Chapter 4

Under Diluc's puzzled gaze, Venti turned into a blue wind and disappeared from the Angel's Share Tavern. He didn't suspect that something significant had happened; he just assumed that the God of Wind couldn't get his free drink and left in frustration.

After all, the dragon crisis had just been resolved, and the Fatui were under the surveillance of the Knights of Favonius. Besides, he didn't believe that the God of Wind was weak enough to let Mondstadt suffer disaster after disaster.

---

"There hasn't been any movement for more than a thousand years, and now..."

Venti received only six words: "Come to Sky Island for a meeting." Although it was just six words, the meaning behind them was immense. The only one who could directly contact the Anemo Archon's seat was the one on Sky Island.

After the Khaenri'ah catastrophe, Venti had lost contact with that being, and many speculated that their time was running out. Why were the gods suddenly connected again? Had that being returned to life?

"If that's the case, I'm in trouble..."

Venti's face was drenched in sweat as he remembered handing the Gnosis to the Tsaritsa just yesterday, though wind sprites technically couldn't sweat. If that being knew that he had supported the Tsaritsa's rebellion and handed over the Gnosis, he might be beaten back into pure wind elemental energy on the spot.

"This is such a secret matter, and since I haven't directly contacted the Tsaritsa, it shouldn't be discovered."

Venti raised his hand, trembling slightly, to wipe his forehead, though it was free of sweat. If questioned, he could claim the Gnosis was stolen by the Tsaritsa. He could say he used all his divine power to maintain the "Thousand-Year Movement" to protect Mondstadt and was caught off guard by the Tsaritsa's agent, resulting in the Gnosis being taken.

At most, he would be punished for negligence.

"Sorry, Tsaritsa," he muttered.

After all, one must resist heavenly principles carefully. As an old Liyue saying goes: "Better a dead friend than a dead self."

"The meeting at Sky Island won't just involve me. I should try to speak with the old man later and see what's happening."

---

**Liyue - Three Bowls Isn't Enough**

"Back then, the Dreaming Demon God controlled the Yakshas and came at us menacingly. Everyone looked hopeless. Just as it seemed our Liyue Harbor was doomed to destruction, guess what happened?"

"Hey, Tian Tiezui, didn't Rex Lapis single-handedly block the demon in Dihua Marsh and save the Yaksha, who now serves as our Guardian Yaksha?"

"Yeah, I remember this story from when I was a kid. Tell us something we haven't heard, Tian Tiezui."

"Yes, no one knows more about history than Zhongli, the consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

The onlookers respectfully turned to the calm young man, who radiated a scholarly aura, seated at the best spot in the teahouse.

"Thank you for your praise. I have merely read a lot of ancient texts. Much of history remains buried in the past, and even the most learned historians cannot fully estimate it," Zhongli said, setting down his teacup calmly.

"So we must verify each other's understanding to appreciate the depth of history."

"Mr. Zhongli, you are too humble. Your knowledge is truly astonishing."

"Exactly! Otherwise, why would Master Hu hire you as a consultant?"

"Mr. Zhongli, is there more to the story about Rex Lapis rescuing the Yakshas?" Tian Tiezui asked, humbly seeking more insights.

The story he told was indeed well-known and overused. If he could hear more history from Zhongli, it would enhance his tale.

Just as Zhongli nodded and was about to continue, he suddenly paused. The tea in his cup almost spilled.

"I apologize. I have important matters to attend to. I'll share more of my knowledge some other time."

After politely declining, Zhongli stood and left.

"Looks like Master Hu must be struggling to promote business again with Mr. Zhongli."

"Indeed. Master Hu always has some unusual ideas."

---

Zhongli's expression was solemn as he made his way back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The contact from Sky Island was highly unusual. In the past six thousand years, he had only seen that being from afar, and they had never contacted any of the Seven Archons personally.

Furthermore, his connection to the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles seemed even closer than before.

Had that being fully recovered, or even grown stronger? Was this a good or bad omen for Liyue?

After all, every time that being acted, it was during tumultuous times. The war against the Second Throne that shattered Teyvat, the start of the Archon War, or the calamity of Khaenri'ah five hundred years ago—none of it had been good.

"Hey, Zhongli! What's going on? Keeping a straight face like that—did someone steal your favorite bird?"

As soon as Zhongli entered the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, a playful voice greeted him.

"Master Hu, I have personal matters to handle. I request a few days' leave."

"Request for leave? Zhongli, it feels like you're on vacation all the time. Drinking tea, feeding birds, watching opera—you never seem to do any real work."

Hutao pulled out a stack of bills from behind her back and slapped them on the counter in front of him.

"And just this morning, Mingxing Jewelry sent me a huge bill for your purchases. What did you buy this time? And why was it so expensive?!"

"Master Hu," Zhongli calmly replied without offering further explanation.

"Hey... alright, alright. I can't argue with you. I'll grant you five days off, but under one condition." Hutao put her hands on her hips.

Although her consultant was quite a spendthrift and always insisted on paying more for items without bargaining, his knowledge and capability were valuable.

"Please, go ahead, Master Hu."

"When you return, you're going to help me distribute flyers to attract new clients. I've come up with a brilliant marketing idea." Hutao unfolded a half-meter-long piece of paper.

"With my creative ideas and your eloquence, we can double Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business!"

"Eh? Zhongli? Where did you go?!"

Hutao proudly presented her plan, but when she looked up, Zhongli was already gone.

"I haven't even finished explaining!"

"Zhongli, I'll deduct your wages when you return from leave!"

---

The Anemo and Geo Archons were relatively calm about the summons from the Heavenly Principles. However, the Hydro Archon Furina was much more unsettled. As soon as she received the notice, she hurried out of the Palais Mermonia.

This was her first notification from Sky Island. Moreover, her divine seat and status as an Archon were bestowed upon her by the previous Hydro Archon, Egeria. She had never seen even the four shadows of the Heavenly Principles, let alone the true Sustainer.

"Could it be that my plans have already been detected by the Heavenly Principles?"

Furina looked up at the sky with anxiety, her heart gripped by powerlessness and fear. She knew what she was doing was treasonous against Sky Island, and the consequences could be catastrophic for both her and Fontaine. The cold, relentless nails from the heavens could fall and destroy everything.

"What do I do..."

Furina clenched her slender hands, trembling, before finally letting them fall to her sides.

"Why..."

If she attended, something could happen to her, but Fontaine might be spared. If she didn't, both she and Fontaine were doomed. The laws of heaven could not be defied—only destruction awaited those who tried.