(T/N: Had to take a short break. Also Author suddenly just upped the content a bit so I had to translate more than usual so it took a bit longer but, here are 3 chapters.)
"Do you know about the Geo Archon, Morax? The Mora we use is named after him."
"But if foreigners call the Geo Archon that way in Liyue, it's considered disrespectful. It's better to follow local custom and call him Rex Lapis. And if you want to see Rex Lapis, there's only one chance each year. Thankfully, Venti reminded us—otherwise, we would've missed this year's Rite of Descension. As for the exact location… I'm not sure. Let's ask the locals."
At the start of the video, Paimon floated through the streets of Liyue Harbor, introducing the city with unusual seriousness.
[Sigewinne: So this is Liyue's streets? The colors feel classically elegant—completely different from Fontaine.]
[Paimon: Speaking of streets, I remember Keqing is in charge of Liyue's urban planning, right?]
[Keqing: That's correct. Land planning falls under my responsibility. But Liyue Harbor's prosperity and beauty are the result of generations of Yuhengs.]
[Lumine: Very humble.]
[Keqing: I'm not being humble—I'm stating the facts.]
To learn more, Lumine nodded and asked a local for directions.
"The Rite of Descension? That's today, isn't it? Every year, Rex Lapis bestows divine guidance, pointing out Liyue's path for the coming year. Last year, it was the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing who received the divine decree."
Lumine asked, puzzled, "The Liyue Qixing?"
Paimon immediately jumped in. "I know this one! Just like Mondstadt is the City of Freedom, Liyue is the nation of contracts. It values commerce and trade. The Liyue Qixing are seven powerful merchants representing seven sectors of commerce—they're the ones who actually govern the nation!"
The shopkeeper shook his head. "Foreigners always say that. But Liyue's true ruler is Rex Lapis alone. The Qixing are humans; Rex Lapis is a god. The Anemo Archon no longer resides in Mondstadt—but our god has always been here. Words mean nothing. Stay in Liyue Harbor long enough, and you'll understand. Having just left a city where the god is absent, now is the perfect time for you to experience a history shaped by walking alongside a living god."
[Charlotte: She said the Anemo Archon isn't in Mondstadt?]
[Jean: I only learned through this stream that our Anemo Archon has been living incognito as a bard. From an outsider's perspective, Barbatos has indeed been missing for centuries. Now that I think about it… the Fatui controlling Dvalin—were they trying to force the Anemo Archon to reveal himself?]
[Ningguang: Compared to the Anemo Archon's seclusion, Rex Lapis has always watched over Liyue. Every year, he issues divine guidance. Among the Qixing, the duty of officiating the Rite of Descension rotates. This year, it should be my turn. I wonder what decree Rex Lapis will give.]
[Alhaitham: Mm. Seeing Ningguang in action—I'm looking forward to it.]
[Kaveh: You bookworm, don't tell me you're interested in Ningguang?]
[Alhaitham: I have a feeling she's a fascinating person.]
[Dori: Mora, Mora… I wonder who has more—Ningguang or me? If only I could do business with her.]
If you wanted to understand Liyue, the fastest way was to ask questions. Lumine spoke to another passerby.
"You're here for the Rite of Descension too?"
"Of course. Anyone in commerce would be. Last year's seventeen divine decrees had massive economic impact. And lately, there's been talk that Lady Ningguang, the Tianquan, is making moves behind the scenes—she wants to exclude rock formations created by Vision-bearers using Geo from being classified as taxable minerals."
Paimon blinked. "…That sounds incredibly specialized."
The merchant laughed. "Keeping a close eye on divine decrees and market shifts—that's part of this harbor's charm. Rex Lapis is the oldest of the Seven. His strategic vision has never failed us. If you learn this year's decree first, you might gain the upper hand—and strike it rich."
[Paimon: When it comes to business, Rex Lapis really is unbeatable.]
