Chapter 108. Ningguang's Favor, Mondstadt's Dragon Crisis?
Hu Tao was clearly displeased, yet Futsu Mitama and Aila paid her no heed. Their attention was wholly captured by the envelope Tartaglia had left behind—an intelligence dossier concerning Black Aila.
According to the contents, Black Aila was a special existence brought out of Liyue. Her constitution was exceedingly rare. Even as a child, without possessing a Vision, she could already perceive elemental energy—and even what was described as adeptal power.
In simple terms, she was a human born with the potential of an Adeptus. Yet those around her never realized it. They merely thought her extraordinarily intelligent—someone who grasped everything the moment it was taught.
Later, Black Aila encountered a so-called benefactor: Il Dottore, who was conducting research on Ruin Guards in Liyue.
He personally brought her to Snezhnaya, imparted vast amounts of knowledge to her, and through his methods, she eventually succeeded in mastering the power of a god—formally joining the Fatui as a result.
Although she was often described as appearing absent-minded and foolish, her combat ability was terrifyingly fierce. She rendered countless services to the Fatui, and before entering the Abyss, she was even designated a reserve Harbinger.
A reserve Harbinger.
That status alone was already an immense honor. Should any of the Harbingers perish or be unable to continue their duties, she would be eligible to replace them.
Thus, Black Aila entered the Abyss, just as the Harbingers did, engaging in battle within its depths.
But—after she emerged, everything changed. She gained Abyssal power, and the godly strength she possessed grew even more formidable.
If, prior to entering the Abyss, Black Aila had merely possessed strength on the level of a quasi-Harbinger, then after her return, her power had stabilized at the level of an average Harbinger.
However, immediately upon leaving the Abyss, she killed one of Il Dottore's slices.
Chaos erupted in Snezhnaya soon after. Countless Fatui personnel were slain, and Black Aila was formally declared a wanted criminal by Snezhnaya itself.
It was said that she later confronted The Knave, Arlecchino, who had been stationed in Snezhnaya at the time. In the end, Black Aila escaped—severely wounded—vanishing into the endless snowy night. Her whereabouts remained unknown.
The intelligence noted that her defeat was not due to weakness.
Rather, everything—from the assassination of Il Dottore's clone, to the annihilation of three advance teams directly under his command, to the slaughter of elite units such as Electro and Cryo Cicin Mages—had all occurred within a single day.
Only after sensing something amiss did The Knave intervene, personally halting Black Aila's rampage and grievously injuring her. According to speculation, The Knave may have reached some form of agreement with Black Aila, allowing her to leave Snezhnaya. However, no concrete evidence existed to confirm this claim.
After reading the dossier, Futsu Mitama and Aila exchanged glances.
Master and servant alike understood that beneath the polished wording of the intelligence lay a blood-soaked truth.
For instance—Black Aila had not been invited. She had been manufactured.
"Successfully mastering the power of a god" almost certainly meant she had survived a cruel experiment. And as for why she was described as dazed and foolish?
The intelligence itself stated that Black Aila had once been extraordinarily intelligent.
The contradiction was obvious.
The most likely explanation was that Il Dottore had sealed her memories.
Her status as a reserve Harbinger was probably genuine.
As for the turning point—after entering the Abyss, Black Aila may have encountered another benefactor, had her memories restored, and finally learned the truth of what Il Dottore had done to her.
That alone was reason enough for everything that followed.
"Harbinger-level strength…"
Futsu Mitama frowned slightly, gaining a clearer understanding of Black Aila's true power.
Previously, within the mental space, Black Aila's strength had been overwhelmingly oppressive—reaching even Archon-level, albeit the weakest form of it. Still, it was enough to instill despair.
Now, judging from the intelligence, if her power was truly at the Harbinger level—and taking Tartaglia as the benchmark—then she was roughly equivalent to an Adeptus.
As for Aila herself, her current strength had not yet reached that level. Only by activating Mirrors: Reflection of Tranquility could she barely step into the realm of Adeptus—and only for three moves.
After those three moves, she would be utterly defenseless.
Even with her recent rapid growth, such a leap was impossible. No wonder Aila had chosen to seek fortune through danger—attempting to seize divine power for herself.
