Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in the real world.
Zhongli felt his heart was still too weary.
The Exposure System had only descended for two hours, and his exchanges with the group members had lasted a mere two hours as well—why did it feel like the wear and tear he'd suffered was worse than over two centuries?!
Zhongli strongly suspected this Exposure System was specially designed by the Heavenly Principles to accelerate his erosion.
He turned to glance at his image on the light screen, sensing the lightness emanating from "himself." Zhongli took a deep breath, his gaze firming with resolve.
In the video.
"Hey, Zhongli, look—Liyue's people all think they'll never see Rex Lapis again. Check out this atmosphere of mourning and reminiscence. But you seem awfully relaxed for the man himself!"
Paimon looked at Zhongli in utter confusion.
From the moment they'd met him, this youthful-looking man had always carried a strange air of steadiness. His eyes held a depth of vicissitude that didn't suit someone so young.
And now, Zhongli truly seemed... lightened.
Seeing Paimon's bewilderment, Zhongli chuckled lightly and explained, "Having shed a burden of three thousand seven hundred years, is it any wonder I feel a bit lighter?"
He then turned to Gu Chen. "By the way, when are you all free? Allow me to treat you to a meal at Xinyue Kiosk."
"Hmph, don't brag!"
Paimon crossed her arms and pouted. "I'd believe three bowls at Wanmin, but Xinyue Kiosk charges even for tea seats! Can you really afford it?"
Zhongli paused in surprise, pondered for a moment, then admitted, "Come to think of it... mora might indeed be an issue."
"Zhongli's always been like this, but why is Morax always short on mora?" Lumine asked, thoroughly puzzled.
Zhongli explained, "As Rex Lapis, Morax, I can naturally create mora with ease. But having chosen the mortal guise of Zhongli, I must adhere to mortal customs. On this journey with you all, though the Gnosis remains in my possession, I know I must soon step down from the seat of the Seven. How could I not rehearse... my new life a little?"
"Ohhh... no wonder!"
Paimon had a sudden realization. "I get it now! Zhongli never checks prices because he's not used to checking them. But he's also not used to a self that can't conjure mora anytime, so he ends up freeloading everywhere, making others foot the bill—a total societal parasite!"
[Rahu Dragon King]: Savage!
[Hu Tao]: So that's how it is! (Hu Tao · Scare)
In the video, Zhongli sighed wistfully for a bit longer.
He then brought up Gu Chen and the others' journey.
"If your travels are to continue, there may be some difficulties ahead. Liyue's maritime neighbor, Inazuma, is currently in lockdown."
[Yoimiya]: Here we go! You have to come to Inazuma! (Xiangling · Starry-eyed)
[Arataki Itto]: Heh heh, if they come to Inazuma, they'll definitely witness this boss's heroic figure! (Arataki Itto · Big Laugh)
[Kuki Shinobu]: ...
[Kamisato Ayaka]: (Anticipation)
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: (Sangonomiya Kokomi · Energy Up Up)
[Raiden Ei]: (Shenhe · Stare)
[Yae Miko]: Oh my, is someone secretly praying no one comes to Inazuma? (Sly)
[Kaeya]: Drama?! (Alert)
[Kujou Sara]: I think you're overthinking it, Yae Guuji.
[Yae Miko]: Just keep watching, won't you? (Yae Miko · Mischievous Grin)
In the video.
They discussed the Raiden Shogun.
"Vision Hunt Decree?"
"Whatever. We don't even have Visions—how's she gonna take 'em?"
Gu Chen shrugged.
"Haha, just stay safe out there." Zhongli shook his head with a smile.
Their topic shifted from the Raiden Shogun to the specifics of Rex Lapis's "death," per the Qixing's announcement: he'd failed his tribulation and passed into immortality.
They spoke of the Qixing next, with Zhongli expressing great admiration for the current generation—even telling Gu Chen they could safely entrust Liyue to them.
After the Qixing, they mentioned Tartaglia.
The Qixing had pinned the entire chain of events on him. Though many false accusations were debunked, the Fatui still paid a heavy price.
Finally, they touched on mora.
"Right, Zhongli—now that you don't have the Gnosis, what happens to Teyvat's mora?" Paimon asked worriedly. "Will it vanish now that Morax is 'dead'? And the Golden House is the continent's only mint—can it keep operating?"
Zhongli explained, "Existing mora won't disappear, but the Golden House will halt production for quite some time. Creating mora requires the power of the Geo Archon."
"Whoa! That's terrifying—we're all gonna be broke! The world's doomed!" Paimon exclaimed in panic.
"Indeed, it's a grave matter. From a financial perspective... well, such headaches are best left to the Liyue Qixing." Zhongli shook his head.
"So, did you at least save some pocket money for yourself?" Paimon asked curiously.
"Oh? Pocket money?"
Zhongli raised a brow and mused, "By universal reason, that's sound advice. Unfortunately..."
"Unfortunately what?"
"Unfortunately, I forgot."
The video cut to what seemed a few days later. Gu Chen's trio learned from Ganyu and Lan Si that Treasure Hoarders from Mondstadt and Liyue areas were banding together to raid an Abyss Order-related ruin. With rich rewards and experience to gain, the three took the commission.
[Extraordinary Group Chat]
[Venti]: @[Zhongli] Before you fully retire, shouldn't you stockpile some pocket money? That way, you can treat old friends to a drink when you meet! (Venti · Starry-eyed)
[Zhongli]: By universal reason, indeed. (Nod)
Whether he'd truly forgotten in his past life or not, Zhongli was taking this seriously now.
Having zero pocket money meant he'd have to rely on Hall Master Hu—and she wouldn't care if he was an Archon; she'd nag him for days!
[Gu Chen]: A retirement without a pension is a failure! (Affirmative)
[Paimon]: Exactly! You've got the cautionary tale now, Zhongli—prep thoroughly before retiring!
[Ningguang]: The Qixing are preparing a special fund for the Archon's post-retirement life. It's the same idea as Mr. Gu Chen's pension. We hope the Archon who has laid down his burdens can live even more comfortably!
[Zhongli]: Very well. Then at this year's Rite of Descension, announce my abdication of the divine seat directly.
[Paimon]: Zhongli's finally gonna get rich! But watch your spending—don't blow it all at once!
[Zhongli]: Understood!
[Venti]: Hurry, hurry! @[Jean] Can I retire now?
[Jean]: Too late. (Shrug)
[Venti]: Looks like it's time to throw myself on the old man's mercy!
[Zhongli]: Not close—don't get familiar! (Keqing · I Refuse)
[Barbara]: Wait! That's Lord Barbatos's statue!! Why is it upside down—and so creepy! (Barbara · Horror)
The atmosphere in the video was utterly oppressive.
The inverted statue of The Seven loomed with eerie menace!
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