Yingmei's questioning voice was surprisingly loud, and the people around looked over, all eyes focusing on Tartaglia. He, however, said indifferently:
"Yes, I lost. The shopkeeper is indeed very strong, even outrageously so, and I can feel that he has become even stronger."
It had to be said that Tartaglia's perception was excellent, but perhaps it was also due to the significant change, after all, stuffing a Herrscher core into someone's body was a considerable transformation.
"Young Master, you jest. If there's nothing else, I'll be going now. I'm in a hurry to get back for lunch."
Lu Ze couldn't stand the attention of others, and it was indeed nearing lunchtime, so leaving now was fine.
He waved his hand and hurried away.
Hu Tao watched him, her mind pondering something unknown.
The day passed quickly. A major event had occurred today, as the death of the Geo Archon cast a somber, gray mist over Liyue.
Virtually every citizen of Liyue wore expressions of sorrow, not just because of their god's departure, but also due to the entanglement of numerous interests and even safety concerns.
Ningguang in the sky quickly took over the Geo Archon's authority. Liyue could not be without a ruler for a single day, nor could it halt its progress. Despite any doubts, she was determined to not allow it.
Who knew the pressure she bore in taking on all these responsibilities?
"Nonsense! To let a mere girl handle such important matters! Ultimately, she's just a merchant! How can she possibly manage Liyue's affairs like the Geo Archon!"
In the Jade Chamber, seven individuals presented seven different expressions: some of regret, some of resentment, some of jealousy, and some of confusion.
The Liyue Qixing, nicely put, were a consortium; harshly put, each one was self-serving. How could they possibly allow such immense power to fall into someone else's hands?
"Heh! And what do you propose? Are you saying that we girls are inferior to men? At your age, you don't even possess a Vision. From where do you derive such confidence?"
Keqing's temper flared, her words becoming somewhat sharp. The departure of the Geo Archon had been a thunderclap for them as well.
"What else can I say? Don't think you're so great just because you have a Vision! I'm saying you girls are incompetent, so what? Tianquan Star? Yuheng Star? One is a merchant, the other a clan. You should obediently stay at home and be housewives!"
He slammed his hand onto the table, causing the teacups on it to rattle and spill tea across the surface. The others exchanged glances.
Then, Tian Shu, the most senior among them, slowly spoke:
"Enough, all of you, stop arguing! Has none of you thought about what you can do for Liyue? Fighting amongst yourselves over a bit of power, what's the point?! The issue we should be discussing is how to face the impending crisis! Not listening to you squabble over power here!"
Seeing Tian Shu's anger, the previously arrogant individual silently closed his mouth. A killing aura emanated from him. It was fitting for the Kaiyang Star, who commanded the military, and it was undeniably impressive!
"In my opinion, the current situation is roughly as follows—"
Ningguang, who had remained silent, slowly stood up and pushed forward a blackboard filled with text and blank papers. Intelligence gathering was her forte.
"We are about to face the Fatui from Snezhnaya. It is currently known that… two Harbingers have already arrived in Liyue: The Lady and The Boy."
As she spoke, she slowly revealed a blank sheet of paper. Beneath it were their portraits. It had to be said, Ningguang was truly remarkable.
"Their objective is clear: the Gnosis! I have exchanged correspondence with Mondstadt, and from their words, it can be inferred that the Fatui have already obtained what they desired, and that item is likely the Gnosis."
"I have examined the Geo Archon's remains using a special method and found no such item. However, they will undoubtedly come for the remains. My plan is this: halt operations at the Mint and use it to store the Geo Archon's remains, at least until this storm passes."
Listening to Ningguang's analysis, even the Qixing members who had been silent for a long time nodded. The intelligence was thorough, and the plan was reasonable. It had to be said that Ningguang possessed not only the mind of a merchant but also considerable wisdom.
"I agree with this matter. Since it belongs to the Geo Archon, we cannot let his belongings fall into enemy hands. Let us proceed with this plan for now."
Seeing that Tian Shu had spoken, the others quickly nodded in agreement.
After the meeting concluded, Keqing, Ningguang, and Tian Shu sat down in silence.
"Next time, do not be so reckless, Ningguang. This time I can protect you, but that may not be the case next time. I have high hopes for your potential, but do not become greedy."
Upon hearing Tian Shu's advice, Ningguang nodded. This time, she had indeed been reckless, it was her first foolish act after ascending to her position, but it had been out of necessity.
"I understand. It won't happen again. However, you mentioned that this item is truly the Gnosis?"
Ningguang looked at her own neck, where a dull yellow chess piece glowed, like a treasured chess set. For now, it was merely a pendant.
"I don't know. After all, none of us know what the Gnosis looks like. But since this item was given to you by the Geo Archon, keep it well and do not betray his expectations."
Meanwhile, Zhongli was leading the way, preparing for his own funeral. After all, etiquette must be observed.
As for the Gnosis, it was indeed with Ningguang. This item was not particularly important to him; it was merely a tool for communication. Even if it could store divine power, the strength was not his own, so it was of no use to him.
If there was one practical function, it was perhaps as proof of identity.
He had given this item away more than ten years ago. Ningguang was still young then, and Zhongli had happened upon her. He saw her barefoot, calling out on the scorching stone slabs, trying to earn some money by selling flatbread.
At that time, he had already identified her as the next Tianquan Star. It wasn't due to his skill in discerning people, but a habit developed over nearly a thousand years.
He had then gifted the Gnosis to this little girl and disappeared before her, leading her to believe that this person was the Geo Archon.
Ningguang had also tried to find him, but years had passed since her childhood memories, so how could she recall clearly? Only a rough outline remained, along with a pixelated face.