Introducing Zhongli

Lumine and Paimon returned to the entrance of Northland Bank.

Childe was already waiting for them at the door.

It seems the Fatui really have a lot of eyes and ears.

Lumine wondered if they had people at Wangshu Inn as well.

Probably not, she thought. Otherwise, Xiao and Mu Yang wouldn't have been so nonchalant.

She walked up to Childe.

He still had his usual kind expression, a smile on his lips.

"You're finally back. How was your trip to Jueyun Karst?"

Lumine recounted everything she had seen and heard.

Of course, she only spoke about Cloud Retainer and the others.

Mu Yang was not included in her story.

Childe nodded repeatedly as he listened.

"I see..."

"The Mountain Queller, the River Guardian, Cloud Retainer, the Demon Slayer Great Sage..."

Clearly, some of these titles were not in the Fatui's intelligence network.

Childe acted like a close partner.

"As a return favor, I have some information to share with you as well."

He told Lumine about the Seven Stars' reaction to the Geo Archon's death.

Their response was quite intriguing.

"They publicly announced that since the true culprit has not been found, no one is allowed to view the 'Remains of the Primordial One'."

"They even tried to suppress the news... but after all, the Rite of Ascension attracts so many people, it's difficult even for the Seven Stars to stop the rumors."

Paimon asked Childe.

"What are the 'Remains of the Primordial One'?"

Childe explained.

By Liyue's common understanding, Rex Lapis was also an Immortal.

The Geo Archon was the God of Contracts, and was also known as the Ancestor of all Immortals.

That was why the remains left behind by the Emperor were called the 'Remains of the Primordial One'.

Childe then shifted the topic to the Immortals.

"All the current 'Yakshas' once made a contract to protect Liyue."

Paimon nodded in agreement.

"I see, no wonder they care so much about Liyue's affairs."

Childe stated that the Immortals had both the responsibility and the qualification.

"Now that the Seven Stars who govern Liyue are in trouble, they have the right to question them."

"The Geo Archon's soul has ascended to the heavens, so why are his remains being hidden by the Seven Stars? It's truly suspicious..."

After speaking, Childe looked at Lumine's expression.

Lumine appeared somewhat troubled.

"I don't really agree with this either."

Paimon followed Lumine's lead.

"Ah! That's right, we came here to find that deity in the first place."

"If the Liyue Seven Stars are hiding the 'Remains of the Primordial One' and preventing people from approaching..."

"Lumine's goal of visiting all seven gods will be completely thwarted!"

Lumine had told Paimon on the way.

Aside from mentioning meeting Mu Yang, she could just play it normally for everything else.

Otherwise, with Paimon's chatterbox, trying to control her might make things more obvious.

As expected, Childe's interest was piqued upon hearing this.

He pressed Paimon for more.

"Oh? You're looking for the Seven Archons? What for?"

Lumine replied coldly, "It's none of your business. I have nothing to say."

Upon hearing this answer, Childe...

Didn't get angry.

Instead, he smiled and praised Lumine.

"That's a good answer. Just as expected of Mondstadt's Honorary Knight. You won't be so easily tricked into talking by the Fatui."

After finishing his flattery, Childe crossed his arms.

"This time, I can still help you."

"Huh? Really?"

Paimon found it hard to believe.

Because from the beginning until now, Lumine's attitude towards Childe had always been quite guarded.

She never expected Childe to offer his help again and again.

Guinaifen saw this and analyzed.

"Look, even though we've been so rude to him, he's still smiling. And he's still offering to help us. Isn't that obvious enough? He's definitely here with a mission."

[Does that affect whether I can see his cute waist?]

[Alright, alright, so that's how we're playing it]

[Don't rush, let's wait and see what the Liyue Qixing say. We haven't even met any of them yet, it's all just Childe's one-sided story]

[Qixing? Have our bounties been lifted? I hope we don't end up in bigger trouble]

[The Adepti should have arrived by now, right?]

"Give me some time. Just a little time... to find someone."

"I will find someone for you who can break this stalemate."

Lumine was half-believing, half-doubting.

Childe suddenly spread his hands open and said in a delighted tone, "Ah... this is so interesting. The calmer the suppression during the setup phase, the more intense the final explosion of chaos will be. To witness the dam of undercurrents breaking, you must hold on and meet me alive again."

Lumine rolled her eyes.

"You're not suited to say things like that."

Childe smiled and waved his hand, then walked into Northland Bank.

After that, it was time to wait for Childe's reply.

During this period, Mu Yang, using the system to conceal his presence, constantly guarded Lumine's surroundings.

Although he knew Childe's last words were just for show. Lumine's value to the Fatui had only just begun to be realized. They wouldn't send anyone to attack her. The Liyue Qixing wouldn't do that either.

A few days passed in the world of Teyvat.

Lumine finally received a message from Northland Bank.

Upon arriving at the bank, the receptionist informed her.

"Lord Childe's agreement with you has been fulfilled."

"Is this about finding someone, like we discussed before?"

The receptionist replied.

"Yes, Lord Childe promised to find someone who could break the stalemate for you."

"The Fatui Executives' promises are never broken."

Afterward, the receptionist directed the two to search for Childe at the Liuli Pavilion.

Speaking of which, Paimon was no longer sleepy.

She spent the entire journey introducing Lumine to Liyue's cuisine.

This part didn't involve combat. Guinaifen watched the story unfold with a casual demeanor.

She commented as she watched.

"Paimon only acts like a guide at times like these."

[Classic mooching food and drinks]

[The most useful episode]

[Why are there only Liyue dishes and Yue dishes? Shouldn't our great Dragon Country be blooming with variety?]

[Are you looking for— Wanmin Restaurant]

"Speaking of Wanmin Restaurant, should I invest in Xiangling, everyone? Teach me, I'm really torn."

[You absolutely should, give her the Flowing Moon Needle and she's invincible]

[Don't listen to the person above, just check the guides]

[She's actually very useful. If she wasn't, I'd eat ramen standing on my head]

[I'd even break stones on my chest]

Guinaifen hadn't expected this question.

The discussion in the comments seemed to have veered off track.

And there was a tendency for it to get out of hand.

She quickly had to manually click on the dialogue.

She controlled the character to the front of the Liuli Pavilion.

Entering the story.

"Everyone, let's stop discussing those wild ideas for now, I've already played those out."

"This is a Genshin Impact livestream, let's focus on the Genshin Impact story."

On Teyvat's side.

Lumine arrived at the Liuli Pavilion.

Childe informed her.

The person who could solve the problem of "the Geo Archon's true form being hidden by the Qixing" had been found.

He was waiting inside at that very moment.

"Follow me, I've prepared a—"

"Ah, in this country, it's called a 'banquet,' a meeting ceremony."

[Liyue also has drinking table culture?]

[Okay, discussing important matters over a meal, that's very Liyue]

[That's the vibe]

Lumine nodded.

And followed behind Childe.

Two waiters, with keen eyesight, came out to greet them.

"It is our honor to see Lord Childe again. Our humble establishment is greatly honored."

"The private room has been prepared. Mr. Zhongli is waiting for you both."