"Geo Archon, your heart is troubled."
Madame Ping sat down across from Zhongli and refilled his teacup.
Zhongli sighed softly. "The current Kaiyang excels in every aspect, from the strategic decisions of those in power to the meticulous execution by those handling the details. Everything was done perfectly, yet..."
Madame Ping nodded. "I understand the circumstances you faced at the time. Anyone in your position would have made the same choice."
Zhongli didn't argue. "It doesn't matter. I'm simply overwhelmed with emotion. Eighteen years... it was far too short for her."
Madame Ping's mind also conjured up the image of the spirited Kaiyang, and she shook her head with a sigh.
"Geo Archon, regarding the Abyss creature's final words..."
Madame Ping recounted their earlier discussion about the Abyss's true motives. Zhongli listened quietly.
"A pure soul... the Kaiyang's character certainly qualifies as truly pure."
"The Abyss's sudden emergence at this critical juncture, coupled with its unclear motives... Its scale is immense, demanding vigilance. However, given the gravity of this matter, we must proceed with meticulous planning."
As Zhongli finished speaking, fireworks exploded high above Liyue Harbor.
Zhongli and Madame Ping looked up to see not only fireworks but also countless Xiao Lanterns slowly ascending into the night.
Liyue had just weathered a catastrophe. The Geo Archon, whom they believed had returned to the heavens, had reappeared. The Kaiyang had sacrificed herself...
So much had transpired during this brief Lantern Rite. One could only imagine the sentiments carried by these lanterns.
Were they expressions of relief that the disaster had passed, joy at the Geo Archon's return, grief over the Kaiyang's sacrifice, or something else entirely?
The festive decorations erected before the calamity now lit up, making this Lantern Rite night brighter than any before.
Zhongli stood up and slowly walked to the railing. He rested his left hand on the rail, clasped his right hand behind his back, and tilted his head slightly upward, his amber eyes reflecting the fleeting bursts of fireworks.
Sparks lit up the twilight sky, fireworks blazed with brilliance, and though their light lasted only an instant, they illuminated the entirety of Liyue Harbor...
At the Mu Family residence, Qingge's remains had been placed in a coffin, which was set in the small courtyard in front of the house.
Many neighbors came to offer their condolences, and others traveled from afar to pay their respects.
Mother Chen sat beside the coffin, her tear-streaked face pressed gently against it, as if she could somehow touch her daughter lying within. She remained in that position, lost in a daze.
When Qingge had left to guard The Chasm, Mother Chen had been busy preparing her beloved daughter's favorite snacks for the journey, and she hadn't even gotten to see her daughter's final farewell...
Father Mu's hair seemed to have turned much whiter overnight, and his entire demeanor had become exceptionally gaunt. He sat alone against a wall, head bowed, saying nothing.
Qingxu had cried until her tears ran dry. With Xianyun's help, she had finally fallen into a deep sleep.
Xianyun adored Qingxu. The child was naturally beautiful, and Qingge's passing had filled her with a profound sense of guilt toward the girl.
Apart from Xianyun, the other Adepti had left immediately after delivering their condolences. Xiao was the first to depart, not out of choice, but because the Karmic Debt clinging to Yakshas is harmful to mortals.
As dawn approached, Hu Tao and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor staff had already left, and Ningguang and the others had departed as well.
Only Yelan and Yun Jin remained.
Yelan couldn't quite explain why she stayed; she simply didn't want to leave yet, wanting to linger a little longer.
Yun Jin stayed solely to fulfill a promise she had made to Qingge long ago.
Qingge loved tea, savoring the quiet tranquility of slowly sipping it. As close friends, she and Yun Jin had once joked together.
Qingge had said, "If I pass away before you, even if you're old and your voice has faded, you must sing a song for me at my coffin."
Yun Jin had spat and scoffed at the idea, but ultimately agreed.
Now, she was here to honor that promise.
Yun Jin first explained the situation to Father Mu and Mother Chen, who, being understanding people, nodded their approval.
Seeing Xianyun cover Qingxu's ears, Yun Jin began to sing.
Her voice was crisp and clear, its melody graceful and resonant. Each word carried deep emotion, like a weeping lament that tugged at the heartstrings.
Yelan stood alone in a corner, gently tossing a die in her hand.
In the quietest moments, memories clamored loudest.
Qingge, may your afterlife bloom as brilliantly as the flowers you loved.
-
A few days later, Qingge's burial ceremony was held on Tianheng Mountain.
Tartaglia, who hadn't been seen in public for some time, appeared at the funeral. Though he had cleaned himself up, the lingering aura of killing intent still drew considerable attention.
Yelan glanced his way but, recognizing him, quickly lost interest.
Tartaglia participated in the entire burial process, watching as Qingge's coffin was lowered into the earth.
He had lost many comrades in battle before, most without even a complete corpse. In those days, he had felt nothing.
But now, a hollow ache resonated within him.
Lumine and Paimon were also present. After Qingge's burial, they laid a large bouquet of flowers at her graveside.
Paimon also arranged many of her favorite treats before the grave.
"Qingge, Paimon only has these. Next time, Paimon will definitely bring Yuna's delicious flatbread..."
Lumine seemed to sense the "erosion" that Venti and Zhongli had spoken of—this wistful, empty feeling.
She placed a Noctilucous Jade at Qingge's grave, a high-quality stone she had mined from The Chasm.
"Qingge, we're leaving now. Don't worry, Paimon and I will visit you often."
With these words, Lumine and Paimon turned and departed.
-
On their way back, a light rain began to fall.
Hu Tao instructed the rest of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to go ahead while she strolled alone in the drizzle, her footsteps splashing through puddles on the damp path, heedless of the muddy water splattering her white socks.
Suddenly, she felt no rain on her skin. Looking up, she saw Zhongli holding an umbrella over her head.
The Consultant, who had left after the Lantern Rite and never returned.
"Director Hu Tao," Zhongli asked, "does Wangsheng Funeral Parlor still have a place for this old man?"
Hu Tao's plum-blossom eyes locked onto Zhongli's, the rims reddening. Just as tears threatened to spill, she abruptly turned away.
"Of course! Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is vast and prosperous. As long as you stop buying those strange trinkets all the time, we can support you for life."
Hu Tao knew Zhongli was Rex Lapis, but what did it matter? He was family.
Her grandfather had left, and now Qingge was gone too. She couldn't bear the thought of Zhongli leaving as well.
As long as he was willing to stay at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she, Hu Tao, would support him for the rest of her days!
"Director, walking in the rain is hardly a good habit."
Hu Tao sniffled. "Mind your own business!"
Zhongli chuckled helplessly, tilting the umbrella further to cover her.
In the misty rain, two figures, one tall and one short, gradually receded into the distance.
Zhongli didn't reveal his true identity, nor did Hu Tao. They continued their familiar dynamic, as harmonious as ever.