Chapter 120

Due to the contract with Ningguang and the others, Hu Tao hadn't returned to the Funeral Parlor in the following days.

The other girls hadn't come calling either, allowing Nathan to truly enjoy some peace and quiet.

Each day was spent strolling and shopping with Zhongli, drinking tea and watching opera performances...

With Tartaglia serving as their wallet, they could eat and drink without spending their own money.

It was wonderful, absolutely wonderful - Nathan dreamed of living such a leisurely life.

No wonder Zhongli wanted to step down from his position as the Geo Archon. This carefree retired life was far better than sitting there being eroded by the Heavenly Principles.

As the Rite of Descension drew near, the atmosphere in Liyue Harbor grew increasingly serious.

Rex Lapis was a deity deeply revered by the people of Liyue. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that all citizens of Liyue were ultimate Rex Lapis enthusiasts.

Usually, whether moving house, having relationship problems, or even when their family pig gave birth, they would report everything to Rex Lapis.

Now that the annual moment to see the Geo Archon had arrived, everyone's emotions were at an unprecedented high.

Amidst this eager atmosphere, the day of the Rite of Descension finally arrived.

.......................

The central plaza of Yujing Terrace was completely surrounded by layers upon layers of people.

Nathan and Zhongli stood at an elevated position on the outskirts, overlooking the crowd below.

"There really are a lot of people!"

Sincerely marveling at the surging crowd, this was far more impressive than the CG in the game.

Though that was normal - one was reality and one was a game, the two were bound to have differences.

However, at the back of the crowd, Nathan spotted two incredibly familiar figures.

One was a girl with golden hair, and the other was an unknown creature floating in mid-air.

"Traveler, look over there! It's much livelier than Mondstadt!!!"

"Mm!"

"Let's hurry inside! When we meet Rex Lapis, I definitely want to wish for endless food!"

Seeing these two appear, Nathan couldn't help but smile.

After being in this world for so long, he finally saw the Traveler and Paimon.

The Traveler, Lumine, wore a blank expression - she was the protagonist Nathan had once controlled in the game. (What? You're asking about Aether? Surely no one actually chooses the male protagonist, right? Right? Right?)

Based on the main storyline known from the game, since Lumine and Paimon had appeared here, it meant they had already resolved the dragon crisis in Mondstadt.

However, having just arrived in Liyue, they should prepare to be framed.

But Nathan wasn't in a hurry to go down and talk to them - there would be plenty of chances to meet later.

.......................

In the center of the plaza, various offerings for the ceremony were arranged.

Ningguang occupied the main position, with Hu Tao, Keqing, and Ganyu standing at her side.

The crowd below was actually still muttering among themselves - wasn't the annual Rite of Descension supposed to be hosted by just one of the Qixing?

Why was this year's ceremony so grand, with important figures like Ganyu and Keqing also choosing to attend?

"The auspicious hour has arrived, we can begin!"

Ningguang looked up at the sky - at this moment, it was cloudless, the perfect time to hold the ceremony.

The other girls present kept their eyes fixed on this scene, though their thoughts had nothing to do with the Rite of Descension.

Each of them harbored the same thought: after the ceremony, how to achieve victory in this battlefield of love.

"Zhongli, are you really prepared?"

However, on Nathan's side, he suddenly addressed the Geo Archon beside him.

"Speaking in terms of common sense, all things must face separation eventually. I'm merely bringing that day forward."

Zhongli's tone remained as calm as ever, as if what he was about to do had nothing to do with him.

"But have you considered that the people of Liyue aren't ready to part with their god?"

"Fledglings must eventually fly toward the blue sky, and children must leave their mother's embrace.

I believe that with the abilities of the Qixing, along with the adepti's assistance, they will surely lead Liyue to new heights."

Zhongli continued speaking frankly as a gentle light began rising before him.

Unfortunately, everyone was now attracted to the scene before the plaza, and no one noticed this unusual phenomenon.

Above Yujing Terrace, the previously cloudless blue sky was instantly covered by thick clouds.

Within that sea of clouds, an enormous figure was moving about!

"Rex Lapis! I've seen Rex Lapis's divine form!"

"Ah, quick, pray to Lord Rex Lapis!"

The gathered citizens of Liyue all directed their sincere prayers toward the sky.

Only Ningguang, who was leading the ceremony, showed a flash of confusion in her eyes.

Usually at this stage of the ceremony, Rex Lapis would descend from the clouds.

But now, his massive form continued to move about within the clouds.

An ominous feeling rose in Ningguang's heart.

...................

Meanwhile, with Zhongli, the atmosphere had also built to its peak.

Nathan knew that the Geo Archon was preparing to cause a scene.

"Friend Nathan, I'll have to entrust Liyue's future to your care..."

Even while preparing his scheme, Zhongli didn't forget to make this request.

Hearing this, Nathan's face showed nothing but a bitter smile.

"I can barely take care of myself, how can I look after Liyue!"

After the Rite of Descension, the battle royale surrounding him would surely resume.

Besides, Liyue was vast and prosperous, protected externally by adepti and governed internally by the Qixing and the Eight Trades - there was no way it would fall to him to step in.

"Don't worry, Guizhong says she has high hopes for you!"

"Uh... please spare me!"

Nathan shook his head helplessly, already able to imagine that Lord of Dust smirking as she watched events unfold.

"Alright, the time has come... from now on, Liyue will separate from its deity and enter an age of human governance."

As Zhongli's words fell, a violent sound erupted from within the clouds in the sky.

This tremendous noise startled everyone present.

Under the shocked expressions of the crowd, that massive half-qilin-half-dragon divine form plummeted straight down from the clouds.

"Rex Lapis has been assassinated! Seal off the entire area!"

a/n - Read 60+ Chapters ahead on my patreon

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