Chapter 33. Dendro Archon's Inheritance
Night fell.
At Guizhong's order, the Liyue Qixing convened an emergency meeting that very evening. The reopening of The Chasm was no trivial matter. Even though it had been sealed, a small number of Millelith and Fatui still remained below, struggling to survive.
Toward the Fatui stationed at the Northland Bank, the Millelith showed no mercy. But the Fatui within The Chasm were a different case. Many Millelith soldiers held conflicting feelings toward them.
Those Fatui had fought alongside them—without betrayal, without schemes—simply offering support.
Some had even drawn enemies away on their own initiative, buying time for heavily wounded Millelith to escape, sacrificing themselves in the process. Others, sensing danger during patrols, rushed in immediately to reinforce ambushed Millelith units without hesitation.
Because of this, the Liyue Qixing's attitude toward the Fatui in The Chasm had always been relatively favorable. Before the area was sealed, they had provided supplies and even assisted with weapons.
But the current situation was different.
Allowing Futsu Mitama and his group to enter was one thing—but what was Tartaglia planning by going in as well?
Moreover, the Fatui Harbinger Signora had also arrived in Liyue Harbor, ostensibly as a Snezhnayan diplomat to exchange intelligence with Childe.
The Qixing knew her reputation well.
She excelled at manipulating rules, at leveraging authority to pressure others. While her combat strength was respectable, it was far from overwhelming. In Liyue, if she attempted anything reckless, she would not survive.
Her true strength lay in influence—borrowing the power of the Cryo Archon and the Fatui to achieve her goals. Reports from Mondstadt and Inazuma had already made that clear.
Liyue was not afraid of open confrontation. What they feared was covert manipulation—schemes like those once carried out by Dottore.
The consequences of those past incidents had been severe. Had Futsu Mitama not intervened, Rex Lapis himself would have been forced to act. And if the Archon had needed to step in, it would have reflected poorly on the Qixing's competence.
This was a critical period—the transition into an era led by humans and adeptus alike. Every decision had to be handled with precision.
Thus, the Qixing deliberated for a long time over how to deal with Signora. In the end, under the decision of Keqing, they chose to "invite" her into custody.
Not imprisonment in the strict sense—but controlled house arrest.
Once Tartaglia entered The Chasm, Ningguang would invite Signora to the Jade Chamber. From there, the matter would be handled according to Ningguang's methods.
As for Ningguang—upon hearing the plan, she seemed to reach a conclusion immediately. A faint smile appeared on her lips, her eyes gleaming with unmistakable intent.
Mora.
She had already decided how to deal with Signora.
The other party would not be leaving the Jade Chamber empty-handed—at least, not without paying a price.
Of course, if Signora cooperated and remained peacefully until Futsu Mitama and Tartaglia returned, Ningguang would not go too far. She would allow her to leave without incident.
But that outcome depended entirely on Signora's behavior.
After Dottore's previous actions in Liyue, aside from Tartaglia—who was considered a known variable—any other Fatui Harbinger entering Liyue would receive similar treatment.
And in Signora's case, her prior conduct in other nations only made the Qixing more cautious.
Once the plan was finalized, the Qixing began to act. A special token was entrusted to Ganyu, who was tasked with delivering it to Futsu Mitama.
Without delay, Ganyu set off.
Before long, she arrived at Futsu Mitama's residence, where everyone was already gathered.
But the moment she stepped inside, she paused.
There were unexpected figures present.
"Miss Guizhong?!"
"Cloud Retainer?!"
"The Conqueror of Demons?!"
Her surprise was unmistakable. Guizhong, Cloud Retainer, and Xiao were all here.
"Hi Ganyu" Guizhong greeted her cheerfully, waving with a smile.
Xiao simply gave a slight nod.
Cloud Retainer, who had been speaking with Aila and Shenhe, turned her head and said, "Ganyu, you've arrived. It seems the Qixing are nearly finished. A bit slow—but acceptable."
Ganyu stood there, momentarily at a loss.
She knew that it had been Guizhong who issued the order allowing Futsu Mitama and Tartaglia to enter The Chasm.
But beyond that—she had no idea what exactly was unfolding.
But why was the Conqueror of Demons here? More importantly—why was Cloud Retainer here?
Because of Cloud Retainer's past behavior, Ganyu had developed a faint sense of fear toward her. More than once, whenever Cloud Retainer noticed Ganyu while chatting, she would casually remark, "This adeptus happens to recall some interesting anecdotes from Ganyu's childhood," and what followed were stories Ganyu would rather never face again.
So while Ganyu respected her deeply, she also instinctively wanted to avoid her. At this moment, however, Cloud Retainer's attention was elsewhere—fixed on Shenhe and Aila.
"Be careful on this journey," she said seriously.
