Today, the Heyu Tea House was as bustling as ever.
However, it wasn't because Yun Jin had debuted a new opera, but because the storyteller was recounting tales of the Geo Archon, Rex Lapis.
To every citizen of Liyue, Rex Lapis was an absolute idol. Even though everyone had grown up hearing stories about him, whenever someone on the streets began to speak of the Geo Archon, whether it was an elderly man carrying a load or a child with a runny nose, they would all stop and listen with rapt attention.
Even though Rex Lapis had appeared less frequently in recent years, and rumors about him had gradually faded, his popularity remained as high as ever.
"Last time, we spoke of how Rex Lapis battled the great sea demon for three days and three nights, yet remained calm and composed. In contrast, the great demon had lost all its scales, which covered the sea surface. It is said that the starconches we often find on the beach are actually remnants of those scales."
"But the benevolent Geo Archon, in his mercy, did not slay the demon. Instead, he summoned a stone spear to seal it away, hoping to guide it toward redemption..."
"As for the demon's followers and subordinates, they fled in terror under the divine might, never daring to set foot in Liyue again!"
The storyteller on stage spoke with great enthusiasm, and the audience below listened with equal fascination, applauding and cheering at the most exciting parts.
However, among the crowd, there was a young man who kept making shocking, almost blasphemous remarks.
For example, when the storyteller mentioned Rex Lapis's mercy in not killing the demon, the young man would say, "Could it be that Rex Lapis found the creature too disgusting to touch, so he just sealed it under a rock instead?"
When the storyteller spoke of the demon's scales, the young man would comment, "That demon didn't have any scales. Its body was slick and covered in a strange, foul-smelling slime. Just looking at it made you feel sick."
As for the demon's followers, his claims were even more outrageous. He suggested that the demon's followers had simply gotten lost at sea and couldn't find their way back to Liyue.
Really, don't the young people these days have any respect for Rex Lapis? How dare they speak of the Geo Archon in such a disrespectful manner!
Who knows more about Rex Lapis—you, a little brat, or me?
To this, the young man simply smiled and shook his head, offering no further explanation.
After all... some things were better left unexplained.
Stories often had a bit of artistic embellishment, and that was acceptable. It was fine to just treat it as a tale. Over the millennia, there had been thousands of versions of the story about Rex Lapis battling the great sea demon in Liyue Harbor.
Stay calm.
However, when the storyteller mentioned the great sea demon, it reminded the young man of a previous conversation by the sea.
"Times are changing, and so are the gods. Just as the Tsaritsa created us, Rex Lapis could try to place some trust in them."
"Trust them, huh..."
Taking a sip of his tea, the young man—who was actually Rex Lapis in disguise—gazed toward the harbor.
Even without his direct intervention, the Qixing had managed to keep the great machine of Liyue running smoothly, even excelling in some areas where he might have faltered.
After all, he viewed things from the perspective of a god, and sometimes that made it hard for others to accept his decisions.
Perhaps... he really needed to change.
"Osial, huh..."
But recalling the name Bai Luo had mentioned, Rex Lapis's expression stiffened. His hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, and even the taste of the tea in his mouth seemed to change.
"Forget it. Osial might be too much for them to handle. How about..."
A faint elemental ripple, invisible to the naked eye, emanated from Rex Lapis and spread rapidly in all directions.
Before long, the young man who had been sitting at the table drinking tea had vanished, yet the people around him acted as if nothing had happened, continuing with their activities as usual.
As if... no one had been there in the first place.
Above Liyue, the adepti, sensing the power of Rex Lapis, quickly gathered.
"Rex Lapis!"
Seeing the Geo Archon in his divine attire, the adepti couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. They had been dormant for far too long, and it seemed they would finally have a chance to stretch their limbs.
"Liyue may face a significant upheaval in the near future. If possible... lend your assistance. However, if the Qixing can handle it on their own, leave it to them."
"Rex Lapis, what do you mean..."
The Streetward Rambler, who had long lived in seclusion within Liyue, was somewhat aware of the recent developments in the city. She had a rough idea of what Rex Lapis was planning.
She acknowledged that this was a high-stakes gamble, but for Rex Lapis and Liyue, if they won, the rewards would be great.
The only worry was if they lost.
"I have made a promise to someone and must leave for a while. In any case... keep an eye on the coastline."
"As you command!"
The adepti didn't know who Rex Lapis was referring to, but they had their suspicions.
Perhaps it was the god of a neighboring nation?
But why would Rex Lapis choose to meet that god at this critical moment? Was there some deeper meaning?
After watching Rex Lapis head toward the Stone Gate, the adepti descended to the harbor area and began standing guard.
Since Rex Lapis had mentioned being cautious about the coastline, something urgent must be happening there.
However, none of them noticed that after reaching the Stone Gate, Rex Lapis did not cross the border into Mondstadt. Instead, he descended near Wuwang Hill, found a clean rock, and sat down cross-legged, closing his eyes to meditate.
Bai Luo hadn't caused any trouble for 37 hours, and it felt strangely unsettling.
...
"Lord Tartaglia, our forces have completely surrounded Wuwang Hill. Aside from a few lost travelers and adventurers, we haven't seen anyone else."
The Electrohammer Vanguard's imposing figure was enough to send chills down anyone's spine. But standing before Tartaglia, he didn't dare to act arrogantly.
In the entire Fatui, there were only a handful of people who could afford to be arrogant in front of this man.
"Good. Tomorrow's battle is crucial. I don't want any disturbances. Do you understand?"
Tartaglia tested the draw of his new bow and nodded in satisfaction. He had specially requested this bow from the Tsaritsa, and he was sure it would give Bai Luo a surprise.
"Yes! Our Electro Cicin Mages have already released their Cicins to ensure that not even a fly can get through. There will be no disturbances to your battle, Lord Tartaglia."
The Electrohammer Vanguard swallowed hard and stood even straighter.
"Good work. I'll head up the mountain now. When the Instructor appears nearby, send me a signal. I'll come immediately."
"Understood."
After giving his orders, Tartaglia disappeared into the eerie woods of Wuwang Hill.
Bai Luo hadn't used his name to freeload food and drinks in Liyue for an entire day, and it made Tartaglia feel uneasy.
Could that guy have already slipped away?