"I need some individuals to activate my special abilities. Then I can take you to other worlds. I believe you understand what I mean. Knowledge and power should not be considered taboo in this world, right?" Smith spoke calmly, his gaze sharp.
"Even if it is taboo, in this era, that person likely doesn't have the heart to care about it anymore, don't you think? Moreover, in other worlds, we may find a solution to your wear and tear problem."
Smith pointed to the sky meaningfully before turning to Zhongli. "You wouldn't want to see your old friend continue to suffer from wear and tear, would you?"
Zhongli, who had been quietly listening, was slightly moved. He understood all too well the dangers of Teyvat. As the Geo Archon, he had witnessed countless calamities and was always seeking ways to ensure Liyue's survival.
"Are you suggesting moving Liyue to another world?" Zhongli asked, intrigued by the idea.
Smith shook his head slightly. "Liyue has a vast population. It wouldn't be easy to move everyone away from Teyvat. But you could bring the power of other worlds to Liyue. In the future, when I am strong enough, I may be able to move all of Liyue to a safer place."
Zhongli pondered for a long time, swirling the tea in his cup before finally chuckling. "I accept your invitation. I, too, am interested in seeing other worlds."
A smile spread across Smith's face. With Morax's support, his future endeavors would be much easier. He extended his hand. "The contract is concluded. Those who break their promises shall be punished by eating rocks."
Zhongli was momentarily stunned. That phrase—it was his own! Nevertheless, he grasped Smith's hand firmly and smiled. "Even if the sky falls, the contract must be honored."
After the handshake, Zhongli looked at Smith curiously. "You truly believe Liyue has so many problems?"
Smith nodded. "Indeed. If you had remained in power, continuously adjusting Liyue's course and repairing its cracks, it might have endured for a long time. But once you disappear, within two centuries, Liyue will face significant problems."
He leaned forward, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "In my previous world, very few dynasties lasted beyond three hundred years. Over time, land annexation and social class solidification became inevitable. When that happens, the only options left are either external wars or an internal reshuffling of power. As the Rock King, you should understand what I mean."
Zhongli frowned. Smith's words resonated with concerns he had long suspected but never fully analyzed.
"This situation should have arisen long ago, but a thousand years ago, the demon attack on Guiliyuan forced you to relocate Liyue to Liyue Harbor. Then, five hundred years ago, the Abyss invasion weakened Liyue yet again. Now, five centuries later, Liyue's strength has nearly recovered. Without you, internal struggles are inevitable. Foreign nations won't sit idly by, and if the Fatui fan the flames... what do you think will happen?"
Zhongli exhaled slowly. He had seen the patterns of history before, but hearing it so clearly from Smith solidified his concerns. It seemed retirement wasn't an option after all.
"What do we do next?" Zhongli asked, his tone carrying the weight of decision.
Smith smiled. "I need three more individuals. They must be special people."
Zhongli raised an eyebrow. "From your words, I assumed you would dislike them. Yet you choose them?"
Smith chuckled. "They are among the most influential figures in Liyue. Despite some flaws, Ningguang and Keqing are among the finest minds in governance."
---
At Qunyu Pavilion, Tianquan Ningguang sat beside Yuheng Keqing rather than her usual main seat. Across from them, Ganyu, the secretary of the Liyue Qixing, struggled to keep her eyes open, her exhaustion evident.
Keqing, unable to contain her curiosity, finally spoke. "Ganyu, Ningguang, do either of you know why the Emperor summoned us?"
Keqing was secretly excited to meet the Rock King Emperor in private, but she masked it with an impatient demeanor.
"I don't know," Ningguang replied, her golden eyes flickering with intrigue. "The Emperor didn't say."
Her gaze drifted to Ganyu, who was half-asleep. It was clear the half-qilin secretary was also unaware of their purpose here.
The fact that the Emperor had summoned only the three of them—and not the other Qixing—suggested something unusual.
Suddenly, a deep and steady voice broke the silence. "It seems you all arrived early."
A figure appeared at the main seat, his presence undetectable until he spoke. Instantly, the three women stood and saluted. "Greetings, Emperor."
Even among the Qixing, private meetings with the Rock King Emperor were exceedingly rare.
Ningguang's sharp gaze shifted to the man standing behind the Emperor. She had noticed him before—a stranger with clothing unfamiliar to any nation in Teyvat. He had been seen frequently accompanying Zhongli, even making the typically frugal consultant pay for his expenses.
Now, standing behind the Rock King Emperor, the truth clicked in Ningguang's mind. A terrifying possibility emerged.
"I have come for a matter that will determine the fate of Liyue," Zhongli stated. "Even I cannot guarantee whether this will be a blessing or a curse."
His gaze settled on Ningguang momentarily before he sighed inwardly. As expected of her—she might have already figured out his true identity.
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