["The Cloud Knights' initial assault was merely a diversion. The Master Diviner used the main force to draw the enemy's attention, while we're tasked with extinguishing the cauldron to stop the mist." With just a few understated words from Fu Xuan, Welt deduced her intentions.]
["Indeed. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus abandoned centuries of secrecy to reveal themselves now, indicating they believe they have certain victory. However, no matter how well-prepared they are, their plans target the Cloud Knights. They know nothing of your abilities or existence, and thus cannot prepare for you."]
["Why not let the Foxians or Vidyadhara try?" Stelle asked, puzzled.]
["You misunderstand the nature of Mara," Fu Xuan shook her head. "It's not a curse that exclusively affects humans. Foxians are less susceptible to Mara because, despite being long-life species, their lifespans are not infinite. Vidyadhara, on the other hand, shed their past through their molting process. As far as Mara is concerned, all long-life species are equal…"]
["However, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus could never anticipate that the General would enlist outsiders, nor would they prepare for short-life species."]
[Stelle rubbed her forehead. "Looks like we don't have any other options…"]
[Fu Xuan lowered her gaze slightly. "I don't enjoy being manipulated either. But people walking their Paths are not solitary travelers free of bonds. Every choice we make not only shapes ourselves but also propels those around us forward."]
["As the Master Diviner, my duty is to seek fortune and avoid calamity. I don't want my choices to lead the Luofu toward a disastrous future."]
[Since this task could only be handled by the Astral Express crew, Stelle and the others had no intention of refusing. But as they prepared to set off, Stelle suddenly noticed Fu Xuan staring blankly at the distant cauldron, her delicate face flushed with suppressed emotion.]
["Fu Xuan?" Stelle patted the Master Diviner's shoulder, only to startle the small girl into a violent coughing fit.]
["Cough, cough… Starting to practice holding my breath now shouldn't be too late…"]
["But you seem fine?"]
["We're still far from the cauldron. Though I'm no expert in pharmacology, I know that talking about toxicity without considering dosage is mere theorizing…"]
[But halfway through her words, Fu Xuan's haughty expression faltered. She hung her head sheepishly, her pink twin-tails swaying. "Hmph, even so… this Master Diviner is still scared to death! I'm still young and don't want to fall to Mara so soon!"]
"Hahaha, what's with Master Diviner Fu's mix of arrogance, cowardice, and adorableness? She's too cute!"
At St. Freya Academy, Kiana couldn't stop laughing at Fu Xuan's endearing tone. For some reason, seeing Fu Xuan's expression reminded her inexplicably of Theresa.
If it were Aunt Theresa… saying these lines wouldn't feel out of place at all—no, it would be perfectly fitting!
Hmm… next time I see her, I've got to hear her say these lines in person!
["Is that mist really harmless to us?" Stelle suddenly asked.]
["You don't trust this Master Diviner, do you?!" Fu Xuan's ears turned red with agitation, but realizing she still needed their help, her rising temper deflated. She muttered softly, "Cough… If I said I don't know, you wouldn't just walk away, would you?"]
["…Fine, I'll give you all some reassurance. You don't know what Mara is, do you?"]
["Physicians believe Mara is tied to memory. Though long-life species have incredibly long lifespans, their memory capacity has its limits."]
[Fu Xuan paused, then continued, "Over centuries and millennia, the emotional threshold of long-life species rises, and their memories erode and grow weary over time, leaving only the most extreme and vivid remnants—almost certainly painful and regretful memories."]
["Do you understand? The fate of long-life species is to no longer feel joy or happiness, only the pain and hatred etched like scars in their hearts. Under such extreme emotions, the sense of self begins to collapse… That is the beginning of Mara."]
"It feels a lot like Erosion."
On Mt. Aocang, Cloud Retainer recalled a conversation from years ago with the Geo Archon about Erosion—an inevitable law of Celestia, beyond anyone's control. It was a shackle imposed on all, one that even the gods of Teyvat could not escape. Over time, Erosion would grow more severe in long-life beings, draining their power and sanity.
Thinking of the Dragon King Azhdaha, it was precisely because of Erosion that he betrayed his original contract, leading Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, and Morax to seal him beneath the Chasm's Fulgor Tree.
In this light, Azhdaha's state bore similarities to the Xianzhou's Mara—both ultimately lost their rationality and descended into madness.
"I once imagined the power of the Abundance could eliminate our Erosion, but it seems that's entirely impossible," Mountain Shaper sighed.
"You two… don't trouble yourselves over such things," Cloud Retainer scolded, glaring at them.
Mountain Shaper asked curiously, "Cloud Retainer, are you not afraid of becoming like Azhdaha after Erosion takes hold?"
"Afraid? How could this immortal not be afraid?" Cloud Retainer sipped her tea slowly, speaking calmly. "But does fearing Erosion mean it won't afflict me? If it's bound to happen, why fear it?"
"Recently, I've been staying in Liyue Harbor, mingling with the younger generation. Though their lives are far shorter than mine, one saying of theirs resonates deeply with me—"
"They say, 'The sun rises in the east and sets in the west; a day spent worrying is still a day, as is a day spent in joy.' Heh, let the future me worry about Erosion."
Cloud Retainer savored the lingering fragrance of the tea, a satisfied smile on her face. "For now, my enjoyment begins with this cup of tea."
[After learning about Mara from Fu Xuan, Stelle set off toward the distant cauldron.]
[The path was shrouded in thick mist, making it nearly impossible to see the way forward. As the group groped their way along, March 7th suddenly noticed Tingyun was still with them!]
["Wait, Miss Tingyun, why haven't you gone back? We're getting close to the cauldron!" March 7th said urgently.]
["Thank you for your concern, but this little lady is fine~ The General ordered me to follow you all, and I wouldn't dare disobey a military command," Tingyun replied with a cheerful smile, seemingly unfazed by the Mara-inducing mist.]
["This is a matter of life and death. Miss Tingyun, go back. We'll explain to the General," Welt said sternly.]
["No need, really. Hehe, this little lady has spent years navigating the cosmos. Though I may not look it, my actual experience amounts to just over a decade," Tingyun's eyes darted playfully over the group. "You benefactors have probably lived longer than I have."]