After the light of the Memory of Dust faded, the system's notification confirmed that Guizhong had successfully joined the Chat Group.
But Futsu Mitama had no time to spare even a glance at it.
The enemy before him possessed methods that could only be described as terrifying.
Enveloped in Abyssal Power, Dottore was far stronger than anticipated. Even the coordinated sneak attack by Futsu Mitama and Shenhe had failed to produce any decisive result.
It was clear now why this Dottore—this middle-aged slice—had dared to stir trouble within Liyue's borders. He had long prepared himself for the possibility of discovery, even for confrontation with the Adeptus.
His current combat strength was undoubtedly on par with beings such as Cloud Retainer.
If Shenhe and Futsu Mitama fought together, they too could exert power at the level of an Adeptus. The problem was—
Dottore's methods were abnormal. It wasn't just the Abyssal Power cloaking his body. Even the sound of his voice carried a hidden effect, forcibly eroding one's consciousness and inducing disorientation.
If not for the Electro Archon Authority resonating within him, Futsu Mitama was certain he would have already fallen.
Shenhe was no different. She swiftly affixed a talisman to herself, having also realized the danger in time.
"Strange—"
Despite being fully aware of the threat posed by Shenhe and Futsu Mitama—aware that even a momentary lapse could lead to his defeat—Dottore's attention drifted toward the Memory of Dust.
The sealed artifact was moving.
A faint, gentle glow of Geo energy pulsed from it, as though responding to something unseen.
What had changed?
By all logic, the Memory of Dust was merely a divine construct—a vessel of knowledge. Without external interference, it should have remained inert.
Yet now, even under seal, it stirred.
Had it gained sentience? Or had Morax noticed this place?
The Memory of Dust had accompanied Morax for countless years. That realization unsettled Dottore. A faint unease crept into his thoughts—had the Geo Archon truly discovered him?
If that were the case, retreat would become necessary.
Dottore understood better than most how terrifying Morax truly was.
Unlike the young Dendro Archon, Morax was a victor of the Archon War—one who had defeated rival gods, sealed innumerable divine beings, and reshaped the land itself. Guyun Stone Forest stood as proof, forged by his Geo Spear construct.
Dottore had no desire to provoke such an existence.
But the knowledge sealed within the Memory of Dust was far too alluring. And now, armed with a method to control Abyssal Power, coupled with the Abyss Order's renewed activity in Liyue, circumstance pressed him forward.
Coincidence upon coincidence converged, driving him to act without hesitation. Though both his younger and older selves opposed this decision, he ignored them all.
How could one pursue ultimate truth while shackled by caution?
As Dottore's focus lingered on the Memory of Dust, Shenhe tightened her grip on Calamity Queller and charged once more.
"Annoying."
Dottore waved his hand sharply, irritation clear in his tone.
He had grown weary of Shenhe—strength without refinement, power without wisdom. To him, she was no different from Tartaglia: formidable, yet unworthy of contemplation.
The Abyssal Power in his hand twisted and reshaped itself, forming a long, black whip that lashed toward her.
Shenhe blocked it with Calamity Queller, sparks of force rippling through the air. Her gaze remained cold and focused as her free hand flung out a talisman.
"Boom—!"
The talisman detonated instantly, erupting into a frigid gale that surged toward Dottore.
In an instant, the temperature plummeted. Frost spread across the ground and crept up the stone walls, a thin layer of ice forming everywhere it touched.
Dottore sensed the danger at once. He could endure the attack—but doing so would come at a cost.
Just as he shifted to evade—
"Where do you think you're going?" Futsu Mitama appeared at his side, Electro energy flickering within his eyes. Musou Isshin gleamed in his hand as he spoke calmly. "It's not that easy to escape."
His blade swung down, sealing off Dottore's path.
"Well done." Dottore retreated half a step, narrowly avoiding the strike. His gaze lingered on Futsu Mitama, approval flashing briefly within it. "Stopping me is the correct choice. But tell me—how do you intend to deal with her attack?"
Shenhe's technique covered a wide area. Futsu Mitama himself stood within its range.
"If you continue blocking me," Dottore continued coolly, "you'll be caught as well."
"Me?" Futsu Mitama raised his sword and struck again, his voice steady. "I have my methods. For now, my priority is keeping you right here."
As their exchange ended, Shenhe's attack arrived.
In the next instant, Futsu Mitama vanished, teleporting to the very edge of the blast radius—barely clear.
Dottore, fully aware of this ability, chose not to retreat. If he did, the next assault would only be more dangerous.
"Boom!!"
The Abyssal Power cloaking him suddenly shifted, darkening into a deep crimson as searing flames erupted around his body.
Then—
Everything froze.
Dottore, flames and all, was locked within solid ice.
"Now!"
