"Equal to Heaven, Bound by Earth" A Genshin Impact Fanfic

Chapter 10: Echoes of the Geo Archon

The setting sun bathed Liuli Pavilion in a warm golden glow, its intricate architecture gleaming like a crown atop the bustling cityscape of Liyue Harbor. The trio—Lumine, Wukong, and Paimon—approached the pavilion, their curiosity piqued by Childe's cryptic promise of assistance. The faint aroma of exquisite cuisine wafted through the air, mingling with the soft hum of distant conversations from the city below.

As they entered the private dining area, Childe was already seated at a lavish table, his elbows resting casually on the armrests of his chair. Opposite him sat a tall man with an air of effortless authority, his posture upright and composed. He exuded a quiet confidence, with amber eyes that seemed to pierce through the mundane and straight into the essence of the world.

Childe gestured to them with an easy smile. "Ah, you've arrived. Right on time, as expected." His smirk widened. "Let me introduce you to someone who can help us. This is Zhongli, consultant to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and an expert in all things Liyue."

The man inclined his head gracefully, his voice deep and resonant as he greeted them. "A pleasure to meet you. I have heard of your exploits, Traveler. The balance of our city has been shaken, and your name is whispered in many corners."

Lumine offered a polite nod, observing Zhongli with equal parts caution and intrigue.

Wukong, on the other hand, leaned against the nearest wall, arms crossed. His sharp eyes studied Zhongli with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity. "So, you're the big shot who's going to get us to the Exuvia?"

Zhongli's gaze shifted to Wukong, his expression calm but discerning. "Big shot? No, merely a servant of tradition and a custodian of contracts. My role is to ensure that Rex Lapis receives the farewell he is due—a rite befitting the Geo Archon's legacy."

"And that involves sneaking us past the Qixing?" Wukong pressed, his tail swaying in irritation.

Zhongli remained unperturbed. "The Qixing's precautions are understandable. The Exuvia is no ordinary artifact. However, proper rites must still be observed, and I hold the knowledge necessary to see them fulfilled. To achieve this, we will need to procure a number of items. The first of which is Noctilucous Jade."

Childe leaned back in his chair with a smirk. "And before you start worrying about the cost, don't. I've already taken care of the Mora. After all, what's a little generosity between friends?"

Lumine's eyes narrowed slightly, her suspicion of Childe's motives evident. "Why are you so invested in this? You're not exactly the type to do things out of the goodness of your heart."

Childe laughed, his tone light. "Let's just say I'm a curious guy. The opportunity to witness history in the making doesn't come around every day."

Paimon floated closer to the table, her small arms crossed. "Paimon's not buying it! You're definitely up to something."

Zhongli raised a hand, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "Whatever his reasons, Childe has facilitated this meeting and provided the necessary funds. That is sufficient for now." He turned to Lumine. "Shall we begin? The journey to acquire Noctilucous Jade will be a meaningful one, steeped in the traditions of Liyue."

Wukong straightened, his expression skeptical. "Meaningful? Sounds like another way of saying 'tedious.'"

Zhongli's lips curved into a faint smile. "Perhaps, but even the most mundane of tasks can reveal great truths when viewed through the lens of history and contract."

"Yeah, yeah, shiny rock, big meaning," Wukong muttered, earning a stifled laugh from Paimon.

Childe rose from his seat, gesturing toward the exit. "I'll leave you in Zhongli's capable hands. Trust me, you're in for an enlightening experience." His smirk returned as he added, "And who knows? You might even enjoy yourselves."