Chapter 63. Zhongli and I Pay Respect to you!
Accompanied by Futsu Mitama's rather chuunibyou declaration, the Fusion Card in his hand suddenly erupted with a dazzling white radiance.
The blinding light instantly flowed into Cloud Retainer and Shenhe's bodies.
At that moment, both Cloud Retainer and Shenhe felt an irresistible force surging through them.
"This is?!"
Cloud Retainer's pupils contracted slightly, as though she had suddenly realized something.
Shenhe also revealed a surprised expression, but unlike her master, she quickly closed her eyes and quietly accepted the incoming power.
"Buzz—!!!"
Their bodies transformed into two clusters of white light.
Then—
The two masses of light slowly drifted together before completely merging into one another.
In the next instant, a gentle yet brilliant ice-blue radiance exploded outward, illuminating the entire courtyard.
"Woah!!!"
Paimon subconsciously raised both hands to shield her eyes. Although the blue light was soft, it still carried a dazzling intensity that made people unable to look directly at it.
"This light… it's different."
Sangonomiya Kokomi spoke in surprise while half-covering her eyes with one hand, carefully observing the scene ahead.
"Yes, it's different from Aila's fusion."
Kuki Shinobu also nodded.
Everyone present already knew about the Chat Group, so there was no longer any need to conceal such matters.
Moreover, through Black Aila, Kuki Shinobu had already learned that even after fusion, Cloud Retainer and Shenhe would not inherit memories related to the Chat Group itself.
Because of this, her words were much more direct now.
"The aura is different too."
Lumine quietly spoke as well. She could clearly sense the distinction.
Back when Aila and Black Aila fused, the pressure they emitted was overwhelmingly terrifying.
That feeling had been incomparably domineering.
But this time was different.
Although Cloud Retainer and Shenhe's fusion still possessed an astonishing sense of grandeur, it somehow felt as though something crucial was missing.
"Mm."
Futsu Mitama nodded slightly.
However, he understood the reason very clearly.
When Aila and Black Aila fused, the incomplete Archon Authority within them had been directly perfected.
That kind of aura naturally far surpassed the current fusion.
Still—
Cloud Retainer and Shenhe themselves were already extremely powerful existences.
The former was an Adeptus who had survived the brutal Archon War and emerged victorious from countless bloody battles.
The latter was a monstrous genius rarely seen in a thousand years, someone even praised as possessing Adeptus-level potential.
The fact Shenhe had reached the Adeptus Realm at such a young age already proved how terrifying her talent truly was.
Even with only sixty-five percent compatibility, the result of their fusion remained impossible to predict.
The ice-blue radiance continued spreading outward.
Time slowly passed.
Just as Futsu Mitama had expected, this fusion process was clearly much slower.
Previously, Aila and Black Aila's fusion had completed within barely a minute. The entire process had been incomparably smooth.
But now things were entirely different.
Three full minutes passed, yet the glowing blue sphere remained suspended in place, gently pulsing without further change.
Clearly, lower compatibility also resulted in a longer fusion duration.
Soon—
Five minutes later.
The ice-blue light abruptly intensified.
Then, beneath everyone's gaze, a woman with an incomparably refined temperament slowly appeared.
And at the same time—
A rather unfortunate physique.
"Pfft—!!!!"
Futsu Mitama nearly sprayed out the mouthful of water he had just swallowed.
Because the woman before him resembled Fu Hua from Honkai Impact 3rd by at least seventy to eighty percent.
Even the chest had become completely flattened!!!!
This instantly left Futsu Mitama dumbfounded.
Cloud Retainer and Shenhe were clearly not lacking in that department, so why had the fusion result become like this?!
Could it be that this face was simply destined to be flat-chested?!
"So powerful."
Unlike Futsu Mitama, Black Aila's expression instantly became serious.
Her body unconsciously tensed as she stared at the refined woman ahead.
Clearly, she had sensed the terrifying pressure radiating from the other party.
"Has she reached the Demon God Realm?"
Aila similarly revealed a solemn expression.
Both she and Black Aila were already considered peak Adeptus-level existences, even half-step Archon beings.
Yet now, both of them felt overwhelming pressure from this fused existence.
If that was the case…
Had her master and senior sister truly stepped into the Demon God Realm after fusion?
"No. Not yet."
The refined woman slowly opened her eyes.
Her calm voice carried both indifference and dignity as she gently clenched her fist.
"Although this power is immense, it still has not reached the qualitative transformation required to become a Demon God."
"However…"
"This Adeptus has indeed gained some insight. In the future, reaching the so-called Demon God Realm may not be as difficult as previously imagined."
Clearly, the dominant consciousness at this moment was Cloud Retainer.
She lowered her head slightly and examined her current body before softly sighing.