She had long understood the vast gulf separating her from that individual.
Though defeat would merely result in her consciousness being suppressed—allowing the other to serve her young master in her stead—the mere thought of that outcome ignited a fierce blaze within her heart.
She had to win. She had to win this battle for consciousness.
At that moment—
Creak.
The door was pushed open once more.
Everyone turned to see Zhongli entering the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. He paused slightly, his nose twitching as he caught the heavy aroma of tea lingering in the air.
His brows knit together, expression subtly complex.
"Director Hu," Zhongli asked flatly, "how much tea did you use?"
The concentration of the fragrance was unmistakable. This was not the result of a modest serving. The tea stored at the parlor had been purchased by Zhongli himself—paid for by Hu Tao. All of it was of exceptional quality. Even a small pinch was enough to brew a proper pot.
Yet the air was saturated with the scent.
Hu Tao stiffened.
"Oh, um…" She rubbed Klee's head, glanced toward a corner, and replied with forced cheer, "Just a tiny bit~~~"
A lie born of guilt. When pouring the leaves, her hand had slipped. Far too much tea had gone in. And since everyone was waiting, she simply added hot water, brewed it briefly, and served it as-is.
Judging by Tartaglia's reaction, it seemed fine.
Shenhe had even downed it in one gulp.
Futsu Mitama had taken a sip as well—no issues whatsoever.
Thus, Hu Tao immediately felt justified.
If no one collapsed, then everything was fine.
Watching her sudden self-assurance, Zhongli felt a familiar weariness settle in. He said nothing more. Director Hu was undeniably capable in most matters. But when it came to food and drink… she possessed a rather unique talent.
Zhongli turned his attention to Futsu Mitama and Albedo.
"Now that the Rite of Descension has concluded," he said calmly, "when do you plan to depart for Mondstadt?"
The matter of condensed resin was too important to delay.
If they did not seek Barbatos in Mondstadt, then their only remaining option would be to travel to Inazuma—request an audience with the Raiden Shogun, and retrieve Musou Isshin, thereby inviting Raiden Makoto's consciousness forth.
"That soon?" Kuki Shinobu murmured softly. "The Rite of Descension just ended, and we're already leaving for Mondstadt?"
It felt abrupt.
The ceremony had concluded only moments ago—yet departure was already being discussed. Not even a single night's rest remained.
Albedo glanced toward Klee, hesitation flashing briefly through his eyes. He wanted to refuse. Klee had been playing all day and was clearly exhausted.
Albedo himself could endure the fatigue, but he was traveling with Klee. Her condition had to be considered first.
Aila also showed a trace of reluctance. For the time being, she could not leave Liyue. She still needed to cultivate at Mt. Aocang.
Black Aila did not know when she would next return to Liyue, but her opponent was far too powerful. She had to grow stronger in the shortest time possible. At present, cultivating under Cloud Retainer's guidance on Mt. Aocang was the fastest path available to her.
The power of a god was a gamble—but it was one she had no choice but to take.
"Not yet."
Futsu Mitama shook his head, refusing calmly. His gaze passed over Aila and Klee before he spoke again.
"I still have matters to handle here. Tartaglia entrusted me with delivering a message to the Liyue Qixing. Goods shipped from Snezhnaya were seized by the Abyss Order. He paid an equivalent price for my assistance."
"Tonight, I need to speak with either Keqing or Ningguang regarding this matter. Mr. Zhongli—who do you think I should approach?"
His words were entirely reasonable. Though Futsu Mitama was capable of contacting the Liyue Qixing himself, he was still unfamiliar with Liyue. He did not even know which of them oversaw affairs of this nature.
Seeking Zhongli's advice was only natural.
Moreover, he genuinely did not know which Qixing was responsible for incidents involving Fatui cargo falling into the Abyss Order's hands.
"This matter" Zhongli pondered briefly before answering slowly, "should be reported to Tianquan Ningguang. She manages affairs of this kind. However, even if you explain the situation, she is unlikely to accept the Fatui's account at face value."
Indeed. No one would readily believe the Fatui's one-sided explanation.
