In Teyvat, it all begins with rescuing the grass god.

However, karmic obstacles are ultimately difficult to eradicate.

In recent years.

He was clearly struggling to withstand the mental strain caused by his karmic burdens.

He even nearly had his mind and spirit broken once after a fierce battle with a monster that lasted all night.

If Wendy hadn't happened to pass by and soothed his spirit with her flute, allowing him to successfully maintain his sanity, Zhong Li would probably have personally taken action against this immortal who was tormented by karma to the point of madness.

"Your Majesty, what is your decision?"

Rhodes changed how he addressed Zhongli.

Emperor.

This is the respectful title that the people of Liyue use for Zhongli.

It is also the respectful title given to Zhongli by the immortals.

This is still the most formal and respectful title for Zhongli.

Instead of calling him Mr. Zhongli, he should be called Emperor.

Rhodes wasn't asking Zhongli for his opinion; he was telling him in the most formal way that letting Xiao take over as the Rock God and accept the contract was the most appropriate choice at the moment.

"Ugh--"

Zhongli sighed softly.

With his more than six thousand years of life experience, how could he not understand what Rhodes was trying to say?

“I will speak to him about this in person.”

As soon as these words came out.

Rod's previously serious face immediately broke into a bright smile.

well.

Zhongli agreed.

"Then, Your Majesty, that?"

Rhodes, no longer as reserved as before, chuckled and asked, "The Heart of God in Naxida's letter?"

"This is a minor matter."

Without wasting any words, Zhongli swiftly took out the Heart of God and handed it to Rhodes: "Your words have been of great help to me. Please stay in Liyue for a few days. I have a gift to offer in gratitude."

"That's not necessary."

Before he could even warm the Heart of God in his hands, Rhodes immediately declined, saying, "I have many things to do in Sumeru, so there's no need for you to spend money, Mr. Zhongli."

"Eh?"

"You have a lot of things to do?"

"But why do all the Sumeru people I know say you're always so idle?"

As soon as Wendy said that, Rhodes had an urge to cover his mouth and kick him back to Mondstadt.

Is it really appropriate to expose someone's past like this?

Even if Rhodes was genuinely bored during his time in Sumeru, you shouldn't have said that in front of Zhongli!

"!!!"

Rhodes grinned at Wendy, showing his teeth, and said, "Your Majesty, don't believe him. I really have a lot of things to do. Once I've used the Heart of God, I need to hurry back."

"Don't panic, young friend."

Zhongli seemed to see through Rhodes's desire not to be involved in Liyue's affairs, and smiled, "I will handle the Liyue matter myself. Please wait a few days. Once I have prepared the gift of gratitude, I will personally escort you back to Sumeru."

"Uh"

That makes it hard to refuse.

Anyway.

This was a personal invitation from the Rock King Emperor. Even though he is about to abdicate, he is still a powerful Rock God with divine authority.

Rejecting him repeatedly would be quite disrespectful.

"Okay, okay."

Seeing that he couldn't avoid it any longer, Rod had no choice but to agree.

However, he didn't feel much resistance, nor did he feel excessive panic or any other emotions.

After all, it was a promise made by Zhongli, the Rock God, whose word is law.

Not Wendy, that street hustler who talks nonsense.

At least in terms of integrity, there is no need to worry about being tricked into getting involved in the abdication of the Geo Archon, as was the case in Mondstadt.

"It's getting late, young friend. Have you found a place to stay?"

With a better solution found for the abdication, Zhongli seemed to be in a good mood. After asking the question, he invited, "Young friend, if you haven't found a place to stay yet, you can come with me to the Hall of Rebirth for a while. I am the current guest elder there, and arranging a place for you is a piece of cake."

Hall of Rebirth?

Rhodes originally intended to refuse.

But after Zhongli finished speaking, he changed his mind.

"I heard that you once used the Heart of God in Mondstadt and almost caused quite a mess. When you use this Heart of God, I can lend a hand."

He said this.

Rod then remembered the time when he almost swept Amber into the sky.

Zhongli is right.

Using the Heart of God is indeed a very troublesome thing.

Moreover, Rhodes originally intended to take advantage of the opportunity to use the Heart of the Rock God to observe how Sky Island was binding him.

His original idea was to find a secluded place where no one would go to conduct research on his own.

Now that Zhongli is willing to help, that would be even better.

“Alright, Mr. Zhongli, then so be it.”

Rhodes put away his divine heart and accepted Zhongli's invitation.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 214 The Burning Instinct Engraved in the Bones

Although Zhongli extended a warm invitation, it was naturally inappropriate to bring Luo De directly to the Hall of Rebirth.

Others didn't know what Rod was there for.

Ningguang and Keqing know this all too well.

This premise exists.

It would be inappropriate for Rhodes to openly accompany Zhongli to the Hall of Rebirth.

It's not that Rhodes is afraid of anything.

However, it would be too easy to guess Zhongli's identity if it were that way.

So after agreeing on a time to meet Zhongli again.

Rhodes returned the way he came and found Ningguang, who had been waiting for him.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Rhodes, you’ve come from afar, and Ningguang should have hosted a banquet to invite you.”

"But the Emperor has summoned me, and I must go to see him."

"I will apologize to you after today's matter is settled."

have to say.

The most shrewd merchant and the most powerful ruler in Liyue has a way of making people feel comfortable when he speaks.

After speaking with Rhodes, Ningguang gave a slight bow and quickly left.

"The Emperor has summoned you. Heh—"

Rhodes subconsciously touched the Heart of God in his pocket, then smiled and left.

Your Excellency of Qunyu Pavilion.

Wendy was already there waiting.

Even though he was one of the seven ruling powers in the mortal realm.

Within Liyue's territory, it was not something Zhongli could interfere with when he summoned Ningguang to discuss serious matters.

As for what the important matter is...

It must be some arrangements regarding his abdication.

It would indeed be a win-win situation to let Xiao succeed the Rock God and take on the original contract for him.

But here's the thing.

Xiao is a warrior whose greatest skill is killing; he knows nothing about politics, economics, or the ways of governing a country.

Therefore, it is imperative to return divine authority to human rule and make him a pure guardian like Wendy and Thor.

Zhongli must make proper arrangements to avoid any potential chaos and panic.

therefore.

The matter of abdication cannot be said to be eliminated at this time.

At least until Zhongli feels that everything is arranged properly, he will announce it to the world.

"Tsk, with that one sentence from you, the old man is going to be very busy lately."

Wendy winked at the Jade Pavilion and said something.

However, judging from his words...