"I once conducted a covert investigation of that space. It is extremely unstable. Combined with its unique spatial environment and the Abyssal tide that surged from Khaenri'ah five hundred years ago, the entire region has become both eerie and dangerous."
She paused briefly, then continued, "If not for Rex Lapis—cough—if not for Guizhong arranging for the Conqueror of Demons to accompany you, I would have gone myself."
Her concern was unmistakable. As a master, she spared no effort for her disciples.
If Xiao had not been assigned, she would have accompanied Shenhe and Aila personally, no matter how dangerous The Chasm was. After all, how could she stand aside while her disciples ventured into such a place?
But Guizhong had persuaded her otherwise.
No one knew how long Futsu Mitama and the others would remain below. Half a month at the very least—possibly longer. Without Cloud Retainer, the development of the Azhdaha Mech would come to a halt.
That project required both of them.
"Don't worry, Master," Shenhe replied calmly.
Aila also met Cloud Retainer's gaze. "I will win. With what you and Master have given me, I will win this time."
Cloud Retainer nodded, her tone firm. "On that point, your master believes in you. You are no longer who you were half a year ago. Your strength now approaches mine. I have taught you everything I can."
She paused, then added, "If something goes wrong—crush that."
Aila gave a silent nod.
She understood what "that" referred to—a pale golden stone.
It was something Cloud Retainer had personally requested from Rex Lapis. Within it was a full-powered strike, capable of forcibly interrupting the fusion process. A single-use safeguard—a final measure.
Beyond that, Cloud Retainer had given Aila numerous other preparations, leaving no doubt about how much she valued this disciple.
Taking advantage of the moment while Cloud Retainer's focus remained elsewhere, Ganyu moved quietly. She intended to hand over the Qixing's token and leave as quickly as possible.
If Cloud Retainer turned her attention toward her, the consequences would be difficult.
With that in mind, Ganyu approached Futsu Mitama—only to find him in the middle of training.
"Bo—"
A soft sound echoed as Dendro energy spread outward. Flowers bloomed around him, and in his hand appeared a verdant mark—the Seed of Skandha, capable of linking multiple targets and causing them to share damage.
"This is—?"
A flicker of shock passed through Ganyu's eyes. Having lived through the Archon War, she could tell—this was no ordinary technique. It carried the unmistakable signature of an Archon.
And considering Futsu Mitama's history—the inheritances of the Geo Archon and the Electro Archon, along with his connection to the Anemo Archon—
Did this mean he had now obtained the Dendro Archon's inheritance as well?
Four Archons?
The implication alone was staggering.
"Ganyu, you've arrived."
Futsu Mitama dismissed the energy in his hand and smiled gently. He then took out several fresh sea ganoderma and handed them to her.
These had been collected in Inazuma and stored in a special space that preserved their condition perfectly.
Ganyu accepted them with a faint blush. She hadn't eaten much earlier—so a little now should be fine.
With that thought, she began eating while handing over the token.
"This is the key to temporarily lifting the seal," she said. "I'll accompany you to The Chasm, and I'll also invite the Fatui Harbinger to the Jade Chamber."
Futsu Mitama was not surprised.
This arrangement had already been mentioned in the chat group. In fact, the idea of having Ningguang handle the Harbinger had come from Sangonomiya Kokomi.
From her perspective, the Harbinger's presence in Liyue could not be innocent. Even without knowing the exact scheme, her actions in Mondstadt and Inazuma were enough to mark her as dangerous.
Containment was the safest approach.
Albedo and Yae Miko had agreed.
If left unchecked, she would inevitably cause trouble.
Thus, the decision was made—she would be invited to the Jade Chamber for "tea," with no room for refusal.
If she declined, the Millelith would monitor her constantly. The moment she stepped out of line, she would be escorted there regardless.
It was no different from how Tartaglia had once been handled.
"Thank you for your efforts," Futsu Mitama said with a slight smile.
"It's my duty," Ganyu replied. After finishing the sea ganoderma in a single bite, she hesitated briefly before asking, "The technique you just used—"
"Is that the Dendro Archon's inheritance? From Maha Rukkhadevata, or Lesser Lord Kusanali?"
Her curiosity was evident. If she didn't ask now, she wouldn't be able to let it go.
At her question, Cloud Retainer and Xiao both shifted their attention toward Futsu Mitama.
They had been curious as well—but had held back.
Now, they listened.
Futsu Mitama answered without hesitation, "Yes, it is the Dendro Archon's inheritance. As for whether it comes from Maha Rukkhadevata or Lesser Lord Kusanali—these two are essentially the same."
He spoke plainly.
After all, the distinction between them was more a matter of form than essence.
Ganyu nodded.
She did not press further. Curiosity had its limits.
Some matters belonged to others—and knowing when to stop was something she had long learned.