[Ningguang: Rex Lapis' decrees always account for the interests of the majority. His consideration in governance is unparalleled.]
[Furina: So this is Rex Lapis' justice. But his true name is Morax… yet the Geo Archon here is called Zhongli?]
[Zhongli: Perhaps I simply prefer the name Zhongli.]
At the mention of "getting rich," Paimon lit up. "Where can we watch the Rite of Descension?"
The merchant thought for a moment. "The streets are complicated—I doubt foreigners would remember the way even if I explained it. Just head upward. Go to Yujing Terrace, the highest point in the harbor. Sounds like a place fit for communing with the gods, doesn't it?"
Climbing the stairs, they soon arrived at Yujing Terrace. Amid introductions from the crowd, Lumine spotted Ningguang standing before the incense burner, accompanied by her secretary. The area was packed—Lumine and Paimon were pushed to the outer edge.
[Paimon: So that's Ningguang… she really looks rich.]
[Lumine: Is money the only thing in your head?]
[Paimon: Food too.]
[Xiangling: I've heard merchants say Tianquan Ningguang is unimaginably wealthy—the richest person in Liyue. Her Jade Chamber floats in the sky. Just look up, and you can see it.]
[Ningguang: The Jade Chamber is my life's work—and my pride. I was born poor, with no chance for education. If I didn't sell anything in the morning, I wouldn't eat at noon. From a single crate of fish, I built everything I have. Since this video is about Liyue… you'll soon see the Jade Chamber.]
When the sun reached its zenith, Ningguang stepped forward.
"The auspicious hour has arrived."
Five crystalline constructs formed around her, lighting the central incense burner. A golden beam shot into the sky, stirring the clouds for thousands of meters.
Suddenly—darkness.
A massive dragon, over ten meters long, fell from the sky with a sickening crash, smashing the altar and incense burner to pieces.
Ningguang rushed forward, took a sharp breath, then issued an order:
"Rex Lapis has been assasinated. Seal the entire venue."
Paimon froze. "W-What just happened? Rex Lapis… does that mean the Geo Archon is dead?"
"The Millelith—looks like they're interrogating anyone who got too close. That's terrifying… The killer is among us. And wait—we were right near the front, weren't we?"
[Paimon: This isn't right… Fontaine's Hydro Archon fell, and now Liyue's Geo Archon too…]
[Keqing: Th-that is… Rex Lapis' body.]
[Lumine: This is too sudden…]
[Ningguang: Rex Lapis once faced countless gods alone and never fell. How could this—]
[Zhongli: Mm. I did have plans to step down. Faking my death was part of that plan. Everyone, there's no need to worry.]
[Paimon: But this is the future… or is it a future unaffected by the livestream?]
[Zhongli: Now that you mention it… I'm no longer certain whether I truly died.]
Hearing that, Lumine immediately turned to leave.
Paimon asked, "What's wrong?"
Lumine replied, "Gods may be our enemies from the past. I can't get caught here."
Paimon nodded. "You're right. Your identity is too sensitive. Even if you're not the assassin, getting detained would be a huge problem."
Her attempt to escape quickly drew the Millelith's attention. In moments, soldiers converged from all directions.
The next instant, a blond man wearing a yellow mask flipped into the scene, effortlessly knocking the Millelith aside.
"Follow me."
Lumine had never seen him before—but she followed instinctively.
Under his guidance, they soon broke free of the blockade.
Once safe, both Lumine and Paimon gasped for air.
Paimon asked, "Hey—who are you?"
The masked man replied, "You can call me Childe."
[Navia: Childe? The one who fought the All-Devouring Narwhal?]
[Childe: That's me. Though I was using my Foul Legacy transformation back then, so I looked a little different.]
Paimon crossed her arms. "Wow. Your personality's terrible. You save us once and start ordering us around?"
Childe laughed. "Haha, that's not what I meant. Names are just titles. For example—you've met La Signora in Mondstadt, right?"
