Chapter 11: Zhongli's confession!
Last time on Boboiboy x Genshin impact, the gang started preparing some gifts for Ningguang are Sugar-Frosted Slime and Ice Chocolate Drink. And they finally met her in her Jade Chamber. Once they get inside, Ningguang told them a lot about the Archon War, Liyue, etc. Also, Ningguang let them pick one object in her chamber in return for giving her a gift
So Paimon decided to choose the sheet from the board. The gang chose the big sheet with a mark on it. Paimon thinks there is a treasure but turns out was the Fatui. They defeated them and found a lot of paper laying on the crater. They look similar to Sigil of Permission that Childe gave to them
Next, they have a meeting with Zhongli at Dihua Marsh. Then they arrived. Zhongli needs their help with gathering flowers so Lumine sings the song for the flowers and nothing happens. Suddenly, three Cryo Whopperflowers jump out of nowhere and attack them but Thorn stops the fight by talking to them and they are gone.
Oh, Ganyu shows up, talks to them about three Archons and herself, and offers them Glaze Lilies. They accept it and move back to Liyue Harbor. When they get back, they see many Millelith Guards and Fatui. So they ask one of Fatui named Felix
A few minutes later, Boboiboy got suspicious about what was going on. So he drags his friends to The Exuvia. Once they get there, they saw many Millelith Guards on the floor defeated. They walk closer to The Exuvia then they encounter Childe. So Boboiboy decides to fight. In the end, Childe got defeated by using the first Fusion Frostfire.
Childe stands up and tells them about the fake death of Rex Lapix then summons the giant ocean monster with 5 heads named Osial with the Sigil of Permission and left them.
So the group went to Jade Chamber to fight Osial. In the end, nothing worked so Boboiboy used the most powerful Fusion Supra. And he destroyed it. Now, he's unconscious
So what is going to happen now?
-In an unknown room-
It's been a day since Osial incident, Boboiboy hasn't woken up yet. But now, he groaned and slowly opened his eyes
"Hey, Boboiboy is awaking! Lumine! Boboiboy is awaking!" Paimon wakes Lumine up as she stands up and checks him
"Are you alright!?" Lumine asked in worry
Boboiboy woke up and held his head "I'm ok. Thanks for worrying about me."
Lumine sighed in relief and suddenly pulled his ear "ADE ADE ADE! What are doing, Lumine!?"
Lumine lets go and scold him "That's what you get for fighting Osial alone! You're always making us worry!"
"Really? Uhh, I'm sorry for making guys worry about me." Boboiboy apologized to her and held his ear, where's Lumine pulling "Ow do that hurt. At least, it's not worse than Tok Aba pulling my ear."
And someone is coming in. It's Baizhu and Qiqi
"Oh, you're awake." Baizhu came over to check on him
"Sir Baizhu. Where am I? How long did I pass out?" Boboiboy asked
"You are in Buhu Pharmacy's patient room. And you are only passed out for a day." Baizhu answered "Also, you only have a few cuts and bruises so nothing is so serious. You need to rest before you start walking."
Boboiboy sighed in relief and suddenly felt someone hugs him. It was Qiqi
"Qiqi thought... Qiqi would lose you." Qiqi is tearing up.
Boboiboy felt sad then gave her a warm smile and a head pat
"I'm sorry for making you worry. But don't worry, I'm fine now. I won't do that again." Boboiboy said
"Promise?..." Qiqi said as she wiped her tear
"Promise."
"*sigh* Seeing them. Look like a father and a daughter to me." Baizhu said to himself and the others can't hear him
Baizhu walks to the door and is ready to leave
"I will leave you three alone here. Come on, Qiqi. Let's go." Baizhu said as Qiqi stands up and leaves the room
Now, the room is only three people
"So, what happened yesterday while I was unconscious?" Boboiboy asked them
"Do you wanna know?" Lumine said as he nodded
"*Sigh* It's a very long story. This may be shocked for you." Lumine started telling him what happened yesterday
-Flashback yesterday after the Osial incident-
Boboiboy is unconscious. Two Millelith Guards show up and bring him to Buhu Pharmacy. Now the group look back to ocean
"Is it... finally over?" Paimon asked
"The ominous aura of that monster has indeed begun to fade. The effects of the Sigil of Permission last but a short time. It will be some time before the Overlord of the Vortex can make any waves again." Moon Carver said
"We are indebted to you for your assistance. If the adepti hadn't happened to be here, the future of Liyue Harbor would surely have been in great jeopardy..." Ningguang said
"Hmph, save your flattery. We didn't just "happen" to be here... Surely you won't pretend to have forgotten the reason for which we came?" Cloud Retainer said
"Come now, there's no need for such harsh words, Cloud Retainer." Madame Ping said
"I've heard that when Ningguang began learning to do business." Madame Ping said then explained
"It is a testament to Ningguang's entire life, both as a businesswoman and as the backbone of the Liyue Qixing. Seeing Ningguang trying to sacrifice the Jade Chamber in the defense of Liyue means much to her. To me, such cooperation and sacrifice deserves at least some recognition, don't you agree?"
