"When I made the decision to abdicate, I stopped clinging to Liyue.
I thought I would feel a sense of emptiness—but I didn't.
I know Liyue will only grow stronger and more prosperous, so I have no worries."
"I began to think about myself. How I should cultivate from now on, how I should enjoy life.
This feeling is new to me… but it makes me feel as though the vitality within me is stirring once more."
Though Zhongli's face remained as solemn as ever, anyone could hear the lightness in his voice.
"I want to formally become the Head of Dragonhead Peak, because that is my own wish.
I want to follow Mount Shu, to witness the great worlds, to see what those true immortals of the Immortal Realm are like.
I want to resurrect my old friends, so they can see what Liyue has become, and then cultivate alongside us—so that the long years ahead will not be too lonely.
I want to continue cultivating. When my strength allows, I'll take on disciples and contribute to Mount Shu—that is the way I'll repay the Sect Master and the sect.
And as for the present…"
Zhongli paused, his gaze suddenly turning cold.
"I want to break through to the peak of Spirit Transformation as soon as possible—and avenge my senior brother."
"All these thoughts are urging me to sever my ties with Liyue quickly.
In the future, I may become Liyue's burden—and Liyue would, in turn, hinder my cultivation.
Since Liyue no longer needs me, let us each fulfill our own paths."
He let out a long sigh. The reluctance in his heart was gone, leaving only firm resolve.
He straightened his posture and said with grave seriousness:
"So this meeting is not for discussion, but for notification.
Three days from now, at the Rite of Descension, I will formally announce my abdication.
From that moment, Liyue will enter the era of a land without a god."
"I understand that the aftermath may leave you busier than before.
Most importantly, it might even cut into your cultivation time.
Especially with the Great Nine Nether Secret Realm Expedition beginning in one month—you all need to prepare.
My sudden abdication may throw you into some disorder.
But… allow me, this once, to act willfully.
Six thousand years… surely I have fulfilled my duty?"
The chamber fell silent. After a long while, Ningguang took a deep breath, then smiled radiantly.
"Of course, Emperor. You are the most perfect of gods. Your duty has ended. From now on, please live for yourself.
As for Liyue—rest assured. You will only see her grow more prosperous and stronger. One day, we will even leave Teyvat and follow Mount Shu across the heavens."
Zhongli fixed his eyes on her, then slowly nodded.
"As Zhongli… thank you."
He knew well the enormity of the impact his abdication would have.
With the Rock God gone—and gone forever—the revision of laws alone would take ages.
Not to mention the reforms and abolitions that would follow.
It was a monumental task, one that required the Qixing's oversight.
But he had no choice.
One month later, the Great Nine Nether Secret Realm Expedition would begin.
He would be going in—for vengeance against the Greenwind OX.
Gaining the strength to do so in a single month was impossible through ordinary means.
The only path lay within the Demon-Sealing Tower.
Zhongli had already spoken with Jiang Yan about it.
But the Demon-Sealing Tower was unimaginably perilous. Even he was not certain he could emerge alive.
Rather than vanish suddenly, leaving the people of Liyue bewildered, it was better to announce it openly: the Morax had stepped down of his own accord.
Besides… he truly was weary.
"So, our focus now should be the specific arrangements for the Rite of Descension three days hence."
Keqing seized the chance to steer the conversation. Zhongli's words of gratitude had left everyone feeling awkward.
In Liyue, he was the Rock God. In Mount Shu, the Head of Dragonhead Peak.
Hearing him thank them sincerely felt strange indeed.
"The ceremony can proceed as we planned before," Ningguang said smoothly.
"Preparations for the Rite were already complete. We only delayed the Opening Ceremony of the Mountain.
We'll use the arrangements already in place. The only difference is that, during the Rite, the Emperor will announce his abdication."
"Emperor, you'll need to prepare a speech."
The words had scarcely left her lips when Zhongli coughed lightly, looking somewhat awkward.
"Could I trouble you all with that?"
"..."
So you quit your post, and now you expect us to write your resignation speech?
How free-spirited could you be?
Ningguang sighed inwardly, then nodded with resignation.
"Very well. Baiwen, see to it that the draft is ready within three days."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
Yelan, who had been silent, spoke up:
"As for the political upheaval after the Emperor's abdication, the Qixing should begin preparing now."
Uncle Tian—his face somewhat restored to the prime of youth—nodded deeply.
"The Ministry of Civil Affairs must expand. And as for Yuehai Pavilion, with Ganyu on the verge of her breakthrough… given her talent, and with the Sect Master's…"
"Cough." Zhongli cleared his throat sharply.
"Do not speak of the Sect Master's private matters."
Uncle Tian nodded quickly.
"My point is, Ganyu is an important pillar of Liyue's cultivation world. She must focus on that path.
The expansion of Yuehai Pavilion is inevitable. Spending a little extra mora is a small matter.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs as well… in fact, we ourselves should prepare to appoint successors."
Hearing this, Yaoguang chuckled and shook her head.
