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Chapter Text

 Zhongli rose with the sun. Sometimes.

Most times, he would not quite be rising out of bed; instead, he would cease reading a book he had procured - this time one of Zhenyu’s works - and then emulate what constituted ‘preparing for the day’, as mortals would say.

Despite laying down his title and vowing to lead the life of a mortal, there were still some aspects of his previous life that persisted as stubbornly as the stone he commanded.

In this case, the reduced capability to fall asleep. Zhongli was a patient individual, so he did not mind being unable to fall asleep despite laying down in bed with the intention to but, sometimes, the lack of external stimulation was suffocating. As one of the participants of the Archon War, sleep had come to be defined as a luxury - a weakness that invited enemies to attack. Some nights he was able to overcome his lingering instincts, other times he would fruitlessly wait to drift off for hours before deciding to occupy his time with another activity.

Like this night.. He sighed as he noticed the first hues of yellow breaking through the black in the sky, and lay down the half-finished book on the coffee table. His movements were slower as he went about his routine, a muted feeling of dissatisfaction coursing through him. He could not deduce the source.

By the time he exited his abode, the city was wide awake with the sun shining with a youthful glow. The air smelled of perfume and freshly cut fruits, and Zhongli inhaled deeply, taking solace in the sensations. His steps towards Wangsheng Funeral Parlour were much more energetic.

He greeted the Ferrylady as he walked past; her passive expression shifted to a smile which brightened her eyes. Zhongli wondered if his lethargic weight in the early hours of dawn was a common occurrence among mortals. 

Striding inside, he came across Director Hu and Meng standing around the round table which was used for the ‘special, very important’ meetings that the Director sometimes held. Most of these meetings were reserved for lunch and taking collective breaks. 

“Good morning.” Zhongli greeted, fully adopting the persona he took on as the Consultant of the Parlour. 

“Zhongli! Just who I wanted to see! Come here.” He acquiesced. Meng excused himself with a bow and disappeared further inside.

“Has the work already piled up this early?” He inquired, coming to stand beside the Director over the table. Paperwork was strewn across, scribbled in varying styles of penmanship.

“These are all applications from the families of the recently kidnapped citizens. They want to reserve coffins in case the Millelith find their loved ones in the worst case scenario. I honestly did not expect such forward thinking, but it will require some readjustments in our schedule.”

It seemed Zhongli had not paid much attention to such incidents happening in the Harbour, which definitely was a cause for concern. Was his vigilance fading as he fully immersed himself in mortal life?

Zhongli frowned as he picked one of the applications up.

“Wang Shitou…” he trailed off, recognizing the name. The boss of the Jade Mystery who had so generously provided the Noctilucous Jade for the Rite of Parting. The positive energy that had staved off his confusing emptiness waned slightly and he placed the paper back on the table.

“What would you like me to do, Director?” He asked, eyes transfixed on the furniture.

Hu Tao was silent for several moments. When she spoke, her voice was softer. “You already have a consultation scheduled with the Captain of the Crux Fleet. I’ll leave the work concerning this to Meng.”

Zhongli closed his eyes and nodded. He sensed Hu Tao raise a hand, close to his arm, but she stopped herself and retracted it.

“Don’t overexert yourself, alright? Wouldn’t want my best consultant lagging behind!” She exclaimed as she too disappeared further into the building. Alone in the room, Zhongli chided himself for letting his guard fall so easily.

Why do I feel so heavy today?

The weight over his shoulders seemed too reminiscent of the one that had weighed on him in the last few years of his reign as the Geo Archon. 

His burden was lifted. What reason was there for such a weight?

 －O－－O－－O－

Perhaps I require a walk outside the Harbour.

The thought came to him as he approached the docked Alcor on the Harbour. Perhaps he was missing the sights and smells that were distinct from the more industrial ones in the Harbour.

A young brown haired man greeted him at the base of the ship. “Greetings, you must be Mr. Zhongli. The Captain is waiting on board.” Zhongli inclined his head and trekked up the connecting staircase.

Or perhaps I should take a trip by sea.

The thought was immediately discarded. Willingly going travelling on sea was just inviting further distress.

As he stepped forth on the ship, he grimaced at the uneven balance. The ground was not sturdy, and he was certain it would not immediately answer his call should he ask it. A Geo lifeform would never be more misplaced than on sea.

“Heya, you must be Mr. Zhongli!” His attention turned upward and he schooled his expression into an amiable one. He had agreed to meet on board the ship after all.

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Beidou.” He replied, bringing a hand to his chest in respect. The Captain was an intriguing figure, as most Vision wielders in Liyue appeared to be. She had slain a leviathan on the sea when she had not even received her Electro Vision. A true warrior at heart.

“This is one of my crew members, Kaedehara Kazuha. He mostly hangs in a corner and composes poetry.” She gestured to the young man beside her, who smiled serenely. He held a maple leaf in one hand. The bandages on his hands surely hid the calluses of a master swordsman. An Anemo Vision hung at his back. The Inazuman reclined his head in greeting as well.

“A poet is sure to be a welcome presence on a ship,” Zhongli said. The wisps of the wind kissed his cheeks. He tried not to twitch his lips.

Beidou burst into a good-natured laugh. “You two will get along quite well! And that’s the perfect cue to get to business.”

As it turned out, the young Kaedehara wanted to hire Wangsheng for the services of an Inazuman who had passed away on Liyuen soil.

“Ms. Kazumi was estranged from her parents. While the Crux Fleet transported her during the Vision Hunt Decree, she expressed a desire to never set foot on Inazuma again.” Kaedehara explained with a somber expression. “I cannot in good faith endorse that her body be transported back to the nation of her birth, despite how things have changed. At the same time, I believe she would have wanted an Inazuman funeral ceremony.”

Zhongli nodded in understanding. The details of Inazuman rites were easily accessible to him, despite not having as vast a knowledge of them as Liyue’s own rites. “That is completely understandable. Wangsheng, while not suited to rites of other nations, is still perfectly capable of employing them based on the client’s needs. Please let me know of the essentials that will be required and we will handle the rest.”

“I am truly grateful for your flexibility in providing such a necessary service.” Kaedehara graced him with a minute smile. Zhongli tried not to notice the familiar reminiscence in the depths of his crimson eyes.

“Death is a part of humanity. What do our lives mean if we do not send the dead off with respect?” 

A good four hours passed before Zhongli was out his way off the Alcor. Kaedehara had clarified there was no need to rush into the preparations, but the consultant wanted to make sure that, as someone who passed on foreign soil, Ms. Kazumi received a prompt service. 

On his way back to Wangsheng, Zhongli decided to stop by Wanmin Restaurant. There were no other responsibilities for the day, and the afternoon sun was bearing down on him through the heavy layers of clothing.

“Oh, Mr. Zhongli! It’s been a while since I’ve seen you! Come in please!” Xiangling exclaimed as soon as she saw him enter. The other customers spared a glance in his direction before resuming with their conversations and meals.

“I am only in for a brief lunch. I was passing through and decided to visit. How has your new dish progressed since the previous time we met?” He smiled.

The last time he had seen the young chef had been during the dinner Director Hu had arranged in the midst of Lantern Rite. The dish had then been in its…experimental phase. Xiangling’s friends had already borne the brunt of its unrefined effects. Now, however, he trusted it had already become a hit among the people.

“Ehe, it’s doing wonderful. So many people have been ordering the Noodles with Mountain Delicacies! Your recommendations really made all the difference.” Xiangling beamed, and Zhongli could not help but feel proud. Seeing young people so invested in their art, so eager to progress, would never fail to warm his heart.

“Then I will have the Noodles with Mountain Delicacies.” He smiled.

Zhongli did not return to the Funeral Parlour until the time the sun was starting to descend. After a wonderful meal at Wanmin, he had opted to sit at Third Round Knockout for a pot of tea…which turned into four pots of tea. The storyteller had come up with a new account today, and Zhongli had listened as many times as he could, comparing what remained of the truth and what was an alteration of history.

Stepping back into the Parlour, he was greeted by a bubbly Hu Tao. She took one glance at him, and seemed to make a decision.

“There’s no more work for you here, Zhongli! Go enjoy your early day off.” She declared, a rather obvious attempt to drive him to relax. He really should not have let his guard down earlier in the morning.

“Director, I have barely worked today at all. There must still be some weight I can carry. And do you not even want to hear what the Captain's consultation was for?" 

That captured Hu Tao's attention and she sighed before asking him to report.

"That is tricky business, but nothing the Parlour cannot provide for." Hu Tao mused after he was finished explaining.

"Then I will begin preparations starting tomorrow. Procuring certain materials may prove to be a daunting task but I am aware of certain merchants out in the Plains who do sell these Inazuman specialties."

Of course, it did not need to be said that the merchants in question were a Yaksha who could travel to the nation of Eternity within seconds and swiftly gather all the items in a timely manner.

"It's settled. Now, there's not much work here. Meng already got back to the families who sent the applications, and further negotiations are to take place later on. So, go out and enjoy. I hear Yun Jin is performing tonight. ~" Hu Tao winked at him, grabbing his shoulders, turning him around, and all but pushing him outside of the Parlour.

Zhongli sighed. It seemed he had no choice. 

"Very well, Director. Thank you for your consideration." He relented, walking back the way he had come.

Letting go of a burden one had borne for millennia left a considerable amount of time for one to mull over. Working at Wangsheng Funeral Parlour was an acceptable substitute to attain stimulation throughout the day – to not completely idle away and wither before his true time. It was only a shame that he could not even seem to handle such a small workload and prompt his boss to forcefully give him an early retirement for the day.

Perhaps he really should attend the play that Ms. Yun will be performing. Her choice of script and acting capabilities were unique, and Zhongli felt he needed something novel for the day.

The play did not disappoint. It told a thought-provoking tale of a Millelith soldier during a time of great strife, and the sacrifices she had to make along the way. It was an accurate portrayal of the suffering of the mortals during the age of gods and monsters, deserving of many words of praise.

So, why did Zhongli feel so empty still? 

He left the opera as soon as the ovation and praises were finished, mind lost in thought as he let his legs take him where they wanted.

He did not even realize he was leaving the Harbour until the scent of fresh air marked by the lilies right outside the city reached his nose. The sound of chirping birds, nestled in the safety of their nightly abodes and the absence of the chatter of merchants and their customers was a peaceful ambience.

Zhongli continued walking. It had been some time since he had the chance to take a walk outside the Harbour. It had been on his mind to take this walk regardless. 

He was nearing the Statue of the Seven closest to the Harbour when he spotted the figure of a man leaning before it, shakily curled into himself. Zhongli frowned at the sight, his pleasant demeanour fading into a cautious one.

The man was murmuring something into his hands, clenched together in an act of prayer. They pressed into his head, pale with the force they were exerting onto each other.

Zhongli could not hear what he was saying. Normally, that would not be out of the ordinary, but he could still hear prayers if he focused. And yet, there was nothing reaching his spirit.

“Sir, are you alright?” He gently asked, amber eyes scanning the surrounding area. The area was desolate, despite there always being Millelith stationed near the steps leading towards the Harbour. The night was still too young for them to have retired.

The man on the ground seemed to not have heard him, too occupied with whatever was tormenting him. He was dressed like any other merchant in Liyue. Was there something so troubling that he had trekked all the way to the Statue to pray? To a god who had already passed on in the people’s minds, no less.

“P-please f-forgive me, my Lord…th-those m-monsters…I-I – “

The man was in his own world of perceived wrongdoing. Zhongli crouched down, slowly placing a hand on the trembling man’s shoulder. The mortal jumped, whimpering, but did not move or raise his head.

“You are safe now, sir. Come to the Harbour.”

Zhongli had not expected the man to react at all, much less so jerkily. He raised his head, and his purple-hued eyes startled the ancient deity. Before he could think, the man grabbed his outstretched arm into a death grip. The strength in it was far beyond that of a mere mortal.

“It is not safe for you, Rex Lapis!”

Tears built up in the corners of the man’s eyes, spilling over in glowing purple droplets. The mere sight of them made Zhongli recoil with a need to distance himself. the anguish in the man’s voice translated into his ever-tightening grip. The consultant did not even think about how his identity was known to this suffering man.

“Ho, ho, ho, what do we have here?”

Zhongli’s attention flew to the new voice, the appearance of an Abyss Mage preceded only by a glimmering shine of white. Its shield shone under the moonlight, icy wisps flowing out into the disturbed atmosphere. Zhongli narrowed his eyes as he looked between the mage and the man who trembled with Abyssal energy emanating out of him.

“So you are responsible for this.” He merely stated his conclusion, once again studying the anguish in the Liyuen’s possessed eyes. His body was not his own, but his mind was conscious and struggling. A mortal could not even hope to survive a battle such as this.

“I am so-sorry, my lor…”

The fact that he was struggling this much proved his strength. Abyssal energy reacted with gods differently, which was why the man was immediately aware who he was speaking to. Or perhaps the entity possessing him was taunting his mind, breaking him down from the inside out. The Cryo Abyss Mage cackled with glee, drunk on the suffering of a human and the realization of a god.

“You were never meant to discover us so early. This pathetic critter somehow escaped, you see. And oh, you’re so angry, aren’t you? Even living among your people, you could not sense the suffering.”

Zhongli clenched his hands into fists, his strength fighting off the grip of the possessed man. Chen Hui, he recognized. A well-to-do merchant specializing in silk trade. He had a family in the Harbour, parents in Qingce Village. Zhongli had once perused his services to acquire silk when Director Hu had requested it. Went missing a week and a half ago, with the Millelith left befuddled by the mystery. Just one of the multiple people who had disappeared. Anger simmered as he realized who was responsible.

“The worst mistake you made is letting me see you,” Zhongli said in a timbre lower than the rumbling of a mountain. The cursed mage danced in the safety of its shield, unbothered with his thinly veiled threat. Vortex Vanquisher materialized in his right hand, and Zhongli turned his gaze back into the eyes of the unwilling participant. Chen shook his head, lips quivering in absolute terror. The grip on Zhongli’s arm was unrelenting.

That was an easy fix. Zhongli started channelling Geo into his restrained hand when Chen’s other arm moved with unnatural speed. The mortal cried out in pained warning, the strain no doubt agonizing for his body. Zhongli deftly leaned away from the reach, smoothly dodging the grab and dropping his spear to the grass. He reached around with his right hand and mentally apologized as he delivered a precise, compact chop to the man’s neck. The purple aura dissipated in an anticlimactic fizzle, and Chen crumpled to the ground like a broken doll, freeing Zhongli from any restraints.

The former Geo Archon rose to his feet, amber eyes glowing with an intense subdued rage. The Abyss Mage ceased its gleeful dance, watching him pensively. Seconds passed, the world slowed to a halt and the weight of the air increased tenfold. The shield of the Abyss Mage cracked under the pressure. The creature squeaked in surprise, and the lapse in attention was all it took.

One second, Zhongli was standing at the base of the Statue of the Seven, and the next he was towering over the Abyssal monster, one hand glowing with Geo while the other wielded the deadly Vortex Vanquisher. The Abyss Mage shrieked in fear as its line of defence crumbled in the face of godly power. The spear flashed through the air, barely noticeable to the naked eye and, before the creature knew it, purple blood spilled onto the ground, the force of the stab sending Vortex Vanquisher more than halfway through into the body.

The mage was dead in an instant.

Retracting his spear, Zhongli dispassionately watched the creature disappear into ashes on the spot, waving a hand which shed the cursed blood off his weapon. Sensing no other threats, he let the spear dematerialize before twirling back around and walking towards the mortal that had been caught up in the crossfire.

Chen was prone on the ground with no hint of awareness. Zhongli reached two fingers to his neck and furrowed his eyebrows when he felt a relatively weak pulse. He was certain the Abyssal creature possessing him was still residing within, waiting for the right opportunity to strike. As such, taking the man to Bubu Pharmacy was out of the question. Despite being Vision users, both Doctor Baizhu and little Qiqi were unequipped to handle a case as volatile as this.

A deep-set frown adorned Zhongli’s face as he realized he would have to turn to the Adepti for this task. Mountain Shaper and his amber cages would be a helpful deterrent against the abyssal force inside a mortal body, at least until Zhongli was able to extract the essence out of it.

Having decided on the next course of action, the former Archon rose to his full height, and immediately stiffened.

A vile presence overtook the area, marking off every instinct for danger in his body. Vortex Vanquisher appeared in his hand once more, rumbling with surging Geo. There were few entities still roaming free that could elicit such a reaction from the eldest remaining Archon.

“Morax…”

Zhongli narrowed his eyes, glancing towards the source of the voice with practiced caution. A masculine voice, young but jaded. It bespoke great suffering, and was accompanied with poorly concealed vitriol. He felt an odd sense of familiarity, his vast mind searching the depths of his memories despite the sudden dire situation he was in. Vague images of blonde hair flashed by but before he could even begin to make connections, his moving eyeline was diverted by a flare in his senses. An attack from behind.

Zhongli jumped forward, spinning his body around in mid-air. He was surprised to see Chen, a purple aura that signified corruption surrounding him. His eyes were dulled into obsidian, his arms weightless by his side, and yet there was a hint of life. Only of the creature that had taken over.

With a heavy heart, Zhongli accepted the man’s fate, acknowledging the suffering he had endured in the past week.

Chen – the creature violating his body – lunged forward after him, a sharp crystal edged forwards in attack. Zhongli called forth the power of the earth, the energies below ground leaping up to his call. They breached the surface, exploding in debris and mud around the puppet body. With a flick of his wrist, the energies altered shape, rock and mud alike transforming into fortified jade, and converged around the offender, trapping him in their confines.

The few moments it took to execute the command seemed enough for the other presence to make its move. Zhongli registered the danger when it was too late, a sharp pain originating from his side, permeating throughout his body in paralyzing waves. Vortex Vanquisher crashed to the ground with a heavy thunk as the sheer intensity of the pain robbed Zhongli of his breath and wrenched control from his muscles.

The object responsible for his predicament was spun around inside him, and Zhongli’s legs gave out under him. The god landed on his knees, stray strands of blonde hovering in the edges of his waning vision. In front of him, he could see the sadistic smirk spread across Chen’s face, yet another violation of the departed soul’s body.

“Even gods are fallible when faced with their weaknesses, it seems.” The voice spoke into Zhongli’s ear before forcefully withdrawing the blade that had brought an Archon to his knees.

Even in its absence, the sensations of pain did not abate; they instead seemed to mount with every passing second, stripping him of his conscious thoughts little by little.

