This was a pleasant surprise.
Originally, he had just brought Xiao out to relax for a bit.
After all, Zhongli had never been able to solve Xiao's condition.
He had intended to use the group's healing function to help.
But to think that Takumi now had a way to solve Xiao's problem?
It was perfect—not to mention it would save a good amount of points.
At the same time, Xiao was feeling somewhat emotional.
He stared at Takumi intently.
"What do I need to do to assist?"
He couldn't wait.
If something went wrong again, he could lose control.
He might even cause harm to Liyue.
That was the one thing he wanted to avoid at all costs.
Hearing his question, Takumi replied casually:
"It's not a big deal. Just sit down."
That's right—just sit and relax.
Xiao blinked.
Was it really that easy?
"Xiao, sit. Just leave the rest to Mr. Takumi."
Even Madame Ping spoke up.
Xiao nodded and quickly sat down.
Seeing this, Takumi began erasing the remnants of Archon will from Xiao's body.
Willpower, huh?
Erased.
The Herrscher of Knowledge doesn't tolerate nuisances.
Takumi activated his power and began cleansing all karmic residue from Xiao.
The lingering wills tried to resist.
But against absolute force, it was meaningless.
As Takumi operated, black mist began to rise from Xiao's body.
At the same time, Xiao's expression gradually relaxed.
He could feel the voices in his mind growing quieter—being eliminated.
Roughly five minutes later, Takumi was done.
Didn't even feel like a warm-up.
"Excellent."
Zhongli smiled with satisfaction.
He could clearly feel the karmic debt vanish from Xiao.
The burden in his heart was finally lifted.
"Thank you."
"If you ever need my help, just ask!"
This favor was too great.
If Takumi ever needed assistance, Xiao would answer without hesitation.
Hearing this, Takumi chuckled.
"If I'm facing something I can't handle, calling you might just be a waste."
"So don't worry about it."
"It was nothing."
If Takumi truly faced something beyond him, sending Xiao would be meaningless.
So best not to take it too seriously.
Xiao looked a little embarrassed.
He had a point.
"Alright. Just remember this in your heart. No need for more words."
Takumi cut him off before he could continue.
Just leave it at that.
A small favor, nothing more.
Xiao got the message and stayed silent, though he etched the favor deep into his heart.
After resolving Xiao's problem, Takumi started chatting with Zhongli.
"Next, I hope to get a bit of help from you."
"I need some foundational industrial knowledge."
"This should be useful in Liyue."
After sipping some tea from this world, Zhongli made his request.
He figured he should at least bring something back.
There were many things in Takumi's world he wanted.
But Liyue couldn't recreate them.
So industrial knowledge would be the most practical.
He'd study it slowly after returning.
Cloud Retainer had likely learned a lot recently too.
"No problem. Just say the word."
"Or, should I drop by Liyue someday and give it a total industrial makeover?"
Takumi stroked his chin.
Visiting Teyvat wasn't a bad idea.
And checking out the girls wouldn't hurt either.
However, Zhongli rejected the offer.
"It's fine if you're just visiting Teyvat."
"But no need to help with reconstruction."
"I might be moving here soon, anyway."
"In Mondstadt, the dragon catastrophe has already begun."
At that, Takumi understood.
So the storyline had started.
Come to think of it, everyone's world timeline in the group was different.
Some were already through their main stories.
Others were a mess.
Crossing over didn't sync the timelines.
Plots in other worlds didn't wait for the main character to show up.
Some had already started.
Some hadn't.
In Teyvat's case, it was just beginning.
Even so, Takumi wasn't planning to go just yet.
He didn't even know whether it was Dragonbro or... that guy.
"Got it."
Takumi then used his powers to manifest several volumes of foundational industrial books.
"Let's go with books."
"Can't expect you to memorize everything and write it out by hand."
"Take several sets, make copies back home."
These were clearly meant for Liyue.
So books made more sense.
He wasn't going to dump raw knowledge and expect Zhongli to scribe it.
That would be cruel.
Instead, he produced thick tomes—industrial basics, emergency medicine, and more.
All things Liyue could benefit from.
Zhongli flipped through one and nodded in satisfaction.
"Thanks."
He didn't put them away, planning to pass them to Ganyu.
Ganyu would then give them to Ningguang.
Surely, Ningguang would know what to do.
He had already contacted Ganyu earlier.
She would arrive shortly.
They were returning tonight.
Takumi checked the time.
It was about right, so he began preparing a grand farewell dinner.
Once everything was ready, Ganyu returned.
With her came the Holy Empress and the others.
They already knew Ganyu would be leaving today.
Honestly, the Holy Empress felt a bit reluctant.
She had learned so much from Ganyu over the past few days.
Ganyu had shared all her experience.
The Holy Empress used to be a mere figurehead.
Despite knowing many things, she had no real authority.
But now she was a city leader.
In just a few short days, she had learned a great deal from Ganyu.
Everyone sat down and enjoyed a warm dinner together.
Once they were full, Zhongli stood up and said:
"We'll be going now."
"If you visit Teyvat, I'll treat you properly."
Zhongli began bidding farewell.
Takumi laughed.
"Then be sure to bring money."
"It's no joke that the Three Archons couldn't scrape together a single Mora."
Everyone laughed.
Zhongli shook his head helplessly.
"No worries. Master Hu will reimburse."
With that, he summoned the Serenitea Pot.
The others also began saying their goodbyes and entered the teapot one by one.