"Well, I was really hoping you would say that such sacrifice could at least be used as some leverage in our negotiations. But in the end, Boboiboy is the one who sacrificed himself to stop it. Luckily, he is still alive."Nigguang said
"...Heh." Madame chuckled
"Thank you all for hearing me out. We know very well why the adepti came here today... But please forgive us, we cannot yield to your wishes." Nigguang apologized
"Oh?" Moon Carver confused
"3,700 years... According to our records, the adepti signed a contract with Rex Lapis to protect Liyue 3,700 years ago. Even to this very day, Liyue and its lands have stood the test of time, immovable as stone, just as it was thousands of years before. This is truly no small feat. But that does not mean that Liyue today is the same city as it was all those years ago. Do not merely cast your protective gaze upon the land. Instead, focus your sights on our city and each of the citizens that dwell within it." Nigguang told them the story
"Are you questioning our means of protecting Liyue?" Moon Carver asked
"Hmm..." Mountain Shaper is thinking
"I mean no offense. I simply hope that our new adepti forebearers would see Liyue in a new light." Ningguang told him
"Hah, "forebearers" you say. One doubts you would be fit to be part of such a lineage..." Cloud Retainer said
"This morning, Rex Lapis appeared to me in a dream." Ningguang told them, which makes them confused
"What?" Cloud Retainer said in shock
"In the dream, I yearned to tell him that we Qixing, though mortal, are equally bound to the contract. Each passing generation of the Qixing leaves many things of value to be inherited by the next generation."
"I also thought to tell him how the past generations of Qixing had strove under his rule to survive in our mortal world, establishing a network of contracts which has since come to be known as "trade.""
"But I dared not speak. I could only gaze at him in silence until the moment I awoke." Ningguang said as she looked down in sad
"Aw, Ningguang..." Paimon felt bad
"We're all on the same side here..." Lumine comforted her
"Yet another perspective... What are you trying to say, Outlander?" Cloud Retainer asked
"When there is discord between the guardians and those they were meant to defend..."
"Harmony becomes very difficult to restore." Lumine said in determation
"Right, that's something that happened in Mondstadt — it's a story about the Four Winds and the people of the Anemo Archon. The Anemo Archon sought to quell the strife between the two sides, because he believed that such conflict would only scar the hearts of both and that nothing good would come of it..." Paimon explained
"This is what we learned in the City of Freedom." Lumine said
"Each of the Seven Nations has its own scars from the past." Keqing agreed with her
"Though your point is the very height of simplicity... As adepti, we've become a laughingstock, to be chastised thus by an outlander who has lent us such succor." Mountain Shaper said
"Alright, alright. Didn't Ningguang suggest that we should focus on the city and each of its citizens? I know I already have, so why not see for yourselves?" Madame Ping told them
And a Millelith Guard came in named Fengyan
"I apologize for appearing in full armor. I'm afraid I cannot show the proper courtesies."
"And who are you?" Moon Carver asked
"I am Fengyan, a sergeant of the Millelith. I have come to extend my thanks to the adepti." Fengyan thanked them and continued "I thought this battle would perhaps be my last. But thanks to the aid of the adepti, our forces were not as badly battered as I feared we might be. Although I am a mere mortal soldier, I promise to hold the line and never betray the grace given to us by the illuminated adepti this day."
"..." Moon Carver doesn't know what to said even Xiao too
Xiao: ...
And a little came in too. Her name is Changchang
"Huh? Why does everyone look so down? Didn't we just beat that big monster?" Changchang innocently asked
"Hahaha! Weren't you frightened, dear? It was quite the predicament..." Madame Ping told her
"I wasn't afraid. All the strong Millelith guards were there, and those powerful heroes with their Visions were there... Everyone was there! When danger is near, everyone always protects me. And the rest of the time, they make fun toys, and tasty snacks, and... and loads of things that make the harbor so pretty! Thanks for protecting Liyue Harbor! Please come visit us for the next Lantern Rite!" Changchang said with a wide smile
"Unfortunately, we wouldn't be able to participate." Xiao said
"Huh?" Changchang confused
"Because we are adepti." Xiao told her
"Oh, okay... It must be hard being an adeptus." Changchang looked down in sad
Paimon: Aww...
