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Chapter Text

Liyue was in a precarious state as of now. Sudden, unexplainable death of Rex Lapis sent everyone in panic. The Qixing’s lack of answers and dismissive disrespect only riled the Adepti. And so, human government and the guardians of the land were at each other throats for several days by now, despite having a common goal. A recipe for disaster – if someone wishes to bring harm to the Harbor, it would be disgustingly easy. In any case, right now his directives were the same as they were before the Traveler brought the damning news to him and his brethren.

His lord may be gone, but his gifts still aided Xiao in performing his duties. The wards flared at the Guyun Stone Forest, signaling of the potential incursion of sealed god. Xiao made haste to the place as soon as was possible. Fortunately, there were no seals broken. However, there stood another familiar deity – and her retainer.

This sudden visitation can only make the situation worse in Vigilant Yaksha’s opinion. The contract he was still bound to obliged him to resolve the matter of unannounced visit of foreign goddess during Rex Lapis’ absence – one way or another. Although, he had to admit he was dangerously outclassed this time.

The first time in several centuries, Xiao was looking face to face at the current Shogun of Inazuma. Not quite though – the archon’s vessel felt different from the form the former kagemusha had – despite being identical physically. The soul was present, but also detached somehow.

They did not need further complications. The news spread across the Teyvat far too quickly for his liking. Rex Lapis has not even been sent off properly, and already there was a trouble of that magnitude!

“You trespass on our lands – on the graveyard of gods, without sending any prior warning. What brings you here?” The reason was obvious in hindsight, but he could not allow them to walk through unchallenged. Not until their intentions will be made clear.

From what he remembered of her, Raiden Ei could be diplomatic, if needed (especially if it involved sweets). However, the Shogun only narrowed her eyes before giving an answer.

“You know the reason. Let us pass, yaksha - I will ask that only once.”

The adepti and their leader called their Inazuman counterparts friends once, but with the Lord of Geo gone, Xiao could not afford to trust them easily. Even he heard of the controversial decree the Shogun declared in her land in the name of her celestial ideal. If she decided to use an opportunity to spread that one to Liyue and claim the Visions of people under his protection, she will have another thing coming.

The sacred spear came to his hand easily, as the Conqueror of Demons stood his ground. The fox envoy slowly shook her head but that gesture went ignored by both sides.

“You have no authority over Liyue, Raiden Shogun. State your business or return to your land of Eternity.”

Facing the Electro Archon glaring at him in that place was quite a predicament. Should the situation truly come to blows – he only had a slim chance to take them with him. And even so – Liyue won’t be safe from the backlash of deity of her caliber’s fall even from here. Not mentioning how the fight could unseal – or destroy those still imprisoned under Rex Lapis’ stone spears and multiply the resulting calamity.

His master’s passing was surprisingly quiet, now that he thought about it. How come Exuvia fell down without ounce of its divinity tearing down the city? Alas, he did not have time to contemplate on that thought more - The Shogun’s expressionless stare burned towards him as the tension rose, mere moments away from the fight.

It was a pink haired kitsune that interjected. Was that one Ganyu’s friend?

“Now-now, no need to come to blows - we are all friends here. We just heard the news of old friend’s passing and wanted to pay our respects. Must we really be hostile over that?”

Xiao exhaled. There was no lie in her words. The spear was dispelled as a show of trust.

“And we heard Inazuma closed its borders and collects Visions from innocent people. So forgive me for being cautious.”

While the Shogun made no change from her hard stare, Yae Miko sighed in exasperation.

“We have no intention to make more ruckus in Liyue than there is now already. However, we are extremely curious of what actually happened. And so distraught that our dear E...”

“How did your master die?” The Shogun did not mince the words and had no patience for her companion’s small talk. Still, her expression changed somewhat.

Fine by him.

“We adepti only have a second-hand account from other witnesses. According to them, one moment Tianquan initiated the Rite of Descension. And then Rex Lapis fell from the sky, his spirit already dissipated. If he was assassinated – we have no clues as who the murderer could be. Or how they even managed to commit the foul deed.”

“…Such an occurrence is a threat to Eternity. The cause of it must be investigated.”

If the Shogun had truly come simply for that – he had no problem with that.

