Chapter 106. Hu Tao's Sulking ~
Futsu Mitama fled in a flurry, while on the other side, after Rex Lapis and the Adeptus departed from Liyue Harbor, they returned to the mountain peak, gazing down at the bustling city below.
"Yuheng Star possesses extraordinary courage," Mountain Shaper said slowly, his voice heavy with concern. "But she is also excessively arrogant."
He let out a sigh, the weight of responsibility evident in his tone. "Sharing our duties is not inherently wrong. Yet once mortals take part in such affairs—how many lives will be lost in the process? If it were exorcists, perhaps that would be acceptable. But if ordinary mortals become entangled in these matters, I fear death will be unavoidable."
At this moment, Mountain Shaper bore none of the stern authority he had shown when admonishing Keqing in Liyue Harbor. Instead, what remained was only deep-seated worry.
Rex Lapis had agreed to Yuheng Star's proposal, entrusting part of both his own responsibilities and those of the Adeptus to the Liyue Qixing.
This meant that the Qixing would inevitably come into contact with matters once handled solely by the Adeptus.
And since Rex Lapis himself had spoken, the Adeptus would, in time, inform the Liyue Qixing of certain hidden dangers—allowing them to witness, first-hand, the crises that threatened the land of Liyue.
"Indeed," Moon Carver replied quietly, his expression no less grave.
He understood that such a path might ultimately benefit Liyue's future. Allowing humanity to face calamity ahead of time would temper them, forging strength through adversity. Yet the thought that this progress would be purchased with the lives of countless Liyue citizens made his heart ache beyond measure.
"This is a choice they made themselves."
Cloud Retainer spoke calmly, her gaze fixed upon Liyue Harbor far below. "Though I do not believe this path to be ideal, I will respect their decision."
She paused, then continued, her voice steady. "Yuheng Star's words are not without reason. Decades from now—or even thousands of years hence—whether we Adeptus still exist is uncertain."
"But humanity will endure. Of that, there is no doubt."
Cloud Retainer had always believed in the latent potential of mortals. Even when the Adeptus faded into history, humanity would persist, resilient upon this land.
"You all worry too much." Madam Ping smiled gently, her expression warm and benevolent. "Since Yuheng Star dared to speak so boldly, it means the Liyue Qixing are prepared to walk this path together."
"They have their own convictions—and that is no bad thing. And did Rex Lapis not agree to this himself?"
As she spoke, Madam Ping lifted her gaze toward the golden dragon coiled in the heavens.
In truth, she felt a trace of curiosity. Why had Rex Lapis maintained this form for several days now? In the past, he had always appeared before them in human guise.
Yet despite her doubts, she said nothing further. If Rex Lapis acted thus, there must be a reason beyond mortal understanding.
"…"
Xiao remained silent.
He stood apart, his eyes fixed on the distant expanse of Liyue Harbor, as though merely admiring the view.
In truth, Xiao believed the assistance Yuheng Star proposed to be unnecessary. The Yaksha had long since entered into contracts with Rex Lapis—slaying demons and suppressing evil to safeguard Liyue's land. Moreover, after consuming the condensed resin, Xiao could clearly sense the erosion and karmic burden within him fading away.
So long as nothing unforeseen occurred, he could continue fighting—for thousands of years yet to come.
Therefore, there was no need for Keqing or others to assist him. Mortal involvement would not benefit Xiao in the slightest—on the contrary, it might even cause them to be tainted by his karma.
Although a considerable portion of that karma had already dissipated, Xiao could still sense its lingering presence. If ordinary mortals were to draw near and be affected by it, death would be all but inevitable.
And yet…compared to all of this, what concerned Xiao most was the "successor" Rex Lapis had mentioned.
Rex Lapis intended to cultivate a successor—someone to whom Liyue itself would be entrusted. Who could possibly be worthy of such recognition?
This question lingered not only in Xiao's mind, but also in the hearts of the Adeptus. Yet since Rex Lapis had chosen not to speak further, none dared to inquire.
"Liyue has a brand-new future."
Morax's voice echoed across the mountain peak as he looked down at the Adeptus below. His tone was calm, unwavering.
"One day, we too will reach our end. Human lives are fleeting—but their legacy is passed on from generation to generation."
"We are no different. Who can say how many millennia from now we will still exist? Yet the legacy we leave behind in Liyue may become its firmest cornerstone, allowing its people to live in peace."
As Rex Lapis spoke, the Adeptus nodded in agreement, even if subtle differences in philosophy remained.
