After two long days of travel across the Guili Plains, the travelers finally reached the outskirts of Liyue Harbor. The city's grandeur, even from a distance, left Momon deeply impressed.
The towering golden structures, intricate architecture, and bustling activity of the port city stood in stark contrast to the vast and tranquil plains they had just crossed. Liyue Harbor, nestled between the mountains and the sea, was a vibrant hub of commerce and culture, its streets alive with the energy of countless merchants, travelers, and citizens.
Momon paused on a hill overlooking the city, taking in the sight. The gleaming stone pillars, adorned with intricate carvings, and the elegant bridges that arched over the waterways were unlike anything he had ever seen before. The city seemed to pulse with life, its heart beating in time with the rhythm of the waves that lapped against the harbor.
"This city… it's magnificent," Momon muttered to himself, his voice filled with a rare sense of wonder. The sheer scale and beauty of Liyue Harbor were overwhelming, even for someone as seasoned and stoic as him.
His companions, too, seemed captivated by the sight, though perhaps for different reasons. For them, Liyue was a place of opportunity, a city where fortunes could be made and lost, where secrets were traded like commodities.
As they descended towards the city gates, the air grew warmer, filled with the scents of exotic spices and the distant hum of activity. The towering Geo Archon statues, standing guard over the city, seemed to welcome them with their imposing presence, a testament to the city's deep history and strength.
As Momon, Aether, and Paimon made their way through the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor, they couldn't help but notice the wary glances they were attracting. The city guards, stationed at various points along the streets, were particularly vigilant, their eyes trained on the newcomers.
Momon, with his imposing height, drew the most attention. He towered above the crowds, his dark, heavy armor glinting under the sunlight. A hood concealed much of his head, and the mask that obscured his face only added to his enigmatic and intimidating presence. His very aura seemed to exude an otherworldly power, a palpable tension that made those around him instinctively cautious.
The guards exchanged uneasy looks as the trio passed by. They were accustomed to seeing all manner of travelers in Liyue, but there was something different about Momon. His appearance alone was enough to put them on edge, but it was the aura he emitted—a sense of restrained power, like a storm waiting to be unleashed—that truly unsettled them.
One guard, a seasoned veteran with years of experience, tightened his grip on his spear as he whispered to his companion, "Keep an eye on that one. He doesn't look like your usual adventurer."
His fellow guard nodded, his gaze never leaving Momon. "Yeah, there's something off about him. We should report this to the higher-ups, just in case."
As they continued through the city, Paimon floated closer to Aether, whispering, "Uh, Aether? I think those guards are suspicious of us. Or maybe just of Momon. He does look a bit... intimidating."
Aether glanced at Momon, who seemed completely unfazed by the attention. Despite the tension in the air, Momon walked with a calm, measured stride, his posture relaxed but alert. Aether knew that Momon's appearance was likely contributing to the guards' wariness, but there was little they could do about it.
Momon, on the other hand, was fully aware of the scrutiny but chose to ignore it. He had grown accustomed to the fearful or suspicious looks from others, understanding that his appearance often inspired such reactions. However, he wasn't here to cause trouble; he was simply a traveler in a foreign land, observing and learning as he went.
Paimon hovered around Aether, her usual curiosity bubbling to the surface as they wandered through Liyue Harbor. "So how are we supposed to know when the Rite of Descension is happening? It could be today or tomorrow for all we know!" she exclaimed, a hint of impatience in her voice.
Momon, ever the calm presence, offered a simple solution. "Well, you two should just go ask the locals," he suggested, his voice steady and practical.
Taking his advice to heart, the trio made their way through the bustling streets until they spotted a woman standing by a stall filled with intriguing wares. Her name was Linlang, and she had a friendly demeanor that put them at ease.
Aether approached her, offering a polite smile. "Hello, miss. May I ask you something?"
Linlang's face lit up with a bright smile, welcoming the inquiry. "Sure! What would you like to know?"
"We were wondering when the Rite of Descension is going to take place," Aether asked, his tone courteous but eager for information.
Linlang's smile widened as she replied, "Oh, it's today! Once a year, Rex Lapis bestows upon us his divine prediction, guiding us on how to run Liyue for the coming year."
Paimon's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Today? Wow, that's amazing! We're just in time!"
Aether nodded, grateful for the information. "And where is this rite taking place?"
