Fushe and Chen Meng finished their patrol soon after, clearing out a few minor monsters along the way.
"Lord Chen Meng, our patrol is complete. Will you be joining me to regroup with the others, or do you have other plans?"
Fushe looked at Chen Meng, who was currently focused on studying his authority.
Chen Meng snapped out of his thoughts and turned toward Fushe."I'll go with you. I don't have any other plans right now."
He faced Fushe, ready for the next step.
"All right, then let's regroup."
Fushe turned and led the way, with Chen Meng following close behind.
———————————————————————————
Dunyu Ruins
Chen Meng saw Xiao sitting on a rock and Minu leaning against one. Vanant and Yingda were sitting together, deep in conversation, laughing and chatting happily.
Xiao was the first to notice Fushe and Chen Meng's arrival. He jumped down from the rock.
Minu soon saw them as well and called out to the others."Vanant, Yingda! Fushe's back!"
The two stood up and walked over.
Soon, everyone was gathered.
"How did your patrols go?"
Fushe asked the other Yakshas.
They exchanged glances before Minu spoke."Fushe, before you arrived, we compared notes on our patrols. We've noticed the sea-dwelling remnants of the demon gods are starting to stir."
Hearing this, Chen Meng fell into deep thought.
'Looks like They've started preparing for an attack on Guili Assembly. I need to get stronger—fast.'
Fushe's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
"Mm. Let's go report to the Emperor."
With that, the Five Yakshas and Chen Meng vanished toward Guili Assembly.
———————————————————————————
Shenshi hour (3–5 PM)Guili Assembly
In the pavilion, Morax was sipping tea when the Yakshas and Chen Meng arrived.
The Five Yakshas bowed. Fushe, as the eldest, spoke first.
"Emperor, we have something to report."
Morax gestured for Chen Meng to sit and poured him a cup of tea, then looked at Fushe to continue.
"Emperor, during our patrols, we noticed the demon god remnants in the sea are starting to act up."
Morax put down his cup, falling into thought.
Chen Meng took a sip of tea and called out internally.
'System, open my mailbox.'
"Mailbox opened. Ding! Host has three unclaimed achievement rewards."
'System, claim them.'
"Congratulations, Host. You've achieved:'The Contract', 'First Battle', and 'New Feature'.Rewards: Dream Archon Full Authority Trial Card ×1, Power Boost Card ×1, Lottery Ticket ×2."
'System, draw—'
Morax's voice interrupted his inner dialogue.
"Chen Meng, how well have you come to understand your power?"
"In my patrol with Fushe, I discovered a new ability—I can control monsters that are still alive. I just haven't tested how many I can control at once yet."
Morax nodded thoughtfully and took another sip of tea before turning to the Five Yakshas.
"Fushe, inform the other Yakshas and the Millelith to stay on alert. Minu, arrange evacuation shelters for the people of Guili Assembly. Xiao, Vanant, Yingda—go notify Cloud Retainer and the others, including Ganyu."
The Yakshas bowed and left to carry out their tasks.
Morax stood up and looked at Chen Meng."Chen Meng, want to come with me to find Gui Zhong?"
Chen Meng stood as well."Sure. But first, Morax—I want to spar with you."
Morax stared silently at him for a moment, then turned his back."Chen Meng… Why?"
"I want to see the difference between myself and a complete Archon."
Chen Meng walked up beside him and answered calmly.
Morax remained silent for a while before speaking again."Let's go notify Gui Zhong first. We'll talk about the sparring afterward."
Chen Meng followed Morax toward Gui Zhong's residence.
———————————————————————————
Gui Zhong's Residence
Gui Zhong was tinkering with a new mechanism when Morax and Chen Meng arrived behind her.
"Gui Zhong, working on a new contraption again?"
Chen Meng asked. Hearing his voice, she set down her tools and turned around, pleasantly surprised.
"Morax! Chen Meng! What brings you here?"
"Gui Zhong, the sea-dwelling demon gods are on the move."
Morax replied seriously.
Gui Zhong's expression shifted to match his tone.
"Did you notify Cloud Retainer and the others?"
"I've already sent the Yakshas to alert everyone."
Morax answered. Gui Zhong relaxed slightly. Then she looked at Chen Meng.
"Chen Meng, Morax told me you went on patrol with the Yakshas. Did you discover any new abilities?"
"I found I can control some monsters—it's something new."
Chen Meng replied honestly.
Morax then said,"Gui Zhong, check over the Gui Zhong Device when you get the chance. As for you, Chen Meng—when and where do you want to spar?"
Gui Zhong was surprised."You really want to spar with Morax? Why?"
Chen Meng took a deep breath and looked at her.
"I know I'm no match for Morax—or even for you. But I need to know the gap between myself and a true Archon."
He looked up at the sky, then held out his left hand.
"The demon gods in the sea are on the move. I need to start preparing."
Gui Zhong glanced at Morax, who made no move—he simply looked at Chen Meng.
Gui Zhong sighed and said,"All right. I won't stop you from sparring with Morax, but you have to spar with me first."
Chen Meng blinked in confusion, turning to her. He'd expected resistance—sparring with the "God of War" was dangerous. Morax, even when holding back, could probably flatten him.
What he didn't expect was Gui Zhong challenging him instead.
She looked at him with her head held high."My combat skills may not be top-tier among the Archons, but my authority is complete."
Chen Meng nodded in agreement.
"Emperor, we've delivered the messages to the Millelith, Yakshas, and the True Lords."
The Five Yakshas returned and reported to Morax.
"Morax, did you notify Makosi?"
Gui Zhong asked, noticing he hadn't been mentioned.
"No," Morax replied. Then he looked at Chen Meng.
"Chen Meng, you go tell Makosi. And let him know we won't be joining him for dinner tonight."
Chen Meng nodded. Since he lived with Makosi now, it made sense."Got it, I'll tell him."
With that, he turned to leave. But after a few steps, he stopped and looked back at Gui Zhong.
"Gui Zhong—our sparring match will be tomorrow."
"Deal," Gui Zhong replied.
Chen Meng smiled and disappeared into the distance.