Ganyu understood the ways of the world. She did not press further, nor did she ask how Futsu Mitama had obtained or learned the Dendro Archon's inheritance.
To most people, divine inheritances were things of immense weight—lofty, untouchable. Yet in Futsu Mitama's hands, they seemed almost—understated.
He already possessed the inheritances of the Electro and Geo Archons, and now he had added that of the Dendro Archon.
Three divine inheritances.
If it were anyone else, Ganyu would have been utterly shocked. But for some reason, when it came to Futsu Mitama, it felt natural.
As though he was meant to be this way. After all, the things he accomplished were enough to astonish even the Archons.
And yet, his pursuit of the Dendro Archon's inheritance was not driven by a desire for greater power. Over the past half year, his training with the Electro and Geo inheritances had already brought him immense gains.
Now, he could stand on equal footing with Archons—a culmination of those two paths.
However, the Geo Archon's inheritance remained incomplete.
Or more precisely—Zhongli had not taught everything.
Within that inheritance, the most formidable technique—the so-called "Sealing Art," the Geo Spear—remained beyond Futsu Mitama's reach. Not because he could not learn it, but because it had never been imparted to him.
It was not even recorded in Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine.
A genuine regret.
After all, Futsu Mitama had long coveted that move. Back in the Abyss, when a mysterious entity on the twelfth floor attempted to restrain him and his companions from afar, Zhongli—who had been observing in secret—had casually cast a Geo Spear.
That single strike had injured the unknown entity and forced even the restless Abyssal powerhouses into stillness.
Compared to that, even the Musou no Hitotachi felt—slightly less impressive in function.
Ahem—perhaps an unfair comparison to Raiden Ei since she focused on destruction.
But the fact remained—it had been undeniably useful. And yet Zhongli himself described it modestly as a sealing technique, a move meant for restraining Archons rather than causing widespread destruction.
As for the reality—those who understood, understood.
Before long, after a brief exchange, Cloud Retainer—still concerned for Aila—initially intended to personally escort them to The Chasm. However, Guizhong persuaded her otherwise, pointing out that such an escort would make little difference.
Time was better spent continuing work on the Azhdaha Mech.
The greater threat lay elsewhere.
After hearing this, Cloud Retainer seemed to reach a decision. She gave Ganyu a few final instructions before departing.
Ganyu let out a quiet sigh of relief once she was gone.
Then she turned to the others. It was time.
She had already notified the Northland Bank. If nothing unexpected had occurred, Tartaglia would have set out ahead of them.
They could not delay any longer.
This time, the group heading into The Chasm consisted of Futsu Mitama, Aila, Kuki Shinobu, Sangonomiya Kokomi, Xiao, Shenhe, Lumine, and Paimon.
At the forefront were Futsu Mitama and Xiao—both possessing strength capable of contending with lesser Archons.
Following them were Shenhe, Sangonomiya Kokomi, and Aila, whose abilities stood firmly at the level of the adeptus.
Kuki Shinobu and Lumine occupied a more ambiguous position. At full strength, they could contend with adeptus, but whether they could secure victory remained uncertain. After all, Lumine only had two elements inside her right now.
In the past few days, Futsu Mitama had sparred frequently with Lumine. Her combat ability fluctuated unpredictably, rising and falling in a way that felt strangely unstable.
As for Paimon—Emergency food.
(Paimon: "Hey!!!")
With that, the group departed Liyue Harbor under the cover of night, making straight for The Chasm.
Meanwhile, within the chat group—
[Futsu Mitama: "Are you sure this works? I've already begun learning. I've grasped Dendro power, and I've mastered the Seed of Skandha."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Yes, it is effective. When you reach the realm of the Seed of Stored Consciousness, your perception of the world will fundamentally change. Still, I am surprised. I expected it would take you longer to learn. To achieve this on your first attempt—given more time, you would likely reach that realm very soon."]
[Azhdaha: "Tempted?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "You said you wouldn't compete for him."]
[Venti: "Exactly. The old man and the shut-in are already enough trouble."]
[Zhongli: "..."]
[Raiden Ei: "Where is my naginata?"]
[Venti: "Ahem—let's keep things civil! Besides, if Futsu Mitama seeks freedom one day and chooses Mondstadt, that would be perfectly natural."]
[Raiden Ei: "Miko, get my sword ready"]
[Yae Miko: "Here."]
[Raiden Ei: "Alright, I'll head over. I'm going to Mondstadt right now."]
[Venti: "???"]
[Albedo: "Klee, come with me. We're heading to Liyue to lie low."]
[Klee: "Huh? Why?"]
[Albedo: "Because Mondstadt is about to become dangerous. The Anemo Archon might not even be able to protect himself."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Hahahahaha."]