Linlang gestured towards the distant, elevated part of the city. "You should head up to Yujing Terrace, on the high grounds. It's the highest place in the harbor—sounds like the best place for trying to communicate with deities, don't you think?"
Aether glanced in the direction she indicated, his eyes settling on the majestic terrace that overlooked the city. It was clear that Yujing Terrace was an important and sacred place, fitting for such an auspicious event.
"Thank you so much for your help," Aether said with a grateful nod.
Linlang waved them off with a cheerful smile. "You're welcome! Enjoy the Rite of Descension—it's truly a sight to behold."
As they made their way towards Yujing Terrace, Paimon buzzed with excitement. "This is going to be so cool! I wonder what kind of divine prediction Rex Lapis will give this year!"
"There's no need to concern ourselves with his divine predictions, Paimon," Momon said, his tone firm and focused. His eyes, though hidden behind the mask, seemed to radiate a sense of purpose. He then turned to Aether, his voice lowering slightly as if to emphasize the importance of his next words. "We will follow the mission. We should ask him politely for a conversation once the Rite is over when he's not surrounded by his followers. If things go well, that will be your moment to ask about your sister, Aether."
Aether nodded in agreement, his expression serious as he absorbed Momon's advice. The mention of his sister brought a renewed determination to his eyes. He knew that this might be one of the few opportunities to gain information about her whereabouts, and he was ready to seize it.
"Got it. We just need to wait for the right moment." Paimon, though still excited about the upcoming event, understood the gravity of the situation and floated quietly by Aether's side, her usual chatter replaced with a thoughtful silence.
As the three travelers approached Yujing Terrace, they were greeted by the sight of a massive crowd gathered in anticipation of Rex Lapis' descent from the heavens. The air was thick with excitement and reverence, as people from all walks of life waited to witness the divine event. The sheer number of people could have made navigating through the crowd difficult, but the presence of Momon changed that.
Momon, towering above everyone else and radiating an intimidating aura, made an immediate impression on those around him. His imposing stature and the unsettling energy that seemed to emanate from him caused those in the crowd to instinctively step aside, their faces marked by a mix of fear and awe. Whispers spread quickly through the throng as people made way for the trio, their curiosity piqued by the mysterious stranger who walked with such confidence.
Aether and Paimon followed closely behind Momon, grateful for the path he was inadvertently clearing. They exchanged glances, both aware of the effect Momon was having on the crowd but choosing not to comment on it.
As they reached the front of the gathering, the scene before them was breathtaking. In the center of the massive terrace stood a grand stone table, intricately carved and adorned with offerings. It was clearly prepared for Rex Lapis, a symbol of the respect and reverence the people of Liyue held for their Archon.
But what truly caught their attention was the woman standing nearby. She was extraordinarily beautiful, with an air of grace and authority that immediately commanded respect. Dressed in elegant robes that shimmered in the light, she was accompanied by two female servants, both of whom attended to her with the utmost care.
Aether couldn't help but be struck by her presence. There was something regal about her, as if she was not just a person of importance but someone deeply connected to the very essence of Liyue itself.
Paimon floated closer to Aether, whispering, "Wow, who do you think she is? She looks really important!"
Momon, observing the scene with his usual calm demeanor, remained silent. He studied the woman carefully, noting the way the crowd seemed to part for her just as they had for him. This was no ordinary person; her presence here, so close to where Rex Lapis would descend, indicated that she held a significant position in Liyue.
The beautiful woman's gaze shifted skyward, her expression calm but filled with anticipation. A soft smile graced her lips as she seemed to sense something in the air, something that the others could not yet perceive. "The hour is upon us!" she declared, her voice carrying an almost musical quality that immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
With a graceful movement, she raised her hand, revealing a Vision—a small, glowing gem that marked her as one of the chosen few blessed with elemental power. Her Vision radiated with the golden hue of Geo, the element of the earth, solid and enduring. The crowd watched in reverent silence as she stepped forward, approaching the grand stone table at the center of the terrace.
On the table rested a beautifully crafted censer, an ornate vessel meant to hold burning incense. With a gentle wave of her hand, she directed her Geo energy towards the censer. The power of the earth flowed through her, and the golden light of her Vision pulsed as the censer began to glow in response.