"You see, this is what Liyue is like today. The country of contracts is grateful to the adepti for their protection. But it is no longer necessary for the city to rely on the adepti's power to solve every little niggling matter." Madame Ping said then continued
"Although their blood is weak, there is still strength to be found in those we call mortals... The time of contracts between gods and Liyue has long since passed. Now is the time of contracts between Liyue and its people."
"Hmm, seeing the port around us now, it is hard not to feel a bit out of place... wouldn't you say so, Cloud Retainer?" Mountain Shaper said then asked her
"Your line of inquiry is askew. One did not spearhead this expedition to Liyue Harbor..." Cloud Retainer replied
"Hmm... seems like the adepti have had a change of heart." Paimon said
"They've listened to what the people have said. And they're trying to understand things from their perspective." Lumine said
"Let us return now." Xiao said and walked away
"...Eager to leave, Conqueror of Demons?" Moon Carver asked
"Hehehe..." Madame Ping chuckled
"Yes, one understands what the Conqueror of Demons means. The city of Liyue has changed much after our long separation. One fears that by the time one finally grasps the new contracts of Liyue, you humans would have once again changed the place beyond recognition. Fair enough. Away we shall, and return whence we came..." Mountain Shaper said then left
"Hmph..." Moon Carver started walking and said last words "Since we adepti have consensus, then one shall persist no further. But how will we ensure that the Liyue Qixing will not simply exploit their power once we depart? In my view, that is still a thing to be guarded against..."
Ningguang: *chuckles*
"Alright, Moon Carver. You needn't worry. It seems to me that this right of supervision is best left to the people of Liyue." Madame Ping told him
"Whew... Looks like the conflict between humans and adepti was avoided. All's well that ends well, huh?" Paimon asked Lumine
"You can say that again... The adepti were quite reasonable in the end..." Lumine said
"Oh, right! It's nice that we've got peace and all, but we're forgetting one thing!"
"Childe wanted to unleash the god so he could lure Rex Lapis out! But we were able to handle the Overlord of the Vortex on our own... So Rex Lapis never showed up!
"Oh, and speaking of that — don't we still need to get to the bottom of that archon's "death," too? Paimon doesn't get it... But, isn't the strongest lead we have the adepti-less Rite of Parting that we're organizing? No idea where Zhongli's gone. Let's ask for him at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Paimon said as they started searching Zhongli
-Timeskip-
Instead of meeting Zhongli, they only met the lady named Ferrylady
"Is there anything I can do for you two? I'm afraid that Wangsheng Funeral Parlor isn't in the best state to receive guests." Ferrylady said
"We've come to see Zhongli. Could you please tell him we're here?" Lumine told her
"Unfortunately, Zhongli isn't here at the moment. It seems he went to Northland Bank." Ferrylady said
"Doesn't the Northland Bank belong to the Fatui?" Paimon questioned then turned to Lumine
"Last time we saw Zhongli was before we went to the Golden House... Do you think he doesn't know about the attack on Liyue? Visiting the Fatui at a time like this could only mean more trouble! We had better go and make sure that everything is okay."
Paimon said as they started walking to Northland Bank
-In Northland Bank-
Lumine and Paimon have arrived at Northland Bank, they see three familiar people. It's Zhongli, Childe,... and La Signora
"You call this "cooperation between Harbingers"? Cooperation involves communication, you know..." Childe said angrily
"Hehe, don't take it to heart, Childe. Besides, weren't you happy that you got to skip the formalities and bring chaos to the land? I'm sure you must've enjoyed that..." Signora said then she saw two familiar faces "...Oh, it seems that some of your friends have arrived."
"Hey, it's Zhongli and Childe! And... you! You're also one of the Harbingers..." Paimon said
"Signora!" Lumine started in a fighting stance and glared at her
"Haha, it's you two. I believe we've met once before... In the City of Bards, was it? I'm glad you still remember my name. Ah, right. I imagine that it must have been rather hard to forget watching helplessly as something precious was snatched away from your friend." Signora smirked then noticed something missing
"Oh, it seems the Elemental Kid trying to be a God isn't with you."
"I won't tell you where he was. And Gnosis, I still have time to take it back." Lumine said coldly
"No, don't let her get to you, Lumine... You've yet to gather the powers of all seven elements, and Boboiboy isn't with us... So it might be best to keep things peaceful this time, seeing that two of the Harbingers are here." Paimon calmed her down
"Well, if it isn't Lumine. This is our first time seeing each other since Liyue was nearly wiped off the map. This is certainly a bit... awkward, wouldn't you say?" Childe asked
"Hmph, Paimon knew that we should never have trusted a Fatui Harbinger." Paimon said angrily
"Aw, now don't say that. Sure, I may have misled you, but I never had anything against you personally... Besides, I thought we were getting along quite well together, didn't you? Except for that little tussle we had at the end... Haha." Childe said then continued
"Nothing personal, we just have... different views, that's all. Of course, you may very well hold this against me, but that's up to you... The real deceivers here are Signora and Zhongli... curse them for leading me on."
