I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [84]

The sudden interruption drew the Traveler and Xiangling’s attention to a nearby table.

Sitting there was a girl with a poised demeanor, calmly nibbling on a plate of Golden Shrimp Balls. Despite being under scrutiny, she seemed entirely unfazed by the stares directed her way.

The girl appeared to be in her mid-teens, with long hair styled in a peculiar manner that gave the impression of cat ears perched atop her head.

Her outfit—a light purple dress—was neither overly elaborate nor long, barely reaching past her knees. Resting on the table beside her was an unusual sword case, its intricate design hinting at its owner's refined taste.

The juxtaposition of her short skirt and the potential movement of her blade-wielding skills raised a curious thought: How does she manage to preserve her modesty while swinging that sword around?

However, what truly caught the Traveler’s attention were her long, shapely legs, elegantly encased in nearly transparent black stockings adorned with gold and purple patterns. The intricate design lent her an air of mystery and sophistication.

Many thanks for the feast today, the Traveler thought, clasping her hands in silent gratitude. The stars must be aligned in my favor.

“Who are you?” Paimon was the first to break the silence, squinting at the girl with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.

After a moment’s thought, she asked, “You know Lady Ningguang?”

“Of course.” The cat-eared girl finished her shrimp balls and finally turned toward the group.

“Greetings, Traveler and Xiangling. I am Keqing, Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing.”

“The Liyue Qixing?!” Paimon recoiled in exaggerated shock, stumbling back a few steps like a startled character from a children’s cartoon.

“Yes, though unlike Ningguang, who commands laws and wields immense authority, I am also one of the Qixing.”

“Enough small talk—let’s get straight to the point,” Keqing said briskly.

Her attire and youthful appearance belied a sharp, commanding presence. If one were to judge her by looks alone, she might be mistaken for a simple, spirited swordswoman. Yet her tone conveyed an air of decisiveness, a sense of urgency that suggested no time was to be wasted.

“From the conversation you were having earlier, I’ve already gathered the situation,” she said, speaking quickly and with precision. “The Stone Gate Teahouse is a place I’m familiar with. Ningguang has mentioned its function before, and I won’t debate the necessity of its existence.”

“However, it’s clear that neither Ningguang nor I anticipated this—Childe, one of the Fatui Harbingers, has taken control of the establishment. Such a significant development escaped even our notice.”

Keqing’s expression turned grave. Despite her youthful appearance, her demeanor was that of a seasoned leader. “It seems that in the chaos following Rex Lapis’ death, certain opportunists have sought to exploit the disorder within the Qixing and Liyue Harbor.”

“Well then,” she continued, her voice steely with resolve. “I will use this opportunity to sweep every rat and pest from Liyue Harbor.”

Her tone was decisive, her words carrying the sharpness of a blade. Unlike Ningguang’s imposing charisma, Keqing’s demeanor was like that of a cold, precise short sword.

“Uh...” Paimon hesitated, still somewhat skeptical. “Hey, Yuheng Keqing of the Qixing, don’t you think you’re being a little arrogant?”

“Arrogant?” Keqing turned to face Paimon directly, her cat-like eyes narrowing. “Why would you say that? I’m merely stating what I must do.”

“As one of the Qixing, it is my responsibility to protect the people of Liyue, ensuring their safety and prosperity. Now that Rex Lapis has passed and the contracts with the Adepti have ended, it is up to us, the leaders of Liyue’s people, to rise to the occasion. How else can we guarantee the happiness and well-being of our citizens?”

“If your accusation of arrogance comes from thinking I’m boasting, then rest assured—it is not empty talk. I’ve already devised multiple contingency plans for every scenario.”

Keqing’s response was so firm and logical that Paimon found herself at a loss for words.

She hadn’t truly meant to challenge Keqing’s entire philosophy—she simply found her self-assured demeanor a bit grating. However, coming up with a direct counterargument now seemed impossible.

Her eyes darted about until she seized on an idea. “Wait a minute! Didn’t you just say that the Stone Gate Teahouse has its uses? If you’re so quick to dismantle it, what happens to its supposed function?”

“Hmph.” Keqing let out a cold laugh. “What I said was that I wouldn’t debate its existence—not that I approved of it. This, in fact, highlights why I disagree with Ningguang. She views Liyue Harbor, and even all of Liyue, as one massive business operation. From her perspective, every decision is calculated for the so-called greater good, often at the expense of certain principles.”

Keqing’s voice grew sharper, her critique unmistakable. “The prosperity of Liyue Harbor? Diverting the Millelith from maintaining order to guard Rex Lapis’ remains? Turning a blind eye to underground casinos like the Stone Gate Teahouse just because they’re ‘manageable’? Hastily inviting the Adepti back to restore stability by signing new contracts?”

“I’ve said it before: Rex Lapis could not protect us forever—not for ten millennia, not for a hundred, not for a thousand. If Liyue is to thrive, it must do so through the efforts of its own people. Now, with Rex Lapis gone, it is time for us to face reality and forge our own path forward.”

“But that insufferable Ningguang! She goes ahead and decides on new contracts without consulting anyone else. It’s infuriating.”

Keqing’s voice carried a mixture of exasperation and determination. The fervor of her argument painted her as a visionary leader, albeit one whose convictions sometimes bordered on stubbornness.

“So, what are you going to do?” the Traveler asked, her gaze steady as she studied Keqing.

“I will never support Ningguang’s methods, nor will I acknowledge the Adepti she has brought back, let alone her cold, calculated decisions based solely on data and intelligence.”

“She doesn’t understand—or rather, she doesn’t care to understand.”

Keqing’s voice dropped, filled with an uncharacteristic heaviness. “She doesn’t care about those who lose everything to gambling at the Stone Gate Teahouse and end their lives in despair. She doesn’t care about dockworkers who blow their day’s wages on food, blaming themselves for eating too much instead of questioning their low pay.”

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T/N: damnnn ningguang really was like new phone who dis? after she made it big

This is a fan translation of 我，21亿岩王帝君加入聊天群 by 大一统. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!