I, the Geo Archon Morax with 2.1 Billion Mora, Have Joined a Chat Group [134]

“May the flames pass on wisdom, may the departed cross the sea and return home.”

On the first full moon of each year, the Lantern Rite Festival is held in Liyue, the land of contracts in Teyvat.

Thanks to its maritime climate, Liyue experiences distinct seasons.

As winter fades and spring begins, this grand celebration heralds the warmth and hope of a new year. Countless Mingxiao Lanterns are lit and released into the night sky, forming a river of light that illuminates the entire city.

On this day, the city is ablaze with radiance. Thousands of floating lanterns carry wishes into the heavens, driving away the gloom and cold of the long winter.

“Today is the Lantern Rite Festival.”

The girl with her hair tied in a ponytail brought a plate of freshly cooked dumplings to Zhongli.

“Are you planning to head out to watch the lanterns later?”

Zhongli accepted the plate and nodded casually. “I can.”

“Mm.”

The young woman with ink-black hair suppressed the joy in her heart and offered a slight nod.

After dinner, with time to spare before the lanterns would be released, every household in Liyue had already hung their Mingxiao Lanterns at their doorways.

The girl walked ahead, Zhongli following a step behind.

Together, they silently took in the sight of Liyue’s warm, glowing lights, saying nothing to one another.

After a while, the girl, Guizhong, suddenly stopped and turned around. Taking small, quick steps, she returned to Zhongli’s side.

“You must understand the Lantern Rite better than I do. These four thousand years, I’ve never experienced it.”

Her eyes focused on him, her lips curved into a faint smile.

“Seeing this festival, experiencing it... it feels as though I’m witnessing the efforts of you, Qingyun, and the Adepti throughout those four millennia.”

“It fills me with admiration for all the hardships you endured.”

“Hmm.” Zhongli nodded slightly. Even with his heart tempered by the sands of time, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of pride. Once upon a time, the girl before him had been his equal, a rival in both strength and intellect.

Whether it was in the presence of Qingyun, in scholarly pursuits, or even in cooking competitions, they would always pit their skills against each other.

For Guizhong to now wholeheartedly acknowledge his accomplishments was undeniably gratifying.

“The Lantern Rite is a festival commemorating heroes,” Zhongli began. “It was on this day that ‘Skybracer, the True Lord of Heavenly Guidance’ passed away. Thus, the people of Liyue pray during the Lantern Rite, seeking peace and warding off misfortune. They hope for wisdom to be passed down like firelight and for the hero to return across the seas.”

As he spoke, his expression remained calm, devoid of sorrow. “Before Skybracer’s death, I spoke with him. I asked whether, should I one day gain the ability to resurrect him, he would wish to return and join me in guiding the people.”

“He refused, didn’t he?” Guizhong guessed.

“Yes,” Zhongli replied with a slight shake of his head. “Skybracer told me that, in his many centuries of life, he had seen and experienced much. His greatest desires—peace and prosperity for Liyue’s people, and the eradication of all great evils—had already been fulfilled.”

“Thus, his only wish was not to be resurrected but to continue protecting the people of Liyue even after his death. So, I had the Qixing design the Lantern Rite to honor his request.”

“Though its meaning has evolved over the centuries, it still retains its original essence.”

Zhongli lifted the lantern in his hand.

“This is a Mingxiao Lantern. It symbolizes the passing of the flame and the enduring spirit of virtue. Its light represents the heroes’ legacies, guiding people forward and providing warmth to those in darkness.”

“Additionally, the people of Liyue believe that the lanterns over the night sea will guide the spirits of the departed heroes back home. Those who once protected Liyue can follow the light of the Mingxiao Lanterns to reunite with the people and return to the land they loved and swore to defend.”

“Mm.” The girl clasped her hands together and closed her eyes briefly.

From the ground beneath her feet, a stream of dust rose, spiraling upward.

These motes of dust, unlike ordinary particles, shimmered brightly in the moonlit night.

“From now on, let me contribute to the Lantern Rite each year,” Guizhong said softly, opening her eyes. She gently tucked her wind-blown hair behind her ear. “My Stardust of Dawn will join the Mingxiao Lanterns in dancing across the night sky, guiding Liyue’s heroes with ever-brighter light.”

“Thank you,” Zhongli said with a small nod. “I believe Skybracer would be delighted by this.”

“Mm.” Guizhong nodded, stepping forward quickly. As if by chance, she clasped Zhongli’s hand and lifted the lantern he held.

Hopping lightly, she took a few steps down the moonlit street before turning back, her hands tucked behind her back. In the glow of the lanterns, her radiant smile and flowing black hair were as enchanting as the festival itself.

“Let’s go! It’s such a wonderful day. We should enjoy it to the fullest, shouldn’t we? Isn’t this what Skybracer and the heroes of Liyue wanted to protect?

“Not just the people of Liyue. Even you, the former Geo Archon, are included in their wishes.”

“So, you should smile more. A happy smile would make all your efforts worthwhile.”

“...”

Listening to her words, Zhongli stood silent for a few moments before smiling and shaking his head.

“Alright. Wait for me.”

He quickened his pace, catching up to her.

“This way, this way! I still want to solve some lantern riddles!” Guizhong grinned, taking his hand naturally as they made their way forward.

The two soon arrived at Liyue’s famed Jade Pavilion, where the streets were adorned with countless riddles hanging from lanterns.

Every year during the Lantern Rite, this renowned establishment lined the long street outside with hundreds of riddles, offering rewards of various tiers.

The riddles on the outermost lanterns might yield small prizes like candied chestnuts or a pot of wine.

The ones further inside promised grander rewards—perhaps a lavish banquet at the Jade Pavilion itself, with eight hot and eight cold dishes. For those uninterested in dining, the prize could be exchanged for Mora of equivalent value.

At the very heart of the display hung two final riddles. These were said to offer a reward of ten thousand Mora, a prize so coveted that only Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Qixing, had ever claimed it.

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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!