“Right now we are still deciding how to adress this issue. I won’t stop you from going to the Harbor, but I ask that you do so without revealing yourself to mortals.”

At that the Electro Archon huffed in annoyance, leaving Miko to answer.

“Ah, you don’t need to worry about that. If anyone asks – we are simple travelers who wish to partake in the… Rite of Parting”

“…Do as you wish then.”

 “Right, that. Still, I may pay a visit to Ganyu. Been a while since we last saw each other. And there may be an author or two to…”

“We are not here to waste t- ”

Xiao already shut himself out from the conversation between archon and her retainer. Now, with that conflict resolved he was bothered of how he is going to relay to his brethren there is another complication to the current state of things…

XxXxX

There was a fine evening in Liyue. Despite the populace shaken with their Archon’s fall, the life went on. Soon enough, after the Rite’s completition, the city, its inhabitants and the land itself will continue to live and prosper – enduring through hardship and diligence, steadily moving towards the new age.

Zhongli took another sip of carefully brewed tea. The consistence and flavor blend nicely together, fitting to enjoy during that moment of peace. The Traveler and their companion had already retired for a night – and to prepare with their meeting with the Tianquan tomorrow.

As of now, everything moved in his range of expectation. The only unusual variable was the flash in Guyun. However, it seems it was not a sudden breach of his seals - the Fatui are not at that stage just yet. And he knew Xiao was there, leaving a hour later towards the Karst without putting up a fight.

So, if the source of that disturbance was not the fallen divinity of Liyue, that meant someone decided to pay a visit. But who? And why?

His ‘death’ can be the answer to ‘why’, but the ‘who’ was uncertain. That was not one of the exiled or dark gods, nor it was an envoy from Celestia.

The contract he had with the Tsaritsa excluded her from the list. And she had not left Snezhnaya ever since the Cataclysm.

The Lesser Lord Kusanali was not leaving Sumeru.

Beelzebul locked herself in a meditation centuries ago, and her nation – months ago, in her quest to achieve her vision of Eternity. His death should not be an event so significant for her to break all of it down and rush to Liyue.

And the Hydro and Pyro Archons have no reason to move from their respective domain.

That left the Anemo Archon.

Barbatos was the second oldest deity who still walked on the surface of Teyvat. Now that he thought about it, Zhongli could picture him coming to Liyue to take a part in the Rite of Parting.

To drink himself under the table, if nothing else.

Although, perhaps that jab was not warranted as it usually was during their gatherings. Morax knew how it felt to lose a friend, after all.

Perhaps he will need an apologize gift for that drunkard for… Being ‘a damn inconsiderable blockhead with emotional range of rock’ – he can envision Barbatos to have a… colorful reaction to his plan. More so, given the story behind the loss of his Gnosis. Regardless, the god of wind and freedom was not the one to hold grudge.

Nevertheless, Zhongli’s intuition, honed during his long life, told him that one bottle of wine is not going to be enough. With a sigh he finished his tea, rose up, paid for his bill and strolled across the city he built.

Chapter Text

Ever since her dear friend isolated herself from matters of the mortal world, Yae Miko knew it would take something extraordinary to force her out from her shell. But for her to not make an appearance even after she put that much effort? Pity. For a moment she even thought a certain last Yaksha was going to be obliterated, yet the puppet stayed her hand. To be fair – his inquiry, while hostile, also was a part of certain protocol and the puppet recognized it for the rule it was. Then she interfered and there was no longer a threat of becoming enemies with entire Liyue.

When she asked the puppet about Ei, she answered with usual monotone and irritating ‘The one within does not wish to be disturbed. Cease your attempts’. Always with the unspoken ‘or else’ undertone. This time, though, there was a slight pause, unnoticeable for anyone but her who heard that retort quite a number of times.

Convincing the automaton to bring them both to Liyue was a risky plan. But, of course, she succeeded. Ei’s rigid set of instructions was made to preserve her diluted notion of Eternity. Anything else? The puppet was dismissive of anything else. That is why she was exploitable. And if she was to state Ei’s precious Eternity is being threatened? The puppet could not help but listen to the request – especially the one involving the divine… Despite Ei severing most of her ties with the outside world – she remained one of the Seven. As for herself – she was the one in charge of keeping relations between Inazuma and Liyue as friendly as possible, despite Shogunate’s last diplomatic blunders. Therefore, all her insulations were within the set of rules, put in a perfect order.

