Genshin Impact: I, the Winter Prince, reign supreme.

"However, according to the intelligence we have, Wanyan and the others found some clues in the diaries left by their ancestors. Those clues clearly indicate that the Salt Demon God Heuria was stabbed to death by her own people. Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing deduced that Wanyan and the others wanted to pin all the blame for killing the Salt Demon God Heuria on the Emperor."

Upon hearing this, Zhongli's expression turned rather unpleasant.

Previously, Su Yu had helped him analyze Wan Yan's true thoughts, but he did not agree with Su Yu's statement. Now, the facts are in front of him, proving that Prince Zhi Dong's judgment was correct.

This Prince Zhidong is even more powerful than rumored!

"Go back and tell Ningguang not to arrest any of Wanyan or any of the survivors of Heuria. I believe most of them are being deceived, and the truth will come to light once the seal on the Salt of the Earth is broken. Also, tell her that the Emperor values ​​persuasion through reason, and she must never forget the Emperor's teachings."

"Understood, Mr. Zhongli."

After paying, Bai Shi quickly returned to report, carrying the Lock of the Mortal World.

The proprietress, Ji Fang, then led Su Yu and Zhong Li to a private tea room before discreetly leaving.

After closing the door, Zhongli immediately asked, "Your Highness, in your opinion, Wanyan and the others dared to frame me even knowing the truth. Aren't they worried that I would be angry?"

"It just means they've seen right through you."

"Did they guess that I wouldn't be ruthless towards them?"

"The people who know you best, besides those immortals, are only the Seven Stars and Eight Gates of Liyue. For so many years, you have been indifferent to worldly affairs, only announcing the business direction for the coming year at the annual immortal summoning ceremony. Over time, those who know you well will think that you don't care about anything. In other words, in Wanyan's eyes, you are still supreme, but you never care about these trivial matters of the mortal world. They respect you, but they don't revere you."

Zhongli paced back and forth, greatly inspired.

"Sigh, it makes sense. The Salt Demon God Heuria was murdered by her own people whom she knew best. The closer and more trusted someone is, the more likely they are to commit crimes and harm the country. They dare to do this even while I am still in power. If I were to step down as Emperor, wouldn't Liyue be turned upside down by them? Does Your Highness have a solution that can be resolved once and for all?"

"The fundamental solution lies in building a legal system, allowing the people to supervise the Liyue Seven Stars and the Eight Gates..."

Zhong Li was greatly impressed after listening to Su Yu's explanation of the most advanced national management experience.

“Prince Winter, I would like to invite you, as a friend, to serve as the Regent of Liyue. Your power and status will be equal to mine, and you will be able to directly manage Liyue and command the Seven Stars and Eight Gates on my behalf.”

Zhongli's attitude was extremely sincere and serious, and he didn't seem to be joking at all.

He wanted to invite Su Yu to help him govern Liyue.

"I'm afraid that's not appropriate. After all, I'm not from Liyue. Besides, I came to Liyue for the Heart of the Geo Archon. Once I complete the task assigned by Her Majesty the Queen, I will leave Liyue for the next kingdom."

“Liyue has a long tradition of selecting the virtuous and capable. The positions in the Seven Stars and Eight Gates only focus on ability, regardless of nationality or origin. Even if you are the Prince of Winter, as long as I issue an edict, the people of Liyue will abide by the contract.”

At this point, Zhongli's expression suddenly turned serious.

"I made a pact with the Ice Queen many years ago, so the Heart of the Geo Archon should naturally be given to her. But I've always had a concern: can the Ice Queen manage the continent of Teyvat after overthrowing Sky Isles?"

"Overthrowing Sky Island may be easy, but rebuilding a new world order will be incredibly difficult. I'm not sure if the 'pure white kingdom' that the Ice Queen speaks of will be better than the Teyvat continent as it is now."

"Until today, with your appearance and the thought of you assisting her, my confidence in her has increased somewhat. Therefore, you still need to prove to me that your abilities are sufficient to rebuild the post-war Teyvat continent. So, I entrust Liyue to you to conduct an experiment."

“Prince Zhidong, your wisdom and vision are no less than mine, and you should understand what I mean by what I am saying today.”

Chapter 67 Time Waits for No One

Zhongli said so much, but what he really meant was that he lacked confidence in the Ice Queen.

In particular, there was a severe lack of confidence regarding postwar reconstruction.

After overthrowing the laws of nature, whether the Ice Queen has the ability to re-establish a new world order is a key consideration for Zhongli.

