Zhongli, known as the Geo Archon Morax, faked his death primarily to test the resilience of Liyue and its people, allowing them to transition into a new era of full independence from divine influence. He believed that Liyue had matured enough to manage its own affairs without constant celestial guidance.
The Rationale Behind the Ruse
After millennia of guiding Liyue, Zhongli recognized the necessity for humanity to assert its own capabilities and forge its destiny. His decision to orchestrate his own demise during the Rite of Parting was a calculated move designed to:
- Assess Liyue's Self-Sufficiency: He wanted to observe if Liyue, a nation he had painstakingly built and protected, could truly stand on its own when faced with a crisis—the sudden absence of its foundational deity.
- Foster Human Governance: By stepping down, he aimed to empower the people of Liyue to take full responsibility for their nation's future, relying on their wisdom, contracts, and collective strength rather than divine intervention.
- Prove Their Capability: Zhongli strongly suspected that Liyue's people were capable of achieving this independence. His "death" was the ultimate test to validate this belief and allow them to prove it to themselves and the world.
Transitioning to a New Era
This strategic withdrawal was not an act of abandonment but a final lesson and a rite of passage for Liyue. It marked a pivotal moment where the nation was compelled to adapt and evolve, moving from an age of gods to an age driven by human effort and ingenuity. The perceived threat of a leaderless Liyue after Morax's "demise" forced its citizens and leaders, such as the Liyue Qixing, to rally, demonstrating their true capacity for self-governance and resilience.
Key Aspects of Zhongli's Objective
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal | To test the inherent resilience and capability of Liyue's people. |
| Desired Outcome | For Liyue to become fully independent, no longer requiring divine interference for its governance and protection. |
| Underlying Belief | His strong conviction that the people of Liyue were already capable of self-reliance and managing their own future. |
| Method | Faking his death as the Geo Archon, Morax, initiating a crisis that necessitated human-led solutions and solidified new contracts. |
Through this elaborate deception, Zhongli ensured that Liyue's continued prosperity would be a testament to its people's strength and their adherence to contracts, rather than perpetual divine oversight.
