The Cryo Archon had been spacing out until Rosalyne gave her a gentle nudge, snapping her back to reality.
She drew in a deep breath, staring at Zhongli with an expression that screamed You must be joking.
"You want me… to release Osial in front of the Sect Master of Mount Shu?"
"And Beisht as well."
"..."
Her gaze grew complicated. This so-called request…
Wasn't Zhongli basically asking her to die?
"Zhongli, I don't recall ever offending you."
"Why do you say that?" Zhongli looked puzzled.
Annoyed, she snapped:
"If it were under different circumstances, I wouldn't mind helping you release Osial and Beisht. But in front of the Sect Master of Mount Shu? Aren't you afraid he'll strike me down on the spot?"
Zhongli shook his head.
"Not you. Your two Harbingers will do it."
The Cryo Archon exhaled in relief. But Rosalyne and Arlecchino froze.
Then panic set in.
This task… was a death sentence!
The Sect Master of Mount Shu rarely stepped beyond his mountain. And here they were, supposed to unleash a demon god in his presence? That was practically slapping him in the face.
Slap the face of a peak Returning-to-Void cultivator, and would they even have ashes left afterward?
Even if Jiang Yan was magnanimous, they could forget about joining Mount Shu after that.
This was suicide.
"Your Majesty, Lord Zhongli… I… I don't dare." Rosalyne, normally so proud, looked pitifully at the Cryo Archon.
Zhongli's eyes brightened with realization.
"So that's your concern. Don't worry—I'll inform the Sect Master in advance. He won't hold it against you."
At that, the two Harbingers relaxed a little.
But soon, another worry hit them—Liyue's vast number of cultivators and martial artists.
"But… what about all the others watching?"
"Rest assured, I'll protect you," Zhongli said.
"And afterwards, I'll explain personally. Everyone will know it was my order, not yours."
Only then did the Cryo Archon and her people truly breathe easier.
"Still," she pressed, "why do this now, especially with the Sect Master present? His arrival will draw every cultivator's eyes to Liyue. Isn't releasing a demon god at such a time…"
Her voice trailed off. Realization struck. She looked at Zhongli in surprise.
"You mean to… show Teyvat Liyue's strength?"
Finally, it made sense.
With Zhongli abdicating, some forces would surely grow restless.
By unveiling Osial, Liyue could demonstrate its might—remind the world that even without the Geo Archon, it was untouchable.
As for Osial's defeat? That was no concern.
The cultivators aboard the Jade Chamber were more than capable.
Even Lumine, sitting there eating in silence, could probably carve him apart.
After all, Osial might once have been a mighty god, but he had been sealed for so long. How much strength remained? Who knew.
Liyue had plenty of mid-stage Refining Void and Unity cultivators.
A heap of late-stage ones too.
Rumor even said two were preparing for tribulation.
And Ganyu—close to Jiang Yan, plus her own Refining Void and Unity spirit beast…
With that lineup, even the Cryo Archon herself wouldn't last long under such a righteous beating.
Zhongli inclined his head.
"Yes, that's part of it. But more importantly, I must show the Sect Master Liyue's foundation.
As the first nation to contact Mount Shu, Liyue has advantages. But that doesn't mean we can be complacent."
"I've studied the cultivation world's histories. Mortal kingdoms only survive by attaching themselves to great sects.
With spiritual energy resurging, no one can predict Teyvat's future.
I must ensure Liyue proves its worth—enough to enter the Sect Master's eye, and become Mount Shu's first true vassal state."
"Then, in the ages ahead, perhaps Liyue can ride Mount Shu's shadow beyond Teyvat itself… into the vast Myriad Worlds."
He spoke with complete frankness, laying bare his intentions.
The Cryo Archon couldn't help but feel envious.
To be first in contact with Mount Shu—that was an advantage beyond price.
Zhongli added, "And of course, there's Osial himself.
Once I abdicate, he and Beisht will act. If we wait, we'll lose initiative.
"True, even if they strike, Liyue can kill them. But what if it happens while our cultivators are away? The sudden destruction would be costly.
"Better I set it off now, while everyone is gathered. Resolve the crisis once and for all.
And let the people see: even without Morax, Liyue still has the strength to protect them."
His gaze grew pointed.