It must be said that compared to Barbatos and Raymond Cinema, Zhong Li's approach to problems is much more far-sighted.

The Mora, formed from his flesh and blood and guaranteed by the reputation of the Rock King, became the currency circulating in Teyvat, further proof of his great foresight.

However, while being farsighted, he overlooked the personality of Su Yu, the Prince of Winter.

Su Yu never needs to prove anything to anyone.

Rather than saying it was to assist the Ice Queen in fighting against the laws of nature, it would be more accurate to say that he himself wanted to overthrow the laws of nature.

Therefore, no one has the right to demand anything of him.

“Morac, you may not understand the situation. Now, I am asking you for the Heart of God, not the Ice Queen.”

Su Yu's eyes narrowed, and he said coldly.

“I have signed a contract with the Ice Queen, and my bargaining chip is the Heart of the Rock God. Since you are here on her behalf to retrieve it, you would have better cooperate with my demands and assume the position of Regent.”

Zhongli frankly revealed his purpose.

"I ask you to serve as regent for two reasons: first, to help me reform Liyue, eliminate old malpractices, establish new policies, and enhance Liyue's overall strength; second, to prove to me that you have the ability to govern a country on your own, so that I will support you until winter."

“Defying the laws of nature is no small matter. If I make a wrong decision, it could implicate the people of Liyue. I hope that while you are working for the benefit of Winter, you can also consider things from my perspective. Winter is already in a precarious situation, but the other six nations still have room to maneuver.”

Friends are friends, but when it comes to Liyue's interests, he must stand up for what is right, even if it means abandoning the demeanor of the Geo Archon.

Su Yu asked, "Are you scared, Morax?"

“I fear that because of my wrong decision, Liyue will be destroyed, and the happiness of countless people will be lost. If you can fully prove to me that you have the ability to govern the continent of Teyvat now and in the future, then I, Morax, will swear in the name of the Geo Archon to help you with all my might, even if it means my death.”

However, before that, Zhongli was unwilling to gamble with the fate of Liyue and his own life.

If Su Yu can gain his trust, he will be the most powerful ally to overturn the divine throne high in the heavens during the winter.

"Morax, Winter doesn't ask anyone for help."

Su Yu took out the coin from an ancient civilization that Ji Fang had given him.

"Before the Year of Burial Fire, in the era of the Ritual Crown, when human civilization was incredibly prosperous, the three eras of fire sacrifice, ice sacrifice, and thunder sacrifice continued to cycle, and civilization rose and fell in the cycle. These were the sacred rules set by the original creation, and all those who violated them, whether human or demon god, ultimately suffered a terrible fate."

"The world is kept in the dark, like frogs in a well, while you, the rulers of this mortal realm, have glimpsed part of the truth, yet you have collectively chosen silence. The Empress is merely seeking revenge, while I am seeking to break the cruel cycle of fate in this world! If Zhi Dong fails, and I am defeated, the other six kingdoms will absolutely not be able to escape unscathed; they will all be buried with Zhi Dong. The principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' needs no further explanation from me."

Zhongli avoided his gaze and looked out the window, her expression complex.

Prince Zhidong's profound thoughts, grand vision, and lofty ambitions far surpassed those of the Seven Gods.

"The Ice Emperor even told you these secrets; the relationship between you two is truly intriguing. But Prince Winter, knowing this secret is nothing to be proud of; it is the heaviest curse in the world."

“Furthermore, we seven gods have only glimpsed part of the truth.” Morax sighed again. “Even you cannot deny that the history we have seen may not be true. The secrets of ancient times are hidden in the dark fog of time, and it will take time to unravel them.”

Su Yu said resolutely, "Time waits for no one."

"I admire your determination and will, but my contract with the Ice Emperor has already been made."

"The contract is hereby cancelled."

"Contracts cannot be broken."

Negotiations have reached this point, and neither side is willing to compromise.

When reasoning fails, people often resort to comparing who has the bigger fist.

The ice and rock elemental energies emanating from the two began to clash.

In Su Yu's perception, Zhongli was like a thick city wall, connected to the earth, indestructible and unshakeable.

Zhongli truly deserves the title of "God of War," as his combat strength ranks him among the top three of the Seven Gods.

In Zhongli's eyes, a colossal frost dragon, its crimson pupils radiating a destructive light, coiled in the void behind Su Yu, seemingly indestructible.

If Zhongli is the strongest shield in the world, then Su Yu must be the sharpest spear. One represents the ultimate protection, and the other represents the ultimate destruction. Neither of them has an absolute guarantee of victory.

