Zhongli's voice suddenly sounded from behind the three of them, startling them.
Good grief, are you a ghost? How can you walk without making a sound? These mountain paths were covered in small stones. Being able to walk without sound was truly impressive.
What did this feel like? It was like playing with your phone in class, and the teacher tiptoes over, just watching you with a kind smile...
"My Lord!" The three of them bowed their heads slightly. Having such an embarrassing incident happen in front of Rex Lapis was mortifying.
"Bonanus, I have a general understanding of your situation. I know you are still concealing many unknown matters, but I understand you have your reasons."
Zhongli stood with his hands clasped behind his back, quietly regarding this former subordinate who had once fought alongside him.
To say there was no sentiment would be false. That Archon War had cost him many brothers and sisters, many comrades-in-arms, and his people.
Even his beloved.
It was just a pity. Back then, he never responded to that person's feelings. It was only after her death that Morax learned what true pain was.
Now, with old friends returning, this was perhaps the only thing that had brought him a pleasant surprise in recent years.
Therefore, no matter what happened, Zhongli would do his utmost to help. Moreover, these were his former subordinates, now the protectors of Liyue once more.
Zhongli may seem indifferent to everything, but his heart was quite rich with feeling. Sometimes, he truly envied Xiao.
After all, Xiao could reunite with his family, while he himself silently shouldered everything alone. But as a leader, over these 6000 years, he had long learned forbearance.
Even erosion, he would endure it steadily.
Shaking his head, Zhongli let out a soft sigh and continued.
"I will assist you in facing the unknown together, even if it is a deity from another world."
The meaning behind Zhongli's words was that if they needed help, they could freely come to him, even for things beyond his own knowledge.
"Yes, my Lord!" Xiao and Bosacius knelt on one knee, speaking with reverence.
Bonanus, standing to the side, merely tilted her head. She slowly got to her feet, seemingly pondering something. After a moment, she suddenly spoke.
"My Lord, there are many things I wish to discuss with you privately. Might you have the time?"
All three looked at Bonanus. The eyes of the other two Yakshas held confusion. They narrowed their eyes, making Bonanus feel somewhat creeped out, goosebumps rising.
She could clearly read the meaning in their eyes: "You still have things you haven't told us?"
Zhongli, however, was different. He simply gave a slight nod and said calmly.
"Tomorrow is the Lantern Rite. You may seek me out then."
"Thank you for your consent, my Lord. Where shall the location be?"
"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. If I have nothing else to do, I am usually there." Zhongli stroked his chin thoughtfully as he said this.
"However, there is a young lady there whom I find... challenging to handle. If she tries to promote certain products to you later, you may simply disregard it."
"Understood..." Bonanus nodded slightly. She probably knew who that little girl was.
It must be Hu Tao! The 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Liyue, an important figure overseeing Liyue's funeral rites!
Besides that, she's also a fantastical, self-proclaimed poet, with many of her "masterpieces" passed around by word of mouth among Liyue's people.
Hu Tao calls herself a "back-alley approach dark humor poet." Whenever she strolls the streets, her improvised verses flow out uncontrollably.
With a personality like Zhongli's, such a girl would indeed be hard for him to deal with. Even Xiao sometimes found her liveliness quite the headache.
"Enough. No need for further words. Follow me to Liyue." After saying this, Zhongli slowly walked past the three of them.
But he had only taken a few steps when he was interrupted by the questioning voice of a youth—Xiao.
"My Lord!"
"My Lord, for us adepti Yakshas to enter Liyue Harbor might be... improper."
Xiao frowned slightly, speaking with some uncertainty. Centuries ago, during the wartime period, the Yaksha race generally would not approach humans unless absolutely necessary.
Because they were shrouded in Karmic Debt all over. If they were accidentally injured and released this Karmic Debt, mortals would surely suffer.
Another reason Yakshas avoided crowds was to prevent harming innocents if they were to go mad.
