Minlin.
The atmosphere was a little quiet.
After all, this had been a death crisis serious enough to affect two nations.
Venti and Ei (Raiden Shogun) were relatively calm.
The crisis hadn't directly involved them.
But Zhongli and Mavuika — one had faced the Deity of Death head-on, and the other had been dragged into it out of sheer misfortune — both felt unsettled in their hearts.
For Zhongli, it was different. He had stood his ground to protect his people.
But for Mavuika, it had been pure bad luck.
"Everyone," Zhongli, as the host, was the first to speak.
"It has been quite a long time since we last met. Since fate has gathered us here, why don't we sit down for a small reunion?"
Ever since the Cataclysm five hundred years ago in Khaenri'ah, the gods had hardly seen one another.
Since they were all here, Zhongli thought it better to take the chance to gather.
"The old man's invitation is kind, and I appreciate it."
Mavuika chuckled lightly, though there was regret in her voice.
"Only… the timing couldn't be worse. Natlan's Flame of Return Night Festival begins tomorrow. As one of its central figures, I absolutely must be present."
If she hadn't sensed Ronova's deathly aura appearing in Liyue, she wouldn't have left her preparations behind to rush here tonight.
Fortunately, things hadn't ended in irreparable disaster.
Now, she could only hope this year's festival would proceed smoothly.
Even if trouble did arise, at least… at least let it wait until Natlan's crisis had passed.
After all, Ronova had been forced to swallow her pride tonight.
Sooner or later, that anger would need somewhere to vent.
"In that case, old man…"
Mavuika gave a warm smile.
"When my side is settled, let's arrange another time to meet."
"Understood."
Zhongli nodded slightly. "As for Natlan, it is not my place to interfere.
If today's gathering is cut short, so be it. Another time we shall meet — and then, I will personally host and prepare fine wine."
"Fine wine?" Mavuika's eyes lit up, the flames around her body flickering brighter.
"Then I'll look forward to it. Everyone — until next time, I take my leave."
With that, she turned into a streak of flame and shot into the sky, vanishing from sight.
"…Mavuika really is a busy one."
Venti let out a soft sigh.
Of the Seven Nations, Natlan's ley lines were the most unstable.
It was a matter of life and death for the whole nation — of course Mavuika was busy.
If he were in her place, he certainly wouldn't be so carefree either.
As they watched Mavuika depart, everyone's gaze turned toward the last "outsider" present — Taro.
In that moment, Zhongli and Venti both froze slightly.
They turned to look at Taro again, then at each other, eyes flicking back and forth as if confirming the same thought.
Gradually, a realization dawned on them.
The Electro Archon — Narukami Ogosho, the Almighty Shogun herself — seemed to have set her sights on Taro.
Yes… especially concerning resurrection.
Baal and Beelzebul, the Twin Gods of Thunder.
The elder sister was Raiden Makoto, the first Electro Archon.
The younger sister was Raiden Ei, the current Electro Archon.
The two were blood sisters.
Yet, in the Cataclysm five hundred years ago, Raiden Makoto had fallen in Khaenri'ah…
"Morax, when you revived the God of Dust, what was the price you had to pay?"
Ei's gaze lingered on Taro for a while, before turning toward Zhongli.
"…The price?"
Zhongli was silent for two seconds, then said slowly:
"Five complete Divine Authorities, one dragon body, the horn of Azhdaha…
And several artifacts infused with divine radiance."
Shogun blinked — and then froze.
All of the items he mentioned…
She had none of them.
As the Electro Archon, she held no interest in other Authorities.
Even if she had rivals, she would simply cut them down with her blade — she had never thought to collect such things.
In truth, she was poor.
The materials used to craft her first puppet body had mostly come from Yae Miko's support.
Her second puppet body — the one she now inhabited — had also required compromises.
Aside from her own Electro Authority, her late sister's sword "Musou Isshin," and a single blade that accompanied her into battle…
She had nothing left.
Just this puppet vessel.
Poor. Absolutely poor.
Where in the world was she supposed to find five complete Divine Authorities?
Or the horn of a Dragon King?
Maybe… maybe she could hand the Gnosis she entrusted to Yae Miko back?
That thing should be worth something, right?
And who knew what else Yae Miko had tucked away?
Perhaps it was time to ask.
"…Mr. Taro."
Resolving in her heart to bleed Yae Miko's purse dry, Shogun asked solemnly:
"My elder sister, Raiden Makoto, the former Electro Archon… what price would it take to bring her back?"
As expected.
The moment Shogun asked, both Zhongli and Venti sighed inwardly.
After witnessing Guizhong revived before her very eyes, how could Shogun not think of reviving her sister?
If she hadn't asked, that would've been the real surprise.
If everything went smoothly…
Then perhaps, yet another old friend would soon return.
As for the soft, hollow warning Ronova had muttered before leaving…
It was best to ignore it for now.
"…The price?"
Taro thought for a moment, then said calmly:
"Go back and think it through carefully. All I need is to see your sincerity."
"Zhongli, Venti, Azhdaha… and what I've just mentioned — these represent the greatest resources in this world."
What else was missing?
Other than Teyvat's World Tree, which he hadn't touched yet, the only thing above these resources lay in Celestia itself.
And he didn't expect Shogun to hand him anything on that level.
As long as she showed sincerity, that would be enough.
Besides, he was curious about Raiden Makoto.
If Ei's sincerity was proven, he was indeed willing to act.
"…Sincerity?"
Shogun nodded slightly. "Understood."
"I must return to Inazuma. Once I have gathered the materials, I will come again.
Until then, farewell."
Like lightning, she vanished instantly.
Clearly, she was in a hurry.
"Heh, Brother Taro, business is knocking on your door again."
Venti chuckled softly at his side.
"Thanks to that Deity just now, you've been given the perfect stage — and most of the trouble has already been swept away for you.
Really… what a good person."
With the Deity of Death personally serving as a test case, few high-level beings would dare provoke Taro now.
As for any lesser fools without foresight — Zhongli and the Adepti could easily deal with them.
All thanks to Ronova's "performance."
"…You little rascal."
Taro gave Venti a glare.
"Forget it. No sleep tonight — let's drink."
"Perfect! Old man, your treat!"
Venti grinned and looked at Zhongli.
"…"
Zhongli sighed, but conjured a stone table and chairs with a wave of his hand.
That was answer enough.
(End of Chapter)
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