Just as Taro charged into the seal,
A faint white light drifted out as well,
Flying straight toward Zhongli.
"Morax…"
A tiny voice whispered by his ear.
Zhongli's eyes narrowed, and a faint smile spread across his face.
"We meet again, old friend."
"Yes. But regrettably, though we meet, I do not have much time. Most of my strength has been seized by malice. What I can bring forth is far too little, but at least enough to temporarily patch the broken seal. Once I block the gap, you must immediately restore it completely.
Do not allow my true body to break free, else Liyue is doomed!"
Azhdaha's good will spoke anxiously.
He knew well what consequences his malice-ruled self could cause.
"Azhdaha, you need not worry."
While maintaining divine power output, Zhongli still looked calm.
"When you emerged, did you see the one who entered the seal?"
"That youth? …He is your chosen breaker? You deliberately opened a corner of the seal to awaken the body?"
Azhdaha's good will froze. He recalled the boy he brushed past just now.
At once he understood.
This shattering of the seal was no accident.
It was planned.
"Correct."
Zhongli nodded with a smile. "Taro-dono holds world-shaking might. Guizhong has already revived. I have stepped down from the seat of the Geo Archon. This time I came to Liyue… to live a retired life."
Whether Azhdaha believed it or not, Zhongli only gave this light explanation.
"Sigh… I fear I must be muddled already. Morax, can this truly succeed?
If Taro cannot be sure, you must not risk it."
Azhdaha's good will was still uneasy.
Perhaps he distrusted Zhongli, or perhaps he distrusted the outsider Taro.
"No need for concern. Taro-dono is not like the others."
Zhongli shook his head calmly, dispelling Azhdaha's suspicion.
"I believe you."
Azhdaha's good will did not argue.
He merely remained at Zhongli's side.
Among the many who trusted Morax, he was one of the firmest.
"Just wait a moment."
Zhongli nodded.
"Though afterward… the injuries may be severe."
"Then with our combined strength, for him—"
"I did not mean Taro."
Zhongli's interruption stunned Azhdaha's good will.
If not the other, then naturally… himself.
Absurd.
That one is an otherworldly being.
Then that was fine.
"May I ask… how large is the gap?"
"Hm. He won't die. At most he'll be missing a few things.
Yes, he will suffer greatly."
No—I will suffer greatly.
Azhdaha's good will was left speechless, but inside he felt a surge of excitement.
If he could regain clarity, freed from erosion, what were injuries?
As long as he survived.
He was an elemental creature. Lost parts would regrow in time.
"Two horns. A crown. Some scales and blood…"
Zhongli calmly finished his earlier words.
With each item spoken, Azhdaha grew more exasperated.
So this was the scheme.
Morax had promised his own "parts" as payment.
Did he think it wouldn't hurt?
"I will give him a Chilong avatar."
Ah.
Then it was fine.
At least he would not suffer alone.
Moments later, the tremors ceased.
"It is quiet below."
Azhdaha's good will spoke softly.
"That must mean Taro has prevailed."
Zhongli nodded, withdrawing his divine power from the array.
He turned and walked toward the inner seal.
"What now?"
"Wait."
Zhongli quickened his pace.
Within the seal.
As Zhongli and Azhdaha's good will entered the cavern,
The first sight before them:
Azhdaha's mountain-sized body, bound tight by golden chains.
The next moment,
They saw Taro hammer down and break both horns from Azhdaha's true body.
The colossal form twitched violently as the horns shattered.
Watching, Azhdaha's good will felt phantom pain pierce him.
Before he recovered,
He saw Taro yank off the crown from his head.
"Hiss—"
Azhdaha's good will drew in a sharp breath.
His heart went cold.
When he returned to consciousness later… how agonizing would it be?
Would he not roll in pain across the ground?
"Morax…"
"Hm?"
"I will beat you."
"You cannot. I am but a mortal now."
"Do not think to wash your hands of this. The one you should blame is Taro—his methods are indeed crude."
"…"
"Do you take me for a fool?
Would I dare provoke him?
That monster would strip me alive.
Where did you even find such a man?"
"No matter～"
Zhongli chuckled.
"Taro-dono is broad-minded and generous, easy to deal with."
Kind and easygoing?
Morax, you liar.
Turn your face here.
Touch your heart, and say again that I should believe you.
Never had he suffered so much.
Well—except for the seal.
That he had accepted willingly.
This, however…
(End of Chapter)
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