Chapter 139

In the early morning, the sun began to rise in the east, spreading its radiant light.

Adjusting his collar, Hiroshi held Kuroneko's hand, followed by two little girls, and stepped out of the house.

With a gentle breeze blowing, Liyue's residents quietly walked toward the plaza under Yujing Terrace. The air was filled with the scent of flowers, and people carrying various bouquets of flowers flowed steadily towards Yujing Terrace, guided by the Millelith.

Hiroshi and his companions joined the crowd, walking alongside everyone.

Under the Jade Chamber, the massive plaza was already filled with the people of Liyue, each holding flowers and silently looking up at Zhongli standing in the center.

Hiroshi handed Klee and Qiqi to Kuroneko, nodded to Xiangling and Noelle, who had gathered, and then turned to walk towards the center of the plaza.

Under the watchful eyes of the Millelith guards, Hiroshi crossed the barrier and approached Zhongli.

Seeing the large gathering of Liyue's people, Zhongli composed himself, glanced at the sun rising in the sky, and nodded to Hiroshi. "The auspicious hour has arrived."

"Then let's begin."

Bringing his palms together, a dazzling light began to glow from Hiroshi's body.

"External Projection Creation."

The space began to ripple with the spiritual light, expanding outward, as sigils formed and imprinted themselves on the sky and earth. The originally limited plaza was expanded into an enormous space that could accommodate everyone.

Lowering his hands, Hiroshi looked at the newly created vast space and nodded to Zhongli.

Last night, Klee had returned with two old books, having received the inheritance of both the External Projection and Talisman Arts from Madame Ping. With Madame Ping's consent, Hiroshi had studied these two mystical arts.

Now, using his understanding of these arts, Hiroshi expanded the plaza to its intended size without fully manifesting his internal realm.

Golden light gleamed in Zhongli's eyes as he waved his hand, summoning massive pillars from the ground to form a grand platform. Atop it rested the enormous dragon's body, with its golden dragon horns still faintly glowing with elemental power.

The previously silent plaza began to echo with the sound of sobs. The eyes of the great dragon, forever closed in the morning light, would no longer gaze upon the land it had protected for over 3,700 years.

A gentle breeze swirled above the vast plaza, carrying the sorrow and longing of Liyue's people for their departing Archon.

Facing the rising sun, Zhongli spoke solemnly, "The Rite of Parting begins!"

On the stone table before him, the highest quality Noctilucous Jade instruments floated, transforming into streams of light around the dragon's body. Blue starlight scattered across the sky.

Holding the Bell of Purification, Zhongli walked forward.

With each step, the bell in his hand rang crisply, the sound spreading far and wide.

As the clear sound of the bell resonated throughout the plaza, the people holding flowers slowly raised their heads and wiped away their tears. The bell's sound washed away their sorrow, bringing forth distant memories of Liyue.

These were memories of past ceremonies and farewells, events forever imprinted upon this land and sky.

Times were changing, the adepti were leaving, and the era of mortals was beginning.

Today, Liyue's god was also being sent away, marking the start of a new era without gods.

The clear sound of the bell echoed across Liyue. The scene of the Rite of Parting was visible across the land.

Amidst mountains and rivers, nimble figures rose from their locations, gazing towards the sky.

The sound of the Bell of Purification resonated in their ears, and a call from the distant sky filled the heavens.

Kneeling on one knee, warriors guarding the land of Liyue raised their fists, howling with tears streaming from their eyes.

In the mist-covered realms, around a stone table, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, and Xiao stood tall, bowing deeply as the sound echoed throughout Liyue.

"Farewell, Rex Lapis!"

"Farewell, Rex Lapis!!"

"Farewell, Rex Lapis!!!"

Across the land, Liyue's voice echoed.

Kites representing the Seven Archons flew into the sky, scattering rays of light. A rainbow of seven colors lifted the massive dragon body on the golden stone platform, soaring higher into the heavens.

A charming fragrance carried on the wind, wafting into the distance.

Under the sunlight, the seven-colored rainbow shot into the sky, heading further and further away.

Shaking the Bell of Purification gently, Zhongli watched the rainbow fade into the sky with a faint smile.

"The age of Liyue's gods has come to an end."

Gazing at the distant sky, Zhongli smiled, turning to leave.

"So, what will you do next?"

Above, Keqing and Ningguang extended their hands as they watched the kites dissipate.

Gently catching the falling dragon's body, Keqing looked at the lifeless remains before her and said, "According to Zhongli's instructions, we will place the Emperor's body in the Golden House until the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor completes his tomb, after which we will proceed with the burial rites."

Ningguang nodded slightly, glancing at Keqing who effortlessly lifted the massive body. Her eye twitched slightly.

"Let's follow Zhongli's instructions. After all, professional matters are best left to the professionals."

In the distant Shogunate, a figure covered in lightning looked silently at the kite that descended before her.

After a moment, a voice echoed throughout the hall.

"Even he has departed. It appears that eternity is indeed the only pursuit worthy of us."

In the frigid land of Snezhnaya, within a palace, a god exuding coldness collected the kite before her and gazed towards distant Liyue.

"The contract is fulfilled. Those who break their promises shall face the punishment of being petrified."

In Mondstadt, Venti, having just stepped down from the platform, looked up at the kite flying overhead and couldn't help but smile.

"The old man has finally retired, huh."

"Heh, now I'm the Archon with the longest reign. Maybe I should think about stepping down too."

"Besides, I did lose my Gnosis after all."

In Liyue, within the plaza under Yujing Terrace, the gathered citizens of Liyue wiped away their final tears as they watched the dragon body vanish into the sky.

Under the golden morning light, Zhongli stood atop the platform, addressing the people looking up at him.

"The Rite of Parting is complete."

A gentle breeze passed through, carrying away the flower petals in their hands, scattering them over Liyue's harbor.

With spiritual light glimmering in his hand, Hiroshi smiled and shouted, "Farewell, Rex Lapis!"

"Farewell, Rex Lapis!!!"

The petals flew over Liyue Harbor, and beyond, where a fleet returned across the sea.

Beidou, with her massive claymore on her back, saluted towards Liyue. "Farewell, Rex Lapis!"

"Farewell, Rex Lapis!!!"

The voices of the fleet echoed to the heavens, reverberating even beneath the sea's surface.