Futsu Mitama poured an overwhelming surge of Electro energy into Musou Isshin and slashed toward Dottore's head.
At the same time, Shenhe thrust Calamity Queller straight toward his heart.
"Bang—!!!"
The frozen shell exploded.
Ice shards scattered violently in all directions as Dottore burst free. Flames roared anew, Abyssal Power boiling around him like living chaos.
In that instant, he no longer resembled a man.
He looked like a demon dragged straight from the depths of hell—hands transformed into dark blades, fire raging across his body.
The temperature soared. Ice melted into rushing water, steam filling the air.
Shenhe and Futsu Mitama's expressions darkened simultaneously.
So this was it—
The second phase.
Futsu Mitama stared at Dottore, whose aura had grown even more oppressive, and could not help but fall into contemplation.
Dottore was neither using a Vision nor wielding a Delusion. What he relied on was Abyssal Power alone.
According to his own words, this power was merely borrowed—temporary, not something that truly belonged to him.
Yet even so, it was enough to produce such overwhelming pressure.
To reach this level using Abyssal Power alone—did this man specialize in walking this path?
At that moment, Dottore swung the dark blade in his hand. His gaze locked onto Futsu Mitama, his voice cold and devoid of warmth.
"Let the slaughter begin. Whether Morax has truly cast his gaze upon this place or not no longer matters."
"But since things have come to this, I have no path of retreat."
"Killing you two—and taking the Memory of Dust—this is my objective in Liyue."
As his words fell, his figure vanished with a sharp swish.
"Clang—!!!"
Futsu Mitama turned instantly. Musou Isshin met Dottore's blade head-on, sparks scattering as the two weapons collided.
For a brief moment, their gazes crossed.
At this point, Dottore no longer entertained persuasion. His intent was singular and unmistakable—kill Futsu Mitama, and claim the wisdom contained within his mind.
Shenhe tightened her grip on Calamity Queller and moved without hesitation, joining Futsu Mitama at his side.
Thus, within the ancient ruins beneath Guili Plains, Shenhe and Futsu Mitama stood together, facing Dottore head-on.
At the same time, the Chat Group was anything but quiet.
[Guizhong: "Hahaha! Morax! You finally—Eh?"]
[Zhongli: "Welcome to the group."]
[Azhdaha: "You're awake, Guizhong."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Welcome, God of Dust Guizhong. I've long heard of your name."]
[Yae Miko: "Welcome to this wonderfully mysterious Chat Group. You'll find old acquaintances here, as well as many rather interesting little ones."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Welcome! Though—Futsu Mitama's side is currently in the middle of a fierce battle."]
[Aila: "Young Master…"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "It'll be fine. With Shenhe there, they won't lose so easily. Besides, Futsu Mitama hasn't even used his Electro Archon Authority yet."]
[Albedo: "To think that the consciousness of a god who perished thousands of years ago could remain within a divine artifact—and be drawn into this Chat Group no less. Fascinating."]
[Albedo: "As for this Dottore…his control over Abyssal Power, and the apparent lack of backlash, is equally remarkable. If not for our opposing positions, I might have liked to exchange ideas with him."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Another Archon-level has joined the group—"]
[Guizhong: "Wait—where is this place? Azhdaha, you're here too? Raiden Makoto—You wouldn't happen to be Baal of another nation, would you? How did I even end up here?"]
[Guizhong: "@Azhdaha, how did the Archon War end? What has become of Guili Plains? Is Morax well? And what of Cloud Retainer and Madam Ping?"]
———
The ruins of Guili Plains groaned under the weight of clashing powers.
Il Dottore stood at the center of the shattered hall, Abyssal Power surging like a living tide around his body. The black-red aura twisted space itself, corroding stone and eroding the ancient seals left behind by Morax. Each step he took left behind faint cracks, as if the land rejected his presence.
Opposite him, Futsu Mitama and Shenhe stood shoulder to shoulder.
The air was heavy.
Not with killing intent alone—but with authority.
"You persist longer than expected," Dottore said, voice layered and distorted, no longer entirely human. "Even Adeptus would have collapsed under this pressure by now."
Futsu Mitama wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his grip on Musou Isshin tightening. The faint hum of Electro Archon Authority still resonated within him, forcibly stabilizing his consciousness against Dottore's insidious methods.
"That just means your methods aren't absolute," he replied calmly.
Shenhe did not speak.
She stepped forward instead.
Calamity Queller struck the ground, frost exploding outward as talismans ignited one after another. Her killing intent, long restrained by red ropes and discipline, surged briefly—sharp, pure, and terrifying.
Dottore's eyes narrowed.
"So this is the disciple raised by the Adeptus," he said coolly. "No ambition. No desire. Only a violence."
Shenhe's answer was action.
She vanished.