Zhongli fell forward onto the ground, one arm getting crushed beneath his weight. His free hand lay before his eyes, trembling in weakness. His breath hitched, and the sudden tsunami of agony was completely unanticipated. Zhongli curled in on himself, hand clenching into a fist, digging into the earth as hard as it could. Yet there was no escape from the torture, and by the time the pain dulled slightly, he was breathing heavily as if he had expended a large amount of his power sealing away a god into the depths of the ocean.

“You…careless. We…to abandon…because…”

He could vaguely hear the voices, his assailants talking amongst themselves. He wondered if Liyue was in danger, its god incapacitated. The thought drove him to move past the haze of slicing knives. He strained with effort, teeth gritting as he fought against the agony. His arms shook underneath his weight.

“Stay down.” A foreign weight settled on the small of his back before he was pushed back into the ground, breaths hitching from the strain.

The endeavour to get up seemed to trigger another wave of the searing pain, burning his insides as if on fire. Zhongli choked out a pained cry, pathetic to his own ears. The idea that he had simply wanted to take a stroll outside the Harbour seemed ridiculous now.

“– go…before…arrive.”

The voices faded, and he was uncertain why everything was so muted. His body refused to cooperate with his mind as he struggled to even speak.

Xiao.

The name lingered on the tip of his tongue, his lips moving in motion, yet no sound came out of his throat. The Yaksha was the only one who could swiftly arrive at a location as remote as this in the dying night. The Harbour may still be awake and bustling but the outskirts were rarely active in the night.

Zhongli struggled to lift his head, the movement drawing grunts of exertion and winces of staggering pain. His half lidded amber eyes glanced at the Statue of the Seven. It could also help him – not completely rid the poison in his veins but alleviate the pain enough that he could call for Xiao – but it seemed worlds away. The glowing blue veins pulsed tauntingly, beckoning him while knowing he could not move.

His head fell back down, cheek pressed against the hard surface, body locking up as pain once again assaulted him. The aftermath had him gasping for breath, chest constricted painfully in the face of strain and demand. Tendrils of black seeped in from the corners of his vision, the threads of unconsciousness hoping to take over as his body started to shut down to escape the torture being imposed on it.

Zhongli struggled to stay awake, gloved hand weakly reaching out for the ground, mustering the Geo beneath to his call. It did not answer. The hand plopped back lifelessly, the darkness encroaching further.

Past his confining ability to move or speak, Zhongli vaguely felt hands on his shoulders, turning him onto his back. The motion elicited a muted gasp of pain, further throwing him into the depths.

X-Xiao. 

He tried speaking once more, but his throat constricted, refusing to make the one sound he wanted it to. The dark consumed him, dragging him down into the abyss and finally, he ceased his resistance. Perhaps there really would be solace to be found in sleep.

His final sight was that of a face scrunched in concern, adorned by dark hair that swayed with the wind. 

Chapter Text

Yelan had been on a regular patrol when she first saw the intermittent flares in energies in the outskirts. It took little deliberation to get her feet moving to the source. The Millelith had been given an early off today in that area, so any disturbances were left to Yelan and her team. 

It was always a hard time every year. After getting worked to the bone during the Lantern Rite, ensuring everything went smoothly, the soldiers would all file for leave. Most of them did not get to spend time with their families during the festival itself, and the Ministry of Civil Affairs preferred not to keep them away from their loved ones for a prolonged period of time. Naturally, a system of shifts was established, but there was still a shortage of manpower that needed to be compensated for. 

Yelan continued to chase the surge of energy, her pace hurried even further after she felt the ground rumble in anger. Could it be a Geo Vision user caught up in the fighting? The jagged pathway of the mountains cleared to a hill, approximately ten minutes after the first signs of the anomaly.

The experienced archer surveyed the area below, the Statue of the Seven pulsating rhythmically. There was nothing to see, except for one figure prone on the ground. Yelan jumped forward, skidding across the slope until she landed light as a feather.

Rushing forth, she stopped beside the man, taking note of the long ponytail and the Geo Vision weakly glowing on his back. Gently placing her hands on his shoulders, she pulled him onto his back.

It was not difficult to recognize the consultant to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour. Mr. Zhongli’s reputation preceded him even in the circles of the Liyue Qixing, most commonly for his vast and ever-reaching knowledge. 

“Mr. Zhongli, can you hear me?” She prodded as she looked into half-lidded amber eyes. The pupils were absent, instead adorned with white patterns. A rare genetic mutation that the Director of the Parlour had as well, Yelan recalled.

The eyes seemed to stare past her, his mouth forming into the shape of a word. His body trembled with the effort he put into it, but no sound came out, nor was Yelan able to decipher what he had wanted to say. She should be scanning him for injuries, scanning the surroundings to see whether the danger still lurked, but she was entranced in pained amber eyes. She felt helpless as they seemed to give up and then eventually close entirely, the body going slack in her arms.

Yelan brought a hand up to Zhongli’s neck. A weak, but thready, pulse responded. She breathed deeply before setting the man down on the ground. She noticed his spear lying beside him, clean as a whistle. Had he been completely overpowered by the enemy?

Her eyes then caught the darker stain spreading through his suit on his side. She unclasped the overcoat, letting it pool beneath him. A frown settled in her face when she realized the blood red was accompanied by a purplish hue.

Her efforts became more frantic as she untucked his dress shirt and lifted it enough to see the stab wound. And sure enough, a mix of red and purple oozed out of the entryway. Her hands clenched as she looked at Zhongli’s face, frowning but otherwise undisturbed in unconsciousness.

It was unusual for someone to pass out into relative peace while being corrupted by Abyssal energy, yet this unassuming consultant seemed to…

Yelan stifled any questions in her mind, extracting a first aid kit from her inventory. She made quick work of cleaning up the wound and then wrapping it in gauze, the smell of alcohol permeating the air. The purple remnants of the Abyss immediately stained the white bandages, seeping through the opening instead of travelling further into the body to ravage it from the inside out.

Mr. Zhongli was not human. Probably an Adeptus. Tasked to organize proper burials for fellow Adepti?

She filed that information away into the back of her mind for now. Getting to her feet, Yelan scooped up the consultant’s spear, noting how unusually heavy it was, before placing it in her own inventory. 

Lifting the man was surprisingly easy - he weighed less than the average male. That made her job much easier. And with that, she began the trek back to the Harbour.

－O－－O－－O－

By the time Yelan reached the city, most of the citizens had retired for the day, with the merchants and shopkeepers closing down as well. Bubu Pharmacy was not one of the establishments closing down.

When Yelan walked in, Zhongli dangling on her shoulders, Herbalist Gui had squeaked from behind the counter before jumping out and helping her take the consultant’s weight.

“Found him about 45 minutes ago. No other injuries besides a stab wound. Administered basic first aid.” She recited, the herbalist nodding along. After a pause, she added, “May require more diligent supervision for the first 20 hours or so.”

“Understood, Ms. Yelan. We will take care of him from here.” She watched as he carried Zhongli off to the back of the Pharmacy, aided by another employee, no, an intern judging by his inexperienced movements and dreadful composure.

On the trek back, the consultant’s condition had not worsened. Nor had it gotten better. It seemed he was suspended in the moment when he had fallen unconscious. Perhaps his body was slowly fighting the corruption off.

None of this made sense. Surely even Adepti were not so resistant to Abyssal corruption. The numerous stories of the past 500 years proved as much. Aside from the mortal casualties, Liyue had lost a great number of their divine protectors in the Cataclysm as well, mostly due to the vile, corrupting energies that had been released by the Abyss.

Unless…

Yelan jolted, her mind coming to a halt. A Geo vision user…amber eyes so unique they were unlikely to be borne by another…a matching resistance to the Abyss itself…wielded the Geo Archon’s preferred weapon type.

Surely not. He was dead. Passed on in spirit.

Yelan’s feet were moving before she processed it, carrying her towards the room Gui had taken the consultant.

“Ms. Yelan.” The call of her name jolted the bluenette out of her trance, and she turned towards the serene smile of Doctor Baizhu. His own amber eyes were lidded in a piercing but amiable gaze. “I hope nothing too serious has happened.”

She needed to be careful.

“I found a Vision wielder near the Statue of the Seven nearest to the Harbour. Stab wound. I trust he will be back on his feet after routine treatment.” She spoke distractedly, her mind reeling.

“Very well. I will make sure he recovers soon. I am sure you will want to ask him some questions later.” The snake around his neck glared suspiciously at Yelan as Baizhu walked past, but she expertly avoided returning the gaze. 

She paced around the hallway for a mere five minutes before Baizhu appeared at the door, a bemused expression on his face.

“I am assuming you knew you brought an Adeptus to the Pharmacy.” It was a neutral statement, a blank litmus paper that would gain colour after Yelan’s response.

“As I said, simple treatment will be sufficient enough to get him back to his feet. I dare not delve into the matters of the Adepti, but I trust you will be able to keep the consultant’s identity behind the curtains.” Yelan kept the pitch of her voice low.

“I knew something was off the moment I saw her!” Changsheng exclaimed in a scandalized tone, as if Yelan was beholden to giving any information.

“Of course, I understand. However, I must send a letter to Wangsheng Funeral Parlour that one of their employees will be in our care for the foreseeable future, since there is no family to be notified.” Baizhu looked pensive for once. Even he would not look to gain something at the expense of an Adeptus.

“Very well. I appreciate your cooperation.”

And Yelan was walking out of the establishment with a heavy heart and a confused mind. There was only one clear thought running through it.

Consultant Zhongli was Rex Lapis.

－O－－O－－O－

The news spread across the Harbour like wildfire.

It started when Hu Tao, Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, received a notice from Bubu Pharmacy explaining that her trusted consultant Zhongli was receiving treatment after being admitted overnight with injuries that spoke of a battle.

As the young woman had left the Parlour in haste, she stumbled into her friends Xiangling and Xingqiu who were headed towards Chihu Rock. Seeing the normally bubbly Hu Tao so concerned, the chef and heir had grilled her for answers, which were spoken loudly in the middle of the street. Passersby and shop owners alike halted in their tasks as they watched all three of the friends rush towards the direction of the Pharmacy.

After that, there was little chance of keeping the information contained.

“Did you hear, Mr. Zhongli was injured last night.”

“I saw the Funeral Parlour Director running like her life was on the line. I never thought I would see that child so anxious about anything.”

“I heard Mr. Zhongli was stabbed – he still hasn’t woken up.”

“First the disappearances, and now this. Just what are the Qixing doing? So soon after Lantern Rite too.”

High up above the Harbour, inside the walls of the floating chamber that had once been destroyed for the sake of the city, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing scanned the mountain of reports that had landed on her desk the moment she sat down.

“It was careless of you to allow Dr. Baizhu to notify the Director about her employee’s condition.” Ningguang did not lift her eyes off the report detailing what the believed events of last night had been. Her lips pursed the slightest amount, her eyes narrowed in intense concentration.

“I underestimated how…popular the consultant is among the citizens.” On the opposite side of the desk sat Yelan, her arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed in a pensive stare. “Regardless, perhaps the people will take more caution venturing out of the Harbour with this incident.”

She had been the one to find the man, twitching weakly on the ground and on the verge of falling unconscious. She had caught his final moments of awareness, amber eyes dulled and lidded with agony.

Upon inspection, she had realized the source of everything was a stab wound, leaking blood and…

“He was stabbed with a blade bearing Abyssal energy.” Ningguang read the sentence aloud, the weight of them settling with an uncomfortable aftermath. Her eyes darted to Yelan, the gears turning in her mind.

Of course she would come to the conclusion immediately, that was why Yelan did not think it appropriate to mention on any paperwork. Any normal human would have been lucky to survive even an hour after such an encounter, after all. And any ordinary Adeptus would not have fared well despite an increased resistance.

Mr. Zhongli, on the other hand, seemed content in sleeping soundly.

Yelan remained quiet, her meaningful gaze enough to convey the severity of the situation. Despite the realization in her eyes, it did not seem like Ningguang was shocked by the revelation that he was alive. No, it was the fact that someone had brought him down with such ease.

“It appears you knew already.” Yelan stifled the smile that threatened to grace her lips. The memory of her own moment of understanding flashed through her mind.

Ningguang gripped the paperwork tighter before releasing it with a sigh. The perfect image of the Tianquan breaking was a sight unseen to anyone else, but Yelan was no stranger to it. The bags under the eyes, so expertly hidden by Baishi, were easily noticeable to her.

“He imparted upon us the knowledge soon after the Rite…I did not suspect he walked among us at all, much less as the consultant who organized the Parting himself…” She trailed off, seeming to sift through her memories and question all the instances she had been in the presence of Zhongli the consultant.

“What we can deduce from this incident,” Yelan spoke as she leaned forward in her chair, “is that someone attacked Rex Lapis and succeeded. Our enemy is no ordinary foe, and the danger that has been festering is greater than we initially imagined.”

Ningguang pursed her lips, nodding in understanding. 

“I will call for an urgent meeting with all the Qixing. We will first have to figure out if the target of the enemy is Liyue Harbour…or Rex Lapis himself. Keep an eye on any suspicious activity near Bubu Pharmacy. Scrutinize everyone who comes and goes. Until Rex Lapis regains consciousness, we must assume that the assailants will make another move, no matter who the target is.” Ningguang paused, resting her chin between her thumb and index finger. “I am unsure if Ganyu is privy to Rex Lapis’ mortal identity, but we will have to let the Adepti know of what has happened. Perhaps they will take the care of our god into their own hands.”

Yelan nodded in affirmative, rising from her chair. She was already devising strategies, yet she could not help the single stray thought that went towards the Conqueror of Demons. Excusing herself from the Tianquan’s office, she made her way out.

Eight months had passed since she had last been in the presence of the Yaksha, eight months since that fateful day in the Chasm. Someone had saved the Conqueror of Demons in the end. She had not given it much thought at the time, deciding it was simply another Adeptus who had decided to step in. There was no intention to harm, so Yelan had moved on.

Now, however, she could not help but think it had been Rex Lapis himself. Who else could have lifted the Conqueror of Demons with his mere energy? And then disappear as swiftly as he had appeared.

Clenching her fists and shaking her head, Yelan cleared her mind. There were more pressing concerns at hand right now. The safety of Liyue depended on it. 

－O－－O－－O－                                       

Yelan walked through the streets of the Harbour, the afternoon sun glaring down. Children rushed to find shade wherever they could, their mothers fussing over them about not drinking enough water. One of them warned her son about the child who fainted just yesterday because she did not listen to her mother and drink water. The boy apologized meekly before downing the entire bottle of water in just a few gulps.

The racket that had started early afternoon had mostly faded as the people returned to their work for the day, in part because of the constant reassurance of the Millelith. Yelan was certain there was a crowd outside Bubu Pharmacy right this moment, which would make her job a little more difficult. She was not an agent for nothing though.

Yujing Terrace provided a perfect panoramic view of the Pharmacy from the front. For the rest of the sides, Yelan instructed her men to keep a close eye on all proceedings, especially around Mr. Zhongli’s room. She knew that Director Hu was visiting right now, so there was only a miniscule chance for someone to make a move, especially in broad daylight.

The crowd outside the Pharmacy was being dispelled by the Millelith, or they were trying their best, at least. She could spot some of Hu Tao’s own friends, namely the chef and the bookworm, probably denied access due to how chaotic the whole situation was. The consultant, while known by everyone, had few close companions. Yet another clue, she thought.

The only people who Yelan had deemed relatively on closer terms with the consultant were his boss, the Traveller, and the 11th Harbinger while he had been stationed in Liyue. The first was already beside him, while the Traveller had left for the Windblume festival in Mondstadt. 

It was adequately obvious how the presence of the third would be an…unwelcome sight in the Harbour, to say the least. It was better for him he was not here.

There was no doubt in Yelan’s mind that all the Adepti were aware of Rex Lapis’ continued existence, she was even willing to consider that they knew the identity of his mortal form. Which meant that Ganyu would take word to them as swiftly as a breeze in a thunderstorm. The enemy was surely aware of that as well, so there was a high chance that they would make their move before the Adepti could arrive in the Harbour and take the Archon to a more secure sanctuary.

Abyssal energy implied the Abyss Order, the same one who had corrupted the dragon Stormterror in Mondstadt. Reports claimed it took the interference of both the Traveller and the Anemo Archon to overcome the threat. Was the wound meant to corrupt Rex Lapis? Was that even possible?

Contrary to what the citizens believed, the Qixing actually had been making progress in the investigation of the recent kidnappings. All the missing had been well-to-do with businesses of their own, but there was one other commonality between them - an honoured devotion to the God of Contracts. 

The Abyss Order had been taking away individuals who still worshipped the supposedly deceased Geo Archon. She frowned. Did they target the consultant because they realized he was Rex Lapis, or did they initially go after him because of his vast knowledge and traditional ways? 

“Focus. That isn’t important anymore. What matters is that they know now, surely.” She shook her head. Would they truly be so bold as to attack Rex Lapis in the heart of his city, among people who knew what to look out for?

“Oh, young lady, are you out here to enjoy the view as well?”

The voice ripped Yelan from her thoughts, head tilting back from the binoculars. An elderly lady was approaching the terrace, her steps measured and, surprisingly, perfectly balanced. Yelan held back the twitch that threatened her eyebrows, and smiled instead. 

“I suppose you could say that.” She replied, watching the other out of the corner of her eyes.

“There is no need to be so wary, child. This one has little to do with the chaos and unrest that seems to be running rampant.” Madame Ping smiled with a twinkle in her eye, and Yelan wondered if dancing around the elephant in the room was just a hobby for the older lady.

“The situation is already under control then?” She questioned instead. Ping seemed relaxed, which was not something Yelan would have imagined after such an incident.

“Oh, what am I to know? The Glaze Lilies are still singing so elegantly.” The knowing smile taunted her.

“I am aware of who I stumbled across. Are you not concerned about the implications?” Yelan pointedly asked, frustrated with how all the immortals seemed to see humans as naïve children.

Ping raised her head in silence. A breeze whistled by, carrying the leaves. 

“There is no need for concern when the person is under the care of such vigilant hands.” Ping turned her gaze towards the Pharmacy, her smile turning wistful. Yelan could not respond. Words failed her and her hands dropped to her sides, lips pursed.

“You discovered something that was hidden from you in a very extreme manner,” the Adeptus continued, “I thought you might need some reassurance.”

Knowing obsidian eyes looked into unsure green ones, the contact maintained until the latter slid downwards. 

“I was never very religious,” she said, her voice rasping out in the gentle winds. “The departure of our god had been a difficult thing for everyone else, but my life continued as it had before. There was no room for hesitation in the life of an agent tasked with the secrets of a nation. I never imagined I would have to face such a thing.”