At this moment, the entire city of Liyue trembled slightly, and the people thought that a small earthquake had occurred.

The brief probing ended, with both sides stopping short of a full discussion.

Zhongli was the first to withdraw his elemental power. His opponent was unfathomable, and he would eventually have to resolve the conflict through friendly negotiation.

"Prince Zhidong, do you have sufficient reasons to abolish the contract?"

"The contract was unfair to begin with, so why bother to abide by it..."

It turns out that the Ice Queen once signed a contract with the Rock King that would end everything.

The contract states that the Rock King will voluntarily relinquish the Heart of the Rock God, and the Ice Queen will terminate it if necessary.

The Emperor is the embodiment of all contracts; the so-called "contract that ends all contracts" means this.

“Morac, you know one thing very well: wear and tear is inevitable. The stronger you are, the greater the damage will be once you are worn down.”

"You've always worried that one day you'll be worn down by the laws of nature like your friend, the Dragon King Ruoduo. You're worried that after losing your memory, going mad, and losing control, you'll destroy Liyue with your own hands, and even threaten the safety of the Seven Kingdoms. The more beautiful Liyue is, the more painful it will be when you destroy it with your own hands. That's why you hope that the Ice Queen will end your life when necessary."

"Right now, the Dragon King of Rota is severely worn down and is no longer at its peak. If you lose control, it will be unable to stop you. Among the Seven Gods, the only one who can rival you, has the ability to kill you, and whom you trust the most is the Ice Queen. That is why you were forced to sign a contract with the Ice Queen."

Zhongli lowered his head and drank his tea, tacitly agreeing to the matter.

Su Yu continued, "But I have already spoken about the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.' Breaking the cycle of fate is not just a matter for the Winter Kingdom alone. Handing over your divine hearts to cooperate with the Ice Queen in overthrowing the laws of heaven is the inescapable responsibility and obligation of the other six gods."

"Therefore, it is unfair to the Ice Queen to use the Heart of God as a bargaining chip in the contract between the two parties. You have no choice regarding the Heart of God."

"The Heart of the Rock God is something you were supposed to hand over."

Chapter 68 Contract Void

After Su Yu explained his reasons, Zhong Li remained silent.

Clearly, they were still unwilling to give up the contract they had previously signed with the Ice Queen.

Su Yu then said, "Morax, you once went to the end with the God of Dust and secretly conducted an experiment on the fate of heaven and earth in Liyue. Using Qingyun Peak as the sky, Taishan Mansion as the earth, and the Cave Heaven as the cage, you simulated the fate of a small world."

Zhongli's expression changed visibly, and he was extremely surprised.

This past event is the biggest secret between him and the Demon God of Dust.

Gui Zhong once conducted some research based on mechanical arts and combined it with Yin-Yang techniques. Later, he realized that this research was too dangerous and might involve taboo knowledge, so he stopped it in time.

It's astonishing that the prince who was in charge of winter knew about this past event; the way he obtained information was truly baffling.

“I know that you also harbor a desire to overthrow the laws of nature, but you are hesitant to act easily for the sake of the people of Liyue. When you learned that the Ice Queen wanted to overthrow the laws of nature, you took advantage of the situation and signed a contract with her. The Ice Queen was eager to push the plan forward, which is why she agreed to your terms.”

"But since I am here on her behalf, I hereby formally declare that from this moment forward, the previous unfair contract is null and void!"

If Zhongli remains stubborn, Su Yu still has many ways to make him hand over the Heart of God.

Not long after, Zhongli replied: "I agree to abolish the contract with the Ice Queen, and I will not force you to become the regent of Liyue."

"But it's not so easy for me to willingly relinquish my divine heart. There's only one chance to overthrow the laws of nature. I've always lacked faith in you, Zhidong. If you can't prove your abilities to me and dispel my concerns, you won't gain my support. The laws of nature are supreme; it's meaningless to go and die in vain."

Zhongli stood with his hands behind his back, walked to the open window, and gazed at the mountains, rivers, and cloud-shrouded secret realm of Liyue.

"In my entire life, I have never been defeated. Prince Winter, if you are unwilling to prove your abilities to me, then hand over the Heart of the Ice God, and I will challenge the laws of nature!"

Zhongli was, after all, a victor who fought his way out of the war between demons and gods. He not only had the ambition of a hero, but also the pride of a strongman.

Su Yu doesn't need to prove anything, and Zhong Li won't place Li Yue's hopes on anyone else unless someone can prove they are stronger than him.