After briefly discussing the current situation in Sumeru, everyone quickly put it out of their minds.
In a way, they all shared Raiden Ei's way of thinking.
Since their side's strength had already reached a certain level, there was no need to worry too much about conspiracies.
As Raiden Ei put it, if anyone dared to cause trouble, she'd just cut them down.
As they set out, the forests of Sumeru were filled with all sorts of strange and fascinating things.
Pigs with mushrooms growing on their backs were a common sight.
They even tried some—it was delicious, with the meat carrying the umami flavor of mushrooms.
The Yaks were also tender, perhaps because they were often used to carry goods.
To Jiang Ning, it tasted like beef.
There were also Sumeru Roses, Spice Berries…
In short, the first half of their journey through Sumeru was highly satisfying.
Collei, too, showed a genuine smile for the first time in a long while.
After spending time with everyone, she realized how approachable they were and let go of her initial fear, treating them like friends.
"There's something up ahead…"
As they reached a small waterfall, Raiden Ei quietly approached Jiang Ning and whispered.
Jiang Ning nodded slightly. "I can feel it… It's nothing serious. I'm more worried about the Lumine. That girl ran off again."
Although the Lumine had initially planned to stick with the group, she had spotted a girl with an axe being surrounded by Fungi and decided to go off on her own after informing Jiang Ning.
In gaming terms, it was like she'd seen an NPC with an exclamation mark over their head—a side quest had triggered.
Jiang Ning found it a bit odd. The main quest hadn't even started yet, and here she was, diving into side quests.
But he didn't dwell on it and let her go.
Of course, to ensure the Lumine's safety, Jiang Ning had planned to set up some safeguards.
But then he noticed the Abyss Lector, Enjou, lurking in the shadows, along with some Abyss Mages. Jiang Ning immediately understood.
Enjou bowed to him, so it seemed the Lumine and her brother had reconciled after their last meeting.
Aether had even sent people to protect his sister.
Well, adventuring was one thing, but he couldn't let his little sister risk her life.
Girls should be pampered and well-protected.
It seemed Aether had finally come to his senses.
Of course, this didn't change Jiang Ning's stance. The next time he saw Aether, he'd still punch his lights out.
"Collei, there's something up ahead that feels like a cluster of Eleazar energy… It's shaped like a Ley Line Blossom. Do you know what that is?"
"Oh, and it's emitting a sinister aura. The surrounding plants and environment are severely damaged."
Hearing this, Collei's expression turned serious.
"That sounds like… a Withering Zone."
"A Withering Zone?"
Everyone was curious.
"Yes, Withering Zones seem to be unique to Sumeru. I'm not entirely sure what they are, but they cause significant damage to Sumeru's environment and its people."
"One of the Forest Rangers' duties, aside from patrolling and helping travelers in trouble, is to clear Withering Zones… though it often comes with casualties."
Jiang Ning said, "Sounds like the remnants of fallen gods in Liyue or the Tatarigami in Inazuma…"
"Let's go check it out. Consider it a little exercise during our trip… What do you all think?"
Jiang Ning looked around.
Everyone was curious.
Collei quickly interjected, "These zones are very dangerous. A single misstep could lead to disaster. Everyone should be cautious… Or, I can go back and inform Master Tighnari to send Forest Rangers. Carelessness could lead to contracting Eleazar."
Jiang Ning gave Collei a strange look. "Collei, think about what you're saying…"
Collei paused, then remembered—the person in front of her could purify Eleazar and was a god…
What's a mere Withering Zone to him?
Realizing she'd said something foolish, Collei's cheeks turned red.
"Then… I'll lead the way…"
Collei said.
Jiang Ning gave Raiden Ei a look.
Raiden Ei was confused, but Kitsune Saiguu sighed and grabbed Collei by the collar, placing her in the middle of the group.
"You stay in the back. You're the weakest here. If something happens while you're leading, we'll have to save you."
Collei lowered her head, embarrassed. "Okay…"
The Withering Zone was like a cluster of sinister energy, resembling a flower.
But this blooming flower radiated malevolence. As they approached, Collei, being the weakest, already felt dizzy.
Eula's breathing also became labored.
But seeing how unaffected everyone else was, Eula couldn't help but feel a bit disheartened.
When we get back, I need to train harder… And Jiang Ning has that dual cultivation ability, right…?
Eula felt she needed to let go of some of her reserve.
I can't always be the weakest, can I?
Oh wait, Keqing and I are about the same level… But I joined before Keqing.
I've spent more time cultivating with Jiang Ning. There's no reason to feel proud.
As for Ningguang…
She's the head of the household, in charge of logistics. Comparing myself to her…
Eula Lawrence, have you really fallen this far?
Completely unaware that Eula had set her sights on him again, Jiang Ning calmly said, "Everyone, be careful…"
"Didn't you say this thing was easy to deal with? Why are you telling us to be careful now?"
"Well, the atmosphere called for it…"
Kitsune Saiguu rolled her eyes. "Stop messing around. Let's finish this quickly…"
Jiang Ning nodded and waved his hand, releasing a wave of purification energy that instantly cleansed the Withering Zone.
At the same time, he absorbed its energy.
Ah, such pure energy… This is a big boost.
If we find a few more Withering Zones, Guizhong might wake up soon.
[Boss, what's that thing you just absorbed? It seems like your performance points shot up.]
Ai-chan's voice rang out.
Jiang Ning was startled. "Is this thing useful?"
[Yes. I estimate that if you absorb seven or eight more of these, your purification and absorption abilities might merge into a new Authority…]
"A new Authority? I wonder what it'll be…"
Jiang Ning was both curious and excited.
