Chapter 43
Liyue on the Brink! Who Can Shoulder the Burden?

Hearing the word “contract,” Zhongli clearly showed some interest.

He was quite familiar with the affairs of Mondstadt, after all, they were old friends.

He was well aware of everything Mo Li had done, and honestly, he admired her. That’s why he had taken the initiative to meet her today.

But he was a bit skeptical about the idea of fulfilling wishes.

However, Mondstadt was indeed developing in the direction that the Anemo Archon desired.

Where did Mo Li even come from?

Zhongli fell into deep thought.

If everything happening in Mondstadt was a deal between Venti and Mo Li, it would make perfect sense.

Mo Li would step in and solve all of Mondstadt’s problems.

Oh, this is so convenient! Isn’t this exactly what I need for my retirement?

【Keqing: No way, no way, you believe this nonsense, Geo Archon?】

【That Woman: Impossible, absolutely impossible! How could the Geo Archon believe this?】

【Alhaitham: As the saying goes, those involved are blinded. From the perspective of the Geo Archon, many things are beyond your comprehension! Or rather, the meaning of the word "heaven" is deeper than you think!】

Everyone fell silent. It was clear that Mo Li was prepared.

But each of her words struck a chord with Zhongli.

“What are your thoughts on Liyue?”

Zhongli did not answer her previous question but instead asked one in return.

“Then what do you think Liyue should be like, Mr. Zhongli?”

However, Mo Li did not answer either. She simply threw the question back.

This time, Zhongli pondered for a long time before softly saying:

“Even the oldest things will wear down!”

“Gods are not omnipotent!”

“Through these countless years of change, I have witnessed the Liyue people’s hard work and responsibility!”

“Perhaps we can try to let them take the lead in all this!”

【Keqing: Touched, touched, so the Geo Archon supports us!】

【Ningguang: See, everyone? Rule by human is the true path to future development!】

【That Woman: Don’t get too excited, the Geo Archon just said it was “possible”!】

【Ganyu: Everyone, stop arguing, stop arguing!】

【Mondstadt Citizens: Liyue is just like that, not much more united than us!】

【Fontaine Citizens: True, true, and they don’t seem to be as reverent towards their god!】

In Mo Li’s eyes, Zhongli’s ideas were quite abstract.

He said all this, but the premise was that he had to personally stay in Liyue.

“You seem to have a different perspective?”

Zhongli keenly sensed the disdain on Mo Li’s face.

But he didn’t show any anger. Instead, he asked earnestly:

“Mr. Zhongli’s ideas are good! Can the current Liyue truly achieve this?”

“I believe it can! Without being immodest, Liyue is full of talented individuals…”

At this moment, the Liyue people felt a sense of elation.

Amazing, so amazing! They were so excellent in the Geo Archon’s eyes?

However, Mo Li’s mocking smile high above the sky was truly eye-catching.

“Mr. Zhongli is right. But what if, I mean, what if, Liyue truly faces a crisis? Will anyone be able to take on the responsibility?”

To Mo Li’s question, Zhongli didn’t hesitate much.

He had great confidence in his people.

“The Jade Chamber Star, Keqing. She works diligently, meticulously, and has her own unique insights. Can she take on the responsibility?”

Keqing in front of the sky screen became extremely excited.

As an abstract Geo Archon fan, this was an honor beyond compare.

But the next moment…

“Her vision is narrow, her thinking is childish, she seems to be working hard, but in fact, she’s stuck in her ways. She doesn’t know the big picture and is not fit for such a great responsibility!”

Mo Li answered without hesitation.

【Keqing:……】

“Then what about Ningguang, the Tianquan Star? She controls Liyue’s financial power and rose from humble beginnings. She is outstanding in her ability. Can she take on the responsibility?”

“A businessman chasing profits, her vision is narrow! How can she lead a nation? Not fit for such a great responsibility!”

【Ningguang:……】

“What about the Liyue Adepti? They have lived through countless years and possess centuries of experience. Can they take on the responsibility?”

“The Liyue Adepti are arrogant and their thinking is still stuck in the past. They cannot move on and are not fit for such a great responsibility!”

【That Woman:……】

An awkward scene unfolded. Zhongli was completely speechless.

The sky screen was also filled with awkwardness.

This was Mo Li’s view of Liyue.

Zhongli remained silent for a long time. He didn’t show any anger. He simply murmured:

“The Liyue people may not be talented! As you said, they are not fit for such a great responsibility.”

“But if they unite as one, they can protect Liyue’s peace!”

Everyone was moved again. Even at this moment, the Geo Archon still loved them.

Fortunately, this time Mo Li finally nodded.

“Mr. Zhongli is absolutely right. But this is precisely the problem!”

“The Qixing are all-powerful! The Adepti are arrogant! Both sides hold different views! Can they truly unite as one?”

“Have you considered this consequence, Mr. Zhongli?”

Mo Li’s words hit the nail on the head.

He knew exactly what kind of people he had under him.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have faked his death and created a trial. He was actually trying to make them realize the importance of each other, to get them to unite.

“I believe… they can do it!”

Zhongli hesitated for a moment before confidently nodding.

He believed that they would come together in the face of a major crisis. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have released a god to create a trial.

“Really? Then are you willing to bet on it?”

Mo Li finally curled her lips into a smile, like a fox that had successfully carried out a scheme.

【Ningguang: Geo Archon, don’t agree to him! It’s definitely a trap!】

【Keqing: Yes, yes! But I believe the Geo Archon will understand all this!】

【Wuwang Yidou: Wow, he’s directly targeting the Geo Archon! Is every beginning this exciting?】

【Ganyu: The Geo Archon shouldn’t agree, right? Even I can see it’s a trap!】

Zhongli naturally knew what she was thinking.

But he fell into deep thought.

Sometimes, even though you know the other person is setting a trap, you have absolute confidence in yourself.

“What do you want?”

“Don’t think about the future, just this upcoming Rite of Parting.

“Let’s see if Liyue will fall into chaos!”

“After all, something big is about to happen!”

Zhongli immediately understood what she meant. He was about to “die”, and once news of his death spread, it would surely cause chaos.

But she was underestimating his people.

Although there would definitely be rumors circulating.

He didn’t believe that the Qixing and the Adepti couldn’t handle this small matter.

Not only Zhongli, but the Liyue people in front of the sky screen also felt insulted.

You could say that releasing a god would be difficult, but this small matter was just too much of a slight.

“Fine! If I win!”

“I only want to know your origin, and…”

“Heaven!”

Zhongli emphasized the word “heaven”, showing how much it mattered to him.

Mo Li readily nodded.

“No problem. But if I win, I want…”

“The Geo Hypostasis!”