"Signora and Zhongli?" Lumine confused
"So actually, I think—" Childe tried to tell her but Signora cut in
"Stop wasting time, Childe. There'll be plenty of time to chat once I'm through here." Signora said then turned to Zhongli
"You remember the agreement, Morax. Now, if you would be so kind... The Gnosis, please."
"Agreement? Gnosis? What in the world are you talking about!?" Lumine said
"..." Zhongli sighed in disbelief
"The contract is fulfilled. That which thou seeketh is now bestowed unto thee, for my promise is solid as stone." Zhongli told them
Zhongli pulled the Archon of Geo's Gnosis, which makes Lumine and Paimon shock
"Hmph, how sanctimonious..." Signora complained
"Zhongli, you are actually Rex Lapis?" Lumine looked at him in disappointment
"What! So you're the Lord of Geo!? No, wait! That's an exciting twist and all — but why give the Gnosis to the Fatui!?" Paimon asked
"I do not give it for free. I give it as agreed upon in the contract... for it is a matter solely between the Tsaritsa and I." Zhongli told them
"Then why did you feign your death?" Lumine asked
"Yeah, you don't think you went a little bit too far with that whole fake death thing!? Everyone was preparing the ceremony for you when splat, this big dragon falls out of the sky and all of Liyue goes into an uproar. Talk about a disaster!" Paimon yelled at him
"Hehe... Gathering all the forces that had been bubbling behind the scenes, and then stirring them together in a pot that was bound to boil over... That's what he wanted to see, am I right?" Signora told them
"Wait... what?" Paimon confused as Lumine and Paimon turned to him
"Perhaps it's best that I explain."
Zhongli: As you know, I've dwelt upon this world for more than six thousand years. It is now 3,700 years ago that I founded Liyue together with the adepti.
"Even boulders that can withstand whirlpools will erode with the passing of time. I kept convincing myself that cracks had not begun to form and that the end of my time had not yet come. Until one drizzly day, as I was strolling along the harbor, I heard a merchant tell one of his workers, "You've finished your duties, go ahead and call it a day." I stood motionless among the crowds, asking myself, "Have I already finished my duties?"" Zhongli explained his story
Paimon: Oh, Zhongli...
"But as I began to consider relinquishing my divine role, I soon discovered that many reasons still remained to not hastily depart. Was Liyue, the city I had dwelt in for so long, already prepared to enter its next age? I decided that a test was needed in order to reveal the answer. So I feigned my own death, and gathered the cast of Childe, the adepti, and the Liyue Qixing to play their roles together on the stage that was Liyue."
"Let me guess — you had another plan in case it all burned down." Lumine said
"That's right, which is why I continued to safeguard the Gnosis until now."
"So you mean that if the chaos ever reached the point of no return, you would simply appear and use your divine powers to bring Liyue back under control?" Paimon asked
"Of course. And it would have been all too easy for him, too. Just as a child quickly matures after losing their parents, so has Liyue matured when faced with the death of its deity..." Signora told them
As Zhongli continued
"In the end, the resolution to all that has transpired was even more satisfactory than I could have hoped for.
Take the adepti, for instance. Owing to their years of seclusion, they were the least informed. Yet, when faced with a crisis, they, commendably, showed the greatest amount of restraint possible. Not only did they manage to co-operate with the Qixing, but in the end, they even made efforts to understand the hearts of the people.
Credit is also due to Signora, the emissary dispatched by the Cryo Archon to fulfill our contract. At my request, she kept everything she knew in strict confidence — this despite the eavesdropping ears of her colleague, Childe.
This meant I could remain as Zhongli, even having the chance to fulfill the age-old traditions of Liyue in this mortal form. Thank you for joining me on this journey, Traveler.
All of these things turned out as I had planned. There is only one thing that I had not anticipated... and that was the conduct of the Liyue Qixing.
I had expected them to do no more than the adepti... To come to the defense of Liyue. But when all was said and done...
They seized the opportunity to supplant Liyue's divine protectors, and used the subsequent power vacuum left by my death to quickly gain complete control of Liyue."
"Huh? That doesn't sound good at all!" Paimon gasped
"Hah... On the contrary, I think it is excellent. I had always feared that it was far too soon for them to take over from me, and it was also that which I longed for the most. As such, this is the best parting gift anyone could have given this god of old."
