(Kazuha x Tomo) Ephemeral Autumn Leaves

8. Tales of Antiquity

The Millelith appeared hesitant to let them go, but they clearly respected the words of this Mr. Zhongli—they were soon on their way, leaving Kazuha and Cyno with this mysterious man. He beckoned for them to sit. Cyno was apprehensive, but after this man had just saved them, he obliged.

"We are seeking the Priest," Kazuha explained. "He was just here with you, wasn't he?"

"Ah, yes," Mr. Zhongli nodded. "He is an old friend of mine. But I'm afraid you won't be able to speak with him today. He has important matters to attend to."

Cyno sighed once again in disappointment. "All that trouble for nothing."

Zhongli took a sip from his cup, his eyes flickering in satisfaction. "Osmanthus wine tastes the same as I remember...but where are those who share the memory? It is a pity that I cannot say to my departed friends 'When will we meet again?'"

To Kazuha, he felt as if Zhongli was directing these words specifically at him. "You said the Priest was an old friend of yours," he pointed out. "May I ask where he spends his time when he is not at the Rite of Descension? Where might we be able to meet with him?"

Zhongli lowered his cup, eyeing the two young men with interest. "There are few in this world who have heard of my friend. If the two of you have knowledge of his reputation, this must have been made aware to you by a reputable source. What business do you have with him?'

"I was told that he may know of a way to rekindle this," Kazuha produced the lifeless Electro Vision from his pocket. "I too wish I could once again speak with a departed friend."

Zhongli studied the masterless Vision in Kazuha's hand. "A Vision whose master faced an untimely death," Zhongli observed. "You hail from Inazuma, naturally I assume it was the Archon of Eternity who is responsible for this."

Kazuha only managed a nod in reply.

Zhongli shook his head and sighed in disapproval. He then turned to Cyno. "And you, a scholar of Sumeru, what is it that you seek after?"

Cyno's eyes flickered back and forth from Zhongli to Kazuha, as if he were unsure of how much he should say. "As of late, there is an old legend which has resurfaced among Sumeru's most elite scholars. It involves the fall of a nameless star, resulting in the creation of the Chasm when this star leapt back into the heavens during the Archon War. However, rumors which have been circulating state that remnants of that star remain within the Chasm, and have taken on various forms. Researchers from Sumeru Academia have gone to investigate these claims, including myself, but recent circumstances resulted in the entire area being sealed off. There was, however, one encounter during my time there which is notable. In one of the deepest, most remote chambers of the Chasm, I came across a man with long black hair, dressed in white robes, and seated in the center of a giant lotus flower. There were strange vibrations reverberating throughout the chamber, almost like music, but nothing that I'd ever heard before. Because of this, I couldn't stay long, but that man remained where he was, seemingly unaffected. It was difficult to tell if he was even alive. When I returned to Sumeru Academia, I searched through as many records as I could to see if there was any description of such a person who matched the man I'd encountered. There was one—a mysterious Priest dressed in all white robes who could only ever be found during Liyue's annual Rite of Descension."

Zhongli took another sip of his wine. "You seek wisdom, but I'm afraid there are some things in this world which are better left unknown."

"As a scholar, it is my duty to pursue knowledge," Cyno replied. "You are a friend of the Priest, can you tell me what you know of him?"

Zhongli folded his arms, "How about we sign a contract? I will answer three of your questions with as much information as I can give. In return, I have two requests from you. First, I ask that you do not share this information with anyone; this is knowledge that I impart to you and you alone. Second, I will give you this letter to deliver to the Archon of Sumeru, the God of Wisdom." He produced an envelope from within his suit pocket.

Cyno was intrigued by the offer, yet also conflicted. "It is the goal of any academic to impart knowledge to others. As much as I would like to publish a report on the Priest...I suppose I can reluctantly agree to this contract."

"Wonderful," Zhongli said. He then addressed Kazuha, "And you, my friend, do you wish to form a contract as well?"

"I would like to, though I have just one question to ask."

"Very well. Then I ask the same from you, that you do not share what I tell you with anyone."

They both agreed, and Zhongli allowed them to proceed with their questions. Kazuha let Cyno go first.

"My first question regards the Priest's identity," Cyno said. "What are his origins? Is he connected with the fallen star that created the Chasm?"

"That is two questions," Zhongli noted. "Do you want me to answer the first, the second, or both?"

"It is only two questions if his origins are unconnected to the fallen star," Cyno pointed out. "I'd like you to answer the first."

Zhongli nodded. "According to legend, as you stated, a falling star created the Chasm six thousand years ago, before returning to the heavens during the Archon War. Indeed, he is said to have been created by the residual energy that was left behind by that fallen star. Some say he is a god, others say an Adepti, and still others that he does not fall under any of these categories at all."

"Is that all you know?" Cyno pressed.

"Unfortunately I am bound by a previously signed contract not to reveal any more information than this."

A look of disappointment crossed Cyno's face. "Second question, what purpose does he have in coming to Liyue Harbour every year for the Rite of Descension?"

"You observed yourself, didn't you?" Zhongli replied. "His role is vital in Rex Lapis's descension—he has a contract with the Archon to carry out this ritual every year. Though, just before your arrival, he came to inform me that Rex Lapis had been slain. It would seem then that this contract has come to an end."

Both Kazuha and Cyno were shocked at how calm Zhongli seemed to be after hearing news of the death of Rex Lapis. To Kazuha, the situation still seemed surreal, and he hadn't yet fully processed that he'd witnessed the death of a god right before his very eyes.

"Then that leads to my final question: is the power that the Priest holds strong enough to slay a god, even an Archon such as Rex Lapis?"

Zhongli managed a slight smile. "You've phrased two questions as one, impressive. But I will answer your concerns. For one, the Priest did not slay Rex Lapis. As I stated, Rex Lapis's contract has simply come to an end. Secondly, the Priest does hold the power to rival the gods, even the Archons themselves. If he was so willing, he could topple many from their seats with ease."

Cyno sat back as he considered Zhongli's responses. Though they left him unsatisfied, and with more questions than answers, he knew that the man wouldn't share anything more with them.

"And you?" Zhongli said, turning to Kazuha. "What is it that you wish to know?"

Kazuha was struck by this Mr. Zhongli, a man who was friends with a god, wrote letters to an Archon, and seemed unfazed by the death of Rex Lapis. Who exactly was he?

"All I wish to know is how I can meet with the Priest. I was told that he may be able to assist me."

"He spends much of his time within the Chasm, though you may have difficulty reaching him there. Otherwise, you can find him in Dunyu Ruins during the summer and winter solstices. I'm afraid that's all I have to offer."

"No, that is very helpful. Thank you."

Zhongli nodded and sat back in his seat, enjoying the evening atmosphere of the teahouse as they continued listening to the voice of that girl singing. "Ah," he remarked. "Ms. Yunjin has an exquisite voice, doesn't she? How this brings back memories..."