"Uncle Tian, seeing the Emperor retire, you're itching to step down and focus on cultivation too, aren't you?"
He laughed it off.
"Indulge me. I'm an old man after all."
"Old man? With your current appearance, no one would say that. Besides, you're at the early stage of Refining Essence into Qi. You'll live for centuries yet."
Ningguang covered her lips with a laugh, teasing him gently before turning serious again.
"That said, you have indeed served long enough. Choosing a successor is reasonable.
And since we are all cultivators now, with long lifespans, a lifelong term for the Qixing is no longer suitable.
We should set a fixed term.
First, to prevent consecutive reigns from sending Liyue astray. Second, for us and for Liyue, powerful cultivators will be the true foundation in the turbulent era ahead.
Cultivation must come first."
The other Qixing nodded in agreement. With endless years ahead, none of them wished to be bound to office forever.
A cultivator who doesn't wish to ascend is no true disciple of Mount Shu.
Keqing thought for a moment, then added:
"As for the legal reforms after the abdication, we can call on Yanfei. That's her expertise.
And the matter of Qixing term limits—she should attend the meeting too."
Kaixuan Star, brimming with martial vigor, clenched her fist.
"You're all missing the point! Shouldn't we be thinking about showing our strength after the Emperor's abdication?"
"Showing strength? To whom?"
Beidou chuckled, shaking her head with pride.
"Liyue has the most cultivators in Teyvat, is closest with Mount Shu, our economy is flourishing, martial arts thriving.
We're already the strongest nation on Teyvat.
Besides, the Emperor is only abdicating, not abandoning Liyue altogether.
Our relations with Mondstadt are excellent. Sumeru and Fontaine know our true strength and won't make any moves.
As for Snezhnaya—the Cryo Archon herself is in Liyue Harbor. She knows our foundations clearly.
That leaves Inazuma, where cultivation hasn't even taken root. They're no threat.
So tell me—who exactly would we be showing strength to?"
Kaixuan grinned, waving her hand.
"Captain Beidou, you're wrong there. Who says Teyvat only has seven nations? What about the Abyss Order?"
At that, Lumine's eyes flickered, a faint unease surfacing.
"So, what is Kaixuan Star suggesting?"
Cloud Retainer asked with curiosity.
Kaixuan's eyes sharpened, her fist tightening.
"I say we hold a grand military parade! Let all of Teyvat witness Liyue's strength.
Even without the Emperor, we are the mightiest nation on this continent.
Let any who think his abdication gives them room to stir up trouble first ask themselves if they can bear the price of angering us!"
The group exchanged glances, then nodded in agreement. Kaixuan had a point.
As their discussion carried on, Zhongli set down his teacup and spoke.
"These matters are secondary. You can settle them among yourselves.
What matters most is this: I have spoken with the Sect Master. At the Rite of Descension, when I abdicate, he may come down from Mount Shu.
This would be the first time in ages he has left the sect.
The ceremony must be flawless.
To disgrace ourselves before the Sect Master would be unforgivable."
Ningguang smiled lightly, replying with confidence:
"Rest assured, Emperor. Liyue will surely give the Sect Master the welcome he deserves."
Zhongli inclined his head slightly.
"Not only the Sect Master. If he comes to Liyue, then surely all Mount Shu disciples will gather here as well.
This final Rite of Descension will be a grand event.
Liyue must be ready both to host them and to guard against saboteurs.
Moreover, you should take this chance to connect with the wandering outer disciples. Bring as many as possible into Liyue's fold.
In the era to come, we will need every cultivator we can muster for Liyue to thrive."
Ningguang nodded in full agreement. Such an opportunity she would not let slip.
Though no number of outer disciples could compare to the twin prodigies—Lumine and Paimon.
But cultivators… who would ever complain of too many?
Zhongli placed his teacup down and rose.
"Since the time is set, the rest is up to you.
Once you've reached a decision, inform me via disciple token.
For now, I must return to Mount Shu to report to the Sect Master."
Everyone nodded, watching him depart. But as he passed Lumine, Zhongli suddenly turned to her.
"Lumine, come along. I believe you have some private matters for me."
Lumine stuck out her tongue, not the least surprised.
"Knew I couldn't hide it from you, First Seat Zhongli…"
Zhongli shook his head.
"Just coincidence. You lingered outside earlier, so I extended my divine sense.
But I did not eavesdrop. You needn't worry."
"I never suspected you would," Lumine said, rising to follow him.
Ningguang and the others paid no mind to this so-called private matter.
What mattered most was the Rite of Descension three days later.
With Jiang Yan attending in person, they could not afford to falter.
Meanwhile, Zhongli, Lumine, and Paimon did not head back to Mount Shu.
Instead, they descended quietly into Liyue Harbor.
Puzzled, Lumine asked:
"First Seat Zhongli, aren't we returning to Mount Shu?"
"Yes." He nodded, then added mysteriously:
"But before that, there is one other place we must visit."
"Where?"
"The Northland Bank…"
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