‘Certainly a mysterious fall of neighboring archon may pose a threat to Eternity, Almighty Shogun? Far from me to doubt your prowess and ability to protect Inazuma, but I believe the circumstances are worthy of our fullest attention.’

‘You have the permission to gather necessary information. But why do you insist on our presence during your investigation?’

‘…I suspect the foul play. I don’t believe Morax just dropped dead on his own – he descended in Liyue every single year just fine, after all.’

‘Even Archons are not immune to the erosion – that is very reason for this body’s existence. Rex Lapis’ death may be its consequence - or his contingency for reaching its threshold.’ The automaton, which held soul and powers of god, retorted. Logical and sufficient explanation as for why Liyue Harbor is not a smoldering crater by now.

‘Perhaps, but for the God of Contracts to drop dead on his annual meeting with mortals? I stand by opinion we must get to the matter of this. If he wished to roll over and die - I ought to think he would have planned it better than that. And if he was indeed felled by those who would wish harm to Inazuma... I dare say a preemptive strike should be a prudent response.’ The sly kitsune finished.

The puppet was made to preserve the Eternity and to be Ei’s stand-in in her duties. The current generation of archons cared not about Inazuma and did not try to contact her during last half of millennia...From what Miko heard, the tradition of Archon gathering was initiated and supported by Barbatos, who was still recuperating after calamitous battle.

As for Morax… Well, Miko was disappointed he refused her plea to try to convince Ei to leave the Plane of Euthymia. A promise of non-interference, her foot! Perhaps it was a bad taste to use Morax’ death as a trigger for Ei to do something else instead of wasting away in her realm of consciousness. But certainly he would’ve been glad his friends saying their farewell to him, right?

There was more to it, but she is not going to dwell on that further. Oh, and she coerced a certain Yashiro rascal to ‘cover’ for their absence. The Sacred Sakura needed cleansing, and who would have been better to prepare it for the upcoming ceremony than the Almighty Shogun and her most loyal Guuji of the Narukami Shrine? And it was a sacred duty for Yashiro Commission to provide their utmost assistance. Anyone who would dare to object, or worse – to interfere… Those must be excessively foolish or desperate to invite the wrath of Narukami upon themselves.

And should the rascal follow her wise council to use the given time and opportunity window to uproot some troublesome conspiracies? All the better.

The night was rainy. What few monsters were foolish enough to look funny on them were swiftly exterminated. For the sake of keeping lower profile, both priestess and the puppet wore traveling cloaks on top of their usual attire.

And so, she and ‘Ei’ approached Liyue Harbor’s gates by early morning. Again, for the sake of keeping low profile – it would not do good to scare locals further than they should be by now.

Because of their accord with adeptus Xiao, approaching Liyue Qixing was out of question. That coincided with Miko’s stance of involving mortals as less as possible during this sordid affair. Nevertheless, some information prodding was necessary.

Poor Ganyu must be incredibly overwhelmed with work by now, so Miko doubted she could contact her– not without alerting the rest of Qixing of her presence here. Perhaps this evening? By then she should have a sufficient grasp on the situation.

Although, she could not forget about her most precious friend, could she? The puppet kept silence while they strolled around, with Miko visiting local markets – an epitome of calm before the storm. She was forewarned that gleaming an information from merchants would require some patience. And so-called guardian of eternity was patient indeed – even though she may entertain murderous plans by now.

“This is getting us nowhere.” Oh, it seems her composure started showing cracks. Hilarious, considering how the puppet was perfectly fine with playing the role of fancy ornament in Tenshukaku. And they were going around for just two hours!

“On the contrary, I think we gathered enough pieces of puzzle to understand the mortals know next to nothing about the incident and more worried about the political and economic implications.” Most traders were present during the Rite of Descension – and all said the same thing. The thing they already knew. Nevertheless, there was a need for confirmation. Indeed, the dragon fell from the sky. The dragon known as the Exuvia – Morax adepti form. After the shock has settled – the Qixing hid the corpse of god and started to weed out possible suspects. One successfully ran away, but then returned to Liyue after four days with all accusations cleared.

