The negotiations reached a stalemate.
At this point, having an outsider present made things much easier.
Cloud Retainer turned to Lumine, who was standing nearby.
"As the saying goes, 'The onlooker sees most clearly.' Do you have anything to add?"
Lumine expressed that if conflict arose between the protectors and those they protected, things would escalate beyond repair.
Paimon, anwhile, brought up the story of Mondstadt—the tale of the Four Winds and the people of the Anemo Archon.
"He wanted to prevent their opposition because he believed it would only leave scars in their hearts, with no benefit whatsoever."
Lumine nodded in agreent with Paimon's words.
"This is what I learned in the city of 'Freedom.'"
Among the seven nations of Teyvat, each faced its own unique challenges.
If soone played the "villain," another had to step in as the "peacemaker."
Mountain Shaper took on the role of diator.
Mada Ping also tried to persuade the stubborn ones, like the Moon Carver and Cloud Retainer.
She had already made an effort to observe Liyue Harbor and the lives of its people.
She hoped the others could do the sa.
At that mont, a Millelith instructor arrived to express his gratitude to the Adepti.
"I thought this battle would be my last. It was only thanks to the intervention of the Adepti that our forces avoided heavy casualties."
"The Adepti displayed their divine might. Though I am but a common soldier, I will continue to hold the line and never betray the grace you have shown us."
Hearing this, the Adepti present fell into deep contemplation.
A little girl suddenly ran in.
"Why is everyone so down? Didn't we just defeat a huge monster?"
Mada Ping walked over to her.
"Hehe... Weren't you scared, little one? The situation was quite dangerous just now..."
Surprisingly, the girl showed no fear at all.
"Changchang wasn't scared! Because the Millelith uncles were there, and the amazing grown-ups with Visions, and the cool big brothers and sisters—everyone in Liyue was there!"
"When it's dangerous, everyone protects Changchang. The rest of the ti, they make fun things, delicious food, and keep making the harbor prettier!"
——————
Guinaifen's Livestream
Since this segnt was all cutscenes with no gaplay, the strear quickly dashed off to change out of her wet clothes.
By the ti she returned, the little girl and the Millelith were already on screen.
Guinaifen plopped back into her chair.
"Don't these two feel a little too conveniently tid?"
[Huh? Isn't it normal for the Millelith to co thank them?]
[That kid doesn't seem normal at all—it's like she's got 'Ningguang's script' written on her face.]
[Now that you ntion it, what she said does sound too pointed.]
[Yeah, no way a kid could summarize things like that.]
[Feels a bit conspiracy-theory-ish, though.]
——————
Changchang also invited Xiao, Mu Yang, and Lumine to join her for the next Lantern Rite.
Xiao refused outright.
"Impossible."
"Can't be helped. We are Adepti."
Changchang looked disappointed.
"Oh... That sounds like a tough job."
Mu Yang remained noncommittal—he'd wait to see how the simulation played out first.
No telling how far things would go this ti...
Paimon, however, enthusiastically agreed to co.
Mada Ping finally spoke up.
"Look, everyone. This is the shape of the new era..."
"The nation of contracts still holds gratitude for the Adepti. But over the years, Liyue has faced countless problems—none of which required the Adepti's power to solve."
"Those we call 'mortals' may have fragile bloodlines, yet they are strong in spirit."
"'The contract between the gods and Liyue' has lasted millennia. Now, it is the era of 'the contract between Liyue and its people.'"
Mountain Shaper glanced at the gathered citizens of Liyue.
"Just standing here in the harbor, I already feel out of place... Don't you agree, Cloud Retainer?"
Cloud Retainer, who had been playing the "villain," couldn't keep it up anymore.
Enough was enough. Mada Ping had already made her stance clear—ti to withdraw.
Why was the bla being shifted onto her now?
"Why ask ? I wasn't the one leading the charge to confront Liyue Harbor..."
Mu Yang glanced at the silently suffering Moon Carver and smirked.
If he were on the Path of Elation right now, he'd have already thrown Childe under the cart.
He was the one who sent Lumine to Jueyun Karst first.
Any complaints? Take it up with Childe.
The mood among the Adepti shifted slightly.
When no one else spoke, Xiao made a suggestion.
"Let us return."
With that, he vanished in an instant.
Mountain Shaper sighed.
"Hmm... I understand the Conqueror of Demons' aning. The Liyue before us now is vastly different from what I rember."
"By the ti I decipher this new contract of yours... you mortals will likely have reshaped Liyue into sothing even more unrecognizable."
"Ah, well. Perhaps it's best to retreat, to retreat..."
With those words, he, too, departed.
['Perhaps it's best to retreat'—kinda sounds lonely.]
[They've guarded this land for thousands of years, only for it to beco so unfamiliar that they are the ones who don't belong anymore.]
"Very well. If the other Adepti agree, I shall not insist further."
"However, once the Adepti depart, whether the Qixing will monopolize power remains, in my view, a matter worth vigilance..."
Mada Ping had had enough of him.
"Alright, alright, Moon Carver, you old worrywart. Enough of that."
"If you ask , the right to oversee Liyue... should be left to its people."
And so, Mu Yang stood witness as Liyue transitioned from a "nation ruled by gods" into the "era of human governance."
Before leaving, Cloud Retainer insisted on taking Mu Yang back to Mt. Aocang to treat his injuries.
He declined, saying there were still things he needed to figure out.
The tsundere crane let out a displeased "hmph" before flying off.
Only after all the Adepti had left did the crowd finally relax.
"Whew... A crisis that could've led to war between mortals and Adepti has been peacefully resolved."
Lumine remarked, "The Adepti were surprisingly reasonable..."
Ningguang approached Mu Yang and thanked him once more.
Thanks to his warnings and assistance, they had saved many lives and minimized losses.
The Qixing and Liyue would not forget this debt.
With that, she left with the other Qixing and the Millelith.
Ganyu had much to say to Mu Yang but ultimately held back.
She'd wait for a better ti.
Soon, the crowd dispersed entirely.
Only Mu Yang, Lumine, and Paimon remained at the docks.
Mu Yang mused—Everyone else has played their part. Now it's my turn, right?
He cleared his throat and clutched his chest.
The act startled Lumine, who rushed to support him.
"Let's get you to Bubu Pharmacy—"
Then she hesitated.
Seeing Baizhu would an seeing Changsheng.
Not only would his physical injuries remain, but he'd also suffer emotional damage...
Mu Yang waved her off, assuring her it wasn't that bad.
He'd just been holding back earlier because he didn't want to worry everyone.
"Thank you."
"Huh?"
"For catching . But next ti... don't do that. It was too risky."
"It's fine. I'm pretty tough..."
Lumine knew if she didn't lighten the mood, she might start crying.
Paimon muttered under her breath,
"Let's just hope there isn't a next ti..."
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