Jean...?"
As Ningguang's words fell, Baixiao stepped forward and began unveiling the red cloth.
The first item that came into view was a plain and ordinary iron bucket.
Inside, it contained a substance that looked very much like milk.
But Jean and the others had already tensed up, their eyes locked tightly on Ningguang.
"Milk capable of removing all negative status effects—this includes curses," Ningguang said calmly.
She gave Lisa a deep look—Lisa had already clenched her fists slightly.
She hadn't expected this. All she wanted was to speak with the master alchemist, to see if there was any way to solve her own problem.
But Ningguang…
Right from the start, she revealed an item that could lift her curse.
So then—what else lies hidden under the remaining trays?
Baixiao moved on to the next.
It was a round, plump apple—though it looked as if it were made of solid gold.
"A Golden Apple, also capable of dispelling curses. On top of that, it can instantly restore most of one's health and all of one's stamina."
"Just so you know, the karmic burden of the Conqueror of Demons was resolved with the combination of a Golden Apple and milk."
Lisa immediately turned to look at Xiao, who gave a calm nod.
Jean, growing emotional, clasped Lisa's hand tightly, joy lighting up her eyes.
To Jean, this meant her best friend finally had a chance to be saved.
She had seen Lisa resort to constant sleep just to slow the draining of her life. How could that not break her heart?
But now…
Lisa shot Jean a look, signaling her to calm down.
No one spoke another word. They all turned to look toward the next item.
It was a book, radiating with a violet glow—like a magical grimoire of sorts.
"An enchantment book capable of adding law-defying effects to weapons—making them eligible to become divine artifacts. This one is for a longsword: Flame Enchantment."
As she finished speaking, Xiao drew a diamond sword that gleamed with a cold light.
Under the moonlight, its colors shimmered just like that enchanted tome.
With a gentle swing, he struck a chicken prepared for the demonstration.
In the next instant, a blast of flames erupted—engulfing the chicken in an explosion.
"The Conqueror of Demons' element is Anemo," Ningguang added softly.
Now, the others couldn't sit still.
Diluc was the first to speak, his tone deep:
"Ningguang, are you saying that after enchanting a weapon, one can wield the power of the fire element?"
Ningguang gently shook her head.
"No. It's not that the user gains the element—it's the weapon itself that becomes imbued with powerful, natural fire energy. Otherwise, it wouldn't be qualified to be called a divine artifact."
"By the way, there are many types of enchantment books—each allowing the addition of different law-bound attributes."
"For longswords, there's Looting, Sharpness, Knockback, and many more."
"Enchanting a weapon is essentially engraving the laws of the world into its very form."
As she finished, Lisa spoke up:
"So calling them divine artifacts... isn't really an exaggeration, is it?"
Ningguang smiled and nodded.
"Moreover, enchanted weapons aren't limited to Vision bearers—even ordinary people can use them. And it's not just weapons—armor, too."
"A Qianyan soldier equipped head-to-toe with enchanted gear and empowered by alchemical potions… can rival even the top-tier beings of Teyvat."
She gestured, and a Qianyan soldier stepped forward—clad in full iron armor laced with enchantments. He carried an enchanted iron sword in one hand, and an enchanted longbow slung across his back. His entire form shimmered with the bubbles of alchemical potions.
He appeared for just a moment, then vanished again.
But even in that brief instant, Diluc felt it.
That soldier had given him a sense of fatal danger.
Absolutely not someone that an ordinary Vision-wielder could handle.
In fact, if caught off guard, he might be one-shotted.
"So... would you like to keep watching? Or shall we proceed to a formal partnership based on what you've seen?"
"If you choose not to continue, all of these can still be sold to you—for a very low price."
With a wave of her hand, Ningguang signaled Baixiao to approach the next tray.
Jean and Diluc turned immediately toward Lisa.
Right now, their minds were a chaotic blur—they could only place their trust in her.
Lisa's eyes were fixed on the Golden Apple. A voice in her heart called out to her, urging her to accept. And yet...
She gave a soft laugh, then drew in a long breath.
"We've come this far—why stop now?"
"A wise choice," Ningguang smiled. Immediately, Baiwen stepped forward and placed a pre-prepared contract in front of Jean and the others.
"What you're about to see next... surpasses anything Teyvat could ever imagine. This is Liyue's true heritage."
"Sign this contract, and Mondstadt and Liyue shall establish an eternal alliance. From this day on—Liyue's enemies will be Mondstadt's enemies."
"And vice versa."
"This contract was formed through the divine power of the Geo Archon. It is eternal and unbreakable. Should it be violated, Mondstadt will face the wrath of Rex Lapis and the Adepti, and Liyue will go to war in retribution."
"Once this agreement is signed, Mondstadt will have no way to back out. So... consider carefully, Acting Grand Master Jean."
Staring at the contract before her, Jean felt as though her arm bore the weight of a mountain.
She wasn't sure if she should sign it.
Ningguang was trying to tie Mondstadt completely to Liyue's ship of fate.
Their glories would be shared—and so would their ruin.
If Liyue were to fall someday, Mondstadt would surely be dragged down as well.
She dared not sign it. Not to mention... she was only the acting grand master.
"Jean…"
Lisa bit her lip.
"Ningguang, I'm just the Acting Grand Master… I don't have the authority…"
Jean shook her head, looking toward Ningguang. But the latter only spoke softly:
"To my knowledge, your Grand Master gave you full authority to make decisions for Mondstadt before she left on her expedition."
"But Mondstadt is a nation of freedom..."
Jean hadn't finished speaking before Ningguang cut in gently:
"Even a free nation needs someone to guide it, does it not? Jean, the one I've placed my hopes in—is you, not your Grand Master."
