Chapter 57

"That's not right, how do you know what Paimon and I have experienced?!"

Lumine realized the most crucial point and stared at Takumi.

Paimon put her hands on her hips, glaring at Takumi. "Yeah, yeah! How do you, a bad guy, know all this? You remember things even better than I do!"

Takumi spread his hands. "Didn't I say that not all people from beyond the world are travelers like you? There are some who have changed the patterns of this world.

"You could consider me someone with great power. My power is over time."

As he spoke, Takumi snapped his fingers. Images appeared around him like projections—images of Lumine and Paimon in Mondstadt.

"So, it's not surprising that I know about you."

Lumine was shocked. The power of time... that was too powerful. Although she had lost her memories, her common sense remained. She had traveled across many worlds, and she knew time was the most mysterious and powerful force.

Even in her prime, she might not have been a match.

But... did that mean all her privacy was exposed in front of this man?

Paimon was stunned. "Wow... that's amazing!"

Istaru praised, "Of course, Takumi is incredible." Tianli, the strongest in this world, was indeed powerful.

Lumine looked at Paimon with a strange expression. She thought about how intelligent and knowledgeable Paimon's guide was. Why was her own guide—who had lost his memories—so reliant on her?

Still, she had experienced so much with Paimon and grown used to it.

Paimon scratched her head. "Lumine, why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face?"

Sister Lan was amazed. "This really opened my eyes. To learn such a secret... It's even more incredible than my days as an adventurer."

"To meet two people from beyond the world at once!"

Lumine regained her composure and returned to the topic. "Since you've traveled through the Seven Nations, you must know how to meet the Geo Archon."

Takumi touched his chin. "You already know what happened to your brother, and you still want to meet the Geo Archon?"

Lumine crossed her arms, gritting her teeth. "Of course! Traveling through the Seven Nations and obtaining the certificates must be connected to the gods. Otherwise, my journey is meaningless."

"Also, Aether said that he'd wait for me at the end of my journey. Very well then, I'll make it through!"

Takumi smiled joyfully. "Of course I know how to meet the Geo Archon. First, you need to go to Jueyun and find each of the Adepti. They will test you. After passing their trials, you will receive hints from them."

"If you piece all of the hints together, you'll learn the identity and location of Rex Lapis."

He looked over at Zhongli, who remained calm.

"Mr. Zhongli, the most knowledgeable man in Liyue—don't you agree?"

Zhongli chuckled inwardly. He could tell Takumi intended to toy with the traveler, but if even the laws of the heavens said it was true, then it must be so. Zhongli nodded calmly. "Yes, that is indeed how things are."

Paimon was stunned. "Huh?! We have to find each Adeptus and complete their trials just to meet Rex Lapis? This is going to be so tough!" She looked visibly downcast.

Zhongli replied, "Rex Lapis is, after all, the god of Liyue—the leader of a nation. It must be incredibly difficult to meet him."

Lumine recovered from her shock and looked at Takumi. "Is this how you met Rex Lapis back then?"

Takumi nodded. "Of course, I gained my certificate this way. Mr. Zhongli can attest to that."

Could Zhongli deny that? He dared not.

Seeing their struggle, Zhongli quickly reassured them. "The Adepti are quite approachable; they won't make things too difficult for you."

Lumine sighed. "Alright..." If her power hadn't been sealed, she'd have just grabbed the Geo Archon by his collar and demanded the certification directly.

"Don't look so discouraged. Mr. Zhongli is treating us today," Takumi chimed in. "Let's enjoy some of Liyue's delicacies before heading out to visit the Adepti." He smiled slyly at Zhongli. "Isn't that right, Mr. Zhongli?"

Hehe, Takumi was truly curious. How would Zhongli react when Lumine finally uncovered his identity? Would she try to strike him down on the spot?

Zhongli nodded. "Yes, I am hosting today. Liyue's cuisine is truly unique among the Seven Nations."

Paimon scratched her head sheepishly. "How embarrassing..."

Lumine, too, felt a little awkward. She was asking for someone's help, hadn't paid them, and now they were treating her to a meal. However, considering her lack of Mora, she still nodded.

Takumi smiled. "Well then, Mr. Zhongli, please lead the way. Your knowledge and taste won't let us down."

He caught a glimpse of Lumine's embarrassed expression and felt delighted.

Do you think you've figured me out? In reality, you've only uncovered the first layer. I still have the second and third layers.

Even after a thousand years, I'll still find ways to trick you.

How could I let go of the original heir of Phanes—someone who could perfectly wield the "Light Realm Power"? Not a chance. As the saying goes, "Since you're here, you're not leaving."

Before the arrival of the Twins, only two people in all of Teyvat could use the "Light Realm Power": one was the Dragon King Nibelungen, and the other was Phanes, who had defeated the Seven Dragon Kings and divided the power of the ancient dragon.

Moreover, the "Light World Power" was Teyvat's power of creation—equivalent to that of the Creator.

Although he couldn't compare to the heavens, Phanes's power was far stronger than that of ordinary mortals.

Phanes's plan was to have Lumine master the power of the Light Realm and inherit her "original magic ring" and the "human power system" to continue protecting Teyvat on her behalf.

Why must she travel across the Seven Nations? Naturally, to forge ties that would bind her to this land, using the threads of fate to link her with Teyvat forever.

As long as she accepted the "Human Realm Power System," Lumine would be completely bound to Teyvat. Even if she wished to escape, it would be impossible.

But now that Lumine had inherited Phanes's throne, she would certainly never be free. Binding her to Teyvat would be simple.

After some time, once Takumi opened the second World Gate in Fontaine and annexed the other world, the power of the "human world power system" to control destiny could directly transform Lumine into the Protector of Teyvat.

Everyone left the "Heyu Teahouse," thanking Sister Lan for introducing Zhongli, and followed Zhongli and Takumi onto the streets.

At that moment, an odd voice rang out.

"Oh, Zhongli, where are you rushing off to this early in the morning? Entertaining friends, I see."