14: Formulating the Plan

"So be it. It was merely an uncalled-for delusion on my part. I've overstepped, and I apologize for disturbing you, Boss Phil." Zhongli sighed, but the look of loneliness in his eyes could not be concealed.

"Saphir, is Mr. Zhongli...?" Yelan was sharp as a blade. With just a few exchanges, she already had a guess forming in her mind.

Saphir looked at the silent Zhongli and couldn't help but feel a little sympathy. "Yelan, could you give me and Mr. Zhongli a moment alone?"

"Should I keep this confidential?" Yelan naturally referred to Zhongli's identity. She could hardly believe her ears—this Fatui Harbinger actually knew the Geo Archon of Liyue personally? And it even seemed that the Archon needed something from her?

Saphir looked at Zhongli again. Seeing that he offered no objections, she simply said to Yelan, "That's up to you. After all, I'm not a Liyue native."

Yelan left, giving the two privacy.

"I'm sorry... There's really nothing I can do." Saphir refilled Zhongli's empty teacup and sat back down.

Zhongli composed himself and shook his head. "There's no need to apologize. It's my own fault for clinging to such obsessions."

"Boss Phil, have you heard of last year's Rite of Descension?" Zhongli, now that Yelan was gone, brought up the third reason for his visit.

"You mean Yuheng's argument for mortal governance? I've heard about it." This was exactly what Saphir had been waiting for. If she wanted to obtain Morax's Gnosis, there was only one way—to help him transition Liyue into an era ruled by mortals. Only then would he lay down his burdens and hand over the Gnosis willingly, ready for retirement.

Zhongli nodded. "Yuheng is young and full of vigor. She always brings forth many constructive ideas and takes initiative to implement them. During last year's Rite of Descension, she challenged me, and for the first time, I saw the desire for growth in Liyue's people."

"The Geo Archon may have delegated authority to the Qixing, but they, out of reverence, still report everything to me. This often causes delays in decision-making. That's a minor issue. More importantly, my presence causes them to rely too heavily on me. A Qixing that relies on their god can never truly mature and take full responsibility for leading Liyue."

Saphir naturally understood his reasoning. In fact, she understood his desires better than even he did.

"Mr. Zhongli, have you considered that perhaps the Qixing aren't incapable of leading Liyue forward? Maybe they've been ready for a long time—just waiting for a chance to take over. Or perhaps... waiting for an excuse to push you aside?"

Her words were borderline treasonous. No citizen of Liyue would ever dare say something like this to Zhongli. Even ignoring the fact that he was Morax himself, no one would ever openly discuss the idea of sidelining their god.

Yet instead of anger, Zhongli smiled faintly. "Such bold words... You're becoming more and more like an old acquaintance of mine. I never imagined that the one who understands me best wouldn't be a citizen of Liyue, nor one of the Adepti—but you, a Harbinger from Snezhnaya."

"An old acquaintance?" Saphir noticed a strange look in Zhongli's eyes—calm, but tinged with something she couldn't quite name. "The Dust King, Guizhong?"

"You know of her?" Zhongli was surprised. Guizhong had been gone for over a millennium. Her legend was nearly buried by time. To hear her name from the mouth of a foreigner was completely unexpected.

Saphir shrugged. "The Guili Plains, Guili Assembly, Guizhong's Machines. She may be gone, but the land of Liyue still flows with her legend. The ley lines remember her, like how stone remembers—stubborn, but profound."

"Of course stone remembers her," Zhongli said cryptically. "But let's not dwell on the past. Tell me—what circumstances would allow the Qixing to take full control of Liyue, without hesitation or burden, completely divesting the Geo Archon of power?"

"Death," Saphir replied calmly.

Zhongli raised a brow. That was... extreme. Not exactly what he had in mind.