"Hey, what about me? Doesn't anyone feel the least bit of remorse for deceiving me? You've practically kept me in the dark!" Childe felt annoyed for ignoring him the whole time (Nobody cares about you)
"Heh, I think that thanks would be more appropriate. You certainly played no small part in all of this... Wreaking havoc and turning the city upside down. The Lord of Geo ought to thank you for your performance, if anything." Signora grinned evilly
"If you hadn't created the pressure of a battle between mortals, adepti, and a god, the lump of coal resting in the hands of the Geo Archon — Liyue — would never have been able to become a dazzling diamond of a city."
"Huh? Just whose side are you on, mocking me like that? Are you itching for a fight?" Childe said angrily
"You've really embarrassed yourself this time." Lumine said blankly
"Hey! Haven't you learned the Liyue saying? "Don't always call it as you see it"!" Childe told her
"Well then, with the Gnosis in my possession, I have no use for such idle chatter. We should return to Zapolyarny Palace and seek an audience with Her Majesty, the Tsaritsa. Come, Childe." Signora told him
"Ugh, fine... I'll meet you there later. I'm not sharing a boat with the likes of you."
"Hmph, do as you wish." Signora said as she walked past Lumine. And she whispered something to Lumine
Signora walked out as Lumine glared at her then looked at Zhongli
"Now then, is there anything else you wish to ask me?" Zhongli said
"I'd like to know what the Cryo Archon offered you. What could possibly be worth a Gnosis?" Lumine asked
"Right! As Zhongli always told us, "a good trade is a fair trade." Paimon has no idea what could be a good trade for a Gnosis." Paimon said
"Realistically speaking, there is no such thing." Zhongli replied
Paimon: Huh?
"However, I am the God of Contracts. For thousands of years, I have made countless contracts. If the deal was of no benefit, then I certainly would not be inclined to agree to it. My agreement with the Cryo Archon will be the last of my contracts as the Geo Archon — my "contract to end all contracts." As for the bargaining chip that the Tsaritsa used to balance the scales... Uncover that answer for yourself in your future journeys." Zhongli told them
"I see." Lumine said then turned to Paimon "Let's go, Paimon."
Lumine and Paimon are ready to leave but Zhongli stops them
"Excuse me, Traveler. Can you leave Boboiboy a message for me? Tell him that "I wanted to talk with you in private"." Zhongli said
Lumine understands what he means then nods and leaves
-Flashback over-
"Zhongli was Morax the whole time?" Boboiboy asked in shock
"Yes, he was." Lumine said
"I can't believe we were with the God of Geo Archon." Boboiboy is still processing everything from what she said
"Boboiboy. I wanna to ask what was that back there during Childe battle and Osial." Lumine asked
"Yeah. Paimon wanna know too. Since when you can fuse your elements. Why didn't you tell us?" Paimon added
"*sigh* Remember the story about me and my friends are defeating Retak'ka." Boboiboy said as they nodded
"Well, back there. Tok Kasa told me about Elemental Power. He said he's using one element wasn't enough to defeat him so if only he can use two elements at the same time. And I understand his words. I have found the way to use two elements by fusing them together when I split myself into two." Boboiboy said then held his watch
"The reason why I didn't tell you about that because the Fatui has already know about me controlling seven elements in Teyvat that no one can't ever wield them. They all have their eyes on me. If they knew the fusion, they may hurt you and the others that we know. So they can get their hands on me." Boboiboy said and looked down sadly
Lumine and Paimon felt bad about him. They already know about his past, about things that he has been through
"I understand. You don't have worry about us. We can take care ourselves. Don't force yourself in many trouble. You need some help too, I'm here with you so cheer up."
"Take a rest. Tomorrow will be Rite of Parting." Lumine said and was ready to leave but she said final words "Boboiboy. Zhongli sent you a message. He said he wanted to talk with you in private."
"Ok." Boboiboy nodded then lay down
As Lumine walked out of the room and Paimon followed her. Lumine starts remembering Signora told her
-Flashback-
Signora walked past Lumine. And she whispered something to Lumine
"The offer for him is still on. If he doesn't want to come then Tsaritsa will force him." Signora whispered to Lumine as she left out of Northland Bank
Lumine glared at her
-Flashback over-
'Tsaritsa still wanted him. All Fatui are setting their eyes on him now. I won't let that happen. I will protect him.' Lumine thought
The next day
After that, Boboiboy has finally recovered. Now, the group is heading to Yujing Terrance. On their way, they heard some people having a conversation about the Rite of Parting and the Fatui.
That's when the four of you found one of the Millelith Guards who was named Fengyan who was giving a speech about Rex Lapis who was not dead
Fengyan: Hear ye all the Qixing's words:
Fengyan: Though a dragon soars ageless as the mountains, it too must return to dust. This is common knowledge.
Fengyan: Gods and adepti live glorious lives, but both light and shadow have their season. So, too, must they face divinely-appointed trials.