Ping nodded along but remained silent. Yelan was grateful for that. “I never expected I would feel…stricken I suppose.” It was difficult to find a word for the anchor that clenched onto her heart and tried to drag it as far down as it could.

“Emotions are a fickle thing, whether for mortals or for Adepti. There is no shame in them. There are many who are extremely grateful for your quick thinking.” 

That was true, Yelan thought bitterly. No matter how much she trained herself to not feel them during missions, something as innate as emotional responses would always be tethered to her very being.

“As for your earlier question, there is no need to worry.” Yelan looked up at the words. “Some friends of mine have already become aware and have taken steps to ensure no further incidents will occur.”

The agent’s eyes narrowed as she assessed the wording.

“You already knew?”

“Since last night. A mutual friend of ours noticed the anomalies around the area near the Statue of the Seven. Convincing him not to blow the pharmacy with the force of his arrival was quite the monumental task.” Ping replied.

Yelan grimaced at the description. ‘Friend’ was not the label she would attribute to the Conqueror of Demons. They had been colleagues,  at best.

“I assume Ganyu will have informed Lady Ningguang as well then.”

Ping hummed in affirmative, her gaze reaching up into the clouds. 

“Very well. Thank you for informing me. I will continue keeping a close eye on the Pharmacy.” Yelan bowed slightly before turning to leave, her heart twinging in confused dissatisfaction. She would still investigate the matter, she decided. There was still the fact that someone had bested Rex Lapis in battle. Were the Adepti not going to question that?

"Do remember to visit him. I am sure he would appreciate the company.” Ping's words produced a slight hesitance in Yelan’s gait, a mere moment of consideration.

"Of course, Madame Ping. Please enjoy the rest of your day," she said. The certainty of the response held little weight in its wake.

Chapter Text

The room was heavy with the scent of antiseptic and medicine. Nose scrunching in distaste, Hu Tao soldiered on, her heart almost dropping when she caught sight of the familiar brown hair under the white covers. 

Zhongli was unconscious.

She never thought she would use those words, not in relation to her sturdy consultant, who was known for his unbreakable shields and a disposition in battle that more or less personified the element he wielded. 

His face was unmarred, but the IV tube in his right hand betrayed the idea of a simple, peaceful sleep.

“You idiot. Why would you go out of the Harbour at night?” Her murmur was shaky. She had noticed her consultant looking worn out yesterday; he had been agitated about something and though he tried to hide it, Hu Tao as a boss perceived more than the average person. She should have inquired about it, pressed more into his thoughts. If he had felt stuffed inside, she could have accompanied him on the walk. She always liked getting the chance to go outside the Harbour too.

Hu Tao snaked her hand up the bed as she sat down in the chair beside it. She placed it gently on Zhongli’s free hand and squeezed so lightly it would barely be noticeable. The soft sighs of his breaths, the rise and fall of his chest, and the weak but present pulse in his veins grounded the young Director and she stifled the beginnings of tears forming in her eyes.

“You’re not gonna get away from me that easily, old man.” She declared. If he was awake, Zhongli would have responded with an exasperated sigh before a fond smile would grace his lips, a serene sight that chased away all the fears she would have held. 

It reminded her of the time soon after her Grandpa had passed on. Hu Tao had been a child left to manage a family business that originated in the times of the Archon War itself. The pressure had been suffocating. The pillar of support had been Zhongli. He had guided her on the rites other than funerals, had taught her how to manage her workload, had consulted her on matters that seemed outside of his contract.

Hu Tao could not imagine a world without Zhongli.

“Come back soon.”

Satisfied with the quiet signs of life for now, Hu Tao’s eyes glanced around the room. It was spacious and airy. A small closet stood in the corner, no doubt housing Zhongli’s clothes for now. There was a table standing perpendicular to it, overlooked by a window directly above. The curtains were drawn for now, but the object on the table caught her attention.

She retracted her hand from Zhongli’s, stood up, and walked over towards the weapon. As a spear user herself, the long polearm was instantly recognizable. Was this Zhongli’s weapon? She had never seen him wielding one before as he generally preferred to stay back in a fight and provide support. All she had known was that he was also proficient in the art of the polearm.

The weapon was beautiful. It gleamed even in the dark, a dark brown shade that complemented Zhongli’s hallmark suit. It extended into a royal gold hue, pristine and shining - a sign of loving care. It exuded a power that spoke to her. A shudder passed through the young Director and she decided leaving the spear alone was better for now. She would however be grilling Zhongli on the details later.

She was unsure how much time passed as she sat in the chair at his bedside, eyes transfixed on the rise and fall of his chest. She had given out hasty instructions to the Ferrylady and Meng, but she was certain they could handle work today. She would make it up to them with extra pay for their labours.

Eventually, her thoughts drifted away, like wisps of the wind joining the gentle hum of a breeze and softly fading into the atmosphere. It was a lulling sensation, and she felt weightless in its embrace, basking in the peace.

Until the cocoon of serenity was disturbed.

Hu Tao jerked at the sound of a thud. Had she fallen asleep? The dried drool on her chin indicated yes, she had. She looked towards the window, frowning at the air pushing the curtains inwards. The light of the setting sun filtered in through thin beams. Zhongli’s spear glowed vibrantly under the orange hue.

“ You can see me, right?”

The flicker of a hazy outline fizzled in front of her, across the bed. A slight frown settled on Hu Tao’s face as she concentrated. Soon enough, the entire figure was visible. The ghost of a man stood before her, trembling in distress.

“Yes, I can,” she confirmed. In her mind, she prepared the words to comfort him, to let him know not immediately passing on was a more common occurrence than one would imagine.

“ Will he be alright ?” He asked.

Hu Tao looked at Zhongli; he was sleeping more peacefully than the last time she saw his face. Turning back to the ghost, she scrutinized the worry set on his features. Was he someone close to Zhongli she was not aware of? Someone from his past?

“The doctor said he will recover in a few days, maybe even sooner.” She assured, pausing. “How did you know Zhongli?”

The relief on his face dissipated into helpless panic, yet there was no threat to combat.

“ He…helped my family during a very hard time. I am eternally grateful. I didn’t get the chance to properly thank him .” His eyes became downcast as his gaze shifted towards the ground. Despite his condition as a ghost, he looked surprisingly human in the setting sun.

“How long ago did you die?” Hu Tao asked softly. His eyes avoided hers, as if that piece of information was sensitive.

“ Last night …”

Hu Tao blinked once. Then twice. A question formed on the tip of her tongue and she was about to blurt it out when the door to the private room opened with a click. She closed her mouth and inspected the unfamiliar woman who walked in, the clicking of her heels reverberating in the silence that had descended.

Her hair was styled into an asymmetrical bobcut, adorning her sharp features in a concentrated fashion. Her clothes were formal yet practical, and she gave off the aura of someone with grace and an intolerance for idleness. 

Not someone ordinarily found in a pharmacy.

“ This lady is the one who found Mr. Zhongli.” The ghost spoke in awe, and Hu Tao automatically felt herself straighten in her chair.

“Is everything alright, Miss Hu? I heard voices despite no one entering through the door.” Sharp green eyes surveyed the room. Hu Tao glanced at the wisps emanating from the Hydro Vision secured at her hip. This woman was no ordinary Vision wielder, Hu Tao thought as she turned her gaze towards the multitude of spirits circling around the blue haired woman. A secret agent, perhaps? 

“There is no need to worry, miss…” Hu Tao smiled amiably, pushing the matters of the spirits aside for now. She dared not glance back at the mysterious ghost.

“You may call me Yelan. I was assigned to keep watch on the activity around Mr. Zhongli’s room.”

Hu Tao suppressed a frown. Why was Zhongli receiving such attention from the Qixing? Was there something happening behind the scenes they were not revealing to the rest of the public?

“Is it because they may come back?” The young Director widened her eyes in surprise as the ghost glided to a stop beside Yelan. She gave no hint of noticing him.

“Who’s ‘they’?” Hu Tao asked before she could control herself, and the other woman fixed her with a bemused stare. It was a shame that not everyone could perceive the spirits - it usually placed Hu Tao in awkward situations. Of course, she always relished them but there were times where the role of being a medium was tedious.

“The evil people…there were monsters. One of them was an Abyss Mage!” The ghost of the man was beginning to panic, his form flickering. Abyss Mages? It was fairly common for people to be attacked by such creatures outside the Harbour.

“May I ask who it is you are talking to, Miss Hu?” Yelan asked with a pointed frown, her narrowed eyes darting around for threats. Her hands twitched at her sides, waiting for the moment to move.

“Was there anyone else around when you found Zhongli, Miss Yelan?” Hu Tao asked instead, standing up from her seat and fully facing the secret agent. Her question made the other’s eyebrows rise slightly in surprise. After a moment, she chuckled mirthlessly.

“I suppose the rumours are true about you…” Yelan whispered, relaxing somewhat with a sigh. “No, the only person I found in that area was Mr. Zhongli himself. There were signs of a struggle but the other party had long departed by the time I got there.”

Yelan paused, the severe expression settling into her features. Hu Tao remained quiet, sensing there was more the other wanted to say. “Why would you ask that?”

The ghost of the nameless man was watching them both with a distressed face. If he had a body, he would have collapsed to his knees, shaking from the panic. As it was, perhaps there was much more to this entire incident than Hu Tao had imagined, and it involved the spirit of a man who stayed behind just to check in on Zhongli.

“There is a…spirit floating beside you.” Hu Tao smiled when Yelan’s eye twitched in discomfort. “He came into the room minutes before you and expressed a need to ‘thank Zhongli’. When I asked him how long ago he had passed into the veil, he said it was last night.”

Yelan crossed her arms in deep thought, eyes glaring at the floor. “He was the one who told me you found Zhongli last night. He also expressed concern about the enemy - Abyss Mages - coming back.”

“What is the name of this ghost?” Yelan questioned.

Hu Tao looked at the mystery man, realizing she had not bothered asking. With an apologetic smile, she nodded at him. 

“ Chen Hui…”

Hu Tao felt herself freeze, the temperature of the room dropping several degrees. Chen Hui was one of the people who had disappeared in the past few weeks…

“Miss Hu?” Yelan’s concerned call probed through her thoughts, and the young Director relayed the information before she delved further into her mind.

“Chen Hui was one of the people who disappeared a few weeks back…” Hu Tao looked towards Chen, feeling the first vestiges of a headache forming. 

“I have some questions I wish to ask Mr. Chen. Will you relay his answers to me, Miss Hu?” Yelan asked, fixing her with a dire look.

“Sure. I want this mess cleared up as well.”

“Very well. I must however emphasize that any and all information that gets revealed must stay between you and me. I am sure I do not need to explain the consequences.” Yelan’s voice dropped a timbre, and Hu Tao sighed in exasperation.

“Aiya, you Qixing are always so uptight. I promise I won’t tell a soul.” She winked with a coy smile playing on her lips. The agent did not voice further conditions, so the Director faced Chen once more. The deceased merchant looked eager to respond to questions. She wondered what his purpose for seeking Zhongli truly was.

“What happened last night exactly?” Yelan asked, angling herself according to the direction which Hu Tao was facing. Her gaze was completely off from the ghost but she was trying her best, the Director thought.

“ To explain that, I must first explain what the Abyss Order did with us merchants after taking us from our homes.”

Hu Tao repeated his words to the agent, who nodded her assent. The younger woman refrained from asking what this Order was.

“I don’t remember much besides the pain, but they imbued us with that…foul energy. It talked to me and taunted me about what it would do to my family with my own body while I would helplessly watch.” His breath hitched as Hu Tao communicated the words to Yelan, whose frown deepened. 

“ One day, they got careless, and I escaped the cave they were keeping us in…it was so close to the Harbour, and I tried walking back home, but I stopped at the Statue, and I completely lost it. The things that I saw there, the vile corruption, I wanted Rex Lapis to forgive me.” Chen choked on his words, his form trembling in its incorporeal disposition.

“ That was when Mr. Zhongli found me, except…”

“That was when Zhongli found him…” Hu Tao trailed off as well, waiting for the man to regain his composure.

“There is no need to hold back. I am already aware, and I am sure Miss Hu has had her own suspicions,” Yelan’s words caught both Hu Tao and Chen off guard, the former trying to figure them out while the latter seemed shocked.

“Mr. Chen was imbued with Abyssal energy,” Yelan said to Hu Tao with a passive expression. “He would be able to sense the divine presence emanating from Mr. Zhongli.”

Oh.

Oh.

Hu Tao stared at her for a few long seconds, comprehending the words and relating them to what she arguably already suspected. Her lip twitched, hands clenching around her sides. No, she never imagined this. 

“I thought he was a plain old Adeptus…” she whispered, barely audible. She looked back at her consultant, unable to reconcile him with the image she had of the God of Contracts. “Tasked with sending off his fellow Adepti. He was doing it himself this whole time…?”

Yelan watched her silently, lips pursed. Even secret agents had emotional empathy, she supposed.

“Aiya, there is no need for such a concerned look, miss. I am used to such shocks as a Funeral Director. Shall we continue?” Hu Tao smiled as she turned back towards Mr. Chen, who looked absolutely stricken. He nodded hesitantly.

“ I felt the voice telling me to attack him. I did all I could to resist…I could not attack my god like that, after all, much less after finding out he was alive and well. Rex Lapis knocked me out, I remember clearly, but after that, I was a mere ghost forced to watch as my own body was used for such sacrilege.”

Hu Tao deflated from her feigned composure after relaying the words to the secret agent.

“There was another person. A blonde boy with a long braid. He was the one who stabbed Rex Lapis with the corrupted blade. After our lord collapsed, he and the entity controlling my body left the plains. I was helpless to do anything.”

Chen was a kind man, Hu Tao thought. There were few spirits as strong as his to have withstood the influence of a possession for as long as he did. Zhongli must have thought so as well.

“A blonde boy with braids…” Yelan brought a hand to her chin. The description meant something to her, but she did not elaborate to Hu Tao. The Director was content in leaving the woman to her thoughts, instead focusing on the spirit who suffered considerably in the past few weeks.

“Mr. Chen, you did not do anything wrong. In fact, the mere resistance that you showed against such powerful influences showed that you are a strong person. I am certain Zhongli will say the same when he wakes up.” Her words put a shine in those dulled eyes, and a small smile graced the man’s lips.

“I must ask one more thing. Can Mr. Chen provide an estimate of the location of the cave he escaped from?” Yelan delicately asked. Hu Tao looked towards the merchant with an encouraging smile. He fidgeted in his astral form, trying to remember.

"I am afraid I cannot provide an exact location, but it was north of the Statue of the Seven. There was a hole in one of the rock formations, at least where I escaped from. There was little to no wildlife in the surrounding area…"

Yelan hummed in acknowledgement as Hu Tao passed the information on. The slightest turn of her lip spoke of a plan already forming in her mind, and Hu Tao suddenly wondered if the agent would be amenable to a special discount as a future client. Now was not the time to say it out loud, of course, perhaps in a livelier atmosphere. 

“Thank you for your cooperation, Miss Hu, Mr. Chen. I will take this information to the Qixing and then deploy forces to begin looking for the rest of the kidnapped citizens now that we have a general idea of where the location they are being kept is.” Yelan bowed slightly in thanks before taking the steps to walk outside the room. She stopped at the door, hand resting on the handle.

“And remember, not a word of this encounter to anyone.”

“Yeah, I know I know. For Mr. Chen, if it’s possible, please recover his body as well. He deserves a burial fitting for someone of his calibre.” Hu Tao smiled at the man in question, who looked stunned.

“Indeed, I was thinking the same. Expect word from me in a couple of days. Until then, do take care.” 

And with that, the mysterious agent was gone with the final click of the door.

Hu Tao sighed, feeling an enormous weight lift off her shoulders. “You can rest for a while. Baizhu said it will take some time before he even shows signs of waking up. His body is recuperating slowly but surely.” She assured Chen, who hunched his shoulders.

“Very well. I will come by again in a few hours. ”

The ghost disappeared and a pin drop silence descended in the room, only disturbed by Zhongli’s heavy breathing. Hu Tao took her seat beside the bed again and once again placed her hand in his.

“You silly old man. No wonder the Conqueror of Demons seemed so agitated during that dinner…you probably drove him crazy with all the traditions you broke.”

She watched the minute discomfort in his ever-youthful face, the lingering corruption manifesting involuntarily, and tried to soothe him through it with a lullaby that her grandfather used to sing to her. 

Grandpa had hired Zhongli as a consultant when Hu Tao was a child. They got along so well it was hard to believe they were mere employer and employee. Now that she thought about it with the context she had, would it be farfetched to assume they were indeed more than that?

I wonder.

Outside, the sun had all but set, and the stars in the emerging night sky twinkled in hopeful satisfaction.

Chapter Text

Yelan and a few troops of the Millelith moved out of the Harbour approximately one hour and forty-five minutes later. Ningguang was a pragmatic woman, and she did not waste time mobilizing Liyue's forces based on the intel Yelan brought her.

What the agent did not expect was for the Yuheng to accompany the team that had been assembled.

"Upstanding, devoted members of our Harbour were taken away. Personally going to assess and hopefully rescue them is the least I can do as a representative of the Qixing." Keqing had said, fire in her eyes and ice in her tone.

Yelan was not one to discourage such conviction. 

The moon was clear in the night sky, the clouds receded. Its reflected light was bright enough to render the use of the portable lanterns into obscurity. After passing through the Statue of the Seven standing on the outskirts of the Harbour, Yelan called for a halt.

"From this point, we will split into teams of two, one led by the Yuheng and the other by myself. Emergency flares have already been issued to the Captains of each squad." The soldiers were nervous - from the suddenness of their trek outside or because of the recent incidents - which could be detrimental.

Captains Xinghuo and Cai Le were capable Millelith guards, but they were not experienced in any warfare, much less in such an uncertain environment. The Adepti seemed content in letting the situation go - she hoped that Ningguang would get answers out of Ganyu, who had been unavailable for the emergency meeting the agent had called for - but Yelan was not going to leave citizens of the Harbour she knew were undergoing torture.

“Scan the areas for caves, be vigilant particularly for rock formations that are cracked and fragile. The enemy is resourceful in matters of espionage, so remain cautious from this point on. Do not separate from your group.”

“Understood!”

The Millelith Captains began giving their own instructions to their squads, while Keqing walked over towards Yelan, her face set in anticipation.

“I must say that I am curious,” Yelan said, taking the opportunity. Keqing looked at her in askance. “Why were you so adamant on accompanying this effort? Miss Ganyu’s absence was inconvenient, but I would have thought the other members of the Qixing likelier to offer themselves up.”

