I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [64]

“This is where Mr. Zhongli’s expertise comes into play,” Childe Tartaglia said with a sly grin, shifting the focus to Zhongli, who had been silent for a while. “He’s the real expert on Liyue’s mysteries.”

Zhongli set his teacup down, took a moment to ponder, and replied, “Not an expert—just someone who happens to know a few things worth knowing.”

“Hmm… as for the matter of the Adepti, where should I begin? It’s quite a long story, but I’ll keep it brief. Listen closely.”

“The term ‘Three-Eyed Five-Manifestations Adepti’ refers to the collective group of adepti who fought alongside the Geo Archon, Morax, for millennia to establish Liyue. After the city was founded, these adepti withdrew to their sanctuaries, devoting themselves to cultivation in seclusion, refusing all visitors.

“The reasons for their seclusion remain unknown—whether it was due to their contracts with the Geo Archon or a simple aversion to mortal interaction. However, one thing is clear: any attempt to trespass upon their abodes has been met with swift punishment from the adepti.”

After hearing Zhongli’s explanation, Childe grinned broadly. “So, Traveler, if you wish to question the adepti, the first challenge is meeting them. As it happens, I have something that can help you do just that.”

The Traveler fixed her gaze on him, her curiosity piqued.

“Ta-da!” Childe reached into his pocket and produced a glowing golden talisman, placing it on the table.

“A ‘Sigil of Permission,’” Zhongli said, naming the object. “This item was created long ago as part of the contract between the Geo Archon and the adepti. It serves as proof of the contract. Possessing it allows one to seek out the adepti without incurring their wrath.”

“This talisman hasn’t been seen for centuries. I wonder where you managed to acquire it,” Zhongli remarked, his tone mild but probing.

Childe responded with a hearty laugh, deflecting the question entirely.

The Traveler, without hesitation, picked up the Sigil of Permission and carefully placed it in her bag.

“Ah, I see you’ve made up your mind,” Childe said with a satisfied smile. “In that case, let me tell you where to find the adepti.”

“The first adeptus resides in Jueyun Karst. Head north from the city, to the western part of Guili Plains. There, you’ll find a forest of stone spires—that’s Jueyun Karst.”

“Alright, we’ll go to Jueyun Karst to look for the adepti,” Paimon interjected, though her tone remained suspicious. “But, Childe, what exactly are you after? Why are you so eager to send Lumine to meet the adepti?”

Hovering above the Traveler’s head, Paimon crossed her arms and stared pointedly at Childe.

“Why, the truth, of course!” Childe replied, his playful smile turning sharp. “Tianquan Ningguang has ordered the Millelith to apprehend suspects among the ordinary citizens, supposedly in search of Reimu Hakurei’s accomplices. But think about it—doesn’t that strike you as odd?”

“A group daring enough to assassinate the Geo Archon wouldn’t hide among the crowd. And even if they did, would the Millelith be capable of capturing them? This entire operation seems far too crude. There’s undoubtedly more to this than meets the eye.”

“Are you suggesting Ningguang herself is a suspect?” the Traveler asked, her voice skeptical.

“Oh no, I wouldn’t go that far,” Childe said, waving off the notion. “I simply wish for you to relay the full details of the Geo Archon’s assassination to the adepti. Let them investigate for themselves. At most, I’ll be silently hoping that they uncover the truth.”

“Yeah, right. As if you’re that altruistic!” Paimon said, glaring at him.

“Of course!” Childe replied with an exaggerated grin. “I definitely don’t intend to leverage the adepti to pressure Liyue, nor am I interested in exploiting the situation to secure benefits for Snezhnaya’s merchants and diplomats. Oh, and I absolutely don’t plan to leave the well-being of the people of Liyue to rot as long as I get what I want.”

“Y-you’re just saying all your schemes out loud! Ugh, the Fatui are all a bunch of villains!” Paimon exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at him.

“Haha, guilty as charged!” Childe laughed, scratching his head in mock embarrassment.

“Well then, Traveler, what will you do?”

With the Sigil of Permission in hand, the Traveler left Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The moment she stepped out, Childe turned his attention to Zhongli, his relaxed demeanor giving way to a sharper edge.

“You’re really letting her go seek the adepti alone? I thought you’d accompany her,” he said, his voice tinged with suspicion.

“The Geo Archon has passed, and in Liyue’s 3,600-year history, adepti have become fewer while mortals have grown more numerous. The age of mortals approaches, and the era of adepti wanes,” Zhongli replied, avoiding a direct answer.

“The Geo Archon was but one of the adepti. In the past, whenever an adeptus passed, Liyue Harbor held a grand Rite of Parting to honor their passing. But this time, few seem to have the heart for such rituals.”

“I must prepare for a proper farewell for the Geo Archon. Such is the custom of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor,” he added, rising from his seat.

Childe remained seated, sipping his tea as he watched Zhongli leave. His expression turned serious, as though he were mulling over something significant. After a while, he let out a bitter chuckle, shook his head, and rose to leave as well, heading back toward the Northland Bank.

Like Zhongli, sending the Traveler to seek the adepti was but one piece of Childe’s plan. He still had other moves to make.

---

Leaving Liyue Harbor behind, the Traveler made her way swiftly toward Jueyun Karst.

According to Childe’s directions, the first adeptus resided in a cave within Jueyun Karst.

The journey was familiar territory for the Traveler, who had long grown accustomed to scaling mountains.

Whether it was Mondstadt’s peaks or its city walls, she had left her footprints everywhere. Though Jueyun Karst appeared dauntingly high, her wall-climbing expertise made short work of it.

With stamina-restoring food in her pack and meals that boosted climbing endurance, she quickly reached the entrance to the adeptus’ abode.

Before she could make a move, the Sigil of Permission in her possession emitted a golden glow that flowed into the cave.

Moments later, a deep, resounding voice called out beside her.

“Who goes there? Why do you trespass upon Jueyun Karst?”

The Traveler turned to see the speaker: an imposing adeptus in a deer-like form.

Its antlers stretched skyward, sharp and menacing. Its golden eyes glimmered like sunlight, and its body was covered in feathers that shimmered like scales.

Beneath its four hooves, golden radiance flowed outward like streams of molten sunlight.

---

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!