I'm in the Teyvat running group

He could only help with the development of mechanical arts at most in terms of runes. As for the promotion of the Sealing Cave Mirror and Elemental Isolation, with Seven Stars spending money without regard to cost, they have been deployed and taught in almost all areas of Liyue. And the large sums of money invested have naturally yielded great results, with the first batch of true "spellcasting apprentices" already appearing.

After Yunxiu provided some spell runes for low-level spells and invited a large number of high-level spellcasters to participate in the modification, tens of thousands of spellcasting apprentices are now able to cast normal spells under inert elemental fields.

Although, according to Yunxiu's calculations, without the guidance of the Eye of God to control elemental power, most spellcasters would need to reach at least the fourth ring level to cast spells in Teyvat's own violent elemental environment, it is still a true path to heaven, and therefore spreads extremely quickly.

Moreover, Yunxiu personally stepped forward to guide some of the apprentice monks.

The biggest benefit of this event is that Yunxiu's number of "disciples" has increased to more than seventy, which directly increased his elemental energy by an additional 77%, or 15236 points, almost the same as Yueji's.

Most of the "apprentice mages" who could truly understand the meaning of Yunxiu's guidance were taken in by Yunxiu as his disciples. Among them, the one who advanced the fastest is now a second-ring mage, and surprisingly, he is an old acquaintance, Qiming, the fortune teller from Liyue Harbor.

As for Zhiqiong...

This "eldest disciple" has an unprecedented passion for surveying. He has already begun preparations to establish the "Liyue Surveyors Association" and has posted recruitment information at the Adventurers' Guild. However, he is still one step away from entering the second rank in his research on magic.

"Master." Qi Ming changed into a long robe and stood beside Yun Xiu. She took out an invitation and handed it to Yun Xiu, saying, "Master, tomorrow is the day of the Immortal Invitation Ceremony."

Finally, in early February, the most important summoning ceremony in Liyue in the truest sense is about to begin.

As the crowd moved slowly toward the Invitation Platform of Moon Sea Pavilion, the place had already been arranged neatly and cleanly. Various offerings were laid out on the sandalwood incense table, and in addition to the finest incense and candles burning in the incense burner, there were also documents specially left for the Emperor to use for his instructions. This year, Ningguang was originally in charge of this matter, but for some reason, Keqing was temporarily replaced.

In front of the incense table, there was also a platform engraved with quite intricate and exquisite rock element runes.

Meanwhile, the Qunyu Pavilion flew over the Yunlai Sea, seemingly monitoring something. Amidst everyone's puzzled expressions, another Qunyu Pavilion flew over!

"Two...two Jade Pavilions?"

Why doesn't Lady Ningguang come down?

"This year's invocation ceremony seems different from previous years? There's an extra platform?"

The crowd made a lot of noise, while Yunxiu and the other little ones squeezed to the front of the crowd, which was a privilege of those with invitations.

Suddenly, a man dressed in a dark yellow robe walked unhurriedly towards the incense table on the altar. The people around him seemed to be dispersed by an invisible force, making way for him.

When she saw the face clearly, even Hu Tao was surprised and anxiously called out, "Zhong Li, what are you doing here! You should be here!"

Chapter 100 Divine Covenant: The People Forge the Heart of Heaven (Third Update on Thursday!)

"It's alright." Zhongli turned back and smiled slightly at Hu Tao before standing directly on the platform.

"Is this Master Zhongli from the Hall of Rebirth?"

"Is Mr. Zhong Li hosting this year's event?"

"Mr. Zhongli's understanding of ancient culture and various rituals is unparalleled in Liyue Harbor. In my humble opinion, he may indeed be more suitable for this position than Qixing..."

But in the next moment, a phantom of a divine lord suddenly appeared on Zhongli's body! He opened his eyes, and endless golden light flowed in his amber-like eyes, radiating boundless pressure. His mighty divine power descended upon the area in an instant, suppressing the entire Jade Capital Terrace into complete silence!

Countless ancient rock elementals and runes of the law of contract floated around him, and a powerful force shot straight into the sky, even causing the Jade Pavilion in the sky to tremble for a moment!

This is Morax, born from blood and fire over thousands of years, the Geo Archon who has ruled Liyue for 3,700 years!

Suddenly, all the power dissipated, and he returned to being the unhurried, cultured Mr. Zhongli, who always wore a faint smile.

"Today, I stand here not as a deity of Liyue, but as a mortal named 'Zhongli'," Zhongli said slowly. "At the same time, I will issue a resolution regarding the future of Liyue as the 'Emperor.' I hope this is the last time I stand here in this capacity."

He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the shocked, bewildered, or enlightened faces below.