Whether Adeptus or Qixing, all shared the same hope—for a better Liyue.
"Oh, by the way, Rex Lapis." Cloud Retainer suddenly spoke, curiosity flickering in her eyes as she looked at Morax. "Who exactly is this successor of yours? I don't recall you ever mentioning such a person."
"…"
Morax fell silent for a brief moment, as though weighing his words, before finally speaking.
"This is a talent I discovered only recently. In merely a few days, he mastered my techniques. Such aptitude can only be described as—terrifying."
"And more than that—his future is obscured from my sight. I cannot discern where his path ultimately leads. For this reason, I wish for him to inherit my position and become Liyue's next guardian."
The Adeptus were visibly shaken. Learning Rex Lapis's techniques in just a few days?
This clearly did not refer to ordinary methods. Only those who had lived through the Archon War truly understood how formidable Rex Lapis was.
To most, he was simply the Geo Archon who triumphed in Liyue and took his place among The Seven.
After all, there were six other Archons—each extraordinary in their own right. Such thinking was understandable. But to the Adeptus, Rex Lapis was peerless.
In simple terms—he was invincible.
The techniques he wielded were not something an ordinary being could hope to master.
And yet, someone had done so in a matter of days.
Even Cloud Retainer found it difficult to accept. In her estimation, even her most outstanding disciples—Shenhe and Aila—would be unlikely to achieve such a feat.
For Rex Lapis to hold someone in such high regard—how could the Adeptus not be moved?
"Who is he?"
Mountain Shaper voiced the question that weighed most heavily on their minds.
Who could possibly earn such recognition from Rex Lapis?
"…"
Morax merely shook his head slightly, offering no answer. The time had not yet come.
Seeing that Rex Lapis had no intention of revealing the name, the Adeptus did not press further. Yet their curiosity had already been stirred beyond restraint. For thousands of years, no one had truly caught Rex Lapis's attention.
And now—someone had. How could that not unsettle them?
—
After the Rite of Descension concluded, Liyue Harbor remained bustling with excitement. The policies announced by Rex Lapis this year—along with the individuals he had publicly praised or criticized—spread like wildfire throughout the city.
Futsu Mitama and the others passed by the Shopkeeper's Daughter's stall and shared the good news with her.
Her reaction was immediate. A radiant smile spread across her face as she stood in the street, hands on her hips, laughing heartily—her excitement utterly unrestrained.
The reason was simple.
Why had she been so diligently selling Primo Geovishap Scales? For money?
Guiyan Assembly was never short on funds. Even with her parents traveling, she had leveraged their connections to earn over a billion mora in just half a year by selling large quantities of ore.
Of course, much of that had come from Ningguang's "friendly purchases."
No—money was not what she wanted.
She wanted fame.
After several centuries, Guiyan Assembly had once again been personally mentioned by Rex Lapis during the Rite of Descension. That honor alone was priceless.
The Shopkeeper's Daughter had already made up her mind. When she passed on, she would have the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor engrave these words upon her tombstone:
"Former Head of Guiyan Assembly, personally praised by Rex Lapis."
Former Head? Acting Head?
A joke.
That was only a matter of time.
She then informed Futsu Mitama that all the materials had been prepared. If he wasn't in a hurry, she would personally deliver them in a few days.
After all, she fully expected Guiyan Assembly to be swamped with visitors—new and old alike—in the coming days.
The reason needed no explanation. The Lord of Geo had spoken its name.
Naturally, business partners, customers, friends, and relatives would all come knocking.
Futsu Mitama expressed his understanding. If necessary, he would simply collect the materials after returning.
After all, he planned to travel to Mondstadt next—a round trip that would take at least half a month.
Once he returned to Liyue, he would collect the materials from both the Shopkeeper's Daughter and Ningguang before deciding whether to head back to Inazuma.
The Shopkeeper's Daughter thanked him repeatedly, then immediately returned to her work—after all, with Rex Lapis's endorsement, the value of her Primo Geovishap scales had risen yet again.
Her next goal was clear.
Squeeze every last bit of profit from the merchants.
—
After that, Futsu Mitama and the others paid a visit to Ningguang. They drank tea, enjoyed pastries, and discussed matters concerning Liyue's future.
Perhaps influenced by the rumors surrounding "Rex Lapis's successor," Ningguang was noticeably more courteous than usual. She examined Futsu Mitama more than once, her fox-like smile never leaving her face.
Clearly, she harbored suspicions—but said nothing.
