Zhongli was completely numb.
All he wanted now was for this Sumeru Grand Sage to finish the meal, wipe his mouth, and leave.
Because in this situation, the slightest slip of the tongue from Idris could expose his identity—and if that happened, what would become of his quiet plans in Liyue?
He had already died during the Rite of Descension.
So what was this supposed to be?
A resurrection on the spot?
Lost in thought, the group made their way out of the city, heading toward Wangshu Inn.
Seeing Zhongli unusually silent, Hu Tao tilted her head and asked curiously,
"Zhongli, what's wrong? You don't look too happy. The Grand Sage even turned down Lady Ningguang's invitation—aren't you glad we're eating together?"
Unaware of the situation, Hu Tao assumed Zhongli's usual reserved nature had flared up again.
"How could I not be happy," Zhongli replied calmly.
"To dine with the Grand Sage of Sumeru is naturally an honor. I'm simply pondering something."
He turned his gaze toward Idris.
"Grand Sage, were the people of Sumeru very loyal to you at the start? Were they willing to obey your commands?"
The meaning behind the question was obvious—thinly veiled sarcasm about Idris's villain reputation.
But Idris didn't bite.
"At first? Of course not," he said lightly.
"But that's fine. You beat them into obedience—problem solved. On the other hand, Liyue looks united on the surface, but there are still… certain people hiding in the shadows. If their identities were exposed, wouldn't that cause a rather unpleasant disturbance?"
Hu Tao blinked.
"Who are you talking about? Do you know someone like that? Why do I feel like you're hinting at someone in particular?"
As she thought about it, the only figure that truly fit was… the Geo Archon himself.
Subconsciously, Hu Tao glanced at Zhongli.
Zhongli felt his scalp go numb and immediately stepped in.
"The Grand Sage is joking," he said smoothly.
"How could Liyue have such people? If anything, the real outstanding figure is the Grand Sage himself. If there's ever a chance, Liyue would be honored to establish even deeper ties with Sumeru."
Then, forcing a smile, he added,
"As long as the Grand Sage visits Liyue, I'll treat him to a meal. Once, twice—every time."
"Oh? Then I'll be counting on you, Mr. Zhongli," Idris laughed.
"Don't worry—I'll come looking for you again."
He gave Zhongli a knowing look.
Zhongli nearly wanted to die on the spot.
What kind of nightmare was this?
He had hidden himself flawlessly, only to be exposed by the most shameless man imaginable.
No wonder Sumeru listened to this Grand Sage. If Idris ruled over Liyue, Zhongli might not even survive.
"At least I'm still in Liyue…" Zhongli thought bitterly.
The cheerful voice of Nahida suddenly chimed in,
"Braided-hair big brother, you're really nice! When you come to Sumeru, you should treat me to a meal too!"
Zhongli froze.
Idris merely smiled mysteriously, offering no explanation.
Hu Tao, however, seemed quite satisfied and patted Zhongli on the shoulder before turning to Idris.
"Grand Sage, you promised—if I hand Zhongli over to you, you'll help me improve Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business, right?"
Idris gave an OK gesture.
"No problem. I'll definitely support Miss Hu Tao's business."
Then, narrowing his eyes slightly, he added,
"Though Wangsheng Funeral Parlor isn't easy to operate. I might need… some help."
His gaze slid meaningfully toward Zhongli.
"If Mr. Zhongli could also discuss some of Liyue's hidden history with me, we might gain useful inspiration."
Zhongli forced a smile, inwardly screaming.
He desperately tried to steer the topic away.
"Grand Sage, I heard your visit to Liyue wasn't just sightseeing. How did the cooperation talks go? Any contracts finalized?"
Idris glanced at him with a "nice acting" look, but played along.
"Liyue is beautiful—its scenery and people both. Especially the food. Truly unforgettable."
Hu Tao's eyes lit up.
"That's right! Liyue cuisine is the best. Later I'll show you Wangshu Inn's signature dishes—guaranteed satisfaction!"
At last, Zhongli felt a little relief.
But Idris calmly added, lowering his voice,
"Though… I do have something I'd like to discuss privately with you, Mr. Zhongli."
Zhongli didn't refuse.
But he didn't agree either.
Inside, he was already calculating countermeasures.
What exactly was Idris after?
Was this man plotting something even deeper?
Idris, meanwhile, maintained his enigmatic smile—completely in control.
The calmer he seemed, the more unsettled Zhongli became.
To think that Morax, once revered across the land, was now being played around with by a mere Grand Sage.
If his identity were leaked…
His dignity would be gone.
Absolutely unacceptable.
Night fell gradually.
Wangshu Inn's lights glowed warmly in the distance.
They finally arrived. Hu Tao reserved a private room deep inside, fragrant aromas already drifting through the air.
Hu Tao busied herself ordering dishes, while Idris and Zhongli continued their silent chess match, neither yielding an inch.
Zhongli watched Idris closely, searching for any flaw.
Behind them, the undercurrents of Liyue continued to stir—quietly, but relentlessly.
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