Even if she didn't know, she could easily find out.
So, they needed to have a good relationship with the Liyue Qixing.
Speaking of which, they got along quite well with that Yuheng (Keqing) last night.
Maybe they could get clues from the Yuheng.
"Because he wants to gather the undercurrents surging beneath the water, pressuring them to the limit before letting them explode."
Kael spoke slowly, "He has lived too long and wants to see if Liyue can move toward the next era without him."
"That's right."
Zhongli nodded gently, taking over Kael's words, whispering, "I have lived in the world for more than six thousand years. Establishing Liyue with the Adepti was also three thousand seven hundred years ago."
"Even rocks that cannot be shattered by whirlpools will wear down under the washing of time. I just kept convincing myself that the day when cracks appear from wear has not yet arrived."
"Until one rainy day, I was strolling in the harbor and heard a merchant praising his subordinate: 'You have completed your duty. Now, go rest.'"
"At that time, I stood in the crowd for a long time, asking myself constantly: 'My duty... is it also completed?'"
"But when I started to consider whether I should step down from the god's position... I discovered I still have many reasons not to leave."
"The land where God walks, Liyue, is it ready to enter the next era?"
"I must create an opportunity to observe seriously before making a decision."
"That's why I designed this year's Rite of Descension, involving the Fatui, the Adepti of Liyue, the Liyue Qixing, etc., to see what they will do in the chaos."
"It's exactly the same as what Kael said."
Hearing Zhongli's words, Paimon widened her eyes and looked at Kael. "Before at Wangshu Inn, Kael, you said there would be a big accident at the Rite of Descension."
Completely predicted this Geo Archon's prediction.
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Zhongli raised an eyebrow, looking at Kael slightly surprised.
Even he didn't expect someone to predict his actions.
"So, in the following process, I also hope you can help me hide it."
In the next second, Zhongli said softly, "In exchange, you can help the Liyue Qixing in the upcoming Rite of Descension and gain their friendship. At that time, if you want to find clues about the Abyss, you can ask the Liyue Qixing directly."
"This is also beneficial to you."
"Traveler, what do you think?"
As he spoke, Zhongli looked at Lumine.
"I see."
Hearing Zhongli's words, Lumine scratched her head.
Next, this Rex Lapis wanted to set up a layout for Liyue. What she had to do was shut up first and not inform on him.
Then intervene in the Rite of Descension to gain the friendship of the Liyue Qixing.
It could be said that this was the way provided by Zhongli to befriend the Liyue Qixing.
Without this way, it seemed quite difficult to obtain the friendship of the Liyue Qixing.
Immediately, Lumine agreed.
However, before agreeing, Lumine still looked at Kael.
After all, Kael was the one making the decisions.
"Naturally."
Hearing "Jing Yuan's" words, Kael nodded gently.
Refusing Zhongli brought no benefits.
Agreeing could allow him to befriend Zhongli who sat in control of the overall situation, and also gain System rewards. Why not?
As Kael nodded.
Lines of virtual text jumped out in front of him instantly.
[Facing Jing Yuan's invitation, you chose Straight To The Point, directly pointing out that everything in the Luofu now is within Jing Yuan's calculations.]
[Jing Yuan has been fishing all along, knowing where the Stellaron is, but involving the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and how it was transported in, he needs time to catch them all in one net.]
[Your remarks surprised Jing Yuan because you completely stated his thoughts, thoughts that even the other Six Charioteers didn't know.]
[Congratulations on obtaining Option Three Reward: [Snow Lion Mimi]. The stone lion at the entrance of the Seat of Divine Foresight. After obtaining, you can make the lion be in a real body state or stone statue state at any time. Can change freely.]
Looking at the reward in hand, Kael smiled.
Another reward obtained.
Comfortable.
"Then next, let me take you to appreciate the scenery of Liyue."
Seeing Kael nod, Zhongli chuckled lightly, nodding gently. "You haven't fully experienced the historical thickness of three thousand seven hundred years in the land with a God."
"The process of preparing for the Rite of Parting will also become part of your journey, broadening your horizons."
"Liyue is the most prosperous country among the Seven Nations of the Mortal World. In previous years, there were also gods guarding it and the Qixing ruling it. I believe the experience will not disappoint you."
"Yay!"
Hearing this, Paimon rubbed her hands excitedly. "Having a God as our guide is something others dream of but can't imagine."
