After conversing with the man who had just saved him,
Aether finally learned that his rescuer was none other than the Fatui's Childe.
From the very beginning, Aether remained highly guarded against Childe, deflecting all his attempts at fishing for information. Childe, however, didn't seem to mind—after all, the hero who had resolved Mondstadt's dragon crisis couldn't possibly be a simple individual.
Childe then explained his reason for saving Aether: Ningguang had publicly declared that the murder of Rex Lapis was linked to the Fatui. As a result, shops affiliated with the Fatui had been confiscated by the authorities, dealing a severe economic blow to the organization. Childe needed Aether's help to turn the situation around.
The solution was for Aether to seek out the adepti with a token—the "Sigil of Permission." Only the adepti could clear the Fatui's name.
Initially, Aether had no intention of agreeing. But the thought of Rover, whose whereabouts were unknown and who might have already been captured, made him accept the deal with Childe.
...
Towering mountain peaks, swirling mist, peculiar pine trees, and massive boulders—by sunset, the crimson glow of the setting sun dyed the entire sky, like ink dispersing in water, gradually staining the clouds with hues of twilight.
Such was the scenery of Jueyun Karst, but Aether had no mind to appreciate it. He and Paimon hurried their steps toward the mountains.
"Aether, don't worry too much... Rover is incredibly strong. He's definitely safe and sound," Paimon comforted Aether along the way.
Aether pursed his lips together and nodded, but inwardly, he blamed himself.
If only he were stronger—if he hadn't held Rover back—this terrible situation might never have happened.
"Rover got into danger because of me, Paimon. If any harm comes to him because I wasted time, I'll never forgive myself," Aether confessed to Paimon, his voice heavy with guilt.
Paimon's expression immediately fell, and the words she had been about to say stuck in her throat.
"Who are you, and why have you trespassed into Jueyun Karst?"
Aether froze, then slowly broke into a relieved smile. At last, they had found their first adeptus.
....
Watching Abby's proud expression, Zhongli walked slowly and spoke in a measured tone.
"My apologies for involving you in this matter under such circumstances."
Rover wasn't angry, but he found the god's methods somewhat puzzling.
Why had he chosen to fake his death during the Rite of Descension?
Seeing Rover deep in thought, Zhongli spoke first, revealing his true intentions.
"Your strength is remarkable, young one. You are the sole variable in my plan, which is why I can proceed with confidence knowing you are by my side."
Rover shook his head and explained to Zhongli,
"I don't mind. I'm just curious about your reasons..."
Hearing this, Zhongli paused and turned his gaze toward the direction of Liyue Harbor. His vision gradually blurred as his thoughts drifted into the distance.
...
After a light rain, endless droplets pattered against the bluestone pavement. Familiar buildings stood in orderly rows around them, and in the distance, ships occasionally docked at the harbor. Amid the chilly atmosphere, there was a faint trace of human warmth.
Liyue—a city of such prosperity—seemed to have been cleansed of its noise by the rain, settling into quietude.
He walked slowly, his footprints left behind on the rain-dampened stones as they always were.
Gradually, he lowered the umbrella in his hand and turned to gaze at the walls etched by time. The marks left by history made his golden eyes lower slightly.
So much time... had already passed...
"You've fulfilled your duty well. Now, go and rest."
A merchant's praise to his subordinate caught his attention.
Only when a ray of morning sunlight pierced the thick clouds did he snap out of his reverie amidst the bustling crowd. His long-stationed legs began moving again.
Had he... fulfilled his own duty?
The god quietly pondered this question.
...
"This is the reason I chose to carry out this plan. Often, as I gaze upon Liyue's glittering lights, I find myself wondering—can a nation continue to walk its own path without the guidance of its god?
Thus, I wish to give Liyue a test—to see whether its people can continue to thrive without their god leading them."
Zhongli's voice was laden with weariness and a sigh, his tone profound and distant. Both Rover and Abby could sense the exhaustion in his words.
Then, Zhongli laid out his entire plan.
Rover remained silent for a long time before finally responding to the god beside him.
"Zhongli, why do you trust us so much? Aren't you afraid I'll leak the plan?"
Zhongli shook his head and continued speaking unhurriedly.
"Because I recognize your character. You saved Xiao in Dihua Marsh, prioritized shielding that traveler when faced with danger, and showed mercy to those whose motives you didn't understand. All these actions tell me you are trustworthy.
Moreover... my friend in Mondstadt also trusts you in the same way. His judgment has never been wrong."
As he spoke, Rover suddenly felt a burning sensation on his arm. To his surprise, a second elemental mark appeared—Geo.
It turned out Zhongli had infused particles of Geo energy into Rover's body.
"Consider this my apology for involving you in my schemes. Please accept this blessing from a god."
Rover felt the new power coursing through him and stared at Zhongli for a long time without speaking.
"Thank you."
Zhongli continued walking as if nothing had happened, the outline of Wangshu Inn growing clearer in the distance.
"Zhongli."
Rover gazed at Zhongli's weathered back, his own eyes firm with resolve.
Zhongli stopped and turned, a hint of confusion in his brow.
"What is it, young one?"
Rover met his gaze with a look of unwavering trust, shaking off the ashes that had gathered on his gloves during the earlier battle.
"If the ancient god in your plan isn't truly dead... I will use my full strength to personally send it to its grave!"