Chương 24: The Conversation Terminator, Hu Tao!
The elderly were especially astonished by the appearance of the Adepti.
In their lifetimes, they had occasionally seen one or two immortals, but never so many at once.
Hu Tao instinctively held Lin Yuan tighter, her rare seriousness showing as she asked,
"Ganyu, are these immortals here for Huan Huan?"
Though she posed the question, Hu Tao had already guessed the answer. Who else but Lin Yuan, the one destined to possibly become the new Geo Archon, could warrant such a gathering of Adepti?
Ganyu softly replied,
"Don't worry. I'll go up and ask. The immortals probably mean no harm."
As Ganyu slowly approached the group, Lin Yuan began observing the immortals perched on the rooftops. Several familiar faces had appeared—even the ever-chatty Adeptus was present. However, Lin Yuan noticed that Xiao was absent. Knowing Xiao's character, he was probably observing from the shadows.
Lin Yuan didn't feel as nervous about the appearance of the Adepti as others did. In fact, he viewed the scene with a spectator's mindset. The power flowing through his bloodline made him feel as though he was looking down on the immortals from above. He even had the leisure to continue feeding.
By the time Ganyu reached the ground beneath the Adepti, she greeted them respectfully,
"Honored Adepti, why have you come to Liyue Harbor?"
Cloud Retainer sternly replied,
"Ganyu, do you not know why we are here?"
Ganyu showed a helpless expression—indeed, the immortals had come for Lin Yuan. Ganyu had originally planned to inform them about Lin Yuan once the current situation was settled and convince them to support him. She hadn't expected them to come on their own accord.
Considering the immortals' capabilities, they must have sensed Lin Yuan's birth. What worried Ganyu was the aura of hostility emanating from some of them.
As soon as the Adepti appeared, they noticed Lin Yuan in Hu Tao's arms. They began communicating through voice transmission:
"Look at that form—dragon scales, dragon horns, and dragon claws, just like the Geo Archon."
"Is this little one the source of that astonishing aura?"
"This small creature was just born, yet it can emit such a terrifying aura?"
"This must be a true dragon, just like the Geo Archon."
"Can there really be a second true dragon in the world?"
The Adepti were astounded by Lin Yuan's existence. After all, they knew the Geo Archon had not yet perished. It seemed impossible for there to be a second Geo Archon. But upon closer inspection, they realized that Lin Yuan was indeed a true dragon, just like the Geo Archon, which left them confused.
While the Adepti were secretly marveling at Lin Yuan's existence, Ganyu softly explained,
"Honored Adepti, Liyue's destiny has brought forth a new candidate for Geo Archon. The Qixing and I are ready to assist in raising him."
Not fully sure of the Adepti's stance, Ganyu mentioned the decision made by the Qixing. The leadership of Liyue had acknowledged Lin Yuan's existence, although there were disagreements on how to assist him.
"Absurd," Cloud Retainer said sternly.
"Liyue has no need for a second Geo Archon. Ganyu, what you and the Qixing are doing is utterly ridiculous!"
Ganyu, scolded by her master, bowed her head slightly, feeling uncertain and uneasy. She was bewildered. Even if the Adepti doubted the little one's future abilities, such a strong reaction seemed unnecessary.
What Ganyu didn't know was that the Adepti found this idea preposterous because they were aware that the Geo Archon was still alive. Why, then, would there be any need to appoint a second one?
Ganyu, however, believed that the Geo Archon had fallen. She gathered her resolve, thinking of the still-nursing Lin Yuan, and raised her head to continue,
"Honored Adepti, this little one shares the bloodline of the Geo Archon. In time, he may well take on the responsibilities of the Geo Archon. I ask that you give him a chance."
Cloud Retainer seemed ready to argue further, but Moon Carver spoke up first, his voice echoing from all directions,
"Ganyu, we understand your point. However, establishing a new Geo Archon is out of the question. There is no need for further requests. We only serve the true Geo Archon."
Strictly speaking, the Adepti were not opposed to Lin Yuan becoming the new Geo Archon. Rather, they saw no need for it. They had sworn loyalty to the Geo Archon because he was the leader of all Adepti, not because of his position as the Geo Archon.
Moon Carver's words left no room for negotiation; the matter was closed.
Hearing the Adepti's stance, Lin Yuan, cradled in Hu Tao's arms, understood their choice. Since Zhongli was still alive, there was no reason for the Adepti to appoint a new Geo Archon. However, Ganyu, still under the impression that the Geo Archon had passed, couldn't comprehend why the Adepti were being so unyielding.
The Adepti standing before her seemed completely different from the ones she had interacted with in the past.
Ganyu pressed on,
"The Qixing and I both recognize this little one. If the Adepti choose not to involve themselves, we will still assist him in becoming the new Geo Archon."
Ganyu had misunderstood the Adepti's intention. If they were to withdraw from worldly affairs, she and the Qixing were confident they could secure the position for Lin Yuan on their own.
But Ganyu had clearly guessed wrong.
Mountain Shaper snorted,
"Hmph! While the position of Geo Archon may be vacant, do not think we will stand idly by as you attempt to install a new one."
Cloud Retainer's tone softened slightly as she regretfully said,
"Ganyu, do not act hastily. The Adepti will not allow anyone other than the true Geo Archon to ascend to that position."
Cloud Retainer wanted to tell Ganyu that the Geo Archon was still alive but was uncertain about Zhongli's plans. Concerned that his abdication might be part of a larger strategy, she could only gently urge Ganyu to stop.
Moon Carver added,
"Ganyu, regarding the position of Geo Archon, we will not stand by and watch someone else take it."
Mentioning the vacancy only made the Adepti more resolute.
Ganyu's face darkened.
"Not this, not that... What am I supposed to say to you all?" she thought, utterly at a loss for how to deal with the Adepti.
Hu Tao, having listened for a while, grew increasingly frustrated. Finally, she spoke up,
"If you won't allow anything, why don't you just take the position of Geo Archon yourselves?"
"H-Hu Tao!" Ganyu exclaimed, shocked that Hu Tao had the audacity to say such a thing. The position of Geo Archon was sacred to the Adepti, reserved solely for the Geo Archon himself. To suggest otherwise was unthinkable.
As expected, Hu Tao's words angered the Adepti.
"You impudent girl! The position of Geo Archon is no mere plaything! How dare you speak of it so lightly!"
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A/N:
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