"En."
Lumine also nodded subconsciously.
Unexpectedly, going out early this morning, they met "Jing Yuan" (Zhongli) and learned a lot of things.
And at this time.
In front of Kael, lines of text appeared again.
[Because you saw through Jing Yuan's plan, Jing Yuan hopes you can help keep the secret in the currently panicked Luofu.]
[In exchange, Jing Yuan will take you to tour the Luofu and appreciate its scenery.]
[Facing Jing Yuan's kindness, you choose...]
[ OPTION 1: CALMLY ACCEPT ]
Since Jing Yuan is willing to use touring the Luofu as an exchange condition, you might as well go with the flow and see what he can show you. Anyway, you wanted to investigate the current situation of the Luofu. Why not take this opportunity to appreciate the scenery while gaining more intelligence?
Reward: [Lightning Attribute Power]. (After fusion, your Trailblaze Path power can derive Lightning Attribute power. From now on, your attacks will also have an element.)
[ OPTION 2: FLATLY REFUSE ]
Keep a secret? This is not something you should consider. What does the situation of the Luofu have to do with you? You have your own purpose here and don't want to be dragged into Jing Yuan's calculations. Besides, there is no free lunch in the world. Jing Yuan's active kindness is a bit deliberate. You won't enter the game easily.
Reward: [Branch of Immortal Ambrosia]. (Withered branch of an ancient divine object, the source of the Xianzhou natives' endless lifespan, residue of Abundance miracles.)
[ OPTION 3: TURN THE TABLES ]
Is it you who understands the Luofu or me who understands the Luofu? You know the future trend of the Luofu. Even if you just arrived, you know the situation like the back of your hand. Jing Yuan's kindness must have a bigger plan, and your next actions must not be under his nose. The Luofu is unstable now, and Jing Yuan's sudden kindness obviously has ulterior motives. In that case, why not take the opportunity to test his bottom line and see who is inspecting whom?
Reward: [Immortal's Delight Tea]. (Extremely unhealthy junk drink, but a mysterious smile appears on the face after drinking. Drinking it can increase your ATK by 5 times for a short time. Drink less, it has high calories.)
Kael: "..."
Looking at the three options appearing, Kael looked strange.
Immortal's Delight Tea... is this for real?
Increase ATK by 5 times?
If Zhongli drank this tea, could he exert 500% power?
This thing was truly heaven-defying.
Pity, although this option reward was good, it was a one-time consumable.
The best reward was still Option 1.
Looking at the reward of Option 1, Kael was tempted.
As long as his Path Power evolved into Lightning Attribute power, then in Teyvat, he could control Electro power.
He could definitely convert elemental power into Electro power.
This was a good thing.
The third option required testing "Jing Yuan's" bottom line.
That is, testing Zhongli's bottom line.
Completely unnecessary.
Since he already agreed to keep the secret, why test?
Zhongli wasn't Jing Yuan.
"Then, after finishing breakfast in a while, I'll take you around Liyue. At noon, listen to operas at Heyu Tea House."
In the next second, Zhongli looked at Kael and the others slowly. "In the evening, go to Pearl Galley to appreciate Liyue's flower boats and humanities."
"Eh?"
Hearing Zhongli's words, Paimon widened her eyes, looking interested. "Okay, okay! Anyway, we are unfamiliar with Liyue. Having you take us to play is the best."
Lumine scratched her head. "Where is the Liyue Adventurers' Guild? I also need to go there to register information and ask the Guild to help check for tasks."
Since clues about her brother were related to the Abyss Order, she would just pay for clues about the Abyss Order directly.
Although she could find the Liyue Qixing, right now the Qixing definitely had no time to pay attention to her.
"En, that is near Liyue Harbor. In the afternoon, we can go there."
Hearing Lumine's words, Zhongli nodded.
Immediately, after the three ate and drank their fill, they walked out of the breakfast stall.
Morning light spilled on the bluestone streets. The prosperity of Liyue City was gradually revealed.
Zhongli walked calmly in front, posture tall and straight, temperament refined.
Even amidst the hustle and bustle of the market, he still exuded a detached indifference.
On both sides of the street, various shops were already bustling.
Vendors displayed fresh goods, shouting one after another, smoke curling up.
People flowed constantly in front of teahouses and wine shops. Liyue's commercial atmosphere was revealed early in the morning.
