"Rite of Parting?
You mean… the Geo Archon…"
Hearing Zhongli say that, Childe's expression froze in disbelief.
"It seems you've already heard similar rumors. Yes—you guessed correctly. The 'ceremony' I speak of is precisely the Rite of Parting for the Lord of Geo."
Zhongli spoke calmly, as if discussing someone else's funeral.
"But didn't you just say his situation wasn't confirmed yet? Isn't it too early to prepare something like this?
Isn't this… kind of disrespectful?"
Su Mo was confused.
Why prepare a funeral before the death was even confirmed?
That felt like cursing the old man.
"Preparation is the mother of success.
Even without confirmation, being ready is necessary.
If the truth proves otherwise, we simply cancel.
Whether the Lord of Geo descends or departs—both are monumental for Liyue.
We must not be careless."
Zhongli took a sip of tea before explaining.
"In that case," Childe grinned, "I'll cover the funding. Consider it my humble respect for Lord Rex Lapis."
He was excited—
a once-in-a-millennium opportunity had fallen into his lap.
He thought all hope of obtaining the Gnosis was lost…
but that mysterious girl had actually killed Morax.
A pity he didn't have the chance to steal the Gnosis before the Qixing arrived.
But now—another golden opportunity had appeared.
He couldn't afford to miss this one.
"Then I… I guess there's nothing I can help with…"
Seeing Childe take on the entire budget in one breath, Su Mo suddenly realized he seemed completely useless here.
"It matters not," Zhongli shook his head, unconcerned.
"Funding is the crucial part.
Now that Childe has covered it, what remains can be handled by the two of us.
Most of the required rites are ancient—only I still know how to carry them out."
"Then… do we start now?"
Since Zhongli had already decided, Su Mo didn't object.
He just wanted to know when.
After all, his missions still hadn't been settled by the system.
"No rush.
Meet here tomorrow.
I'll explain everything then."
"Alright.
Just tell me if money is needed—though I doubt you'll need mine.
Anyway, I need to head back."
"Then I'll leave as well.
I still have things to do.
See you tomorrow, Mr. Zhongli."
As Childe stood up, Su Mo quickly followed—he still needed to interrogate the system.
"Mm.
But Childe—before you go, do settle today's bill."
"No problem, Mister Zhongli.
Shall I order more tea for—"
The rest of his words faded as they walked out.
[System, where's my reward?]
The moment Su Mo got home, he immediately questioned the system.
He'd seen the "mission complete" prompt earlier,
yet no rewards had been given.
Something was wrong.
[Wind God Barbatos Motivation Program — SUCCESS.
Barbatos has been successfully motivated.
His 'slacker tendency' has improved by 1%.
Reward: one lottery draw.
Herrscher of Void card progress +5%.]
[Geo Archon Morax Delayed Retirement Program — FAILED.
Reason: Morax is currently considering retirement.
Please continue your efforts.]
Su Mo: "…???"
What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Morax wants to retire?
When did he make him retire!?
Su Mo replayed everything in his mind.
Morax said his deal with the Tsaritsa involved only himself, not his people…
Then he handed over the Gnosis…
Wait.
Was he scared into retirement?
Was that it?
Did he accidentally frighten Morax so much that the old man decided retiring was safer than dealing with "Heavenly Principle" again?!
Forget it.
Lottery first—answers later.
[System, my turn. Draw!]
[Please wait… drawing now.]
whoosh—
clank—
[Congratulations.
You have obtained the character card: Knight of the Moon—Durandal (Moonlight Knight).]
[Liyue Rescue Program activated.
Someone hides in the shadows, preparing a great conspiracy against Liyue.
Use the power of this character card to thwart it.
Reward: one lottery draw, increased character card progress, and partial power of this card.]
[System, can you tell me WHO is plotting against Liyue? And WHAT they're planning?]
This was too vague!
[Please discover this on your own.
The system does not provide this type of assistance.
Good luck completing the mission O(∩_∩)O]
Su Mo: "?!!!"
The sudden cute emoji nearly made him choke.
His system had never once expressed emotion—
why the heck was it emoting now?!
[Don't ever send that type of emoji again.
And tell me how to transform—you were the one who transformed me last time.]
[The host simply needs to picture the character's appearance. Transformation will occur automatically.
Please do not let anyone notice.]
[Remove that 'please' tone!]
[The host simply needs to picture the character's appearance. Transformation will occur. Do not let anyone notice.]
[...…]
Su Mo was done arguing.
Time to check out his new card.
He took a deep breath.
"Durandal—Knight of the Moon.
HENSHIN!"
Advance Chapters available on Patreon
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