Chapter 12: The Ice God's Gamble
Aiden nodded slightly. "This is actually very similar to Sumeru's canned knowledge, so I already have some understanding of it.
"Even though I can't fully control it yet, I've learned it. That's already cheating in a way—some things take a lifetime to master, and even then, they might still be out of reach."
Zhongli observed him closely before speaking in a serious tone. "In that case, are you interested in learning my martial arts?
"Most people wouldn't be able to grasp it, but you are different. And since you possess a Gnosis, you can already wield Geo energy. I control Geo. That means you should be able to learn my techniques as well."
Aiden felt a spark of excitement.
Morax's martial arts… the legendary God of War himself is offering to teach me?
Perhaps the Electro Archon, Raiden Ei, could rival Morax in swordplay, but in terms of raw strength and elemental mastery, she might not be his equal.
With a slight chuckle, Aiden asked, "I'm curious—what could possibly be worth such a steep price from you?"
Zhongli turned his gaze northward and spoke softly. "If, one day in the future, the Cryo Archon does something unforgivable, I hope you'll let her live."
"…That's all you ask?" Aiden raised an eyebrow. "I didn't expect her to be so important to you."
Zhongli let out a quiet, bitter chuckle. "When I say 'let her live,' I mean only a chance to survive. By then, she might not even be herself anymore."
He sighed. "Five hundred years ago, we noticed irregularities in the laws of the world. We all suspected something was wrong with the very fabric of reality.
"The destruction of Khaenri'ah left a lasting impact on us. It made us question—if human civilization advances too far, will Celestia strike us down as well?
"The Heavenly Principles seem to fear human progress, and they keep many secrets from us.
"We could slow civilization's development, but deep down, we all knew that judgment day would come eventually.
"The Cryo Archon… she was the one who refused to sit back and wait.
"She is the most human of all the gods.
"To give humanity a fighting chance, she sacrificed her own nation and dared to challenge the laws of the world itself."
Aiden remained silent, absorbing Zhongli's words.
Before this, he hadn't fully understood why Zhongli, Venti, Raiden Ei, and even Nahida had given up their Gnoses so easily to the Fatui.
Now, it all made sense.
No matter how he personally felt about the Fatui, he had to admit—the Cryo Archon was remarkable.
After a moment of contemplation, Aiden spoke. "I can't say I approve of the Fatui's actions.
"Especially some of their Harbingers—they're complete lunatics.
"No matter how noble the Cryo Archon's goal might be, I can't overlook the atrocities committed by the Fatui."
He paused before nodding.
"But I accept your deal. Not only will I spare the Cryo Archon, but I'll also allow some of the people of Snezhnaya to survive.
"However… some of them must die."
Zhongli nodded solemnly.
Aiden suddenly smirked. "But now that I've become the true Heavenly Principles, isn't their rebellion meaningless?"
Zhongli gave him a knowing look. "Do you think they'll recognize you in your current state?
"To defy the natural order, the Fatui have long since abandoned reason. Few among them are truly loyal to the Cryo Archon.
"And even she can no longer control them.
"Once certain things are set into motion, they can't be stopped.
"The Cryo Archon has already fallen into a deep slumber."
Aiden sighed. So even she has lost control.
"In that case, I accept your terms." He extended a hand.
Zhongli clasped it firmly.
At the end of the day, Aiden still benefited from this arrangement.
He despised some of the Fatui—like Dottore and Scaramouche. If given the opportunity, he would eliminate them without hesitation.
But the Cryo Archon…
Now that he understood her true intentions, his resentment toward her faded.
Even if she was resisting him now.
Besides, he'd heard rumors.
Apparently, the Cryo Archon was quite the beauty.
Guess I'll just have to be merciful and let her live.
Zhongli exhaled in relief. This new Heavenly Principles is surprisingly reasonable.
Recalling the legend of Phanes, the first god of Teyvat—who could crush demons with a mere gesture—Zhongli was glad Aiden was much easier to negotiate with.
"Aren't you worried that Keqing and Ningguang will figure out your true identity?" Aiden asked, amused.
Zhongli shook his head. "They assume I'm some unknown adeptus. Ningguang, in particular, believes that.
"I've lived under the name 'Zhongli' for over fifty years. I never made a true effort to conceal myself—it's just that most people never noticed."
He crossed his arms. "The two of them have nearly completed my assessment.
"Now, I need to see how they use this opportunity to develop Liyue… and who will try to stand in their way."
Aiden nodded. "And as Morax, you can't interfere directly."
"Correct." Zhongli's voice was steady. "But as an adeptus, I can provide them with confidence—alongside Ganyu's support.
"If I didn't, their attempts at reforming Liyue would likely fail."
Aiden smirked. "And what if they learn your martial arts through the chat group?"
Zhongli chuckled. "They're not elemental beings—they're human. Even if they downloaded my techniques and adeptal arts, their bodies wouldn't be able to handle them.
"But… if one day, they truly master these arts through the chat group, then that would be a good thing for Liyue."
"Since you don't mind, just upload them to the group," Aiden said with a helpless shrug.
"I was originally planning to develop and refine some of Liyue's martial arts techniques, then sell them in the group. That way, I could motivate people to earn more points."
Zhongli nodded approvingly. "That's a good idea. Keqing and Ningguang need proper motivation. If they can train their internal strength properly, it will help push Liyue's development forward."
Without hesitation, Zhongli sent all of his martial arts knowledge, elemental techniques, and energy manipulation theories directly to Aiden.
For ordinary mortals, it would be impossible to learn.
But for Aiden… Zhongli had no doubt he would master it.
Feeling the flood of knowledge in his mind, Aiden couldn't help but marvel.
Zhongli truly deserves the title of the God of War.
With these abilities, even in a battle against the Raiden Shogun, he could stand his ground.
Perhaps… even win.