After all, one of Il Dottore's slices had destroyed ancient ruins and even attempted to assassinate an Inazuman retainer and an Adeptus disciple—actions serious enough to force Rex Lapis himself to intervene.
So long as the Fatui were involved, Liyue would inevitably treat the matter with heightened scrutiny.
Even if the Fatui were ultimately proven innocent, the machinery had originated from Snezhnaya. Responsibility could not be entirely dismissed.
"It doesn't matter. It's not my concern."
Futsu Mitama was unconcerned.
The reason was simple—Tartaglia had never required him to resolve the matter. All he needed to do was convey the message to the Liyue Qixing: that the Fatui were not at fault.
That alone fulfilled his obligation. The price had already been paid. The outcome was irrelevant to him.
"That's good."
Zhongli nodded faintly, saying nothing further. In truth, if circumstances allowed, he wished to depart for Mondstadt immediately. Though he appeared composed, the very suggestion of leaving that very night revealed his impatience.
Everyone present understood this. Zhongli was eager to meet Barbatos—to obtain information regarding Time. Those who knew Zhongli's true identity could easily understand his urgency.
Azhdaha required condensed resin.
Guizhong awaited the same to restore her soul.
Both needs were pressing, yet the condensed resin currently in Sangonomiya Kokomi's possession was far from sufficient. Thus, the core material—the power of Time—had to be secured in order to mass-produce it.
"How about this," Futsu Mitama said, turning to Zhongli. "Tomorrow, we escort Aila to Mt. Aocang. After that, we depart for Mondstadt."
As he spoke, he stood up, not sparing the tea on the table a glance.
"Now, I'm heading to the Jade Chamber to speak with Ningguang about the Fatui matter. Mr. Zhongli—would you care to come along?"
Zhongli shook his head lightly. He had no desire to visit the Jade Chamber. If possible, he preferred to avoid the Liyue Qixing altogether. Those who rose to such positions were anything but ordinary. Prolonged interaction carried the risk of exposing inconsistencies.
"By the way," Hu Tao suddenly interjected, scratching her head, "what exactly are you going to Mondstadt for?"
She looked between Zhongli and Futsu Mitama, suspicion creeping into her eyes.
"Why do I feel like you're hiding something from me?"
Zhongli was the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant.
Futsu Mitama was her neighbor. Zhongli rarely left Liyue—he wandered its streets daily and had never once expressed interest in Mondstadt, Inazuma, or Sumeru.
Previously, when Hu Tao proposed touring Sumeru and Mondstadt to scout for clients, she had even invited Zhongli along.
He had merely smiled and declined. Yet now, he was suddenly planning a trip to Mondstadt.
It was strange. Almost conspiratorial.
Everyone else seemed unfazed—only she sensed something amiss. The feeling was eerily similar to when Shenhe had once stood beside her, only to abruptly defect to the other side.
Hu Tao narrowed her eyes, staring at Zhongli and Futsu Mitama.
These two were hiding something. Or rather—they both had secrets she hadn't uncovered yet.
"Nothing," Zhongli replied calmly under her gaze. I simply have an old friend in Mondstadt whom I haven't seen in a long time. I wish to visit him."
"And he owes me a debt—one I intend to collect."
Hu Tao studied him silently, suspicion deepening. Since the day she had met Zhongli, it always seemed that he was the one owing others money—not the reverse.
If not for his extensive knowledge, strong business acumen, and air of an Adeptus walking among mortals, his unpaid bills alone would have been enough to get him expelled from the parlor.
Still… recently, those bills had been decreasing. She wondered which unfortunate soul he had found to shoulder his burdens.
"A debt?"
Albedo's expression turned peculiar. He knew Zhongli was the Geo Archon. But what debt could Barbatos possibly owe him?
Futsu Mitama, however, thought of something—and his anticipation for Mondstadt quietly grew. It seemed Barbatos had indeed done something that had greatly displeased Zhongli. As for what exactly… he could only vaguely recall Barbatos using Morax's name for some mischief.
"Mhm." Zhongli nodded faintly. "Then I shall visit again tomorrow. I have urgent matters to attend to now."
He turned, preparing to leave.
Mr. Yun's performance was scheduled for today. He could not miss it.
"You're not leaving."