"I believe you already know how corrupt the upper ranks of the Knights of Favonius are. Your Grand Master's so-called expedition... may well have been her way of handing Mondstadt over to you."
"Liyue's partnership with Mondstadt requires someone who truly cares for it—someone who can lead it."
"And one more thing—once the contract is signed, Mondstadt's enemies... will be ours as well. Anyone who threatens our alliance—we'll eliminate for you."
Hearing Ningguang's straightforward disdain for the Knights of Favonius' upper echelon, Diluc almost wanted to applaud.
He had long been discontent with the leadership of the Knights.
But if Jean were to take control of Mondstadt—given her diligence and sense of responsibility—she would undoubtedly be the most suitable leader for its future.
"This contract, as far as we're concerned, has countless benefits and no drawbacks. At least, for now."
Diluc spoke in a low voice.
After all, how powerful Liyue was could already be glimpsed just from what they had seen.
If Liyue were ever to face true calamity, it would likely be one that engulfed all of Teyvat.
Mondstadt wouldn't be able to escape its fate anyway.
Given that, signing decisively would be the best option at present.
"Jean, no matter what choice you make, I'll support you."
Lisa said with a gentle smile, her eyes soft as they rested on Jean.
Jean remained silent for a long while, her thoughts turning to the current state of Mondstadt's people—
the Fatui lurking on the borders, the growing threat of monsters,
and then the peaceful, prosperous life of the people she'd seen today in Liyue Harbor.
In her heart, there were a thousand—ten thousand—reasons to hope Mondstadt could become as strong and thriving as Liyue.
Jean clenched her jaw, taking a deep breath.
"If... I sign this contract, will the lives of Mondstadt's people become like those of Liyue?"
Ningguang smiled lightly and nodded.
"Of course. We will help you."
Jean said no more. She picked up the pen with difficulty and began to read through each word with utmost care.
To her, each character on that contract was the embodiment of a Mondstadt citizen's future...
After a long moment, she closed her eyes, signed her name, and stamped the contract with the seal of the Knights of Favonius.
As the final stroke was completed, Zhongli's calm and steady voice echoed from the air above:
"The contract is sealed. Those who break it shall suffer the punishment of stone."
Jean slumped into her seat as if her strength had been drained, her gaze empty as she stared at the contract before her.
"Congratulations. You've made the most correct decision."
Ningguang smiled as she instructed Baiwen to retrieve the contract.
"The original will be held by the Geo Archon himself. A copy will be prepared for both sides in the coming days.
Oversight shall be jointly handled by the Geo Archon and Barbatos, the Anemo Archon."
"As for now..."
Ningguang's smile grew once more.
"Baixiao, continue."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
Under the group's complicated gazes, Baixiao unveiled the next red cloth.
Beneath it lay a strange, glowing orb—something between a pearl and an eye, emanating a mysterious power.
"Ender Pearl," Ningguang explained softly.
"It contains the power of space. It can be used to teleport a short distance—even by ordinary people."
One of the fully enchanted Qianyan soldiers from earlier stepped forward, picked up the pearl, and hurled it toward the distance.
The moment the Ender Pearl landed, the soldier mysteriously appeared in that very spot.
"Ender Pearls are consumables," Ningguang added.
"Also worth noting—each use will cost some of your life force.
But as you can see, that's easily resolved."
As she finished, the Qianyan soldier pulled out a recovery potion and drank it in one go, immediately appearing energized again.
At that moment, Lisa and the others finally understood why Ningguang had insisted they sign the contract first.
These artifacts… the power of space…
Absolutely unnatural for Teyvat.
At least for Lisa—who knew the truth about Celestia—this much was clear: the Heavenly Principles would never allow such things to exist.
In other words, by signing that contract, Mondstadt had committed to standing with Liyue... even against Celestia.
Lisa's expression grew complicated as she gave Ningguang a long, thoughtful look.
"Quite the plan you have, Lady Ningguang…"
"Heh…"
Ningguang gave a knowing chuckle, realizing that Lisa had guessed her intentions.
"No need to worry too much. We have every confidence that we can protect ourselves—
and protect Mondstadt as well."
Lisa said nothing more, falling into silence.
"Ender Pearl…"
Diluc's eyes burned with intensity.
For him, beyond strengthening Mondstadt, revenge was still his greatest desire.
With alchemy potions, enchantment books, and now Ender Pearls…
Diluc felt that he now had a 100% chance to achieve vengeance.
And a 100% chance to make Mondstadt strong again.
Coming here today had been the right decision.
The only unknown now was… how many mora Liyue would ask for all these items.
It would likely be an astronomical sum—but Diluc didn't care.
If it meant realizing his and his father's dream, he would give up the Dawn Winery without hesitation.
Baixiao was about to uncover the next item, but Ningguang seemed to feel it was getting a bit cumbersome.
She stood up, waved her hand, and a burst of elemental energy swept across the display—lifting all the red cloths at once.
She stepped forward to explain personally.
"Diamonds—used to forge the hardest, strongest weapons.
With proper enchantments, they can become legendary artifacts."
"Diamond armor—offers unmatched defense.
Not even the strongest Vision-wielders can break through it."
"Blaze rods, Ghast tears, bone meal that instantly matures crops…"
The more Ningguang explained, the quieter Jean and the others became.
At last, Ningguang carefully lifted a strange-looking totem.
Her usual casual attitude toward rare materials vanished—she now bore an expression of solemn reverence.
"This… will shatter everything you thought you knew."
"Its name is: Totem of Undying."
~~----------------------
To read 30 future chapters head over to patreon:
patreon.com/Dreamer20