The air grew tense as the woman channeled her Geo energy into the ritual, a brilliant beam of golden light shooting up from the censer into the sky. The beam pierced the heavens, creating a vortex of swirling clouds that darkened the once-clear sky. The center of the vortex glowed with a radiant golden hue as if a portal was being opened for Rex Lapis himself to descend.
The crowd watched in awe, their hearts filled with anticipation. This was the moment they had been waiting for—the arrival of their revered Archon of Geo. All eyes were fixed on the swirling clouds above, waiting for the god to make his appearance.
But as the moments passed, the woman's expression began to shift. She noticed something was wrong. The energy in the air felt off, and the golden glow within the vortex flickered unnervingly. Before she could react, the vortex convulsed, and a massive form began to plummet from the sky.
With a deafening crash, a gigantic dragon fell from the vortex, landing directly on the grand stone table in the center of the terrace. The impact was catastrophic—the stone table shattered into rubble, and the ground trembled beneath the weight of the beast. The crowd gasped in shock, their reverence turning to horror as they recoiled from the sight.
Momon's eyes narrowed as he took in the creature's appearance. The dragon's serpentine body and majestic horns were unmistakably reminiscent of the eastern dragons from legends—a creature of immense power and grandeur. "Is that thing Rex Lapis?" he murmured to Aether, his voice low and cautious.
Aether, equally stunned, could only shake his head, uncertainty clouding his thoughts. Paimon hovered close to him, her eyes wide with fear and confusion.
The woman, still composed despite the chaos, approached the fallen dragon with a mix of disbelief and concern. She examined the massive creature, her hands trembling as she reached out to touch its cold, lifeless scales. There was no mistaking it—the dragon was dead.
Her eyes widened as the realization set in, and she quickly turned to face the crowd, her voice ringing out with urgency. "Rex Lapis has been killed! Seal the exits!" she commanded, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.
Panic erupted in the crowd as people began to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The mighty Rex Lapis, the protector and deity of Liyue, had fallen before their very eyes. The citizens scrambled in confusion, fear gripping their hearts as guards rushed to carry out the woman's orders, sealing off every possible escape route from Yujing Terrace.
Momon remained calm, his mind racing as he assessed the situation. This was more than just a tragic event—it was a disaster that could throw the entire city into turmoil. The death of an Archon would not only shatter the people's faith but could also lead to chaos on a massive scale.
Momon watched the scene unfold with an unnerving calm. The chaos around them—panicked citizens, scrambling guards, and the shock of Rex Lapis' apparent demise—didn't seem to faze him. Instead, he turned to Aether. "Well, this one's gone for good, Aether," he said, his voice steady as if discussing something far less significant. "That leaves us with five more Archons to go. Let's move."
Aether hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the fallen dragon and the crowd spiraling into chaos. A twinge of sadness crossed his face, but he quickly steeled himself. "It's sad… but you're right. We need to get out of here before things get worse."
Paimon floated close to Aether, her usual cheer replaced by a worried frown. "Yeah, we don't want to get caught up in this mess. Let's get out of here!"
The three travelers began to make their way toward the stairs leading away from Yujing Terrace. The chaos around them worked to their advantage, as the guards were too preoccupied with controlling the panicked crowd to notice the trio slipping away. The tension in the air was palpable, with citizens crying out in fear and confusion, and the once-reverent atmosphere now charged with uncertainty.
As they reached the stairs, it seemed they might just make their escape unnoticed. But suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the din. "Stop right there!" one of the guards shouted, his tone authoritative and filled with urgency.
Momon, Aether, and Paimon froze in their tracks, turning to face the guards who were now rushing toward them. The situation had become more dangerous than they anticipated, and it was clear that the guards were not going to let anyone leave the terrace without thorough scrutiny.
Paimon flitted closer to Aether, her voice a frantic whisper. "What do we do? They're onto us!"
Aether stepped forward, keeping his voice steady and calm despite the mounting tension. "Hello, sir. We're just adventurers, and since things took a turn for the worse with the Rite of Descension, we were simply trying to leave."
The guard's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the trio. "It's not up to you to decide whether you can leave or not," he barked, his tone accusatory. "The people are saying that three strange foreigners who appeared at the Rite of Descension must have something to do with the assassination of Rex Lapis."
Paimon, her temper flaring, floated up to the guard's eye level, her small fists clenched. "That's a ridiculous accusation! How could we possibly kill a god? Are you out of your mind? Maybe you should be looking for some other god who has a grudge against Rex Lapis!"
