At the Yakshas' Location
After thoroughly sealing Sampurn, Morax left the battlefield and came to find them.
When Morax returned, Bonanus didn't stand up to greet him. Her lap was currently serving as a pillow for a very tired Guizhong.
Lying on hard rock was uncomfortable. A soft lap was much better.
"Rex Lapis, how did it go?" Bosacius stepped forward, bowed, and asked.
Morax just shook his head and spoke calmly.
"Sampurn was a fool. He abandoned his mind for greater power, hoping to match me. Instead, it only made him easier to seal."
Hearing that, Bosacius nodded. He remembered the Serpent God well. Morax had once called him one of the most foolish gods he had ever faced.
"As expected of Rex Lapis!" Bonanus gave a thumbs up. She hadn't seen the fight, but it sounded impressive.
She wondered who Sampurn was. One of the gods who had attacked Guizhong?
"How is Guizhong?" Morax looked at the peacefully resting figure with closed eyes, concern in his voice.
"Lady Guizhong is fine. She's just exhausted and fell asleep." Bonanus answered quickly.
Guizhong had drifted off the moment she closed her eyes. Probably from exhaustion or the need to recover her strength.
"We should leave soon. Lady Guizhong needs to get out of this place—it's full of negative energy." Bonanus added.
"I agree." Morax nodded gently. He knelt beside Guizhong, bent down, and lifted her carefully into his arms.
The usually stoic emperor's expression softened. He smiled. Bonanus and Bosacius could feel the joy radiating from him.
Just then, Xiao, who had been on lookout duty, returned. The moment he saw Rex Lapis's smile, he felt happy for him.
It had been a long time since he had seen his lord smile like that.
At that moment, only one thought occupied everyone's minds: bring Guizhong home.
...
The Peaceful Era
In the Mountains of Jueyun Karst
Thanks to Bonanus's system power, everyone was effortlessly brought back to this war-free era.
Before returning, Morax had swapped his divine armor for Zhongli's usual attire. Once again, he looked like an ordinary mortal.
He had also used an illusion to change Guizhong's appearance. A "resurrected" god would be hard to explain if any of the adepti saw her.
Until they found a perfect solution, this would have to do.
"Rex Lapis, do you have a plan for Lady Guizhong?" Bonanus asked curiously.
"I have my arrangements. Don't worry."
"But aside from you five Yakshas, this matter should stay confidential." Zhongli glanced at Guizhong, then addressed the group.
"Yes, sir." Bosacius and Xiao answered together. They didn't need to be told. Revealing this would only harm Bonanus.
"Don't worry, Rex Lapis. We know what to do." Bonanus grinned.
She suspected it wouldn't be long before someone else found out about Guizhong's return. That someone would likely be Granny Ping.
The two were close friends. Guizhong was lively and would probably seek her out once she recovered. Then Bonanus's secret might be exposed.
But it didn't matter. Nothing too serious would happen.
With everyone's answers given, Zhongli didn't linger. The mission was a success. There was no need to stay.
Zhongli planned to take Guizhong back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to rest, while the Yakshas would rendezvous with the other two.
The journey from Jueyun Karst to Liyue Harbor was long, yet Zhongli chose to walk—while carrying a young woman in his arms.
Bonanus found it amusing, but it wasn't her concern. Rex Lapis must have his reasons.
...
After finding Menogias and Indarias nearby, the five Yakshas headed back to Liyue together.
Since Indarias hadn't joined the rescue mission, she was full of questions the moment she caught up with them.
She and Menogias both knew who they had gone to save, so her curiosity was natural.
She asked about Guizhong's condition, which gods Morax fought, whether he had annihilated them instantly.
Bonanus only gave a rough summary. They had only taken Guizhong away. They hadn't actually watched the battle.
It felt a bit disappointing. Any Genshin player would want to see Rex Lapis in action.
Still, even without seeing the fight, she had seen him in his divine armor. That alone was satisfying. He looked incredibly cool.
It didn't take long for them to reach Liyue. The sky was dark, but the glittering harbor was still visible.
Tonight was worth celebrating. No one felt like sleeping. They weren't tired, and going home would just mean lying in bed staring at the ceiling.
Even though it was late, plenty of places were still open. So those spots became their nighttime entertainment.
...
Guili Plains
Walking along the path, Zhongli gazed at Guizhong in his arms and spoke calmly.
"How much longer are you going to pretend to be asleep?"
Guizhong's eyelashes fluttered. She had woken up the moment he picked her up.
She had been pretending, wanting to tease Zhongli—maybe even startle him. But her plan had been seen through immediately.
"You're still as sharp as ever." Guizhong opened her eyes, stuck out her tongue, and grinned.
"How are you feeling?" Zhongli asked with concern.
"I can feel myself recovering quickly. Thanks to Bonanus's medicine. That was wonderful stuff. I'll have to visit her properly sometime." Guizhong jumped down from his arms, rubbing her own, and nodded.
Looking up at the star-filled sky, breathing in air free of blood and rot, she turned to him.
"Can you explain?"
Guizhong wasn't foolish. From everything that had happened and everything she had seen, she could piece together the general picture.
Still, she wanted to hear it from him.
Zhongli had no intention of hiding anything. She deserved to know. She was part of this too.
He took some time to explain.
During the explanation, Guizhong's expressions shifted constantly—cute and entertaining.
She learned the current timeline, why Morax had appeared in time to save her, and that her original fate had been death.
She learned everything she needed to know and nothing she shouldn't.
It all felt incredible to her.
Curiosity stirred within her, but Zhongli advised her not to dig too deep. So she tucked that curiosity away.
She shook her head and stopped worrying. What was done was done. Adapting to this peaceful era might take time, but it was still better than the war-torn past.
"Since that's settled, tell me more about the present." Guizhong grinned. Her eyes began to study Zhongli's outfit.
"I still prefer you in your robes..." She blinked her big, adorable eyes, as if hinting at something.
Seeing her expression, Zhongli's lips curved slightly. He closed his eyes and chuckled.
It felt so familiar. He hadn't felt this in years. But now she was back.
With a wave of his hand, his clothes transformed.
A black-and-brown robe with dragon and cloud patterns now adorned him. It added an imperial air to his presence.
"Hehe, much better!"
Guizhong rushed forward and threw her arms around him. The impact, even for someone as steady as a rock, caught him off balance.
They tumbled onto the thick grass. It was soft and carried a faint natural fragrance.
Beneath them lay clusters of beautiful Glaze Lilies.
Perhaps afraid of another accident, Guizhong was proactive. She didn't want to leave anything to regret.
They talked until the sun began to rise. They locked eyes and, as if by unspoken agreement, both laughed.
And now, the Geo Archon's retirement had truly begun.