The inquiry was personal, Yelan did not need to see the shift in the Yuheng’s expression to realize that, but she could not help but wonder if she was not the only one who faced such an inner turmoil. Keqing was not religious either, she was impious if anything, and yet she had formed a determined glare upon hearing the truth of the matter, intent on blasting through any enemy that dared stand in her way.

Of course, Yelan was the last person who would not notice the multitude of Rex Lapis merchandise that the Yuheng seemed to particularly enjoy collecting…based on the agent’s observations, there was an entire shrine dedicated to the Archon in one of her private rooms, hidden behind a shelf mechanism.

Sometimes, Yelan wondered if the irreligiosity was truth, or simply an image that the Yuheng projected.

“When I had the honour of receiving Rex Lapis three years ago at the Rite of Descension,” Keqing began, her tone barely a decibel above a whisper. “I put forward the question whether he would always be here to protect and guide Liyue in the millenia to come. At the time, even such a thought was blasphemous, yet he had merely laughed in that way the Adepti tend to, and departed without another word. The year after that, Rex Lapis was dead to the public, and I received but a portion of the burden he had been carrying.”

Keqing lifted her gaze from the ground, and mauve looked into green. Yelan found herself rooted, transfixed by the intensity. “It was unlike anything I ever shouldered before. Each of us carries but a miniscule chunk of the whole that Rex Lapis did. We became the protectors and he became a citizen of this nation. And we failed to return the favour.”

Yelan observed the Yuheng, absorbing her words. Was that what her odd feeling of lacking something was? Failure? But how could one fail to do something they were not even aware of? No, that was the wrong question. Perhaps becoming privy to knowledge of their god’s secret was itself a failure - the carelessness of letting the five kidnappings occur in the first place.

“I see…” she said instead, trailing off, filing away yet another matter that needed pondering over. Beyond Keqing, she noticed the Millelith squads ready for advancement, and decided she might continue this conversation with the Yuheng at a later time.

“Let’s move out.”

And so, the search for the missing merchants of Liyue began in earnest.

It did not take long.

Finding the correct location was…a breeze, in every sense of the word. Mainly because the survivors were already gathered around at the entrance of a cave, shattered debris and dissipating dust scattered amidst them. 

Yelan instructed the Millelith to tend to them while she rushed into the opening of the cave. Wisps of black green flowed from a singular figure, surrounded by the crumbling bodies of Abyss Mages and Hilichurls. The gleaming spear of jade basked in the red and purple that coated it, its brilliance scorching the remains and evaporating them into vapours.

The masked Yaksha tilted his head towards her, the cold indifference of its demonic markings boring into her with heightened bloodshed. Yelan remained motionless, unsure of what to say. The air was thicker than the dense pocket inside the Chasm had been, and she repressed her instincts to draw her bow and aim at the imposing threat they sensed.

“I thought Streetward Rambler told you not to meddle in this affair.”

The Conqueror of Demons spoke calmly as his fearsome mask dissipated into thin air, revealing ever passive amber eyes and stoic expression. 

“Did you expect me to truly accept the circumstances as they were?” Yelan questioned. He fixed her with an unchanging stare before a huff escaped his lips and his arms folded. The ashes of the creatures spreading up around him accentuated the image of the Conqueror of Demons.

“I suppose not. Regardless, I have already dealt with the matter. The kidnapped people are free. It would be advisable to take them to Jueyun Karst and expel any Abyssal energy that remains within, if it is not already too late.” Xiao turned his gaze outside, where the soldiers were reassuring the rescued civilians.

“Did you see a blonde haired individual?” Yelan inquired. The Yaksha paused for a moment, not expecting such a question.

“No. I imagine they already abandoned this post the moment they attacked Rex Lapis. It would be an impossible task to find them again.”

That was unfortunate. Yelan grit her teeth. There was a rogue individual who could incapacitate an Archon roaming around, clearly with ill-intent towards Liyue Harbour. She would be damned before she gave up searching for him.

“There was also one…who did not survive the strain put on his body.”

The Yaksha’s voice shifted into something softer and anguished, and Yelan followed him with her gaze as he walked over to the still body laid respectfully on the ground a few feet away. The pang that hit her heart was muted, and while finding Chen Hui’s corpse had been one of her goals, seeing it with her own eyes confirmed yet another failure in safeguarding Liyue and its people.

“Thank you for being gentle with the body. Its previous occupant will be most delighted to see it returned.” She joined Xiao in kneeling beside the corpse, watching and searing the image of his struggles and wound into her brain. She would remember this. As a reminder of what dangers a nation without the protection of its deity truly faced.

Xiao did not seem interested in questioning her uncharacteristically spiritual comment, and instead seemed to fidget with his hands.

“Is my lord doing well?” He asked, his voice so low that Yelan would have assumed the owner was a mortal inquiring about a delicate matter.

“He is recovering well. Miss Hu has been by his side the whole time.” Xiao nodded at her response, his movements restricted and rigid. He pushed himself up to his feet, probably ready to vanish.

“You could come see him yourself. There is no need to worry about your karmic debt in a private room.” The words left her before she really considered them, but she could not claim to regret the series of expressions that passed over the other’s face.

Xiao’s eyes looked sideways and the slightest turn of a pout adorned his normally pensive face. He was shy, Yelan realized. As shy as a child being asked to visit their sick parent.

If she were any other person, the beginnings of a huge smile would have started appearing on Yelan’s face. As it was, she repressed the urge to giggle at such a silly notion as a Mighty and Illuminated Adeptus being bashful about visiting someone.

“I will keep that in mind.” He spoke, avoiding looking at her. “Thank you.”

He did not give Yelan the chance to even react before he disappeared in a swirl of hasty winds.

She blinked. I guess someone else will be coming to pick the rescued merchants.

－O－－O－－O－ 

“There were no traces of whatever experiments they were performing on those men. Whoever this blonde boy is, he is a master at hiding.” Yelan once again found herself sitting across from the Tianquan, arms and legs crossed with a deep set frown on her face.

“A blonde boy with braids…” Ningguang muttered, glaring at the sample of a poster that had been made at the request of a heroic outlander. Someone who more or less looks just like her.

“Do you also think our enemy is the twin the Traveller has been seeking out this whole time?” Yelan asked, cutting through the unspoken veil that had settled the moment she had stepped into the office.

Red eyes slid up from their staring battle with the poster, the intensity in them seeming to only flare further.

“We certainly cannot rule out the possibility. I will let Lumine know of this incident when she visits Liyue again.” Ningguang brought her elbows to rest on the table, and folded her hands together in front of her chin. Her long dark nails accentuated the fire with which her eyes burned.

“Are you sure that is wise? She would not take such information easily.” Yelan had no doubts about the Traveller’s intentions, but she was unsure of how the other would react to finding out that her family had caused the suffering of innocent people. 

“Keeping secrets with our allies is the path to damnation, regardless of which stance they would take. I do not wish to estrange her because of this incident. Instead, I hope we can reach common ground and negotiate an appropriate punishment when the time comes.”

Ningguang was a cunning woman, a mind accustomed to seeing people more as chess pieces on a board rather than souls with their own ambitions. She wondered what was truly going on in the mind of the Tianquan.

“Do you think we failed?” Yelan asked suddenly after a moment of silence.

“What do you mean?”

“We failed to realize such a massive threat hovering right outside the Harbour. Individuals with notable standings in the city were taken away while we were left wringing our hands. If Rex Lapis had not stumbled upon Chen Hui, the threat would very much still be festering.”

Whatever plan the Traveller’s alleged sibling had been harvesting had run its course sooner than he would have liked, that was clear in how quickly the Abyss Order abandoned their post, and why the Adepti deemed the Harbour safe for now. But there was no telling exactly what that plan had been.

“Did Keqing talk to you?” Ningguang smiled mirthlessly, an amused glint shining in her eyes. Yelan remained silent, pursing her lips.

“We did become complacent in the peace we had fostered. Ever since defeating Beisht, the military has slackened considerably while we focused more on forming stronger ties with foreign nations and building more roads outside the Harbour for safer travelling. And as it always does, fate reared its head and pulled on our leashes.” 

Ningguang was solemn, her delicate features normally reserved for playful banter now taut and intense. “The Adepti stepped in because they deemed us unfit for further investigation into the matter, rather than reaching out for a collaborative effort. So, yes, I suppose we did fail.”

Hearing the affirmative did nothing to quell the bubbling frustration in her gut, and Yelan could do nothing but twirl her dice in her fingers to sate the feeling.

“However, I do not believe we should take this to heart. It is simply a lesson in how important it is to remain vigilant. For now, though, it is late at night, and you have not slept in the past twenty-four hours. Go relax, maybe even sleep.”

The dismissal was a firm one, and the agent knew there would be certain…consequences if she did not comply with the command. Sighing, Yelan retracted her dice and rose to her feet, the world tilting slightly. Perhaps she really did need rest.

“As you wish, Lady Ningguang. Please have a safe night.” The Tianquan’s small smile was a satisfied one.

Chapter Text

He was floating. It was dark.

The earth was quiet, muted, gravity non-existent. His limbs weighed more than a mountain carved in jade and his head was rooted in one spot, unable to move. There was a faint prickle that spasmed across his body, forcing his muscles to contract in response. Silent gasps would escape his mouth and he would try to move in frustration.

How long had he been here? In this world of darkness and paralysis. The black walls mocked him, a gilded cage that blocked him from even laying eyes on the freedom he had long desired. The sensation of floating in the air, removed from the ground he was birthed from, was uncomfortable. 

What had I been doing?

He could not remember what put him into this state, only that he had suddenly woken up in this darkness which reeked of corruption. Something shifted below him, obsidian vines with glowing purple tips rose in the periphery of his vision. They drew closer to him, caressing his uncooperative body before wrapping around his torso.

He panicked when he felt them drag him downwards just as he heard the dreaded rumble of crashing waves below him. He wanted to scream, to fight back, to do something. But it was fruitless, and the next second he was submerged in biting coldness. Liquid rushed into his nostrils as he tried to breathe, his lungs hacking back in protest. All while the rest of his limbs remained useless.

He could see nothing under the water, drowning in a sea of abyss, Sound dissipated and all he could truly sense was the tight hold the vines had on him, continuing to drag him even deeper.

In the remaining vestiges of conscious thought, the sight of Liyue, his beloved child, appeared, and the deep set regret that coursed through him in response was the last thing he felt before that sense too went dark.

－O－－O－－O－ 

Hu Tao could only watch on as Zhongli thrashed in the sheets, thick beads of sweat trailing down every inch of visible skin. His groans and grunts were agonized and, most anomalous of all, his arms had morphed into a dark charcoal, lines of gold running crisscross. The tips of his fingers were entirely golden, thrumming with energy that radiated heat.

The early breeze of the morning filtered in through the open window, the curtains flapping in and out. The young Director had woken up mere minutes ago to the sound of her consultant’s pain. 

“Zhongli, can you hear me?” She asked, cautiously bringing her hand to his transformed one. At the first slight touch, when she did not get burned by the sheer power encased in the limb, she wrapped both her hands tightly around it. 

The gesture of comfort did little to accomplish its intent, and the troubled Adeptus seemed to find no reprieve in his tortured dream. Cursing, she brushed aside the bangs strewn across his face, only now noticing that the strands were flickering gold as well, and placed it on his forehead. 

She yelped at the sheer burn , the sensation lingering on her hand for several moments. Hu Tao was frozen as she comprehended what was happening, eyes blown wide, before she scrambled to her feet and jolted out of the hospital room, screaming for the doctor.

Just past the door, she barely spotted the head of purple and stumbled in her frantic pace, almost falling over. Regaining her posture, she stared into passive magenta eyes.

Qiqi was quiet, seemingly waiting for the Director to speak. Hu Tao, for her part, abandoned all previous interactions and focused on the dire matter at hand.

“Uh, Zhongli has a really bad fever. Can you help him, Qiqi?” She asked, pointing inside the room. The zombie followed the gesture before wordlessly walking inside and stumbling over to the bed. She climbed the chair Hu Tao had sat in, and hovered her hands over Zhongli’s twisting frame. 

The brunette refrained from speaking as she stood beside the smaller girl. How could a fever of this magnitude be abated with just healing magic? The wind whirled around Qiqi’s hands, tiny shards of Cryo manifesting at her fingertips before they broke down into dust, held in place by her command.

The zombie chanted verses, directing the flow of the catalysed particles to Zhongli’s head. At the first sensation of cold touching hot, he jolted in place, a strangled cry escaping his lips, but then his breathing started to become less laboured. His muscles started to relax while the golden and black formations on his arms began to recede into his normal pale skin.

By the time Qiqi was done, Zhongli was lying peacefully, the only hint of the prior agony being the slightly deeper breaths he was taking. Hu Tao released a sigh of relief, shoulders slumping.

“Mr. Adeptus will be fine now. It was only a fever.”

Qiqi was looking at Hu Tao, and an awkward silence descended in the aftermath of the statement. The Director, perhaps for the first time, was unsure what to say to the little zombie. 

“Thank you, Qiqi…” she trailed off, unable to find any words to say beyond that. The girl merely nodded and climbed down from the chair. However, she did not walk towards the door, instead lingering beside the funeral director.

“Hu Tao can go out…tend to other matters…Qiqi will stay with Mr. Adeptus.”

The words surprised her, yet the little zombie remained passive, expectant. Hu Tao glanced at Zhongli - he was slumbering in relative peace once more - and weighed the offer that was being handed to her. She needed to get back to the Funeral Parlour and hand out further instructions anyway, but was it wise to leave her consultant’s side? What if he woke up and she wasn’t there? He would start thinking she didn’t truly value him after all, and that was the last thing Hu Tao wanted after having seen his troubled behaviour two days ago.

The beginnings of another idea started forming in her mind as she recalled how Xiangling and Xingqiu had been denied entry into the Pharmacy before. The outrage must surely have died down by now, which meant she could bring them here, and hopefully just in time for when Zhongli woke up. Hu Tao smiled at Qiqi, perhaps for once recognizing the girl as anything other than undead.

“Thanks so much for the offer, Qiqi. I’ll be back soon, okay?” 

Hu Tao was rushing out the room before the zombie could articulate her response.

－O－－O－－O－ 

The first place of destination was of course Wangsheng. All the way, Hu Tao felt the hesitant stares and heard the silent whispers following her. She was not unused to attention, though it was usually much more hostile. 

The Ferrylady all but jumped when she noticed her boss running along the path to the entrance. The woman looked completely run down, bags under her eyes and her clothes rumpled. Guilt stabbed at Hu Tao’s heart for having left the matters of the entire Parlour on just two people for an entire day.

“Director! I was not expecting to see you so soon!” Ferrylady exclaimed, bowing in respect. “Is Mr. Zhongli well?”

“He’s recovering,” was all Hu Tao offered, hoping that would be enough to sate any further questions. “Aiya, I must apologize for having left in such a hurry yesterday, You and Meng must be wrung down.” She smiled softly.

“It was quite alright, Director. In fact, after hearing about the circumstances, some kind members of the Crux Fleet came by yesterday looking to help out.” 

That caught Hu Tao’s attention.

“Oh?”

“Yes, one of them is still inside. He was insistent on assisting with any matters until it was clear that Mr. Zhongli was fit enough to come back to work.”

That was all the young Director needed to hear before she was careening inside the Parlour, eyes wildly searching for anyone unfamiliar.

She spotted Meng in the podium, conversing with a shorter head of white hair. The garb worn by the latter was foreign to Liyue, belonging to Inazuma. Remembering the details of Zhongli’s last reported consultation, it did not take Hu Tao long to decipher who it was.

“Good morrow, everyone! Director Hu has come back!” She announced with all her vigour, despite how run down she herself felt. Everyone halted in their work - undertakers gawked at her with packages still in their hands while some of the lecturers fixed her with a chiding but curious gaze. 

“D-Director!” Meng was perhaps even more excited to see her than the Ferrylady had been. At his exclamation, the Inazuman turned around to meet her as well, his crimson eyes glowing in the vibrant interior of the Parlour.

“I came by to check up on things. Imagine my surprise to hear that the Crux Fleet was kind enough to help out!” Hu Tao smiled as she approached.

“It was an honour, my lady. Captain Beidou deemed that Wangsheng should be supported seeing as how they uphold the ancient traditions of Liyue.”

The gentleman bowed gracefully, the bandages on his hands sticking out to her gaze. 

“Mr. Kaedehara and Captain Beidou were a great help, Director. I was just imploring him to take a rest, in fact, and that everything was under control now.” Meng chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.

“I truly am grateful for your kind consideration. Please extend my gratitude to Captain Beidou as well,” Hu Tao leaned closer, lowering her volume. “Huge fan of hers by the way.”

Her comment made Kazuha chuckle as he affirmed he would forward her words.

“I must ask how Mr. Zhongli is doing. I was saddened to hear what had happened so soon after we shared such a pleasant conversation on the Alcor.” He inquired, eyes drooping.

“He’s a fighter. He’ll be good in no time! In fact, I was hoping to get something ready for when he woke up!” 

That caught both their attention, and Meng quickly asked her to elaborate what she had in mind.

“For that, I need to gather some more people. So, please hold the forte a little longer, okay Meng? I promise I’ll make it up to you!” Hu Tao puffed herself up in determination.

“Of course, Director! Mr. Zhongli has done so much for all of us, it would only be fair to return the favour in any way we can.” Meng immediately responded, sincerity rippling in his brown eyes.

“Then it appears I will remain here for a while longer as well,” Kazuha declared with a smile. “Please take your time, Miss Hu.”

And with those words of encouragement, Hu Tao was once again on the move, her legs carrying her swiftly through the bustling streets. She circled around Third Round Knockout, suppressing the expectation of seeing Zhongli sitting in one of the seats, sipping his fourth round of tea…

She shrugged those thoughts out of her mind as Wanmin Restaurant drew closer with every hasty leap she took. She could hear Xiangling calling out names for orders, enthusiastic as ever in her work. It was a surprise that the chef even noticed her as she came to a stop at the entrance, her friend pausing mid-sentence.

After a mere moment of incredulity, as if processing that Hu Tao was indeed standing in front of her, Xiangling passed the plate of food she had been carrying to Guoba, muttering a hasty apology, before she rushed towards the Funeral Director.

“Hu Tao! Oh Archons, you look like a hilichurl after Lumine swept it away in a tornado!” Xiangling grabbed her arms, turning Hu Tao this way and that, analyzing every angle, as if the brunette was the one who had sustained injuries of any sort.

“How is Mr. Zhongli? I really wanted to see him, but they wouldn’t let us in even by morning…” she trailed off, her bright yellow eyes dulling in discontent.

“Well, I’m cooking up something that is going to let all of you see him. The Millelith won’t stand a chance. And don’t worry, the blockhead will be fine.” Hu Tao waved her hand, enjoying the way the other Pyro user perked up.

