Now, with over two hundred dragon riders, the full extent of their power was truly unpredictable.
Honestly, flying over Liyue Harbor was generally prohibited—even for Archons or Adepti.
Yet, with the speed of the dragons, they could cross the entire harbor in the blink of an eye.
But Ningguang had given special instructions in secret.
The first appearance of the Dragon Cavalry in Teyvat had to be in Liyue Harbor.
It was to make the people of Liyue realize that the city's trump card was limitless.
That Liyue hid such a formidable weapon.
The people of Liyue already had strong national pride, but clearly, Ningguang didn't mind showing even more.
She wanted to tell all of Liyue: no one could bully them.
No one could defy Liyue's will.
Liyue had the strength to uphold human governance, and the confidence to stand at the pinnacle of Teyvat.
It was like an impromptu military parade.
The patrolling Qianyan Army on the ground looked up at the dragons above, their blood boiling.
One by one, they stiffened and saluted with solemn expressions.
This was Liyue's most powerful force, the army every Qianyan soldier dreamed of joining.
If it weren't for their duties, they would have run after the Dragon Cavalry just like the ordinary citizens.
After flying for four or five minutes, the Dragon Cavalry finally left Liyue Harbor.
Lumine glanced back at the newly rebuilt port, crowded with people.
Everyone waved at them.
In Liyue's 3,700-plus-year history, it seemed the city had regained its youthful vitality.
"Looks like, on the way, we helped Ningguang complete a military parade," Yae Miko teased with a smile.
Makoto shook her head silently, saying nothing.
Honestly, she felt Ningguang had been very patient.
Just to showcase over two hundred dragons—if they were in Inazuma, even a dozen dragons would be enough to boost the morale of the people.
Once they had fully left the harbor, the dragon flock suddenly increased speed.
The clouds in the sky instantly cleared, leaving only a vast ocean of air surging toward Inazuma.
Liyue Harbor, quiet for so long, was stirred into excitement once again.
The Qianyan soldiers, who had just controlled their excitement, now realized that they were completely surrounded by Liyue citizens.
Adults and children alike eagerly asked them questions about the Dragon Cavalry:
How can one join?
When was this formed?
Where do I apply?
But these were questions they themselves wanted to know as well!
How do you join?
Even if you do, it's still just one of the four main divisions, right?
Selecting members for the Dragon Cavalry wasn't something the General Affairs Department could handle.
Even the Qianyan Army soldiers currently on the roster were all aspiring to join the Dragon Cavalry.
Sweating profusely while attending to the surrounding Liyue citizens, their excitement lasted for a long, long time.
Far below at the foot of Tianheng Mountain, Xiao and the others could hear the commotion from Liyue Harbor.
Ryen poked Ningguang's cheek and laughed:
"Your little plan is impressive—on top of everything, you even got Makoto and the others to boost Liyue's confidence."
Ningguang raised her head with a hint of pride.
"Does Liyue need its confidence boosted?"
"I just wanted the people of Liyue to realize that we have many trump cards. In human-governed Liyue, there's strength beyond anyone's imagination.
As citizens of Liyue, they should live in Teyvat with their chests out, proud and unafraid!"
Zhongli, chatting with Azhdaha nearby, naturally heard this and smiled slightly, his gaze showing a touch of satisfaction.
"Old friend… you're smiling?"
Azhdaha looked at Zhongli in surprise.
This was the stone man who hadn't shown an expression in over eight hundred years!
Smiling?
Truly rare!
Zhongli didn't deny it, simply nodded slightly and whispered:
"I thought of something that makes me happy…"
Curious, Azhdaha tilted his head and asked softly:
"Because of the Dragon Cavalry's strength?"
Zhongli shook his head. After a brief pause, he said softly:
"Because Liyue… my children have grown up."
…
On this day in Liyue,
it was as if the city had returned to the joyful days of victory after the Archon War.
Drums and gongs echoed through the streets and alleys, lanterns and decorations filled the city, like the Lantern Rite Festival.
Major restaurants had applied to set up banquet tables along the main streets.
The steady Liyue citizens sang and danced with joy.
Children ran carefree, shouting, "I am a Dragon Knight!"
The elderly watched the bustling Liyue Harbor with warm smiles, occasionally wiping away tears.
Liyue…
had truly grown up.
~~----------------------
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