That must have been the witness Alatus told them about. There were no unusual energies spotted – just Tianquan using a traditional Geo incantation and offerings to summon the Lord of Geo. Then the skies darkened – and the rest was history

For a moment, she could swear the puppet’s eye twitched. Must have been a trick of light – nothing more.

“Meaning – if this was an assassination – mortals are blameless in the incident.” She oh so helpfully elaborated.

If the Shogun could dispassionately sit through all those lickspittles singing insincere praises for her during ceremonies, then she should endure some time of real work.

“…The one within had not doubted this.”

Oh? So, Ei really paid close attention then.

Good.

“Examining Morax’ remains will answer our questions.” The puppet was not going to divulge more.

If she simply asked the Shogun to act as her glorified bodyguard during her investigation – she had a decent chance of becoming a pile of ashes by now. But, there was yet another logical reason.

As an Archon (or at least as a person who served one for millennia and half), Ei had much better understanding of Gnosis and its powers than anyone else in Inazuma. Despite discarding her own – she could discern whether Morax still had it within his dead body or not. And if not – it meant either his own conspiracy – or something struck down the god with the clear goal to steal his heart. Very few forces knew about the treasure. So, the Shogun was obliged to react to the potential threat personally. That it, unless the real Raiden Shogun shall emerge.

“With Qixing out of our reach for now – the closest lead we have is Wangsheng Funeral Parlor”

Yes, she gleamed that part from the merchants in the docks. Apparently, the members of this ritual organization were in the middle of preparations for the Rite of Parting.

She also confirmed the address. She heard bits about it during her previous visits to Liyue – a small, yet distinguished Hu family was in charge of it ever since the Archon War, but it was not an important matter for her back then…

xXxXxXx

This is quite a busy week for the parlor. Namely, Zhongli kept going around buying necessary offerings for the Rite. As they had not overseen proper burial for an adeptus for centuries – Hu Tao was of little help. It was somewhat strange the border was unresponsive towards the whole ‘event of the millennia’ situation, but she had no place to interject for now.

Zhongli is certainly a trove of knowledge. As in, ancient, traditional, adepti secrets tier of knowledge. As such, the 77th Director had no qualms about him taking the matter in his hands. And she knew better than to pry, if he kept dodging about it.

Especially since it were the Fatui money he kept spending.

Aside from Rex Lapis becoming one of her clients though – that was rather uneventful week.

That is, until two foreign looking travelers came to her humble abode. And her honed senses told her they were not mortals.

Most curious.

“Oya? New customers? Welcome to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!”

Chapter Text

This body was made with purpose to withstand erosion and passage of time. However, this body also had her own views on how the time should be spent – either her own, or her subjects’.

She could understand Yae Miko’s idle chatter was a way of gathering information. However, in her estimation – this way was insufficient in term of effectiveness. Constantly asking empty platitudes and making small purchases along with prodding mortals’ reaction to the death of Geo Archon instead of taking the direct approach. When she told Miko that she made a counterpoint - something must be offered for the information, according to the way of Land of Contracts. Hmph.

Liyue Harbor also has changed a lot in contrast to memories the one within provided. However, such changes were expected and irrelevant in face of Eternity.

Her main hypothesis was both simple and most likely correct:

Rex Lapis of Liyue has fallen prey to the irreversible erosion.

No deity was safe against this terrible thing – such was the inescapable law of this world. Only through the Eternity one could transcend it. That is why reaching Eternity was necessary.

It was one thing to know it. For the one within – Morax’ death was both proof of her taken path being right – and a source of great disturbance.

In term of seven elements – Geo was the most steadfast. Unyielding. Most resistant to changes. Part of the Raiden Shogun refused to accept the Lord of Geo was… gone, just like so many other familiar faces.

And yet, when they arrived at the Guyun Stone Forest and witnessed the eroded spears which once reached the very heavens – it only confirmed the viewpoint of Geo Archon:

'Time tempers all volition. Time is slowly ravaging things too – until all returns to dust once more. Such is true to the land. Such is true to gods also.'