Hu Tao suddenly lifted Klee and handed her to Albedo. Then she stepped forward, smiling brightly.
"The Rite of Descension is over. Business resumes at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Come on! Let's go take care of clients!"
"After the ceremony ended, you disappeared. Now that I've caught you—there's no escape!" Tomorrow, this Director will grant you a long holiday. But today—work time~~~"
With that, Hu Tao dragged Zhongli out of the parlor, casually snatching Homa from the side.
Clearly, she intended to collect bodies.
Zhongli wore a helpless expression, but resistance was futile. As the parlor's consultant, he still answered to Director Hu. He was forcibly pulled away.
After they left, silence settled over the room. Futsu Mitama looked around.
"Who will accompany me to the Jade Chamber?"
There was only one remaining task for the day—informing Ningguang of Tartaglia's matter. Tomorrow, after sending Black Aila to Mt. Aocang, they would depart for Mondstadt.
"Me."
Kuki Shinobu raised her hand.
Whether she went or not made little difference—but if a complicated contract arose, she would be the one most qualified to examine it.
"Young Master, me."
Aila also spoke up. Her time with him was already limited. She wished to remain by his side for as long as possible, assisting him however she could.
"I won't be going."
Shenhe shook her head calmly.
"After today's Rite's, I've gained some insights. I intend to enter seclusion. These trivial matters don't require my involvement."
Her battle with Il Dottore had made one thing clear—she was still insufficiently strong.
Though today's wandering had stirred faint ripples in her long-still heart, now that the festival was over, she needed to resume cultivation. She did not wish to be powerless again.
"I need to take care of Klee," Albedo said, gently rubbing her head. "And I also need to organize the alchemical materials I purchased today."
"Mr. Zhongli and I discussed the concept of 'fortune' some days ago. I plan to experiment—see if I can create an item that enhances it."
Klee had been about to protest. But upon hearing that Albedo had work to do, she fell silent. She couldn't make him abandon his research.
"Very well," Futsu Mitama said. "Rest for now. I'll return shortly."
With that, he led Kuki Shinobu and Aila toward Yujing Terrace.
Before long, they arrived.
Under staff guidance, they ascended once more to the Jade Chamber.
One of Ningguang's secretaries, surprised to see them again, stepped forward. Upon learning their purpose, she guided them inside and went to inform Lady Ningguang.
Moments later, she returned and invited Futsu Mitama in.
Inside the familiar chamber, Futsu Mitama was surprised to see Yelan present. She was eating pastries, fatigue evident on her face.
"Yo." Yelan greeted him with a chuckle. "How was today's Rite? I was swamped—didn't even get the chance to attend."
"But I heard the Lord of Geo revealed some shocking news. An heir, huh? Do you think that heir could be—?"
Futsu Mitama shook his head immediately.
"I am the Raiden Shogun's retainer. What heir? I wouldn't know."
Yelan and Ningguang exchanged glances, smiling—but said nothing. In their hearts, the conclusion was already clear.
Il Dottore himself had acknowledged that Futsu Mitama inherited the Geo Archon's legacy.
Rex Lapis had entrusted him with Guizhong's relic.
If that wasn't recognition, what was?
Still—if he did not acknowledge it, neither would they.
For millennia, Liyue had upheld a single belief: What the Lord says is absolute.
If he spoke of an heir, then it marked the passing of an era—and the preparation for what came next.
"Then," Ningguang asked calmly, "what brings you here this time?"
"Is it the Bloodjade Branch? But you said you'd retrieve it in a few days."
She was curious. They had met not long ago at the Rite of Descension. If he had something to say, he could have said it then.
Unless—
"Tartaglia came to me," Futsu Mitama said calmly. "He offered an irresistible reward and asked me to speak on his behalf—on behalf of the Fatui. To explain something to you."
Ningguang and Yelan exchanged glances once more. Surprise flickered unmistakably in their eyes. They had not expected Futsu Mitama to appear—
as a spokesman for a Fatui Harbinger.
"What is it?" Ningguang asked, her smile unchanging.
Yelan, however, remained silent. She merely observed Futsu Mitama with quiet attentiveness. Matters involving a Fatui Harbinger were far beyond what a so-called "small fry" like her should casually interject in.
