Under Diluc's puzzled gaze, Venti transformed into a cyan-colored wind and vanished from the Angel's Share tavern.
He didn't suspect anything serious, assuming the Anemo Archon left dejected after failing to freeload a drink.
After all, the dragon disaster had just been resolved, and the Fatui were under the watch of the Knights of Favonius.
Besides, he didn't believe the Anemo Archon was so weak that Mondstadt would suffer consecutive disasters.
...
"It's been over a thousand years of silence, and now..."
The message Venti received was brief, only six words: "Come to Celestia for a meeting."
Although short, its significance was immense. Only the one on Celestia could directly contact the Anemo Archon.
Since the Khaenri'ah disaster, the Anemo Archon had essentially severed contact with Celestia, leading many to speculate that their days were numbered.
How had the connection suddenly become so tight again?
Could it be that they had revived?
"If that's the case, I'm in trouble..."
Venti thought of how he had just given his Gnosis to the Tsaritsa the previous day, and despite not being able to sweat, he was metaphorically drenched.
If they found out he supported the Tsaritsa's rebellion and handed over the Gnosis, they might turn him into pure Anemo elemental power on the spot.
"This matter was done secretly, and I didn't directly contact the Tsaritsa, so it shouldn't be discovered, right?"
Venti shakily raised his hand to wipe his non-existent sweat from his forehead.
If questioned, he would claim it was stolen by the Tsaritsa.
He could say he used all his power to maintain the "Thousand Winds" to stabilize Mondstadt's environment and was ambushed by the Tsaritsa's agent, La Signora, who stole his Gnosis.
At most, he would be accused of negligence.
"Sorry, Tsaritsa."
After all, you were already rebelling against Celestia.
There's an old saying in Liyue: "Better the death of the Taoist than the death of the Tao."
Yes, that's what I'll say.
"They're probably not only summoning me. I'll chat with the old man to see what's going on."
...
In Liyue.
At "Third Round Knockout."
"At that time, the Dream Demon God led the yakshas in a fierce assault. People were in despair, and it seemed that our ancient Guili Assembly would be destroyed by an overwhelming force. And then, guess what?"
"Hey, Iron Tongue Tian, wasn't it our Geo Archon who single-handedly stopped the Demon God at Dihua Marsh and saved the yakshas, who are now our celestial yakshas?"
"Yeah, I could recite that story in my sleep. Tell us something new, Iron Tongue Tian."
"Right, who can know more about history than Zhongli, the guest consultant from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
The audience turned respectfully towards a calm, scholarly young man sitting in the best seat.
"Thank you for the compliments. I've just read more ancient texts, and much of history is buried in the past. Even the most knowledgeable historians can't say for sure," Zhongli replied, putting down his teacup with composed eloquence.
"That's why we need to verify things together to uncover the full weight of history."
"Mr. Zhongli, despite your incredible knowledge, you remain so humble. Truly admirable."
"Indeed, how else would the Hall Master of Wangsheng hire him as a guest consultant?"
"Mr. Zhongli, is there another version of the story about the Geo Archon saving the yakshas?" Iron Tongue Tian asked humbly.
His stories had indeed grown stale, and hearing more from Zhongli would surely enrich them.
Just as Zhongli nodded and prepared to recount the history, he froze.
Even the tea in his cup nearly spilled.
"I apologize, but I have urgent matters to attend to. I'll share more history another day," Zhongli excused himself and left.
"It seems the Hall Master of Wangsheng has assigned Mr. Zhongli another task."
"Yes, she always comes up with strange ideas."
...
On his way back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli's expression was serious.
The contact from Celestia was highly unusual.
In over six thousand years, although he had seen them a few times from afar, they had never personally contacted any of the Seven Archons.
And the bond between his divine seat and Celestia was now stronger than at its peak.
Could it be that they had fully recovered and become even stronger?
What did this mean for Liyue?
Every time they acted, it was far from peaceful.
Whether it was the war with the Second Throne that shattered Teyvat's land, the Archon War that set the earth ablaze, or the Khaenri'ah disaster five hundred years ago.
None of it was good.
"Hey, Zhongli, why the long face? Did someone snatch away your pet bird?"
As Zhongli stepped into Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, a mischievous voice greeted him.
"Hall Master Hu, I have some personal matters to attend to and would like to request a few days off."
"Days off? Zhongli, isn't every day a holiday for you? Drinking tea, strolling with birds, watching opera, and listening to music. I've never seen you do any real work," Hu Tao grumbled, slamming a pile of bills in front of him.
"And this morning, Xingxing House sent me a stack of bills. What have you been buying? And why is it so expensive?"
"Hall Master," Zhongli remained silent, waiting for her response.
"Fine, fine. You're impossible. You can have five days off, but I have conditions," Hu Tao said, hands on her hips.
Despite his extravagant spending, Zhongli's knowledge and ability to generate revenue justified his expenses.
"Please, go ahead."
"After your leave, you must help distribute flyers and attract customers. I have a brilliant idea," Hu Tao said, unfurling a half-meter-long paper.
"With my creativity and your eloquence, business will surely boom."
"Eh? Zhongli? Where did you go?"
Hu Tao looked around, realizing Zhongli had vanished.
"I haven't even finished explaining my idea!"
"When you return, I'm deducting your pay!"
While the Anemo and Geo Archons were relatively calm about the summons from Celestia, Hydro Archon Focalors was much more anxious.
She immediately left the "Judicial Hall" upon receiving the notification.
This was her first summons from Celestia.
Moreover, her divine seat and archonship were forcefully bestowed upon her by the previous Hydro Archon, Egeria.
She had never seen the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles or their four shadows.
"Could it be that Celestia has detected what I'm planning?"
Focalors looked up at the sky, feeling a surge of helplessness and fear.
What she was doing was outright rebellion against Celestia.
The consequence would undoubtedly be her and Fontaine's destruction by celestial bolts.
"What should I do..."
She clenched and then slowly released her delicate hand in despair.
"Sigh..."
If she went, she might face trouble, but Fontaine could be spared. If she didn't, both she and Fontaine would certainly be doomed.
The Heavenly Principles must never be defied, or the result is annihilation.
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