[Futsu Mitama: "But if I learn this, will it really help?"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "In theory, yes. The battle of soul fusion requires the establishment of a spiritual domain. Within that domain, the two sides 'complete' each other, but at the same time, they are also 'fighting to the death.'"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Through my inheritance, you may observe and even intervene in this conflict. However, once you interfere—"]
[Aila: "then a victor will never truly be decided."]
[Aila: "Even if I win with Young Master's help, if she does not acknowledge it in her heart, the fusion will fail. Likewise, even if she defeats me through some method, as long as I refuse to accept it, her fusion will also fail."]
[Aila: "Even if the fusion is forced, as long as my will remains, she will face the risk of backlash."]
[Keqing: "Then what if she tries to erode your will over time?"]
[Venti: "That's impossible. Weakening her will is the same as weakening her own. After fusion, they are one existence. To destroy the other is to destroy oneself."]
[Raiden Ei: "The drawbacks outweigh the benefits. Therefore, absolute fairness must be maintained. No external force should interfere. Interference only creates hidden risks for oneself."]
[Raiden Makoto: "This process is extremely delicate. Even Archons cannot intervene without consequences."]
[Zhongli: "According to ancient records, this is a sacred and cruel duel—a single consciousness divided, fighting for the right to exist. Dottore—is someone who fundamentally despises life."]
[Raiden Ei: "That's why I destroyed dozens of his segments. At least those in Snezhnaya are gone."]
[Albedo: "Good."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Such a person is truly detestable."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Then I need to train harder. I have a feeling the fusion battle will begin soon within The Chasm Before that happens, I need to be fully prepared."]
After those words, the chat group fell silent.
Everyone understood what Aila meant to him. Her importance was no less than the bonds between Raiden Makoto and Raiden Ei, or Morax, Guizhong, and Azhdaha.
No one continued the topic.
Futsu Mitama noticed the silence and realized he had said too much. He tried to lighten the mood, but the response remained subdued.
Not long after, under Ganyu's guidance, the group arrived at The Chasm in just a few hours. Under normal circumstances, the journey would have taken days—but no one here could be considered ordinary.
As they approached the sealed entrance, a familiar figure stepped forward alongside the Millelith.
"Hi~" A young woman with short bluish hair greeted them with a gentle smile. "It's been half a year. How have you all been?"
"It's you?" Kuki Shinobu looked at her in surprise. "From the Ministry of Civil Affairs—?"
Shenhe simply gave a slight nod. The events from half a year ago were still vivid in her mind. What left the deepest impression was the woman's decisiveness—when the ruins collapsed, she had retreated without hesitation.
Decisive. Calm. Capable.
That was Shenhe's evaluation.
"So it's you," Futsu Mitama said, his tone thoughtful. "You're joining this operation as well?"
For a brief moment, he even wondered whether Yanfei might appear next.
"Mhm." Yelan nodded. "I'm responsible for intelligence within The Chasm. Since you and the adeptus are heading in, I can provide support—information, and some combat capability."
Ganyu added, "Yelan specializes in this field. If you encounter anything unfamiliar, you may consult her."
Then she paused slightly. "Though, with your group, that may not be necessary."
Her expression turned a little complicated.
This lineup was excessive.
In terms of combat, there were Futsu Mitama and Xiao. In terms of strategy, Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi. Xiao alone possessed millennia of experience dealing with monsters.
Strictly speaking, Yelan's assigned role from the Qixing was closer to a guide—ensuring the group could reach the depths of The Chasm efficiently.
Beyond that, her contribution would depend on circumstances.
Xiao remained silent, his gaze resting on Futsu Mitama, indicating that he would follow his lead.
The others did the same.
"Alright," Futsu Mitama said.
There was no reason to refuse. Yelan was competent, and additional support was always valuable.
"Thank you," Yelan replied, her tone steady. "I will do my best not to hinder you. Now, please follow me. That Fatui Harbinger has been waiting here for quite some time."
Under her lead, the group quickly arrived at the sealed entrance.
Tartaglia stood there, pacing casually as if passing time. The moment he saw them, his eyes lit up.
"You're finally here! I've been waiting. So—when do we go down? Tonight? Or wait until tomorrow?"
Though his words suggested patience, the anticipation in his eyes was unmistakable.
"You want to go tonight, don't you?" Paimon said bluntly.
"Ah… hahaha…" Tartaglia laughed awkwardly, not denying it.
He was excited. Once inside, everything would begin to move. Schemes he disliked—yet still accepted—would unfold.
For Snezhnaya, it was necessary.
"Alright," Futsu Mitama said, his gaze fixed on The Chasm. "To avoid unnecessary complications, we enter tonight."
"We proceed directly to the deepest layer. Any obstacles along the way—I will handle them."
His voice was calm. Below the Archon level, he was invincible. At the Archon level—
He would take one down with him and he meant it.