Genshin Impact: My villain system is a little different.

When Lumine and Paimon snuck into Liyue Harbor, they were acting very suspiciously.

Finding hiding spots, constantly changing directions, and occasionally checking if anyone was following them.

When they spotted the Millelith, they took detours.

Their main focus was infiltration and search... ahem, no, infiltration to find someone.

Little did they know, Zhongli and Xianyun could see everything clearly from their high vantage point.

Xianyun looked puzzled: "Rex Lapis, this traveler you chose to connect the whole play... doesn't seem very bright?"

Zhongli coughed: "Well, perhaps this is just the traveler's unique caution. After all, she's still wanted."

"But the Millelith already spotted her. If Ningguang hadn't given orders, they would have surrounded her by now."

Xianyun continued to criticize.

Madame Ping quickly interrupted: "Enough, Xianyun. Rex Lapis must have his reasons... By the way, what about Moon Carver and the others? Are they close?"

Xianyun frowned: "Those two old folks? Don't know, don't care, but I notified them."

Those two old ones - she just found out they'd been coming to Liyue Harbor every Lantern Rite to enjoy themselves, never inviting her...

Did they really think this adeptus had no temper? Fine, they can play by themselves from now on. This adeptus will enjoy being taken care of by her disciples in Liyue Harbor.

Hmph.

"Rex Lapis."

A gentle breeze passed, and Xiao, the Conqueror of Demons, appeared behind Zhongli, speaking respectfully.

"Mm." Zhongli nodded, continuing to watch Lumine's group, who had already made contact with Ganyu.

"Conqueror of Demons, the archon resentment in your body has almost completely disappeared. That's truly wonderful."

Madame Ping remarked.

The Conqueror of Demons glanced at Xianyun and said: "It's all thanks to Cloud Retainer's disciple."

"Call me Xianyun... that's my name from now on," Xianyun said. "Though indeed, that child Jiang Ning did do a good thing."

Madame Ping looked at Xianyun - this one's smile was harder to suppress than an AK.

Shaking her head, Madame Ping asked: "Why didn't we see you at this year's Lantern Rite? Without the karmic burden's influence, you shouldn't affect those around you anymore, right?"

"Still... not used to it, and I need to guard against evil spirits..."

Xiao hesitated before answering.

"You won't need to work so hard anymore. When new archon remnants appear on the land, let Jiang Ning handle them. Regular clearing with rest during the Lantern Rite days should be fine."

Zhongli said.

"After all, these things have become beneficial to both Jiang Ning and us."

"I respectfully follow Rex Lapis's orders."

Speaking of this, Xiao became excited. After returning, he had been searching for traces of his brothers and sisters, and now had some leads. Soon, he might be able to bring back his siblings.

"I'm here! What are you discussing?"

Havria suddenly appeared. She could now move around freely, but to avoid frightening people and because she was used to staying within Jiang Ning's body, she rarely showed herself.

Having shed her burdens, she seemed to have returned to her original nature, the worry between her brows dispersed, replaced with vitality and liveliness.

As Zhongli said, Havria had completed her duty and could rest now.

In fact, if not for Zhongli needing to officially announce Jiang Ning as the next Geo Archon heir in Liyue, Havria would have already encouraged Jiang Ning to travel to other nations.

And she could sightsee along the way.

"We're talking about that traveler."

Zhongli said.

"I see... that traveler seems quite special."

Havria's beautiful eyes sparkled with interest.

"Yes, a wanderer from beyond the sky, perhaps key to breaking the deadlock... that's what I originally thought."

Zhongli spoke slowly.

"But Jiang Ning's arrival showed me another possibility, so I'll leave everything to them."

"How do you make slacking off and retirement sound so elegant?"

Havria quipped.

Zhongli thought for a moment and said: "From a rational perspective, you're right."

"I don't care anymore. Anyway, once Jiang Ning officially becomes the Geo Archon's heir, I'm taking him traveling everywhere."

Havria said.