In the next instant, Calamity Queller pierced forward, spear intent compressing into a single killing line. The temperature in the ruins plummeted as Cryo surged, freezing even the Abyssal mist around Dottore's body.
"Interesting."
Dottore raised his arm.
Abyssal Power condensed instantly, forming a jagged barrier that intercepted the spear with a deafening crash. The impact sent shockwaves tearing through the chamber, stone walls collapsing as ancient debris rained down.
Shenhe was forced back—but she twisted midair, landing flawlessly, talismans already reforming around her.
Before Dottore could counter—
Purple lightning split the air.
Futsu Mitama appeared behind him, Musou Isshin descending in a flash of Electro brilliance aimed directly at Dottore's spine.
"Clang—!!!"
The sound was sharp enough to make one's teeth ache.
Dottore blocked.
Bare-handed.
His palm closed around the blade, Abyssal Power were grinded violently by divine lightning. The ground beneath his feet shattered, but he did not retreat even half a step.
"Hundred percent output," Dottore observed calmly. "And yet, insufficient."
He twisted his wrist.
A violent force erupted outward, sending Futsu Mitama flying. His Jade Shield fractured instantly, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface before stabilizing just short of collapse.
Shenhe intercepted.
She placed herself between them, talismans igniting in sequence as she absorbed the shockwave meant for Futsu Mitama. Frost spread across her arms, blood seeping through the cracks in her sleeves.
Yet she did not fall.
Dottore finally advanced.
Every step he took intensified the pressure in the ruins. Sound warped. Vision blurred. Even breathing became labored, as if the Abyss itself was tightening its grip around their throats.
"This is the difference," Dottore said coldly, "between borrowed authority and true mastery."
Black-red energy surged, forming a blade in his hand—sharp, distorted, screaming silently as it cut through space.
He struck.
Futsu Mitama barely raised Musou Isshin in time.
The collision sent both of them sliding backward, lightning and Abyssal Power tearing furrows through the ground. Futsu Mitama felt his vision dim again, a sharp ringing filling his ears.
This time, the Electro Archon Authority alone was not enough.
Shenhe moved again, forcing her body beyond its limits. She affixed a glowing talisman directly over her heart.
The red ropes trembled.
For a brief moment, something dangerous surfaced in her eyes—cold, ruthless, unrestrained.
She struck.
Not with technique.
But with killing intent.
Cryo exploded outward, freezing the Abyssal Power itself for a fraction of a second. The ruins screamed as layers of ice locked Dottore in place, frost crawling up his limbs.
"Now!" Shenhe shouted.
Futsu Mitama did not hesitate. But instead of advancing—
He drew.
The battlefield fell silent.
Musou Isshin hummed once.
Then—
A line of violet cleaved the world.
Musou no Hitotachi.
The slash descended with absolute finality, severing frozen Abyssal Power, tearing through corrupted authority, and carving directly across Dottore's body. Space itself shuddered as the strike passed, leaving nothing behind but a silent void.
Dottore was sent crashing into the ruins, his body tearing through stone. Black-red energy poured violently from the wound, his regeneration faltering as Abyssal conduits ruptured.
He struggled to rise.
For the first time, his expression fractured.
Before he could recover—
Futsu Mitama turned.
Behind them, the Memory of Dust hovered silently upon its pedestal, golden Geo light pulsing steadily, as though it had been waiting.
Dottore's pupils constricted.
"That relic—!"
Futsu Mitama placed his hand upon it.
The instant contact was made, the battlefield fell silent.
Not suppressed. Not frozen. But acknowledged.
Ancient Geo runes ignited across the ruins, contracts older than nations responding to a will that was not Morax's—yet carried his authority.
The weight descended.
Not pressure.
Judgment.
The Memory of Dust resonated violently, its golden light pouring into Futsu Mitama's body. He felt it instantly—not knowledge, not memories—but foundation.
The unshakable will that had once stabilized the world.
Dottore struggled.
The ice shattered.
Abyssal Power erupted as he forced himself free, his expression finally cracking into disbelief.
"You— You're invoking that authority?!"
Futsu Mitama opened his eyes.
They reflected stone, contracts, and an unyielding sky.
"Il Dottore," he said calmly, "you chose the wrong land."
Above the ruins, space fractured.
A colossal shadow formed, eclipsing all light as Geo sigils layered endlessly upon one another. Gravity bent. Time seemed to slow.
The air screamed.
Dottore looked up.
For the first time—
Fear.
"Impossible… Morax isn't here—!"
"He doesn't need to be." Futsu Mitama raised his hand.
"Planet Befall."
The meteor descended.
Golden Geo light obliterated the ruins, crushing Abyssal Power into nothingness. The impact erased sound, erased resistance, erased arrogance itself.
When the light faded—
The battlefield was silent.
