"To think Mr. Zhongli would invite me for a meal, and at the New Moon Pavilion(Xinyue Kiosk) no less. I must say, I'm flattered and somewhat nervous."
Shajin smiled as he picked up a piece of almond tofu, savoring the delicate taste.
"So, might I ask why you've invited me here, Mr. Zhongli?"
"Oh, nothing special," Zhongli replied calmly. "I simply wish to ask you, Shajin, is Liyue ready to transition from [Divine Rule] to [Human Rule]?"
"Oh?"
Shajin raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. He slowly removed his gold-tinted glasses, revealing his ethereal eyes, which seemed to harbor endless secrets.
His gaze met Zhongli's solemn brown eyes, and for a moment, it felt as if two sharp swords crossed in the air, their tension palpable.
"Mr. Zhongli… No, is it finally time for you to confront me, Morax?"
"I don't need to confront you," Zhongli answered, his tone even, yet carrying a subtle weight of authority. "You knew this day would come, didn't you?"
Shajin's lips curled into a barely noticeable smile, his expression reminiscent of a clever fox, unreadable and sly.
"Let's set aside those minor details. After our discussion on the advantages of public ownership earlier, the Geo Archon publicly acknowledged Ningguang's decision at the Rite of Descension. It certainly raises some suspicions, doesn't it?"
He paused for a moment before continuing, his voice tinged with curiosity.
"As for Liyue's shift from [Divine Rule] to [Human Rule], the timing isn't quite right yet. But that's merely a matter of time. Before that, we can have a little test."
Zhongli stroked his chin thoughtfully. "A test?"
Shajin lifted his teacup, took a small sip, then set it down, continuing in a deliberate tone.
"Teyvat is a world where strength rules all, and the gods that have existed since the birth of Teyvat are undoubtedly the pinnacle of this world."
He paused, eyeing Zhongli carefully. "The survival of the fittest is the law of nature. Liyue, while prosperous, has grown strong only under your protection, Morax."
"However, once you step back, other nations, led by Snezhnaya, will surely eye Liyue's riches, eager for a share. And if that happens, even with the help of the Adepti, it may be too late to recover."
Zhongli nodded, his agreement tacit but evident. "Indeed, Liyue is vulnerable without its protector."
"Thus, Liyue must first create the impression that it can stand on its own even without the gods."
"You mean…" Zhongli raised an eyebrow, a hint of realization dawning.
"Exactly~" Shajin snapped his fingers.
"It seems the seal on the magic god Osial's kin and wife, Beisht, whom you suppressed earlier, is loosening."
"Beisht, huh? Not a bad candidate for this 'test'."
"I hear you have a good relationship with Barbatos of Mondstadt. A simple invitation from you, and I believe he wouldn't refuse."
"However, the seal on Beisht still requires some time to break. It will need external force to destroy it…"
"Simple. I'll go." Shajin said nonchalantly, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips.
"But…" Zhongli's brow furrowed with concern. "Under Liyue's laws, the punishment for such actions is exile at best, or death on the spot. Liyue has already owed you much, using you as a pawn in this gamble would not be wise."
Zhongli's voice held genuine worry.
"And besides, Beisht is not an opponent you can handle alone, even with your strength."
Shajin's smile never faded. "Don't worry, I know my limits. A good gambler always keeps a trump card, don't they?"
With a slight flick of his fingers, golden energy, foreign to Teyvat, began to materialize in front of the two men.
Zhongli regarded this unfamiliar power with a furrowed brow, suspicion flashing in his eyes. "What… is this?"
Shajin explained with a calm smile, "This is a power beyond Teyvat's elements, known as 'Virtual Energy'. It has immense destructive and assimilative capabilities."
This was the greatest discovery Shajin had made in recent years, and he could feel that he was walking a path known as 'Preservation', one he had already traveled quite far along.
Zhongli nodded slowly, understanding the magnitude of such power. He knew that this was the source of Shajin's confidence.
But he couldn't help but offer a warning. "While you have such formidable power, remember to never let your guard down."
Shajin nodded, his eyes firm with self-assurance. "Thank you for your concern, Morax. But please, believe in my strength. I won't put myself in danger unnecessarily."
Zhongli sighed softly, offering one final piece of advice. "Very well, but take care. If things go awry, don't hesitate to retreat."
Shajin smiled and nodded, acknowledging Zhongli's words.
Turning, he left the New Moon Pavilion, his steps light and confident, as if to tell Zhongli that he would handle the situation with caution and resolve.
Zhongli watched as Shajin disappeared through the doors, a mix of emotions stirring within him.
He knew Shajin was powerful, but facing a being like Beisht, even a god's kin, was a dangerous gamble.
Yet, Shajin's confidence and the mysterious energy he wielded made Zhongli reconsider the young man's capabilities.
Turning his gaze to the window, the lights of Liyue Harbor sparkled in the night, like stars dotting the human realm.
Zhongli understood that Liyue's future didn't rest on his shoulders alone, but on the collective effort and wisdom of its people.
The road from [Divine Rule] to [Human Rule] would be long and difficult, but it was a path that had to be walked.
With a soft tap of his fingers on the table, he contemplated their next move.
Shajin's plan, while risky, was certainly a test of Liyue's strength.
...
Meanwhile, Shajin walked away from the New Moon Pavilion, his demeanor relaxed, entirely unfazed by the risks ahead.
He knew this gamble would determine Liyue's future.
But he was unafraid, for he believed that with absolute power, there was nothing that could stop his forward march.
In the depths of the sea, at the place where Beisht's seal lay.
The three-headed sea serpent, embodying both the "Chimera" and "Serpent" forms, relentlessly attacked the seal holding Beisht.
"Heh, who would have thought the wife of the Vortex God, the god's kin, would end up in such a state."
Beisht looked down, seeing a man dressed in gold-tinted glasses and a round hat, surrounded by rock elements, sitting before her.
"I am Shajin, here to assist in your escape."
_
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