Zhongli had no objections. He would give authority and oversight to Jiang Ning, but wouldn't transfer the position of Geo Archon yet, allowing Jiang Ning to travel freely to various nations, absorb archon remnants, and revive old friends.

The authority and power would ensure Jiang Ning's safety.

According to Zhongli's calculations, once Jiang Ning fully copied and absorbed the Geo power, his strength should reach above archons but below the Original Seven, approaching their level...

This way, even facing the Abyss, if he couldn't win, he could at least escape.

Watching Lumine ascend to the Jade Chamber, Zhongli turned to leave:

"Xianyun, Gething, come with me. We need to release some of Osial's seals. The Sigil of Permission that the Fatui currently possess isn't enough to completely unseal Osial..."

Zhongli said.

Unlike the original story, Zhongli now planned to completely release Osial and attract his attendants, the Vortex's remaining might, Beisht, raising the difficulty of the test significantly.

Beisht would be Liyue's test, while Osial would be Jiang Ning's test.

If they could pass, everything would be settled.

...

Lumine arrived at the Jade Chamber and learned the whole story.

"I see, so the Fatui are plotting something again? But did the Geo Archon really die?"

Lumine pondered.

Ningguang said: "Yes, Rex Lapis has unfortunately passed on, but Liyue must continue forward. So, Miss Lumine, would you accept our commission to mediate between us and the adepti? You will be well compensated."

"Hmm, alright, I accept." Lumine thought briefly and agreed readily.

The Mora wasn't important; what mattered was being a helpful traveler.

"Thank you, Miss Lumine. Your expenses in Liyue Harbor during this time will be on my account. I'm also hosting a banquet at Xinyue Kiosk tonight to apologize for the misunderstanding about your wanted status. The adepti should arrive soon, and we'll trouble you then."

Ningguang made an inviting gesture toward Lumine.

"Oh oh oh! More delicious food! Wonderful!"

Paimon danced happily in mid-air.

Lumine wanted to ask about Jiang Ning's whereabouts, but seeing it wasn't the right time, she could only leave first.

After Lumine left, Keqing emerged from the shadows: "Hmph, how dare these people?"

Ningguang was unconcerned: "With Rex Lapis seemingly gone, these petty characters are all coming out. When the time is right, we'll settle accounts with them all..."

"But the Fatui seem to be after Rex Lapis's Gnosis. Is Rex Lapis's exuvia properly secured?"

"Yes, don't worry. Everything is set up, we're just waiting for them to walk into our trap."

Keqing said.

"This time, we of Liyue must protect Liyue with human hands."

Looking at the churning sea, Ningguang seemed to understand Rex Lapis's intention. They must pass this test.

No matter what kind of test it was.

...

The night passed without incident.

The next day, before Lumine could even meet Jiang Ning, she was pulled here and there.

The Guizhong Ballista needed maintenance, the Fatui needed investigation, and they had to stay alert for the adepti's arrival.

If not for Ningguang's generous payment, Lumine would have quit already.

Finally, the adepti arrived at Liyue Harbor.

This time, Xianyun wasn't leading them. Knowing the full story, she stepped back to stand with Madame Ping and the Conqueror of Demons.

She wouldn't play the villain - who knows, among those she might confront could be her disciple's wife.

No way.

Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper took the lead instead.

Moon Carver appeared as an illuminated deer, while Mountain Shaper was a celestial bird like Xianyun, just different in color.

Moon Carver spoke directly: "What have you Qixing done? Rex Lapis has fallen, what role did you Qixing play in this?"

"If we don't receive a satisfactory answer, this adeptus wouldn't mind suppressing Liyue Harbor before further discussion!"

Mountain Shaper agreed.

Xianyun dismissively curled her lip - these old fogies didn't even know how to talk properly. Their aggression needed work.

Madame Ping gave Xianyun an odd look - if Xianyun didn't know the truth, she'd probably be leading the accusations.

"Cloud Retainer, what's your opinion?" Mountain Shaper asked.