“What can I do to help? Should I make some Bamboo Shoot Soup? Gather ingredients?”

“Precisely. The soup, I mean. I’ll drag Chongyun with me for the second. Now get back to work, before the orders start piling up.” Hu Tao intoned with mischief in her gaze. Xiangling smiled, her previous deep set worry vanishing for the moment. 

“Keep me updated, Tao. I wouldn’t want to miss whatever you’re planning for the world.”

With a promise to do exactly that, Hu Tao set forth on her next destination: the Scent of Spring. Miss Ying’er would surely be available to brew the perfect perfume for her dear consultant, who did not miss an opportunity to explain the aromatic and intoxicating scent of Fate’s Yearning. No one in the Parlour deigned to make him aware of the fact that it was a perfume worn exclusively by old ladies, and that an eligible bachelor like him had no business being anywhere near it.

Perhaps Hu Tao should be grateful no one dared to take that step now.

－O－－O－－O－ 

By the time Hu Tao was done ordering, sorry, brewing the perfume by herself , the sun had reached its zenith in the sky, glaring much more intensely than the Director did at the smiling Ying’er.

“I do apologize if you were in a hurry. Unfortunately, the workload has been doubled this past month for me, and you did say you needed the product as soon as possible…”

Hu Tao sighed, letting go of the frustration that had built up ever since she came to this Archon forsaken establishment. The scent of the Fate’s Yearning seemed only a minor consolation. She hoped Zhongli would appreciate the effort, though.

“It’s fine, miss. This sets my plans further a bit, but hopefully it won’t be too bad.”

She wanted everything to be ready before Zhongli woke up, but preparing for that was secondary to witnessing it in the first place. She would much rather be present when he woke up than not be there, no matter for what reason.

Hu Tao’s empty stomach grumbled as she ran back towards the Pharmacy, the lack of a breakfast and lunch making themselves sorely known. Not to mention that she was completely parched enough to drink an entire fountain of water.

When she finally, finally, reached the top of the steps, panting and sweating like she had just fought off a herd of Mitachurls, Hu Tao bent down to catch her breath.

“Is everything alright, Director Hu?”

Oh, great. Something hissed at her poorly disguised groan, but she could not bring herself to care.

“Yep, totally. No need to worry about me.” The words came out in gasping breaths as she stared into Baizhu’s genuinely concerned eyes. Ok, she did not need to make that observation right now.

"Miss Hu? Did something else happen?"

The Director turned towards the other voice, surprised to see Ganyu emerge from within the halls leading to the patient rooms. Her soft eyes were deep in concern, gaze analyzing Hu Tao for any possible harm.

"Uh…no, I just…ran all the way here."

She was still out of breath, hand resting on the wall while she leaned down. The snake around Baizhu’s neck tutted something while the man seemed to conjure a glass of water from somewhere.

"Please, do sit down and hydrate yourself. This heat is not to be trifled with." He gestured towards one of the chairs near the reception desk, and Hu Tao found she did not have the strength to protest, so she relented and sat down as instructed, downing the glass of water he offered her.

"I came by to visit Mr. Zhongli mere moments after you seemed to have left. Little Qiqi told me he had a strong fever before that, so I decided to stay longer. Nothing happened at the Parlour, did it?"

Ganyu sat opposite to the younger woman, her lips pursed in gentle inquiry. This was the first time Hu Tao had seen the half-Adeptus in person, and was surprised by how calming her presence felt.

"No no, I was just hoping I could prepare something for Zhongli before he woke up. Alas, I got held up a lot, and it seems it will take a lot longer than I had planned." Hu Tao sighed, lamenting how the previous few days had unfolded. She could not even think about her own business right now.

"Well, if it is for Mr. Zhongli then I will have no problems in arranging something for you. There are many people who would be willing to take time out of their day for such an esteemed citizen of Liyue as Mr. Zhongli." Ganyu leaned forward with a restrained smile, her offer completely genuine in its presentation.

"Really? That's so kind of you, miss!" The Director grinned, filled with a new vigour, her previous exhaustion forgotten.

"It is no trouble at all. Mr. Zhongli is very important to me too, after all…" Ganyu trailed off, before seeming to snap out of the minor trance she had fallen in. "Please let me know what you will require and I will get to it immediately."

And Hu Tao wasted no more time in divulging all she wished for.

Chapter Text

When her eyelids first cracked open, Yelan found herself blinking at the wardrobe in her room, reflecting the aging sun with vigour. A blank haze coated her mind, the sound of chirping birds the only stimulus she truly sensed.

I guess I really needed the rest.

As she sat up, Yelan closed her eyes against the wave of white that passed through her vision, her upper body swaying slightly in disorientation. Her relatively weaker physical constitution always reared its head after a grueling mission or task. Or, in this case, not sleeping for twenty-four hours.

Sighing, the agent absentmindedly grabbed the empty glass of water at her bedside and conjured the liquid with her Hydro vision, downing it all in one go. A part of her mind cleared, her dry mouth energized into wakefulness. There was still a lot of work to be done. She dragged herself out of bed and began the motions of preparing herself for the late start to her day.

It was past afternoon, Yelan realized as she glided down towards the bustling Harbour. The hot sun blazed unimpeded, the sky devoid of clouds. Already, a sheen of sweat formed on her forehead, despite the force of the breeze against her skin. Summer really was an inconvenience. Or perhaps the Pyro Archon was feeling exceptionally cruel recently.

The first order of business on the agent’s schedule was to check in at the Jade Chamber and receive further instructions from Lady Ningguang. The critical portion of the mission may have been completed but there was still the aftermath to consider. After that, she would pay a visit to the Pharmacy and inform Mr. Hui that his body had been retrieved, the first step to finding his peace for him.

Yujing Terrace seemed as bustling as ever, and the agent is somewhat ticked about not being able to spot the familiar old lady by the terrace with the Glaze Lilies. The ascent to the Jade Chamber is similarly routine, the Harbour continuing with its life as a well-oiled machine. The slight rust in its gears was quickly remedied, and now there was only the final polishing which needed to be done.

Baiwen was the one who greeted her this time, looking especially worn down with the drooping of her eyelids. It was to be expected, after a crisis such as this, but the usual rush of assistants and employees around the Chamber appeared to be absent.

“May I ask what is happening?” Yelan inquired as they climbed the spiral stairs, their steps accentuated by the lack of other noises in the great building. 

“Oh, Lady Ganyu accepted a request from the Director of the Funeral Parlour, which required the resources of the Jade Chamber. Lady Ningguang was all too happy to provide assistance.” Baiwen smiled, though the fingers that rubbed her temple showed her…disagreement with the decision.

“And what would Ms. Hu require such a bulk of force for?”

“Arranging a dinner party.”

“You handed over half your workers to help a child throw a dinner party for Rex Lapis?” Yelan was seated opposite the familiar table of the Tianquan, nursing a cup of tea in her hand and wearing an incredulous look on her face.

“It appears I did; it was more so out of respect for dear Ganyu. She was very insistent on getting the Director all the help we could possibly provide.” Ningguang appeared unbothered, sifting through papers, her own cup of tea half-full and long since cool.

“And is the guest of honour even awake yet? With the amount of effort being channelled into this project, one would assume he was already awake.” It was baffling to say the least. Even if the archon woke up at this very moment, she highly doubted Baizhu would approve a discharge by nightfall, and there was certainly no chance the Pharmacy would approve an entire party within its rooms.

“No, but Dr. Baizhu has predicted that he will be awake soon enough. Rumour has it the Director is renting out the entirety of Liuli Pavillion to celebrate his eventual recovery. That of course involves decorations and customized ambience.” Amused crimson eyes glanced up from their focus on the papers, as Ningguang reached for her forgotten tea. Sipping it, her lips curled in disapproval and she deposited the cup back to its plate.

“I wonder where she got the funds to pull that off…” Yelan trailed off, hiding her own amusement as she drank her tea. “I did not take you for the sentimental type, Lady Tianquan.”

“It is purely a show of appreciation, I assure you. Additionally, Ms. Hu promised to invite the other victims of this crisis as well. It will be an acceptable diffusion of the tensions that were starting to rise in the Harbour.” 

The secret agent hummed privately, contemplating the benefits of such a venture. True, the attention would do well to dissuade the growing public outcry the Qixing were facing, but it was also a clear attempt at deflection that keen eyes would certainly catch up on. Keen eyes like the media, both domestic and international. Though that was not exactly Yelan’s concern, so she let the thought disappear into the wisps of wind.

“There is nothing to worry about. I have further contingencies already being set in motion. If push comes to shove, the Qixing will be prepared to make a public statement that will assure the people of our competency and ambition for independence.”

Ningguang sounded certain, and there was little to doubt when she was far from concerned about a problem. The blue haired agent offered a smile, finishing off the last of her tea.

“As the agent of the Qixing, you will also be invited to the party, on our behalf,” the Tianquan spoke, pausing as she pondered over something with a small curl of her lips, “if Ms. Hu does not invite you on a more personal level, of course.”

“I doubt she will have the chance.” Yelan crossed her arms, hiding the squint at the thought of such an event happening. “In any case, you know how I feel about such gatherings. I prefer the shadows of the alleyways.”

“I’m aware, I’m aware.” Ningguang was smirking, not even bothering to hide her mirth. “I simply thought to warn you before you were faced with the prospect of being invited to a friendly party.”

Right. Warn me. Yelan wisely chose to keep those particular comments to herself. 

“I appreciate it, Lady Tianquan,” she said with a semblance of diplomacy, the rational and professional portion of her brain desperately trying to ignore the increasing amusement on her boss’ features. “I will go check up on Rex Lapis and inform our ghost, may he rest in peace soon, that his worldly affairs are dealt with.”

“Perhaps I should have replaced the tea with the vintage wine I recently procured from Mondstadt. You seem even more uptight than usual.” It was a simple comment on Ningguang’s part, but Yelan knew better than to assume anything that came out of the other woman’s crafty mouth was simple .

She cleared her throat, and drew on her years of training to forge a mask that fooled neither herself nor Ningguang. “The mission is not over just yet. I will take you up on the offer at a later date though.”

The final smile she flashed the Tianquan quickly dispersed as she exited the suddenly stuffy office.

－O－－O－－O－

The walk to Bubu Pharmacy felt short, Yelan’s mind uncharacteristically wandering into the clouds. The sea of people faded into her periphery, blurs flashing by her normally sharp vision. It was ill-advised, being so lost in her own thoughts, but even she had her moments of letting her guard down.

Herbalist Gui was lounging at the reception desk, attention fixed on the book - an academic one judging by the squint and the hand that massaged his forehead. It was a simple affair sneaking into the hallway and heading for Mr. Zhongli’s room.

Yelan lingered outside the door, leaning against the wood to listen for any voices, or shifting movement that indicated someone else was already visiting. It was quiet. She wondered if Chen Hui still lingered, hovering over Rex Lapis out of a mixture of guilt and a desire to express his gratitude. 

She opened the door gently, twisting the door knob with practiced delicacy. There was a rustling shift, causing her to open the door all the way through in a swift push. The curtains billowed before settling back against the windows, which were strewn open to help ventilate the room better.

Perhaps the room had not been so empty after all. Regardless, it seemed the visitor, a certain Yaksha, had vacated in a panic, and there was no one else to take over besides Yelan herself. Hu Tao was no doubt out arranging Archons know what for the dinner party she was planning, and her friends were likely involved in that endeavour as well.

Sighing, the agent decided to make herself at home, settling into the chair for a few minutes. She still had business here after all. She reached for the pen on the side table and procured the card from the little pocket at her waist. The plastic was navy blue, its edges flourished in highlights of white, a special mark of hers. 

Yelan’s handwriting was elegant to the naked eye, but a trained one could see the strokes of the pen were the result of practice and refinement, a rigid connection of lines that reflected her discipline and restraint. She did not like writing, partly because penmanship was a window into a person’s personality. And exposing the deepest core of herself to the world went against her very nature as a secret agent.

She set the card on the side table, beside the Fate’s Yearning that exuded a pleasant aroma. It was an odd choice, considering this particular perfume was exclusively popular amongst elderly women. 

“It’s you.”

Surprising even to herself, Yelan did not flinch at the sudden reappearance of the presence. She did not need to look behind to know that Adeptus Xiao was standing a few feet away from the tail of the bed, arms crossed with a curious expression on his face.

“I had some information for Ms. Hu, for the spirit that still lingers here. It seemed to me you left, so I thought to stay here for a few minutes.” Yelan rolled her bracelet around her wrist, adjusting it, before rising to her feet. “Forgive my intrusion.”

Xiao stared to the side, and she was unable to gauge his thoughts. Golden eyes spun back to look at her before they closed in deference. “There is nothing to worry about. I thought it was…someone else.”

Ah. There were not a lot of people who had seen the Conqueror of Demons in person, and it appeared he was still avoiding sharing the same space as mortals. 

“Ganyu asked me to watch over my lord while she and Hu Tao were busy with their work. I do not wish to make matters complicated for the medical staff should they have to tend to him.” Complicated as in having no desire whatsoever to have to engage in interactions with people who had never seen him before.

“I see what you mean,” Yelan chuckled lightly. “Well, if you’re here, there’s not much use in me staying as well.”

“Yelan.” She stopped on her way to the door, startled by how soft he sounded. His eyes were dimmer, less fierce than they perpetually were. “Thank you again, for finding Rex Lapis when the Adepti were not able to.”

It was surreal, she thought, seeing such a side to him - the self-sacrificing Yaksha. In the Chasm, she had only seen his suicidal streak, and the aura of a protector in a time of strife. There was no room for vulnerability. Then, in the aftermath, he had disappeared without a word, a personification of the Anemo he wielded. 

“I’m honoured that you feel that way, but it was ultimately the Qixing’s own failure to subdue the threat that led to this in the first place,” Yelan said, shifting her gaze downward. 

“Whatever the case, dealing with a force as vile as the Abyss is a dangerous undertaking even for Adepti. The blame does not lie with you mortals alone. We did not adjust our efforts according to the absence of Rex Lapis as our Archon, and this was the result.” 

Xiao frowned, sighing. His gaze drifted to Mr. Zhongli, and Yelan tried not to analyse the plethora of emotions that flashed across his old eyes. She felt like she was intruding on a sacred sight, barred from mortal observation. 

“Let this be a lesson, for both of us,” he continued, guard once again erected. A few moments passed, not of tension, but of a mutual understanding. Yelan bit her lip, reflecting on the conversations she had with the Yuheng and the Tianquan, and their respective views on the situation. 

In the end, the Yaksha was correct. Yes, they were guilty of complacency, but not one born of laziness, rather one that failed to compensate for the share that Rex Lapis had carried. For an Archon that closely overlooked the tiniest cog in the gear that made up Liyue Harbour, no amount of vigilance was suitable enough to compare.

“A lesson well-learned,” Yelan concluded. “May our paths cross again, Guardian Yaksha.”

Xiao only gave a grunt in response, but she smiled as she turned away. He was really growing soft.

Chapter Text

It was like floating in a sea of darkness, his senses muted but for the streams of stimuli that occasionally reached his mind. Sometimes, he could make out voices, unintelligible, muffled, and so far away. Other times, he could feel the smooth, comforting, material beneath his body.

Though that was also accompanied with the sensation of undulating pain, coursing through him in waves. His consciousness was always quick to fade back into darkness in those instances. 

The most pleasant sensory experience in this state was perhaps smell. The fragrance which greeted him was reminiscent of innocent peace, washing over him in a cloak of succorance that eased his mind’s repeated attempts to wake before his body was truly ready. 

His sense of time was skewed. Every time, his addled mind would grasp at the thin threads of consciousness and assume days upon weeks had passed, agitated at the fact that he was not recovering as fast as he should be. The dreams of despair and pain, depicting his worst fears and experiences, did nothing but fuel the desperation with which he desired to return to the waking world.

Perhaps the only consolation was that the periods of his minimal awareness seemed to be growing longer steadily. He first noticed the gentle murmurs of voices, the pair distinguishable from the other, then the aroma of Fate’s Yearning which had so often comforted him during this period of stasis.

The stream of noise was still distorted, but he was able to make out certain words, as well as the owners of the voices. Hu Tao was one of them, her usual inquisitive mischief shining through even in this oblivion. The other belonged to…

It was with confusion that he realized he could not ascertain who the other person was. The timbre of the voice was not deep enough to belong to a male but the inflection that bled through was not familiar to Zhongli. Yet that was odd. He doubted a stranger to him would be allowed to visit in his recovery room. It was that rumination that lingered in his weary mind as it shut itself down fully once more, the ghost of a frown settling on his sleeping features.

This was different. 

He could feel it as he surfaced, willing himself upward, as if fighting against rigid thorns that curled around his body in a vice grip and held him down in the depths of blackness. Zhongli struggled with vigour, resolved to end this particular stint of torment and forced hibernation. 

When his heavy eyelids fluttered and swung upwards, he was greeted with red ones peering at him in curious anticipation. The head of chestnut, adorned with the trademark hat, blocked the light of the overhead bulb, surrounding Hu Tao in a circle of focus.

“Welcome back, old man.” She smiled.

Zhongli tried not to notice the glimmering streak in her wide eyes. “D-Director Hu.” He frowned at his own voice, hoarse from disuse, his throat scratchy and uncooperative. He sounded more akin to someone who had been left out in the rain with no shelter and caught the flu.

“Hush. There’s no need to speak as soon as you are awake, Zhongli.” The brunette bent over at the bedside table, and he heard the sound of water being poured into glass. The clarity of the stimulus was pleasing to him, and he relished in being able to experience the world around him once more.

“Here, this should help.” 

Hu Tao held the glass of water. Zhongli lifted his hand to take it from her, instinctively starting to rise into a sitting position. He winced midway through, subduing pain flashing through his body. A hand gently pushed against his shoulder and he sighed as he let himself back.

“I can already see you’re a wonderful patient.” The funeral director’s chiding tone drew an apprehensive look, and Zhongli looked between her and the water she held. Finally, he relented, allowing her to rest the tip against his lips, her hand a supporting pillar beneath his head.

It was like tasting heaven, the cool water irrigating his parched throat, and breathing new life into him. Zhongli momentarily forgot the circumstances.

“How long has it been?” He asked while Hu Tao set the glass back on the table. The room was empty besides her, the dim lighting indicating that it was well into nighttime. Beyond their conversation, he could faintly hear the hooting of owls, the closed windows not completely enough to mitigate what his ears could pick up.

“About three days,” she answered softly, her eyes downcast despite the small upturn of her lips. “You scared me, you idiot.”

