She knew his proficiency with mechanisms. Though they'd only exchanged knowledge for half a day, he'd effortlessly answered every question she posed, proving his expertise surpassed hers.
So how could he not know how to operate something so simple?
Though impulsive by nature, Cloud Retainer was sharp.
After a moment's thought, she grasped his intention.
She'd joined tonight's visit to Mt. Hulao on a whim, unaware of the trio's true purpose. She'd assumed they were merely checking the seal's integrity at Morax's request.
Thus, she'd come empty-handed.
Even if she'd known beforehand, she wouldn't have believed Xia Zhi could restore sanity to the long-maddened Dragon King.
After all, she wasn't Shenhe—her understanding of Xia Zhi was far from deep.
Now, she felt awkward.
Even an outsider like Xia Zhi had brought a gift, while she, who'd grown up under Azhdaha's care, arrived with nothing. Though the Dragon King wouldn't mind, it still felt improper.
So, Xia Zhi had deliberately credited her—claiming she'd told him about the osmanthus cakes and reminded him to bring the tea set—to make it seem like she hadn't been thoughtless...
Realizing this, Cloud Retainer felt a sudden strong feeling of gratitude toward Xia Zhi.
"Very well, I'll handle it."
She stood, took the teapot, and began preparing the tea.
The mechanism was simple: she'd embedded a Pyro-infused ore at the base, regulated by Adepti Sigils to control the temperature.
The principle was the same as her automatic rice cooker.
But to outsiders, it appeared ingeniously crafted.
Soon, steam rose from the spout.
The water was ready.
Cloud Retainer rinsed the cups, accepted the tea leaves from Xia Ci, and brewed tea for everyone.
Azhdaha lifted his cup, took a sip, and sighed contentedly.
"It's been so long since I last enjoyed tea like this."
The taste was oddly familiar—just like the strong tea flavor he'd noticed upon regaining consciousness earlier.
"This tea..."
"It's called Silver Dew. It has the unique effect of restoring memories. We used it earlier to help you regain your senses."
"I see... Truly remarkable."
"Dragon King, try the osmanthus cakes I made."
"Gladly."
Azhdaha picked up a cake with delicate care.
The pastry was so tender that despite his gentleness, crumbs still slipped from his fingers.
The moment it touched his tongue, it dissolved into a burst of osmanthus fragrance.
Azhdaha's eyes lit up. "Delicious."
He adored osmanthus cakes.
In the past, he'd often wandered the mortal realm with Morax, sampling countless versions, but none compared to this.
The ones from his memories paled in comparison.
"Mr. Xia, your culinary skills are extraordinary!"
"You flatter me, Dragon King. To be honest, Cloud Retainer helped with these cakes as well."
"Oh? Cloud Retainer has truly grown up."
"..."
Blushing, Cloud Retainer silently sipped her tea.
Help? What help did I provide?
Lending my stove? Taste-testing?
The osmanthus cake paired perfectly with the tea, creating a harmonious blend.
Though Azhdaha loved it, he ate slowly, savoring each bite—a seasoned gourmet who knew how to fully appreciate a dish.
His unhurried, composed demeanor was strikingly similar to Zhongli's.
After several cakes and another cup of tea, Cloud Retainer dutifully refilled Azhdaha's cup.
The Dragon King's eyes softened with warmth.
How rare. In the past, I never got so much as a poured cup from her. If she didn't steal my precious ores to tinker with, I considered myself lucky.
He glanced at Xia Zhi.
Azhdaha was no stranger to human affairs.
Having witnessed countless mortal scenes, he could read situations at a glance.
Cloud Retainer's earlier reactions hadn't escaped him. He knew Xia Zhi had stepped in to spare her embarrassment.
But that wasn't what mattered.
What did was that Cloud Retainer herself seemed unaware of the budding, indistinct emotions in her gaze when she looked at Xia Zhi.
Azhdaha smiled, took another sip, and inquired about the current state of the world.
Cloud Retainer recounted major events since his sealing, leading up to the previous year.
Morax's fake death, Osial's resurgence, and Liyue's transition to human governance...
Azhdaha sighed. "So much has changed... That Osial never knew his place. Back then, I said we should crush him, but Morax stopped me. Otherwise, we wouldn't be dealing with this mess now..."
Xia Zhi's expression turned odd.
This Dragon King seems mild-mannered, but he's surprisingly bloodthirsty in battle. I thought his earlier fury was due to his madness, but it seems that's just how he is.
Xia Ci spoke up with a smile. "Dragon King, what are your plans now?"
"Plans?"
Azhdaha pondered.
"How is Morax these days?"
"He goes by Zhongli now, working as a consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Spends his days idly strolling around."
"Leisure suits him!"
"Later, we founded a school and invited him to be vice principal. Now he oversees the children."
"Managing children is good too! I've always enjoyed their simplicity."
"Indeed."
"In that case, perhaps I'll lend a hand at the school as well."
"That would be wonderful."
And so, another formidable figure joined the school's ranks.
Xia Zhi smiled and sipped his tea.
As for the server matter, he'd leave it to his brilliant and beautiful cousin.
Through his God's Eye, he selected Azhdaha.
[Use Skill Steal on target?]
Yes.
[Skill Steal] successful. Learned [Earth Vein Dragon Ancestor].
[Skill Steal] successful. Learned [Coiling Mist Transfusion].
[Skill Steal] successful. Learned [Gilded Throw].
[Skill Steal] successful. Learned [Flame Devouring the Eight Desolations].
[Skill Steal] successful. Learned [Thunder Hell Sea].
"..."
As expected of the Earth Dragon. Not only are his skills numerous, but each is devastating.
Xia Zhi surveyed the new additions to his skill list with satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Azhdaha eagerly inquired about the school's affairs.
Vice Principal Xia Ci answered in detail.
The Dragon King's eyes brightened. "If education spreads over time, talent will flourish endlessly. Liyue's future is secure! This is excellent!"
Xia Ci nodded, then said gravely, "But for you, Dragon King, a serious issue remains."
Azhdaha paused, then sighed. "You mean Erosion..."
"Precisely. While Silver Dew can help, it's not a permanent solution. Moreover, this tea is rare and difficult to cultivate. I expended vast amounts of Dendro energy to produce this batch in such a short time."
She spoke solemnly.
"I only agreed to this self-sacrificial act out of respect for Morax."
Azhdaha bowed his head. "The Dendro Archon's benevolence is unmatched!"
"Benevolence is irrelevant... Dragon King, I may have a permanent solution. Would you like to hear it?"
"Oh? Please, enlighten me!"
Xia Ci's lips curved into a radiant smile.
"Dragon King, do you understand the relationship between dreams and memories?"
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