The guard's face twisted in anger at Paimon's outburst. "Enough! We will not tolerate this insolence! Arrest them!" he ordered, and the Millelith soldiers began advancing on the group, their weapons raised.
Momon, who had been silent up to this point, let out a low growl of frustration. He had no patience for this kind of bureaucratic nonsense, especially when it came with baseless accusations. "Ugh, enough with this soft shit!" he muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with disdain.
Without hesitation, Momon drew his sword, the cold steel gleaming in the light as he brandished it with deadly intent. The soldiers hesitated, clearly unnerved by the sudden escalation. Momon's presence, already intimidating, now radiated a palpable threat that made the guards falter.
Aether, sensing that the situation was spiraling out of control, quickly tried to de-escalate. "Momon, wait! We don't want to make things worse!" he urged, though he knew that the point of no return might already have been crossed.
The lead guard, though visibly shaken by Momon's readiness to fight, stood his ground. "You think you can just draw your weapon against the Millelith and walk away? You're only proving your guilt!"
Momon's eyes, glowing ominously beneath his mask, locked onto the guard. "You're accusing us of something we had nothing to do with. We're leaving—one way or another."
The tension hung thick in the air, the standoff teetering on the edge of violence. The guards, though trained and disciplined, were clearly unsure of how to proceed against someone as fearsome as Momon. Aether tightened his grip on his own weapon, ready to defend himself and his companions if it came to that, while Paimon hovered close, her eyes darting nervously between the guards and Momon.
"Get them!" the lead guard barked, his voice cutting through the air like a whip.
In an instant, the Millelith soldiers charged forward, their halberds gleaming as they thrust them at the trio. The air was filled with the sound of clanking armor and shouts of determination as the guards moved in unison, their training evident in the precision of their attack.
But Momon was ready.
With a fluid, almost effortless motion, Momon swung his massive sword. The blade moved with a speed that belied its size, cutting through the air with a whistling sound. In a flash, the halberds of the advancing soldiers met the edge of Momon's sword, and the result was devastating.
The halberds, sturdy weapons crafted from the finest materials in Liyue, were sliced cleanly in two as if they were made of nothing more than brittle twigs. The sheer force and precision of Momon's strike sent the broken halves clattering to the ground, leaving the soldiers disarmed and momentarily stunned.
Momon's movements were smooth and controlled, his strength undeniable as he dispatched the soldiers' weapons with a single stroke. The Millelith, now weaponless and facing an opponent who clearly outmatched them, hesitated, fear and uncertainty flickering in their eyes.
Aether watched in awe, realizing once again just how powerful Momon truly was. Paimon hovered close to him, her usual chatter replaced by a stunned silence as she took in the scene.
Momon didn't relent, his stance firm as he raised his sword again, ready for any further aggression. "If you value your lives, stand down," he said, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight of authority. The soldiers, now wary of the formidable opponent before them, exchanged nervous glances, clearly unsure of how to proceed.
The lead guard, though visibly shaken, wasn't ready to give up. "You… you won't get away with this!" he stammered, his voice lacking the confidence it had before. "Reinforcements will be here soon, and you'll—"
Without warning, Momon raised his free hand, his fingers curling as he summoned his magic. "[Shockwave]," he intoned, his voice calm yet commanding.
In an instant, a powerful burst of energy erupted from his palm, spreading out in a circular wave that swept across the terrace. The air hummed with raw power as the shockwave expanded, slamming into the advancing Millelith soldiers with an overwhelming force.
The soldiers were thrown back as if struck by an invisible hammer, their bodies lifted off their feet and sent crashing to the ground. The force of the shockwave was so strong that it shattered nearby stone tiles and sent debris flying in all directions. The Millelith, despite their armor and training, were utterly powerless against the sheer strength of Momon's magic.
The guards hit the ground hard, some skidding across the terrace while others collided with the stone walls. Groans of pain filled the air as they struggled to regain their bearings, the wind knocked out of them by the brutal impact. Weapons and shields clattered to the ground, and it was clear that none of them were in any condition to continue the fight.
Momon lowered his hand, the magic dissipating as quickly as it had been summoned. He stood tall and unyielding, his sword still in his other hand, though now it seemed almost unnecessary. The display of power had made his point clear—he was not someone to be trifled with.