Three days…it had certainly felt much longer than that. “I apologize, Hu Tao. I know you were worried…”

She was the only one who had noticed. After having spent a majority of her childhood and youth in his presence, she had picked up on his habits and behaviour. She was sensitive to even the slightest anomaly.

“Hence why you should have just talked to me,” she huffed, crossing her arms. “You know I would never miss a chance to go out of the Harbour, especially at night.”  

Zhongli diverted his gaze, focusing on the ceiling. The white paint was starting to scrub off, and there were signs of cracks beginning to form, though they would be imperceptible to the average mortal at the moment. A routine maintenance check would reveal the matter to Doctor Baizhu.

“Don’t avoid me, Zhongli. It doesn’t suit you.” Hu Tao huffed, scooting her chair closer to the bed and sitting down, her eyes boring into him. “Was it because of the workload? We have been relying too much on you lately, not to mention allowing so many people to hire your services besides funeral consultancy. I should have regulated it all much more strictly…”

Zhongli tore his gaze away from the ceiling, feeling a pang in his chest at the way her shoulders drooped. She looked smaller like this, more akin to the child who lost her grandfather and was forced to take over the Funeral Parlour prematurely.

“No,” he said quickly, resting his hand on hers, “nothing like that, Tao. I was just…” He trailed off, remembering the indecipherable feeling of tiredness and a weight that refused to lift itself. His brief hibernation did not help clear his mind, it seemed.

Silence descended between them, and Zhongli tried to search his mind, his heart, for the answer. Normally, a stranger walking in would find a silent Hu Tao to be an anomaly, but such an occurrence was not a rarity for them. 

He was unsure how much time passed, but it was Hu Tao who broke the thickening veil, starting her words with a hesitance that he did not expect.

“If you’re worried about it, I…how do I say this…” she scratched her chin in deep thought, becoming more animated. Zhongli furrowed his eyebrows, forgetting his own scramble to organize feelings into thought.

“So, you know how I always teased you about possibly being an adeptus? Well, I get that not only was it extremely hilarious to look back on your attempts at completely avoiding the question, but also kinda mortifying…” 

There was a sheepish glee in her tone, her eyes sparkling with excitement that bespoke of a bomb waiting to detonate inside her. He almost did not catch the meaning of her words, and then it clicked. How he managed to maintain his passive expression, even he did not know. 

“It appears I cannot hide from you any longer, can I?” He asked half-heartedly, sinking into the pillows beneath him. If Hu Tao knew, how many others did? A fleeting memory flashed by, accompanied by an insidious imprint that caused his throat to close up. The moments leading to losing consciousness had been agonizing, slicing pain stabbing into him with no space for escape. 

“Don’t look so dejected, my noble consultant. Rest assured, only a handful of people are privy to the dark truth you wish to keep buried. And the doctor thinks you’re merely an adeptus living among the people.” She sounded much too jolly for such a notion, Zhongli thought, but he supposed it was not out of character.

There were more pressing concerns for him, however. 

“Did you learn anything about…what attacked me?” He asked tentatively, uncertain how much information the Qixing would have shared with her.

“I doubt I know more than you. Though, there is something that requires your attention…” Hu Tao glanced sideways at something invisible to his own eyes. He blinked at her in askance, noting that there was a hint of encouragement in her features.

“Is there a spirit?” Zhongli questioned softly, fixing his gaze at the empty spot where Hu Tao directed her attention. Even as an Archon, he did not possess the gift that was passed down in the generations of the Hu family.

“Yes,” she nodded in affirmative. “He had something he wanted to say to you.”

Zhongli lifted his head slightly out of the sinking pillows, focusing his attention on something he could not see but was all too aware existed.

“Mr. Chen Hui first of all wanted to say how honoured he was to lay eyes on Rex Lapis in his final moments, no matter how painful they were. He is also very remorseful that it was his body that was used to bring harm to you, and he would be very grateful if you could forgive him.”

His eyes widened as he heard the familiar name, before a weight settled on his heart. Despite having accepted the mortal had passed on during the fight, it was regrettable to be faced with it regardless.

“He need not feel guilty about anything,” Zhongli said, a light smile gracing his lips. “It is I who should be grateful to have had such a loyal and strong subject. May he rest in peace knowing I will honour his memory and devotion and personally perform his last rites.”

Hu Tao sat silent for a few moments afterwards, her eyes transfixed on whatever was invisible to himself. 

“He’s gone…” she whispered breathlessly, her lips quivering the slightest amount. The burden of her gift always weighed heavy on her young shoulders. “He appeared soon after you were admitted to the hospital, didn’t leave your side until you woke up.”

He pursed his lips and nodded, and could not help but think an innocent man would not have lost his life after suffering so much had he remained the slightest bit vigilant in the threats surrounding Liyue.

Zhongli looked back up at the ceiling, mind once again returning to the events that lead to his current predicament. There had been someone powerful enough to incapacitate him with a single blow, and if his suspicions were right…

“Waking up is just the beginning for you though! I have a lot of stuff planned. I even got Ningguang in on it!” Hu Tao perked up, interrupting his train of thought, the smile plastered on her face completely overtaking the prior melancholy.

Zhongli frowned, a retort forming in his mouth before the brunette raised her finger with her head held high.

“Nuh uh, I am not going to hear any self-deprecating excuses, my dear consultant. You just had a traumatizing experience, therefore, I, as your boss, have taken liberty to give you a vacation. And that involves some very fun times.” 

The Geo Archon sighed in resignation, unsurprised that she remained ever devious even in light of his true identity. 

“As you wish, Director.” He conceded. His eyelids were starting to feel heavier once more, and the world around him grew the slightest bit darker.

“Excellent! Now, get some rest, I know you’re far from being back in shape.”

Zhongli hummed absentmindedly, his body automatically obeying Hu Tao’s commands. This time, the darkness welcomed him in peace.

－O－－O－－O－ 

He blinked awake suddenly, the first few thoughts that ran through his head were of blank confusion. The room was brighter now, beams of light bouncing off the walls but thankfully landing a few meters off from his bed. Someone was standing beside, the popping of plastic and ringing of small metal indicating it should be medical staff.

Zhongli swallowed, wincing at how dry his throat felt, and shifted from his position. His body was lighter, and for the first time in days, he felt a modicum of agency. 

“Ah, Mr. Zhongli,” Doctor Baizhu said as he noticed that his patient had awoken. “Gui, please get water for the patient.”

The brunette swallowed once more, preparing his throat for speaking. “Do not worry, sir, you will feel much better after getting some fluids in. All in all, it appears you have recovered well. I would like you to remain here for another day, but I understand you will be a better judge of your condition in this regard.” 

Baizhu smiled, and the white snake hanging around his neck bobbed its head, watching Zhongli intently. Ah, they were aware he was an Adeptus now. He merely nodded in acknowledgement and almost melted when he saw Herbalist Gui re-enter with a large glass of water in his hand.

This time, he was able to drink it on his own strength, once more feeling revitalized.

“Thank you for keeping me under your care, Doctor Baizhu,” he said first of all. “My body indeed has recovered to enough capacity that I do not require further professional supervision.”

Changsheng clicked her tongue, stretching herself as close to him as possible. “That’s well and all, but what is your real name, anyway? I always thought you were a little off.” 

Zhongli merely offered a small smile, trying to wrack his brain for a suitable answer. Perhaps he should have prepared an adeptal identity in case of his mortal one being shed off.

“Changsheng, behave,” Baizhu intoned, scratching the serpent underneath her scales. She snickered but accepted the show of affection and returned to her perch around the doctor. “Please forgive her. It is of course no business of ours to pry into the matters of the Adepti.”

“All is forgiven.” Zhongli shook his head, taking comfort in the familiar scent of the perfume in the room. “May I ask where Director Hu might be?”

“She departed for a few errands in the harbour. Not before ordering your suit for you, however. You may leave if you wish right now, Mr. Zhongli.” Baizhu glanced towards the side, where the consultant’s trademark suit was hung on the wardrobe. 

“I see. Thank you, doctor. I will be heading out soon.” Perhaps making such a statement before properly analyzing his condition was not advisable, but Zhongli had been stationary for long enough. He first needed to reconvene with the Adepti and have a debriefing.

“I understand. Take care, Mr. Zhongli.”

As the doctor exited, Changsheng kept her piercing gaze fixed on the consultant, as if the man would morph into another form right in front of her eyes. He chuckled to himself lightly, finding it more endearing than intimidating.

Left alone with his thoughts, Zhongli reflected back on the past few days. His concept of time had been greatly altered during his unconsciousness, so it would take some time to adjust to the reality that a mere few days had passed. Of course, a few days was not a blink of the eye in mortal standards. There was no doubt piles upon piles of work waiting for him at Wangsheng Funeral Parlour, both old and new cases mingling together. Then there were the individual clients who hired his services as a general consultant…all those contracts would need updates in their stipulations.

It was an inconvenience, to say the least. Sighing, he pushed those particular issues to the side for now. He had to set certain priorities, and the first one was to check up on Mr. Chen’s family, inform them of the situation, and express his desire to perform the man’s last rites. Then, he needed to contact Ganyu and learn what course of action the Qixing and the Adepti had taken in his absence. 

He halted that train of thought. It was not ‘absence’, was it? Retirement entailed complete dissociation from the work, and Zhongli had wholeheartedly transferred all authority to his successors. He could not simply waltz back in and assume the mantle of Rex Lapis, and expect everyone to seamlessly adjust to the transition.

No, he would wait for Ganyu to approach him herself, and he would only inquire about how the matter was behind-the-scenes. 

Getting out of bed was eventful. His legs were shaky from disuse, and it took a few steps and conscious balance for him to regain the ability to walk. Dull aches still radiated throughout his body, but they were like ants in comparison to the searing agony that had blazed when he was first stabbed with the Abyss-imbued blade. In truth, he should rest for at least another day, the doctor had surely garnered that as well, but there were more important matters at hand.

He felt the presence when he reached for the clothes hung inside the wardrobe. An agitated aura, uncertain of its course of action. Zhongli could not help the smile that formed on his lips.

“Xiao.” His call was answered immediately, the subtle whistling of the wind the only indication that the Yaksha had entered the room, no doubt with his head bowed in reverence. It was a regression from their previous encounter during the Lantern Rite, where Zhongli had outright declared himself a lesser being than Xiao. He could still feel the utter panic the younger adeptus had felt upon seeing the Archon rise to his feet to give a toast to the guests.

Turning around, Zhongli repressed the regret that passed through him, for he knew Xiao would misinterpret such a display for disappointment, and instead adopted a soft smile. 

“My lord,” he responded, seeming to bend his head even further downwards. That would not do at all.

“Rise, Xiao. There is no need for such formalities. I am but a mortal now.”

It may be a futile endeavour to repeat the statement every time their paths were brought together, but it was important for it to remain a thought in the back of Xiao’s mind. Such a change did not happen overnight after all.

The Yaksha hesitantly rose to his full height, yet his eyes were still fixed downwards to the ground. “I am sorry. For allowing you to be harmed, Mr. Zhongli.” There was a deep set frustration that seeped out of his words, that manifested in the tight clenching of his fists and the rigid posture he maintained.

Zhongli frowned, walking forward and closing the distance between them. Xiao did not move, though he looked as if he might disappear in the blink of an eye. He placed a hand on his shoulder, feeling the tense muscles and the slight jolt. His last remaining Yaksha was reserved in both interaction and physical closeness, but he responded well to such attempts at comfort.

“There is no need for you to feel responsible, Xiao. Your duty has never been to protect me from threats, nor will it ever be.” For the first time, yellow amber eyes looked up at him, wide and shining, before they looked away once more. The Yaksha was biting his lip.

“A few months ago, inside the Chasm,” he began, his voice low, “I was prepared to die to allow Yanfei and the mortals to reach the surface safely. I welcomed the darkness just as Bosacious had. And then, once again, you saved me. When you had no responsibility to.”

They had never spoken about the incident, no doubt because the younger man had desired to repay the action with another action. Xiao was looking into his eyes once more, as if willing him to understand his perspective. It seemed that was all he would say.

“The circumstances then were vastly different. The trip you made was rife with danger; compared to my stroll outside the Harbour, there was good reason for me to monitor the situation closely.” 

Zhongli could guess the Yaksha knew this, yet Xiao was not so different than the mortals in this regard. He would insist on taking responsibility where it was not his to bear, berate himself for misfortune he had no control over.

Xiao pursed his lips and glared at the floor. 

“What matters is that I am here, now. And Liyue is not under immediate threat. In any case, I have full faith in both the Adepti and the Qixing.” Zhongli smiled, trying his best to impress his belief into golden eyes. A few moments passed before Xiao’s shoulders relaxed from their tight tenseness, and the intensity in his gaze lessened.

“Of course, Mr. Zhongli. Please take care until you are fully recovered.” And he was gone in a blink, the only proof of his presence the faint rustle of the wind that gently swayed Zhongli’s locks.

Satisfied, the consultant started the process of changing out of his patient garb, intent on going out and feeling the wind of the harbour, and smelling the spices and perfumes of the merchant wares. The Fate’s Yearning left on his bedside indeed had soothed his soul but it did not fully suppress the distinct scents of antiseptic characteristic to a hospital room.

He had barely opened the plastic covering encasing his trademark attire when the door to his room was swung open, revealing Hu Tao. She spared a moment to look between Zhongli, his empty bed, and the clothes he was holding. The archon himself was staring at her, oddly feeling he had been caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to do.

“Aiya, you haven’t even been awake for a whole day, and you’re already going out? Did you even eat anything?” She spoke with her hands on her hips, unimpressed.

“I…” The allusion to food triggered a faint rumbling in the depths of his stomach, followed by a weakness in his muscles that had somehow gone unnoticed before. 

“You didn’t even think about regaining your strength properly, did you?” Hu Tao exhaled heftily before sauntering over to him, snatching his suit and tucking it back into the closet. Then, she grabbed his arm and slowly started to guide him back to the bed.

“Director–”

“Nuh-uh, you are not going anywhere until you have eaten something. As your boss, I mandate this. I’ll get someone to fetch Bamboo Shoot Soup from Wanmin Restaurant. Xiangling has been dying to cook something for you these past few days!”

Zhongli stopped his protests in surrender, though he could not help the grimace that sneaked its way onto his face as he was pushed back into the pillows.

“I am not decrepit, Hu Tao. There is no need to coddle me.”

“I wouldn’t need to if you actually used your brain in this matter, now would I?” The brunette crossed her arms, turning her head away in exasperation.

“I suppose you are right,” Zhongli relented. His calf muscles were tingling from the mere exertion of walking around and standing. Perhaps she had saved him from collapsing in the streets and only serving to send the people into another panic.

“Exactly! You can forget about any work until I say so! And if you are worried about Mr. Chen, I personally informed his family and will be conducting his service personally. Of course, you can attend that, but no work for you!” 

It was endearing, Zhongli thought, to be regarded as his mortal identity despite the exposure of his godhood. Hu Tao was speaking about managing time and work, and the importance of taking care of one’s health - none of it registered in his mind as it wandered in its own musings.

This child, who had known him since she had barely begun to talk, accepted him and respected his wishes, and what else could Morax have asked for?

Chapter Text

The days passed uneventfully after news of Mr. Zhongli regaining consciousness spread through the Harbour. It appeared the Director had taken the matter of after-recovery in her own hands, escorting her consultant home personally and then giving him an indefinite leave wherein he was not allowed to exert himself in any way.

Yelan was not privy to the details, but her spies reported the poor consultant was under constant twenty four hour surveillance, be it Hu Tao and her friend group or the Adepti finding excuses to conveniently keep him occupied and inside.

It was almost comical, she supposed. The god seemed utterly powerless against the stifling coddling being imposed upon him. Yelan herself had considered taking a peek once or twice but eventually decided against it. There was no way her presence would go unnoticed, and then she would have to explain herself, and that was not a conversation that needed to be held yet.

No, Yelan was perfectly content to continue her usual duties as dictated. The Abyssal threat may seem to have disappeared for now but there were other matters to handle. Certain dissenters among the Fatui had taken the chance to increase their efforts to incite public opinion against the Qixing. Most likely Pantalone’s operatives.

Their efforts were half-hearted and held no weight as soon as the Qixing presented the situation to the public, along with news that the threat had been resolved for the foreseeable future. In addition to the safe recovery of the beloved Consultant of the Funeral Parlour, the citizens of Liyue were more or less satisfied with the current state of affairs once more.

Beyond that minor inconvenience, there was the matter of patrolling the outskirts of the Harbour and weeding out any remnants of the Abyss Order. This required sending reconnaissance to Qingce Village and Qiaoying Village as well. The Adepti had most likely employed their own methods of surveillance, but they had all agreed that one could never have too many eyes looking out for something.

Yelan set down the latest report on her desk, her humble office within Yanshang Teahouse dimly lit. The night had grown relatively old, but the ever-bustling Harbour was only barely showing signs of retiring for the day.

Her gaze flickered towards the corner of her table, lingering on the neat, ornately designed envelope. Its dull brown with hints of gray was a sure tell of who sent it. Yelan pursed her lips as she recalled its delivery from earlier on in the day.

“Do I want to know how you found my workplace?”

Yelan asked with a sigh, staring out the window inside her office in the teahouse. She turned around to face the other person in the room.

“If you’re thinking about setting a hit out on me, let’s remember exactly who my employee is, hm?” The Director of the Funeral Parlour was beaming innocently, hands tucked behind her back. She was hopping as she stood, swaying in the wind like a child with too much energy.

Simply watching it drained Yelan of her own.

“Just what do you think I am?” The agent murmured under her breath, feeling the beginnings of a headache forming. “Anyway, I assume you had a reason for coming here. Let’s hear it.”

“I’m here about the dinner party, of course! Mr. Zhongli is well on his way to full recovery, and will be returning to work in the coming days as well. So, tomorrow is the perfect day to have the promised feast. And…” Hu Tao paused, fishing inside her small shoulder bag, rummaging through it. “As the person who rescued him, it is my honour to invite you personally!” 

Yelan stared at the envelope being presented to her, violet eyes tracing the elegant strokes that spelled out her name. She tried not to start analyzing the penmanship.

“Thank you for the courtesy.” She cleared her throat, accepting the card without further comment. She looked at the brunette expectantly.

“Aiya, you’re a tougher stone to crack than the Guardian Yaksha. I’ll leave you to it, then. And, don’t worry. It’s not like I’ve told Zhongli about you or anything…though he did express the desire to personally thank the person who brought him to the Pharmacy.”

Yelan maintained her passive expression, thanking the Archons for her experience and mastery over forming facades. “I will keep that in mind.”

