I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [78]
Added 2025-01-16 01:30:06 +0000 UTCDirectly asking Ningguang for help?
The suggestion left the Traveler hesitant. The adepti had warned her that some among the Liyue Qixing might harbor intentions of betrayal toward the Geo Archon. Approaching them without sufficient protection felt risky.
Yet Zhongli’s proposal wasn’t without merit.
If they could determine that a member of the Qixing was unequivocally loyal, sharing the situation with them could lead to a more efficient resolution.
The Traveler pondered this for a moment, unsure how to decide.
Minutes passed, during which Zhongli quietly sipped two cups of tea.
Even Paimon, usually full of energy, floated about unhelpfully, looking like a decorative ornament above the Traveler’s head.
Seeing her hesitation, Zhongli gently pushed the matter further.
“Though Ganyu is nominally the Qixing’s secretary, she assists whichever member is busiest at the time."
“Since the Geo Archon’s passing, the Qixing have been consolidating his former authority. Among them, Ningguang has taken on the lion’s share of responsibilities. She is the busiest and most powerful right now."
“If you go to see Ningguang, you’re likely to find Ganyu as well. And even if Ningguang has questionable intentions, Ganyu’s presence should ensure she won’t act rashly.”
Zhongli’s reasoning swayed the Traveler.
She met his steady gaze and slowly nodded.
“Very well. There’s no time to lose. Let’s head to the Jade Chamber now.”
“Huh? Now?” Paimon blinked in surprise.
“Yes, now.”
“The Jade Chamber is a masterpiece, a floating palace in the sky created by Tianquan Ningguang using her vast wealth and influence."
“Some call it a celestial palace or a sanctuary of clouds and mist."
“Ningguang often retreats to the Jade Chamber to deliberate important matters with her confidants. As far as I know, she has not left it since the Geo Archon’s passing, likely due to the overwhelming number of affairs demanding her attention. Ganyu, being her closest aide, is likely there as well.”
As they walked, Zhongli shared more about the Jade Chamber and Ningguang’s role.
---
Reaching Yuehai Pavilion, the group encountered an attendant. Upon seeing Zhongli, the attendant greeted him warmly.
“Zhongli, sir! What an honor to see you here. What brings you to Yuehai Pavilion today?”
“I wish to visit the Jade Chamber with the Traveler,” Zhongli replied calmly.
The attendant’s cheerful demeanor faltered slightly. He forced a polite smile, looking apologetic. “You know the rules, Zhongli. To enter the Jade Chamber, one must have Ningguang’s explicit approval, as well as the correct passphrase. I don’t have the authority to grant you access.”
“Of course,” Zhongli said, nodding thoughtfully. “That’s part of your agreement with Ningguang, and it wouldn’t be right to break that contract.”
After a brief pause, he added with a slight smile, “How about this? I’ll use the passphrase.”
Zhongli stepped forward and spoke with a measured tone.
“Hello. Are you selling moons here?”
The attendant froze in surprise, then quickly recomposed himself, his grin returning. “Yes. How many would you like?”
“The quantity is confidential.”
“Excellent. Zhongli, sir, I didn’t expect you to know this passphrase!” The attendant chuckled, bowing deeply. “Very well. Allow me to arrange your ascent to the Jade Chamber.”
A few minutes later, they reached the Jade Chamber’s entrance, carried up by intricate mechanisms.
From their vantage point, they could see the bustling Liyue Harbor below and the sprawling, picturesque landscapes of Liyue.
Hearing of unexpected visitors, Ningguang emerged from within the Jade Chamber, accompanied by her secretary.
The Tianquan carried herself with elegance, her long, pale legs accentuated by her form-fitting attire. Her expression betrayed a hint of surprise when she saw Zhongli and the Traveler, but she quickly masked it.
With a graceful stride, she approached, her voice smooth and poised.
“Zhongli, and a foreign Traveler? To what do I owe the honor of your visit? Has something urgent occurred?”
“It is indeed an urgent matter,” Zhongli replied without hesitation. “But this is not the place to discuss it. May we speak inside?”
Ningguang’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Naturally.”
Leading the way, Ningguang and her secretary brought them into a private chamber within the Jade Chamber.
After brief pleasantries, everyone took their seats.
Zhongli wasted no time. “Is Ganyu here?”
Ningguang’s brow furrowed slightly. Though she had been wary of their sudden appearance, Zhongli’s request surprised her even more. “What business do you have with my secretary?”
“The matter we are about to discuss requires her presence as a witness,” Zhongli replied evenly. “Given her longevity as the Qixing’s secretary, she is directly tied to these events.”
Ningguang hesitated for a moment but quickly gave instructions to summon Ganyu.
A few minutes later, Ganyu entered. After greeting Zhongli with a polite nod, she sat down.
Zhongli began recounting everything the Traveler had learned from the adepti—the Apostles, the suspicions surrounding the Geo Archon’s death, and their desire to verify the remains.
By the time Zhongli finished, both Ningguang and Ganyu exchanged surprised glances.
Though Ningguang maintained her composure, it was clear the revelations had shaken her.
After a moment’s silence, Ningguang spoke firmly. “The Qixing would never conspire to harm the Geo Archon, nor would we ally with these so-called Apostles. Ganyu, you believe this as well, don’t you?”
Ganyu hesitated, then turned to the Traveler. “The adepti said they could determine whether the Geo Archon is truly dead and, if so, how he died, by examining his remains. Is that correct?”
The Traveler nodded silently.
Paimon hovered forward, addressing Ningguang directly. “It’s not that we don’t trust you, Lady Ningguang, but we need proof. Can’t you let us see the remains to clear the air?”
Ningguang sighed softly, her voice tinged with a rare vulnerability.
“The Geo Archon is more than a god to us. He is our ancestor, the very foundation of Liyue. No one in Liyue would dare raise a blade against him.”
Her tone shifted, becoming resolute. “But words alone will not erase suspicion. Very well. We will go to the location of the remains and allow the adepti to conduct their remote examination. Will that suffice?”
“Yes,” Zhongli replied with a slight nod.
---
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!