Xianyun adjusted her glasses and said: "I think there must be more to this. Let's hear what the Qixing have to say."

Huh? Was this the same hot-tempered Cloud Retainer who would fight at the slightest provocation? Why did it feel like they were the villains and Xianyun was here to mediate?

The two adepti were completely puzzled. Just as they were about to escalate the situation, Madame Ping coughed:

"Alright, everyone calm down. Liyue faces both internal and external troubles, we must work together."

Madame Ping had given up too - Rex Lapis was openly acting, showing signs of slacking off, and her side couldn't act well, plus that little Jiang Ning was causing trouble...

Whatever, if everyone's slacking off, so be it.

"Honored adepti, please be patient. We will give you a satisfactory answer, and in our view, Rex Lapis hasn't fallen."

"Oh? What do you mean? Is the traveler lying?"

Moon Carver questioned.

"Well, the traveler isn't lying. To ordinary people, Rex Lapis has indeed fallen, but honorable adepti, think about it - if Rex Lapis had truly perished, could Liyue Harbor still be standing?"

Ningguang's composed attitude earned Madame Ping's silent approval. Indeed, this young woman was truly exceptional.

The adepti fell into deep thought. Indeed, having survived the Archon War with Rex Lapis, they knew best.

If Rex Lapis had truly died, even if he had contained his divine power's release, Liyue Harbor would still have been leveled.

But if Rex Lapis hadn't died, why fake his death?

After much consideration, they could only conclude one thing:

Rex Lapis must have his reasons.

"Actually, we have a theory about Rex Lapis's intentions."

Keqing stepped forward, explaining their guess that Rex Lapis wanted to retire, return governance to humans, with himself and the adepti only supervising.

"Return to human governance? Impossible!" Moon Carver sneered.

"If Rex Lapis really had such thoughts, this adeptus would..."

Just as he was about to continue, Xianyun interrupted: "Would what?"

Seeing Xianyun's amused expression, Moon Carver instinctively sensed something was wrong and changed his words:

"Nothing."

"Tch..." Xianyun clicked her tongue, looking disappointed.

She had hoped to catch this old one's slip and mock him later.

"Xianyun."

Madame Ping warned softly.

Xianyun turned her head to show she understood.

Finally, they mentioned the traveler.

Moon Carver asked: "Where is that traveler?"

Ningguang said: "Please be patient, honorable adeptus. We've already sent someone to notify the traveler..."

Before she could finish, a huge explosion came from Guyun Stone Forest, followed by golden energy shooting skyward before dissipating.

Then came rolling dark clouds, surging waves, and the aura of an ancient god.

People at the harbor watched the huge waves change color, shouting and scrambling to escape.

"Run quickly!"

"The waves are huge!"

"Rex Lapis protect us!"

The harbor was in chaos, but thankfully, Ningguang had stationed Millelith guards who prevented any trampling incidents.

Though all the harbor's goods and ships were swept away by the waves, surprisingly, not a single person was injured or carried away.

Even those who had closed their eyes waiting for death as waves hit their faces miraculously found themselves back on shore.

With the Millelith's help, they reached safety.

Looks like Rex Lapis still cares deeply for his people...

Madame Ping thought as she watched everything from the Jade Chamber.

Lumine arrived at the Jade Chamber, her clothes dirty and disheveled, with scratches on her face and arms.

She looked like she'd just been through a battle.

"What happened, Lumine?" Keqing quickly asked.

Lumine's pretty face darkened: "Childe went to the Golden House, trying to get Rex Lapis's divine body, believing the Gnosis was inside."

"But when there was no Gnosis, he became enraged and used the Sigil of Permission to release the god sealed under Guyun Stone Forest."

"The Vortex God, Osial?"

Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper's faces changed dramatically.

They had just sensed a god's aura and felt something was wrong, but never expected Osial to be unsealed.

"The Fatui, how dare they?!"

The two adepti were furious. First violating Rex Lapis's remains, then releasing an ancient god.

The Fatui must die!

----

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