Xiangling, in a roundabout way, could also be considered Guizhong's disciple.
As she enjoyed these delicious dishes, Guizhong began to comment.
"Madame Ping has found a good disciple."
"Her skills are truly impressive."
"One day, I'll write a cookbook for her."
"Those are recipes even Madame Ping hasn't learned."
Speaking of this, Guizhong's heart was filled with interest.
She also hoped someone could inherit her culinary skills!
"She'll definitely be thrilled."
Hearing Guizhong's words, Jiang Chen couldn't help but laugh.
If Xiangling really got her hands on Guizhong's cookbook, she'd be over the moon.
The group chatted and enjoyed their meal together.
After eating and drinking their fill, they settled the bill and went their separate ways.
Everyone began exploring Liyue.
Over the next few days, Jiang Chen and the others spent their time in Liyue Harbor.
The only thing Jiang Chen found regrettable was that he didn't run into Xingqiu or Chongyun during this time.
Where had they gone? How could they not be in Liyue?
Wouldn't they come back for the Rite of Descension?
This left Jiang Chen quite puzzled.
However, Jiang Chen did meet Yun Jin.
After all, Jiang Chen occasionally visited the tea house.
Although he wasn't particularly interested in opera, Guizhong and Havria were quite fond of it.
So Jiang Chen listened to a few performances and got to know Yun Jin.
After all, Yun Jin was quite interested in this group of handsome and beautiful individuals.
Naturally, she wanted to get to know them.
Under these circumstances, the day of the Rite of Descension finally arrived.
During these days, Ningguang and the others hadn't come to find Jiang Chen and his group.
They were all busy with the preparations for the Rite of Descension and couldn't spare the time.
On the day of the Rite of Descension, Jiang Chen finally received an invitation to attend.
Moreover, he was invited to the front.
After all, it would soon be announced that he was the new Tianquan.
So Jiang Chen had to stand at the front.
Lumine, Guizhong, and the others were also invited to the front to watch the ceremony.
As time passed, more and more people gathered at Yujing Terrace.
Aside from the ordinary citizens of Liyue, there were also many people from other nations.
The Rite of Descension in reality was far more spectacular than in the game.
Some prominent figures were invited to the front, while the ordinary citizens watched from the outside.
Fortunately, Yujing Terrace was large enough, and with the Millelith maintaining order,
there were no disturbances.
The Rite of Descension wasn't being held for the first time.
Since the founding of Liyue, it had been held countless times.
This year's Rite of Descension was presided over by Ningguang.
She had arrived at the ceremony platform early.
This year, Ningguang was dressed in a formal qipao.
She looked even more beautiful than usual.
After all, such an important event couldn't be taken lightly.
As noon approached,
Ningguang looked up at the sky and announced:
"The auspicious time has arrived. We invite the Emperor to descend."
As soon as she finished speaking, Ningguang made a series of hand seals.
In the next moment, a burst of Geo energy shot into the sky.
After this series of actions, the sky suddenly changed.
The clouds formed a vortex, blocking out the sun.
Then, a dragon emerged from the clouds and descended.
This wasn't a direct fall.
If it had been, the next scene would have been the Emperor being assassinated, and the area being locked down.
When Zhongli's divine form appeared, many people knelt on one knee to welcome the Emperor.
However, Jiang Chen didn't do so.
"We pay our respects to the Emperor!"
Ningguang was the first to bow and offer her greetings.
Then, the others followed in unison.
The entire Liyue Harbor could see the scene at Yujing Terrace.
Those who couldn't attend the ceremony in person also bowed from a distance.
At this moment, all the citizens of Liyue were genuinely happy.
The Emperor was their faith.
His successful appearance this year filled everyone with anticipation for the divine decree he would bring.
"Rise."
The authoritative voice emanated from the Dharma body.
This voice was completely different from Zhongli's usual tone.
Jiang Chen watched all of this with great interest.
As the voice faded, everyone stood up.
Then, Zhongli began to slowly explain the situation.
"This year will be the last Rite of Descension."
"From now on, the Rite of Descension will be replaced by the Rite of Parting."
"From this day forward, the adepti will no longer interfere with Liyue's development."
"From this day forward, I will gradually step down and return Liyue to human hands."
"I have ruled Liyue for nearly 4,000 years."
...
Morax began his speech.
Hearing Morax's words, everyone was in disbelief.
Especially the citizens of Liyue.
The initial excitement of seeing the Emperor had vanished.
Instead, they were left stunned.
What had they just heard?
The Emperor was retiring?
Holy crap!!
But the Emperor's speech continued. Although there was some commotion below, it quickly settled down.
Zhongli spoke about many things.
After finishing his speech, Zhongli finally announced his final decree.
"Now, I will announce my final decree."
"From this day forward, the Tianquan will retire. The next Tianquan will be Jiang Chen, effective immediately."
"From this day forward, the Liyue Qixing will be responsible for external development."
"All matters of Liyue will be decided by the Liyue Qixing."
"All adepti, including myself, will retreat into the background. Unless absolutely necessary or in the event of a major crisis, we will not interfere in Liyue's affairs."
This last sentence was essentially a warning.
You are free to develop as you wish, but if you engage in excessive corruption,
then it will be time for us to step in.
After all, corruption is bound to happen.
From now on, they would be watching from the shadows.
Those present understood the underlying meaning of the Emperor's words.
Although the Emperor would no longer be involved in governance,
if you committed wrongdoing, the Emperor would still intervene.
Apart from this, the people of Liyue were also puzzled.
Who was Jiang Chen?
The next Tianquan?
The current Tianquan was retiring?
No one had heard of Jiang Chen before.
However, when they thought about the current Tianquan's declining health,
it seemed reasonable for him to retire now.
The only thing they didn't understand was who Jiang Chen was.
They had expected the next Tianquan to be chosen from among the current Tianquan's assistants.
But who would have thought it would be someone no one had ever heard of?
In previous selections for the Qixing, people had at least some idea of the candidates.
But now, Jiang Chen was someone they knew absolutely nothing about.
However, some people were shocked when they heard the name.
For example, Hu Tao, Xiangling, Yun Jin, and others who had met Jiang Chen in recent days.
At this moment, Hu Tao and Xiangling were together.
When they heard the Emperor say that Jiang Chen would become the Tianquan, they were stunned.
"Jiang Chen is the Tianquan?"
"Wow!"
"He actually has such a status?"
Xiangling was shocked.
The guy who had been eating at her restaurant these past few days had become the Tianquan?