Chapter 25 Miss Zhong Li's Proposal

Rumor has it that Liyue's god, the Geo Archon, has countless incarnations and often uses different forms to wander the mortal world.

Kujo Tsumugi always thought this was just a rumor. After all, Zhongli's image in the game is consistently male. Aside from the Qilin incarnation who pretended to die at the Summoning Immortals Ceremony, Tsumugi had never seen any other forms of the Geo Archon. Over time, she nearly forgot about this.

I never expected to see other incarnations of Zhongli in this way in The Sims...

By the way, the Qianyan Army is currently fighting a monster tide. Why is Zhongli disguised as Tianquan and staying in Liyue Harbor?

Tsumugi had thought Tianquan was merely an NPC, but now it seems he is one of the Seven Gods.

Feeling both surprised and confused, Tsumugi managed a smile. "Hello, Miss Zhongli. You can just call me Tsumugi."

"Hello, Miss Tsumugi." Zhongli nodded. "What would you like to discuss?"

"Actually, I'm a history enthusiast. I came to Liyue to find some historical documents to verify some of my theories."

"I see. There's no need for such trouble, Ms. Tsumugi. If it's a historical issue, I know a thing or two about it. Feel free to ask me directly."

This...

After considering Zhongli's offer, Tsumugi decided to ask her question.

"I want to know if there was a godless nation established by humans before the Kingdom of Khaenri'ah."

"Yes, such a country did exist," Zhongli replied without hesitation. "Its name was Shar Fendnier. At the end of the Demon War, the people of Fendnier successfully established their nation with the help of Khaenri'ah. However, it was later destroyed for various reasons."

"Reflecting on it now, it seems that was when Khaenri'ah began its path toward militarism."

"I want to understand what caused the downfall of that country."

Zhongli fell silent.

The truth behind Fendnier's demise must remain hidden from the common people, so Zhongli couldn't explain the reason for its destruction to Tsumugi.

"I'm sorry, but I can't disclose that information."

"Miss Zhongli, please, this is really important to me!"

Tsumugi understood that the destruction of Khaenri'ah was due to their misuse of Abyssal power, and that the existence of the Abyssal law should not be known to ordinary people. However, she was deeply troubled by the destruction of Khaenri'ah. Why did the law of nature target a struggling nation in the Dragon Ridge Snow Mountains?

"If Miss Zhongli cannot discuss it, could I at least examine the historical documents myself? I really want to figure this out."

"...Alright," Zhongli finally agreed after a long pause. "However, you may be disappointed. The documents don't record the reasons for Khaenri'ah's demise."

"It's okay. I'll keep looking!"

Great! Side quest completed!

Tsumugi felt a sense of triumph.

Zhongli then led Tsumugi to the room where historical documents were stored. Tsumugi reviewed the records about Khaenri'ah, successfully completing the side quest.

"Side quest: The Truth of History is completed. The reward will be increased by one when the simulation system is settled."

"Exiting immersive mode..."

[Just as you're about to leave, Zhongli suddenly asks why you wanted to uncover the reason behind Khaenri'ah's destruction.]

[After some hesitation, you decide to share your observations with Zhongli. You explain that you saw Khaenri'ah refugees transform into hill people. You feel that Zhongli, being well-informed and calm, is someone you can trust with this information. You decide to confide in her.]

[Zhongli, showing no surprise, simply says, "I see." She then proposes a deal.]

[You must help Liyue establish an intelligence department to monitor the movements of other nations. In return, Zhongli promises to reveal everything you wish to know, but you must swear never to disclose this information to anyone.]

[You ask Zhongli why she wants to set up an intelligence department, but she only shakes her head and says she can only tell you if you agree. Unable to resist your curiosity, you agree to Zhongli's terms. She then reveals some secrets about the world to you.]

[A year ago, the Seven Gods descended upon Khaenri'ah and inflicted an unjust divine punishment. However, Khaenri'ah had the power to resist.]

[In that battle, the Dendro Archon and the former Electro Archon, Baal, died, but the Seven Archons suffered more psychological trauma than physical damage. The destruction of Khaenri'ah left a lasting mental impact on the gods.]

[After Khaenri'ah's fall, the Hydra Archon, who represents "justice," suffered from mental issues. Fontaine is now in chaos due to the Hydro Archons condition. The most powerful pure water spirit in Fontaine, Rhodeia, has defected and is currently missing.]

[Natlan also faces problems. The Pyro Archon, who advocates "war" but dislikes massacres, feels guilt for personally destroying Khaenri'ah. Though there's no immediate issue, the Fire God's depression has caused unrest among some forces in Natlan.]

[But Zhongli is most concerned about the Cryo Archon, who represents "kindness."]

[Everything seems normal in the Kingdom of Winter, which is itself a troubling sign. Normally, even if the Ice God did not suffer mental issues like the Water God, there should be some sign of depression similar to the Fire God's. Zhongli fears the Ice God may be secretly plotting something. She hopes you can help establish an intelligence network in Liyue to gather information about the Kingdom of Snezhnaya and safeguard Liyue.]

"This intelligence organization... should be Ningguang's network, right?"

Tsumugi narrowed her eyes, guessing correctly.

It seems the original purpose was to protect Liyue, but Ningguang has adapted it into a business intelligence network. Haha, typical of a shrewd businesswoman.