[Paimon: We also met 'The Knave' in Fontaine! Honestly, Fatui Harbinger titles are weird—'Childe,' 'The Knave'—]
[Childe: Hahaha. The Knave is stronger than me for now. But judging from the video, my future self can maintain Foul Legacy long-term. When that happens, the Harbinger rankings may need revision.]
[The Knave: I'll be waiting. I won't hold back.]
[Childe: That's the spirit. A fight should be fought all-out.]
[Charlotte: He really is a battle maniac, isn't he?]
[Childe: Maniac might be a stretch. I just enjoy fighting.]
Realizing who he was, Lumine and Paimon exchanged wary looks.
"La Signora? You're a Fatui Harbinger?"
Childe raised his hands. "Relax—I'm not here to fight. I know the Fatui left you with a terrible impression. I don't like that woman either."
"I'm here to help."
Lumine assumed a combat stance. "I don't need help from the Fatui."
Childe sighed. "Hey, I'm still a Harbinger. At least show me some respect."
"I'm not a good person—well, maybe I am a bad one—but I'm not here to cause trouble. So could you maybe not try to take me down immediately?"
Lumine lowered her guard.
Childe smiled. "Thanks. I heard about what you did in Mondstadt. That's why I paid extra attention to you during the ceremony. I know you didn't do anything suspicious—the real culprit is someone else."
"But after something like this, the Fatui—envoys of Snezhnaya—won't be trusted. The Liyue Qixing have always been wary of us."
Paimon muttered, "Sounds like your own fault."
Childe laughed awkwardly. "Should I deny that? Forget it. Keeping distance between strangers isn't a bad thing. I'm used to those looks."
"But if you want to clear suspicion, come with me—to the Northland Bank. We can't stay here. As an old Liyue saying goes—walls have ears."
They soon arrived at the Northland Bank.
"This is Snezhnaya's bank in Liyue. Liyue may be the heart of Teyvat's commerce, but we're quite wealthy too."
Paimon scoffed. "Right. Poor countries can't afford diplomats who antagonize the Knights of Favonius."
Childe could only laugh and handed Lumine a token.
"Take this. It's a talisman—one that ensures the Adepti of the Three Eyes and Five Manifestations won't harm you."
Paimon blinked. "Adepti?"
[Furina: Adepti? Liyue has those?]
[Nahida: Long ago, many gods walked Teyvat. The original Seven were victors among them. In Liyue, the people call the gods and illuminated beasts who protected them 'Adepti.']
Childe nodded. "Leave the city heading north. West of Guili Plains lies a stone forest—Jueyun Karst. Liyue believes it's where the Adepti dwell."
Lumine asked, "Believes? Just a legend?"
"They believe, so they worship only the outskirts. But I don't need to believe—I know the Adepti of Jueyun Karst are real."
Paimon frowned. "Fatui intelligence is scary… but why do you want us to see the Adepti?"
Childe replied calmly, "The Qixing sent the Millelith to search for the assassin among the crowd. But could a mortal really kill the god of war who once swept aside countless armies?"
"Rex Lapis never abandoned his divine power."
"This response is crude—unworthy of the Qixing. Which raises suspicion…"
[Paimon: Some gods can't even beat a few Slimes…]
[Furina: Hey! I'm human! I don't have elemental powers! Losing to Slimes is normal! Unlike someone who fell into water and got mistaken for bait—]
[Paimon: …]
Lumine spoke sharply. "You're saying the Qixing are covering something up? That they're the real culprits?"
Childe shook his head. "Maybe. Or maybe they're hiding something else."
"The Northland Bank can only delay the Millelith for so long. But the Adepti answer to no one. Liyue was founded by Rex Lapis and the Adepti through sheer force."
"Go to them. Tell them the untainted truth before the Qixing can act."
"If there's anyone in Liyue who can help you now—it's the Adepti of Jueyun Karst."