As the shockwave's reverberations settled, it became clear that the commotion had drawn the attention of not just the nearby guards but also some of the Liyue Qixing. Their disciplined response was swift, with a flood of reinforcements pouring in from every direction, their faces set in determination.
Aether glanced around nervously, the tension in the air palpable. "Oh, they're going to be furious about this, Momon. Really, really mad!" he said, his voice laced with concern.
Momon's eyes flickered with annoyance, but he remained composed. "Just move. I'll follow."
Without wasting another second, Aether sprinted down the stairs of Yujing Terrace, Paimon flying anxiously beside him. "Come on, Paimon!"
"Yes!" Paimon replied, her worry evident in her voice as she kept pace with Aether.
Momon watched them go, his expression hidden behind his mask, but his mind was focused and unyielding. Just as he was about to follow, he saw the approaching swarm of guards—too many to deal with efficiently, especially with Aether and Paimon now out of sight.
"[Wall of Fire]," Momon muttered, raising his hand with a practiced ease.
Immediately, a massive wall of searing flames erupted between him and the oncoming guards. The intense heat radiated outward, forcing the guards to halt in their tracks, their eyes wide with shock as the flames crackled and roared before them. The wall of fire was wide and high, an insurmountable barrier that gave Momon the precious seconds he needed to think.
"That will hold them for a bit," he said to himself, his voice calm as ever despite the escalating situation.
He turned to head down the stairs, only to realize that Aether and Paimon were nowhere to be seen. A quick scan of the area revealed no sign of them, leaving Momon momentarily perplexed. "Did he use the glider or something?" he mused, looking down the stairs for any sign of his companions.
But there was no time to dwell on it. More guards were rushing up the stairs, their weapons drawn and their determination clear. The leading guard, emboldened by the sight of reinforcements, shouted with confidence, "You won't get away this time, criminal!"
Momon's eyes narrowed beneath his mask. He had no patience for this. The situation was rapidly spiraling out of control, and he needed to reunite with Aether and Paimon as quickly as possible.
"Get the hell out of my sight, punk!"
With a swift, decisive motion, Momon stepped forward and delivered a powerful kick to the chest of the lead guard. The force of the blow sent the guard flying backward, his body crashing into three more guards behind him. The impact was so strong that it sent all four of them tumbling down the stairs, their weapons clattering as they fell.
"AAAAAAHHH!" The guards screamed as they plummeted down, eventually landing with a splash in the pool below. Fortunately for them, the water broke their fall, sparing them from more serious injury.
Momon didn't waste any more time. With the path momentarily clear, he hurried down the stairs, scanning the area for any sign of Aether and Paimon. The city of Liyue Harbor was sprawling and complex, with countless alleys, stairways, and platforms. Finding them in this labyrinth wouldn't be easy, especially with the growing number of guards now alerted to his presence.
"Stop!"
Momon halted his steps as the command echoed through the air. A few meters ahead, the same woman who had conducted the ceremony to welcome Rex Lapis now stood in his path. Her expression was a mix of determination and controlled anger, her regal demeanor commanding attention. Flanking her were her two loyal servants, their postures tense, ready to support their mistress in whatever would come next.
Beside the woman stood another figure—a striking woman with blue hair and delicate horns sprouting from her head. She exuded an aura of grace and power, her bow already drawn and aimed directly at Momon. Her sharp eyes locked onto him, ready to release the arrow at a moment's notice.
Momon's gaze flicked over his shoulder as he sensed another presence behind him. There, blocking his retreat, was a woman with light purple hair styled into waist-length twin-tails, accented by small odango-style buns resembling cat ears. Her stance was that of a skilled warrior, and she held a sword at the ready, her eyes narrowed as she prepared to confront the intruder who had brought chaos to Liyue.
The tension in the air was palpable, each side waiting for the other to make a move.
Momon assessed his surroundings. He was now surrounded by some of Liyue's most formidable defenders, each of them clearly ready to fight if necessary. Despite the odds, he remained calm, his mind calculating the best course of action.
"So, you're the one who performed the ceremony," Momon addressed the woman ahead, his voice steady. "And now you're standing in my way. What's the meaning of this?"
The woman, Ningguang, gave him a measured look. "You've caused enough trouble here. Liyue has suffered a great loss today, and your actions have only made things worse. We cannot allow you to leave without answers."
