“Heh... I see.”
“I didn't expect the Geo Archon to have such worries.”
“I thought as the strongest being in the world, you would have no more troubles.”
After listening to Zhongli's description, Su Mu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at Tian Tie Zui, who was performing on stage with a gleeful expression.
“Your worries are not without reason.”
“But have you ever considered a question?”
“Why... has Liyue become what it is now?”
Hearing this, Zhongli furrowed his brows slightly, pondering the meaning behind Su Mu's words.
“What do you think is the root cause of the conflict between the immortals and the Seven Stars of Liyue?”
“There are many reasons, it’s hard to trace back to the source.”
“No, in my opinion, the reason is incredibly simple.”
“The reason Liyue has become this way is because of your existence as the Archon.”
The chat exploded with reactions.
【Hu Tao】：Wait, what?
【Hu Tao】：Did I see that right?
【Hu Tao】：Mr. Su Mu is lecturing the Geo Archon?
【Hu Tao】：He’s blaming the Archon for Liyue’s problems?
【Xingqiu】：Although Mr. Su Mu is skilled and daring, this boldness is a bit too much, isn't it?
【Xingqiu】：If it weren't for the Archon, Liyue wouldn't be what it is today. Yet, he says that Liyue's decline is the Archon's fault?
【Xiangling】：I thought Keqing was already quite rebellious. But it seems Mr. Su Mu surpasses her in daring, even daring to say such things in front of the Archon.
【Keqing】：What is Mr. Su Mu thinking?
【Ningguang】：I don’t know either. Let’s hear his explanation before making any judgments.
Hearing Su Mu's words.
Zhongli furrowed his brows slightly, a hint of surprise on his face.
Clearly, he didn't expect Su Mu to point the finger at him.
“Mr. Su Mu, what do you mean by that?”
“Heh... Liyue's problem isn't that complicated.”
“Those in the midst of it are blind, while outsiders can see clearly. It’s just that you're trapped in this situation and can’t see it.”
Su Mu set down his teacup, retracted his gaze, and stared at Zhongli's pair of golden eyes, explaining calmly.
“There's an old saying in Liyue, ‘A doting mother spoils her child.’”
“Liyue's decline has a lot to do with your overindulgence.”
“You have resolved all the potential problems. So, what can the people of Liyue do?”
“They can only enjoy their happy lives and sing praises of your great achievements. Over time, they lose their sense of crisis.”
“One flourishes in hardship and dies in comfort.”
“Your existence has lulled them into a life of luxury.”
“Even if the sky falls, the Geo Archon will hold it up. Why should I worry about anything?”
“Therefore, they direct their excess energy elsewhere, such as power, wealth, and indulging in pleasure.”
“Once people lose their sense of crisis, they become like this. Even if you make the immortals and the Seven Stars of Liyue reconcile now, it won't prevent future internal conflicts from occurring.”
“Because, human nature is like that.”
“No one can guarantee that the next generation of Seven Stars will be the same.”
“Your intentions are good, but in my view, it's just a temporary fix.”
After listening to Su Mu's explanation.
Zhongli fell into deep silence.
It has to be said that Su Mu's words hit a sore spot for Zhongli.
In fact, he had thought about this possibility, but he couldn't find a suitable solution.
Even knowing that the current approach was just a temporary fix, he could only do it. Otherwise, the conflict would only deepen.
On the other side, everyone in the chat was silent.
【Hu Tao】：Mr. Su Mu’s words seem to make sense?
【Xingqiu】：Indeed, Mr. Su Mu has pinpointed the core problem within Liyue.
【Xingqiu】：The infighting and deceit among the Seven Stars of Liyue ultimately stem from human greed. It all comes down to people.
【Xingqiu】：If this generation of the Seven Stars weren’t Keqing and Ningguang, perhaps internal strife would still occur. No, it would definitely happen.
【Keqing】：What a terrifying insight.
【Keqing】：To have grasped Liyue's problem so quickly.
【Keqing】：In fact, I have a similar feeling. But I couldn't summarize it.
【Ningguang】：Those in the midst of it are blind, while outsiders can see clearly. But not everyone can see the problem, and not everyone dares to speak out so frankly.
【Ningguang】：Both insight and strength are crucial.
【Ningguang】：I’m now anticipating how Mr. Su Mu will solve this problem?
【Paimon】：Even Tianquan Ningguang doesn’t know what to do? This guy Su Mu, won’t he really be able to solve Liyue's problem from the root?
“So, what do you mean, Mr. Su Mu?”
“Heh... Don't pretend. How could you not understand my meaning?”
“......” Zhongli remained silent for a moment, before sighing lightly, “This method is too cruel.”
“Morax, you've truly become weak. It's because of this that Liyue has become this way.”
“Remember Liyue during the Archon War. Back then, people were fearless and fearless, determined to defend Liyue’s land.”
“During the dark calamity, the Qixing defended the two hundred li battlefront of the Labyrinth of the Rock, countless Liyue people joined the Qixing, just to protect their home.”
“But what about now? They just kneel and pray like insects, begging the gods for protection. Instead of sacrificing themselves like their ancestors did. Do you still want to see them continue to fall? Is this still the Liyue of old?”
Su Mu's words were forceful.
Like a thunderclap, they echoed in everyone’s mind.
Yes, Liyue was once such a glorious and brilliant nation!
The Qixing Formation, capable of challenging an Archon, what a dazzling feat, what an unparalleled glory!
But what about now?
If the heroes of the past saw Liyue today.
How would they feel? Would they be sad? Would they be sorrowful?
【Zhongli】：I see.
【Zhongli】：Have I become weak?
【Zhongli】：Is it my fault that Liyue has become this way?
【Zhongli②】：The blame is not on you or me, but we did not choose the right path.
【Zhongli②】：We overestimated human nature and underestimated our influence, ultimately resulting in a bitter consequence.
【Zhongli②】：Liyue has been peaceful for too long. So long that people have forgotten that they are descendants of heroes, forgotten the past glory.
【Zhongli②】：It is our instinct to love our people, but overindulgence is our dereliction of duty. I will be responsible for this. I hope you can also gain some insight.