Chapter 123: The Rite of Descension begins! Ganyu

The next day!

Yujing Terrace!

Because of the Rite of Descension, Liyue had been bustling for almost half a month.

The Millelith guards were heavily fortified, guarding every major thoroughfare in Liyue Harbor very thoroughly.

After all, the Geo Archon only officially descended once a year to issue orders and tasks for the coming year.

No amount of caution was too much.

So even though it was still early, people had been moving offerings and necessary altars to Yujing Terrace since last night.

Unrelated people were not allowed near, although the common folk would certainly come to pay their respects to the Geo Archon’s demeanor, hoping to be touched by the divine aura.

But for now, Yujing Terrace was under martial law, and it was likely that the public would only be allowed in when it opened.

Because of this, even the usual incense offerings and petitions had to be suspended.

Located inside the residence at Yujing Terrace.

Looking from the high pavilions and towers, Luo Li could see Yujing Terrace clearly.

He watched as the Millelith and attendants moved things bit by bit, following the scale of past Rites of Descension.

It wasn't their first time, so they wouldn't be nervous and make mistakes.

"Master, the Archon will surely be very happy to see you later."

As Luo Li stared, Ganyu’s expectant voice suddenly came from behind.

Because she had recognized him yesterday, he and Raiden Makoto’s group had naturally moved from the guest quarters to the villa where Ganyu lived.

She didn't usually rest in this place, which made it convenient for Luo Li and the others.

"Why, aren't you going to help?"

Luo Li joked: "Actually, you don't have to follow so closely. I won't disappear suddenly again."

Ganyu pouted and denied: "No. With Lady Ningguang presiding over the Archon’s descent, there’s no need for me to help."

Indeed, the ability of the Tianquan, Ningguang, was well known; she was steady enough that there would never be a situation like last year, where the Yuheng questioned the Archon boldly at the Rite of Descension.

At that time, Keqing had spoken out, and the whole hall had been shocked, watching her explain her ideals in astonishment.

If the Archon hadn't just laughed it off, those below wouldn't have known what to do.

Luo Li couldn't help but smile and didn't answer.

Ganyu was still imagining the scene of the Archon seeing her Master later, not knowing that she had already seen him yesterday, and that a big surprise was coming her way.

"I was wondering where you two went. So you're here."

Raiden Makoto, who had come out of the villa pavilion, saw the master and apprentice at the railing at a glance.

Eula and Noelle followed behind.

"Today is the Rite of Descension, isn't it? It's so lively."

Eula, who had changed into an ice-blue outfit, walked quickly to Luo Li’s side and leaned out to look at Yujing Terrace.

It seemed she was interested in such a solemn ceremony; after all, most of Mondstadt’s festivals were the Windblume Festival and the Ludi Harpastum.

As for the descent of a god?

Don't even think about it; they hadn't even seen the shadow of the Anemo Archon in five hundred years.

Unlike the Geo Archon, who clocked in at a fixed time every year.

"If Miss Eula wants to, you can go watch the ceremony up close later," Ganyu offered.

Eula was a bit tempted.

It would be hard to justify not experiencing such a rare occasion.

Noelle wasn't as curious, but instead brought several cups of tea.

"Good morning. Freshly brewed tea. Does everyone want full sugar, half sugar, or no sugar?"

The thoughtful little maid placed the tea set on the wooden table nearby, her demeanor and actions like a pure medieval maid.

Eula waved her hand: "The usual."

Raiden Makoto echoed.

Only when Ganyu was looked at by her did she hurriedly refuse.

"I don't need any. If I drink too much sugar, I'll get fat."

Ever since that incident when she was a child, she never dared to eat and drink recklessly, and she was very careful about her weight.

Luo Li couldn't help but laugh: "A little bit is fine. You definitely won't become as fat as a ball like when you were a child."

Eula was puzzled: "Fat as a ball?"

She sized Ganyu up; no matter how she looked at it, she was a perfect, slender, beautiful girl. It was hard to imagine her being very fat before.

Ganyu blushed and hurriedly said to Luo Li: "Please don't say any more, Master. There’s no such thing."

However, this "burying one's head in the sand" action only piqued the interest of the other three girls.

Raiden Makoto asked curiously: "We’ve heard you tease each other at gatherings before, but it was never explained clearly. Since it’s just us today, why don't you tell us some interesting stories about Ganyu?"

Luo Li glanced at Ganyu, who was about to have her dark history exposed and die of embarrassment. Seeing her face was bright red, he finally gave up the idea of bullying his own girl.

"Forget it. I'm afraid Ganyu will blame me. You should ask yourselves."

It was enough that the immortals and the original Archons knew about such things.

Even Zhongli didn't dare to reveal Ganyu’s dark history. It was probably only Cloud Retainer, an immortal who was good with words, who liked to tell all kinds of little stories to others.

Eula rolled her eyes and decided to find an opportunity to ask later. Now that the person involved was here, it was indeed not easy to bring it up.

Taking the tea handed over by Noelle, she looked back at Ganyu, who had let out a sigh of relief.

After meeting Yanfei yesterday and learning about the relationship between Luo Li and Ganyu, she had been stunned for a long time.

At the same time, she wanted to explore Luo Li’s secrets even more.

She hadn't expected him to be a contemporary of the immortals. No wonder he was so knowledgeable; she just didn't know why he went to Mondstadt.

And Raiden Makoto was also mysterious; even if she wanted to pry information out of her, it was to no avail.

Over time, she couldn't help but feel discouraged.

Unaware of Eula’s psychological activities, Luo Li was thinking about the Traveler.

He didn't know where Teyvat’s number one tool-user had gotten to.

If she were missing at such a critical moment, how would the plot play out?

He remembered she had accepted some task from the Adventurers' Guild; counting the time, she should be arriving soon.

— Author's Notes —

PS: My head hurts after finishing the nine chapters yesterday. It's outrageous. It seems I can't easily challenge my limits.