When she came to Liyue and became one of its Adepti, she had already become part of this trial.
She knew perfectly well that Zhongli wanted to use this battle to help her firmly establish herself in the hearts of the Adepti and the people of Liyue.
In the future, she was destined to become a god.
And Zhongli was paving the way for that future.
She understood his intentions, but she did not resist them.
She loved this land and its people.
So she did not mind fighting for them.
Besides, there was another reason...
She gazed toward distant Mt. Tianheng, as though she could see Zhongli sitting atop its summit, his face weathered and weary.
"After weathering six thousand years, you're utterly exhausted. Since this is what you wish, I'll protect Liyue's future in your stead."
"You steadfast stone who has weathered six thousand years... rest well!"
She smiled gently toward Mt. Tianheng.
At the summit of Mt. Tianheng, Zhongli's gaze trembled slightly when he saw that smile.
That gentle smile brought back memories of the past...
Long ago, another woman had smiled at him like that.
His gaze crossed the distance, resting on the smiling girl on the battlefield at Guyun Stone Forest.
He could sense her resolve in that smile.
There was a tenderness in it, as though she were telling him, "Thank you for all your hard work. Leave the rest to me!"
"Heh..."
For some reason, a faint smile appeared on Zhongli's face.
Seeing Zhongli smile, Venti could not help sighing beside him.
"Ah... who would've thought that people who've lived as long as we have would still have someone worrying about us? It really is a strange feeling..."
"But she really is a good girl, isn't she?"
Zhongli gave no answer, but the