“Hehe, please do consider it! Until then, toodle oo~!”

Yelan massaged her forehead in her hand. Interacting with Hu Tao was like walking across a minefield, her every step carrying the possibility of destruction and chaos. Truly only Rex Lapis could have the patience to deal with such a personality.

Sighing, she stood up from her chair, feeling suffocated inside her small office. A walk on the outskirts of the harbour would do her mind good. It always did, no matter how troubled she felt.

Attending the party was an impossibility. Perhaps one day, Yelan would gather the courage to face Mr. Zhongli in person, but tomorrow was not that day.

－O－－O－－O－

It was overwhelming.

The zeal with which not only Hu Tao, but her friends, his colleagues, even the Adepti, seemed to look after him was…strange. From the day he had been formally discharged, the Director had decided to abandon all her other work and instead focus on him entirely, despite his incessant protests. 

Zhongli was sure the Funeral Parlour was submerged in work by now, yet Hu Tao assured him that he need not worry about it. ‘ I’ve got it handled, okay?’ she would insist, and then proceed to completely avoid talking about anything related to work. 

She invited her friends over to his house, and while Zhongli did not mind the company, his tiny apartment was not meant to host a multitude of people, besides the fact that no one other than his boss and perhaps Ganyu had even seen the inside of his humble abode. 

Alas, it seemed exposure was all he could face at the moment. At least, the young souls of Liyue were a welcome presence for him, and he enjoyed hearing about Xiangling’s latest breakthroughs, Master Xingqiu’s reviews about recent book releases, and Miss Xinyan’s ever-present grind to write new songs for all to enjoy.

“I also wanted to extend Yun Jin’s well-wishes to you, Mr. Zhongli. She’s looking forward to meeting you at the dinner party Tao’s got planned.” Xinyan had stated during her stay.

Hosting the three of them took the better part of his morning, and it was afternoon by the time they departed. Of course, Xiangling had dropped off lunch for him, freshly cooked Bamboo Shoot Soup, so there was no need to worry about making plans for eating. Normally, he would forgo lunch, but the image of Hu Tao hovering behind him with an intense stare was enough for him to make sure he was getting mortal sustenance.

Some time after lunch, while debating how to spend his time, mindlessly watching the birds chirping and grooming from his window, a new arrival had greeted him. Ganyu looked haggard and downtrodden as he welcomed her inside, yet not without a gift of her own.

“It’s an embroidered kite for display. I made it myself.” She explained as she handed the wrapped gift. 

“Thank you very much, Ganyu. I will be sure to cherish it.” He smiled.

Zhongli placed it beside the assortment of gifts already present inside his bedroom. Hu Tao, Xingqiu, Xiangling had each brought him gifts as well, in addition to Chongyun’s, who had been unable to join them for the visit before.

Besides the gifts, on his study table, there were piles of letters, varying in quality, all sending him wishes for fast recovery and adjustment. Apparently, he had been receiving these in the mail during his entire hospital stay, and the sheer number of letters had overflowed his mailbox within a day. It had been a heart-warming experience to see the mountain for the first time.

He offered Ganyu tea and biscuits and listened as she talked about her day, allowing her to rest and cool off from the stress she had been carrying. It crossed his mind multiple times to ask her if the threat still persisted, or if his assistance was required, but each time the mere thought of it seemed pretentious to him.

Soon enough, the younger adeptus departed as well, and the sun was starting to disappear into the horizon, hues of orange beginning to reflect in the sky. It was the first time he had spent most of his day inside his home.

As he stood at his doorway, deliberating on the scenery and the peace that flowed through him, a pair of childlike voices permeated the air. Two children were giggling and shouting, heading straight for him.

“Mr. Zhongli! We didn’t see you for so long!” Little Lulu exclaimed as the pair came to a halt in front of him. The consultant lowered himself to one knee so he was level with them.

“My apologies, I was a little…held up by something,” he explained with a small smile. “I hope you two have been well.”

“We’ve been fine! But we heard from the grown-ups that something bad happened to you! No one would stop talking about it, and then we didn’t see you anywhere , and that was scary…” Little Meng answered, deflating slightly as he stared at the ground.

“Right! I thought we would never get to hear you embarrass the merchants at the docks with their lies again…” Lulu clenched her fists at her sides, seemingly at the brink of crying.

“It’s all okay now, I was only mildly hurt while taking a stroll outside. I’m recovering well, there is nothing to worry about.” Zhongli smiled lightly, finding their concern endearing. This appeared to be a frequent occurrence these days. His mortal identity had grown to be well-loved in the harbour despite him not having such intentions. 

“I read the letters you two left for me, thank you for the well-wishes.” The children perked up at the mention of their cards, a flip from their downcast looks.

“Ehe, your welcome, Mr. Zhongli! Too bad Feng couldn’t leave his house today. His mom didn’t let him leave because he got sick from the heat. He would have loved to see you again!” Meng chirped.

Zhongli remembered little Feng’s card too - a neatly decorated creation with writings about Rex Lapis and steadfastness.

“Perhaps I shall make a card for him this time.” He offered, to the delight, and the pout of the lips, of the children.

“Aww, he’s so lucky! Maybe I should have stayed out too long in the sun too…” Lulu trailed off, her gaze falling sideways in contemplation. Meng gasped at her words, aghast.

“Your big sister will take away my marble collection if I let that happen!” He looked positively horrified, causing Lulu to sheepishly rub the back of her head. “I was joking! I want a card made by Mr. Zhongli though…”

The consultant listened to the exchange with a fond, faraway look in his eyes, reminiscing on times before the people moved towards Tianheng.

“There is no need to do something so reckless. I will make a card for you as well, little one. For little Meng too.” He nodded at his declaration, a warmth spreading across his chest as they started jumping for joy.

“Yay! We can’t wait to see them, Mr. Zhongli! Take care until then!”

He watched them go, lingering at his doorstep once more. The children drew the attention of others as they descended the steps at the end of the corridor, smiles gracing their own lips. The innocence of the young was a precious force, permeating through the air like a breeze carrying the whispers of peace.

It was a blessing to be able to witness it, to be able to live through a dream that existed only in imagination so long ago. Amber eyes travelled to the orange sun, a wistful cast in their unnatural depths. 

“My, you look positively forlorn.” Zhongli turned towards the new voice, snapped out of the moment. A wrinkled smile greeted him as Madame Ping walked closer to him.

“Ah, just…reminiscing. Do come in. I will brew tea.” He smiled, gesturing her inside his apartment. 

“I seem to have picked an agreeable time for a visit then! It has been a while since I sampled your tea,” Ping said as she easily slipped inside. Zhongli chuckled at her glee. It made her wizened face lighten with a ray of light reminiscent of her days as a vain beauty.

“Forgive the haphazard mess, I seem to have an endless list of guests these days,” he said as he walked her over to the living room. The sofa was adorned with decorations that Xinyan had brought him, a guitar-shape strung from threads that contrasted rather well with the traditional furniture that Zhongli preferred.

“Hoho, well you did frighten most of the people. It seems regardless of the form you take, they cannot help but view you as an unshakeable pillar of strength.” His back was turned to her as he worked on heating up the pot for the tea, but he could tell she was smiling.

“It indeed seems that particular part of myself will not fade any time soon.” He whispered as he watched the water in the pot start to heat up. 

“Or perhaps they feel the instinctive responsibility over your well-being as a citizen of Liyue.” She said softly, barely loud enough to reach his ears. Zhongli stiffened slightly. He masked the lapse in composure with an acknowledging hum and let the disruption in his being flow down to his feet, into the ground.

Ping did not stay for long; perhaps she sensed his growing agitation, perhaps she simply had no other reason to come by other than to see his health and have tea together. Regardless, he was almost relieved that another day of constantly entertaining guests was coming to an end with the appearance of the moon in the sky.

Zhongli felt oddly agitated, his muscles tense and limbs strained. There was no ache, nothing of the traces of the Abyss. No, this was a psychological symptom, manifesting on his mortal form. As he gazed upon the moon through his window, relishing in its pale glow and gentle shine, he could not help the slight wrench in his heart.

The atmosphere was pleasant, and there did not seem to be anyone else coming to check up on him now. 

He was moving before his mind was made, his hands putting on his coat. Hu Tao’s words flashed in his mind, but Zhongli suppressed them. He was not a fragile crystalfly who would collapse at the flow of a mere breeze, and he had already endured several days worth of everyone’s fussing.

It was…heartwarming, yes, that they seemed to harbour such care towards his mortal identity, that their concern was not borne out of a devotion to Rex Lapis. Though, he smiled wryly, Hu Tao appeared to be jumping around the new revelation between them, despite her unchanged behaviour. There was a conversation that needed to be had there.

Zhongli turned the handle of the knob on his door, fighting against his instinctual desire to comply with his boss’ wishes. Inhaling deeply, he pushed the door open and stepped out in one movement, and did not look back as he walked towards the outskirts of the harbour once more.

His steps were light in the moonlit streets, unheard to the bustling crowds that were beginning to retire for the day. Citizens greeted him as he walked past them, their gazes examining his condition despite their efforts to remain respectful. Zhongli, normally oblivious to the way others looked at him, suddenly felt scrutinized under their concern, the briefest inkling of doubt rising from his chest. It was strange for an ordinary mortal man to receive such attention from the people, was it not?

The walk to the gates was spent mulling the question in his mind, rolling the thoughts in his head and trying to decipher the deeper implications about his efforts to keep a low profile. How  much more difficult it would be to keep hidden with a sizeable number of people already aware now? He trusted Hu Tao, and the Qixing would remain silent just as they had about the fact that he was not dead, but there was also the unknown individual who found him that night.

Hu Tao deflected all his attempts to find them and personally offer his gratitude, saying there was no need for him to do so when she had already fulfilled that obligation. The only piece of information she gave him was that they were an agent of the Qixing, and was therefore extremely hard to reach out to. He supposed that was true enough, but had she not employed half the staff of the Jade Chamber to prepare for the dinner party? How much effort did it take to request Lady Ningguang to set a brief meeting between Zhongli and the agent?

Before he knew it, Zhongli was at the top of the cliff which oversaw the harbour, and he basked in the sight, turning to go towards the edge where a lone flower swayed in the gentle breeze, radiant and bright in the night’s embrace. Vestiges of white blew from its essence, floating out into the wind, leaving behind only fading flickers of their existence.

Zhongli watched them disappear into the atmosphere before he lowered himself to the ground, settling beside the Glaze Lily, his eyes transfixed on the flower. Its honey-scented petal seemed to gaze back, as if greeting an old friend. 

“It has…been a while. I apologize for not coming earlier. I was indisposed.” He could not help the faint smile that played on his lips as he imagined the response. “Yes, I have grown careless after all these years, though I suppose you would find something positive even in this.”

He allowed the words to settle for a few moments, and turned his gaze back to the harbour. A beautiful haven for mortals, the sweetest fruit of his life’s efforts. Their efforts.

“Or perhaps I have noticed it myself.” He trailed off, closing his eyes. “The mortals no longer require our protection, that has been the case for the last decade or so, but I failed to see the true extent of their maturation as a people.”

It was everything she had wanted for them, for the fragile mortals who stood little chance for survival in an age governed by powerful gods. As the millenia passed, they lost countless defenders, lost their true ruler, their original lands, but they persevered. Grew into a nation that their god could be proud of.

Sitting here now, with his heart slowly relaxing in the serene atmosphere, his clear mind could rationalize the behaviour of not only Hu Tao and her friends, but also of the people. 

“It is not unlike watching your child grow taller than you and then begin to support you, whether out of love or obligation…” When the amber eyes opened again, they were flowy depths, the white pupils reflecting sheens of the moonlight. The harbour glowed brightly, a beacon under the starry sky, an anchor to all his being.

“I hope you are as proud of them as I am.” Zhongli raised a hand towards the flower and gently caressed its soft blue petals. When he retracted it, some of the ethereal white essence stuck to the fabric of his glove.

The flower danced in the breeze, blooming wider than it had been before.

The private moment was interrupted when the faint sound of rustling leaves reached Zhongli’s ears, an anomaly in the gentle night. Yet he sensed no dark forces when he expanded his senses, and decided perhaps fate was not so cruel to catch him unawares twice in the span of less than two weeks.

And in the shadow of the trees, a Hydro Vision faintly glowed at the hip of an individual who stumbled upon a scene that was perhaps not meant to be witnessed by mortal eyes.

Chapter Text

It was the day of the awaited dinner party. 

Naturally, Hu Tao rose early despite the long night she had spent making sure everything was in order. She had not even slept well after she did finally reach home when dawn was merely a few hours away. And now here she was, feeling giddy and energized the moment she awoke.

The young Director darted out of her home, in the adjacent buildings to the Parlour, and was eager to begin the day of work. The Ferrylady greeted her merrily, looking infinitely well-rested compared to the entire last week. Inside, Meng, and the rest of the lecturers currently on duty, cheerily greeted her. The Funeral Parlour looked more alive than it had in days, which was a blessing. The work was gloomy enough, she didn’t need her employees being even gloomier.

Hu Tao spent thirty minutes setting out instructions for the day when the distinguished samurai from Inazuma stepped into the Parlour. His easy smile and flowing aura calmed some of the excited energies in the building.

“Mr. Kaedehara! You’re just in time!” Hu Tao gestured him into her office. She had personally taken over handling Ms. Kazumi’s case since Zhongli had become indisposed; it was the least she could do after the young man helped out at the Parlour while she was unavailable.

“The funeral should be a go for the afternoon. I acquired all the materials you requested, and I will personally carry out the proceedings.” She informed.

“That is great news, Director. Some of Ms. Kazumi’s close friends just arrived from Inazuma yesterday too. Thank you for such a prompt preparation.” Kazuha bowed in respect.

“We rarely ever get foreign customers, at least from Inazuma, so of course I would want to make sure that she received a proper ceremony as soon as possible. As for the preparation, a friend did most of the heavy-lifting, if I’m being honest. I wouldn’t have been able to make this possible without them.”

Of course, Zhongli probably had the same idea too. Hu Tao had mentally laughed to herself for a good five minutes when she realized exactly why her dear consultant was so adept at gathering materials that were normally a nightmare to procure. Anyone would be amazing at it if they had a loyal Yaksha at their service.

Now, how she convinced the Conqueror of Demons to agree with her request…that was best left unsaid even in her own mind.

“Please, pass on my heartfelt regards to your friend. They have helped more than they know.” Kazuha smiled, and Hu Tao nodded in understanding, already planning how to present this to Xiao the next time she saw him.

Before their Inazuman client, there were also the proceedings for Mr. Chen that must be conducted. His parents had arrived in the Harbour two days ago and had requested some time to adjust and grieve in private before sending off their son. Hu Tao acquiesced, knowing the soul had already crossed over and there was thus no need to get the funeral done as soon as possible.

As she had promised, Hu Tao sent Zhongli an invitation for it as well, and she was sure he would be there before everyone else, probably even personally talk to the man's family. She would stay out of his hair for it - the former Archon was still struggling to let go of his godly duties, now that she had extensively thought about it.

The day passed by in a blur and, before she knew it, the time had come. The sun was at its zenith in the sky by the time she reached the designated place which Mr. Chen’s family had chosen - atop one of the cliffs overlooking Liyue Harbour. Mt. Tianheng loomed overhead but its shadow did not feel overbearing, instead a protection from the harsh rays of the burning sun.

The merchant’s family, all dressed in black, stood around the coffin, Chen’s circle of friends and coworkers several feet behind them, and behind all of them was Zhongli, his tall frame unmistakable.

Hu Tao observed the family that was waiting for the final rites - elderly parents with their daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, no older than what she herself had been when she lost her grandfather. Were she any other person, a pang of pity might have wrenched her heart. Alas, this too was simply a chain in the natural order of the world.

The Director conducted the prayers, her eyes closed as she recalled the brief time she had spent with the soul that had stayed behind in limbo, his panic and concern for the god he worshipped, and the peace with which he eventually passed on, content in a way no other person in Liyue could have been.

It was an uneventful rite, considering the spirit had already departed. It acted more as closure for the people left behind, the memories they would have to cling to from now on, and come to terms with the future now that an entire part of their lives was no longer with them.

The hour passed as those gathered paid their respects, slowly starting to leave as the sun started to move in its arc. In the end, the only person who remained was Zhongli. As he walked forward to the coffin, Hu Tao felt a faint twinge in her heart. 

Mr. Chen’s family were silent as the final prayer was made, the children watching the brunette in awe despite the circumstances. She didn’t hear what Zhongli said, would prefer not to, and instead kept her head down in an image of a responsible Director.

When he walked away, she caught the slightest of smiles on his lips, visible only to someone who knew him as long as she had. Long enough to not know a world without the subtle cues that gave away his innermost thoughts.

Hu Tao repressed the image from her mind, focusing on her task of conducting the burial. Now that everyone else had vacated the area, the family members could finally mourn as they pleased.

May we meet once again in the afterlife.

She whispered the final prayer into the wind, basking in the peace that prevailed in the veil.

－O－－O－－O－

After Mr. Chen’s funeral rites, Zhongli strolled aimlessly, allowing his legs to take him where they wished once more. After last night, his mind felt clearer and his heart lighter. The night walk had helped his growing anxiety immensely, and he was grateful no one had seemed to notice his little escapade.

Well, no one besides the person who had stumbled upon him and then promptly chosen to hide away instead of continuing on their own walk. It had puzzled Zhongli, but he did not pursue the matter when he sensed no ill-will in the air, instead assuming that they simply did not want to be seen. He doubted he had been loud enough for normal mortal ears to hear his words.

As his thoughts started to settle, he took in the familiar sight he now faced. The Statue of the Seven towered above him, the golden blades of grass gently swaying in the wind beneath his feet. Zhongli tilted his head upwards, recalling the events that led to this point.

Where this saga of confused aimlessness and long-looming realizations stemmed. He did not know what possessed him, but his hands came up, clasping together while his head bowed in submission. Prayer was foreign to an Archon, particularly one of his disposition, but it was not completely out of their grasp.

The Statue pulsated in response to his divine thoughts, but he knew better than to assume his wishes would hold greater weight in the grand flow of endless prayers. And yet, there was a peace in it, a kind that could only be borne through the security offered from an external force far greater than one’s own existence. How long had it been since he felt this particular string of emotions?

“I know you were serious about the whole mortal thing, but was praying to yourself really necessary?”

Zhongli furrowed his brows, keeping his eyes closed. A distinct irritation rubbed against his nerves, the steady stream of peace quickly fading in the face of this new presence.

“Barbatos.” He acknowledged, refusing to turn towards the bard. He really could not stop interfering in important moments of self-reflection. Or perhaps those moments were exactly why he chose to show his face.

