Chapter 217: Quick, Shout “The Geo Archon Has Been Attacked”—Lock Down the Scene!

Takumi found Zhongli.

At that moment, Zhongli was together with Hu Tao. When Takumi arrived, Hu Tao waved and greeted him.

"You're here!"

"We have to hurry, or we'll lose our seats."

"Yujing Terrace is already packed with people."

"We'd better go quickly to get a spot!"

Hearing this, Takumi just rolled his eyes.

"Relax. We'll definitely have VIP seats."

It didn't matter—Ningguang would arrange everything perfectly.

So, there was nothing to worry about.

Hu Tao blinked.

"That's true, Ningguang will have it all arranged for you!"

"In that case, let's take our time."

If that was so, there was no need to worry about fighting for seats.

"Takumi, Hu Tao!"

Just then, March 7th and Lumine also arrived.

They had even changed into Liyue-style clothing.

Seeing this, Takumi was a little surprised.

"Changed outfits?"

"You actually had the money to buy new clothes?"

Takumi was curious—how did these two afford new outfits?

"Hu Tao bought them for us!"

"We don't have the money for this kind of clothing."

March 7th smiled as she explained.

All the outfits they were wearing were bought by Hu Tao.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Since they were already in Liyue, of course, they needed to wear local clothes.

Looking at her own clothes, March 7th couldn't help but marvel,

"These clothes are so similar to the ones on the Xianzhou Luofu."

"If you didn't know better, you'd think both places shared the same roots."

"Thankfully, they're not in the same world."

The clothes in Liyue and those on the Xianzhou Luofu really were too alike.

"Is it possible they actually share the same origin?"

Takumi smiled at March 7th.

Both were products of the same civilization. How could they be different?

March 7th blinked in surprise.

"Really?"

She hadn't known that.

"Of course. If the Geo Archon ever visited the Xianzhou, they might even think he's one of the Vidyadhara."

"After all, the Geo Archon is a dragon too."

Takumi gave Zhongli a look as he spoke.

The Vidyadhara are dragon-blooded. Zhongli was dragon-blooded too, right?

March 7th's eyes widened in amazement.

"Will the Geo Archon appear at the upcoming Rite of Parting?"

"I'd better take lots of photos to send back to Bailu!!"

Thinking about it, March 7th grew excited.

Zhongli, standing beside them, felt a little helpless.

Was March 7th trying to help him get a new identity on the Xianzhou?

Actually, the water dragon king next door would fit that role even better.

But he kept that to himself.

Everyone gathered and started heading to the venue.

To fit in better, Takumi also changed his clothes to a style similar to Zhongli's.

They were about the same height.

Walking together down the street, the two of them attracted a lot of attention from Liyue's refined young ladies.

Zhongli was famous in Liyue—handsome, reliable, and knowledgeable.

Even if he seemed like a bit of a social recluse, there were plenty of wealthy ladies who wanted to "keep" him.

If Zhongli lowered himself to ask, girls would flock to him.

He really was born for a life of luxury. It would be a shame not to take advantage of it.

Though, not just anyone could afford Zhongli.

They arrived at Yujing Terrace.

As soon as they got there, Takumi and the others were stopped by a staff member from Haiyue Pavilion.

"Mr. Takumi, Mr. Zhongli, please come with me!"

"Lady Ningguang has instructed me to bring you to the best viewing spot."

Takumi nodded and followed without comment.

The group was led to the best VIP seats.

There, they quietly waited.

Keqing and Ganyu soon arrived as well.

Except for the altar itself, the area around it was packed with people.

Everyone who came was quietly discussing the event.

"I wonder what decree the Geo Archon will give this year?"

"I can't wait—I hope it's about development!"

"If so, wood and stone prices will shoot up again."

"Aren't they already up?"

"Guili Plains needs tons of materials right now."

"You want prices to go up even more? Why not just shoot for the stars?"

Takumi listened to the crowd, a bit speechless.

Wanting higher prices? They'd be moving soon anyway.

You had to admit, Liyue's business atmosphere was strong.

Everywhere, people were talking about making money.

While Takumi and the others were chatting, Ningguang stepped onto the stage.

The Millelith began holding back the crowd.

Ningguang glanced up at the sky, then formed a hand seal.

"The auspicious hour has come!"

As her voice fell, power surged around her.

A beam of light shot into the sky, blowing open the clouds.

At that moment, all of Liyue seemed to freeze.

Everyone put down what they were doing and looked toward Yujing Terrace.

That pillar of light could be seen across Liyue.

Every year, seeing that light meant the Geo Archon had arrived.

That's why, when they saw it, all of Liyue paid their respects.

It was their way of honoring the Geo Archon.

Takumi watched the sky with great interest.

At the same time, he noticed Zhongli's attention was drifting.

A brown dragon slowly descended from the void.

Unlike the original story, he didn't fall directly onto the altar.

"The Geo Archon has been attacked! Lock down the scene!"

Takumi muttered under his breath.

Keqing and Ganyu, hearing this, were speechless.

Lumine and March 7th heard it too and blinked in confusion.

"Don't say such things."

"The Geo Archon is a war god. Who would dare assassinate him?"

"If anything did happen to him, the funeral would be the grandest in Liyue!"

"If only the funeral parlor could be in charge of sending off the Geo Archon~!"

Hu Tao couldn't help but sigh.

If such a thing happened and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor got the job, her family would be set for generations~!!

Grandpa, are you seeing this? I sent off the Geo Archon.

Hearing Hu Tao, Takumi and the others had strange looks on their faces.

Keqing and Ganyu shot stealthy glances at the expressionless Zhongli.

They were speechless inside.

Hu Tao really dared to say anything.

But, given her relationship with the Geo Archon, there was no point saying more.

After Zhongli became a mortal, he lived at the funeral parlor.

Hu Tao was practically raised by him.

Her grandfather passed away when she was young—her first "business."

Since childhood, Zhongli took care of her, teaching her martial arts and everything else.

Many in Liyue knew these things.

Maybe, in Zhongli's heart, Hu Tao was like a daughter.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say Hu Tao had the deepest roots in all of Liyue.