Chapter 32. Alatus' Thought
Now that he had decided on his next course of action, Futsu Mitama naturally began making preparations.
They returned to Liyue Harbor. Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi had no mind for cooking anymore; both needed to steady themselves for what was to come. Lumine and Paimon expressed their understanding as well. Compared to any so-called delicacies, rescuing Black Aila took absolute priority.
After returning, Futsu Mitama opened the chat group and directly tagged Guizhong.
[Futsu Mitama: "@ Guizhong, I'm preparing to go to The Chasm."]
[Keqing: "Huh? So sudden?"]
[Guizhong: "What happened? Didn't you say you needed to wait a bit longer? A Bite of Liyue just ended—why the rush to head into The Chasm?"]
[Zhongli: "What happened?"]
[Albedo: "Didn't we agree to make desserts tonight using legendary kitchenware? Why go to The Chasm all of a sudden?"]
[Aila: "Young Master, did you discover something?"]
[Raiden Ei: "My dessert—"]
[Yae Miko: "Can a certain Shogun explain why Tenshukaku exploded and caught fire? "]
[Raiden Makoto: "Ah? Wait—what happened to Tenshukaku?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "It's true. There was an explosion and a fire. According to official reports, someone used Naganohara Fireworks."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "But— it shouldn't be that simple, right?"]
[Raiden Ei: "The Shogun had a minor issue. It's already resolved."]
[Yae Miko: "Really? I don't believe that."]
[Raiden Ei: "Come to Tenshukaku and see for yourself. I'll have the Shogun explain."]
[Yae Miko: "I'll pass~"]
[Raiden Makoto: "That's a blatant threat. My foolish sister, what did you do?"]
[Shenhe: "@ Futsu Mitama, when are we leaving?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "That depends on when Guizhong and Keqing allow entry. Black Aila doesn't have much time."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "We encountered the Fatui. The Lady showed us Black Aila's condition."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "About 80% credible. Dottore appears to have left a contingency that reveals her current state. So we're advancing the timeline. Saving her comes first."]
[Klee: "But… didn't Brother Futsu Mitama say we'd wait until the group level increased?"]
[Albedo: "Right now, the priority is saving her. Everything else comes after. I trust his judgment, but—"]
[Albedo: "I really want to go as well. Perhaps I shouldn't remain in Mondstadt."]
[Venti: "?"]
[Azhdaha: "Hahaha, Liyue welcomes you."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Sumeru welcomes you as well."]
[Venti: "You're poaching people!"]
[Guizhong: "Ahem It's not too late to join Liyue"]
[Guizhong: "Back to the point. Normally, entry procedures would take three to four days. But for you, we can arrange entry tonight. However, we will assign a fighter to accompany you."]
[Futsu Mitama: "A fighter? Never mind. I'll leave it to you."]
[Paimon: "A fighter? He's already strong enough, isn't he?"]
[Lumine: "That area must be unusual. Do you need help?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "If you're willing, we can go together."]
[Lumine: "Of course."]
[Guizhong: "Then it's settled. I'll make the arrangements. You'll enter The Chasm tonight."]
After sending the message, Guizhong glanced sideways. Zhongli was calmly sipping tea beside her.
"I've said everything you asked," she said, a trace of helplessness in her tone. "Didn't you say Futsu Mitama already figured out who you are? Then why keep hiding it? Why not just reveal it openly?"
She genuinely didn't understand. Before, Zhongli had wanted to retire, so concealing his identity made sense. But now things were different.
He could step down and pass the position of Geo Archon to her.
It wasn't arrogance. Guizhong understood her own strengths—she was good at ensuring the people of Liyue lived better lives. With her status as the God of Dust, her ties to the adeptus, and her connection to Rex Lapis, her succession would face minimal resistance.
And yet, Zhongli remained unchanged. Even now, he still concealed his identity within the chat group.
Most of the gods had already guessed. Even Futsu Mitama likely knew.
So why persist? Was it because of Azhdaha? If Azhdaha realized that Zhongli was the Morax he longed for, how would he react?
The thought made a faint smile appear on Guizhong's lips.
"Thump!"
A miniature cubic rock dropped onto her head.
"Ow!" She crouched instinctively, glaring at Zhongli. "Throwing rocks at a lady? Is this still the gentle Rex Lapis?"
Zhongli looked at her with quiet resignation. If she hadn't shown such an obvious expression, he wouldn't have needed to intervene.
Over the past six months, Guizhong had fully integrated into life in Liyue Harbor—but she had also developed a deep fondness for light novels—especially the absurd ones from Inazuma—she called the idea was very novel. Even, the strange ideas she picked up from them were becoming increasingly apparent.
With just a glance, Zhongli could already tell what she was imagining.
After all, they had been old friends for countless years.
"My identity does not need to remain hidden," Zhongli said calmly, looking into the distance. "I simply wish to reveal it when the plan officially begins. The course of events cannot be reversed. Even I cannot foresee what comes next."
Guizhong's expression turned serious at those words. She said nothing.
Her Azhdaha Mech existed precisely for that purpose.
Liyue's long-standing peace had been built on countless sacrifices. Though its current strength was formidable—Zhongli and Azhdaha alone representing peak combat power—this did not mean every citizen possessed such strength.
That was why Zhongli had chosen to delegate authority.
He wanted his people to stand on their own.
Even so, not everything could be controlled.
Zhongli set down his teacup and closed his eyes. An unseen force spread outward.
"Swish—!"
A flash of green light appeared, and Xiao materialized. His expression was tense as he immediately dropped to one knee.
"You should eat this first."
With a flick of his hand, Zhongli produced a dish—Almond Tofu made by Yan Xiao using legendary kitchenware.
When Futsu Mitama had taken large quantities of Adeptus' Temptation, Zhongli had noticed the Almond Tofu and set it aside specifically for Xiao.
"Almond Tofu?" Xiao was momentarily surprised, but he accepted it without hesitation.
"Eat quickly," Guizhong urged. "Yan Xiao made it using legendary kitchenware."
Xiao nodded slightly and began to eat.
The moment the tofu touched his lips, his eyes widened. Dozens of figures appeared before him. Among them stood four familiar presences.
"Bosacius— Indarias— Menogias—Bonanus—"
Even knowing it was an illusion, Xiao stepped forward.
Yet strangely, everything remained stable. The illusion did not collapse.
He approached them. There were so many things he wanted to say. And they smiled at him, their gazes gentle.
"Alatus."
Guizhong watched Xiao standing there, continuing to eat in silence, confusion flickering across her face.
What was happening?
Zhongli simply shook his head slightly, indicating there was no need for concern.
After a short while, Xiao returned to his senses. He immediately knelt again, his expression filled with gratitude.
He understood—the Archon had brought this dish knowing its effects. And beyond that— the karmic burden within him had lessened.
The impact was undeniable.
"The Chasm—you will go with Futsu Mitama." Zhongli spoke without preamble.
"Follow his lead. He can make the impossible possible. If you encounter the Nameless Yaksha, subdue him immediately. Do not hesitate. Futsu Mitama has a method to restore him."
Xiao's head snapped up, shock evident.
Restore him?
That meant—Bosacius.
Even knowing centuries had passed, even knowing the likely outcome, Xiao had always wanted to confirm the truth.
Now, that possibility stood before him again.
And this time—there was a chance to bring it back.