"As the God of Contracts, I have protected Liyue for over five thousand years since the beginning of Guili Village." He faced the crowd and spoke in the calm and steady voice unique to an emperor: "Now, I have witnessed the growth and prosperity of the people on this land. As the god of the people of Liyue, I have witnessed the rise and establishment of this human kingdom of Liyue."

In an instant, there was an uproar in the audience, but it was quickly suppressed by Zhongli's gaze.

“Even rocks have a heart, so do I. Therefore, as a human being, I request to ‘retire,’ relinquish my imperial throne, and roam freely among the common people.”

After speaking, Zhongli looked seriously at the people below the stage and from all over Liyue, and fell silent. Yunxiu even saw a trace of panic in his unchanging, calm eyes.

This oldest god, and the one who loves his people the most, was already pushing himself to the limit by standing here and uttering these words. Even as the true god of contracts, he wasn't certain that the people of Liyue, whom he had protected and guided for thousands of years, would truly understand his actions.

In the eyes of the people, is this a betrayal?

Does this seem like a sign of incompetence to the children who have been sheltered for so many years?

This fear and uncertainty may also be the reason why Morax chose to fake his death to escape and continue to protect Liyue, rather than publicly acknowledging it.

"Your Majesty... more than 3,700 years... you have worked hard..." An old woman with white hair and beard came out. Yunxiu recognized her as "Grandma Ashan," who sold kites. She said tremblingly, "Before Your Majesty, I can only call myself an old woman. You have been guiding us forward since before I was born. Now I have reached my twilight years. You have worked hard..."

"Yes! Your Majesty, we understand you. Liyue has grown up!"

"Rest assured, you can retire now! We will make Liyue even stronger than when you were here!"

“Your Majesty, I don’t think you need to retire!” A sudden voice came from Old Zhang of Hanfeng Ironware, just as the people around him were looking at him with displeasure.

He scratched his head and said seriously, "Look, you'll still be the same as before, wandering around Liyue Harbor, listening to stories if you want! If something happens, you can offer some pointers if you're happy, or just pretend you didn't see it if you're not. Isn't that the same as retirement? You'll still hold the position, but we won't do the work!"

"That's right, Your Majesty! Does the Jade Capital Terrace give you a pension?"

"Your Majesty, come dine at our Glazed Pavilion! We'll always reserve a free table for you!"

"Come to our Yunhan Society! Everyone in the Yun family is waiting to sing a new song for Your Majesty!"

"Our Star Pavilion also welcomes Your Majesty to continue appraising the treasures. Your Majesty may also take a few pieces to admire!"

"Our Crescent Moon Pavilion is willing to cover all of His Majesty's meals from now on. It would be even better if His Majesty could inscribe a word for us, but it doesn't matter if he doesn't!"

"Your Majesty, do you plan to find a wife after you retire?"

"Your Majesty, I won against you in the last game of the endgame, does that still count?"

"Your Majesty, I will keep the bill you wrote down yourself!"

"Dude, sell me this bill for three times the price! It's a letter from the Emperor himself!"

A thunderous roar of voices filled the air, each call filled with no complaints, no threats, no barriers, no overstepping of boundaries, but rather pure love and warmth, like the most simple and genuine care for a father who has worked hard for many years: "Your child has grown up, and you can live for yourself for once."

Zhong Li was stunned.

He had imagined countless endings, of being scorned, of being blamed, of being slandered, of the panic of the Liyue people, but he had never imagined this moment.

This Geo Archon, who had lived for over six thousand years and established Liyue for three thousand seven hundred years, and whose heart had long been tempered to an indestructible state, could not help but feel a pang of sadness in his eyes.

He looked up at the sky, but a single tear fell uncontrollably.

The moment the tear fell to the ground, the ground was enveloped in a strange layer of rock elemental runes, and a sigh-like sound resonated in the hearts of everyone present.

“I had no intention of vying for power, but I know the suffering of the common people.” Zhongli murmured, “Now the common people have saved me, and in return, they have given me the ultimate path in the human world.”

The ultimate truth of humanity! A strange silence fell over the entire hall, as if everyone knew that the Emperor was about to say something more.

He closed his eyes slightly, and when he opened them again, there was no longer any panic or surprise. Instead, he solemnly said, "Even if the contract is terminated, a 'new contract' is still needed. Therefore, I will set up a final 'great test' for Liyue."

"The most important aspect of this test is your wisdom and unity. People of Liyue, you must prove to me that the era of human rule has fully arrived." Zhongli conjured a contract and said earnestly, "This is a challenge that requires us to confront the 'Demon God.' If Liyue passes the test, I will relinquish my position as Emperor; if we fail..."

