The next day...
Liyue Harbor...
At this moment, Yujing Terrace and its surroundings were bustling with activity, a scene of prosperity and liveliness, showing no signs of the fierce battle that had taken place just the day before.
The reason why the residents of Liyue Harbor had gathered in threes and fives, crowding Yujing Terrace, was because the Qixing had announced a major event yesterday—at noon today, the elusive and mysterious Lord Divine Sovereign would personally visit Liyue Harbor to deliver a new divine decree.
It had been over half a month since the passing of Rex Lapis. During this time, the people of Liyue had gone from the initial panic of losing their divine protector, to the fear and despair of the demon god breaking free, and now to the return of clear skies.
"Traveler, why didn't Yun Fan tell us that he's the Divine Sovereign?" Paimon was both angry and confused about Yun Fan hiding his identity.
"Well, I'm not entirely sure either. Maybe he didn't want to create a sense of distance between us because of his status?" Lumine scratched her head, speaking somewhat uncertainly.
After Yun Fan had slain the Sea God yesterday, he had disappeared without a trace and hadn't shown up since. This made Lumine feel a bit uneasy. Could it be that Yun Fan didn't want to see her anymore because she now knew his true identity?
But that didn't make sense. If Yun Fan didn't want people to know his identity, why would he have the Qixing gather the crowd today to personally announce the divine decree?
As Lumine continued to ponder, the gossip-loving residents of Liyue couldn't stay quiet. Groups of three or five huddled together, whispering mysteriously about the events of the previous day.
"Did you hear? The thunder giant that appeared at Guyun Stone Forest yesterday was the true form of Lord Divine Sovereign. The aura, the divine might..."
"Yeah, yeah! I heard Lord Divine Sovereign crushed a demon god with one hand. Is he even stronger than Rex Lapis?"
"Hey, watch your words! Rex Lapis was the strongest!"
"Ha! Your news is outdated. I heard Lord Divine Sovereign has a fiancée... Ow! Who hit me?!" The man who was hit turned around angrily, but when he saw the purple-haired cat-eared girl in front of him, he trembled like a mouse seeing a cat.
"Yu... Yuheng, Lady Keqing!"
Indeed, it was Keqing who had just struck his shoulder with the hilt of her sword. Her face was icy, a far cry from her usual approachable demeanor.
"In broad daylight, in a public place, you dare to openly spread rumors about Lord Divine Sovereign, causing chaos and confusion. What is your crime?!"
"Lady Yuheng! I... I..."
"Millelith, take him away and lock him up for two days." Before the man could finish, Keqing had already issued the order. Two Millelith soldiers stepped forward, quickly subduing him and taking him away.
Although Keqing's method seemed a bit harsh, it was surprisingly effective. With this example made, the previously noisy crowd quickly quieted down, and no one dared to cause any more trouble.
Satisfied, Keqing nodded, sheathed her Lion's Roar, and walked gracefully toward the altar on Yujing Terrace.
Rumble...
The moment Keqing stepped onto the altar, the sky darkened, thunder rolled, and countless bolts of lightning streaked across the heavens, converging toward the altar.
A brilliant golden light showered the earth, and for a moment, everyone present was blinded by the dazzling radiance.
When the light faded, a majestic golden figure had already appeared above the altar.
Surrounded by lightning, the figure looked like a small golden statue from a distance. The people on the ground strained their eyes, trying to see the face hidden beneath the lightning, but unfortunately, the golden figure was shrouded in mist. The more they tried to see, the more elusive his true appearance became.
"I am Yun Fan, a friend of Rex Lapis, Morax. Together, we fought in the Archon War. At his invitation, I made a contract and walked the world under the title of Divine Sovereign." Yun Fan's calm voice echoed through the heavens, resonating across the land.
"However, even the divine turtle, though long-lived, must one day meet its end. The soaring serpent, though it rides the mist, will eventually turn to dust. My dear friend met his fate in a heavenly calamity, his soul returning to the heavens. In accordance with his final wish, I, as the Divine Sovereign, hereby declare—!"
At this point, Yun Fan paused slightly. The people on Yujing Terrace held their breath, their hearts in their throats, waiting for the Divine Sovereign's next words.
"From this day forward, all authority shall be delegated to the Liyue Qixing. Henceforth, Liyue shall be governed by the Qixing and all its people. I and the adepti shall retreat to the background, intervening only in matters of life and death for Liyue."
Gasps...
Yujing Terrace erupted in murmurs. Countless Liyue residents were shocked by Yun Fan's declaration. They had thought that the Divine Sovereign, who held a status equal to Rex Lapis, would inherit the position of Geo Archon and continue to guide and protect Liyue.
But they never expected that the Divine Sovereign would return governance to the people, allowing them to rule Liyue themselves.
"Where is the Yuheng?" Yun Fan's authoritative voice rang out, causing Keqing, who had been standing quietly on the altar, to startle. She quickly stepped forward and bowed.
"Yuheng Keqing, at your command, Lord Divine Sovereign."
"Good." The golden figure nodded. "As my disciple, you must bear the responsibility of protecting the people. Are you prepared for this?"
"Please, Master, give your orders!" With that, Keqing knelt on one knee, looking up at Yun Fan in the sky, her voice filled with determination.
"Very well. In the name of the Divine Sovereign, I grant you the authority to oversee Liyue. From the adepti of Jueyun Karst to the common people, you may investigate and screen them in your capacity as the Yuheng. If anyone resists or opposes, you may take extraordinary measures." Yun Fan's reasoning was simple. If all authority were given to the Qixing, it might work for a generation or two, but over time, corruption could arise. Thus, there needed to be a check on their power to prevent any one faction from dominating.
As for Keqing also being part of the Qixing, Yun Fan had already subconsciously overlooked that. Keqing was his disciple, and he trusted her.
"Your disciple accepts the command!"
After everything was settled, Yun Fan's figure slowly faded from the sky. The dark clouds dispersed, and the bright sunlight once again bathed the land, like the dawn after a storm.
"Let's go, Paimon. Back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor." Seeing Yun Fan leave, Lumine no longer had any reason to stay. She gently smoothed her slightly disheveled golden hair and prepared to leave with Paimon.
"Miss Lumine, please wait." Just as Lumine turned to leave, Keqing, who had been on the altar, appeared behind her and grabbed her arm.
"What is it?" Lumine looked at Keqing in confusion. She just wanted to leave quickly, but because Keqing, a "celebrity," had stopped her, she had now become the center of attention on Yujing Terrace.
This made her, who usually didn't like being in the spotlight, feel a bit uncomfortable.
"During Liyue's most critical moment, you risked your life to lend a hand and helped Liyue overcome its calamity. This debt of gratitude will not be forgotten by the Qixing. Please state your request, and I will do my best to fulfill it on behalf of my master and Liyue!"