Chapter 528

The Vago Rock King finally couldn't hold back.

Maria had no choice but to raise her hand and punch Guizhong on the head, giving her a warning look that said it was time to stop.

Guizhong shrank back, picked up a stone to play with, and lowered his head without saying a word.

Zhongli wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, shook his head, and waved his hand, saying:

"Salt King need not worry... Although it wasn't very pleasant, it was still quite good."

Yes, he had fantasized about this two thousand years ago. If Gui Zhong were still Guizhong and knew that he had a seafood allergy, he would definitely suffer in the future.

Now I truly understand; it was painful, but I was also genuinely happy.

Zhongli watched Guizhong lower his head and play with the stones, looking guilty and admitting his mistake, and couldn't help but laugh and cry.

"It's only the Salt King can keep her in check; it's all thanks to you."

"No, actually... I also often have headaches."

"Then we can't help you. The Salt King will have to deal with it himself."

"Alright, Morax, you must have something important to tell us when you called us down from the mountain at a time like this, right?"

Maria became serious.

Zhongli nodded.

"Based on my understanding of Barbatos, he will attend this invocation ceremony."

"You mean he's going to make a statement?"

"Whether it's in accordance with Heaven or Earth, the probability is fifty-fifty. But in any case, he will come to me and give me a definite answer—because I revealed it to him, so he owes me, and he will repay it."

"You two have quite a good relationship."

Maria said sincerely, swirling the delicate little wine glass, a captivating yet seemingly oblivious smile playing on her lips.

But to be fair, the friendship between the Geo Archon God of Wind is truly genuine. They are almost completely devoted to each other, except for matters concerning their respective nations.

Zhongli shook his head and chuckled, as if recalling the past:

"He came to me first, so I couldn't very well turn him away. Although he seems unreliable, Barbatos is a friend worth having."

"Understood. Strictly speaking, between you and me, you represent Liyue and I represent the World Tree. This kind of dialogue should indeed be left to me... Don't worry, I will try my best to consider everything."

If Barbatos were to speak with Morax, and his answer was incorrect, the millennia-old friendship would be severed, and the two countries would find it difficult to maintain their previous close relationship.

If it's a conversation with Maria, even if their positions are different, as long as the World Tree and Celestia haven't officially gone to war, they can still barely maintain a relationship.

Zhongli softened. Of course, this was also to protect Liyue's interests. There's nothing wrong with that.

"I really hope he makes the right choice."

Zhongli sighed softly.

His reasons for choosing the World Tree were threefold: first, he was indeed deeply wary of the skies; second, the Descendants were in Liyue, and he had to prevent any extreme actions from the skies; and third, the successor he had chosen was in the hands of the World Tree. All of these were based on profound practical considerations.

But how could the god of a mere nation possibly comprehend the struggles and victories between heaven and earth?

Zhongli couldn't see clearly, so he didn't know how a nation without those practical considerations could make the right choice. He didn't force Barbatos to share his stance. As a friend, he only wished that the other could find the right path.

"How many days until the summoning ceremony?"

"Three days later."

"So, in three days we'll see you descend from the sky in your dragon form, issuing a decree with an air of majesty?"

"Salt King, don't laugh at me. This is no longer the era of the Archon War. These are necessary formalities nowadays."

Upon seeing Maria's interested smile, which bore a striking resemblance to Guizhong's, Zhongli felt as if his vision went black.

"Alright, let's talk about something else. How's that guy up the mountain doing lately?"

"You don't expect me to know the specific movements of that being, do you? Anyway, our lives are going on as usual. It's just that I ran into her while hunting once and we chatted for a bit... She was surprisingly polite, like she was very well-mannered."

"Um?"

"Judging from the conversation, the other party is replicating the seven Ancient Dragon Authority. This is probably some kind of trump card she is preparing to use. Anyway, we can't stop her. As long as she doesn't cause trouble in Liyue, let her do as she pleases."

Clearly, the well-informed Geo Archon understood the meaning of the Seven Dragons' power, which is why he was stunned.

Zhongli poured himself a cup of tea and drank it silently, remaining silent for a long time.

"Anyway, let's stay in Liyue Harbor for the next few days. It's a rare festival, so you can experience the excitement."

"Can."

"By the way, to avoid trouble from the hall master, if you're traveling during this period, please try to put 'Childe' in your name when submitting expense reports and send them to the Northern Bank. He seems to have just agreed."

"... So, he really is the sucker you found!"