"Her name is Guizhong, and yours is Zhongli. Doesn't that explain everything?"
Rowan wore the kind of expression that said, If you two don't have something going on, then ghosts exist.
Otherwise, what was up with those names?
Wasn't that the most stereotypical couple-name setup ever?
And with all the analysis Rowan had seen online in his past life, he was even more certain these two had secrets.
How could it be that coincidental?
Plus, the name Guili Plains—no matter how you looked at it, Zhongli and Guizhong definitely had something going on.
Zhongli let out a sigh and explained helplessly.
"There really isn't anything like that."
"This name was actually chosen by Guizhong. At first, I didn't agree to it—precisely because I feared misunderstandings like this."
"And back then, many old friends also thought the two of us were a perfect match. I never dared to use that name."
Zhongli paused, then continued.
"Only after she died in battle at Guili Plains did I take this name in incarnation, to commemorate her."
"In truth, I have always seen Guizhong as a younger sister."
"I have no feelings for her beyond that. Don't misunderstand."
Zhongli wasn't making excuses.
Maybe Guizhong had feelings for Zhongli—maybe she hoped to be with him.
But Zhongli never had that kind of thought.
To him, she was simply a younger sister.
That was also why he could always unseal the Dust of Purification Lock whenever he wanted.
It wasn't that he couldn't.
He just didn't want to.
Was he really unable to solve it?
What a joke.
Who was he?
He was the all-knowing Geo Archon.
A mere Dust of Purification Lock could never stop him.
He simply refused to open it.
"Uh… really nothing?"
Rowan blinked, thrown off.
Wasn't the story supposed to be that Zhongli and Guizhong were mutually in love?
That Guizhong's death was why Zhongli slaughtered all the surrounding gods around Liyue?
Even the ones just passing through got slapped.
And only Osial was lucky enough to escape—only getting sealed.
So how did it turn into this, from the actual person's mouth?
No romance at all.
Just "siblings."
"I'd gain what, by lying to you?" Zhongli asked.
"…Fair point."
"Forget it, I was just joking."
"I'll revive the adepti and Guizhong for you for free. But in exchange, when Lumine and I go traveling—if Mondstadt runs into trouble, you help watch over it."
"That drunkard's reliability? You know it better than I do. Relying on him is worse than relying on the Fatui to suddenly become vegetarians."
Once Rowan confirmed what Zhongli and Guizhong's relationship really was, he couldn't be bothered to argue further.
As for Zhongli saying he'd "give Guizhong to him," Rowan didn't believe a single word.
At best, Zhongli would help connect them.
Actually "giving" her to him?
No chance. It was obviously just a joke.
And even if Zhongli really tried something like that, Rowan wouldn't accept it.
Guizhong wasn't an object—she was a person, with every right to choose her own future.
So it was better to have Zhongli keep an eye on Mondstadt instead.
Especially once Mondstadt was fully on track, Rowan would set off on a journey with Lumine.
And at that time, someone would need to watch things.
A trace of speechlessness flashed across Zhongli's face.
So he finally put down the burden of Liyue… and now he had to pick up Mondstadt?
What level of workhorse was he, that he had to help with everything?
Fortunately, by then, neither Liyue nor Mondstadt would need him to constantly worry.
He'd only have to lend a hand on major matters.
And maybe he wouldn't even need to do that—Rowan would return quickly if something big happened.
He would simply be watching over things.
"…Alright."
"Then, with this contract established…"
Zhongli nodded and spoke the most classic line.
"Those who break it shall suffer the wrath of the rock!"
Rowan completed the sentence for him.
The two exchanged a smile.
After a brief bit of small talk, Zhongli greeted the revived Bonanus, then left Wangshu Inn.
"How does your body feel, Bonanus?"
Rowan was quite interested in the revived Bonanus.
After all, this was his first time summoning a Heroic Spirit.
He needed to collect some data.
So the next time he summoned one, he could be more practiced.
"Uh… it's fine."
"Compared to before, I feel much lighter… and a lot stronger."
Bonanus tested her condition and spoke with faint surprise.
Which was normal.
The Bonanus revived now was her complete self.
No karmic debt clinging to her, no erosion, no wear.
Her combat strength naturally soared—she was not inferior to Xiao at all.
And with Rowan's magical energy reinforcement on top, Xiao didn't even look that impressive anymore.
"That's good."
"Oh, right—Xiao. Take this."
With Rowan's support, Bonanus could deal with monsters tainted by fallen gods' resentment in the future without being tainted by karmic debt again.
But Xiao was different.
And with the thick karmic aura clinging to him, Rowan directly took out Avalon.
"This is…?"
Xiao accepted Avalon with confusion, then looked at Rowan in shock.
"This scabbard can eliminate erosion and karmic debt?"
"Exactly."
"Take it. I know your deeds very well—and I respect them."
"Consider this a reward for everything you've done all these years."
Xiao shook his head and returned Avalon without hesitation.
"This is too precious. I can't accept it."
Even though Xiao understood clearly that with this, he would no longer fear karmic debt—he could come and go from Liyue Harbor freely.
His range for cleansing the land wouldn't have to be limited to Guili Plains anymore.
But he also knew a divine artifact like this was not something a yaksha should possess.
If the Geo Archon bestowed it, maybe he would accept.
But from Rowan?
He truly didn't dare.
Rowan had just revived Bonanus for him, and now he was handing him an artifact like this—no matter what, Xiao couldn't accept it.
All things had a price.
Xiao knew that better than anyone.
"Then let's make a deal."
Rowan understood what Xiao was thinking, so he leaned close and whispered quietly by Xiao's ear.
"You take it—and later, when you're with Bonanus and Indarias, put in a few good words for me, okay?"
"Uh… alright…"
(End of Chapter)
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