A soft whimper broke the silence as a small golden head peeked out from the radiant cocoon.
Black hair tipped with flecks of gold framed a delicate face. Tiny golden dragon horns shimmered faintly on the child's forehead. Wide, golden-amber eyes surveyed the group of onlookers. The small figure twitched her pointed ears before retreating shyly back into the cocoon.
"Is she shy?"
Hiroshi questioned curiously, staring at the gradually dimming golden cocoon. "Whose child is this?"
Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Venti smiled. "I suppose she could be considered the child of Rex Lapis and Liyue."
"Her birth stems from the intersection of life and death, formed by the lingering divinity of Rex Lapis' physical form, the vitality of Liyue's land, and the faith of its people over countless generations."
"She's essentially a child of all Liyue."
With a soft crack, the golden radiance shattered, scattering like stardust over the child's form. Hugging the now-dull dragon horns from the remains of Rex Lapis, the girl hesitantly raised her head to observe the people around her.
Her golden-amber eyes darted around nervously like a frightened rabbit until they locked with another pair of warm, golden-amber eyes.
A flicker of joy appeared in her gaze as she leapt from the tomb. Like a sparrow returning to its nest, the small figure dove into Zhongli's outstretched arms.
Clinging tightly to him, the girl buried her head in Zhongli's chest.
"Li… likes you."
Her soft, melodic voice came from Zhongli's embrace as she looked up with an affectionate smile. "You feel warm, like family."
"Mm."
Zhongli gently stroked her hair, his serene expression softening as Li nuzzled against his hand like a contented kitten.
"What?!"
Hu Tao pointed dramatically at the girl in Zhongli's arms, her brows furrowed in disbelief. "Where did this little one come from?!"
Smack.
Keqing swatted Hu Tao's outstretched arm aside, her eyes flashing with a protective fondness as she watched the startled Li bury her face back into Zhongli's chest.
"Stop being so loud! You're scaring her," Keqing chided.
Bending down slightly, Keqing offered a gentle smile. "Hello, Li. I'm Keqing."
"Mm~"
Peeking out slightly, Li glanced at Keqing before murmuring softly, "I'm Li."
Her gaze shifted to Hu Tao, whose curious stare made her body tremble as she hid herself once more in Zhongli's arms.
Hiroshi pulled back Hu Tao, who was brimming with curiosity, and glanced at the lifeless remains of Rex Lapis in the tomb before turning to the child nestled in Zhongli's embrace.
"What do we do with her?" Hiroshi asked, his tone uncertain.
Zhongli, his expression serene, looked toward the streaks of light descending from the sky. "Li will grow up in Liyue Harbor."
"Absolutely not!"
A firm voice echoed, and Cloud Retainer descended, her eyes glimmering with affection as they rested on the child with golden horns.
Spreading her wings slightly, she spoke resolutely. "This child, born from the remains of Rex Lapis and the blessings of Liyue's people, must be raised by us Adepti. Only under our care can she grow strong and healthy."
"She carries the bloodline of Rex Lapis and embodies the vitality of Liyue's land and the faith of its people. She is destined to be Liyue's next Geo Archon."
"I concur."
With golden antlers atop his head, Moon Carver spoke gravely. "This child, though human in form, is a natural Adeptus and demigod. Only we Adepti can fully cultivate her potential in this era."
"I urge you all to reconsider."
A streak of golden light crossed the sky as Ningguang arrived, her calm demeanor unwavering. After a brief glance at the remains in the tomb and the child in Zhongli's arms, she seemed to grasp the situation instantly.
Bowing slightly to the Adepti, Ningguang approached Li and addressed the group.
"Honored Adepti, this child, born from Rex Lapis' remains, is undoubtedly the best candidate for the next Geo Archon. However, I ask you to look at Liyue today."
Gesturing toward Liyue Harbor, Ningguang's voice was firm. "This is an era of humanity. If this child is raised solely in the celestial realm, detached from the people of Liyue, how can she protect its vast land and citizens?"
"Thus, I implore you to entrust this child to us, the Qixing, and Secretary Ganyu. We will ensure she grows into a worthy Geo Archon while understanding the needs of Liyue."
"Mere mortals!"
Cloud Retainer's wings flared as she glared at Ningguang. "You Qixing are but mortals! How dare you claim the right to raise the Geo Archon!"
The winds began to stir as Cloud Retainer's voice rose. She gazed down at Ningguang and Keqing with a commanding presence.
"Today, this child will be entrusted to us Adepti. We shall nurture her into Liyue's protector!"
Lumine, who had followed Ganyu and Ningguang, quietly approached Hiroshi and whispered, "The Adepti here seem rather stubborn."
With a faint smirk, Hiroshi gently pushed Lumine aside and stepped forward. Patting Zhongli on the shoulder, he said, "Old man Zhongli, stop admiring your daughter. They're about to start a fight over her custody."
Frowning slightly, Zhongli looked up at the tense standoff between the Adepti and the Qixing. Calmly, he said, "Li will remain in my care. However, you may choose to become her teachers and impart your knowledge."
A soft breeze signaled Xiao's arrival. Upon hearing Zhongli's words, Cloud Retainer's anger flared once more. Turning to Zhongli, she growled, "You are but a mortal! What right do you have to raise this child?!"
Before she could continue, Xiao quickly intervened, pulling Cloud Retainer aside. Struggling to ease the tension, Xiao stammered, "Please, calm yourselves. Let's discuss this matter later. The remains of Rex Lapis have not yet been interred, and this is not the place for such debates."
Cloud Retainer's posture stiffened as she glanced at the tomb. Her anger subsided, replaced by a solemn expression. "You are right. It was improper of me to act this way before Rex Lapis' remains."
Turning to Hu Tao, she said, "Funeral Parlor Master, please proceed with the burial of Rex Lapis."
"Understood!"
Having been observing Li intently, Hu Tao sprang to her feet, adjusted her hat, and announced loudly:
"The burial ceremony for Rex Lapis begins now!"