“I will continue to assume the position of ‘Emperor’ and await the next opportunity.”

"This is the contract between me and Liyue regarding 'retirement'."

As soon as the words were spoken, the sunlight shone directly on the contract, and the golden contract emitted rays of light, as if it were waiting for something.

A profound silence fell over the world, as if the entire universe was witnessing the birth of something new. Sunlight shone through the contract paper, like the core of the sun, yet warm enough for everyone to look directly at.

"I will definitely ensure that Your Majesty retires in peace!" The first pattern suddenly appeared on the contract, and a voice rang out. It was the spirited voice of a young man, breaking the sacred silence.

"How annoying! That kid beat me to it!"

"You must come to my restaurant after you retire, Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty, you can contact me if you're looking for a wife!"

"Your Majesty, remember to collect your retirement pension!"

"Your Majesty, next time you come to my home in Chenyu Valley for tea, we will prepare the freshest tea leaves for you!"

"Your Majesty, you mustn't forget the aged wine from Qingce Manor!"

The second, the third, the fourth, the hundredth, the ten thousandth! Countless voices echoed across the contract, and countless golden lights condensed it into a strange rune, as if it were about to transform into a new divine artifact! All the voices turned into runes, and countless blessings of love poured into the contract one after another!

"For a thousand years, the gods have guided all living beings; today, all living beings guide the gods." Yunxiu's voice suddenly rang out, and as the last word fell, the entire contract transformed into a divine artifact, landing directly in the very center of the Moon Sea Pavilion!

The artifact, bound by a contract, radiated a warm golden light, and immense human power surged within it, making all the Liyue people feel as if their bodies had been cleansed and lightened.

The crying child smiled, the frail old man straightened his back, and Xiao and Fushe, who were still cleaning up the remains of the demon god, had just finished cleaning up the remains of the demon god when they found that the remaining few remains of the demon god had been swept away by a force!

“The contract has been made, and those who break their word…” Zhongli said with a smile.

"They shall be punished by the Rock Eaters!" A roar like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down from every corner of Liyue, scattering the clouds across the sky!

Everyone was smiling, and as the Seven Stars appeared one by one with the staff of Moonsea Pavilion, Zhongli casually found a place to sit down. He chatted enthusiastically with the Liyue people around him—this was an experience he had never had before. As the Emperor, he was being surrounded and chatted with like an old father.

Soon, the detailed rules for this "big test" were compiled by the staff of Yuehaiting and posted on a huge notice board.

"The Emperor's Retirement Contract"

"The vortex demon Oser and his retinue Barcha will attack Liyue Harbor in a new form. People of Liyue, please cooperate with the Thousand Rock Army to repel them!"

Time: Thirty days from this point

Available forces: All of Liyue's forces except for the Emperor (including external aid).

Victory or defeat: whether or not the two demon gods are defeated.

Victory: With the Emperor's retirement, Liyue enters an era of 'rule by man'.

Negative: The Emperor has sealed the Demon God; the next contract will be signed at an appropriate time.

"Your Majesty, is there no need to restrict the immortals?" A commander of the Thousand Rock Army stepped forward and asked with his hands clasped.

"Whether the immortals intervene depends on their own will," Zhongli said calmly. "Apart from me, you may freely compete for the other forces in this great test."

“I see…” The commander’s eyes lit up, and it was unclear what he was thinking.

"Celestials are naturally also members of Liyue." Xianyun descended here, transforming into an intellectual woman wearing a dark blue robe and with her hair in a high ponytail, and said, "Entering the mortal world is also part of human experience."

"But just as we need to intervene, your own efforts will also be crucial." Another figure landed here, transforming into a woman with long silver hair and a long spear in hand: "Otherwise, it's just moving from 'divine governance' to 'immortal governance,' and there's still no difference."

"It's Grandma!" Xiangling exclaimed happily, "Grandma's here too!"

"Is she the old lady who gave the Firefly Song Pot?" Paimon exclaimed in surprise. "These immortals are really strange."

“Paimon, the immortals are participating in this great test as ‘humans’,” Ying said earnestly. “How to ‘integrate into the human world’ is also the Emperor’s test for them.”

"Really? I never expected Zhongli to be the Emperor!" Paimon suddenly said, as if remembering something. "I stole his tea and snacks yesterday. Will I be unable to stay in Liyue now?"

"I don't think the Emperor is that petty..."

Just then, a woman in uniform walked over, bowed to Yunxiu, and said, "Mr. Yunxiu, Lord Ningguang and Qixing are waiting for you at Qunyu Pavilion. Please follow me with the immortals."