Chapter 2

Zhongli stared at Takumi.

Seeing his confused look, a smile flashed in his eyes.

"Why don't you stay in Liyue?" Zhongli asked. "You said that Liyue is very similar to your hometown. Then, let's sign a contract."

As soon as these words came out, Takumi was stunned.

"Stay in Liyue?" He thought for a moment. "It seems feasible. However, sign a contract? Master Zhongli, what contract do you want to sign with me?"

"I don't seem to have anything worth dealing with you."

Takumi was well aware of Liyue's contract system, which followed the principle of equivalent exchange. Did Zhongli see something valuable in him? He had nothing to his name. The only Mora he had was picked up by chance, and he relied on others for tea. He couldn't imagine what Zhongli would find useful in him.

"No, your very existence is your greatest value," Zhongli said. "I am very interested in the country you speak of. Originally, I was planning to... well, retire. But after hearing what you said, I have decided to delay my retirement."

"How about you stay in Liyue and help me build it? Liyue will enter the era of human rule. I will give you an Eye of God, and you will help me shape Liyue into the future you envision."

Takumi blinked in surprise.

This was unexpected. Just moments ago, Zhongli claimed he couldn't interfere with Celestia, yet now he was offering him an Eye of God as part of a deal?

Takumi felt like his mind was about to crack. Was Zhongli insane?

Takumi looked at him speechlessly. "You don't need to look at me like that. Although I can't grant you an Eye of God directly, I can do it indirectly."

Saying that, Zhongli took out an extinguished Eye of God and placed it on the table. "Sign a contract with me, and this Eye of God is yours. I'll help you activate it."

The Eye of God was indeed issued by Celestia, but it was also lit by the gods. While its mechanism was complex, if there was an empty shell of an Eye of God, as the God of Contracts, it was a simple task for Zhongli to ignite it.

Like certain wealthy individuals, when they obtained an extinguished Eye of God, it eventually lit up of its own accord. No doubt, Zhongli had been involved in such occurrences before.

Takumi smirked. "As expected of you. But... make Liyue what I want it to be? Mr. Zhongli, are you sure? You trust me that much?"

Takumi didn't immediately agree to the contract. Though tempting, he needed to be sure there were no hidden pitfalls. Who knew what he might be getting himself into?

The man beside him frowned at Zhongli. Was the Geo Archon making this decision too hastily? However, he knew Zhongli always had his reasons.

Zhongli leisurely took a sip of tea before continuing.

"Liyue has remained unchanged for thousands of years due to the influence of the adepti and myself. As the saying goes, 'One is born in hardship but dies in comfort.' The words you just spoke to me have given me a glimpse of a new future."

"I created Liyue with my own hands. From the simplest barter system to the complex economic structure it has now, I oversaw it all. If Liyue were a child, then that child has now grown into an adult. As a father, it is time for me to let go."

"And..." Zhongli trailed off.

He was tired. The world was constantly changing, and the things he had once known were slowly fading away. Like the Seven Archons of the past, most had already been replaced. After thousands of years, he too felt exhausted.

According to his plan, he would feign his death at the next Rite of Parting and present a test to the people of Liyue. If they passed, he would relinquish his rule entirely.

But now, Takumi had appeared.

This Otherworld traveler came from a country similar to Liyue. Perhaps he could bring something new to the nation.

So, he decided to try. He invited Takumi to stay in Liyue and transform it according to his ideals.

"So, you want me to help build Liyue the way I envision it? Isn't that a bit rash?" Takumi asked, still in disbelief. "You're making this decision just like that?"

Zhongli simply smiled. "It's fine. Let's try it. Even if things go wrong, I can always intervene. Liyue must move away from the influence of the adepti and become a land ruled by its people. That is my contract with you. How you achieve it is up to you."

"As long as you sign a contract with me, this Eye of God is yours. I will also inform the Liyue Qixing to cooperate with you fully. The only requirement is that the people of Liyue must be happier in the future."

Takumi still felt this was a reckless decision. But at the same time, the idea of shaping Liyue according to his vision was exhilarating.

Turning Liyue into what he wanted it to be?

Shit. That sounded amazing.

And if he really could make it happen...

"If... and I mean if," Takumi hesitated, "what happens if I do something and that woman above comes down to kill me?"

Though excited, he wasn't about to make a careless move. He knew there was someone above them—Tianli. That entity was dangerous. If he started meddling too much, wouldn't he be asking for trouble?

Zhongli chuckled. "Tianli? As long as you don't interfere with the Abyss or Ley Lines, she shouldn't take action against you. Do you understand?"

Takumi instantly grasped the meaning. As long as he didn't touch the Abyss or Ley Lines, he should be fine.

Khaenri'ah had built its technology based on those elements—and look where that got them.

Meanwhile, Snezhnaya had firearms, and Fontaine had cameras. Both were technologically advanced, yet they remained untouched. Only Liyue and Mondstadt seemed stuck in the past.

Takumi pondered for a while before finally raising his head and looking at Zhongli.

"Alright, I'll sign the contract. I'll build Liyue the way I envisioned."

With that, he reached out and took the dormant Eye of God.

Zhongli smiled. "Then the contract is sealed. Those who break their oaths shall face the punishment of stone."

A promise made. Whoever broke it would face divine retribution.

And so, Takumi and Zhongli signed a contract that would shape the future of Liyue.