Genshin Impact: The Glory of the Herrscher Shines on Teyvat

Zhongli: “You’re here.”

Alicia: “I’m here.”

Zhongli nodded slightly, then waved his hand, and the rock elements quickly gathered together, forming an exquisite stone table and two matching stone benches in the blink of an eye. He said softly to Alicia, "Please sit down."

Alicia gladly accepted the invitation and sat on one of the stools without hesitation. Zhongli followed suit and took out a teapot from somewhere like a magic trick. He gracefully picked up the teapot and filled a cup of fragrant tea for Alicia before slowly speaking: "Thank you for keeping my secret."

Alicia shook her head slightly, indicating that she didn't care. She looked at Zhongli thoughtfully and asked bluntly, "But have you really made up your mind? If you do as you planned, there will inevitably be casualties."

Zhongli's movements faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. He put down the teapot in his hand, stared at the tea in the cup, and replied softly: "I didn't expect you to know so much. It is indeed as you said. From a common sense point of view, facing the invasion of a demon god, if I don't help, relying only on the strength of Liyue mortals, I will indeed face tremendous pressure. It is not easy to get through this difficult time safely."

Zhongli went on to say: "A young bird that wants to spread its wings and fly is destined to endure the pain of falling before it can do so. Only after going through such trials can it truly spread its wings and soar into the sky."

Alicia nodded in understanding. She knew that although Zhongli was the god of Liyue, he was not a nanny. At this moment, it was both a test from Zhongli and an opportunity for the people of Liyue—an opportunity to hold their own destiny in their own hands.

If Zhongli, who protected the people of Liyue in the past, was as loving as a kind mother, then at this moment he also played the role of a strict father.

He will give these children who are about to grow up independently a final test. This process may be full of pain and hardship, but it is the only way for them to become independent.

If they are still unable to bravely take this crucial step under Zhongli's care, it means that Liyue does not yet have the ability and qualifications to be independent.

Alicia asked curiously, "Zhongli, did you make this decision because of Keqing who presided over the ceremony of inviting the immortals?"

Zhongli shook his head gently, his eyes fell on the reflection in the teacup, and he slowly said: "In fact, I have been working towards this direction for a long time. Before this, the immortals and I left the sight of Liyue mortals for the same reason. Ever since one of my close friends fell into madness, I have deeply realized that no matter how hard the rock is, it will eventually be worn away. Even I cannot protect Liyue forever."

“More than 3700 years have passed since the founding of Liyue. During this long period of time, many familiar people have left me. I have always been worried. If one day I fall into madness, will Liyue at that time still have the power to stop me?” Zhongli’s voice was low and firm, as if it contained endless worry and determination.

He picked up the teacup and took a sip. The fragrance of tea filled the air. He continued, "I know that the passage of time will bring many changes. Whether it is people or things, they will gradually disappear as time goes by. However, as a country, Liyue must have enough strength and wisdom to cope with various challenges that may arise in the future. Therefore, I decided to let Liyue walk out of my protection and let it learn to face the ups and downs of the world alone. Only in this way can Liyue truly grow and become a strong and independent existence."

Alicia listened to Zhongli's story quietly. She could feel the worry and sense of responsibility deep in his heart. She knew that this seemingly indifferent God of Rock was actually full of affection for Liyue. It was precisely because of this ardent love that he took such painstaking efforts to plan for the future of Liyue.

"Until that child Keqing asked me in the Immortal Ceremony that the Emperor had protected Liyue for a thousand years, but would it be the same for the next thousand years, ten thousand years, or a hundred thousand years? I was very happy, and I knew the time had come."

"It just so happens that the Queen of Winter wants to collect the Heart of God and rebel against the law of nature. For me who has decided to retire, the Heart of God is no longer useful. I might as well use it to make a deal. If Liyue can really defeat a demon god without my help, then there is no doubt that Liyue has the ability to break away from me at this time."

Alicia asked curiously: "Then why did you ask me to come this time?"

Zhongli looked at Alicia, and then said seriously: "Alisa, you are very different. As an Adventer, you seem to have the power to uphold the laws of nature. Although I don't know what kind of changes you will bring to Teyvat in the future, I can feel your kindness."

"I have witnessed everything you have done in Fontaine. The revolution known as the 'Industrial Revolution' has made me deeply feel the potential and possibilities of mortals. I am afraid that the heights they can reach in the future will far exceed my imagination. After this matter is over, I will try my best to convince the Seven Stars to agree to cooperate with you. But in the meantime, I also hope that you can provide some help within your ability without interfering with the progress of this test."

Alicia showed a look of sudden enlightenment, nodded gently, then a sly smile spread across her face, and she said coquettishly: "Oh, after all, Zhongli, you are too soft-hearted!" Zhongli silently took a sip of tea without saying a word.

In fact, Alicia had no intention of refusing Zhongli's request. Even if Zhongli refused, she would never stand idly by and watch those ordinary Qianyan soldiers. After all, when Liyue was fighting with Osel, protecting these ordinary soldiers was a piece of cake for Alicia.

However, Alicia didn't want to agree so easily. Her beautiful eyes rolled around, and she smiled happily and said, "If you want me to help you, I can. But... Zhongli, can you smile? You always have a stern face, which is really boring!"

After saying this, she stared at Zhongli expectantly, as if trying to catch a hint of smile on his always serious face.