I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [58]

"Hmph~~!"

Madame Ping’s gentle admonishment elicited a soft scoff from Cloud Retainer, who nonetheless chose to remain silent.

High above the heavens, the crowned dragon perched on the celestial heights, gazing into the distance.

Memories of old began to resurface, reverberating in Zhongli’s heart.

It was the time when Qingyun first descended upon Mount Tianheng.

The people of Liyue had just begun to gather, striving to carve out a future.

Qingyun, devoted to their development, waged wars against the surrounding lands, vanquishing the gods of the mountains and rivers to expand Liyue’s territory.

A century later, the entire region south of Mount Tianheng—including the lands surrounding what would become Liyue Harbor—was brought under Qingyun’s control.

At that time, Zhongli had only just attained his Adepti form. Compared to Qingyun, his strength was negligible, far from what it is today.

He busied himself with farming at the foot of Mount Tianheng, tending to the people of Liyue and ensuring their survival.

History would later proclaim that Liyue’s foundation in the southern plains was the result of Rex Lapis, Morax, vanquishing countless foes and subduing rebellious forces.

But few knew that during those days, Zhongli was not yet the Geo Archon Morax. Instead, he was the "True Lord of Farming and Cultivation", while the true Morax of that time was Qingyun.

As centuries passed, the Age of Archon Wars escalated.

The weaker gods were systematically wiped out, leaving only the strongest to vie for dominion over Liyue’s lands.

Among the mightiest was the Primeval Dragon King, followed closely by Morax, Qingyun, the mighty serpent Chi, and finally the Dust God Guizhong.

The Dust God Guizhong, adept at manipulating dust and ash, resided in the plains north of Mount Tianheng.

Her dominion was vast, her people numerous, and her expertise in farming unparalleled. Her talents in governance and cultivation were so extraordinary that they mirrored Zhongli’s own—an amplified, refined version of his abilities as the “True Lord of Farming and Cultivation.”

Naturally, the time came when Qingyun, who ruled the southern Tianheng, faced a conflict with Guizhong of the northern plains.

Yet Guizhong, ever astute, proposed an alliance before any conflict could erupt. Together, they pledged to protect the people of Liyue.

Zhongli, though sometimes irritated by Guizhong’s persistent entanglement with Qingyun, had to admit her emotional intelligence far surpassed his own.

Within a century, the people of Guizhong and Liyue were inseparable. They even constructed the Guizhong Ballista as a symbol of their unity, fortifying the border against threats like the Primeval Dragon King.

Furthermore, they named the plains north of Mount Tianheng Guili Plains, combining Qingyun’s and Guizhong’s names to signify their bond.

Later, Zhongli subtly altered the name to Guili Fields, citing that “Guili” sounded too soft. Nonetheless, he couldn’t deny his defeat on multiple fronts.

During that era, Qingyun frequently visited Guizhong, leaving Zhongli fewer chances to converse with her as they once had.

With a self-reassuring sigh, Zhongli often thought, She’ll return once she’s had her fill.

When the Archon Wars reached their apex, Guizhong fell victim to an ambush by the serpent Chi, teetering on the brink of annihilation.

To preserve her fading spirit, Qingyun, following Zhongli’s suggestion, sealed Guizhong. Her physical form was lost, but her essence was spared.

In retaliation, Qingyun rallied the Adepti and waged war against the serpent Chi.

Bone was shattered, blood scattered, the soul obliterated, and the will extinguished.

The serpent’s territory was annexed, and its legacy absorbed into Liyue.

These fragmented recollections filled Zhongli with a profound melancholy.

He couldn’t fathom why he suddenly remembered Guizhong so vividly.

High above the heavens, Zhongli soared in his dragon form for a long while before descending back to the peak of Mount Tianheng.

Reverting to his human form, he said nothing. He simply picked up his wine cup and downed three consecutive drinks.

Afterward, he exhaled deeply.

“Lord Rex Lapis, are you reminiscing about someone?” Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha, stepped forward, bowing respectfully.

“Indeed,” Zhongli replied calmly. “Memories of those long gone surface unbidden, difficult to forget. Each time we gather like this, I’m reminded of the times we once shared with them.”

Though his words carried a tinge of sorrow, Zhongli’s expression remained composed.

“No matter,” he said, waving his hand dismissively. “The past is but smoke—etched in the heart but not to be dwelled upon.”

The Geo Archon’s quiet authority stifled any rising sentiments of melancholy among the Adepti.

"Let us now turn our attention to the current state of Liyue."

Zhongli’s gaze swept across the gathered Adepti. He knew their cooperation was essential for the larger waves he intended to stir in Liyue’s future. Yet, the truth behind his plans had to remain hidden—for revealing it would jeopardize everything.

Pausing briefly to sip his wine, Zhongli carefully chose his words.

“"You may know that many of Liyue’s daily affairs are now entrusted to the Liyue Qixing, while I oversee the broader direction and issue directives during the annual Rite of Descension."

"Among the Qixing, Tianquan Ningguang is responsible for laws, while Yuheng Keqing manages land and commerce."

"This Keqing appears to hold rather strong opinions about me."

"Last year—or perhaps the year before—I cannot quite recall. What remains vivid in my memory is something she said during one of the annual rites, words that left a profound impression on me."

"Do any of you remember her exact words?"

The five Adepti exchanged puzzled glances.

After a moment, Cloud Retainer stepped forward and bowed slightly. “I do, Lord Morax.”

“Please, go on.” Zhongli gestured for her to speak.

Clearing her throat, Cloud Retainer mimicked Keqing’s tone and recited:

"The Geo Archon has safeguarded Liyue for a millennium. But will the next millennium, the next ten millennia, the next hundred millennia, remain the same?"

“Such were the words of that insolent mortal,” Cloud Retainer continued. “If Lord Morax wishes to mete out punishment, I am willing to act on your behalf and remove her head. A mere mortal insect daring to question your governance—she deserves execution.”

Zhongli immediately raised a hand, his tone decisive.

"That will not be necessary, Cloud Retainer."

"Though her words may appear disrespectful to you, I perceive them as a testament to the courage of Liyue's people."

"It reassures me that those I protect are not mere sycophants or cowards. Their capacity for such bold thought brings me comfort."

"However, by objective reasoning, the people of Liyue have yet to face sufficient trials. Even if I wished to step away, now is not the time."

"They must endure further hardships, mature beyond their current state. When that day arrives, I will consider leaving this land of Liyue behind entirely and becoming a wanderer of the mortal realm."

"To admire flowers in spring and listen to rain in summer."
"To savor wine in the morning and watch fish at sunset."
"To traverse every corner of Teyvat and fulfill the dreams I once left incomplete."

And of course, he added silently, to share it all with Qingyun once she is revived.

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