Saphir continued, "There's no better time to transfer power than the death of the Archon. The Qixing would feel justified. The people's focus would shift to mourning, and if the Qixing are smart, they'll seize control while everyone is still grieving. Once the storm passes, the Geo Archon will simply be another memory—like the Adepti who died on the battlefield for Liyue. And a Liyue without its god, as long as it doesn't collapse, will inevitably enter the mortal-led golden age you hope for. Your 'death' gives the Qixing an excuse and a buffer. A child needs a parent to let go—but also to quietly support them from the shadows."

Zhongli pondered her words, the logic undeniable. He nodded and asked, "Then in your opinion, when would be the most appropriate moment?"

"You would know that better than me, wouldn't you?" Saphir didn't answer directly. But Zhongli already had his answer—the Rite of Descension. If Morax were to publicly "die" during that ceremony, neither the Qixing nor the people could deny the reality.

Zhongli began to calculate. He needed a detailed plan—and someone to carry it out. Looking at the girl before him, he extended his right hand. A golden chess piece gleamed in his palm.

"What does this mean, Mr. Zhongli?" Saphir asked, eyeing the golden Gnosis.

"I know your Tsaritsa's intentions well. Consider this Gnosis your payment. I hope Boss Phil won't refuse."

But Saphir found it troublesome.

"Are you playing me for a fool, Mr. Zhongli?" she asked coldly, her expression sharp.

"And what do you mean by that?" Zhongli remained composed, sipping his tea with an ease that suggested good humor.

Saphir stood and walked to the window, gazing out over bustling Liyue Harbor. "That contract meant to end everything—that was signed between you and the Tsaritsa. The Gnosis was merely collateral. Our cooperation has nothing to do with the Gnosis. Or rather, our cooperation is only possible because of that contract in the first place. You're a smart man, Mr. Zhongli. Don't lump it all together. Giving me the Gnosis as payment may be fine with the Tsaritsa, but for me, it's nothing but a burden I don't need."

"Heh. Boss Phil is thoughtful, calm, and wise. The oversight was mine. Please don't take it to heart." Zhongli didn't put the Gnosis away. Instead, he simply placed it on the table. "Since you say I'm brushing you off, then tell me what you want. While I'm still the Geo Archon, I can fulfill most requests."

Saphir didn't look at him. Her eyes remained fixed on the harbor. Beyond the sea... was Guyun Stone Forest.

"Mr. Zhongli, can you tell me what the Taboo Talisman really does here?"

Zhongli froze mid-sip. "You sensed it?"

"They say it's used to seek immortals. But that's likely just for show, right? The aura on this talisman... if I'm not mistaken, it's linked to the seal in Guyun Stone Forest."

Zhongli didn't deny it. "It's a key. It can release the great demon sealed beneath the ocean at Guyun and unleash disaster on Liyue."

"You want me to do it? No—that was your plan from the start. The target was always the Fatui." Saphir turned to face the ever-calm slacker before her. "You create the illusion that you can't act, hand power over to the Qixing, then use the Fatui to unleash the demon. External pressure stabilizes internal unity, dissolving conflict between mortals and Adepti. After everything is over, Liyue enters mortal rule. Use dream divination to inform the Adepti, and even they will accept it. As for the Fatui and the demon who played the role of invaders? Who cares? Brilliant plan, Mr. Zhongli."

"I thought you only cared about the Tsaritsa's mission." Caught red-handed, Zhongli was a little embarrassed but kept up his composure.

Saphir's forehead throbbed. Now she understood why Childe always ended up looking like a clown in front of this man.

"If that's the plan, I refuse. It sacrifices too much of the Fatui's interests. Not worth it for a Gnosis." Her refusal was swift and firm. She wasn't Childe—there was no way she'd fall into such an obvious trap.

Zhongli wasn't upset. He calmly asked, "Then what plan do you propose?"

After a pause, Saphir said, "I need a pair of daggers—capable of piercing your god-form."

"Go on."

"I'll create a false identity, take all the blame, and disappear. The Fatui must be completely excluded."

"Agreed."

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