I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [89]

Indeed, to resurrect Qingyun, memories had to be burned as fuel.

Zhongli chose his own.

Neither the memories of the Vortex God nor those of Azhdaha, nor even the recollections of the sealed gods and monsters he had defeated, could sustain the process of reviving someone like Qingyun.

It was true that the memories of several Adepti, or even those of the Traveler and Paimon, could potentially anchor this revival that Zhongli had orchestrated.

But if such memories were used, Zhongli himself would cease to be who he was.

In the end, the only viable choice was for him, the Geo Archon, to burn his own memories.

Moreover, as someone who had transcended the boundaries of the timeline, Zhongli reasoned that even though all memories of Qingyun might vanish from this world, beyond the confines of time, he could one day reclaim them.

Thus, it was not a complete tragedy.

In this land of Teyvat, he would simply forget her name.

At the foot of Mount Tianheng, he would no longer remember the farm where his mentor taught him.

Atop the peak of Tianheng, the birdlike woman would become a stranger to him.

Among the fields of Glaze Lilies, the warmth of her smile would fade into oblivion.

It was just that...

Just that...

Zhongli’s hands trembled slightly as he gently cupped the swirling particles of dust—the remnants of Guizhong, the God of Dust.

With a deep breath, he closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, his gaze was calm.

Or rather, it seemed calm—a masterful facade he had worn countless times before.

He even managed to pull the corners of his lips into a faint smile, murmuring to himself, “Guizhong, you should thank Qingyun. For matters as extraordinary as defying the river of time to achieve resurrection, adding one more or one less hardly matters.”

“But, to spare Qingyun from sorrow upon forgetting me, I will bring you back as well.”

“When the time comes, please comfort her. Though strong and unyielding, even Qingyun has moments of fragility.”

“You, however, are different. Your gentleness is a mask; your true will is as enduring as the dust you governed, impervious to wear.”

“Guizhong, Goddess of Dust, you are more resilient than the God of Stone. That is the Geo Archon’s decree.”

After his whispered soliloquy, Zhongli steadied himself.

He stepped out of the room, the vast emptiness behind him fading into silence.

By the time he reached the corridor, his usual composure had returned.

Standing before the door the Traveler had entered earlier, he pushed it open.

“Traveler, have you found what we were looking for?” he asked softly.

---

Inside the room, the Traveler and Paimon were examining two identical books, both worn with age.

Paimon, ever the impulsive one, opened both books without hesitation.

The first bore the title [Collected Essays on Iron and Agriculture] on its cover.

The second, however, had an elegant line of text on the first page: “Apricot blossoms fall upon the head.”

The script was delicate and gentle, identical to the inscription on the doorway from earlier.

The Traveler felt a sudden tug of curiosity, as if compelled by some unseen force. Slowly, she opened the second book and began to read.

Year XXX, Day XXX
Today, while patrolling Mount Tianheng, I met the northern god of the mountain—the Geo Dragon, Morax.

She’s formidable. I’ve decided to propose an alliance with her.

Year XXX, Day XXX
Something strange has happened. Morax seems different. I remember her being an asexual god... but now she has taken the form of a woman? Was my memory mistaken?

Year XXX, Day XXX
I found the reason. I met Morax’s companion, the god Zhongli. Surprisingly, he’s kindhearted. Like me, he loves farming. A god who cherishes the soil is a good god in my eyes. It seems Morax transformed herself out of affection for him.

Year XXX, Day XXX
Amazing! Zhongli is truly remarkable. His insights into farming—both those I can imagine and those I cannot—are revolutionary. His creative ideas significantly increase crop yields. He is no ordinary god.

Year XXX, Day XXX
Zhongli discussed the artificial cultivation of Glaze Lilies with me today.

How did he know I adore Glaze Lilies?

Sob...

Year XXX, Day XXX
I didn’t see Zhongli today. I spent the day chatting with Morax—no, Qingyun—about Zhongli’s many amusing quirks.

Zhongli must have been fascinating in his younger years.

Year XXX, Day XXX
I didn’t see Zhongli again today. Qingyun and I spoke about her new name.

The transformation of the Geo Dragon Morax into the Geo Bird Qingyun, all for love—it feels like a tale out of legend.

Year XXX, Day XXX
Zhongli is oblivious to feelings beyond his devotion to Qingyun. To be closer to him, I’ve spent more time with Qingyun. Though she’s a joy to be with, my heart still yearns for him.

Year XXX, Day XXX
I’ve constructed the Guizhong Machine in Mount Tianheng. Zhongli seems intrigued by it and often discusses its workings with me. Those conversations make me so happy.

Year XXX, Day XXX
Among the Glaze Lilies we cultivated, I presented Zhongli with the Dustlock—a gift embodying both my wisdom and my affection.

Year XXX, Day XXX
War has begun again. Though Zhongli is skilled, he cannot match Qingyun in battle.

Even so, he insists on standing by her side.

I wish... I could stand by his side, too.

Year XXX, Day XXX
War! Endless war!

Every god has gone mad. The weak have no refuge, hunted down by both mortals and gods alike, betrayed and slain.

Will I survive this war?

Zhongli... will you ever know how I feel?

Year XXX, Day XXX
Qingyun and Zhongli, along with other gods, have gone to fight the sea god. I remain behind at the Guizhong Machine to guard this land.

Zhongli, may you return victorious.

Year XXX, Day XXX
Why has Azhdaha broken through our defenses?

He was supposed to remain dormant...

I must stop him.

Zhongli, wish me victory.

---

T/N: AHHHHHHH DOOMED LOVE SO WAIT ZHONGLIS GONNA BURN HIS MEMORIES OF QINGYUN??? OR HIMSELF OUT OF EVERYONE???? AHHH AND GUIZHONG IS IN LOVE WITH ZHONGLI BUT HE IS AS DENSE AS THE ROCK HE GOVERNS OMGOGMOAMGOMO I LOVE TGHIS DRAMA WHAT IS THIS KDRAMAAAAAA AHHHHHHHHHHHH PEAKKEPAKEPKEPAK

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