A vast Geo crater lay at the center of Guili Plains, divine pressure lingering like an afterimage of judgment.
Futsu Mitama stood, breathing steadily.
Shenhe stepped beside him, her gaze unwavering.
"It's over," she said quietly.
Futsu Mitama looked at the shattered remains of the battlefield.
"No," he replied softly.
Futsu Mitama spoke weakly. After those few words, he said no more—silently closing his eyes as he focused on recovering what little stamina he had left.
Shenhe did not linger on conversation. Her movements were swift, and she soon reached the entrance of the ruins.
"Is there a way up?" she asked, turning to Yelan. The structure was collapsing rapidly. If she carried Futsu Mitama upward, Yelan risked being buried beneath the ruins.
Yelan, however, appeared unperturbed. She met Shenhe's gaze and replied calmly, "You two go first. I'll be fine."
Seeing her confidence, Shenhe nodded. Without another word, she wrapped an arm around Futsu Mitama and leapt upward.
Yelan watched the scene with a subtle expression. Such a direct, almost crude leap—efficient, but unmistakably Shenhe's style. She then glanced back into the depths of the ruins.
Neither Dottore nor the powerful subordinate had emerged.
Are they dead? Yelan wondered.
This was the only exit.
If he was still alive, he would have no choice but to come this way.
Yelan decided to wait. The moment someone appeared, she would draw her bow and end it here—bury them beneath the collapsing ruins. Everything else could wait until the Millelith arrived.
Thirty seconds passed.
The ruins continued to crumble, stone and dust falling in waves—but still, no sign of pursuit.
A trace of doubt flickered through Yelan's eyes. Had Futsu Mitama's final strike truly crushed Il Dottore?
With that thought, she stopped waiting. Pushing off the ground, she began her ascent.
Unlike Shenhe, Yelan did not leap out in a single bound. She used the collapsing terrain itself—stepping, rebounding, chaining her momentum with precision—until she emerged from the ruins.
The moment she landed, her gaze fell upon Futsu Mitama, who was barely standing with Shenhe's support.
"You're in terrible shape," Yelan remarked lightly, a faint chuckle in her voice. "Anyone who didn't know better would think you'd been up to something inappropriate."
Futsu Mitama immediately recognized the innuendo. Rolling his eyes, he replied with a weary sigh, "Don't spout nonsense. Go check where Planet Befall landed. That Dottore might not be finished yet."
He paused, drawing a breath before continuing, "I've burned through too much stamina. I need time before I can fight again. Still, after taking that hit, his injuries should be far worse than mine."
Dottore had already endured Musou Isshin and Electro Authority destruction head-on, been ambushed by Shenhe, almost gutted by Musou no Hitotachi and finally crushed beneath Planet Befall.
No matter how resilient he was, surviving that meant one thing—severe injuries, and no remaining ability to fight as before.
"Understood," Yelan replied.
She turned and headed toward the impact site of Planet Befall. Shenhe supported Futsu Mitama as they followed behind.
As they walked, Futsu Mitama briefly checked the group's live broadcast.
In the group livestream:
[Guizhong: "This is Morax's technique! Was it passed down to his successors after all?"]
[Guizhong: "And this young man—remarkable! To comprehend how to amplify power through the seal and Memory of Dust in such a short time…"]
[Azhdaha: "Though still inferior to Morax, for a mortal to reach this level is already extraordinary."]
[Raiden Makoto: "I have a bad feeling."]
[Yae Miko: "So do I."]
[Raiden Makoto: "To wield this technique so naturally—Morax must have noticed by now. If he has, will he attempt to steal him away from Inazuma?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Hmm—I'm starting to worry."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Futsu Mitama is currently Lady Raiden's retainer, isn't he? Lord Rex Lapis surely wouldn't poach from Lord Raiden Shogun."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Indeed. Why would Rex Lapis do such a thing?"]
[Zhongli: "Hmm—that is difficult to say. Even in Liyue, individuals of Futsu Mitama's caliber are exceedingly rare."]
[Albedo: "Agreed. His talent is astonishing."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "His talent was always there. He just preferred earning mora over training. Strictly speaking, he only became serious in the past few months."]
[Aila: "To be precise, it was after Lady Makoto shared Thunderstorm: Baleful Omen and Raiden Style · Martial Arts. At first, Young Master only wanted enough strength to handle Kairagi-level foes."]
[Aila: "But after the Fatui incident—and everything else—"]
[Yae Miko: "He became a Raiden Shogun's Retainer Ah no an Eternal Guardian~~ Cherished by Ei, Makoto, and the Shogun. Does that count as being gazed upon by three Raiden Shoguns?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Hahahaha—I'm truly honored."]
