Wangsheng Funeral Parlor at night.
"It was my failure… If only I had arrived sooner."
For the first time in millennia, Zhongli's ever-unchanging expression showed a trace of guilt. Having lived for thousands of years, very little could stir his emotions anymore.
Qiu Bai noticed the subtle shift in Zhongli's demeanor and spoke gently to reassure him.
"Morax, there's no need to blame yourself."
"You did everything you could at the time."
Qiu Bai was right. Back then, Morax had been in Khaenri'ah, unable to leave.
"Thank you, my friend," Zhongli responded with a faint smile, understanding the comfort hidden in Qiu Bai's words.
"Relax, Morax. I'm going to begin repairing your erosion."
Qiu Bai's voice was calm as he raised his hand, conjuring a visual barrier before channeling the power of Yang into Zhongli's body.
A warm, white divine energy surged into him.
As before, memories flashed through Zhongli's mind like fragmented images—moments from the past, fleeting yet vivid. At this moment, he felt as though he were standing atop a mountain in Jueyun Karst, the breeze brushing softly against his face.
Half an hour passed. As Qiu Bai withdrew his hand, Zhongli slowly opened his eyes.
The cracks in the stone—the marks of erosion—had begun to heal.
"You've worked hard, my friend. Get some rest," Zhongli said with a small smile, appreciating Qiu Bai's efforts.
To him, the idea that erosion could be repaired was something he had never considered before. This was the first time he realized such a thing was even possible.
"It's late. You should rest as well, Morax," Qiu Bai replied with a smile.
"By the way, tomorrow, one of the Fatui Harbingers from Snezhnaya is meeting me for a meal at Liuli Pavilion. Would you like to join us?"
Just as Qiu Bai was about to stand, Zhongli's steady voice stopped him.
"A Fatui Harbinger… Are you using him to test this generation of the Liyue Qixing?" Qiu Bai asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
Having already experienced the events firsthand, he knew exactly what Zhongli was planning.
Zhongli intended to use Childe—his ever-generous "wallet"—to orchestrate the release of Osial, the overlord of the vortex, who had been sealed in the depths of the sea.
The reason the Qixing had hidden the Rite of Heritage was largely due to the presence of the Fatui Harbinger. Ningguang had long since heard whispers that Mondstadt's Anemo Archon had lost his Gnosis to La Signora.
Although the Qixing hadn't foreseen the loss of a god, everything they had done so far was unfolding exactly as Zhongli had expected.
There remained one final test—how Liyue, its people, and the Adepti would stand against a formidable enemy without their Archon.
And when the final battle came, even if things spiraled out of control, Zhongli knew that his old friend would be there to ensure Liyue's survival.
"That's right. That is precisely my intention."
"What do you think, my friend? The Traveler will be there as well."
Zhongli took a sip of tea, smiling as he looked at Qiu Bai.
For some reason, this old friend of his was able to seamlessly integrate into modern Liyue, unlike Cloud Retainer and the others, who remained detached from worldly affairs.
"The Traveler… I journeyed with them for a while when I went to Jueyun Karst and met with Xiao."
"I suppose we can be considered friends."
"I'll go with you tomorrow."
Qiu Bai pondered for a moment before offering a small smile.
"A traveler who has crossed the heavens and sailed beyond the stars…"
"Perhaps it's time I met them properly."
Zhongli seemed lost in thought before giving a slight nod.
"It's getting late, so you should get some rest."
With that, Qiu Bai turned and headed to his room in the attic.
As he stepped inside, he glanced around at the spotless space and couldn't help but be a little surprised. He hadn't expected Hu Tao to tidy it up so thoroughly.
"It's late, I should rest too."
Ever since he arrived in this world, life had been… surprisingly nice.
A faint smile tugged at his lips as he lay down, reminiscing about everything that had happened since he first arrived. Before long, sleep overtook him.
...
The next morning, a sliver of sunlight fell across Qiu Bai's face.
He sat up, a faint glimmer of light flashing over his body as he instantly refreshed himself, clearing away any dust and straightening his slightly tousled hair. Then, he stepped out of his room.
Downstairs, Zhongli was already seated, sipping tea and reading a book.
"You're awake, old friend. Are you ready?"
"If so, let's head out."
Zhongli's calm voice carried through the quiet morning air as he looked up at Qiu Bai.
"I'm ready," Qiu Bai replied before glancing around. "But where's Hu Tao? I don't see her."
"It's still early. She must have been too exhausted from waiting for you last night," Zhongli explained.
Hearing this, a warm feeling stirred within Qiu Bai, and a small smile appeared on his lips.
"What a silly girl."
"Well then, let's get going, old friend."
Pushing open the doors of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the two stepped out onto the bustling streets of Liyue.
...
Morning had settled over Liyue Harbor. Vendors were already setting up their stalls, merchants opening their shops, and the air was filled with the calls of birds and the lively voices of shopkeepers. The streets bustled with activity, yet patrols of Qianyan soldiers still kept a watchful presence due to the recent Rite of Descension incident.
Walking side by side, Qiu Bai and Zhongli naturally attracted attention.
"Look, look! It's the guest consultants from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—Qiu Bai and Zhongli! And they're walking together!"
"They look so good together—I'm shipping them!"
"I've heard that both of them are scholars with deep knowledge of history, and their manners are so refined and dignified."
Excited murmurs spread among the onlookers, particularly the young women, whose admiration was drawn not only to their knowledge but also to their striking appearances.
Qiu Bai merely smiled faintly, occasionally casting a sidelong glance at Zhongli.
As expected, Zhongli remained as composed as ever, his expression as unshakable as stone.
"Hah, Ping'er says she's old… but compared to this guy?"
"Seriously, why doesn't Morax take on the appearance of an old man? That would suit him much better."
Qiu Bai mused to himself.
Just then, a young woman approached them.
It was Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing.
"May I have a moment of your time, gentlemen?"
Standing before Qiu Bai and Zhongli, she appeared somewhat petite in comparison, but her voice was clear and firm.
"What can we do for you, Lady Yuheng?"
Qiu Bai asked, his usual faint smile on his lips.
"Qiu Bai, Mr. Zhongli—Ningguang has sent an invitation."
"She believes that with the vast knowledge and expertise you both possess, your assistance would be invaluable to her."
"It would be a great contribution to Liyue Harbor, and you will not be treated unfairly. If you're interested, you may visit her at the Jade Chamber."
"What do you two think?"
Though Keqing spoke with confidence, standing in front of two strikingly handsome men still made her feel a little self-conscious. A slight blush colored her cheeks as she offered them a polite smile.