"It concerns a machine."
Futsu Mitama relayed Tartaglia's account in full—the biological evolution device, the scales taken from a Geovishap Tartaglia had slain, and how those scales had partially evolved into something resembling an Primo Geovishap.
He also explained how the Abyss Order had seized the Fatui's asset, fled into Liyue, and what they intended to do with it.
Throughout his explanation, Ningguang's smile never faded. When he finished, she looked at him calmly and asked, "And what do you think of this matter?"
"Me?"
Futsu Mitama had not expected such composure—nor had he expected her to solicit his opinion so directly.
Instinctively, his gaze shifted to Yelan. Her expression was just as composed.
This made him wonder whether Yelan already knew of the situation. Perhaps that was why she had not appeared at the Rite of Descension, choosing instead to remain in the Jade Chamber.
To be bolder—perhaps she and Ningguang had already been discussing how to deal with the Fatui long before he arrived.
"Indeed," Ningguang nodded, her eyes holding a faint, knowing smile. "You are a retainer of the Raiden Shogun. I trust you have your own insights. I would like to hear them."
Futsu Mitama pondered briefly, then spoke without hesitation.
"It is highly likely that the Fatui's item was stolen. With Il Dottore having just died, the Fatui would not willingly stir further trouble at this time. As for Tartaglia—he is undoubtedly conducting his own schemes. He wants that machine, likely to experiment on Geovishap. What he did not expect was for the Abyss Order to steal it and act at such a critical juncture."
"Therefore," he concluded calmly, "at present, Tartaglia is a very useful weapon. A weapon against the Abyss Order. I believe he will seize this chance to prove himself."
Setting everything else aside, Tartaglia was undeniably formidable. His martial prowess was exceptional, and he wielded the authority of the Cryo Archon.
Liyue, at present, stood at a delicate crossroads. The new balance between humanity and the Adeptus had only just been established. Everything was still fragile, still untested.
The Abyss Order's true intentions remained unknown—but Liyue could use Tartaglia and the Fatui's elite forces to probe them.
Let the Abyss Order and the Fatui clash. Regardless of who emerged victorious, Liyue would benefit.
"Precisely." Ningguang raised her hands and applauded softly. "As expected of a Raiden Shogun's retainer. With only Tartaglia's one-sided account, you arrived at the optimal course of action."
"In fact," she continued, "Yelan and the Millelith have already obtained intelligence regarding partially evolved Geovishap."
"Professional teams were dispatched to examine the remains. The conclusion was clear—their evolution was forced, achieved by compressing their potential and lifespan."
She paused briefly, her gaze sharpening.
"Combined with the Abyss Order targeting you, I suspect their true objective is the item you obtained from Primo Geovishap."
At those words, Kuki Shinobu and Aila both seemed to realize something. Their gazes shifted toward Futsu Mitama.
After all, their Young Master did indeed possess a relic left behind by Primo Geovishap—an item he frequently took out and toyed with.
Futsu Mitama reached into his storage and placed a crystal-clear Juvenile Jade onto the table. It was the most tangible proof of Primo Geovishap's existence remaining in this world.
"So this is Primo Geovishap's Juvenile Jade…" Yelan murmured, surprise evident in her voice. "I've seen similar materials inside Geovishap before."
"But this…" She shook her head. "This is incomparable."
If the Juvenile Jade from a Geovishap resembled unrefined stone, riddled with impurities—
Then the Jade born of Primo Geovishap was flawless, translucent, and pure.
"What a pity," Ningguang said softly, studying the jade with faint melancholy. "If Primo Geovishap had not turned against humanity… if its killing intent had not grown so extreme…"
"Given a few more centuries, it might have become a true dragon. A being capable of shaking mountains and rending the earth. But it chose the wrong path—and was ultimately slain by the Adeptus."
She felt genuine regret. The jade before her represented a future that might have been. Yet Primo Geovishap had chosen to oppose Liyue, attempting to shatter the Emperor's seal and release the Dragon King buried beneath the earth.
Its end was inevitable.
"That only proves it was foolish," Futsu Mitama replied, shrugging.
He had no interest in understanding his hatred. When it awakened, it attacked without hesitation. Had they been weaker, they would have been devoured long ago.