[Guizhong: "Oh Greetings~~~ I am Guizhong, the God of Dust. You may call me Guizhong. The grace of saving my life cannot be repaid. If you have questions, feel free to ask—and when will invitation permissions be restored?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Hello. As for invitations, it likely requires raising the group level. We can discuss it after this battle."]
[Guizhong: "Very well. But—are you Morax's successor?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "No. He is a citizen of Inazuma."]
[Yae Miko: "A Raiden Shogun's Retainer."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "A member of the Yashiro Commission."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "The Resistance's…fourth-in-command/?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "?"]
[Azhdaha: "Hahaha, such fuss over a successor's title. Morax already knows he received the inheritance. Though Morax's true legacy rests with Zhongli."]
[Azhdaha: "Still, Zhongli entrusted the item to him—thus a bond was formed."]
[Yae Miko: "So, in summary: Eternal Guardian, Raiden Shogun's Retainer, Rex Lapis's successor, Resistance fourth-in-command, and Yashiro Commission affiliate."]
[Raiden Makoto: "@Futsu Mitama, come back to Inazuma soon. If you visit Mondstadt, Barbatos might target you next."]
[Aila: "We haven't finished gathering materials yet—"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Sigh. When your sweet child runs loose, you fear someone else will take it."]
[Yae Miko: "In the end, it's because Inazuma lacks talent—years of turmoil left a severe gap."]
[Albedo: "…"]
[Guizhong: "Wait—did Zhongli really give Morax's inheritance to the Group Leader?"]
[Azhdaha: "Yes. Zhongli knows many things. For a human, he is exceptional."]
[Zhongli: "You flatter me. I merely possess a modest understanding."]
[Zhongli: "As for the inheritance—it was passed down through my lineage. I entrusted it to Futsu Mitama because he was suitable."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Didn't a friend give it to you, Mr. Zhongli?"]
[Zhongli: "That friend was myself. Concealment, at the time, was a form of self-preservation."]
Aila spoke softly, her tone composed. "Indeed. Matters concerning the inheritance of Rex Lapis must remain strictly confidential."
"Oh I see~~" Guizhong replied with an elongated lilt. "Then, Mr. Zhongli, I shall rely on your guidance in the future."
"Naturally," Zhongli answered.
Futsu Mitama observed the exchange unfolding within the Chat Group's live broadcast, the corners of his lips lifting unconsciously. The scene was simply too amusing.
Guizhong had almost certainly realized something—otherwise, she would not have spoken in that particular tone.
Likewise, Futsu Mitama suspected that Raiden Makoto had already pieced things together. If not, she would not be so openly worried about him being "taken away" by Morax.
Among all those present, Azhdaha was probably the only one still unaware, diligently explaining matters on Zhongli's behalf.
Futsu Mitama couldn't help but wonder what Azhdaha's reaction would be once Zhongli eventually revealed his true identity. Hopefully, he wouldn't become angry out of sheer embarrassment.
Judging from Zhongli's current demeanor, he likely had no intention of openly admitting that he was Morax. Yet such an identity was never something that could remain hidden forever—especially after opening a live broadcast.
If Zhongli were ever to appear on-screen again, it would only be a matter of time before Azhdaha and the others recognized him.
This Chat Group is becoming more and more interesting.
Futsu Mitama sighed inwardly. Years ago, the Chat Group had consisted of only himself and Aila. Back then, messages were few and far between.
Most of the time, it was Aila heading out to buy groceries, or himself selling weapons and wine, making casual use of the Chat Group's convenience. Now, seeing so many people conversing together, he felt a quiet sense of warmth. If not for Dottore still being unresolved—
He might have already returned to Liyue Harbor, bought some snacks, and leisurely watched how Zhongli would handle the situation.
Shenhe supported Futsu Mitama as they moved forward, while Yelan walked ahead and entered the crater left behind by the descending meteor. She stood at its edge, gazing down in silence.
The destructive power was unmistakable.
If no one dealt with it in the coming years, this massive crater in Guili Plains would likely become a peculiar tourist attraction.
The thought made Yelan's heart tremble slightly. She knew Futsu Mitama was a Raiden Shogun's retainer, and thus capable of large-scale Electro techniques.
Rumors—originating from the Fatui—claimed that he had even mastered Musou no Hitotachi. Judging from what she had personally witnessed, that intelligence was highly credible.
But then—why did he also possess such overwhelming Geo-element combat ability? And that power—could it truly be considered immortal art?
"Is it here?" Futsu Mitama asked, glancing at the crater before turning to Shenhe. "Can you retrieve Calamity Queller from inside?"
Calamity Queller was already bound to Shenhe. Divine weapons being bound was nothing unusual. As long as the distance was not too great, she could summon it back with a simple technique.
As for why she hadn't done so earlier—the battle had been too intense.