"And although this Adeptus always knew Shenhe's physique was extraordinarily strong—This Adeptus never expected it to be strong to this extent. The physical strength contained within this body now could likely kill weaker Demon Gods outright."
Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi both fell silent.
Cloud Retainer kept speaking about "killing Demon Gods" despite simultaneously claiming she had not reached the Demon God Realm.
That wording was honestly rather terrifying.
However, Futsu Mitama completely understood what she meant.
Because Shenhe's physical abilities were genuinely monstrous.
The mere fact Shenhe could casually lift boulders the size of mountains already proved her strength had long surpassed the limits of humanity.
And during sparring sessions with Shenhe, Futsu Mitama had clearly realized something unbelievable.
Shenhe's most terrifying aspect was not her talisman arts.
Nor was it her spear technique.
It was her raw physical attacks.
Yes—
If he had not personally fought her, even Futsu Mitama would never have imagined that a woman so proficient with spears and adept in talisman arts possessed fists that were even more terrifying.
The kind where—
If she punched you, you simply died.
"Whoosh—!"
At that moment, the refined woman slowly raised one hand. An invisible breeze suddenly swept in from afar.
The gentle wind wrapped around everyone present before gathering within her palm, rapidly condensing into a miniature tornado.
"So this is Master's power—How wonderful."
This time, the speaker was Shenhe. Her voice carried an unusually subtle emotion as she quietly gazed at the tornado in her hand.
Now, she could freely wield her master's power. If this Anemo authority were fully unleashed, it could instantly transform into a catastrophic storm capable of devastating entire regions.
Back then, this very technique had heavily injured the Primo Geovishap.
And now, Shenhe could instinctively wield it with ease. At this moment, she could use everything her master possessed.
Likewise—
Cloud Retainer could also freely use everything Shenhe possessed.
The powers of the two perfectly complemented one another, producing an astonishing qualitative transformation.
Although they still had not reached the Demon God Realm, in terms of pure combat power, they were already infinitely close to Demon Gods-level existence.
However, becoming a Demon God was not merely about possessing immense strength.
It represented an even higher level of life evolution.
Only beings who truly stepped into that realm could understand the difference.
That was why Cloud Retainer claimed she had not become an Archon, yet still possessed the power to kill one.
"…"
The refined woman's clear gaze quietly landed upon Futsu Mitama. Within those calm eyes, a faint trace of battle intent flickered.
Clearly—
She wanted to fight.
Now, she finally possessed the confidence to challenge him directly.
"Wait. Calm down."
Futsu Mitama immediately raised both hands in surrender.
"This is still Liyue Harbor. If we fight here, the aftermath alone would cause unimaginable destruction."
Even if they opened a separate dimension to use as a battlefield, who knew what might happen once the fight escalated too far?
So if possible—
It was better not to fight.
"Mm."
The refined woman nodded slightly, acknowledging his reasoning.
Then—
"Wow!!!!"
Paimon suddenly let out a delayed scream.
"No! This is bad!!! Everyone, look!!!"
"What's wrong?"
Kuki Shinobu turned toward Paimon in confusion, completely unable to understand why the little one was suddenly panicking again.
"?"
Lumine also looked toward Paimon with a puzzled expression, equally uncertain about what exactly she wanted everyone to see.
Sangonomiya Kokomi's expression also became somewhat strange. Following Paimon's gaze, she looked toward the fused form of Shenhe and Cloud Retainer, then tilted her head slightly, the oddness in her eyes deepening further.
"Is there…something strange about it?" Kokomi asked hesitantly. "Why can't I see it?"
"The chest! The chest is gone!!!" Paimon pointed at the fused woman and shouted loudly, "This is a huge problem!!!!"
Futsu Mitama silently gave Paimon a thumbs-up.
"As expected of you. Your focus is always unbelievably peculiar. Oh, was my attention on the chest just now? Never mind then~"
Black Aila spoke calmly from the side.
"The excess fat disappearing is a good thing."
"Yes."
Aila nodded in agreement as well, despite the fact that she had mocked Black Aila's figure before.
"In actual combat, having those things constantly bouncing around really is inconvenient."
"..."
Kuki Shinobu, Sangonomiya Kokomi, and Lumine all revealed somewhat speechless expressions, clearly not expecting Paimon's attention to land on such a place.
"In a sense—it really is rather strange. Why did the fused form of Cloud Retainer and Shenhe completely lose its chest?"
"It's obviously a trivial detail, yet somehow it feels especially odd."
"Merely a few ounces of flesh. This Adeptus does not care about such matters."
Cloud Retainer herself appeared completely indifferent. Her tone remained calm and composed, as though discussing something utterly insignificant.
"Master is right."
Shenhe also nodded slightly in agreement. At this moment, she genuinely felt an unprecedented sense of lightness throughout her body.