Behind her, the woman with blue hair—Ganyu—tightened her grip on her bow, her gaze unwavering. "Surrender now, and we may yet resolve this without further bloodshed."
Momon's eyes narrowed slightly, his patience wearing thin. "I didn't come here to fight your city or your Archon. But if you insist on standing in my way, I won't hesitate to defend myself."
The woman behind him, Keqing, shifted her stance, her sword gleaming in the dim light. "Your actions have brought chaos to Liyue. You'll answer for them, whether you like it or not."
Momon turned sharply to face Keqing, his voice carrying a cold edge as he addressed her. "Listen here, kitty! Since the moment I set foot in this nation, I've been attacked and accused for no reason. First, there was some midget who picked a fight with me… what was his name again… ah, yes, Xiao. Adeptus Xiao. This guy decided to attack me out of nowhere."
A collective gasp rippled through the group. Ningguang's eyes widened, and Ganyu's hand trembled slightly as she lowered her bow. Xiao was not just any opponent—he was an extraordinarily powerful Yaksha, a being whose strength was feared and respected throughout Liyue. For anyone to have survived an encounter with him, let alone claim to have fought him, was almost beyond belief.
"Second," Momon continued, his tone steady but laced with irritation, "this woman, Yelan, accused me of almost killing Xiao, even though he was the one who started it. All I did was protect myself and my companions."
Ganyu's grip on her bow loosened completely, her face paling as she absorbed what he was saying. The idea that this stranger had not only survived but nearly killed Xiao was terrifying. She had never encountered anyone with such power, not even among the adepti.
"And now," Momon concluded, his voice dropping to a dangerous calm, "here I am, being accused of killing your Archon by the guards."
Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu exchanged uneasy glances. The gravity of the situation was beginning to settle in. If what Momon said was true, then they were dealing with someone far more dangerous than they had initially realized. Someone who had fought and nearly bested Xiao, someone who could withstand the combined might of Liyue's defenders, and someone who was now cornered and pushed to the brink.
Keqing's grip on her sword tightened, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the situation. "Whether or not you've been wronged, that doesn't justify causing further harm to Liyue. We need to get to the bottom of this, and we need answers."
Momon's red eyes behind his mask flared with a dangerous light. "And you think threatening me is the way to get them? If you want answers, you're going to have to trust me—or fight me. But be warned, I don't lose."
Ningguang raised a hand, signaling for calm. "We don't want to escalate this further. There's been enough chaos today. If you truly didn't kill Rex Lapis, then help us find out who did. We can resolve this without more bloodshed."
Momon regarded Ningguang carefully. He could sense her intent, a mix of caution and diplomacy. "If you're serious about finding the truth, then stop treating me like an enemy. I didn't come here to fight your people, but I won't be cornered and attacked without defending myself."
Ganyu's eyes widened in realization, her breath catching as she connected the dots. "Who—Who are you?" she asked, her voice a mixture of caution and curiosity.
Momon turned slightly, his gaze resting on her. "My name is Momon."
The name seemed to ring a bell in Ganyu's mind. She furrowed her brows, searching her memory. "Momon?" she repeated, trying to place where she had recently heard that name. Suddenly, it clicked, and her eyes widened in shock. "Wait… you're that Momon?"
Momon's voice took on a puzzled tone. "That Momon?"
"The Honorary Knight from Mondstadt! One of the heroes who defeated Stormterror and the Abyss Order!" Ganyu exclaimed, the shock in her voice palpable.
Momon's posture relaxed slightly, and he let out a small, almost dismissive chuckle. "Yeah, yeah, that's me, miss. I am that Momon."
The atmosphere shifted as Ganyu's revelation sank in. Even Ningguang and Keqing, who had been poised to confront him, hesitated. They had heard of Momon's exploits, tales of his bravery and strength that had spread far beyond Mondstadt. To realize that the man standing before them was the same legendary hero was both surprising and unsettling.
Ningguang bowed her head respectfully, her voice carrying the weight of her authority and the sincerity of her words. "It's an honor to meet you, Honorary Knight. Your heroic deeds have reached Liyue, and many have spoken of your valor. As the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, we extend our deepest apologies for wrongly accusing you and your companions. It is a tragedy that someone of your stature has had such a troublesome experience in our nation."
