"Phew…"
Seeing that Raiden Ei had finally stopped talking, both Venti and Zhongli let out a long sigh of relief.
No, this wouldn't do.
At some point, they absolutely needed to have a serious conversation with Ei.
Please stop revealing our identities to everyone.
Inside the Yuehai Pavilion in Liyue, Ningguang and Keqing exchanged glances, both wearing expressions of helplessness.
What exactly was Rex Lapis trying to hide?
Others might not know Zhongli's true identity, but the two of them had already figured it out.
And not just them.
Ganyu—and anyone sufficiently observant—had likely pieced together the truth by comparing the player information.
"The Rite of Descension is in two days," Keqing said. "What do you think Rex Lapis will decree this time?"
"I have no idea."
Ningguang shook her head.
How could mortals hope to understand the thoughts of a god?
"I need to continue making preparations."
This year's Rite of Descension was under her direction.
Not only Keqing—even Ningguang herself was deeply curious about what divine guidance Rex Lapis would offer.
Surely he wasn't going to order everyone to prioritize participating in the game… was he?
Inside the Northland Bank, a graceful woman looked at Tartaglia, who appeared to be doing absolutely nothing.
"I say," she said coolly, "are you really content to laze around all day?"
"How am I lazing around?"
"Have you found the Geo Archon yet?"
"No."
Tartaglia shook his head.
"And I'm not planning to."
Ever since becoming a player, he had decided not to pursue the Gnosis directly.
If he attempted to seize it by force, it would undoubtedly create a huge disturbance.
So he had developed a new strategy.
Previously, he had asked Valerius whether the reward pool contained Gnoses.
The answer had been yes.
And that made the choice obvious.
Why go through the trouble of confronting Rex Lapis when he could simply win one through the game?
Besides, even if he found the Geo Archon, there was no guarantee he could defeat him.
Sure, he could unleash Osial if necessary.
But Osial was a god.
If releasing it interfered with the game, Valerius might very well decide to "discipline" him.
"And what brilliant method do you have?"
The woman turned away dismissively, suppressing a laugh.
The Tsaritsa and Rex Lapis had already reached an agreement.
The Gnosis would be obtained sooner or later.
Only Tartaglia remained blissfully unaware.
"Rosalyne, don't worry about me. You should head to Inazuma."
Now that Raiden Makoto had returned, Tartaglia was eager to send La Signora there.
Go ahead.
He was certain she'd witness something unforgettable.
"Hmph. I have my own plans."
Ignoring Tartaglia entirely, Rosalyne strode deeper into the bank.
Why go to Inazuma?
All she had to do was wait here for the Geo Gnosis to arrive.
She was already looking forward to seeing Tartaglia's expression when the truth came out.
Two days later.
Valerius arrived in the streets of Liyue.
"So many people."
Today was the Rite of Descension.
Crowds from all over Liyue Harbor were converging on Yujing Terrace, making the streets packed.
"Yujing Terrace should be that way."
Valerius might be slightly directionally challenged, but as long as he followed the crowd, he was guaranteed to reach the right place.
"Friend, a moment."
A voice suddenly called out to him.
"Hm? Zhongli?"
Valerius looked at the man standing nearby, slightly surprised.
Shouldn't Zhongli be busy preparing his fake death?
What was he doing here?
"You still have time to wander around?"
Zhongli coughed lightly.
"I wished to sign a contract with you."
"Certainly."
Valerius immediately understood.
Zhongli wanted him not to interfere.
Suppressing a grin, Valerius agreed without hesitation.
After some discussion, Valerius bid Zhongli farewell and continued toward Yujing Terrace.
Interesting.
Even though his identity had effectively been exposed, Zhongli still intended to test Liyue.
The details of the plan had shifted, but the overall script remained largely the same.
Arriving at Yujing Terrace, Valerius quickly found Lumine, Paimon, and Shenhe, who was already waiting nearby.
"Valerius! You came to watch the Rite too?"
"Of course. I wouldn't miss it."
"Hehe, us too! Lumine still wants to meet Morax—uh, I mean, Rex Lapis!"
"Then I won't keep you."
"All right!"
Lumine still had her own matters to attend to, so after exchanging a few words, she and Paimon departed.
Shenhe, however, made no move to follow.
Lumine could only sigh inwardly.
So now that Valerius is here, you don't need me anymore?
How heartless.
"Well… let's stand over there."
Being alone with Shenhe made Valerius feel unexpectedly awkward.
"Mm."
Shenhe nodded quietly.
Then she reached out and wrapped her arm around his.
Valerius froze.
Was Shenhe really this bold?
He hadn't expected her to be so direct.
Although he couldn't deny that it felt rather nice, he also had the distinct sensation that someone was watching them.
"We should stay somewhere less conspicuous."
Leading Shenhe to a quieter corner, Valerius positioned them carefully.
If they stood out too much, people might start suspecting him when Zhongli "died" moments later.
On a nearby rooftop, Cloud Retainer observed Shenhe linking arms with Valerius and blinked in astonishment.
Her disciple was this proactive?
Could Ningguang have taught her this?
Considering Shenhe had visited the Jade Chamber the previous day, Cloud Retainer found that explanation highly plausible.
And judging by the results, it seemed to be working quite well.
Before long, Ningguang arrived, accompanied by her three secretaries.
After ensuring all preparations were complete, she looked up at the heavens.
"The auspicious hour has arrived."
With a graceful motion, she cast several exquisite pieces of amber into the ceremonial incense burner.
A pillar of golden light shot upward, piercing the clouds.
"It's starting! It's starting!"
Valerius's excitement was obvious.
Zhongli was about to make his grand entrance—or rather, his grand collapse.
Remembering the agreement he'd made with Zhongli, Valerius leaned close to Shenhe's ear and whispered:
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes."
"Good. No matter what happens, don't act unless I tell you to."
"All right."
Shenhe's personality was simple and unwavering.
Once she chose to trust someone, she did so completely.
If Valerius said to wait, then she would wait.
High above them, a golden dragon swam through the clouds, its radiant scales glimmering in and out of view.
Then, suddenly, dark storm clouds gathered and swallowed the dragon from sight.
"Hm?"
Ningguang frowned.
What was Rex Lapis doing?
Wasn't he supposed to descend?
And what was with all the ominous clouds?
A moment later, the dragon did descend.
Not gracefully.
It plummeted sideways from the sky and crashed onto the ritual platform.
Its massive head shifted weakly once or twice before falling still.
Silence engulfed the entire crowd.
The people of Liyue were frozen in shock.
Was the Rite of Descension supposed to look like this?
Certainly not.
Ningguang hurried to the dragon's side and knelt down.
Her mind was in complete turmoil.
Every indication suggested that Rex Lapis had been assassinated.
But who in Teyvat possessed the power to do such a thing in broad daylight?
For one fleeting moment, she suspected Valerius.
If there was anyone in Teyvat capable of such a feat, he was the most likely candidate.
But she immediately dismissed the thought.
"No… Valerius has no need for such theatrics."
Forcing herself to remain calm, Ningguang rose to her feet and delivered the words that would soon echo throughout all of Liyue:
"Rex Lapis has been assassinated. Seal off the entire area!"
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