Jade Chamber.
"'The Lord of Geo has protected Liyue for a thousand years—but will He protect it for the next thousand? For ten thousand? For a hundred thousand?'"
Keqing repeated the same words she once spoke before the entire harbor during the Rite of Descension.
"You really dare say it again?
You… truly are disrespectful toward the Adepti."
Ningguang raised a brow.
She had not expected Keqing to repeat her challenge word-for-word.
More than surprise, she remembered how bold Keqing had been—uttering those words in front of Rex Lapis Himself.
Too rigid, and one breaks easily.
That had been Ningguang's private assessment afterward.
And because of that rigidity, for Keqing to better carry out her responsibilities as one of the Qixing, Ningguang had been smoothing obstacles for her behind the scenes.
"I'm only stating a truth that will come sooner or later."
Keqing answered calmly.
"Liyue is no longer the land plagued by endless demons.
What the Geo Archon can do today, humanity can also accomplish."
She knew her attitude was controversial.
But she never planned to retreat.
Once, the demon gods had shackled humanity's potential.
Now those shackles no longer existed.
Humans ought to govern their own fate.
"Don't forget," Ningguang said lightly, "what sleeps beneath the sea."
"I know.
But I believe Liyue can face that threat with our own hands—without relying on the Archon or Adepti."
"Perhaps.
But had Rex Lapis not intervened back then, whether Liyue would even exist today is… debatable."
Ningguang smiled faintly.
For a thousand years, the Geo Archon had etched an unerasable mark upon Liyue.
Removing His influence would not be easy.
"I'm not denying His contributions.
I'm saying the era has changed."
Keqing emphasized.
"This is no longer the age of rampant demon gods.
Human voices deserve to be heard, and—"
"Lady Ningguang, an urgent report from the Millelith!"
Baixiao's voice came from outside the chamber.
"What happened?"
Ningguang's brows tightened.
The Millelith would report to her directly only if the matter was truly grave.
"A Mondstadt diplomatic party seeks immediate audience.
They say they have urgent news.
The one requesting entry is Jean Gunnhildr—acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius."
Ningguang paused.
A Mondstadt diplomatic group?
Jean herself?
Why no prior notice?
"Bring them up."
"At once."
After Baixiao left, Keqing folded her arms.
"So… even you didn't know they were coming?"
She, too, found it strange.
Diplomatic missions never arrive unannounced—
unless something was seriously wrong.
"Could it be an emergency?"
"Nine out of ten likelihood."
Ningguang nodded.
It was the only explanation.
Soon—
"Lady Ningguang, the delegation has arrived."
"Let's go."
"Mm."
Both women walked out.
"You must be Tianquan—Lady Ningguang?"
Jean asked, recognizing the elegant woman before her.
Beside Ningguang stood a violet-haired girl—undoubtedly Yuheng, Keqing.
"And you must be Acting Grand Master Jean."
Ningguang smiled politely.
"This is Yuheng Star—Keqing."
"Kaeya Alberich, Cavalry Captain of the Knights of Favonius."
"Diluc Ragnvindr.
A simple citizen of Mondstadt."
Before Jean could introduce them, both men spoke for themselves.
"Please, let's speak inside."
Ningguang gestured.
Jean laid everything out—
the mysterious white-haired girl,
her overwhelming power,
her victory over Barbatos,
her demand to meet Morax.
"She awaits Him now at Jueyun Karst.
If we do not relay this quickly, Liyue may face disaster."
The room fell silent for several seconds.
"…A strength surpassing even Barbatos."
Ningguang finally spoke.
"Then she must be a demon god—one that survived the Archon War."
Jean had not used that term,
but Ningguang could not imagine a human matching such might.
But why would such a being seek both Mondstadt's and Liyue's Archons?
What was her purpose?
Was the Archon War beginning anew?
A deep heaviness settled on Ningguang's expression.
"But how?"
Keqing stood abruptly, shocked.
"If she was that strong, she should have been among the victors who became the Seven!
Why does no one know her name?"
If such a threat existed, Liyue's dream of independence from the Archon was impossible—
which infuriated Keqing more than anything.
Which demon god is it?
Who dares ruin Liyue's future?
Keqing was already furious.
"Matters of the gods are not something mortals can fully grasp."
Ningguang said calmly.
"In any case, we must contact the Archon immediately."
"Baixiao!
Prepare the materials.
I need to establish contact with His Excellency."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang!"
Baixiao hurried out.
Golden eyes?
White hair?
Defeated Barbatos?
Space manipulation…?
Sitting in a teahouse, Zhongli held a teacup—but did not drink.
He remained still for a long time.
"I understand."
After a long silence, he finally responded to Ningguang.
"Waiter," Zhongli added softly,
"send the bill to… to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
For the first time, even he hesitated over those familiar words.
Setting down the cup, he rose and walked out.
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