward…she would be standing before both the Archon and the Adeptus.
Just thinking about it made her feel even more worn out. Her expression was heavy with exhaustion and worry.