Which archaeologist in Liyue is worth the Tianquan going to such great lengths?
King's eyes flickered slightly.
A guess formed in his mind—
The retired Geo Archon, Morax.
He's going to Inazuma too? And it's such a coincidence he wants a ride?
A coincidence?
King didn't believe it.
It seemed this retired Rex Lapis was very interested in fontaines strongest man and this diplomatic (military) action that might shake Teyvat.
Does he want to observe from a close distance?
Or does he have other motives?
"Sure."
King didn't ask further and agreed directly.
No matter what Zhongli's purpose was, he didn't need to worry.
After all,
it's just the Seven Gods.
"In that case, thank you for your cooperation, Mr. King."
Baiwen bowed again and then gestured behind him.
The crowd parted, and a young man in a brown robe with a steady and composed demeanor walked forward slowly.
His golden pupils were calm and rippleless, as if they could contain mountains, rivers, and the passage of time.
He had a handsome face and a temperament as gentle as jade, yet it also carried a faint sense of weight from having experienced many vicissitudes.
His brownish-black hair was tied into a long braid at the back, with the ends shimmering with a faint amber-gold hue.
The newcomer was none other than Zhongli.
He approached, nodded slightly to King, and said in a peaceful voice, "Sorry for the intrusion, Mr. King. I'll be in your care for this journey."
King also nodded in response, saying nothing more.
Their gazes met briefly in the air.
A hint of inquiry flashed in Zhongli's eyes, while King's eyes were full of understanding and indifference.
Clorinde warily sized up this newly joined Liyue consultant, instinctively sensing that the other party was by no means ordinary.
But since Lord King had agreed, he naturally wouldn't say much.
Lumine's eyes widened as he looked at Zhongli and then at King, vaguely feeling that the atmosphere between the two was a bit off, though he couldn't say why.
Paimon immediately flew over: "Zhongli, why is it you! What are you going to Inazuma for? Are you going to see some antiques?"
Zhongli smiled faintly, a hint of depth flashing in his eyes:
"Actually, archaeology is just an excuse."
"The atmosphere in Inazuma has been somewhat special lately."
"I merely heard that under the Raiden Shogun's rule, some things have occurred that violate the 'contract,' so I wanted to take a look."
Paimon immediately nodded vigorously, his small face full of indignation: "So that's it, Zhongli, you have no idea!"
"Those Inazuma Merchants actually secretly transported crystallized bone marrow dug up from Yashiori Island, which carries the tatarigami's resentment, to Fontaine to sell without purifying it first!"
Paimon waved his small fists, his voice rising: "That kind of stuff is super dangerous!"
"At best, it causes nightmares and hallucinations; at worst, it can cause madness or even death! They've gone too far!"
Zhongli's amber-gold eyes flickered slightly, a hint of anger passing through them, but his expression remained calm as he just nodded slightly: "In that case... this matter indeed goes against the spirit of 'contract'."
"Trade is valued for its honesty and safety."
"Moreover, the remains of a God and its lingering resentment are not ordinary 'harmful substances'; they belong to the category of 'filth.' Allowing them to flow into the market is extremely hazardous."
"It seems Fontaine's blitz... ahem, visit to Inazuma is for a good reason and not a baseless action."
King met Zhongli's gaze, his face expressionless, and simply replied: "Mm."
Beside him, Clorinde stepped forward half a pace and added in a clear, cold voice: "Not only that, the merchants involved have confessed on the spot, and the evidence is conclusive."
"However, after we legally initiated negotiations, the Inazuma authorities not only failed to face their mistakes, but their reply even contained implied military threats, openly defying Fontaine's laws and dignity."
"This trip is precisely to demand an explanation!"
Hearing this, a hint of imperceptible amusement flashed in Zhongli's eyes as he lightly stroked his chin: "Military threats... in terms of universal rationality, that is not a wise choice."
"Inazuma has been closed off recently; there may be unresolved internal disturbances, so their external communication might have some shortcomings. I imagine it was not Inazuma's original intention."
He spoke tactfully, but the meaning was clear—
Inazuma might be in a mess internally, which is why they spoke that way to the outside world.
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