They too knew the merciless flow of time and because of that - wished to stretch a moment to infinity.

The eldest of Archons was gone now. He who expressed an interest in her pursuit, a willingness to see her Eternity – perished before such vision came to fruition. The Euthymia rumbled with rainless storm in the infinite red sky. It too shall pass. Regardless, Inazuma will endure forever – such was an oath of the God of Eternity.

Miko insisted there was a greater game at play. And so, the one within listened to the advice and sent this body to accompany her. While outlandish at first - the idea of something staging Morax' assassination had its merits also. That is why they made a decision to investigate Exuvia's corpse.

At least, that was a plan before the name Zhongli came from the parlor director's lips...

An hour before these musings

The youthful appearance of the one responsible for organizing the parting rituals of Liyue could be considered by some as off-putting. However, the shrewdness in her gaze and Pyro Vision dictated otherwise. That one was not one of her subjects though – so these thoughts mattered little.

As before, it was Yae Miko who engaged in the conversation starting with light chuckle

“Greetings. We are looking for the master of this establishment. The staff pointed us to your office.”

“The 77^th Director Hu Tao, yep, that’s me. But I take it you are not customers, am I right?”

“Well, that actually depends. We have come here for the information.”

“About the Rite of Parting, I presume?”

“As a matter of fact – yes. I am Guuji of the Great Narukami Shrine, and -”

“Oh? As in – the chief of Yae Publishing House, Yae Miko?”

The kitsune momentarily blinked, but responded easily.

“Oh my, are you a fan of our works?”

“Maybe~ Speaking of fans – one of my good friends sent you a work or two.“

“Truly? By any chance, do you know the name of the work, Director Hu?”

“It was “Legend of Sword”, I believe.”

“Oh? Then you know Zhenyu? By any chance – can you -”

The conversation is going sidetracked. This body interfered.

“We have not come here for that.”

The kitsune glared at this body. Irrelevant. But she got the message and obeyed.

“Oh, how could I forget… As envoys of Electro Archon, we heard about what happened and wished to attend to the Rite of Parting.”

Still too roundabout. This body intervened

“We are going to examine Geo Archon’s remains. Your cooperation will be appreciated.”

The fox envoy huffed.

“Please excuse my friend. She was shaken by the news a bit too greatly.”

Irrelevant. The traces of amusement were gone from the face of mortal.

“Oh, I see. So, you are friends of the deceased, huh?”

“You can say so. Though, you must have noticed that already.”

“Hmmm… That stuff is top secret, but…. You’ll have to speak with the consultant in charge of the Rite. I’ve heard he had already made a similar promise.”

“A consultant is free to let bystanders examine corpse of god?”

“He is an expert in all kinds of lore, including proper ceremonies for the adepti. The body of Rex Lapis in Qixing’s custody, but Mr. Zhongli will…”

Zhongli?

That was one of -

“…ve an authority to do with the body as he deems fit as long as…”

-Morax’ names.

The one within knew a backstory behind the name, retold by Rex Lapis himself. Though it happened long before the unification of Inazuma – or before Raiden Shogun was even manifested.

Before Liyue, there was a nation ruled by God of Contracts, Morax and God of Dust, Guizhong – Guili Assembly. The settlement did not survive the horrors of Archon War. And neither did Morax’ companion. Then, the Rex Lapis led the survivors to the south and founded Liyue Harbor.

Miko too, was aware of the implications.

“Zhongli, you say? Oh my~”

And the director noticed their reaction.

“Oya? So you know him? Guess he really is not as young as he looks.”

“By any chance - ”

The one within issued an order. Depending on ‘Zhongli’s’ identity this body will take the next course of action.

“Where we can find him?”

“He was doing some – in his words – ‘emergency purchases’ but he should come to the parlor about hour later before going to the wilds to collect a special offering for the Rite.”

“Can we wait for him here?”

“Aiah, something tells me this is not a question” The director attempted a joke. If she would have refused the query – this body would simply wait for ‘that person’ from outside the parlor – simple as that.

“Splendid” – the fox envoy interjected. “Then, I am going to the bookstore – I had not had a chance to visit it today”

The mortal looked confused. This body though, cared not for Guuji’s antics.

