I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [81]

The glow of the talisman gradually faded.

The voices of the Adepti from Jueyun Karst and Wangshu Inn had receded into the distance.

Yet, the smile on Ningguang's lips remained vividly clear.

Zhongli was the first to lightly applaud.

"Lady Ningguang, your sincerity today has indeed moved the Adepti. A rare achievement. This business and its accompanying contract are now firmly in your grasp."

Ningguang turned gracefully, her chin held high, and casually began twirling the elegant water-pipe that had somehow appeared in her hand.

"To me, contracts are simply business. I staked everything on this deal for the sake of greater profits in the future. Nothing more."

"Indeed. The profits you stand to gain from this may exceed even your imagination." Zhongli's tone was calm, yet somehow the Traveler sensed a subtle undercurrent of discontent.

"However," Zhongli continued, "this business of yours will not be easy to conclude. Finding the culprit who slew Rex Lapis, not to mention those apostles, will be no simple task."

"Naturally, I am aware." Ningguang set down her water-pipe and casually conjured a few gem-like golden crystals, toying with them as her gaze lifted slightly. "But time is on our side—whether for tracking down the murderer or unearthing those apostles."

"Liyue Harbor, however, is running out of patience. While merchants may prioritize profits over sentiment, the ordinary citizens of Liyue are deeply devoted to Rex Lapis."

"Without Rex Lapis or the Adepti, the people of Liyue are descending into a chaos they haven't seen in ages. This disarray is far worse than the upheaval caused by Barbatos' absence in Mondstadt."

"Thus, I need a stable market, as well as a stable Liyue. To that end, the power of the Adepti is indispensable."

"Hmm. Logically speaking, you are correct. Stability is vital for both merchants and the common people. However, the stability you seek is far from stable in itself." Zhongli shook his head slightly, a clear sign of his disapproval of Ningguang's methods.

Having said this, Zhongli turned and walked toward the Traveler, his voice lowering as he addressed her directly. "Traveler, would you be willing to assist me with something?"

"Huh?" The Traveler tilted her head in mild confusion.

"You should know," Zhongli began, his hands clasped behind his back as his gaze turned to the pillar in the hall adorned with the immortal remains of Rex Lapis, "I am the consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Our organization oversees rituals to ensure the departed rest in peace."

With a quiet sigh, he continued, "Though Rex Lapis was the ancestor of all Adepti, he was, at his core, still an Adeptus. Over the millennia of Liyue's history, Adepti have gradually departed. It is an irreversible trend."

"Indeed, this is the nature of changing eras."

"The Adepti have always protected the people from the shadows, but their time is ending. The era of mortals is taking its place. Lady Ningguang is a vital part of this new reality."

"In the past, when each Adeptus passed, a grand memorial ceremony was held. It was both a tradition of Liyue and a service of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. However, this time, following Rex Lapis' passing..." Zhongli's gaze shifted toward Ningguang as his voice grew pointed, "Even the Qixing failed to prepare or honor such a tradition... An unacceptable oversight."

It was clear Zhongli's words were meant for Ningguang, but she, ever the composed businesswoman, only absorbed the parts she found relevant. Anything else might as well have been a breeze slipping past her ears.

Zhongli did not appear surprised by her indifference. Turning back to the Traveler, he resumed, "The Rite of Descension was so elaborate; we must also put equal care into bidding farewell to Rex Lapis."

"I've prepared most of the items needed for the ceremony: the finest Noctilucous Jade, aromatic balm favored by a fresh maiden, and seven kites representing the Archons of different elements. However, one essential item remains missing."

"Hm?" The Traveler tilted her head again, puzzled.

"A relic embodying Rex Lapis' memories of the past."

"In the past, when an Adeptus passed away, the Qixing would always step forward to provide such an item. But this time, it seems the Qixing lack the resources to locate it. Therefore, we must find it ourselves."

"We?" Paimon voiced the question on the Traveler's behalf.

"Indeed. That is why I need your help," Zhongli said, crossing his arms and nodding slightly. "I have determined where this relic of Rex Lapis’ memories might be. Unfortunately, I cannot access the location alone. I will need the assistance of a woman."

"Among the women I know, apart from you, Traveler, most lack any combat capability. Thus, I ask for your aid."

"And what’s the reward?" Paimon interjected, crossing her arms in an equally businesslike manner. "Our Lumine is no tool for free labor. According to Liyue traditions, shouldn't you offer a fair contract?"

"Of course." Zhongli inclined his head slightly. "That is entirely reasonable. I recall, Traveler, that you are searching for your brother. The request you made to the Adepti was for their help in locating him once all this is over."

"That’s correct," the Traveler replied with a slight nod.

"I may lack the divine abilities of the Adepti to move mountains or split seas, but my network in Liyue is not without its merits," Zhongli continued. "Once this matter is resolved, I shall seek out the most renowned astrologers of Mondstadt and Fontaine to divine your brother’s whereabouts."

"Surely, having precise guidance would be more beneficial than blind searching."

This response quickly earned an eager nod from the Traveler.

"Very well. Our contract is now established." Zhongli placed one hand across his chest and the other beneath his chin in thought. "In two days... Yes, meet me at Liyue Harbor at dawn."

"Got it," Paimon affirmed with a serious nod of her own.

"That’s simple enough. But, uh, where exactly are we heading to find this relic of Rex Lapis’ memories?" the Traveler asked curiously.

"To a tomb, naturally," Zhongli replied without hesitation.

"A tomb?!" Paimon exclaimed, her voice rising in alarm.

"The tomb of the God of Dust, Guizhong."

---

T/N: Lumine the... womb raider

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!