"Besides… how can one sleep soundly with others snoring at the bedside?"
He looked deliberately at the Cryo Archon and her Harbingers.
She understood.
Zhongli knew of her ambitions. He knew what the Fatui were doing.
But he was drawing a line: do not harm Liyue.
The Cryo Archon gave a bitter smile.
"Yes… the Fatui have grown unruly. That's my failing. I'll rein them in."
Rosalyne opened her mouth, wanting to protest that most of the mess was caused by the Jester and the Doctor.
But a glance from the Archon silenced her.
Zhongli didn't care who did it. They were her Harbingers.
If she couldn't control them, that was her problem.
He didn't want excuses. He wanted solutions.
If they couldn't step down with dignity, he'd force it on them.
She knew his character all too well.
"The Fatui will withdraw from Liyue as soon as possible," she promised.
"Northland Bank will act with restraint. And I'll warn Pantalone to cease his foolish schemes."
Only then did Zhongli nod.
"I'm not unreasonable. I know your faction is divided, and the Jester and the Doctor aren't easily handled.
But it all stems from your indulgence. Especially Pantalone.
"Fix it. You don't need to pull everyone out of Liyue—these times are perilous, and I'd hate to see you fall behind.
But those who remain must obey.
"If you cannot manage, then when Tartaglia reaches the late Essence-Refining stage, let him do it for you."
Tartaglia grinned, nodding.
"Just a Jester and a Doctor? Once I break through, they'll be nothing."
The Cryo Archon relaxed at last.
"Very well. Then Rosalyne and Arlecchino will handle Osial's release."
Zhongli raised a hand, true essence flowing as a golden talisman formed.
"When the time comes, activate this at the right moment. Osial's seal will break, and Beisht will follow.
After that, it's no longer your concern.
And I'll explain to the others. Snezhnaya will not be shamed."
With his assurance, they accepted, storing the talisman carefully.
"Then that's settled. I'll return to Mount Shu now."
He rose, Lumine pulling along a stuffed and satisfied Paimon.
The Cryo Archon glanced at the table—already cleared bare.
All the beast meat was gone. Straight into Paimon's belly.
…This girl really could eat.
Tartaglia scratched his cheek.
"First Seat Zhongli, should I return to Mount Shu with you?"
"No. I only need to report to the Sect Master."
Zhongli walked out. The Cryo Archon and her people escorted him to the door, then returned deep in thought.
Yes, the task was simple: unleash Osial.
But when exactly? With the Sect Master and countless cultivators present, timing would be delicate.
One wrong move, and they might be struck down before Zhongli explained.
Truthfully, this was work best suited to Tartaglia.
But as Mount Shu's disciple now, it was better not to risk his reputation.
Meanwhile, Paimon cast a simple concealment spell over the trio, and they strolled leisurely out of Liyue Harbor.
Outside the city, Zhongli glanced toward a nearby clearing before withdrawing his gaze.
"If you have something to say, make it quick. I must return to Mount Shu soon."
Lumine grinned sheepishly.
"Knew I couldn't hide it from you, First Seat Zhongli. It's… Aether. He found me and asked me to trade for some martial arts techniques."
Zhongli nodded, producing a jade slip.
Lumine handed over a pouch of a hundred low-grade spirit stones.
"Be cautious," Zhongli reminded.
"Beast-path martial arts are powerful, but too destructive. They lean toward slaughter.
Warn him—keep his men disciplined. If they sink into demonic killing, Mount Shu will not stand idly by."
Lumine's heart tightened. She nodded solemnly.
Zhongli mounted his flying sword, heading for Jueyun Karst.
Though the disciples' tokens allowed teleportation, most avoided it unless in great haste.
Sword-flight across Mount Shu's vast lands, passing its majestic gates—
That too was a form of cultivation.
Lumine watched him disappear, sighing softly.
Then her figure blurred, and she reappeared at Aether's hiding spot.
"You can come out. Zhongli's gone."
The air rippled. Aether stepped from the void, face grim.
"You heard him, didn't you? Keep your beast martial arts under control. If not, there'll be trouble."
She handed him the jade slip.
"All the techniques are inside. Place it on your forehead to inherit them. What you do next is up to you."
"I understand." Aether nodded firmly.
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