The moment Ningguang finished speaking, Cloud Retainer and the others immediately knew—something had gone wrong.
That response from Ningguang…
Wasn't in the script!
How on earth did she find out this was all just part of the Archon's act?
Who leaked the secret!?
Cloud Retainer was a seasoned performer and quickly recovered. After a brief pause, she coughed and said sternly:
> "What do you mean by that? Do you think this immortal is jesting with you?"
Though she tried to sound accusatory, anyone could tell—Cloud Retainer's voice had lost its edge.
Even Mountain Shaper and the others started to panic a little.
The Archon had finally entrusted them with something—even if it was just acting—it was the first time in hundreds of years.
If they messed it up, maybe Zhongli wouldn't scold them, but they would still feel guilty themselves.
And now, the plan had entered… the dreaded improvisation stage.
Xiao slowly shuffled behind Moon Carver, trying to hide.
If it were a real battle, Xiao would charge in without hesitation, spear in hand.
But acting…
The best he could manage was keeping a straight face and staying silent—a textbook stoic rookie performance.
> "Tianquan Star! Where are you hiding the Archon!"
Mountain Shaper shouted, trying to back Cloud Retainer up.
Watching from a distance, Madame Ping also felt a headache coming on.
Wasn't the original script supposed to go: the adepti come to confront, then she steps in to mediate?
What was this weird progression now?
Ryen was so awkward he almost curled his toes through the floor. He forced a smile, then swiftly retreated into the room.
He just couldn't stay in this live-action cringe fest any longer.
Ningguang rubbed her brow in frustration and said helplessly:
> "Immortal sirs, what is the meaning of this?"
> "Cloud Retainer, even if the others aren't aware, surely you and the Conqueror of Demons know that Zhongli is the Archon?"
Cloud Retainer's heart skipped a beat.
It was over.
Not only had the play gone off the rails, Zhongli's true identity had been revealed.
Was the Archon going to blow a fuse?
Cloud Retainer cleared her throat and replied:
> "This immortal has no idea what you're talking about! Are you trying to change the subject? Where exactly are you hiding the Archon?"
Ningguang couldn't help but chuckle.
> "The Golden House, of course. When the Archon's avatar collapsed, Keqing escorted him past Mt. Tianheng. Didn't you adepti see that?"
"…!!!"
Are you kidding me!?
So straightforward!?
How are we supposed to keep up the act now?
If this continued, the adepti would just come off as aggressive and unreasonable.
Where did the script go wrong?
Cloud Retainer internally screamed.
> Archon! You never told us you changed the script!
At this point, the atmosphere on the Jade Chamber was utterly strange. Everyone stood around staring at each other, unsure what to say next.
After an awkward silence, Ningguang suddenly seemed to realize something and said, barely holding back a laugh:
> "Thank you all for coming to perform… But we've already learned the Archon's true identity."
> "He already explained his reasoning to us here at the Jade Chamber. There's no need for you to keep blaming yourselves."
Upon hearing that, the tension mixed with awkwardness instantly lifted.
Moon Carver let out an awkward laugh and stammered:
> "Oh, is that so… Well…"
> "We didn't receive any message from the Archon. Really, it's just…"
Madame Ping finally stopped hiding and stepped out with a wry smile.
> "I didn't expect things to develop like this. But now, we really don't know what to do."
Ningguang smiled and gestured toward the interior of the Jade Chamber:
> "Why don't all of you take a short rest here?"
None of the adepti refused. The script had been torn to shreds anyway, and none of them had a clue what to do next.
Might as well go along with Ningguang's offer. Peace for all.
Following her inside, they found the chamber already prepared with enough tables and chairs. Food had been served as well.
Ryen was at the side helping Klee and Nahida with their meal.
When he saw the embarrassed expressions of the adepti as they walked in, he couldn't help but tease:
> "Cloud Retainer, your acting is top-notch!"
Cloud Retainer looked a bit flustered.
> "That was… just a natural reaction! Everything this immortal does is always the best!"
Mountain Shaper rolled her eyes, found a seat, and muttered:
> "If your acting was so good, how did Tianquan Star figure out the Archon's identity? You and the Conqueror of Demons probably went overboard with your behavior!"
Xiao said nothing, just stared at his food and ate silently.
He was still worried Zhongli might settle accounts with him later.
> "Actually, I'd been suspicious of the Archon's identity for quite a while,"
Ningguang said with a smile, sitting down beside Ryen.
> "From the way Cloud Retainer and the Conqueror of Demons interacted with him, it was pretty easy to tell."
Immediately, Xiao lowered his head even more.
Cloud Retainer's mouth twitched awkwardly.
> "So… everyone knows?"
> "Not quite."
Ryen took a sip of tea handed to him by Ningguang.
"Keqing and Lumine don't know yet. Everyone else does."
"…!"
A wave of public embarrassment washed over Cloud Retainer. She muttered under her breath, looking visibly uneasy.
Madame Ping let out a helpless smile.
> "The way things turned out really was unexpected… But now, we're not sure what we should be doing. The Archon didn't tell us what comes next."
Ningguang thought for a moment and asked gently:
> "What did the original plan ask the immortals to do?"
Moon Carver glanced at the others and explained reluctantly:
> "According to the original script, the adepti were supposed to confront the Qixing and have the people of Liyue witness it all."
> "Then, through the subsequent trials, the people would come to accept the rule of mortals. From then on, mortals and adepti would work together in unity."
> "But now…"
Ningguang nodded slowly in understanding.
> "The Archon never explained that part to us. He only told us that we needed to face a trial to reassure him before he stepped down and entrusted Liyue to us."
> "He's likely busy preparing for the Rite of Parting and retirement ceremony and doesn't have time for all this."
> "Why don't the immortals temporarily remain in Liyue Harbor and observe for now?"
