[Isn't that just an adeptus's funeral?]
[So Childe's method is actually to personally organize Rex Lapis's funeral and then see the Immortal Ancestor's Dharma Remains during the funeral?]
[This idea… is genius. Normal people would never think of it.]
[It looks like even Jun Bai was shocked by this idea.]
Silver Wolf took out a piece of bubble gum and put it in her mouth. Her thoughtful gaze moved back and forth between Zhongli and Jun Bai.
These two probably weren't the culprits, but they most likely had a special relationship with the Geo Archon's assassination.
It was just that Silver Wolf had not yet discovered what that relationship was.
"Will the later plot explain the meaning behind the conversation between these two?" Silver Wolf wondered as she blew a big bubble.
Liuli Pavilion.
Jun Bai sat down opposite Zhongli. "So, the Rite of Descension—Director Hu asked you to organize it, Zhongli."
Zhongli gave a slight nod. "Yes. The director has entrusted me with full responsibility for all matters concerning the Rite of Descension for Rex Lapis."
"Was the commission issued directly to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor by the Qixing?" Jun Bai looked at Childe. "Then what role does the Fatui plan to play in the Rite of Descension?"
"You jest, sir."
Childe raised his glass in a toast to Jun Bai. "I am not participating as a Fatui Harbinger, but as Mr. Zhongli's friend to assist with the various preparations for the Rite of Descension."
"Personal actions unrelated to the organization? It had better be exactly as you say."
After saying this, Jun Bai stopped mentioning the matter.
[I thought Big Bro Bai would directly kick Childe out at this point. After all, they already know the method now. Plus Zhongli has a connection with Big Bro Bai.]
[Theoretically, once Big Bro Bai knows Childe's method, Childe becomes useless and can indeed be kicked out.]
[Could it be that Jun Bai has other plans?]
"To suspect me like this is really quite heartbreaking." Childe put on a pitiful act.
However, his acting skills were not worthy of praise.
Even Paimon could tell that Childe was acting.
[What a stark contrast.]
[Childe's acting is unconvincing, while Jun Bai doesn't seem to be acting at all.]
[Childe's acting needs improvement.]
The group engaged in a "heated" discussion at the dining table—the entire time, only Childe was making arrangements.
Zhongli drank tea and occasionally responded; Paimon was eating the whole time, completely unaware of the power struggle at the table; Jun Bai sat with his eyes closed, occasionally signaling with his eyes where Childe couldn't see; Lumine answered according to Jun Bai's signals.
In the end, the group's arrangement was as follows:
Zhongli would handle procurement, Childe would provide the funds, Lumine and Paimon would ensure the funds were used within a reasonable range, and Jun Bai would guarantee everyone's safety.
Childe very much wanted to accompany them on the procurement trip, since Zhongli knew the hiding place of the Immortal Ancestor's Dharma Remains.
However, when Childe made this request, the seemingly resting Jun Bai silently placed his unsheathed long sword on the table and gestured for Childe to continue.
It was not wise to clash with him at this moment. Childe restrained himself with this thought.
[Jun Bai: You continue. My sword seems a bit rusty and needs to be taken out for a wipe.]
[Childe's entire body is screaming "retreat."]
Thus, when the group went to procure the materials needed for the Rite of Descension, Childe had to stay behind at the Northland Bank.
Watching Childe left alone in Liuli Pavilion to practice using chopsticks, Paimon felt a little sorry for him:
"Isn't this a bit too much?"
"After all, he is a Fatui Harbinger. If we let him accompany us the whole way, he might learn things he shouldn't know. Every single one of us here would be invited by the Liyue Qixing for a 'chat over tea.'" Jun Bai said.
He then added, "If it were the Archon Phenex, I could bring him along, but the swordsman Jun Bai does not have the strength or the capital to do so."
He did not have the strength to walk around Liyue Harbor with a Fatui Harbinger, nor the capital to avoid accountability from the Qixing.
"Then why don't you just reveal your identity?" Paimon laughed.
[Great idea!]
[The Marshal whose status in Liyue is second only to the Geo Archon standing by my side—I can't even imagine how arrogant Stelle would become.]
[Forget Stelle, I'd go crazy too. If Ningguang were in front of me, I'd dare to publicly kiss her.]
[You up there, if you do that, I feel like Big Bro Bai might pretend not to know you.]
If the renowned Sky Phoenix Marshal were accompanying her, Paimon felt she would even stir up wind while flying down the street.
Unfortunately, Jun Bai had no intention of fulfilling her fantasy.
He looked at Zhongli and said, "Please tell me the location where the Qixing are hiding the Immortal Ancestor's Dharma Remains."
At the same time, he transmitted his voice: "Morax, if we're acting, we have to go all the way. Play along."
Zhongli gave a slight nod, then shook his head. "I'm sorry, Jun Bai. According to the contract, I can only reveal the location of the Immortal Ancestor's Dharma Remains after the preparations for the Rite of Descension are complete."
"You're a bit impatient." Jun Bai said. "The matter of the Archon's passing has not yet been confirmed. Whether the Rite of Descension will actually be held is still unknown."
"If you really finalize the entire process of the Rite of Descension now, then we will truly end up eating the Archon's funeral banquet."
[Rex Lapis: I think I can still be saved.]
[Zhongli: Sorry, this banquet must be eaten.]
[Only now did I realize—could the Geo Archon actually be fine? After all, Guizhong also said before that if Rex Lapis really fell, the entire Liyue Harbor would be razed to the ground.]
[But didn't Jun Bai say that Rex Lapis might be an exception?]
"From the perspective of ordinary reason, that is indeed the case." Zhongli nodded slightly. "But the Rite of Descension is a commission from the Liyue Qixing. I am only responsible for completing the commission."
"As for whether Rex Lapis has truly passed away or whether the Rite of Descension will be unnecessary, that is not within my consideration."
Hearing these words, Jun Bai recalled the days when Phenex lived in the Guili Assembly.
"From the very beginning, you have always been able to find unique angles to persuade me." Jun Bai chuckled lightly. "Very well, then let's prepare for the Rite of Descension first."
"Little Paimon, how much budget did Childe give?"
"Two hundred thousand Mora."
Paimon flipped through the money pouch, her tone carrying a hint of disdain.
[Ha? How much?]
[And he calls himself a Fatui Harbinger? This is all he can offer?]
[It's actually reasonable. After all, Jun Bai is effectively on the same level as the Cryo Archon, so it's normal for him to be far wealthier than Childe.]
Zhongli stroked his chin and said, "From the perspective of ordinary reason, two hundred thousand Mora may not be enough to procure everything needed for the Rite of Descension."
"He said he would provide the funds, yet he can only produce two hundred thousand Mora?" Jun Bai couldn't help shaking his head. "Keep it as pocket money. I'll cover all the expenses on this trip."
"Really?"
Paimon looked at the money pouch in her hands, suddenly feeling it was very hot to the touch.
"I still have this much spare change, and afterward I can go to the Northland Bank to get reimbursed." Jun Bai laughed.
"Hehe, then I won't hold back."
Paimon spoke as she prepared to put the money pouch into her little treasury.
A gust of wind blew past, and the money pouch fell into Lumine's hands.
"These Mora will serve as travel expenses. I'll hold onto them so you don't secretly spend everything on extra meals."
After Lumine finished speaking, the money pouch disappeared into her backpack.
The smile on Paimon's face vanished instantly.