Above a Cliff Somewhere in Jueyun Karst
"Many thanks, Immortal Lord, for cleansing the darkness from us."
"We feel ashamed of our past actions. We should assist Liyue's people in rebuilding their homes. After that, we will retreat into the mountains and live in seclusion, away from worldly affairs."
The former demons bowed respectfully to Qiu Bai in farewell before flying toward Liyue Harbor.
"It seems you all aren't in the best shape either."
Qiu Bai teased Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Ganyu, and the other Adepti as he observed their worn-out states.
He knew his remaining time was short. There were things he had to finish before he inevitably fell into slumber once more.
"Immortal Lord, please, don't tease us. But why have you suddenly awakened?"
"Yes, are you truly alright?"
Cloud Retainer and Ganyu looked at him with deep concern.
Qiu Bai said nothing. Instead, he channeled Yang energy into the bodies of the assembled Adepti, healing all their injuries in an instant.
"I was forcefully awakened. My time is nearly up, and I will soon fall into slumber again."
"Go now. Aid the people of Liyue Harbor and the surrounding regions."
After leaving these words, Qiu Bai walked back into his cave abode, methodically cleansing and sealing the entrance shut.
Ganyu and the others watched as their Immortal Lord disappeared into the depths of his dwelling, their hearts filled with complex emotions.
"Let's go, Ganyu. The Immortal Lord will be fine. For now, we must focus on helping the people of Liyue."
Cloud Retainer reassured the dazed Ganyu.
"Alright."
Ganyu whispered in response before taking off toward Liyue Harbor alongside the others.
Inside his sealed cave, Qiu Bai lay upon a slab of Cor Lapis, eyes half-closed.
"System, begin my slumber."
Qiubai silently commanded in his heart.
[Ding! Host's slumber detected. Upon awakening, physical attributes will be enhanced tenfold!]
[At that time, the system will no longer be needed and will automatically unbind itself!"]
Qiu Bai mind reeled in shock.
"A tenfold boost in my physical state? Damn, won't that let me roam all over Teyvat like a tyrant?!"
With that final thought of excitement, Qiu Bai succumbed to deep sleep.
Seven Days Later
Morax finally returned to Liyue from Khaenri'ah.
However, as soon as he arrived he was greeted by a bizarre sight. Giant creatures, some butterfly-like, others resembling horses, all working together to rebuild Liyue using their immense strength.
He stood there, utterly perplexed.
"Who are these beings? I do not recall Liyue having such Adepti."
He turned to Cloud Retainer, who appeared before him.
"Rex Lapis, these were once 'Great Demons.' They were redeemed by the Immortal Lord and now willingly aid Liyue's people."
Morax frowned slightly in confusion.
"Great Demons? You mean the former followers of the defeated Gods? Did they not flee to the Dark Sea after the Archon War?"
Cloud Retainer recounted everything that had happened in recent days.
Morax listened in silence.
After a long pause, he finally spoke.
"…Old friend…"
Without another word, he took to the skies, heading toward the mountain peaks.
Standing atop the cliffs, he gazed upon Liyue, watching as life and prosperity slowly returned to the land.
"I wish to buy osmanthus and carry wine, but alas, when shall I see my old friend again?"
Seasons Passed, Time Flowed Like Water—Five Hundred Years Later
As centuries passed, tales of the Immortal Lord spread widely among the people of Liyue.
By now, Qiu Bai status in their hearts was nearly on par with Rex Lapis himself.
[Ding! Host's strength has fully recovered!]
[Ding! Host's strength has increased tenfold! System unbinding initiated.]
Qiu Bai awakened from his long slumber.
"Has five hundred years truly passed? And my power has increased tenfold?"
"At this point, I can practically roam Teyvat however I please."
Feeling the immense power coursing through his body, Qiubai murmured to himself.
"I should go take a look outside."
Stretching lazily, he dispelled the seal on his cave and stepped outside.
The sunlight fell gently upon his face.
With a flick of his hand, his entire appearance shifted.
His long black hair was tied up with a bamboo hairpin, and he now carried a black-and-white folding fan decorated with painted landscapes.
He wore a pristine white long robe with flowing sleeves, draping elegantly over his frame. A wide, pale-blue sash embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns cinched his waist, adorned with a single piece of exquisite black jade.
A few strands of hair fluttered in the wind, intertwining with a silver silk ribbon, giving him an air of effortless elegance.
