I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [55]

Zhongli regarded the proud young woman seated before him with quiet appreciation.

After taking a measured sip of tea, he posed his first question, his voice steady and resonant.

“Lady Keqing, your interest in this sword box suggests a particular blade you deem worthy of it. May I have the honor of seeing the sword you intend to house within?”

“For a sword box, it is not the box that chooses, but the blade. If the blade lacks refinement, it will find no harmony, no matter how finely crafted the container.”

Without hesitation, Keqing unsheathed the blade at her waist.

Beneath the modest scabbard, an ethereal green light shimmered from the blade.

Behind Zhongli, the young assistant flinched instinctively. The air carried an unmistakable aura of bloodlust, a lingering stain that no amount of polishing could cleanse.

Zhongli remained serene, unmoved. He received the blade with both hands, his golden eyes inspecting it as if peering into its very essence.

“[Primordial Jade Cutter],” he murmured, his tone carrying the weight of recognition.

“A masterpiece from the hand of Kunwu. Its renown echoes through the annals of Liyue’s history.”

“This blade’s edge is said to cut so swiftly that those struck by it perceive no wound until their lifeblood has already faded away.”

He traced a finger along the blade, his touch reverent yet firm.

“It is told that Kunwu forged this weapon in a single night, but when his mentor beheld it, he wept bitterly and declared: ‘Such a blade—beautiful and cruel—is devoid of compassion.’”

Zhongli paused, his gaze distant as though recalling an old memory.

“Unable to bear the blade’s nature, Kunwu ceased forging for a year. When he returned to his craft, he carved a sandalwood scabbard, believing its grace could temper the blade’s hunger. But time has proven otherwise. While the blade’s edge endures, the scabbard has long since vanished.”

He returned the sword to Keqing with a solemn nod.

“To hold such a storied weapon is no small responsibility, Lady Keqing. I now understand your desire for the sword box.”

Keqing accepted the blade, her expression steady but her grip firm. Zhongli’s subtle nod indicated his approval.

“You have passed the first question.”

Zhongli set his teacup down gently and continued, “Now for the second: What does Liyue mean to you?”

Keqing took a moment, her sharp eyes softening briefly in thought. Then, with her usual confidence, she answered:

“Liyue is my pride. I owe it everything I am.”

“Though I hail from a prominent family, I have never sought to shield myself in privilege. My actions are driven by what I believe is best for the people, not for personal gain.”

She straightened her posture, her tone unwavering.

“Liyue’s prosperity must not rely solely on the protection of the Geo Archon. Complacency is a slow poison. The people must be prepared to stand on their own and move forward by their own strength.”

“I’ve long believed that even the Geo Archon would want to see his people flourish independently. Everything I do—every choice I make—is for this goal.”

Zhongli’s lips curved into a faint smile. He gave a slight incline of his head.

“Well said. Your resolve is evident, and your conviction unshakable. You have passed the second question.”

“For the third, I shall turn one of your own questions back to you. You once asked, ‘If the Geo Archon were to abandon Liyue as the Anemo Archon did Mondstadt, what would become of the people?’ Now, I ask you: If the Geo Archon were to leave, what would you do?”

“The Geo Archon… leaving?”

Keqing blinked, momentarily taken aback by the question’s gravity. But soon, her gaze sharpened, and her lips curled into a subtle smile.

“That’s an excellent question.”

She met Zhongli’s gaze directly, her voice steady.

“Nothing in this world exists in isolation. Change in one aspect ripples through the whole. If the Geo Archon were to leave, Liyue would face uncertainty, but it would also be an opportunity—a chance for the people to forge a new path.”

“As Yuheng of the Qixing, it is my duty to lead that charge. If the Geo Archon departs, I will stand at the forefront and guide Liyue toward the future."

"That is my answer.”

Zhongli’s golden gaze lingered on her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a rare gesture of approval, he clapped his hands softly.

“Lady Keqing, your insight is as sharp as the blade you wield. You have answered perfectly.”

He turned to the assistant, his tone calm yet decisive.

“I approve the sale of the sword box to Lady Keqing. Crafted by Qingyun, the Splitting Heaven, and Liyue’s True Lord, it is well-suited for her purpose.”

Keqing rose gracefully, a subtle nod of acknowledgment in Zhongli’s direction. Moments later, she returned with the sword box cradled in her arms.

“Lady Keqing,” Zhongli said, his tone measured, “if there is anything else you desire, do not hesitate. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is at your service.”

Keqing’s eyes glimmered with amusement. With a light smile, she replied,

“I’ve everything I need for now. What I lack, however, is someone like you by my side. Zhongli, have you considered aiding me in Liyue’s development?”

The staff nearby gasped audibly, but Zhongli merely chuckled softly.

“Regrettably, my obligations are spoken for.”

Keqing laughed lightly, unperturbed by his refusal.

“Fair enough.”

Without looking at any other items, she left the parlor without hesitation.

In the next instant, her figure blurred, disappearing as if she had collapsed the distance between two points.

---

Minutes later, she arrived at her office in Liyue Harbor.

Today’s workload wasn’t heavy. Under the Geo Archon’s governance, even a Qixing like Keqing often had little more than advisory and approval duties.

Efficiently and decisively, she finished her tasks.

With a sense of anticipation, she retrieved her [Primordial Jade Cutter], and carefully placed it inside the newly acquired sword box.

She admired it for a moment.

Hum~~!
Hum~~!

The sword hummed within the box, vibrating continuously.

Keqing felt a sense of resonance. Perhaps, someday, this box would allow her to wield her blade as Qingyun once did—guiding it to soar through the skies with the precision of adeptal swordsmanship.

After a moment of daydreaming, she chuckled and set the sword box aside.

The joy of a new purchase quickly faded, and Keqing refocused her energy on her work.

For her, shopping and spending were pleasant diversions, but only that—a diversion.

Liyue was changing rapidly. To fall behind would be to risk irrelevance.

As the Yuheng Star, Keqing must stand at the forefront of change, carving the path of progress.

This responsibility belongs to her, and her alone.

---

T/N: bleh this one took a lotta work with making sure the talking was accurate... unfortunately i wont be doing this with every character only zhongli! and others if i feel like it...

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!