Walking along the street, Zhongli introduced some cultural customs of Liyue City to Kael, Lumine, and Paimon from time to time.
His speech was unhurried, telling about Liyue's traditions, the operation of trade routes, and the historical stories behind the buildings.
At the corner of the street, an exquisitely carved archway was inlaid with ancient golden inscriptions. Zhongli brushed the stone pillar gently with his fingertips, saying lightly: "This archway was built by the Commerce Guild to thank Rex Lapis for his protection when Liyue Harbor opened five hundred years ago. At that time, Liyue's trade routes were just formed, trade exchanges were constant, and the city was prospering day by day."
Lumine glanced sideways, her heart moved slightly.
The faith of Liyue people in Rex Lapis was not only reflected in statue sacrifices but also engraved in every brick and tile of this city.
Paimon listened while looking around, staring at the snacks on the stalls from time to time, eyes revealing eager light.
Just then.
On a distant street.
A familiar purple figure was walking quickly.
Keqing walked hurriedly, the sound of her boots hitting the bluestone slabs crisp and steady.
Her expression was as cold as ever, eyebrows revealing habitual rigor, as if thinking about some important official business.
But in the next moment, her gaze inadvertently swept across a scene at the street corner, and her steps stopped abruptly.
"...?"
Keqing froze abruptly, a trace of astonishment flashing in her eyes.
Stopping slightly, her gaze fixed on the scene ahead.
Not far away, Kael and the others who had just arrived in Liyue yesterday.
At this moment, they were walking leisurely with Zhongli, the Consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
And listening to him tell about Liyue's customs with relaxed expressions.
Paimon in the distance looked at the street stalls excitedly, leaning over from time to time to see if there was anything delicious.
And Lumine followed Kael closely, seeming quite interested in Zhongli's narration.
"How did they get acquainted so fast?"
Seeing this scene, Keqing frowned imperceptibly, a question flashing quickly in her heart.
Those who arrived in Liyue last night were traveling with the Consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor this morning?
Keqing knew Zhongli's style well.
Although he was a Consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he generally traveled alone.
But the scene in front of her looked like he was personally guiding these three to tour Liyue, natural as if they were old acquaintances for many years.
Truly incredible.
But in the next second, Keqing withdrew her gaze.
The Liyue Qixing held high positions and were busy with daily affairs. She naturally wouldn't personally ask about the whereabouts of a few foreign travelers.
Even if Kael and Lumine came from Mondstadt and were Honorary Knights endorsed by the Knights of Favonius.
Compared to Liyue's affairs, it wasn't important.
Now that the Rite of Descension was approaching, she was too busy.
Without hesitation, Keqing continued to walk away.
She wouldn't actively interfere with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's affairs.
Zhongli was a Consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. What he did naturally had his own considerations.
Now she had more important things to do.
Soon, Keqing continued forward with steady steps, her figure quickly disappearing into the crowd.
At this moment, Kael, Lumine, and Paimon still followed Zhongli leisurely, continuing to stroll on the streets of Liyue.
Completely unaware that a Liyue Qixing had just noticed them briefly.
Even if they noticed, they didn't care.
Paimon floated in mid-air while looking around, muttering from time to time.
Seemingly still immersed in the food just now, eyes revealing satisfaction and curiosity about this city of Liyue.
However, just then—
"Wah! What is that?!"
Paimon's gaze suddenly fixed on a building in the distance.
Her eyes widened instantly, mouth opening wide in shock, as if discovering something incredible.
The architectural style ahead was luxurious.
Vermilion beams and cyan-gold tiled roofs complemented each other, the structure extremely magnificent.
A dazzling red plaque hung high at the entrance, engraved with large Liyue characters, showing grandeur.
And the appearance of the entire building carried an exotic luxurious aura.
Distinctly different from Liyue's local architectural style.
Paimon blinked, flying higher to take a look, sucking in a breath in amazement: "This place is too luxurious!"
"Which Commerce Guild does this belong to?"
Paimon turned to look at Zhongli, eyes full of curiosity. "To actually build such a big and resplendent building in Liyue City!"
Hearing Paimon's words, Zhongli looked up, a faint smile on his face, tone calm: "That is the Northland Bank."
"The property of the Fatui."
"..."
Paimon's smile froze instantly.