“So you consider your mission completed?”

“There are several things I’d like to finish before wrapping it all up” She answered with irritating cheek.

“Guuji Yae. if you wish to meet Zhenyu – he often spends his free time reading new books in that store. I think he’ll notice you there first.”

“Oh, my utmost thanks, Director Hu. Please, don’t mind Ei. I take it she’ll simply wait for the 'consultant' to arrive.”

“Hmfp.”

“…Okay?”

With these words, Yae Miko left the funeral parlor. Leaving this body alone with this mortal girl who looked moderately alarmed.

“Uh, so… Are you… Are you Guuji Yae’s… Boss, then?”

Silently cursing familiar’s frivolities, this body felt compelled to dissuage the tense atmosphere. Unlike the Yaksha, this one did not engage her in confrontation.

“You need not to worry. My exalted status shall not be disclosed among the common folk.”

…

The storm in Plane of Euthymia ceased.

The turmoil gave way to the resolve.

She did not know why Morax had faked his death.

But, if his decision was affected by the erosion... If the mighty Rex Lapis has started to slowly descend to madness as his once loyal elemental dragonlord did…

Then she’ll fulfill her old promise, discarded earlier by him as jest.

And grant him mercy.

Present time

The Traveler was still on the way to Jade Chamber, finishing the traditional gift for the Tianquan.

That said, Zhongli still had about three hours before their meeting in the plains.

So he used this time to go to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to check whether something has needed his attention.

Surprisingly, he had not noticed any peculiar drunk bards in green lately.

Was he wrong in his assessment? It mattered not. He prepared a stash of wine to appease Barbatos, should he decide to show up.

On the entrance of the parlor he noticed slightly worried coworker

“Oh, Mr. Zhongli!”

“Good day. Has something happened?”

“There were two visitors an hour ago. One of them still stays with Director Hu.”

“I see. Are they negotiating a contract?”

“From what I gathered – that one is waiting for you, Mr. Zhongli”

A bit peculiar, but not unusual situation.

“Very well, I shall attend to them.”

Two minutes later his mind went blank for a moment, as his cor lapis eyes met amethyst orbs of Raiden Ei’s ingenious puppet vessel.

He had not expected this turn of events. For her to come in Liyue personally could mean...

“You.”

...An inevitable clash between them. After all, his decision to abandon his role as Archon should be an anathema to her ideal of Eternity.

“Mr. Zhongli! Can you please… Ah, take care of your guest?” Ah. While Director Hu was quite headstrong, facing the Archon could, rightfully, terrify unprepared person. And it looked like she made a necessary connection to unravel their identities. Nevertheless, the response came to his lips easily, after clearing his throat.

"Of course, Director Hu."

Emergency contingencies were not his thing. Regardless, he had a duty to fulfill. So, returning his full attention to the Raiden Shogun, Rex Lapis gave a greeting.

“It’s been a while.”

Somewhere in Mondstadt, the half-drunken bard murmured in his cup.

“What a blockhead…”

Chapter Text

“You”

If Hu Tao had her doubts about her guest’s identity before – they completely vanished when she saw her ever stoic consultant so shocked – jaw slacked and eyes like a fish (oh, he’d so hate the comparison! Better to remember or even write that down!).

She could swear - all Electro users she ever met (or heard about) had their particular aura of coolness. Despite being aloof and not engaging in the conversation as much as Hu Tao would like (apart of her admitting she is here as a mere visitor and not the archon of Inazuma, the goddess plainly told she is not in the mood for small talk) – ‘Ei’ gave off a feeling of absolute elegance and power. Seems fitting for the Lord of Electro. Now that she had someone to compare – Zhongli too has such presence – but his own was muted. Probably because he was incognito and the Electro Archon did not bother to hide the truth when Hu Tao asked her.

After all, she had her suspicions Zhongli was an adeptus in disguise long ago. But to think it was Rex Incognito situation – especially given him orchestrating Rex Lapis’ (his own!)  funeral.

Myriad of questions ran in her head. But the most prominent one was…

Is that what Rex Lapis considers as prank?