Fengyan: Rumors and hearsay abound on the streets that Rex Lapis was murdered. Now, let the truth be revealed.
Fengyan: Having been thwarted in his trial, Rex Lapis' soul has recouped the celestial heights. He beseeches the people of Liyue to grieve not, and to not let their hearts be saddened.
Fengyan: Nor are they to believe street-borne rumors or indulge in baseless speculation.
He said then left
"Ah... Um, Paimon needs a translation on what the Qixing's announcement said, Lumine." Paimon said
"They said that Rex Lapis wasn't murdered." Lumine said
"...So that's how they're spinning it..."
"Something feels off. Why would they suddenly give up looking for the murderer? Not to mention how this excuse sounds like something they just made up on the spot."
"Could the Qixing already have known that Rex Lapis wasn't dead? But Zhongli said that neither they nor adepti knew anything... Hmm... Did Zhongli tell them in secret after his Gnosis changed hands?" Paimon asked them
"We're not sure. But that may be possible." Boboiboy said
"Exactly, right? Ooh, seems like the Rite of Parting has been going on for a while now. Let's go have a look." Paimon told them as they approach the Rite of Parting area and see three familiar faces
"Look, it's Ningguang and Keqing. Are they saying something? Are their speeches over?" Paimon asked
"I think we should listen." Boboiboy said
Until Ningguang spoke up to the audience
"...As said previously, Rex Lapis' soul returning to the heavens is the end of the contract, and it is also the end of an era." Ningguang said
"3,700 years of contracts, burnt and reduced to ash..." Shitou said
As Ningguang continued
"We, the people of Liyue were indeed prosperous. But blinded by our prosperity, we forgot that time can be pitiless."
"The long, unending dream of our archon walking among us..." Ying'er said
"Mm..." Madame Ping nodded to Ningguang as Ningguang said
"Now that we have awoken from our dream, we must learn to say farewell. Will you stand with us as we reestablish our contracts — as we build a new age of prosperity?"
" So concludes the words of her Eminence, the Tianquan. Does Her Eminence the Yuheng have anything to add?" Ganyu said to Keqing as Keqing turned to Lumine and Boboiboy
"Eh? Is she looking this way?" Paimon asked
"Boboiboy." Keqing called him
"Huh?" Boboiboy turned to Keqing, who was approaching him as the crowd starts whispering about him
Crowd: Is that the traveler who they say defeated the ancient god?
Crowd: So young...
"The Liyue Qixing always repay their debts. And as you have heard, our eyes see far and our reach is long. Name your price. You deserve that much." Keqing
"Whoa..." Paimon said in awe
"You deserve it, Boboiboy." Lumine told him
"..." Boboiboy doesn't know what to say as he looks at Lumine then he smiles and turns to Keqing
"I'll pass." Boboiboy said, which makes everyone shock
"What? Why?" Keqing asked
"Well, It's true that I deserve a reward for fighting the ancient god, but I'm not the only one. My friends were there helping me too." Boboiboy referred to Lumine and Paimon
"All thanks to them that I manage to survive and defeat the ancient god. Without them, I won't be able to win the battle. So I think Lumine will deserve the reward." Boboiboy said and gave Lumine a smile
"Boboiboy..."
"Although this price won't help me much, I think the thanks would be enough for me." Boboiboy told Keqing
"Very well then. Lumine, what do you want for your desires?" Ningguang asked
"... Well... could you help me put up some missing person posters...?" Lumine asked them
After things have been settled down, the group finds Zhongli standing near the balcony as they went up to him for a chat
"Hey, Zhongli! Look at this. Everyone in Liyue's caught up in their emotions, thinking they'll never see Rex Lapis again... ...And here you are, looking all relaxed!" Paimon said
Zhongli turns around and laughed a little before speaking up.
"Hahaha. Why would I not feel more at ease after laying down the burden I have borne for 3,700 years? Right, if the three of you can spare the time. I should treat you to a meal at the Xinyue Kiosk." Zhongli told them
"Hah! That sounds like big talk, Zhongli. Paimon might have believed you if you were treating us to some Third-Round Knockout, but you'd have to pay out your nose just to stand inside Xinyue Kiosk. Are you sure you can afford it?" Paimon asked
Zhongli: Hmm...
