"Lightning Stiletto!"
"Lightning Stiletto!"
"Lightning Lash!"
In front of Yuehai Pavilion, chaotic arcs of lightning flickered—just as turbulent as the heart of the one wielding them.
With nowhere to vent her frustration, Keqing sped away using rapid bursts of Lightning Stiletto.
Like a thrill-seeking biker racing recklessly to blow off steam, Keqing was racing with lightning to release her pressure.
Today's events had dealt her a devastating blow.
Keqing had always believed that the age of gods should end, that a nation ruled by humans should come to pass.
To be honest, such views were practically treason—ideas that could only exist because the Geo Archon did not take offense.
Yet just now, that lofty and supreme Archon had descended in person, and with an utterly indifferent attitude, casually crushed the beliefs Keqing had upheld for so long.
To the gods, Keqing's ideals did not matter.
And the people of Liyue had already developed a deep reliance on divine rule.
Even Keqing herself was no exception!
The gods' governance was so wise—unchangingly wise.
So wise that even Keqing began to doubt herself.
Was rejecting the Geo Archon really good for the people of Liyue?
Was there truly anyone who could replace him?
Did humanity really need to lead itself?
Once such thoughts arose, Keqing's long-held convictions suddenly seemed fragile.
What Keqing did not know, however, was that beyond the fading lightning—
Above Yuehai Pavilion, atop Mount Tianheng—
Two gazes were silently watching her departing figure.
"Geo Archon, you really are far too mischievous."
Watching Keqing's unsettled back, Ganyu said helplessly to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor consultant beside her.
"You clearly told me and Ningguang in secret, yet you deliberately didn't tell Keqing…"
It was obvious that Ganyu was also quite exasperated with Zhongli, who had intentionally allowed the Qixing to argue.
After all, because of their dispute, she—as the Qixing's secretary—had been stuck in Yuehai Pavilion for an entire week.
"Heh, what's so strange about that?"
Gazing at Keqing's receding figure, Zhongli shook his head lightly.
"This is merely a small trial I've prepared for her."
"If she can't even sort this out, how could an age of human governance ever arrive?"
"..."
Hearing Zhongli's words, Ganyu fell silent.
"Geo Archon, I don't understand," she said, looking at him in confusion.
In her eyes, the Geo Archon possessed endless life. Having ruled Liyue for over three thousand seven hundred years, why did he now wish for Liyue to separate from him?
From Ganyu's own three millennia of experience, such a thing seemed unnecessary.
But Zhongli did not answer the cocogoat's question.
How could he bring himself to say that he was simply tired?
As for the deeper reasons—those were even less suitable to speak of, lest he worry her.
"Heh. Ganyu, you need only remember this: Keqing is the person Liyue needs right now."
Zhongli said calmly, shrouded in mystery.
Hearing this, Ganyu tilted her head slightly, clearly unable to understand.
Yet as he looked at Ganyu's adorably puzzled expression, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Zhongli's lips.
"Enough of that. Let's talk about you."
"Ganyu, I hear you've recently found someone who makes your heart flutter?"
"It seems that next time Cloud Retainer asks whether you have someone you like, you'll finally have an answer."
Zhongli teased.
"Geo Archon!"
Hearing this, Ganyu blushed bright red.
"How can even you say things like that?"
"I just… I just feel a little fondness, that's all. It was an impulsive attraction at the time, and after calming down these past few days, I still haven't figured out my own heart."
"Someone I love… that's still far too early for me!"
Ganyu protested weakly.
To her, Cloud Retainer urging her to marry was one thing—but Zhongli, who was usually so solemn, joining in was truly terrifying.
However, to Ganyu's surprise, Zhongli—who had just been in a teasing mood—fell suddenly silent after hearing her words.
"So… is it really too early?"
He murmured softly.
Turning around, Zhongli faced north, toward Mount Tianheng, and his emotions sank.
"Geo Archon?"
As a qilin, Ganyu keenly sensed Zhongli's low mood.
After a moment of silence, Zhongli spoke quietly:
"Ganyu, do you know why I established Liyue and contended for the position of the Geo Archon?"
"Hm?"
Hearing this, Ganyu was confused—she didn't understand why the Geo Archon would ask something everyone in the streets already knew.
"Back then, you said: 'I have no desire to contend for dominion, yet I know the suffering of the people.'" Ganyu answered.
"Then do you know," Zhongli continued,
"how aå god born as a primeval deity came to understand the suffering of mortals?"
At this question, even Ganyu—who had lived through that era—looked puzzled.
"Wasn't that something you knew from the very beginning, Geo Archon?"
"Hehe…"
In response to her words, Zhongli let out a soft chuckle.
"Do you… know Guizhong?"
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