It wouldn’t be blasphemous to consider it awesome, right?  Could the ‘The Lord of Geo himself promotes our business!’ slogan convince clients to make their orders in advance?

Scratch that – it seems two archons have an unspoken history. Well, they certainly should have, with how they are two of the Seven… And if the Raiden Shogun herself came for his funeral – could it be…

Wait. The Electro Archon looked as if she was going to fry the old man with lightning on spot.

Being torn between worry and laughter (Was she that angry with him for his prank of millennia? Seems delightfully fishy) the young director tried to call her awe stricken employee out of his reverie.

“Mr. Zhongli! Can you please… Ah, take care of your guest?”

The interruption made him blink. As for the Shogun – her focus was left completely on him. And then he reverted to his usual business mode again, as if nothing happened. Well, she won’t let it go later anyway.

“Of course, Director Hu.”

And then…

“It’s been a while.”

What? That’s it? Really?!

“I have come for answers of what happened to Rex Lapis. And here you are, despite dead Exuvia sequestered by the mortal authorities.”

Blunt and to the point. Looks like she won’t be able to enjoy the show as much as she’d like to.

Zhongli sighed, putting his palm to his head.

“Here is not the best place for that kind of talk.”

“Aiah, I won’t snitch on you or something, Mr Zhongli! For the record, I think your ‘play dead’ stunt is cool!”

Oops. Such intense glare from him was a first. Surely the God of Contracts won’t punish his employer for a little cheek? There were not clauses against it in their contract.

“It is uncouth to blunder into the conversation in such way, Director Hu.” Surprisingly, those words came from their guest.

Wait. Did those two team up against her???

“Please wait a moment, E… Baal. Before we will move on to our ‘discussion’ I must make a momentary preparation.”

“Very well. Make it quick.”

Zhongli summoned the letter and some small shiny figurine and put them on her table. Ei’s soft ‘The Gnosis’ murmur did not go unnoticed. Now, if Hu Tao knew what that object was…

“I’m afraid I am going to be busy this day, Director Hu. If it is possible, I ask you to do today’s part of the Rite in my stead.”

“You mean your search for Wild Glaze Lily with the Traveler?”

“Precisely. And, please, take care of this object while I am out.”

“Alrighty. But, what If you won’t… Return?”

With laughter, Zhongli answered.

“In that case, should I fail to make my way back in two days - send the letter to the Northland Bank. The representative will retrieve the package on their own.”

“And that is…”

“That is a confidential information, according to the contract.”

Awww. But she knew he won’t divulge more in that case. Now it makes more sense as to why the Fatui did not make any fuss about covering Zhongli’s excessive spending. Do they know about the ‘faux death’ thingy?

“Okay, got it! Carry on to your date then, I’ll cover your shift today. And if you die, well – the Rite is underway, so you need not to worry about being sent off properly!” She ignored incredulous stares sent at her way.

Before her luck ran out, Zhongli took Ei’s hand and hurried towards the exit.

xXXxxXXx

Mortals have saying as of how even the best laid plans may go astray in the single moment. There could not be truer words right now.

Morax was completely certain Beelzebul would not care for the ongoing events outside of Inazuma. Especially after she enforced the Sakoku Decree – and completely ignored the protestations with his personal seal of approval the Qixing sent.

Were it not for his earlier promise to let her contemplate the state of world after the Cataclysm uninterrupted – he would have broken through the everlasting storm into the Land of Eternity in person. There were moments when keeping his word was rather inconvenient. Nevertheless, his word is as solid as stone – such is his absolute law.

He thought his ‘death’ will strengthen her resolve to seek her vision of Eternity. But he did not think she would investigate the matter herself. He was proven wrong.

He, of course, knew - the being, which was walking with him towards the gates of the Harbor right now, was not the real Raiden Ei. Rather, this self-aware divine marionette was the vessel for her soul. Ingeniously designed – because she housed God of Eternity’s essence – this puppet was her equal in strength. Or was it because their source of power became one and the same? As the one who too made divine constructs (but nothing on such scale – such marvels were more of… Guizhong’s modus operandi, a level of intricacy above his skill) during his long life – he had some scientific curiosity towards the subject.

But it was not right time for this.

“Where are we going?”