"You're right, I do lack the Mora." Zhongli confessed
"You've been this way this entire time, but..." Lumine said
"But why would Morax lack Mora?" Boboiboy asked in confusion
"As the Rex Lapis Morax, I can easily create Mora. But since I have chosen to walk this earth as the mortal Zhongli, I should abide by the same rules that mortals do. When I was journeying with you, though I still had the Gnosis in hand, I knew that I must soon retire from my role as an archon. So I had to... rehearse a little, for my new life." Zhongli explained
"Oh, no wonder! Paimon gets it now. You didn't look at the price tags when we were spending because you've never had to. But since you weren't used to not being able to just make some Mora as and when you wanted to, you had to try becoming a parasite to society who lives off of other peoples' credit..." Paimon said to them
"Well, we were only spending Fatui money. You don't have to say it like that... In the city of commerce, we do not merely exchange money or goods. We also exchange knowledge, memories, and foresight, as well as positions, roles, and lives. The archon Morax could never experience life as the true mortal Zhongli could, no matter how many times he descended to be with his people." Zhongli said
"Haha, I must thank you for that. I will treasure the memories that I made as Zhongli, traveling the streets of Liyue with you." Zhongli thanked them
"*sigh* It was a fine journey." Lumine sighed
"But It was also fun too." Boboiboy added
"That is true, but there is no journey that does not end. No meetings without partings." Zhongli said
"Mm... Paimon thinks that we should make a move and continue our search for The Seven." Paimon told them but Zhongli stopped them and said
"I fear that continuing your journey may be difficult. The nation that neighbors Liyue by sea, Inazuma, is presently closed."
""Closed"?" Lumine asked
Zhongli: Yes. The nation has been closed by order of its deity.
"Who's the god who rules Inazuma?" Boboiboy asked
"The Electro Archon, Baal — and just as the people of Liyue preferred to call me Rex Lapis, she too goes by another name among locals in Inazuma." Zhongli answered
"Um, Paimon thinks we've heard that one before. Uh.. Rai... Raiden?" Paimon tried to remember
"That is the case. And since Raiden is also the Shogun of Inazuma, people call her the Raiden Shogun." Zhongli told them
'The Raiden Shogun? Inazuma? Baal? It sounds like the Japan to me.' Boboiboy(Light) thought
"The Shogun..." Lumine said
"That said, though people at the wharf were saying that the situation in Inazuma is very tense, Paimon doesn't remember that always being the case. It wasn't that bad last year..." Paimon said then turned to Zhongli
"Zhongli, since you're Rex Lapis, shouldn't you know something about what's happening there? Just how did Inazuma become a closed nation?"
Zhongli: It's because of Visions.
"Visions?" Three of them asked
"When faced with circumstances beyond their control, humans often bemoan their lack of power. But if a person shows true strength of will at a desperate and fateful moment in their life, the gods will look upon them with favor. That is what Visions are. Magical foci bestowed upon those who have been acknowledged by the gods." Zhongli said
"Uh-huh. That's how people in Teyvat see it." Paimon said
"But starting from last year, the Raiden Shogun began promulgating the "Vision Hunt Decree."" Zhongli told them
Paimon: ...Vision Hunt Decree?
"Yes. It was an order to seize all Visions within Inazuma's borders, and to inlay them upon the hands of the Statue of the Omnipresent God." Zhongli answered
"They want to seize Visions? But why?" Boboiboy asked
"I should think that in the Raiden Shogun's eyes, it is precisely because they are divine blessings, that they should be under the sole dominion of divinity." Zhongli told him
Paimon: Whoa... That's harsh.
"The Anemo Archon is the God of Freedom, and the Geo Archon is the God of Contracts. For her part, the Raiden Shogun is the God of Eternity. It seems as though she has finally decided to eliminate any unstable elements that could pose a threat to her eternal realm." Zhongli said then continued
"The fact that even I, the oldest of The Seven, have now "passed away" will only strengthen her resolve to pursue eternity. Knowing her, she must have again quoted that adage she is most fond of when proclaiming that decree to her people: "Seven ideals for seven gods, and of these, Eternity is nearest unto the Heavenly Principles.""
"Heaven..." Lumine said
"Alright, then. Was there anything else you wished to know?" Zhongli asked
They look at each other then turn to Zhongli
"Well, there is. You wanna talk to Boboiboy in private right?" Lumine asked
"Oh, I remember. Yes, I do wanna talk to him in private. May you-" Zhongli got interrupted
"I already know about six beings, who came to Tevyat before me." Boboiboy said as Zhongli's eyes widen a little
"Oh, who told you that?" Zhongli asked
"It's Barbatos, the God of Freedom." Boboiboy answered
"I see, It was him. I take it that you two already know about it too." Zhongli referred to Lumine and Paimon
"Yes, he told us about them." Lumine said
"Yep!" Paimon nodded in agreement
"... *Sigh* If you two know about this, then please do not spread this information about them." Zhongli told them
"Why?" Paimon asked
"Didn't he tell you the reason?" Zhongli asked as they shake their head
"*Sigh* Of course, that drunkard doesn't pay attention. The reason is that Celestia has chosen that we should not spread this information to other mortals because ... (I will finish this explanation later, I need to think so this updates later) and there is another reason. The Six Beings, they said they wanted to keep this information. It was their decision so we decided to keep the secret." Zhongli told them
"I see." Boboiboy said
"So tell me. Why do you have their elements?" Zhongli asked
"Well. It all started..." Boboiboy started telling him everything about the dangerous alien names Retak'ka, who used to be Hang Kasa's friend and also the original owner of the Solar element. He also tells him a story about the original owners who have been defeated by Retak'ka even their elements got stolen too except Hang Kasa. Boboiboy told him that he doesn't know what happen to them. He told him everything like Power Sphera Octobot, the watch that he wears, even his battle with Retak'ka even himself, etc except Fusion. He wanted to keep the secret weapon
"I see. Retak'ka, the evil alien, used to be Hang Kara's friend. He's also the one, who's stealing their elements." Zhongli held his chin and then said "Well, I believe you."
