The Seven Stars Are Shocked, Has the Geo Archon Returned?

Inside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, after Ganyu and Hu Tao left with Lin Yuan, the remaining staff finally relaxed and began to chat.

"Did you see the way Huan Huan was drinking the milk? His eyes looked so human-like."

"He's not 'Huan Huan,' he's the new Geo Archon. We need to show more respect from now on."

"Who would've thought our Master Hu would pick up the Geo Archon's egg? Liyue is going to be blessed with protection again."

"Yeah, life's been good lately, but it just feels more reassuring when the Geo Archon is around."

As the conversation continued, a wave of nostalgia hit the employees. Present-day Liyue was technically a godless nation on the surface. However, the people took comfort in knowing there were many adepti protecting them. In a world like Teyvat, overrun by malevolent gods, the absence of divine protection would make anyone uneasy.

The people's longing for their Rock King had never faded. After all, the Geo Archon had guided Liyue for 3,700 years, and with just a few months passing since his departure, his rule was still fresh in everyone's minds. Many people continued to offer sacrifices to him, believing wholeheartedly that the Geo Archon would return one day to lead Liyue once again.

Zhongli, who had remained silent all this time, listened to the respect his colleagues still had for him. A faint trace of helplessness flickered in his eyes.

Could this little one really succeed him as the second Geo Archon?

Zhongli didn't voice his thoughts, but Lin Yuan's appearance had already disrupted his original plans. The coming years were supposed to be a time when Zhongli would watch Liyue from the shadows, subtly guiding it into an era governed by human law.

He had planned to roam the world in obscurity, stepping in only if Liyue faced a crisis the adepti couldn't handle. But Lin Yuan's arrival had thrown a wrench into that plan.

Especially after witnessing Ganyu and the others' reactions to Lin Yuan, Zhongli realized that neither the common people nor Liyue's leaders had ever truly let go of their memories of him. It seemed his rule had been too flawless.

Although the people of Liyue had started to walk hesitantly towards a human-ruled era, almost everyone still preferred to return to the divine governance of the past. Whether that was a good or bad thing, even Zhongli couldn't say for certain.

But one thing he knew for sure—Lin Yuan exuded an aura of auspiciousness. It was a unique trait found only in divine beasts like the adepti or his old companion, Guoba. From this alone, Zhongli knew Lin Yuan wouldn't bring calamity to Liyue. On the contrary, he might even usher in a new era for the nation.

Furthermore, Zhongli could sense a kindred aura emanating from Lin Yuan. Without a doubt, the little dragon was a true dragon, just like him.

A true dragon's descent into the world is a symbol of mercy for all beings. Such a creature would cleanse the land of chaos and bring about a peaceful era.

As Zhongli contemplated this, he let out a soft sigh. His retirement had been well-planned, with careful steps ensuring Liyue could survive without him. Now that he saw someone who could succeed him, his feelings were far more complex than words could express.

One thing he was certain of—once Lin Yuan's presence became known, he would be quickly accepted by the people of Liyue. Perhaps this experiment with human governance had reached its end.

"Well, I suppose I'll let the people of Liyue decide their future," Zhongli murmured. After experiencing firsthand the people's deep-rooted memories of him, he decided to leave the choice to them.

Either way, his peaceful retirement wouldn't change.

"Mr. Zhongli, what were you saying?" one of the staff overheard Zhongli's quiet muttering and asked.

"Oh, nothing. Just pondering how I'll spend my time after retirement," Zhongli replied calmly.

"Haha! Mr. Zhongli, your current lifestyle isn't all that different from retirement already."

"Exactly! With your abilities, Mr. Zhongli, it's like you work one day and rest for ten."

"Even our Master Hu has grown to leave you to your own devices."

Laughter rippled through the parlor. Even a rare smile seemed to flicker across Zhongli's usually composed face.

Meanwhile, high above Liyue, in the Jade Chamber, the Seven Stars had already gathered, anxiously awaiting Ganyu and Lin Yuan's arrival. They had been informed ahead of time about the new Geo Archon.

Each of Liyue's most prominent figures was noticeably on edge.

"Could it really be true that a new Geo Archon has appeared?"

"If Ganyu is the one who confirmed it, then it must be true."

"I never thought I'd live to see the second Geo Archon. Liyue is truly blessed."

"Even though I'm quite old now, I still feel a little excited at the thought of meeting the new Geo Archon."

The Seven Stars exchanged quiet words, each feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. As people who had once interacted closely with the Geo Archon, they understood better than anyone else the weight carried by the title. Even though they had become quite proficient at managing Liyue's affairs in his absence, they all knew that things would run much smoother if the Geo Archon were still present.

Their admiration for him remained strong.

Had anyone seen them now, they would be surprised to witness Liyue's highest authorities behaving like nervous students waiting for their teacher.

Only Yuheng Xing, Keqing, maintained her usual calm expression, giving nothing away about her thoughts.

Time seemed to blur for the Seven Stars as they waited. It wasn't until they saw Ganyu and Hu Tao approaching the Jade Chamber with Lin Yuan in tow that they snapped back to reality.

As Ganyu and Hu Tao walked closer, all eyes locked onto the little dragon in Ganyu's arms. In an instant, exclamations filled the air.

"He looks just like him! Too much like him!"

"The Geo Archon has returned! Liyue is saved!"

"Heaven has not abandoned Liyue. With the Geo Archon's protection, our nation can develop in peace once again!"

Even though Ganyu had already described Lin Yuan's resemblance to the true form of the Geo Archon in her message, seeing the little dragon with their own eyes left the Seven Stars stunned.

This wasn't just a resemblance—it was an exact match to the Geo Archon's true form.

Although none of them had seen a younger version of the Geo Archon, Lin Yuan's features and the majestic aura he radiated made it clear. He resembled the remnants of the Geo Archon's old divine form left behind for all to see.

Moreover, Lin Yuan's presence exuded an air of auspiciousness, which caused anyone near him to feel an inexplicable sense of peace.

As for Lin Yuan, nestled in Ganyu's arms, he was completely unfazed by the Seven Stars' awe. He merely glanced at Ningguang and Keqing, two familiar yet distant figures, before returning to his primary task: drinking his milk.

This was none of the baby's business—he was just here to drink his milk.

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A/N:

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