After the ruins collapsed, Futsu Mitama had struck his final stance and lost his mobility. Fortunately, Shenhe had noticed immediately and carried him away.
Otherwise, he might have been buried alive along with Dottore and that experimental subject.
"Yes." Shenhe nodded.
She raised a talisman in her hand. A pale blue glow flickered in her eyes. As the talisman burned—
"Whoosh—!"
A streak of blue light flashed through the air. Calamity Queller burst free from the rubble pit and landed neatly in Shenhe's grasp.
"He's dead," Shenhe said calmly.
"Wait a little longer," Futsu Mitama replied. He showed no urgency, quietly recovering his stamina above ground.
Yelan and Shenhe agreed. Just as the three of them were about to rest—
"Boom—!!!"
A deafening explosion rang out as a figure shot violently from the rubble pit ahead.
In an instant, Shenhe and Yelan raised their weapons, expressions turning solemn.
He survived that?!
It was Il Dottore.
He was in a wretched state—his clothes torn, blood staining his abdomen and neck, his mask shattered beyond recognition, almost gone.
"You're still alive after all that," Futsu Mitama remarked, unable to hide his astonishment. As expected of the Second Fatui Harbinger.
To endure such an onslaught and still live—this was no small feat. And this was merely a slice, not even his true body.
Admiration and caution stirred simultaneously within Futsu Mitama.
"If this body had not undergone special modifications," Dottore said faintly, his face deathly pale, "I might truly have died."
The oppressive aura from before was gone. He was clearly at his limit; the fact that he still stood was a miracle.
"Hahahahaha."
Futsu Mitama laughed openly. Though he himself was in no condition to fight, Shenhe and Yelan stood firmly at his side.
That alone placed him in a far better position than Dottore.
This was the price of acting alone. No matter how powerful one was, coming to Liyue without allies meant isolation and helplessness.
And if Shenhe and Yelan were not enough—there were still Lord Rex Lapis, the Adeptus, the Qixing, and countless others behind them.
Crushing this slice of Dottore was inevitable.
"Laugh if you wish," Dottore said calmly.
He looked directly at Futsu Mitama. "To be honest, I never expected you to inherit Lord Rex Lapis's legacy. To gain the favor of two gods—that alone proves you will eventually come into contact with the truth of the heavens."
"And when that day comes, you will join the Fatui. I will await it."
Yelan and Shenhe both turned toward Futsu Mitama in shock. So the technique he had used truly originated from Lord Rex Lapis. No wonder its power had been so overwhelming.
Yelan recovered quickly. Lowering her gaze, she spoke calmly, "You have nowhere left to run. Surrender, Dottore, and come with us."
She had no intention of killing him.
A living Harbinger was far more valuable than a dead one—especially when this was merely a slice.
Capturing him could yield intelligence—and perhaps an exorbitant amount of mora.
Shenhe tightened her grip on Calamity Queller, silent and ready. If Dottore made the slightest move, she would strike without hesitation.
"I have lost," Dottore said, nodding slightly. "But that does not mean I lack an escape."
He raised his hand. Abyssal Power surged once more, forming an illusory portal behind him.
"!"
Shenhe lunged forward instantly. Yelan released an arrow at the same moment, aiming to halt his retreat.
"Useless," Dottore sneered.
From the portal emerged a massive figure, positioning itself as a shield.
Calamity Queller and the arrow struck true, tearing away flesh—but it was not enough.
Protected, Dottore smiled faintly. He even had time to wave as he stepped toward the portal.
This was his contingency.
Unless another existence on par with Shenhe or Futsu Mitama appeared, no one here could stop him.
Or so he believed.
A strange smile appeared on Futsu Mitama's face.
Dottore's heart skipped a beat.
"Whoosh—!!"
A colossal Geo Spear descended from the heavens.
Dottore dove aside instinctively.
"Boom—!!!"
The spear slammed into the earth, annihilating the summoned guardian and shattering the portal instantly.
Shockwaves rippled outward. Dust and debris surged into the air. Shenhe, Yelan, and Futsu Mitama raised their arms to shield themselves.
When the dust finally settled, Dottore lay sprawled on the ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop.
He looked up, bitterness etched upon his face.
A golden dragon hovered in the sky above, gazing down in silence.
The moment it appeared, Dottore knew—
He had lost completely.
"Lord Rex Lapis—"
Yelan lowered her bow, reverence filling her expression. Shenhe stared upward as well. Emotion stirred quietly within her chest. And Futsu Mitama, unsurprised, simply exhaled.
This was the faith shared by all the people of Liyue.
Everyone respected Rex Lapis from the depths of their hearts. After all, for thousands of years, he had protected Liyue without fail, guiding it forward with new systems of governance year after year. The prosperity and beauty of Liyue as it stood today were, to a great extent, the result of the Lord of Geo's contributions.
