This was the best solution Zhongli could come up with.
Because of the contract, he would not personally return to take charge of Liyue.
Regarding the two options Zhongli presented, Lin Mo said: "In my eyes, there are only two options: you return to rule Liyue, or you transfer the position, allowing a new Rock God to take charge of Liyue."
"I understand, please give me some time, Lord Lin Mo."
With that said.
Zhongli moved, appearing on the small island in the lake in front of Yu Xu Cave, the abode of Cloud Retainer, atop Mount Aocang.
Then, Zhongli summoned the other adepti: Xianyun, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Cloud Retainer, and the Yaksha, gathering them there.
"Rex Lapis, are you really going to give up your divine position?" Xianyun was the first to speak, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Yes."
Zhongli nodded slightly, saying: "You all heard my conversation with Celestia, because of the contract and Celestia, there's no other option besides passing on the title of Rock God."
Upon hearing this, the adepti fell silent.
They understood Zhongli's predicament, after all.
If not for the contract, Zhongli could completely return to rule Liyue.
But he was, after all, the God of Contracts, known throughout Teyvat for his respect for contracts.
Once, Venti even forged a contract in Morax's name, scaring the nobles of Mondstadt half to death.
If the God of Contracts himself could not set an example, and tear up his own contract, then his title would be a huge joke in Teyvat.
"But who will be the new Rock God? It seems there isn't a suitable candidate," Xiao said after a moment of silence.
"The Yaksha is right, the new Rock God doesn't need to be as strong as Rex Lapis, but not just anyone can do it either."
The Cloud Retainer agreed: "There are certainly very strict requirements."
Zhongli chuckled and asked, "Do any of you adepti have a suitable candidate in mind?"
The adepti thought for a moment.
None of them could find a suitable person to inherit the position of Rock God.
After a long time.
Xianyun shook her head and said, "This old one truly cannot think of anyone in all of Liyue who has the qualifications and the reputation to become the Rock God."
"It is so," Mountain Shaper agreed, nodding in affirmation.
The other adepti felt the same way.
"Hehehe, you can't think of anyone because you're unconsciously setting the bar too high for the new Rock God. You can't compare the new Rock God to me."
Zhongli said, "My idea is, the new Rock God is among you adepti."
"The Yaksha, uh... because of his karmic debt and the contract, he can only stay in the Guili Plains."
"And Ganyu, she has retired and is known as Cloud Retainer, residing in Liyue Harbor."
"Cloud Retainer is a good choice, but your personality is too strong, you might not be able to work well with the Qixing."
When Zhongli mentioned this.
Xiao, Cloud Retainer, and Xianyun all looked at Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver.
After Zhongli's eliminations, only Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver seemed suitable.
But
While it seemed like Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver were the only ones left, everyone knew in their hearts.
Zhongli's true favorite candidate was Moon Carver.
Compared to Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver was more reliable and stable.
"Moon Carver, what do you think?"
Zhongli's gaze fell directly on Moon Carver, asking.
"Rex Lapis, this is absolutely impossible, I, a mere adeptus, am unworthy of the great responsibility of Rock God!" Moon Carver said, humbled and terrified.
"From this old one's perspective, Moon Carver is indeed not suitable to be the Rock God, he is too kind, he wouldn't be able to control the Qixing," Xianyun also expressed her opinion.
"Sigh, though I don't want to admit it, it is true,"
Moon Carver sighed, "I'm only fit to be a protector of Liyue, to make me the Rock God would be utterly inappropriate."
"Alright... if that's the case, I respect your choice."
Since Moon Carver had already said this, Zhongli respected his choice.
Immediately, Zhongli turned to Mountain Shaper, "Mountain Shaper, what about you?"
"Rex Lapis, don't look at me, I just want to go out with Moon Carver to enjoy the scenery from time to time, being a mere mortal ruler, I couldn't do it." Mountain Shaper quickly waved his hand.
"Then it seems only Cloud Retainer is suitable." Xiao rested his chin on his hand, thoughtful, "Cloud Retainer's personality is indeed a bit strong, but as a god, one's personality should be strong, a weak personality cannot lead a nation as a god, for example, the Lesser Lord of the Shrine."
"If it weren't for the Traveler and Paimon, she would have been replaced by the fake god, the Fatui."
Zhongli thought for a moment.
Since Moon Carver was unwilling to ascend to godhood, other than Cloud Retainer.
There was truly no one more suitable.
But Cloud Retainer said: "Don't push this old one, Yaksha."
Zhongli said, "I called you all together to solve the matter of the next Rock God, whoever I choose, you'll all come up with reasons to decline, I understand, but how can we solve anything if this continues?"
". . ."
The adepti fell silent again.
Zhongli was right.
No matter who he chose to be the next Rock God, everyone would decline.
It wasn't a matter of being humble or lacking ability.
They, the adepti, had followed Zhongli for thousands of years, now they had to ascend to Zhongli's position as Rock God, making it difficult for their hearts to adjust.
"Morax."
At that moment, Lin Mo's voice suddenly came from the heavens: "Since you and the adepti of Liyue have been discussing for so long and still can't decide on a new Rock God, then I will designate the candidate."
Upon hearing this.
Zhongli quickly got up, bowing respectfully: "Then I wonder, according to Lord Lin Mo, which adeptus is most suitable to ascend to the position of new god, and lead the Qixing of Liyue to rule Liyue?"
"Cloud Retainer."
Lin Mo gave his answer: "Whether it's qualifications, experience, reputation, or personality, she is the most suitable candidate to inherit the next Rock God position."
"Her personality is strong, but she genuinely cares for the people of Liyue, her strong personality will also allow her to easily control the Qixing."
Upon hearing Lin Mo's words.
Cloud Retainer was stunned on the spot.
She never expected that even Celestia would consider her the most suitable candidate for the Rock God position.
........