Jiang Chen's conditions were… unexpectedly simple.
If obtaining the Dendro Gnosis truly only required these minor concessions, she was more than willing.
"By 'no interference in development,' I mean Liyue will conduct business in Snezhnaya."
"Your nation must not obstruct—and must cooperate."
"For example, Buer's Terminals will spread across Teyvat. Snezhnaya cannot block this."
The Tsaritsa frowned.
"Buer's Terminals?"
Her gaze swept over the group—now she noticed the devices on everyone's ears.
The Akasha Terminal?
Functional outside Sumeru?
"Finally noticed?"
"This is Buer's upgraded version."
"Now operational everywhere."
"Soon, it'll be indispensable."
Jiang Chen handed her a Terminal.
Experiencing it firsthand was better than explanations.
Upon logging in, the Tsaritsa grasped its potential immediately.
This would become essential.
"I agree."
"As long as it doesn't harm Snezhnaya, proceed freely."
Just commerce? Easy.
Jiang Chen nodded, then added her to the Seven Archons group chat.
Seeing it, the Tsaritsa paused.
Would he have excluded her if she refused?
Members: Barbatos, Morax, Raiden Makoto, Raiden Ei, Buer, Nahida, Jiang Chen… and herself.
Jiang Chen:
[@Buer, the Tsaritsa wants the Gnosis. Hand it over.]
[That corpse fragment is useless anyway.]
Buer, busy managing Sumeru, blinked at the notification.
Noticing the Tsaritsa, she understood.
The Gnosis? Meh.
Buer:
[I'll enter the Throne of Heroes to deliver it. Haven't visited yet.]
Jiang Chen:
[Let's all gather there then.]
[@Makoto, you too.]
He glanced at Zhongli and Venti.
Might as well assemble everyone.
"Don't resist. I'll take you in."
With that, he transported the group to the Throne.
Makoto, seeing the message, dragged Ei along.
Buer arrived solo.
Upon entering, she gasped.
"I can still connect to Irminsul here?"
"Remotely, though!"
She'd assumed the Throne would sever external links.
Yet the Terminal worked?!
Jiang Chen explained:
"Your Noble Phantasm exists outside. You're still linked."
"But while you can reach out, others can't reach in."
Buer nodded.
"So… Celestia can't attack this place?"
Jiang Chen burst out laughing.
"Celestia daring to strike here?"
"I'll open the door for her—see if she steps in!"
Overconfidence? No.
Absolute certainty.
Even if empty now, once Aether gathered enough artifacts, this Throne would teem with power.
A glimpse of the Archon War's fury.
It could even function as his Noble Phantasm:
"Chaotic Throne of Heroes."
Buer, satisfied, handed her Gnosis to Jiang Chen and greeted the others.
"Long time no see."
"Morax, Barbatos, Baal—"
Zhongli smiled faintly at the reunited friends.
The Tsaritsa watched, emotions swirling.
So many Archons, together again.
Unthinkable.
As they chatted, Jiang Chen absorbed Dendro energy and tossed the Gnosis to the Tsaritsa.
Trash now.
Holding it, she felt… complicated.
Five Gnoses acquired—mostly gifted.
Did they all secretly despise these relics?
Or… were they silently supporting her rebellion?
Her heart clenched.
Before departing, Jiang Chen added:
"Send delegates to Liyue for collaboration talks."
"A permanent envoy would be ideal."
"Tartaglia seems perfect."
"Recall him."
Zhongli nodded solemnly.
"Indeed. That young man is quite suitable."
Meanwhile, in Snezhnaya…
Tartaglia sneezed violently.
"Why do I feel… targeted?"