For this reason, Yelan also held a sincere reverence for the Lord of Geo—an old friend of Liyue.
Shenhe likewise gazed up at the golden, colossal dragon suspended in the sky.
This was the second time.
The first had been when the Raiden Shogun descended upon Mt. Aocang, and Rex Lapis had appeared in response.
And now, he had appeared once more—this time, to prevent Dottore from escaping.
At that moment, a strange emotion ignited within Shenhe's heart.
It was true that she and Futsu Mitama had severely wounded Dottore. Yet most of the decisive damage had been dealt by Futsu Mitama himself. Whether it was Musou no Hitotachi or the descending meteor, those attacks had been the true turning points of the battle.
Her own role had been to restrain Dottore, to create openings and opportunities for Futsu Mitama to strike.
But in the end, she had failed to stop Dottore from retreating.
If she had succeeded—if she had truly cut off his escape—then Rex Lapis likely would not have needed to intervene personally.
This realization struck deeply.
For Shenhe, who had cultivated for many years, the thought that surfaced was painfully clear:
She was not strong enough.
From this moment onward, she would have to redouble her cultivation.
"As expected," Futsu Mitama said quietly.
He had known that Zhongli would not be able to remain seated once Guizhong appeared. That was only natural.
After learning that Dottore intended to take the Memory of Dust, an existence as upright and steadfast as Zhongli would certainly not let the matter pass lightly. And once he realized that Guizhong's consciousness resided within the Memory of Dust, Dottore's offense would be elevated to an even greater crime.
Because of this, when he saw Dottore attempting to flee, Futsu Mitama did not force himself to activate Chakra Desiderata to stop him.
Although he could have done so, there was no need.
Rex Lapis would inevitably make his move.
Within the Chat Group live broadcast:
Guizhong:"Morax…"
Azhdaha: "Old friend…alas, I see you again. What a pity that we do not have permission to add people right now. Otherwise, if I pulled you in and you saw Guizhong and me, you would probably be overjoyed."
Zhongli: "Mm… yes… what a pity…"
Raiden Makoto: "It appeared, just as I knew it would."
Yae Miko: "After all, it's an 'ally's' keepsake. How could it possibly be taken away by someone else?"
Kamisato Ayaka: "How romantic."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Indeed. It's exactly like what I've read in novels from Yae Publishing House and Liyue—appearing at the crucial moment to stop the other party for a friend's relic."
Kuki Shinobu: "Mm… just like romance novels. I've read a few as well."
Aila: "Is Young Master alright? Young Master looks so weak right now—I've never seen Young Master in such a state."
Albedo: "It's fine. With Rex Lapis present, nothing will happen."
Zhongli: "Mm—"
Guizhong: "Still…it's quite emotional. In my memory, I had only just met Morax not long before that, and I never expected to see him again. Now thousands of years have passed. I wonder—has the contract I made with him already been fulfilled?"
Yae Miko: "A contract? Oh? Now I'm curious."
Kamisato Ayaka: "I'm curious as well."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Mm! I'm a little curious too! (Energy +1)"
Azhdaha: "Oh that one It was fulfilled long ago. It was a contract to jointly build and protect the homeland of humanity—to keep those small humans safe from the ravages of war. That was the contract Guizhong made with Morax during the Archon War."
Guizhong:"Azhdaha!!! How could you just say it outright!!!"
Albedo: "That was a beautiful wish. And today's Liyue is as prosperous as you once hoped."
Zhongli: "Mm. For tomorrow's Rite of Descension, I can arrange for the Group Leader to stand at a better vantage point, so you may see what Liyue has truly become."
Futsu Mitama: "Alright. No problem."
Azhdaha: "Indeed. After awakening, I found that Liyue was still so beautiful. I'm truly very happy. It's a completely different experience compared to Baal. Hahahahahaha."
Raiden Makoto: "???????"
Yae Miko: "?????"
Kamisato Ayaka: "This—"
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Ah… hahahaha…"
Raiden Makoto: "Azhdaha, that was too much. You stabbed me without warning."
Yae Miko: "Exactly! It's not like we wanted Inazuma to end up that way. If it weren't for that shut-in—Ei! Sigh!"
Guizhong: "Inazuma? The nation across the sea? What happened there? Is there anything I can help with?"
Raiden Makoto: "Mm…it's a long story."
Within the Chat Group, Raiden Makoto began explaining Inazuma's history to Guizhong in detail.
Outside the group, Futsu Mitama continued to observe the battle's aftermath, glancing between the chat logs and the confrontation unfolding before him, quietly pondering how events would develop next.
"Morax—"
Dottore raised his head, staring at the golden, colossal dragon coiled across the heavens. He was fully aware that Liyue's guardian deity had descended. Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he laughed coldly and questioned:
"As one of the Seven Archons, you attack me so casually."