Hearing this, Bosacius also nodded slightly. That was indeed true. He vaguely remembered how, back then, he had lost part of his memories due to Karmic Debt.
Afflicted by that debt, he had chosen to leave human settlements, roaming and fighting with his fragmented memories.
"That was centuries ago. The world is largely at peace now. You need not concern yourselves with such matters."
"Moreover, if I allow you to approach the people, naturally I also have means to deal with any potential... incidents."
Zhongli stated plainly. His eyes showed no change, as if he were speaking of something very simple.
Despite millennia of erosion, the power of the Lord of Geo remained formidable.
At the very least, strong enough to punch several 'Ehe' troublemakers in one go!
"Yes, my Lord." Xiao lowered his head slightly and said no more. He followed his Lord's words unconditionally.
"Hmm, follow me then." Zhongli gave a slight nod and began walking slowly forward, the other three following behind him.
"Bringing you back to Liyue this time can also be considered letting the younger generation see the protectors of the past."
"My Lord, what is the attitude of the mortals in Liyue Harbor towards adepti now?"
Bosacius voiced another question. From ancient times until now, aside from helping rebuild Liyue centuries ago, this was the first time they were openly approaching mortals like this.
"As protectors. Though there are also many who do not revere the gods."
Zhongli said mildly. Among the people, the Yuheng Star was the most irreverent towards gods among the current Qixing.
Although mortals still require the protection of adepti, one must not underestimate the people of Liyue!
Because the era of relying solely on adepti and divine protection is nearing its end.
Now, the Liyue Qixing are preparing to lead Liyue Harbor into an era of human governance.
Among them, the Tianquan Star was the most obvious example. After all, that woman was constantly researching new weapons to use against gods and monsters.
And her authority and wealth were more than sufficient for such research. Zhongli was now considering whether he could retire.
"There is a long-established restaurant in Liyue called 'Wanmin Restaurant.' Its food has a unique style. Since you two have just returned and I happen to have some free time, I shall take you to see it."
"Yes!" The three Vigilant Yakshas replied in unison once more.
"There is no need to use such a superior-subordinate tone. We were comrades who fought side by side, after all. And now, I am in the guise of a mortal." Zhongli reminded them.
Hearing this, the three nodded, but they still felt basic respect was necessary.
"Oh, and later, I plan to have some tea at the storyteller's place. The three of you shall accompany me."
Just as expected! Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao appears. But Bonanus felt something was a bit off.
Wasn't Zhongli currently in his mortal phase, living among the people in Liyue? Wasn't strolling around with three adepti a bit too... conspicuous?
Wasn't he afraid of his identity being exposed?
But as for what the Lord of Geo was thinking now, Bonanus couldn't figure it out even if she racked her brains. She could only take one step at a time.
"Hey, big brother, have you ever lived among humans before?" Bonanus gently grabbed Bosacius's forearm, asking curiously.
"No. We were constantly fighting outside, never experiencing mortal life." Bosacius shook his head. He wasn't very familiar with the ways of the human world either.
"But Alatus must know quite well! After all, you've been protecting Liyue Harbor for so many years."
Hearing this, Xiao merely shook his head slightly. He generally did not approach humans, except to exorcise evil and save people, or if someone called his name.
Of course, sometimes he encountered a few idle people who called his name for no reason. Xiao would only issue a verbal warning for such pointless matters before leaving.
"No. I am usually at Wangshu Inn in Dihua Marsh."
(Dihua Marsh is a core northern region of Liyue. Its design direction is "fantasy based on real scenery," embodying a uniquely Eastern fantasy aesthetic.
In the distance beyond the sea of flowers, faint stone peaks and forests can be seen, defining Dihua Marsh's specific character as: impressionistic and free-spirited.)
"Is that so? How intriguing!" Bosacius rubbed the back of his head, looking towards Liyue Harbor with excitement.
He was truly looking forward to seeing what Liyue Harbor was like now. He just hoped children wouldn't be frightened by his four arms! He really didn't want to scare the little ones.