Instead, she entertained the group with flawless courtesy before sending them on their way.
Next came Wanmin Restaurant.
The food was, as always, exceptional.
Boiled fish, Sweet Madame, Golden Shrimp Balls—every dish was rich in flavor and expertly prepared.
As for the day's special dishes—Nine-Turned Intestines and Spicy Slime—no one ordered them.
The reason was simple.
The Spicy Slime caused Guoba to spew flames uncontrollably, nearly setting the stall ablaze. And though the Nine-Turned Intestines smelled delicious, once they learned it was pig intestines, Eula, Kuki Shinobu, and Shenhe unanimously refused.
Klee, on the other hand, stared at it with sparkling curiosity—only to be stopped by Albedo.
Seeing this, Futsu Mitama naturally declined as well.
As dusk settled, the Rite of Descension officially came to an end. The group began preparing to return. Unlike the previous day, Klee was not tired in the slightest—still brimming with energy, eager to continue exploring.
"So fun! It was so much fun!!!"
Klee's cheerful voice rang out as she tugged excitedly at Albedo's sleeve. "Big Brother Albedo, can you bring me again next time? Klee loves festivals like this!"
Passersby smiled warmly at the sight of her enthusiasm.
Albedo, however, looked slightly helpless. Bringing Klee along had certainly kept him busy.
But what could he do? She was his sister.
He gently patted her head. "Next Lantern Rite, I'll bring you again."
"Lantern Rite?" Klee blinked. "What's that?"
She had spent most of her life in Mondstadt and rarely traveled. Naturally, she had never experienced Liyue's festivals.
"It's a festival even livelier than the Rite of Descension," Albedo explained patiently. "I'll tell you all about it when the time comes, alright?"
With the Rite of Descension just concluded, it wasn't yet time to speak of the Lantern Rite.
After all, the wait would be long.
"Okay~" Klee nodded obediently.
Under normal circumstances, she was a very good child. Except when it came to fish-blasting. That, she would never give up.
"The Lantern Rite…" Kuki Shinobu murmured thoughtfully. "It really is a nostalgic festival."
She had only experienced it once.
"…"
Shenhe remained silent.
Much like the Rite of Descension, she had heard of the Lantern Rite—but had never truly participated. In years past, she had always spent it on Mt. Aocang with her master.
Futsu Mitama's gaze wandered.
Should he remain in Liyue for the Lantern Rite before returning to Inazuma?
Soon, they arrived near their residence—and saw Hu Tao sitting listlessly at the entrance of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"??"
Everyone froze.
This was already the second time they had seen a dejected Hu Tao. What could possibly have reduced the endlessly energetic Director Hu to this state?
"Oh… you're back."
Hu Tao sighed as she looked up at them, her expression one of forced cheer. "I went to Guili Plains, but the Millelith wouldn't let me through. I argued with them for a bit, but you know—civilians can't fight officials. In the end, I could only try to reason with them."
"But they just wouldn't budge! So annoying!!!"
As she spoke, she even stomped her foot in frustration. Recovering bodies and ensuring proper burial was Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's responsibility.
As Director, Hu Tao had signed a contract with Northland Bank. If Snezhnayans died on Liyue soil, she was responsible for retrieving their bodies and handing them over—so they could be returned home.
Hu Tao took this duty very seriously. Though she often appeared carefree, once a contract was signed, she never treated it lightly.
Yet the Millelith had stopped her.
Both sides understood each other's positions. But neither could yield.
The Millelith needed the bodies of Il Dottore and the Fatui soldiers as evidence—sensitive evidence that could not be handed over lightly.
Even to Hu Tao.
Rules were rules.
Thus, she could only sit here, dejected.
"That's only natural," Kuki Shinobu muttered. "They're Fatui, after all. Their involvement with Liyue is…delicate. The Millelith are probably planning to use those bodies to make Northland Bank pay dearly."
Futsu Mitama nodded. "Director Hu, you understand this too."
Hu Tao sighed, standing up. "Of course, I do. But understanding doesn't change our duty. If the dead aren't laid to rest, resentment builds. And once vengeful spirits appear, things only get worse."
Her expression grew uncharacteristically serious. That belief was the very foundation of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Still, she understood the Millelith's position—and could only seek resolution through official channels.
"How touching. As expected of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—always so conscientious."
A familiar voice rang out.
Everyone turned. An orange-haired young man approached, wearing a distinctive smile.
"Hi," he said casually. "I'm back again."
Tartaglia.
Once again, and yet again, he had returned.
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