"Yes. Rex Lapis is the great deity we revere above all else. He is light, he is lightning—he is Liyue's one and only legend. He is the eternal goal pursued by the Adepti, the god worshipped by the people of Liyue before they sleep each night."
Lora clasped her hands to her chest, wearing an expression of utmost reverence toward Rex Lapis.
"Rex Lapis' ideals guide the actions of the Adepti. Rex Lapis' deeds are the laws the Adepti abide by. His radiance has shone upon Liyue for thousands of years, and his name is sung in every corner of the land."
Zhongli's normally calm, unruffled expression finally showed a faint crack. His fingers tightened slightly around his teacup as he said, "The Adeptus of Purifying Water truly is… deeply devoted to Rex Lapis. As expected of an Adeptus."
"Yes, I never imagined Rex Lapis would hold such an exalted position in the hearts of the Adepti," Paimon nodded along. She looked at Lora with a mix of comfort and sympathy.
"Lora, when you heard about Rex Lapis' passing, it must have been really painful, right? You probably hid somewhere and cried by yourself, didn't you? But after that, you still had to put on an Adeptus' composure and not let anyone see your weakness. That must've been really hard."
"Uh…"
Lora blinked at Paimon. What… was she even talking about? Thanks, but when she first heard about Rex Lapis' passing, if she hadn't been caught red-handed by Ningguang, she probably would have laughed.
Especially after seeing exactly how Zhongli had arranged his own fake death.
"Ah, the impermanence of the world…"
Tartaglia sighed.
"Who could have imagined that Rex Lapis, the god of Liyue, would be assassinated? Adeptus of Purifying Water and Judgment, please restrain your grief."
"It's fine! I am restraining it—very much so." Lora waved her hand casually. "Life and death follow the natural cycle. I've taken it pretty well. Sure, dying like that looks a bit hasty, but that was Rex Lapis' fate, after all."
"So free-spirited…" Paimon couldn't help but marvel at Lora's unusual detachment.
"Ahem."
Zhongli cleared his throat, cutting off the exchange between Lora and Paimon. His gaze shifted to Lumine as he spoke calmly, "Traveler, I've heard about you from both Tartaglia and the Adeptus of Purifying Water. I understand you have some ties with the Anemo Archon. In that case… would you be willing to assist me in conducting a Rite of Descension to send off the Geo Archon?"
Hearing this, Lora rubbed her temples and let out a sigh.
One "Adeptus of Purifying Water" after another—good thing she wasn't actually an Adeptus, or her lifespan would've taken a hit.
The old man looked so upright and proper with his thick brows and honest features—who would've thought he was this scheming underneath?
"Is this really our only option?" Paimon looked from Zhongli to Tartaglia.
"Tianquan Ningguang has forbidden anyone from viewing Rex Lapis' divine body," Tartaglia said helplessly. "If you want to see the Geo Archon's form, this is the only way."
He had originally come to Liyue to obtain the Geo Archon's Gnosis. But now that the Geo Archon was 'dead,' if he couldn't get close to Rex Lapis' divine body, he wouldn't be able to take the Gnosis at all.
"That is correct," Zhongli continued. "Only by participating in the 'Rite of Descension' can you see the Geo Archon's remains once more."
Lumine thought for a moment, then turned to Lora, frowning slightly. "Lora, you're an Adeptus. Can't you help us see the Geo Archon's body either?"
"Well…" Lora hesitated, then glanced at Zhongli. After meeting his gaze, she shook her head and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't."
"Why?" Lumine asked, confused.
Lora sighed.
Could she really say that Zhongli wouldn't allow it? After thinking it over, she explained.
"Rex Lapis' divine body was taken away by Tianquan Ningguang. Even we Adepti don't know where it's been placed. Besides, Liyue is in a precarious state right now. The Adepti's priority is to consult with the Liyue Qixing about the nation's future. As for the divine body… the Rite of Descension will have to be entrusted to you."
After saying this, Lora noticed Zhongli's satisfied expression and almost couldn't stop herself from complaining.
Holding your own funeral—what kind of nonsense is that?
Not only dragging your subordinates into it, but your colleagues too!
"If even you say so…" Lumine let out a quiet sigh. "Then it seems we really have no choice but to go through with the Rite of Descension."
"Mm. If you agree, then follow me. We can discuss the details along the way." Zhongli nodded, stood up, bid Tartaglia farewell, and walked out directly.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged looks, neither of them moving first.
Lora stood up as well. As she passed by Tartaglia, she patted his shoulder and said earnestly, "Duck, you've worked hard."
"Huh?" Tartaglia stared at her blankly, completely lost as to what this Liyue Adeptus was up to now.
"This table wasn't cheap," Lora said, glancing at the dishes—most of which she had eaten herself. Even she was surprised by her own appetite.
Well, that was just like her.
After all, as a god, she was naturally different from ordinary people.
"Oh, so that's what you meant." Tartaglia nodded in realization. "Yes. As a Fatui Harbinger, I'm authorized to directly withdraw operational funds from Northland Bank."
"How do you feel about making friends with an Adeptus?" Lora suddenly asked.
Tartaglia looked at her and smiled.
"Is the Adeptus of Purifying Water and Judgment interested in being my friend? Liyue's attitude toward the Fatui hasn't been very friendly lately. As a Liyue Adeptus, can you really accept a Fatui friend?"
"Of course!" Lora nodded seriously. "I'm not some old-fashioned Adeptus. I know very well that more friends mean more paths in this world."
"Then it would be my honor to become the Adeptus of Purifying Water and Judgment's friend," Tartaglia replied with a grin.
Seeing that Tartaglia had taken the bait, Lora pressed on without hesitation. "Then can I send my bills to Northland Bank? Reimbursed under your name."
"So that was your goal?" Tartaglia paused, looking at her in surprise. But he didn't refuse. "That's no problem. From now on, you can send your bills to Northland Bank and have them reimbursed under my name."
Trading a bit of money for an Adeptus as a friend was, in Tartaglia's eyes, a guaranteed profit. Besides, the money belonged to Northland Bank anyway—it wasn't coming out of his own pocket.
Lora patted his shoulder again, wearing an expression of approval.
"Mm. Very good. Thanks."