I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [63]

“Hmm…”

Seeing Zhongli deep in thought, Paimon crossed her arms and stroked her chin in an exaggerated imitation of him. “Even Paimon has never heard of a name like that before.”

Zhongli, unfazed, shifted the conversation to another topic.

“The most curious part,” he began, spreading his hands, his gaze landing on the Traveler, “is that the shrine maiden didn’t use elemental power.”

“Teyvat is a land of elements—seven elements, ever-cycling. Those blessed with Visions can wield elemental power to accomplish miraculous feats. But ordinary humans, who cannot perceive elements, make up the majority of this world.”

“Ordinary people are inherently weak. Even with rigorous training, they cannot hope to defeat magical beasts. Their strength is barely comparable to that of a common Hilichurl,” Zhongli continued, stating the reality of this land. “Even the most exceptional among humans, those who have honed their swordsmanship and techniques to the peak, might manage to defeat a Stonehide Lawachurl on their own. But flying through the air or conjuring attacks seemingly made of elemental energy? Impossible.”

“By the common understanding of this land, such feats are only possible through elemental power.”

“But…” Paimon grew increasingly confused. She glanced between the Traveler and Zhongli, then threw her hands up in surrender. “Alright, it is weird! But what kind of power is it, then?”

The Traveler spoke softly, “A power from another world…”

“Hmm… that’s a possibility,” Zhongli mused, his curiosity piqued. “Traveler, it seems you entered Teyvat from another world. Have you visited many other worlds before this one?”

The Traveler gave a small nod.

“In those worlds, the forms of power must differ greatly,” Zhongli continued, “utterly distinct from Teyvat’s elemental system, I’d imagine?”

The Traveler nodded again.

“Have you encountered a power similar to that shrine maiden’s in any of those worlds?” Zhongli inquired.

The Traveler shook her head slightly.

“Hmm… it would be naïve to think that such a simple discussion could reveal all the answers,” Zhongli said, his expression calm and without regret.

It seemed he had more to ask, but their conversation was interrupted when the funeral parlor’s assistant entered, carrying a white jade teapot and intricately carved zisha teacups.

Zhongli paused and watched as she carefully set the cups before them and poured the tea. Once finished, he nodded politely. “Thank you.”

The Traveler hurried to echo him, her voice soft and slightly flustered. “...Thank you.”

“Mr. Zhongli,” the assistant began after serving the tea, her tone hushed, “Mr. Tartaglia from the Northland Bank is outside and wishes to see you.”

“Tartaglia?” Zhongli repeated the name calmly, pondering for a moment before nodding slightly. “Please, let him in.”

“Understood.”

Moments later, the assistant returned, accompanied by a man with a bright smile.

Tartaglia, or Childe, entered the room with an air of familiarity, seating himself beside Zhongli and pouring himself a cup of tea without hesitation.

Skipping formalities, he got straight to the point. “Mr. Zhongli, this must be the Traveler, Lumine, from Mondstadt, yes?”

“...Indeed,” Zhongli replied after sipping his tea, casting a sidelong glance at Childe.

“Ah, pleased to meet you,” Childe said warmly, turning his attention to the Traveler. “I’ve heard of your exploits even here in Liyue. Mondstadt’s ‘Signora’ must have given you quite a bit of trouble.”

“‘Signora’?” The mention of that name made the Traveler instantly alert.

Her expression tensed as she tightened her grip on her sword, preparing for a potential fight.

“This gentleman,” Zhongli said plainly, dispelling any suspense, “is Childe Tartaglia, a representative of the Northland Bank here in Liyue and the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui.”

At once, the Traveler jumped to her feet, taking two steps back as her chair fell to the floor with a sharp clatter. Her ceremonial longsword appeared in her hand, wind-elemental energy swirling around her.

“Ah, no need to be so tense,” Childe said with an easy smile, making no move to draw a weapon.

“‘Signora’ must have left quite a bad impression on you, right? Sigh, that woman… I don’t like her either.”

“Come now, sit down and have some tea. Mr. Zhongli’s tea is a rare treat—who knows when we’ll get another chance to enjoy it?”

Though still wary, the Traveler hesitated briefly before dismissing her weapon and slowly returning to her seat opposite Zhongli, now next to Childe.

“What are you here for?” Paimon, her arms crossed, remained on guard as she raised her voice in a pointed question.

“Relax, relax,” Childe said with a lighthearted chuckle. “Let’s put aside what that woman has done for now. I’m here to help you.”

At this, the Traveler frowned, waving her hand dismissively. “Go away.”

“Hey, don’t be so cold!” Childe said with a helpless shrug. “I genuinely want to assist you.”

“I’ve heard about your deeds in Mondstadt through internal channels, and Mr. Zhongli happens to be one of my closest friends here in Liyue. That’s why I’ve been paying attention to both of you since the Rite of Descension.”

“You’ve been following us? From the Rite to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?” Paimon squinted suspiciously. “Why not just say it was a coincidence?”

“Hahaha!” Childe scratched his head with a sheepish laugh, trying to gloss over the subject. “Let’s not dwell on that. Let’s talk about you, Traveler.”

“Your goal is to meet the Seven Archons and ask them certain questions, isn’t it?”

“Now that the Geo Archon has passed, the only ones in Liyue who might have answers for you are the ancient adepti—beings who have lived for millennia and were once gods who ruled the world.”

“They likely know everything the Geo Archon did.”

This revelation lit up the Traveler’s eyes.

But before she could respond, Childe added, “However, they may refuse to speak with you.”

“Huh? Why?”

Lumine couldn’t help but voice her surprise.

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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!