“To the west, Qingxu Pool. We won’t be disturbed here.”

A momentary beat. Then the Shogun followed him after giving a nod of agreement. The ruins in there were both good place to have a secluded conversation… And a place far enough to deal with its consequences uninterrupted by the Adepti. With some tweaks of the Geo energies of that place he will be able to mask whatever will transpire between two archons.

The stage of Liyue was set and almost ready to start the play. The sudden guest should not interfere in his trial. Even if it’s coming to this guest testing him instead.

Several minutes later they went far enough of the city for teleporting unnoticed.

Something tug at him, when his aloof friend (or, rather, her vessel) took his offered hand without reservations.

And now, they stood atop of half-sunken ruins which had already seen their fair share of battles. And most likely going to see another battle between gods today.

“Alright then. First of all, I am both surprised and glad to see you this day. Meeting an old friend is always a joyous occasion”

The puppet blinked. The resemblance between her and the real one was uncanny, if one could think of Ei as emotionless. Though she couldn't see her as such – he knew her outside the battlefield. A sweet, responsible and hardworking young lady, with her competitive quirk. Or at least, she was such before the Cataclysm...

“You refer to the one within. This body has not met you personally before, Morax.”

“This may be correct, but do you not embody the Raiden Shogun, and her divine ideal? As such, I ought to believe I should treat you as friend all the same.”

And then, he added

“Speaking of Ei – I have no doubt she can hear our conversation right now”

“The one within is not willing to speak with you as of yet.”

“I see. As I said – I did not expect you to come to Liyue at all.”

“Yae Miko made a reasonable argument as of why Rex Lapis’ death should’ve been investigated in person. The erosion was one of possible reasons, but she convinced us there could be a plot instead. That being said, the possibility of you falsifying your death had eluded us.”

Ah, clever crafty young kitsune. He remembered her disappointment when she learned Morax would not try to reach Ei and pull her out of her eternal meditation. He must applaud to her tenacity, since it looks like she is going to have her wish in this unexpected development – one way, or another.

“You have mentioned the Northland Bank back in the parlor. Is that scheme a part of contract you have made?”

“Correct. Perhaps you have not heard it yet, but the Tsaritsa started to make moves to collect the Gnoses. As I’ve heard, Barbatos recently had his own taken by the Fatui Harbringer Signora.”

The Raiden Shogun tilted her head

“I see. And since they could not take it from you by force, they had struck a bargain?”

“Yes. The Cryo Archon had done her best to offer the equivalent exchange, though I cannot divulge the price for my Gnosis.”

“It is not an easy price to pay.”

“Indeed.”

Then, she narrowed her eyes.

“If it is simply about the Gnosis – you would not have needed to stage your death.”

Of course – he did not doubt her intelligence. Now comes the hardest part.

“As for that– I have come to understanding Liyue should be ready for the new age. The age of gods and monsters is coming close to its end. The plot I set in motion is but a trial to determine whether my people are prepared.”

Of course, the God of Eternity would not accept such reason. Her entire posture stiffened.

“Absurd. In other words, you are abandoning your role as archon?”

It seems he too, shall be judged and tested these days. At first, he planned to keep the Gnosis on himself in case if Osial will prove too difficult for mortals to handle.

However, Ei’s arrival forced him to change his plans.

“You say your decision stems from your faith in people of Liyue to prosper without your continued guidance”

Ei’s trusted naginata appeared in her arms

“But, is that your actual reason? Or have you fallen so deep to the erosion to lose your mind?”

Turning fully towards him, the Shogun took the combat stance.

“Unsheathe your weapon.”

Fighting her in his weakened state is beyond dangerous. Yet, he would not be able to convince her fully, should he rely on his Gnosis during their fight. That is why he entrusted it to Hu Tao, should he become another opponent felled to her martial prowess. However, his words came to mind when Beelzebul had made her offer...

"As I've told you millenia ago, Ei..."

The Geo energy converged in his body, as the Vortex Vanquisher prepared to clash with the Engulfing Lightning

"I can not allow you in a good conciousness to stain your hands with my blood."

Ironically, the Rite really was underway, so Hu Tao’s parting words were both hilarious and reassuring.