"You are not mad at me?" Boboiboy said
"No, I am not mad. At first, I thought you were the one that Hang Kasa told me but I was wrong. I have seen the way you use them for the right thing. Not abuse their power so it's enough to prove to me that you were not the evil being. You're worthy of their power."
"And Hang Kasa, I didn't think he is still alive after all these five hundred years." Zhongli said
"Actually, he's living over one hundred years. I have discovered that the time from here is moved slower than the outside." Boboiboy said
"I see. Anything else?" Zhongli asked
"I wanna know what's your friendship with Tok Kasa?" Boboiboy asked
"Hang Kasa and I are training partners and also close friends. We're usually training together and hanging out." Zhongli said
"Training? What kind of training?" Lumine asked
"... I rather not talk about it." Zhongli looked away in embarrassment
"Don't worry. I will tell you what kind of training Tok Kasa put." Boboiboy whispered to Lumine
"Anything else?" Zhongli said
"Adeptus and Yakshas from five hundred years ago, do they know about him?" Paimon asked
"Yes, they do but they don't know the secret about him and the others. Did you use Hang Kasa's element right in front of them?" Zhongli asked
"I did during Osial battle. But they didn't have any reaction to it." Boboiboy said
"I see. It seems they don't remember him. Anything else?" Zhongli said
"I wanna know the original owner of the elements' names." Boboiboy said
"Ok. The first is Hang Kasa, the owner of Crystal element. It similar but different to Geo element. Next is Kuputeri, the owner of wind element called Tempest. Satriantar, she is wielding red lighting called Voltra, is very dangerous than Electro element. Panglima Pyrapid, he is the owner of Pyro element, it may have a same name but his element is way powerful than Pyro in Teyvat. Mas Mawais, the owner of Frost element. And King Balakung, he is the owner of Darkwood." Zhongli told them
"Anything else?"
"I think that's all." Boboiboy said
"Well then, I suppose you'll have to find a way to get inside this closed nation. Have patience... I suspect that some serendipity must first come into play..." Zhongli said as they nodded and were ready to leave but
"Boboiboy. One more thing." Zhongli called him
"Hmm?"
"I suggest you should not use red lighting element in front of Baal." Zhongli said
"Why?" Boboiboy asked in confusion
"Satriantar and Baal are close friends. After they left to fight the evil being, she has been changed. I'm afraid that she may mistake you with Retak'ka. She will strike you with her lightning if you use it. She will do whatever takes to take that element out of you. So be careful." Zhongli told them as they are shocked what he just said and knowing what he means so they nodded and left
And Zhongli looks up the sky
"I didn't think you are still alive after all these years. I hope we meet again someday, Hang Kasa." Zhongli said then looked the picture on his pendant. The picture is Hang Kasa in Crystal armor and Morax.
-500 years ago-
Somewhere on the mountain, there are two people are training
"Hang Kasa. You sure this is the way to become strong?" Morax is doing the... horse stance? Morax is feeling uncomfortable and embarrassment
"Of course, Morax. This is a way to become strong and using your element properly." Hang Kasa said while doing horse stance
"Ey. You are doing wrong. Like this. Lift your left feet up too. And don't forget make a horse sound." Hang Kasa said then made a horse sound
Morax does it too
'Why do I even agree in the first place?' Morax thought
Suddenly the laughing came out of nowhere
"HAHAHAHA!!"
They turned to the direction, where the laugh came from. It was Barbatos, who's laughing. And Kuputeri is there too. She is just giggling
Morax's anger is building up then he summons pillar to punches Barbatos up to the sky
Martinthegamer: Hi guys, I'm back. Sorry for not updating the new chapter. Because my mom hired some tutors for helping me four subjects cause I'm bad at them. Also I'm ready for 12th grade so this year will be busy a lot, not only that 12th grade is going to be difficult