"Zhongli often says that transactions must be fair, but... what in this world could possibly be worth exchanging for a Gnosis?"
Paimon couldn't help but ask as they walked.
Once again, they arrived at Yujing Terrace, where the ceremonial preparations had long been completed. Several incense burners scattered thin wisps of white smoke through the air.
Just days ago, this had been the site of the Rite of Descension. Now, it had become a funeral setting—a truly lamentable shift.
Zhongli stepped up to a railing and gazed out at Liyue. The city seemed to have returned to its former bustle and prosperity. A gentle breeze carried a distant, melodious tune, lightly lifting the ends of Zhongli's hair.
After a long silence, Zhongli finally gave Paimon an answer.
"From a rational standpoint, indeed, there is nothing."
His blurred vision refocused as he looked upon the sea of lanterns and lights, the stone lock resting quietly in his palm.
"Once, a good friend of mine told me that they wished to see a better side of Liyue. I have often wondered whether Liyue, thriving even without its deity, has truly lived up to their expectations.
Thus, I made a contract with the Tsaritsa—one known as 'the contract to end all contracts.' This means that the duty of the God of Contracts was fulfilled the moment I handed over my Gnosis."
Zhongli's words carried deeper implications. Just as Rover was about to speak, a Millelith officer named Fengyan arrived at the plaza and loudly announced the official proclamation:
"By the decree of the Qixing—Hear this, people of Liyue: Though the soaring dragon's scales may outlast mountains, they too shall return to dust. The divine Emperor, whose life rivaled the sun and moon, yet met his fate beneath the thunder's judgment…
The rumors spreading through the streets, the whispers of assassination—these hold no truth…
In times of peril, the Millelith stood united, fearless in the face of death, battling valiantly against the foe…
The hero Rover, who delivered Liyue from calamity, aided the Millelith in holding the front lines, and struck down the ancient god in the Sea of Clouds—thus, we extend our sincerest invitation for them to serve as Liyue's consultant…
Let this proclamation serve as a call for the people to mourn with restraint, lest grief consume their hearts."
The proclamation broadly stated that Rex Lapis had perished due to a failed heavenly trial, struck down by divine lightning. It then commended the Qixing, the adepti, the Millelith, Rover, and all who had contributed during the war against the ancient god.
Despite the length of the proclamation, Fengyan read it solemnly and without pause, his voice hoarse by the end. Behind him, the Millelith soldiers saluted in unison toward the central memorial monument.
The citizens, too, paid their respects, laying flowers before the monument and observing a moment of silence.
"Mama, look—it's the great hero!"
A Liyue child pointed toward Rover, who stood beside Zhongli in the distance. With his sharp hearing, Rover noticed and waved back with a smile.
"Hehe, see? Rover's famous now! We can totally mooch off them from now on. Heheh."
Paimon rubbed her hands together, drooling at the thought. Aether promptly bonked her on the head, sighing in exasperation.
"Be serious. This isn't the time for that."
Zhongli turned to face them and spoke calmly.
"Now that this matter has concluded, I shall cherish the journey and its rewards. Your next destination is Inazuma—a land sealed by the will of its deity. Any vessel attempting to reach it must brave a tempest of thunder."
Paimon let out a puzzled noise. In her memory, Inazuma hadn't been like this.
"I thought Inazuma was just politically tense, not... this bad?"
Zhongli lit a stick of incense and placed it in the burner—a final offering to bid farewell to the Geo Archon.
"It concerns Visions. When faced with insurmountable circumstances, people often lament their powerlessness. Yet at life's most precipitous turning points, if mortal desire reaches its peak, the gaze of the gods may descend upon them. This is the nature of Visions—external magical organs granted to those recognized by the gods."
Zhongli faced the group again, explaining carefully.
"However, since last year, the Electro Archon Baal—known in Inazuma as the Raiden Shogun—has enacted the Vision Hunt Decree, confiscating all Visions and embedding them within the Statue of the Omnipresent God."
Aether was startled. It seemed their journey to Inazuma would be far from smooth. Hoping to learn more, he pressed Zhongli further.
"Why would she do that?"
"The pursuit of eternity. Just as the Anemo Archon embodies freedom and the Geo Archon upholds contracts, the Electro Archon seeks eternity. To preserve her eternal nation, she will eliminate any destabilizing factors without hesitation. Each time she confiscates a Vision, she declares:
'Among the seven ideals pursued by the Seven Archons, only eternity draws closest to the Heavenly Principles.'"
As the group pondered his words, Zhongli suddenly spread his hands, as if remembering something, and looked at Rover.
"Are you free right now?"
Rover nodded, unsure what Zhongli was getting at.
"Then let me treat you all to a meal at Xinyue Kiosk."
Paimon's eyebrows shot up, and she planted her hands on her hips.
"Hah! Don't lie! Even the tea at Xinyue Kiosk costs Mora! Are you really that loaded?"
Zhongli looked puzzled for a moment before replying matter-of-factly.
"Well, Rover is here, isn't he? Besides, I never said I would be the one paying."
Rover's eye twitched.
So I'm just his fourth wallet now?