Futsu Mitama and the others slipped through the spatial gate formed by the Chakra Desiderata, emerging just in time as the cavern behind them collapsed with a deafening roar.
Meanwhile, the group live feed remained as lively as ever, their voices overlapping in spirited debate.
Azhdaha: "A fine clash indeed. That little Vishap has lived for countless years and wielded formidable power, yet he still fled before the Electro Archon's authority. Even I did not foresee that."
Raiden Makoto:"In terms of sheer strength, a Primo Geovishap far surpasses Futsu Mitama and his companions. Had the battle continued, victory would not have been on their side."
Yae Miko:"But he ran away~ Hehehe. Looks like that little fellow owes me yet another favor. If I hadn't lent him the Electro Archon's authority, he'd probably still be wondering how to escape instead of reaping such a harvest."
Kamisato Ayaka:"Those attacks… both Futsu Mitama's and Aila's… they were beautiful. Truly breathtaking."
Sangonomiya Kokomi:"So many! Too many!! My tent can't hold any more!!!"
Albedo:"Dragon blood? Fascinating. Blood from a Primo Geovishap might bring me one step closer to my current research objective. Once the Group Leader settles down, I'll ask if he's willing to sell a portion. I have the mora—quite a lot, in fact."
Yae Miko:"Indeed, Primo Geovishap blood is extraordinarily valuable. And while Azhdaha calls him 'a little Vishap,' in the eyes of most, that creature was already akin to a true dragon."
Zhongli:"Hmm… the Group Leader obtained much today. But his use of the Electro Archon's authority in Liyue certainly caused a commotion."
Azhdaha:"No need to fret. With Morax present, the Adepti won't trouble him. Besides, using a foreign divine authority in Liyue is hardly an issue so long as it isn't used in villages or Liyue Harbor."
Raiden Makoto:"Even so, using another god's authority on foreign soil is… provocative."
Sangonomiya Kokomi:"Then… will the Adepti take action against Futsu Mitama?"
Azhdaha:"Hardly. Those hermits aren't so idle. It's merely the use of divine authority—harmless to the people. Why would they intervene?"
Zhongli:"Quite so. He has done nothing to endanger Liyue. Neither the Adepti nor Rex Lapis have reason to act."
Yae Miko:"More importantly—look at how fast the little fellow is growing~ That strike of his nearly made me think I saw Ei herself."
Raiden Makoto:"After learning he is targeted by the Fatui, it is natural he would sharpen himself."
Azhdaha:"Crisis breeds resolve. Resolve fuels strength. A fine cycle."
Sangonomiya Kokomi:"They're out! Futsu Mitama and the others have emerged!"
Azhdaha:"Hm? Marchosius? Still alive? How nostalgic."
Bursting from the collapsing cavern, Futsu Mitama dragged Aila with one hand and held Kuki Shinobu firmly with the other. The spatial gate closed behind them with a dull hum.
"Eh?!"
Xiangling and Guoba—along with a squad of Millelith rushing toward the mine—spotted them instantly.
"Mr. Futsu Mitama! Miss Aila! Miss Shinobu! Are you all unharmed?"
Xiangling sprinted over, eyes widening in relief and confusion. "When I came back, you three were gone. I thought you'd already left. And…how did you come out from there?"
"Lululu!" Guoba circled them in anxious little loops, equally baffled by their sudden appearance.
The Millelith pointed their weapons downward, exchanging bewildered looks. Three people appearing from a collapsing mine filled with monsters was not something they witnessed every day.
Futsu Mitama blinked at Xiangling.
"…Didn't you see the note we left?"
"Note? What note?" Xiangling's expression was…impressively blank.
Futsu Mitama and the other two shared a long, resigned glance.
Kuki Shinobu stepped forward, pinching the bridge of her nose. "We left you a message at the spot where we hid from the Primo Geovishap. It said where we were going."
She sighed. "But seeing as how things turned out, that note seems rather pointless now."
Xiangling gave a wry smile. Upon arriving earlier, she had witnessed Abyss Mages rallying Hilichurls and Geovishap Hatchlings into a chaotic brawl. Since Futsu Mitama and the others had not appeared, she assumed they had already left to handle other matters.
Before she could speak further, the Millelith General approached.
"Young man, what did you see inside?" His tone was tense.
The tremors from the battle inside had been immense. For safety reasons, the Millelith had held position outside and could only rely on witnesses.
Futsu Mitama nodded. "We saw a Primo Geovishap."
Aila lifted a massive slab of meat, its surface rippling faintly with elemental residue. "This is his flesh."
The Millelith General's face twitched. "Haha… Little girl, that's quite a joke—"
He froze. Xiangling vanished from her spot and reappeared before Aila like a gust of wind.
Her eyes glittered like stars. "An ingredient I've never seen before…! Is this truly Primo Geovishap meat?!"
She inhaled deeply. "Geovishap Hatchlings taste awful, and adults don't have much meat—but this! This aroma! This texture! This elemental fluctuation—top-tier! A once-in-a-lifetime ingredient!!!"
As a chef, she recognized its worth instantly.
Aila took several steps back, clutching the meat. "Even as friends, this is the young master's spoils. If you want to cook with it, you'll need his permission."
Xiangling and Guoba turned toward Futsu Mitama with shimmering puppy-dog eyes.
Futsu Mitama exhaled. "I can give you a small portion. Only a little. The rest we must sell. I need mora for forging materials."
Xiangling squealed with joy and immediately threw herself onto him in excitement.
Aila's expression chilled. Without a word, she drew her tachi and sliced off a neatly measured half kilograms piece of meat. Even after the cut, the remaining slab was still enormous.
Futsu Mitama patted Xiangling's head helplessly. "Alright, alright. Calm down."
Once she composed herself, Xiangling declared earnestly:
"I won't accept it for free. Even a tiny piece of this ingredient is priceless! I can offer one million mora right now—it's not enough for that entire slab, but it's my sincere payment."
"And when I craft the new dish, only you three can eat it. Absolutely no one else—not even my dad!"
Her determination was unmistakable.
Futsu Mitama smiled lightly. "Then, I'll look forward to it."
The Millelith nearby stared in silence. Primo Geovishap meat…worth over a million mora…?
But none dared question Xiangling's expertise. After gathering themselves, they turned to Futsu Mitama once more for information.
He recounted everything—the numerous Geovishaps, the chaotic battle, the cavern's collapse.
The Millelith Shogun recorded every detail, ready to organize an official investigation.
And high above them—a lone figure stood in the distant shadows.Tartaglia watched the scene unfold, a wild, eager smile tugging at his lips.
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