"Would you like to see what your Fatui have done in Liyue?"
"Do you understand the consequences of unleashing Osial?"
"Do you realize what Liyue would have faced if not for Jiang Chen?"
"This is equivalent to dropping a nuclear bomb at someone's doorstep."
"If you refuse these conditions, should Liyue take it as a declaration of war?"
Jiang Chen's gaze turned dangerously sharp as he stared down La Signora.
Go on, answer my question.
If you dare say yes… then prepare for a blitzkrieg on Snezhnaya.
Let's see if your nation can withstand Liyue's full military might.
La Signora fell silent at his words.
War?
Don't be ridiculous.
If she even hinted at agreement, Jiang Chen would likely detain her on the spot. And then… he would lead an army of adepti straight to Snezhnaya.
Just like how Khaenri'ah was destroyed back then.
The mere thought sent chills down her spine.
Could Snezhnaya hold out?
Absolutely not.
Especially given the intelligence she had gathered…
Liyue was no longer just protected by Jiang Chen alone. They now had multiple Archons on their side. She didn't know how they had been resurrected, but the intel was undeniable.
Liyue had become far stronger.
That idiot Childe!
La Signora suppressed her frustration and took a deep breath before speaking.
"I must consult my superiors on this matter."
If the demands were smaller, she might have had the authority to negotiate. But Liyue was asking for far too much. Even if she agreed, the Tsaritsa might reject the terms.
She dared not make this decision herself.
This wasn't just about reparations—it affected diplomatic relations and her own mission to retrieve the Gnosis.
Now, thanks to Childe's recklessness, she had no choice but to swallow this humiliation.
That brainless brute!
Jiang Chen simply smirked.
"Take your time."
"Our terms remain unchanged."
He had them cornered.
You unleashed a god upon our land. Did you think there'd be no consequences?
La Signora stood and left without another word.
Once she was gone, Ningguang turned to Jiang Chen.
"Do you think they'll agree?"
She worried the Fatui might refuse, leading to an awkward stalemate.
Jiang Chen chuckled.
"They have no choice."
Keqing, however, was dissatisfied.
"Hmph! We should've demanded even more!"
Jiang Chen shook his head.
"Any more, and they'd rather fight than comply."
The current terms were already brutal:
Alchemical secrets (Snezhnaya's Khaenri'ah-derived knowledge)
Full Fatui withdrawal (Their mission was already compromised anyway)
Surrendering the Northland Bank (A massive financial blow)
Handing over teleportation technology (A priceless military asset)
A hefty indemnity (Pure extortion)
But Jiang Chen was confident the Tsaritsa would yield.
Unless she's willing to abandon her plans for the Gnosis.
The Harbingers could rage all they wanted—Liyue held all the leverage now.
"This is more than enough."
"We've already gained tremendous advantages."
Ningguang nodded, trusting Jiang Chen's judgment. If he was this certain, there was likely a deeper strategy at play—possibly even Morax's own designs.
Jiang Chen then turned to Ganyu.
"Contact the other adepti."
"Have them deliver their Sacred Relics."
"It's time to resurrect the fallen."
A dark grin crossed his face.
You think you can refuse?
Then let me show you the power of true revival.
Imagine their horror when Liyue's long-dead legends return to the battlefield.
Who's to say we won't dig up your ancestors next?
Ganyu bowed. "Understood."
Ningguang raised an eyebrow.
"You're making this public?"
Until now, the resurrection of the adepti had been a closely guarded secret.
Jiang Chen's smile turned razor-sharp.
"Secrets are like smoke—they always escape."
"If the world already suspects our strength, we might as well prove it."
"When your enemies fear you, you must become even more terrifying."
"Otherwise, you're just prey."
Liyue would flaunt its resurrected warriors.
Let the nations tremble.
"After all…"
Jiang Chen leaned back, swirling his tea.
"Some things you may not use…"
"But you must have them."
Keqing quietly memorized every word.
Power wasn't just about using force—it was about making sure everyone knew you could.