To pity an enemy was cruelty toward oneself.
"However," he continued, looking directly at Ningguang and Yelan, "when the Abyss Order attacked me, they released several Geovishap."
"Those creatures reacted violently to the Juvenile Jade I carried—like mad beasts. In other words, their ultimate goal was this."
"Now that Primo Geovishap is dead, they wish to create another one."
Indeed, each time a Geovishap encountered him, it charged with crimson eyes.
That was no coincidence.
The Juvenile Jade held irresistible allure for them. Almost like a treasure chest to a wandering traveler.
Futsu Mitama speculated further—
If a Geovishap were to consume the Juvenile Jade… could it evolve into an Azhdaha in an extremely short time?
The probability was slim. But not impossible.
That Abyss Lector's original objective was likely this very outcome. As for why the attacks ceased—
On one hand, Aether's command. On the other, the realization that Futsu Mitama could not be defeated. Thus, they turned to the Fatui instead, stealing a forced evolution device.
And then, they created partially evolved Geovishap within Liyue.
Preying on the vulnerable.
"We already know all this," Ningguang said, folding her hands atop the table, a calculating smile forming. "And just as you suggested earlier…"
"I intend to temporarily cooperate with the Fatui to dismantle the Abyss Order's scheme. No matter what, the Abyss is an enemy that all of Teyvat must oppose. Compared to them, Snezhnaya can be dealt with later."
"This decision," she added lightly, "should put that Harbinger at ease."
Her smile turned subtly shrewd. The Fatui could not escape responsibility—the machine originated from their nation. If they were to bear the blame, then it was only reasonable that they contribute their strongest forces to investigate and combat the Abyss alongside the Millelith.
A perfect arrangement.
"Mm."
Futsu Mitama nodded.
In truth, Tartaglia's intelligence had been unnecessary. Ningguang had already grasped the situation in its entirety. This was not merely a woman skilled in commerce—her intelligence network was beyond imagination. Even without his visit, she would have pressured Tartaglia and reached the same cooperation.
"However," Ningguang continued, meeting his gaze, "there is one thing I must ask."
"Please do not intervene in this incident. It is one thing for Snezhnaya to participate. But if you were to act, it would be difficult to explain to the Adeptus."
Their Archon had entrusted this trial to humanity. The Qixing needed to prove that humans could shoulder responsibility. Tartaglia's assistance would only demonstrate the Qixing's shrewdness.
But Futsu Mitama's involvement would imply incompetence. That was unacceptable.
"Don't worry," Futsu Mitama chuckled.
"Tomorrow, after I escort Aila to Mt. Aocang, I'll be leaving for Mondstadt. Even if you asked me to intervene, I wouldn't be in Liyue."
Ningguang and Yelan both paused.
Mondstadt?
He had only been in Liyue for a few days. He had just purchased a residence—yet he was already leaving?
Before either of them could ask further, Futsu Mitama pushed the Juvenile Jade forward.
"Since I won't be involved, I'll leave this with you. I don't know how to use it. Perhaps it can lure the Abyss Order out."
"This isn't a gift—it's a trade. Let's say… several hundred million mora."
Yelan nearly lost her composure.
"Several hundred million?" she exclaimed. "Even a hundred billion wouldn't match the value of this!"
This jade carried the potential to elevate a Geovishap to Primo Geovishap's level.
An existence rivaling the Adeptus. If Liyue ever possessed someone capable of commanding such a creature—
Then Liyue would gain an Adeptus-level force. Even the possibility was priceless.
"Yes."
Ningguang took a slow breath, then placed her hand atop the jade.
"I accept. As a personal gesture of friendship, I will offer one billion mora. And a permanent chamber in the Jade Chamber shall always be reserved for you."
She could not refuse. No Tianquan could.
This jade would determine whether Liyue could present a satisfactory answer to the Emperor. The coming battle would decide the fate of this new era.
"Hm."
Futsu Mitama showed little interest in the mora. He already possessed more than enough.
"And…" Ningguang looked at him steadily and said, "Since you are going to Mondstadt, I will share one final piece of information."
"Mondstadt is currently facing a Dragon Crisis."