Her words were sincere, carrying the weight of someone who understood the gravity of the situation. Ningguang's acknowledgment of his identity and the apology softened the atmosphere, and the tension that had been building began to ease.
Momon, still standing tall and imposing, regarded her with a nod. "Apology accepted. I understand the circumstances you're in, especially after what's just happened."
Ningguang straightened, her eyes filled with resolve. "Our priority is to uncover the truth behind Rex Lapis' death. Your assistance in this matter would be invaluable, given your experience and strength. We cannot allow such a heinous act to go unpunished, and with your help, we can ensure justice is served."
Keqing, who had remained wary up to this point, nodded in agreement. "If you truly wish to help, then we will welcome your support. Liyue is in a vulnerable state, and we need all the allies we can get."
Ganyu, still processing the shock of meeting the Honorary Knight, managed a small smile. "Thank you for your understanding, Sir Momon. We've heard so much about you, and it's a relief to know that you're on our side."
"I may be aligned with you for now," Momon said with a weary sigh, "but the true power dynamics of this nation are still unclear to me. Rex Lapis was once the undisputed authority, but with his passing, who holds sway over Liyue? Is it the Liyue Qixing, with their intricate web of politics, or the Adepti, with their ancient traditions and might?"
Ningguang's face grew solemn at Momon's question, recognizing the weight of the issue he raised. The death of Rex Lapis was not just a tragedy but a crisis that could potentially unravel the delicate balance of power in Liyue.
"The governance of Liyue has traditionally been a balance between the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti," Ningguang began, her voice measured and authoritative. "Rex Lapis, as the Geo Archon, held ultimate authority, but he also respected the role of the Qixing and the Adepti in maintaining harmony within the city and its surrounding areas."
Keqing stepped forward, her expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. "With Rex Lapis's death, the immediate responsibility falls to the Liyue Qixing. We are tasked with maintaining order, addressing the concerns of both the Adepti and the citizens, and ensuring that the city does not descend into chaos."
Ganyu added, her voice tinged with concern, "However, the Adepti are deeply devoted to Rex Lapis. Their loyalty and reverence for him run deep. It is inevitable that they will demand answers and accountability for his death. The Qixing must navigate this delicate situation carefully to prevent any potential conflict."
Ningguang nodded in agreement. "We are aware of the challenges that lie ahead. The Qixing will need to engage with the Adepti and address their concerns with respect and transparency. Our goal is to prevent any escalation that could lead to conflict between our two orders."
Momon's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered the implications. "If the Adepti are as zealous as you say, it might not be easy to placate them. They could see this as a betrayal or a failure on the part of the Qixing."
Momon's words rang true. The Liyue Qixing might offer explanations to the Adepti, but many of these celestial beings regard humans with disdain. They wouldn't hesitate to annihilate entire cities they were sworn to protect if it meant upholding the will of the Geo Archon.
Ganyu's gaze fell to the ground, her expression filled with a mix of concern and resignation. As an Adeptus herself, she was acutely aware of the complexities involved in dealing with her fellow Adepti. Their devotion to Rex Lapis and their traditional views could make them resistant to compromise.
Keqing's expression hardened with resolve as she spoke. "A new age is upon us, and I believe that humanity's future should be shaped by human decisions rather than being dictated by gods or supernatural beings."
Momon's gaze was steady as he responded, his voice calm but firm. "If that's the stance you plan to take with the Adepti, then I strongly recommend you reconsider. Zealous beings, particularly those who view themselves as protectors of a divine mandate, can be incredibly difficult to handle. Their sense of duty might lead to extreme reactions."
Keqing's eyes narrowed, her determination unwavering. "I understand the risks, but if we allow the Adepti to dictate our future, we risk stagnation. Humanity should have a say in its own destiny."
Momon shook his head slightly. "It's not about undermining your ideals. It's about pragmatism. The Adepti's loyalty and fervor could lead them to take drastic actions if they feel their beliefs are being challenged or ignored. Balancing respect for their views with the need for progress is a delicate task."
Ningguang stepped forward, her voice carrying authority. "Keqing, it's essential to find a middle ground. We must honor the Adepti's contributions and respect their role while also guiding Liyue towards a future where humans have a say in their own governance. It's a balance we must strike carefully."
As the situation began to settle, Momon's mind drifted elsewhere. "Where in the world is Aether?" he wondered.