The next morning, most of the faces around the room were flushed.
Not because of anything that had happened the night before—though Jiang Ning wouldn't have minded throwing a party.
But everyone was too shy. Aside from the ever-obedient Shenhe and the bold Kitsune Saiguu, the others could only handle being in pairs or trios at most.
A full-on group sleepover was still a bit too early for them.
So… Shenhe had been subdued by Jiang Ning early on.
As for Kitsune Saiguu? She bore the brunt of 90% of the "firepower."
By the time everyone else was up and washing, Kitsune Saiguu had just fallen asleep, completely unconscious. She kept hiccuping, and for some reason, her belly was slightly swollen.
Those who had already "crossed the line" had mostly gone to eavesdrop.
As for Raiden Ei and Havria, the former was still in her usual clueless state.
The latter, however, felt a bit left out and was somewhat unhappy.
Why didn't you invite me to the party?
But she also felt a bit relieved. Havria thought her first experience should be something more private.
Breakfast was eaten in an awkward atmosphere. Just as they finished, Collei arrived early, accompanied by Tighnari.
"Everyone, thank you so much for curing Collei of the demon god remnants…"
Tighnari spoke with utmost seriousness.
"As her master, I know how long she's suffered from this. So, I've come to express my gratitude."
"But please rest assured, she only told me about it, and I will keep it confidential."
Jiang Ning and the others were pleased with Tighnari and Collei's attitude.
So, Jiang Ning put down his bowl and chopsticks and said, "Should I take a look at her Eleazar too?"
Tighnari was taken aback. "Eleazar… With all due respect, it's been many years, and even many adepti have observed it. Eleazar doesn't seem like something that can be easily cured."
"At best, we can only suppress it. This widespread disease… to this day, no one knows how it originated or what causes it."
Jiang Ning spoke casually, "Actually, the cause of Eleazar is quite simple. At its core, it's a curse."
"A curse?" Tighnari was shocked.
Collei was also stunned. Eleazar was… a curse? This was the first time she'd heard of it.
"May I ask how you know this?"
Tighnari quickly inquired.
After all, this might be the key to finding a cure for Eleazar.
Jiang Ning said, "If you're hoping to cure Eleazar, don't get your hopes up. It's not that simple. The curse behind it is comparable to the corruption of the Abyss."
Jiang Ning spoke offhandedly. After all, not everyone had his abilities and constitution.
Hearing this, Collei's expression darkened again.
If even someone who could effortlessly remove the demon god remnants from her body said this…
"But I'm an exception. Across Teyvat, I'm probably the most qualified to handle this."
Jiang Ning's tone shifted dramatically, brimming with confidence.
"Really?" Collei's face lit up with hope.
Tighnari also looked at Jiang Ning expectantly.
Jiang Ning nodded. "Naturally. My ability isn't healing—it's purification. I can purify any negative state, and curses might just be one of them."
"So the demon god remnants were also…"
Jiang Ning nodded, confirming Tighnari's guess.
He decided to keep the absorption part to himself. After all, absorbing others' energy for his own benefit sounded a bit too villainous.
But purification? That sounded noble and holy, didn't it?
He wanted to wear the cloak of sanctity while doing things that benefited himself at others' expense.
Why? Because the thrill of being sneaky about it excited him.
"So? Want to give it a try?" Jiang Ning's palm began to glow.
"Collei, let this gentleman try," Tighnari urged.
"If it's true, then this is a great opportunity for you."
Even if it wasn't true, Tighnari felt there was no harm in trying. After all these years, if a young man claimed he could cure Eleazar, it was worth a shot.
Encouraged by her master's words and Jiang Ning's gentle gaze, Collei clenched her small fists and mustered her courage.
"I… I want to try."
Jiang Ning's smile widened. "You're very brave. I believe your courage will be rewarded."
With that, the light in Jiang Ning's palm expanded, filling the room and dispelling all shadows.
Tighnari had to close his eyes against the intense light.
A powerful aura filled the room, leaving him unable to move.
As for Collei? She felt something incredible, as if she had returned to her mother's embrace.
It was warm, comforting, and she felt something inside her slowly fading away.
After what felt like an eternity, the light gradually dissipated. Tighnari quickly checked on Collei.
Collei's complexion was now rosier, and her once-stiff limbs seemed to have softened.
"Could it be…?" Tighnari's heart was filled with disbelief.
"Collei?"
Tighnari called softly.
"Huh…? Master Tighnari?"
Collei blinked, as if waking from a dream.
"You scared me. How do you feel?"
Collei stood still for a moment, then, as if seeing something unbelievable, she frantically tore off the bandages on her arms.
The once horrifying, scaly skin was now smooth and flawless, even tender like a baby's.
Her body had never felt so light.
Looking at her arms and feeling the vitality within her, Collei's eyes welled up with tears.
Then, she burst into loud sobs.
Tighnari was caught completely off guard.
"What's wrong? What happened?"
Tighnari was flustered.
Jiang Ning stopped him. "Let her vent. Let's step outside."
Seeing Eula and the others rush to comfort Collei, Tighnari suppressed his concern and curiosity and followed Jiang Ning out.
Once they reached a secluded spot, Tighnari tentatively asked, "Your… Excellency? How is Collei's condition…?"
"It's done. As I said, it's essentially a curse, and it's on par with the Abyss. Purifying it was a piece of cake."
Jiang Ning also discovered, to his surprise, that the energy conversion rate from absorbing Eleazar was quite high—even higher than the Abyss.
