I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [57]

"Our bond shall remain steadfast. My people reside among yours, and your people among mine."
"Here lies the Guizhong Ballista, a sentinel safeguarding Tianheng."
"I dwell in the north of Tianheng, and you in the south. From north to south, we are linked, destined to reunite."
"Now, the people of Liyue live in peace and prosperity, as if returning to their homeland. Let us name this land Guili Plains, taking one character from each of our names."

"...."
"Agreed."

"This is both a symbol of our pact and a challenge from me to you."
"All my wisdom lies within it."

"...."
"Agreed."

"The people of the mortal world are like specks of dust."
"Because of this, they know not when calamity or misfortune may strike, and thus they live in fear."
"Yet from this fear, they rise, striving ever forward."
"I see this in their eyes and feel it in my heart."
"And so, with my wisdom and your strength, the glory of Liyue shall shine brighter than ever."

"...."
"Agreed."

"Oh dear, countless challenges, endless trials."
"In spring, the blossoms fall, covering the ground in a fragrant snow."
"On the road, a young man walks gracefully—who is he?"
"I would pledge myself to him, to spend my life in his embrace."
"Even if abandoned, I would never feel shame."

"...."

"I do not agree!"

With a sharp exclamation, Zhongli awoke, his usually composed expression marred by unease as he sat up abruptly.

The face that rarely showed change, even in the face of Teyvat's destruction, now bore a slight grimace.

Resting his palm against his cheek, Zhongli leaned against the headboard. His handsome features were shadowed with gloom, yet the melancholy only accentuated his dignified demeanor, lending him the air of a brooding nobleman.

Clicking his tongue softly, Zhongli mused over the dream—a foreboding omen, it seemed.

At his level of existence, dreams and memories were never mere coincidence.

"Guizhong... the Dust God Guizhong..."

"That woman..."

Memories of an old rivalry surfaced. Once, the Dust God Guizhong had vied with him for Qingyun’s affections for an extended time. Though the outcome was her defeat, the episode left its mark on Zhongli’s heart.

To dream of her now, after so many years... What could it mean?

He lingered in thought for a moment before dismissing it.

Zhongli was no longer the inexperienced Morax of the past; he was the Geo Archon who had governed Liyue for over 3,600 years.

And that woman, Guizhong, had long been sealed away...

Let it go. Today is a long-awaited gathering with the Adepti. No need to let this spoil my mood.

After straightening his robes, Zhongli placed his hands behind his back and strolled out of his room.

Moments later, he left Liyue Harbor, heading toward the peak of Mount Tianheng, where the meeting with the Adepti was to take place.

---

At the summit of Mount Tianheng, amidst a sea of clouds and ethereal mist, stood the abodes of the Adepti.

Zhongli’s figure appeared briefly against the heavens as he ascended, stepping lightly until he reached the mountaintop.

Awaiting him there were the Five Adepti, known collectively as the Three-Eyed Five Manifestations:

• Mountain Shaper: A stag-like entity with flaming antlers and eyes like radiant suns, draped in a cloak of feathered scales.

• Moon Carver: A red-crowned crane with snow-white plumage and gray wings, clad in a dark mantle.

• Cloud Retainer: A majestic avian figure with flowing black feathers, inscribed with scripture and exuding an air of serene wisdom.

• Madame Ping: An elder adeptus in human guise, who concealed her true form and past identity.

• Xiao, the Vigilant Yaksha: A youthful adeptus in human form, serving as the guardian general and demon-slayer.

The five Adepti were seated in an orderly fashion at a newly set stone table, which was laden with wine and delicacies.

Zhongli walked toward them, maintaining his human form, and seated himself at the head of the table. Before him were also placed fine wine and fruits.

"Esteemed Adepti," Zhongli began, his voice steady and resonant. "Three thousand six hundred years ago, with your aid, we vanquished the malevolent gods, restored order to humanity, and forged the contract that has safeguarded Liyue's enduring peace."

"Let us drink to that."

He raised his cup, and the Adepti followed suit. Even those in beast form had their own mystical methods of lifting cups to their lips.

After the first round, Zhongli spoke again.

“Six thousand years ago, I descended upon Liyue. It was on Mount Tianheng that I first laid the foundation for this land, protecting its people and governing alongside Qingyun, the Splitting Heaven and Liyue’s True Lord. Together, we defined the origins of Liyue’s civilization.”

“Let us drink to that as well.”

Again, the Adepti drank in unison.

As the wine warmed his heart, Zhongli’s thoughts drifted to those early days.

When he first came to Liyue, unsure of his purpose, Qingyun had stood by his side, helping him through the most trying times.

Reflecting on the past now, the pain had long faded, leaving only the sweetness of those cherished memories.

Lifting his cup for a third time, Zhongli spoke softly.

"Two thousand years ago, Qingyun succumbed to her old injuries and the limits of her lifespan. I bore her to this mountaintop, where she was laid to rest in a celestial burial, her essence melding with the stone of Tianheng’s peak."

Zhongli paused, lifting his cup with a quiet dignity. "This third toast, I shall drink alone."

With that, he drained his cup.

Then, rising from his seat, Zhongli’s form began to shift.

What was once the figure of a man expanded seamlessly into the form of a colossal dragon.

The dragon’s vast body seemed infinite, stretching beyond the limits of the sky itself. Even the Adepti present, with all their divine perception, could not discern where the edges of his form lay.

Xiao, the Yaksha, stood with his arms crossed, his expression alight with awe. As a warrior, he could sense the boundless power and incomprehensible presence of the Geo Archon before him.

Words failed to capture the majesty of this being, whose strength transcended all mortal and divine comprehension.

The other Adepti, too, were awestruck. Whispering among themselves, they exchanged quiet observations.

“Morax doesn’t seem to be in high spirits today.”

“Understandable. Nostalgia and loss often weigh heavily on the heart. Yet, Morax’s power… I find it harder to fathom each time we meet.”

“Of course! The Geo Archon is the strongest among us. He is the most ancient and powerful of the Seven, far surpassing those who have ruled for less than a millennium.”

“Cloud Retainer, it is unwise to disparage other nations’ gods,” Madame Ping chided gently, her kindly gaze soft but firm. “Such remarks could lead to unnecessary strife.”

Cloud Retainer, known for her sharp tongue, had caused trouble for Liyue and the Archon in the past. Madame Ping could only hope she wouldn’t stir up further discord this time.

---

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!