"Are you not afraid…of war descending upon this land?"
If the earlier attacks from Futsu Mitama and Shenhe could still be considered a clash between mortals, then Morax's intervention was undeniably overwhelming force.
If Archons could strike so freely, would Teyvat not descend into chaos?
As the God of Contracts, Dottore did not believe Morax was ignorant of this principle. Thus, he demanded an answer.
"She will not act for your sake."
Morax spoke calmly, his gaze fixed upon Dottore lying amid the shattered ground.
"She would not wish to stand against me. And you, in pursuit of your own ambitions, have destroyed multiple ruins that I once sealed."
"This caused the remnants of fallen gods—their resentment—to leak into the world. Moreover, you attempted to seize my old friend's relic."
"These crimes alone are sufficient to confine you permanently within Liyue's prison."
"Envoy of Snezhnaya. Fatui Harbinger."
"You have gone too far."
His tone was tranquil, yet with each word, Dottore's expression darkened further. It was not fear of exposure—but the realization that Morax had already determined that capturing him would not trigger any so-called war.
"Hahahaha…" Dottore let out a hoarse, tragic laugh. "I never imagined I would see such a day."
Suddenly, he raised his hand and plunged it violently into his own chest, his expression twisted with madness.
"Even if I die—!"
"I will not be captured!!!"
Pfft.
He tore his own heart from his body. From the very beginning of this plan, he had wagered his life upon it. Either he escaped alive—
Or he died here.
There was no third option.
"It makes no difference."
Morax gazed upon him indifferently.
"Even if you perish, I will ensure that she hands over a 'Dottore.'"
"What you have done is enough for me to reconsider whether the forthcoming contract should still be honored."
"You are not important."
"The knowledge you pursue will only lead you to a dead end."
The middle-aged Dottore collapsed onto the ground, utterly lifeless. Yet even in death, his face was twisted with rage and unwillingness—because he knew that after his demise, another 'him' would inherit his sins and be forced to submit to Liyue's judgment.
This was Morax's punishment.
To force a Dottore—any Dottore—to abandon research and rot in prison was a fate worse than death.
Morax had made his stance clear.
One Dottore must bear these crimes.
Otherwise, Snezhnaya should abandon any hope of obtaining what it sought.
As for using force?
Morax was not afraid.
He did not desire war—but neither did he fear it.
Every citizen of Liyue would share this resolve.
And moreover, Morax had ways to draw the Raiden Shogun—Beelzebub—into alignment with his stance.
"It's over—"
Futsu Mitama finally let out a long breath, a trace of disappointment flickering across his face. After all, he had only managed to extract limited information about Aila from Dottore.
Now that this Dottore was dead, even though another would be forced into Liyue's prison, that one would likely not speak so freely.
Still, removing Dottore from Liyue was undeniably a good outcome. At the very least, he would no longer need to remain on constant guard.
"Futsu Mitama."
Morax's voice resounded from above.
He looked toward the Memory of Dust, floating beside Futsu Mitama, his tone calm and measured.
"The Memory of Dust is a relic left behind by my old friend."
"Since you have earned her approval, I will not reclaim it."
"I hope you will wield it well."
Hearing this, Futsu Mitama turned to look at the softly glowing catalyst beside him and said seriously:
"Rex Lapis, since this is your old friend's relic, I cannot accept it. No matter how one looks at it, this is something precious to you. And I am, after all, an Inazuman. Would this not be—inappropriate?"
Morax fell silent for a brief moment. Had there been no consciousness of Guizhong within the Memory of Dust, he might have already taken it back and safeguarded it at his side.
But now—
If he placed it near himself, once he returned to being Zhongli—
Guizhong would probably announce in the Chat Group the very next day that Zhongli was Morax.
As for Guizhong's personality—If asked directly, she would indeed keep the secret.
But the trouble that followed would be immense.
Thus, Morax decisively chose to leave the Memory of Dust with Futsu Mitama—for now. Moreover, Guizhong still harbored a subtle misunderstanding regarding his feelings. Until that misunderstanding was resolved, maintaining the current state was the wisest choice.
He would explain everything after he officially retired.
"No need."
Morax looked at Futsu Mitama and spoke calmly.
"Since you have gained its approval, I will leave it in your care for the time being."
"When all matters are concluded, I will reclaim the Memory of Dust."
With that, Morax turned and returned to the clouds, flying toward Liyue Harbor. He did not give Futsu Mitama any chance to refuse—as though the matter had already been decided.
After Morax disappeared, Futsu Mitama could only smile helplessly. He looked at the Memory of Dust hovering beside him, momentarily at a loss for words.
What was this supposed to mean?
He hadn't even forged his own companion weapon yet—
And he had already obtained a five-star catalyst.
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