Previously, his only Authority over souls came from the Soul-Calming Secret Art.
Strictly speaking, that was the only thing he'd created through mutation. The Authorities he'd gained from his master, the Anemo Archon, and the Electro Archon were essentially absorbed.
Now, he was about to gain something entirely his own!
[Well, Boss, it's not an Authority… it's a Dominion.]
"What's the difference?"
Jiang Ning asked quickly.
[To put it simply, Authorities belong to the gods of Teyvat, while Dominions belong to Celestia… Of course, the ancient elemental dragons' so-called Dominions are still within the scope of Authorities. Or, to put it another way, if you can absorb seven or eight more of these, you'll likely gain either the Authority of Corruption or the Authority of Binding.]
Jiang Ning fell silent, then was overcome with joy.
The powers of a Herrscher… In Teyvat, even the Heavenly Principles would be sweating bullets.
This is a game-changer.
If I gain this Dominion, I'll be unstoppable!
The others noticed Jiang Ning's silence and the strange expression on his face. Collei asked worriedly, "Are… are you okay?"
Jiang Ning grabbed Collei's hand and said sincerely, "Collei, you're truly my lucky star."
"Huh? What?"
Collei felt the warmth of Jiang Ning's hand and blushed.
"This thing is amazing. Are there more of them? Preferably seven or eight."
Jiang Ning continued.
"You think these grow on trees? Seven or eight… Are they really that useful?"
Eula asked curiously.
Jiang Ning said, "Yes. I can feel that if I absorb more of these, I might become even stronger than… that."
He subtly pointed upward, and Eula and the others immediately understood. After spending so much time with Zhongli and Havria, they'd learned many secrets.
Like the existence of Celestia and the supreme being of Teyvat.
Now, Jiang Ning was saying he might reach that level… Everyone was thrilled.
Raiden Ei, however, was having an existential crisis.
How is this fair? Why is Jiang Ning's strength growing so fast?
The first time we met, we were evenly matched, and I had a slight edge.
Then, when I came to Liyue, I realized I was no longer his match…
I've been training hard to catch up, but Jiang Ning…
Now he's about to rival the Heavenly Principles?
Raiden Ei felt a wave of helplessness, followed by exhaustion.
I'm done. Just end me.
Bro, are you even playing fair?
Jiang Ning: Lol, I've never played fair.
The group exchanged glances, and Havria slowly spoke up, "Then, for now, let's postpone our trip to Sumeru City… Let's explore the wilderness first and find as many of these as we can."
"Agreed."
"No problem."
The motion passed unanimously.
Huh? What? What's going on?
Collei was confused but deeply impressed.
Most people would cover their ears at the mention of Withering Zones, afraid of contracting Eleazar.
But these people were actively seeking them out?
Realizing how powerful they were, Collei reminded herself to get used to it…
…
Despite splitting up and searching all day, they only found two more Withering Zones.
And that was after covering nearly a third of the rainforest.
Don't doubt it.
Though Sumeru is vast, these people moved quickly.
Moreover, these zones weren't hard to find—just look for areas with a sinister aura or where the ecosystem had abruptly collapsed.
Still, it was a fruitful day.
At the very least… Guizhong might wake up at any moment.
And they'd also accidentally destroyed several of the Doctor's labs.
Jiang Ning was shocked. Wow, Sumeru is even crazier than Mondstadt.
So many labs…
But with Guizhong on the verge of waking, they decided to call it a day.
Under Collei's guidance, they arrived at a place that resembled a grand palace.
"This is…"
The sight of the opulent, extravagant "palace" stretching across the mountains left even Raiden Ei in awe.
Due to Inazuma's isolation, Tenshukaku couldn't compare to this level of grandeur.
In fact, this place rivaled the current Jade Chamber.
"This is the Palace of Alcazarzaray, the residence of Dori Sangonomiya, Sumeru's greatest merchant."
Collei explained.
"They also provide lodging for travelers, though… the prices are steep. And it's not in the palace itself, but in a small courtyard nearby."
Dori's personal residence wasn't open to just anyone.
Collei felt a bit awkward.
She'd heard from Master Tighnari that this Sangemah Dori was a formidable figure.
No matter how rare the material, she could procure it.
But the prices… would make anyone wince.
Some in Sumeru respected her greatly, while those who'd been scammed cursed her as a swindler.
"I've heard Lady Ningguang mention her. She has close business ties with this merchant… and apparently, this merchant greatly admires Lady Ningguang."
Jiang Ning said.
"The Tianquan?" Collei's eyes widened. "That's true. Sangemah Dori does hold Lady Ningguang in high regard. Both are women who started from nothing, but Lady Ningguang's achievements far surpass hers."
In many ways, Ningguang's story and status were the ultimate inspiration for female merchants.
And Ningguang was still young.
Collei said, "If you know Lady Ningguang, you might not get scammed here."
"Let's hurry then. After a whole day of walking, I'm exhausted…"
Kitsune Saiguu stretched and said.
As they approached the Palace of Alcazarzaray, a few attendants stood guard at the entrance. Seeing such a large group, they were momentarily stunned but quickly put on professional smiles and approached.
"Travelers, are you here for lodging? Please follow me."
Jiang Ning asked, "Is Dori here?"
"The Lady is currently occupied and not at home."
Jiang Ning thought for a moment, then took out something Ningguang had given him.
"We're from Liyue. This is a letter of introduction from the Tianquan…"
The moment he presented it, the attendant's expression turned serious.