Facing the suggestion of Mikhail, the president of the Hollows Investigation Association, Ningguang refused without hesitation and revealed news that left everyone stunned.

After the death of the Geo Archon...

there was still another deity in Liyue?

Even Keqing couldn't remain composed after hearing Ningguang's words. She looked at Ningguang in confusion. If not for the outsiders present, she would have immediately demanded an explanation.

Beside her, Tsukishiro Yanagi said seriously,

"Miss Ningguang, you're not joking, are you?"

Ningguang smiled faintly.

"Do I have any reason to lie to you? If the Zero Hollows are truly as difficult as you claim, Liyue's deity will naturally step in to suppress them. But in my view, a few Adeptus would be more than enough."

Though she had her criticisms of the Adeptus, Ningguang had full confidence in their strength.

For nearly a thousand years, Liyue had enjoyed peace and prosperity. The Adeptus had long since withdrawn into seclusion, rarely showing themselves, let alone acting. As a result, people had gradually forgotten the extent of their power.

But ancient records and the massive scars upon Tianheng Mountain told a different story.

According to the texts, a mighty Archon once shattered Tianheng's highest peak, intending to crush Liyue Harbor beneath the falling mountain. It was an Adeptus who broke off his own twin horns to hold up the peak with sheer strength.

Such power was far beyond the reach of mortals.

Seeing Ningguang's confidence, Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, and President Mikhail had no further objections. After all, being able to work with Liyue and gain the aid of its Adeptus was already an enormous blessing.

...

Afterward, Ningguang and Keqing discussed details of the cooperation with the New Eridu delegation, such as dispatching a unit of Millelith to accompany the Adeptus to New Eridu.

Finally, Ningguang cleared her throat.

Baiwen, immediately understanding her intent, brought forward a contract. The meaning was clear: once signed, New Eridu would officially become part of Liyue.

President Mikhail hesitated.

"Miss Ningguang... I..."

He didn't want to sign right away. He had hoped to return to New Eridu first, discuss it with the other high-ranking officials, and then sign together. This matter concerned the fate of their entire city.

But Ningguang had no intention of waiting.

"President Mikhail, you should understand: before New Eridu officially joins Liyue, not a single Adeptus of Liyue will set foot in your city."

Her words left no room for retreat.

Mikhail turned toward Tsukishiro Yanagi, representing H.A.N.D., Zhu Yuan, representing the Public Security Bureau, and Soldier 11, representing the Defense Army.

Seeing them nod, Mikhail took a deep breath.

"Very well, Miss Ningguang. I trust Liyue has the strength to do this."

He was the first to sign his name on the contract.

One by one, Zhu Yuan, Tsukishiro Yanagi, and Soldier 11 also signed on behalf of their respective factions.

Moments later, Ningguang picked up the contract, smiling faintly.

"The contract is sealed. Those who break their word shall suffer the punishment of eating rock."

Billy blinked.

"Punishment of eating rock? What's that supposed to mean?"

It sounded familiar, as if he'd heard it somewhere before, but he couldn't recall who had said it.

Paimon explained,

"It means literally eating rock! Anyone who breaks the contract will eat rocks until they die... It's awful."

Billy jumped in shock.

"Your laws in Liyue are really strange."

Ningguang only smiled lightly.

"As long as you don't break the contract, there's no punishment."

President Mikhail remained silent, while Tsukishiro Yanagi said firmly,

"We of New Eridu will never go back on our word."

...

With the signing complete, Liyue and New Eridu officially established a cooperative relationship—and New Eridu became part of Liyue.

When everything was done, Ningguang smiled faintly.

"You may rest for now. Tomorrow morning, arrangements will be made for you to meet the Adeptus."

Zhu Yuan frowned.

"Aren't the Adeptus here in the city?"

Ningguang chuckled.

"They were here yesterday. But today, they've already returned to their mountain. The journey there is long, and it's too late to set out today. Tomorrow, I will entrust the Traveler to take you."

Hearing this, Zhu Yuan and Tsukishiro Yanagi could only agree.

Since Ningguang still had other matters to handle, she dismissed the group.

Led by Keqing, they descended from the Jade Chamber in a flash of golden light.

Keqing spoke seriously.

"Return to Yujing Terrace for now. Tomorrow, the Traveler and I will guide you to the mountain."

Zhu Yuan nodded.

"Thank you, Miss Keqing."

Paimon quickly chimed in,

"And us, too! Don't forget me and the Traveler."

Zhu Yuan turned back.

"Then thank you both as well."

The Traveler: "..."

Paimon grinned.

"No trouble at all! Just give us a little extra reward."

With that, the group made their way toward Yujing Terrace.

...

Keqing did not return with them.

Instead, she waited until everyone was gone, then used the teleportation function again to return to the Jade Chamber.

She needed answers. What had Ningguang meant by her earlier words? The Archon had clearly passed away—so where could a second deity come from?

Now that the contract with New Eridu had been sealed, when the time came for a deity to intervene, if Liyue had no deity... wouldn't that mean Liyue would be the one breaking the contract?

Soon, Keqing arrived back at the hall where the contract had just been signed. As soon as she stepped through the door, she saw Ningguang.

Ningguang was still seated at the desk, as though she had already anticipated Keqing's return and had been waiting.

Before Keqing could speak, Ningguang smiled.

"Don't worry. I didn't lie to them."

Keqing immediately frowned.

"What's going on? After the Archon's passing, no one inherited the seat of the Geo Archon. Where would this second deity come from?"

Ningguang's smile deepened.

"And how can you be certain the Archon truly passed away?"

Keqing shot back without hesitation.

"We saw it with our own eyes! The Archon's body, the funeral... Have you forgotten? Or are you saying all of that was fake—"

Fake?

As the thought crossed her mind, Keqing froze.

Ningguang nodded slightly.

"That's right. The Archon never truly died. That so-called assassination was staged. The Archon is still alive."

The Archon still alive?

Keqing stared at Ningguang in shock, her eyes filled with disbelief, surprise, and even joy.

After a long moment, she finally regained her composure and hurriedly asked,

"How do you know?"

All the events surrounding the Archon's death had been handled by her and Ningguang together. So how had she failed to realize it was only a false death?