“Won’t even have the decency to look at me. How you wound this bard who travelled so far to deliver his well-wishes.” Venti certainly didn’t sound wounded. In fact, the ignoring only spurred his theatrics.

“I believe you are about a week late for that.” Zhongli dryly responded, finally dropping his hands at his sides and opening his eyes. The Anemo Archon was, unsurprisingly, hovering just inches away from him, bottle of dandelion wine in hand.

“Eh, well. It takes a while to get here from Mondstadt when you’re not using your super secret powers of the wind.” Venti chuckled shamelessly, to Zhongli’s impassive face.

“And why, pray tell, was using these well hidden powers of yours not an option?” He questioned. He was surprised the bard had managed to get here at all, considering no doubt he would have downed endless bottles of wine on the way.

“It’s complicated. But anyway, you must be fine if you’re back to having your head shoved up your ass.” Venti hiccuped.

“Have you no shame…” Zhongli sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose to channel patience. “I appreciate your effort, though it was unnecessary. I will certainly not entertain you for tonight’s dinner party, however.”

“Ehehe, not to worry, my dear friend! I have an invitation right here.” 

Zhongli could not believe his ears, and he did not want to believe his eyes as he saw the trademark seal of the Funeral Parlour, Venti’s name elegantly scrawled across it in Hu Tao’s familiar penmanship.

Celestia have mercy…

“So, you see I was personally invited by the lovely Ms. Hu herself! It will surely be a night of pure delight!”

And as Venti downed yet another gulp from the half-empty bottle of wine, Zhongli stared upward into the sky, wondering if his previous suffering had not been enough to negate whatever karma had seemed to latch onto him.

Aside from the sour revelation of the afternoon, the rest of the day was indeed turning out to be a real delight. As Zhongli departed from his residence at the allotted time, the air crackled with excitement, as if excess Electro energy had somehow permeated the atmosphere. For a brief moment, he had feared Hu Tao had somehow gotten a hold of the Electro Archon as well, but that was as absurd a thought as seafood being on the menu tonight.

For his own sanity, he did not need two surprise guests who would pose a threat to Liyue simply due to conversing with each other.

With this self-assurance, he strolled down Feiyun Slope, this time greeting passing civillians with more grace. Perhaps they sensed his assured nature, stopping to express their joy at his full recovery. The fading orange hue of the sky accentuated the warm colours of the Harbour as it sprang to life with the twilight. 

“Mr. Zhongli!” 

The sudden call of his name caused him to turn around, to be met with a bolting Xiangling, followed by Guoba who frantically bounced in trying to keep up with the chef. The young girl came to a halt beside him, and it was now he noticed she was not wearing her usual adventurers garb.

Xiangling donned a flaming red hanfu, its fabric blazing out at the edges of its frays, while its sleeves extended to her wrists. Accents of blue highlighted the collar and the belt around her waist, finishing the traditional choice of clothing. Zhongli blinked, slightly stunned.

“Oh, sorry for stopping you so suddenly like that, I kind of got excited, haha.” She chuckled as Guoba finally arrived beside her, huffing but in high spirits. The Archon smiled at his old friend, his passive expression hiding the momentary lapse.

“It is no bother, Miss Xiangling. It appears we are headed for the same destination either way. Did you have this dress tailor-made?” He asked once they started walking together in rhythm. The work on the fabric looked exquisite.

“Oh? Yeah! Tao wanted us all to wear hanfu, which was an unexpected request, but thankfully, Miss Mei was generous with her time and tailored this for me just on time! Speaking of, did she not tell you the dress code, Mr. Zhongli?”

Zhongli furrowed his brows. Hu Tao had said nothing of the sort. And he had assumed his regular attire as the consultant was formal enough for an occasion such as this. Had he been mistaken?

“I’m afraid not. She seemed much too immersed in planning the whole event than anything else.” He frowned.

“Huh. Maybe she forgot? It’s not a big deal, though, since you’re the guest of honour anyway, Mr. Zhongli.” Xiangling smiled, parroted by an encouraging Guoba.

Perhaps…but he could not deny he would feel rather out of place if everyone adhered to the dress code. It was mildly embarrassing showing up to an event that requested traditional attire over the modernized variants that had emerged over the years.

Regardless, it was too late to remedy this now, and Zhongli swallowed the slight lump in his throat, finding himself surprised to feel it. Why would the Director request this dress code specifically? It was unusual for Liyuens, especially youngsters, to wear traditional clothes except for certain rites like marriage or funerals. A simple dinner party did not come under those conditions.

“Ah, here we are!” Xiangling’s exclamation drew him out of his reverie. Zhongli looked up at the establishment, transfixed on the decorations that lined the infrastructure. A carving of the Exuvia was placed at the entrance, enshrined around candles and a banner overhead which indicated that a special event was taking place inside Liuli Pavillion. It was not extravagant and if Zhongli was not aware that Hu Tao did not know his true identity, he would have thought nothing of the display.

As it stood, however, he could not help the hitch in his breath as he slowly started to realize the true meaning behind this ‘party’.

“Come on, Mr. Zhongli! I’m sure there’s some guests already here!”

Guoba bounced around him as Xiangling bolted inside the restaurant. Zhongli gently peered down at him, extending a hand as he bent over. The Stove God hummed in contentment as the Archon lightly patted his head.

“These children are truly amazing, aren’t they?”

Guoba cheered in agreement before he lifted his paw and placed it over Zhongli’s hand, gesturing towards the door with his other paw. 

“Lead the way, old friend.” Zhongli smiled, straightening back to his full height.

The interior of the restaurant was shining. The traditional furniture was draped in luxurious adornments. From the walls hung lanterns that bathed the room in a gentle subdued gold. The main hall was filled with tables of varying sizes - for three people, for four, some for two only - and in the middle of it all stood the Director of the Funeral Parlour, her hair swaying freely across her back. Her twin tails were gone and her formal work attire was also replaced with a hanfu.

“Ah, the guest of honour is here, everyone!” Xiangling declared beside him, and the excited chattering among the guests already present ceased momentarily. 

“You’re just on time! Everyone was starting to get a little overexcited.” Hu Tao smiled and around her, the gathering of people once again grew animated.

Zhongli did not get a chance to breathe as they each came to greet him personally. From Ms. Yun Jin to the other victims of the kidnapping cases, there was none who did not offer him their regards. Through it all, he had amassed an even more sizable collection of gifts, big and small, that he would somehow need to accommodate in his humble abode.

When he finally, finally, got the chance to sit down at a table, Venti slotted himself in the seat beside him. The other two chairs remained vacant as the other guests indulged in their food.

“So, do you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, yet?” The bard asked, gulping down on the tea. He was more sober than the afternoon, and he could not be any more grateful about wine being banned from this gathering.

“What prompted the Director to invite you?” Zhongli asked, clearly deflecting. He reached for the Jade Parcels strewn at the center of the table, filling his plate with meager pieces. He was not unused to the spotlight, as Morax. As Zhongli…he could not explain the agitation in his nerves.

“We hit it off well after Lantern Rite. Exchanged letters here and there. She truly has a free-spirited mind.” Venti went along with his change of topic, though his green eyes remained twinkling with mirth.

“It was to be expected, I suppose.” Zhongli merely commented as he took a bite of his food. His eyes raked across the hall, brimming with life. He could, for a moment, if he closed his eyes, imagine it was the Guili Plains all those years ago, decorated with lanterns and ornate statues. Under the center tower, on the long table, he could hear his companions. 

Cloud Retainer and Guizhong, bickering amongst themselves about the latest mechanical innovation their enemies had concocted. Streetward Rambler would watch them with a glint in her eyes, too inexperienced in that domain to join the conversation but wholly invested in the exchange.

Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper would keep mostly to themselves even then, running the latest gossip they could glean from mortal lips. Around them, the Yaksha would stand guard despite the constant urging for them to let themselves relax. Bosacious’ boisterous laughter would permeate the air as he lightened the mood for his siblings. And Xiao would remain seated in a corner, torn between joining the feast or conforming with Indarias’ strict instructions.

Perhaps, one day, he would look back on this memory, just one of countless gatherings, and remember the mortals he cherished and nourished treat him with genuine love, not simply because he was their god. Yes, that would be just as bittersweet.

Barbatos allowed him this moment of reflection, choosing to remain silent, yet his aura was ever-present, as certain as the wind blowing at the highest peaks of a mountain. And Zhongli knew, even at the end of the world, he would not be completely alone.

As the gathering exited its peak hour and the excitement started to die down, Zhongli strolled out to the balcony on the second floor of the restaurant. Hu Tao was already there, peering at the moon and the stars which twinkled in tandem.

“I wanted to thank you, Tao, for everything.”

She looked at him at the informal address, reserved specifically for moments like this. A smile formed on her lips as her hair swayed gently.

“It was the least I could do. Though, I hope I also made up for my failure as your boss in the first place,” she said. Zhongli furrowed his brows.

“What do you mean? You have been nothing but accommodating.”

“I failed to notice your mental well-being declining. Rather, I failed to act upon it with more grace. If I had not forced you to take an early leave, perhaps you would never have ended up outside the Harbour all alone…” She murmured, tightly gripping the railing.

“Director, that was no fault of your own. And even if you had been there, I cannot guarantee that I would have been able to protect you from the force which bested me.” Zhongli insisted. She merely closed her eyes, not fully agreeing to that statement.

“Regardless, the matter is resolved. I no longer feel that…weight and emptiness. I know it was a frightening experience, but it has made me realize some important things for which I would crumble into the earth itself to preserve.” 

“Aiya, no need to get so dramatic about it. I know you’re an actual old man now, but there is yet too much of this world left for you to see.” Hu Tao chuckled lightheartedly, her crimson eyes shining under the yellow light of the lanterns.

“Indeed…” Zhongli trailed off, “though speaking of old men, is there a specific reason as to why you invited that bard?” It was suspicious, to say the least. Pen pals or not, she would not have invited someone she supposedly knew was not close to Zhongli. 

Her little giggle followed by the upturn of her lips told him all he needed to know.

“I suppose you have another secret to keep,” he smiled. 

“You betcha. Don’t worry, I’ll reserve discounts and double coffins for my successors to peruse. Needless to say, you will not need to pay for our services.” She winked, turning to face him.

A warmth swelled in Zhongli’s heart, spurred forth from the swirling pool in his stomach. It permeated up to his face, manifesting as a sting in his eyes and a slight lump in his throat. Before he knew it, he was moving forward, slow enough to allow Hu Tao time to move back or halt him if she wished. She did not - no, there was a small smile on her lips as she stretched her arms out in time to encircle them around his taller frame.

Zhongli tucked her head into his chest, feeling wholly content. 

“Your grandfather would be proud of you, little Tao. Just as I am.”

Her fingers curled around the fabric of his suit and clenched. How long had it been since he had hugged her? Or initiated physical contact with anyone, really? A truly meaningful gesture that portrayed a sense of belonging and comfort? Perhaps that was what he had been lacking.

“You’re getting sentimental…” Hu Tao murmured, a slight hitch in her voice. Zhongli chuckled, a gentle hum slipping through.

“Then perhaps you will not mind telling me about the person who found me? I have been meaning to extend my gratitude, might as well capitalize on my new-found sentiment, no?” She huffed against him before pulling away. Her eyes glanced to the street below in hesitation before she inhaled, making up her mind.

“Very well. Since you insist.”

－O－－O－－O－

Yanshang Teahouse had transformed greatly over the past two years. 

Initially, it was a hub for the filthy rich to gather and mingle in - a depraved alternative for those who did not wish to venture into the sea for the luxurious offerings at the Pearl Galley. Zhongli had consciously steered clear of it, knowing he would not have been able to hold himself back from interfering. 

He had granted his people freedom to manage their business as they pleased even before he decided to step down as Rex Lapis, after all, and going back on his promise to himself was unacceptable, regardless of the reasons. 

So, when the owner was ousted thanks to the mountain of debt he owed to the Northland Bank, Zhongli was all too content to watch the establishment change ownership. It fell into the hands of a young woman named Yelan - a Hydro allogene employed by the Qixing as an agent.

Zhongli was aware of every one of his people - their struggles and their triumphs - and he was aware of the hardship she faced to reach where she was today. One who trained from day to night and back into the day again was sure to be recognized by the divine, and a Hydro vision suited her as well as the fins of an Oceanid against the currents of a body of water.

A guard stood at the door, ostensibly a Millelith, but the trained eye could spot the fabrication in the uniform. The man held his head up, unmoving as Zhongli moved towards the front door. There was certainly a protocol that demanded the guard to ask anyone to state their business and yet, even as he twisted the door knob, the man remained silent.

Zhongli did not know what to expect from the interior, but the dim lighting and relaxed ambience was natural for a hub of intel exchange and gathering. No one even looked up from their business as he walked over to the reception desk.

He recognized the hostess, Chuyi, and she maintained her passive expression as he made his way over.

“How may I help you, Mr. Zhongli?” She asked.

“If it’s possible, I would like to see Ms. Yelan. Of course, I understand if she is unwilling to-”

“Please, head to the third floor. She should be in her office.” He blinked dumbly with his mouth slightly agape for a moment. Then, he composed himself, nodded graciously, and moved towards the simple staircase with hurried steps.

He did not glance up from the ground, choosing to remain oblivious to the happenings in this place, choosing to remain ignorant of the faces that frequented here. When he reached the end of the steps to the fourth floor, he was greeted by a singular room, the door adorned with an elegant orchid painted with refined brushstrokes. 

Zhongli deliberated for only a moment before he knocked two times.

“Come in.” The voice drawled, clearly belonging to someone bored with their work. He gently pushed the door open and felt an aura that caused him to pause. His amber eyes were unfocused as they landed on the dark hair of the woman, her bangs falling over her eyes as she looked at the paperwork in her hands.

Of course.

Fate had not been cruel to him twice. But she was a fickle mistress. The familiar, harmless, energy surged through into his senses, the exact same one as last night after he had shared a vulnerable moment witness only to a lone flower in the tender breeze.

His lapse of surprise lasted for mere moments, and he recovered quickly as he invited himself in. It was only when the door closed that she put down the paper on her desk. Her viridescent irises were subdued, but there was no shock in them.

“You came…” she spoke softly, rising to her feet, lips pursed. 

“You were expecting me,” Zhongli said simply, striding towards the desk. “Please, there is no need to stand.”

Yelan watched him carefully, her piercing gaze repressed by her respect. When he stopped at the guest chair, she nodded and gestured for him to sit. Only when he was settled did she re-occupy her seat.

“I apologize for intruding at your workplace, I simply could not leave my gratitude unsaid.” Zhongli recalled the final moments before unconsciousness took over. He had not been able to see the face, but he could clearly correlate her bangs to the dark hair he remembered swaying in the wind.

“There is no need, Re- Mr. Zhongli. I was only doing my job.” Despite her words, she could not mask the discomfort in her body. Not to him, at least. What most people could not see, he could. The barest flick of her hair, the fraction of movement from her shoulders indicating tension, and the constant motion of her wrists beneath the desk as they fiddled with the dice was as clear to him as the morning dew.

“Still, it is common courtesy. I only regret it took me so long. Director Hu would not tell me when I asked,” he huffed, trying to lift the mood up.

“She was very adamant that I come to you instead. Even Lady Ningguang would not stop trying to persuade me. Unfortunately, I am not suited for such matters, and I deeply apologize for causing you the trouble.” She cordially responded, her mask unshakeable.

“Trying to goad one out of their zone is a common trait among friends.” Zhongli smiled, his gaze falling to the table. “I have been on both the receiving and the giving side.”

Yelan shifted, still agitated. Perhaps he really should not have come directly to her place of work.

“I understand you have an acquaintance with Xiao.” She nodded gravely, and he knew from her pursed lips she understood what end of the talk the Yaksha had been on.

“You saved him from the subspace back then.” She stated, green looking into amber. “I will not lie, his suicidal self was almost too much for me.”

Zhongli hummed in agreement. “That was part of the reason why I kept a close eye on the situation. Despite all our years, he still believes he is not owed protection or support. That is a point of deep regret for me.” 

“It’s not your fault, I think,” Yelan offered, “that’s just how some people defend themselves. They…just can’t help it.”

“Indeed…perhaps we should open mental wellness programs specifically for adepti, though I am not sure who would be qualified to serve as therapists.”

Zhongli was pondering over the thought but he did not miss the faint flickers of a smile that graced her features. “I think the Conqueror of Demons would rather leave for Mondstadt and get drunk.” She commented.

“Probably.” Zhongli smiled, pleased at having broken the ice.

They fell silent, allowing the lightened mood to settle over the room. He wracked his mind for something to say; perhaps address last night’s event? No, he was not sure if Yelan had actually heard anything or not.

“May I speak freely, Mr. Zhongli?” She suddenly asked. The consultant nodded, curiosity overtaking him.

“I assume you know it was me who came across you last night.” Zhongli nodded with a small smile. “I apologize, but I did happen to overhear some of your words.”

“That is not a concern, since you were already aware of my identity.” He clarified.

“That is good to know, but I could not help but think over your thoughts. About us, the people, maturing collectively as a civilization. I am happy to know you feel that way about us.” Yelan crossed her arms, maintaining her poise, but she was clearly not used to discussing such personal feelings openly, especially not to someone like him.

“I am grateful that you see us as your children, it is the highest honour we could have. Thank you for all that you have done for us. And we will do our utmost to return a favour that cannot possibly be repaid.”

She remained stone-faced, yet her voice was like the water she commanded, thick with emotion and rippling with a suppressed outburst. Indeed, her words were like the ringing of a bell, striking right inside his core where the Geo Gnosis rested for millenia. It rattled him like the hammer of a blacksmith against a rough blade, grounding out the metal into refined, ordered shape.

“I…” Words failed Zhongli, the lump in his throat rendering him speechless. He grabbed onto his knees, trying to compose himself. “I could not ask for a better outcome,” he finally managed.

“But there is no favour to repay. I would move mountains and reshape the lands for all eternity should it guarantee you a future. That is all that matters to me.”

For that was what the love of a god for his people entailed. Just as they worshipped and prayed to him for blessings, he devoted all he had to them. Devoted every action and decision to their well-being. What was his purpose, other than to serve the mortals that captivated many an immortal? Whose spirit and ambition reached the heavens themselves?

For Zhongli, there was no contract more dear to him than the contract he made to protect this safe harbour, to cleanse their land of corruption, and ensure they secured a prosperous future for not only themselves but for the generations to come as well.

And he would continue this devotion, until the seas flowed back to the heavens and the ground crumbled and gave way to the abyss.