Though he didn't know why, he realized this was another golden opportunity to power up.
So, Jiang Ning decided: Who else but me can save the world?
I'll just have to work a little harder.
Let my wives enjoy themselves.
As for me… I'm a man. What's a little hardship?
He conveniently forgot that he was the one who had initially avoided curing Collei in one go to avoid trouble.
Tighnari, once a prodigy of the Akademiya, still had a sharp mind despite no longer being involved in research.
From Jiang Ning's words, he deduced something shocking: this man might be capable of purifying the Abyss!
He quickly buried this thought deep in his mind.
This wasn't just any piece of information—it could be deadly if mishandled.
"I'll keep this confidential, Your Excellency," Tighnari said, bowing his head.
"Alright, let's check on Collei. She should be fine by now."
Jiang Ning said casually.
After all, he and his brother-in-law had already reached an understanding. There was no need to worry about his Abyss-purifying abilities being exposed.
At this point, the benefits of revealing it far outweighed the risks.
Moreover, Jiang Ning had gained a new element from this purification—Dendro.
This thing had great stamina. Jiang Ning felt his combat power had increased yet again.
When they returned to the room, Collei had stopped crying, though her eyes were still slightly red.
The others sat nearby, quietly comforting her.
When Collei saw Jiang Ning enter, she sniffled and stood up, bowing deeply.
"Thank you… If there's anything I can do for you in the future, I'll do it without hesitation."
Before Jiang Ning could respond, Kitsune Saiguu giggled and said, "As the saying goes, shouldn't saving a life be repaid with marriage?"
The moment she said this, Collei, who had been so serious, suddenly became flustered and shy.
"Saiguu!"
Jiang Ning scolded her.
The Lumine, with a straight face, began spouting nonsense, "You see, Collei isn't willing. And as the saying goes, if the savior is good-looking, it's 'I'll repay you with my body.' If not, it's 'I'll repay you in my next life as your ox or horse.' So, which one are you?"
Jiang Ning smirked coldly. "I don't know which one I am, but I do know some people are being too cheeky. Should I teach them a lesson? And Saiguu, did you just wake up? Is your brain not working properly?"
"Do you need me to give you something to help you sleep a little longer?"
Jiang Ning's words made the Lumine wilt, while Kitsune Saiguu's legs, hidden under her long dress, instinctively tightened.
Her cheeks flushed. Though she was awake, she still had no strength, and… she hadn't even eaten breakfast because she was still full.
Not to mention, her stomach still felt sore…
Better not push my luck.
Seeing the two of them cower, Jiang Ning grinned triumphantly.
Collei was confused, but Eula and Havria secretly cursed him.
This guy really had no filter. And… who threatens people like that?
However, Collei was still caught in a dilemma.
She stole a few glances at Jiang Ning, her heart racing.
He's so handsome, and so gentle… They say he's a god, incredibly powerful, and his methods are extraordinary…
He saved my life, but we've only met a few times. Wouldn't agreeing to something like that be too rash?
Then she noticed the beautiful women around Jiang Ning and felt a pang of insecurity.
They're all so stunning and have such great figures… I'm different. Though I'm confident in my looks, it's nothing compared to them.
Facing goddesses like Raiden Ei and Shenhe, Collei couldn't help but feel inferior.
Not to mention… their figures were simply too devastating.
Jiang Ning quickly said, "Uh, Saiguu was just joking. These two aren't fully awake yet, so don't mind them. You're Amber's friend, so you're my friend too. Helping a friend is only natural."
"But…" Collei was still hesitant.
Tighnari patted her shoulder. "It's fine. Since he's said so, just keep it in your heart…"
After all, in Tighnari's opinion, Collei's abilities were likely insignificant to someone like Jiang Ning.
So, she could only do what she could.
Collei nodded silently, but a sense of loss welled up inside her.
Jiang Ning asked, "Collei, we're planning to go to Sumeru City next. Can you guide us? Or are there any fun places in Sumeru you'd recommend?"
Collei perked up immediately. "I'll be your guide!"
But then she glanced nervously at Tighnari. "Master, is that okay?"
Tighnari nodded. "Of course. Take this time to relax. We'll handle the forest patrols."
This child had suffered for so many years. It was time for her to enjoy life like a normal girl.
"Yay! Thank you, Master!"
Eula smiled at Collei. "When Amber gets some time off, you can visit Mondstadt. We won't tell her about your recovery—you can surprise her yourself."
Collei nodded vigorously. "Okay, I will!"
For the rest of the morning, they chatted and laughed, learning more about Sumeru from Tighnari and Collei.
By the time the sun was high in the sky, Tighnari excused himself to attend to his duties.
Collei hurried back to pack, ready to take her role as a guide seriously.
When the room was filled with just their group, Kitsune Saiguu's smile faded.
"Did you catch that?"
Jiang Ning nodded. "It seems there are undercurrents in Sumeru…"
Havria added, "Tighnari seemed worried beneath his calm demeanor… And I've heard that the current Dendro Archon, the Lesser Lord Kusanali, hasn't been seen in 500 years?"
"Even now, most people still worship Buer…"
Raiden Ei frowned. This didn't make sense. Buer was the previous Dendro Archon, the God of the Woods, who had long since passed. Why… did the people still worship her?
Didn't the current Lesser Lord Kusanali mind?
Not every god was like her and her sister, twin gods.
And during the previous Archon gatherings, the God of the Woods had attended alone…
It was all very puzzling.