At first glance, he looked like a young nobleman from a prestigious family. Handsome, refined, and otherworldly.
Suppressing his aura and altering his features slightly, he nodded in satisfaction.
"With this, no one should recognize me."
Taking a deep breath, he sighed in contentment.
"Ahh… fresh air!"
"Time to check out Liyue Harbor."
With a single teleportation, Qiu Bai vanished and reappearing in an unnoticed corner of Liyue Harbor.
As he strolled through the bustling streets, nostalgia washed over him.
"Zhongyuan Chop Suey! Delicious and affordable!"
"Limited-time half-price event at Xinyue Kiosk!"
Familiar voices rang out one after another, overlapping with his memories of the past.
"It looks almost exactly as I remember. I wonder… has the main storyline begun yet?"
Qiubai pondered as he continued his walk.
Meanwhile, inside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, an unnamed guest suddenly shuddered.
He had just reached for his tea but paused, placing the cup back onto the table.
"Apologies, Director. I must excuse myself for a moment."
He stood up, ready to leave.
"Ah, go ahead, go ahead~"
Hu Tao, who had been lazily slumped in her chair, raised an eyebrow.
"But listen, Zhongli, stop dining at Xinyue Kiosk and charging the bill to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor! We haven't had much business lately!"
She stretched out, yawning as she watched him leave, feeling a bit puzzled.
"This guy… He looks young, is ridiculously handsome, knows everything, yet cares about nothing. He's like a walking antique!"
Zhongli paused briefly before responding.
"Director, I am not going out to dine. I am going to meet an old friend."
"Tsk, fine, fine! Just bring me some food from Wanmin Restaurant while you're at it!"
"I haven't eaten all day, I'm starving to death!"
Hu Tao clutched her stomach, looking at Zhongli with a pitiful expression.
"I understand, Director."
With that, Zhongli stepped out of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and headed in Qiu Bai direction.
Meanwhile, Qiu Bai was wandering through Liyue Harbor, trying to figure out the location of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
After all, this Liyue Harbor wasn't the same as the one in the game it was far larger, livelier, and more intricate.
Just as he was about to continue walking forward, a familiar figure appeared before him.
The man was dressed in a crane-yellow outfit, his top resembled a Western-style suit, while the lower half flowed into a dragon-embroidered tailcoat.
"Old friend, long time no see."
Zhongli greeted Qiu Bai with a calm smile.
"Morax?"
Qiu Bai recognized him instantly.
"Let's walk and talk, Morcius."
"I go by Zhongli now."
The two strolled through the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor, conversing as they went.
"Zhongli, huh? That's a good name."
Qiu Bai glanced around at the thriving city before speaking again.
"Liyue today looks far different from how I remember it."
Of course, he already knew that Morax now went by Zhongli—he was just playing along.
"By the way, my name now is Qiu Bai."
He returned the courtesy, officially introducing himself under his new name.
Zhongli observed him for a moment before commenting, "Your power seems to have grown significantly."
"I can sense it, you seem to be nearly on par with me now."
There was a hint of curiosity in his tone.
Qiu Bai chuckled.
"Indeed. I wasn't exactly idle during my thousand-year slumber."
As he gazed at Liyue's bustling streets, towering buildings, and flourishing people, a rare sense of sentimentality washed over him.
"Liyue is truly prosperous now."
Zhongli nodded slightly before speaking again.
"The day after tomorrow, during the Rite of Descension, I plan to step down as the Geo Archon."
Qiu Bai eyes flickered with interest.
"I intend to test this generation's Liyue Qixing."
Zhongli paused briefly before continuing.
"Even tho vortex cannot shatter an enduring rock but even rock erodes under the passage of time."
"For the longest time, I convinced myself that the day of erosion had not yet arrived."
"But then, on a drizzly afternoon, as I strolled through the port, I overheard a merchant praising his subordinate."
"'You have fulfilled your duty. Now, go and rest.'"
"At that moment, I stood still amidst the bustling crowd, questioning myself over and over again. Have I already fulfilled my duty?"
Zhongli gaze turned distant, as if recalling countless years of memories.
"Yet, as I began contemplating my abdication, I realized… there were still countless reasons binding me to this land."
"Liyue, the land that has walked alongside gods, is it truly ready to step into the next era on its own?"
"I must create an opportunity for careful observation and only then will I decide."