Mountain Shaper looked a bit hesitant.
> "But the Archon wanted us to make things difficult for you. Only then would the people of Liyue be spurred to unite…"
"Why stick to the script?"
Ningguang shook her head with a soft laugh. She raised her chin confidently, her eyes gleaming with the elegance and command of the Tianquan Star.
> "Liyue Harbor today is strong—its Millelith are mighty, its economy thriving—it is already the strongest nation in all of Teyvat."
> "That strength, and the confidence it brings, has already taken root in the hearts of every Liyue citizen. So why bother with superfluous theatrics?"
> "I believe in the people of Liyue. I trust their will to protect their homeland."
> "If enemies dare attack, the people of Liyue will rise without hesitation. I have never doubted that."
> "So then, why don't the immortals skip that part of the plan? When the time comes, stand with us against the enemy. Face the trial with us and let Liyue shine even brighter."
The immortals fell silent.
Zhongli's scheme did, in part, aim to show off Liyue's might.
He, the Geo Archon, may have stepped down—but Liyue still had its adepti, its strong Millelith.
Anyone who dared test Liyue's strength would quickly find out just how heavy that hand could be.
But at this point, the script they held was already outdated by several versions.
There was no point in continuing to follow it.
Madame Ping sighed in resignation and nodded.
> "We'll do as you say. But, little Ningguang, there's one thing you should know."
Being called "little Ningguang" didn't bother her at all. Madame Ping was a revered elder among the adepti, and Ningguang had grown up seeing her often. It was no exaggeration to call her a mentor figure.
Madame Ping looked seriously at Ningguang and spoke gently:
> "From here on, the trial Liyue must face can only be endured by its people alone. The Archon has forbidden us from intervening directly."
> "At most, we can provide support or blessings as needed."
> "But that's not a bad thing. If you can truly overcome this challenge with mortal strength alone, it will be a moment worthy of celebration for all of Liyue Harbor."
Ningguang seemed to understand.
> "I understand, Madame Ping. But as I said before, I trust in the people of Liyue—and I hope the immortals can trust in Liyue's present and future as well."
> "Liyue is already walking a path toward greatness. One day, Liyue will protect both the Archon and the adepti in turn. This is something I've always believed."
Her words, no matter how they were phrased, brought comfort to Cloud Retainer and the other immortals.
> "If that's the case, then I'll take Cloud Retainer and the others for a tour around Liyue Harbor. As for the rest… it's up to you."
Madame Ping gave a sigh filled with emotion.
> "To think… the little Ningguang who once barely reached my waist has grown into such a reliable adult…"
She glanced playfully at the way Ningguang occasionally looked at Ryen with soft, lingering glances and teased:
> "You can tell at a glance how strong Liyue has become lately—so strong that little Ningguang's even started planning for her personal future."
Ningguang flushed slightly, protesting with embarrassment:
> "Madame Ping!"
Madame Ping waved it off with a laugh. After a bit more light conversation, the immortals finished their meal and were led away.
After today's embarrassment, none of them wanted to linger.
Soon, only Ryen and Ningguang were left on the Jade Chamber.
Watching the immortals enter Liyue Harbor, Ningguang let out a long sigh.
> "It seems the trial the Archon has designed must be quite severe. Otherwise, why bring so many immortals here at once?"
Ryen smiled, gently rocking the sleepy Klee and Nahida in his arms.
> "My assessment is: 'When soldiers come, we counter with generals; when floods arrive, we block with earth.'"
Ningguang smiled with her lips closed and nodded in agreement.
> "Indeed. Liyue fears no trial. Whatever it is, let it come."
Klee and Nahida yawned. Ryen turned and headed inside.
> "I'll put Klee and Nahida to bed first."
> "I'll come out again later. There's something I want to talk to you about."
Ningguang's eyes flickered slightly and she nodded softly.
Once she confirmed that Ryen had gone inside and hadn't noticed anything yet, she quickly ordered Baiwen and the others to begin preparations.
By the time everything was in place, Ryen returned, stretching lazily.
Just as he was about to speak to Ningguang, he froze when he saw the setup inside the room.
All the lights in the Jade Chamber had been dimmed—except this room, where soft candlelight flickered.
A table full of delicious food had been set—but that wasn't the main point.
Ningguang wore an elegant, platinum-colored sheer gown that perfectly outlined her graceful figure.
She was half-reclining on a chair, delicately pouring wine.
The whole scene radiated a clear message—a candlelight dinner.
> "Are you planning to stand there all night?"
Ningguang chuckled softly, lifting her gaze to Ryen.
He understood exactly what she meant—and naturally didn't object.
He walked over calmly.
There wasn't a second chair set across from her. The only seat… was beside her.
Perhaps, in Ningguang's mind, that was already the most direct and subtle kind of invitation.
But Ryen didn't think like that.
Instead, he scooped Ningguang up in his arms, sat in her seat, and pulled her into his lap, wrapping an arm around her waist.
Looking at her closely, he smiled teasingly:
> "Is the wine good?"
Ningguang's cheeks flushed, but she tried to maintain her composure.
> "It's a ten-year vintage from the Liuli Pavilion—naturally rich and fragrant."
Ryen chuckled.
> "Then I'll have to taste it carefully…"
—
Honestly, it was kind of ironic.
On the very first day that the mighty Geo Archon collapsed, unconscious, at the Rite of Descension…
The immortals were busy trying to act.
Ningguang was busy trying to… ascend.
Even Zhongli himself was busy preparing materials for his own Rite of Parting.
Only Keqing—
Sat quietly and solemnly by his side in the Golden House, full of worry and sorrow.
A bit like the only sober one in a world full of actors…
Everyone else was playing a part, but she alone was lost in the truth.
~~----------------------
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