Originally, Shenhe had never cared much about those two soft burdens. Yet after her recent diet improved, they had grown larger and larger. Other parts of her body could slim down through training, but those particular places stubbornly refused to change regardless of how much she exercised, which had caused her quite a bit of distress.
Now that they were gone, Shenhe only felt completely relaxed, as though an invisible weight had finally disappeared.
According to Futsu Mitama's understanding, Shenhe probably felt so happy right now that she could sing a song on the spot to express her joy.
"Alright, enough of this." Cloud Retainer looked toward Futsu Mitama and said calmly, "Separate Shenhe and this Adeptus now."
"This fusion card is indeed miraculous."
As she spoke, Cloud Retainer slowly clenched her hand. She could clearly feel the transformation within herself.
Both she and Shenhe, after experiencing this fusion, would inevitably step into the Demon God Realm within a hundred years.
That sensation during fusion had given Cloud Retainer an extremely unique feeling. She even had a vague premonition—
That she might very well become the first among her old friends to reach the Demon God Realm.
The moment that thought appeared, Cloud Retainer instantly became unable to sit still.
Previously, her secluded cultivation had always been for researching mechanism arts. But now, she suddenly wished to enter seclusion immediately and carefully seek out that mysterious sensation of "transformation."
If she truly succeeded—
Then she would definitely visit all her old friends one by one.
As the Adeptus who enjoyed socializing the most among the illuminated beasts, Cloud Retainer had already begun preparing what she would say.
"Eh? You still haven't reached the Demon God Realm?"
"Mm. This Adeptus already has."
Just imagining that scene made Cloud Retainer eager to leave Liyue Harbor immediately.
"Alright."
Futsu Mitama did not refuse. He took out the Fusion Release Card, pointed it toward the refined woman who looked seventy to eighty percent similar to Fu Hua, and spoke seriously.
"Release."
As the card emitted light, the fused body instantly separated into two figures once more.
Cloud Retainer and Shenhe reappeared side by side, both quietly standing in place as if still savoring the feeling from earlier.
"Indeed… it was an extremely marvelous experience."
Cloud Retainer sighed softly. When she looked toward Futsu Mitama again, her eyes carried unmistakable appreciation and emotion.
Half a year ago, Futsu Mitama had merely been a junior who came seeking her help with Aila's problem while carrying the Talisman of Everlasting Morality.
At that time, although he held the status of the Raiden Shogun's retainer, Cloud Retainer had never intended to gain anything from him.
Yet afterward, more and more extraordinary things kept appearing around him.
First was food capable of improving the Conqueror of Demons' condition.
Then came Guizhong's resurrection.
And now, this miraculous fusion card.
At times, Cloud Retainer genuinely wanted to grab Futsu Mitama by the shoulders and shake him hard just to see what other unbelievable treasures he was hiding.
"Mm."
Shenhe also nodded slightly. That experience had truly felt incredibly novel to her.
After the fusion ended, Shenhe suddenly felt that the road ahead had become incomparably clear.
It seemed that in the future, if members of the Chat Group wished to break through into the Demon God Realm, perhaps they could also use fusion to personally experience that wondrous sensation.
"Well then, this Adeptus should take her leave."
At this moment, Cloud Retainer finally prepared to depart. She looked toward Aila and Black Aila not far away, her tone carrying a trace of emotion.
"Seeing that my disciple is safe, this Adeptus can now rest assured. If any matters arise, come find this Adeptus at Mt. Aocang."
However, just as Cloud Retainer finished speaking and was about to leave, knocking sounds suddenly echoed from outside.
Knock knock knock!
"Anyone home?! Hey! Futsu Mitama! Zhongli and I came to find you!"
Hu Tao's energetic voice rang out loudly from beyond the courtyard walls. Clearly, she had already finished handling the matter at Guyun Stone Forest and immediately rushed over here.
It was just—
Why had Zhongli returned as well?
Could it be that Hu Tao caught him red-handed while he was halfway through listening to opera and drinking tea?
"Ahem!"
The moment she heard the name "Zhongli," Cloud Retainer immediately coughed lightly, pretending to remain calm.
"This Adeptus suddenly recalled that there are still unresolved matters. I shall remain here for a little longer."
Seeing this reaction, Shenhe blinked slightly but wisely chose not to say anything.
Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi both revealed somewhat strange expressions, yet neither could pinpoint exactly what felt off.
As for those who knew the truth, each of them wore subtle expressions that looked very much like they wanted to laugh but did not dare to.
"Great! Great!"
Paimon, meanwhile, looked extremely happy.
Although she had no idea what unfinished business Cloud Retainer suddenly remembered, she still felt it was good for the Adeptus to stay longer.
After all, as the people of Liyue often said—
Remaining near the Adeptus allowed one to absorb more Adeptus energy!
"I'll open the door."
Futsu Mitama headed toward the entrance.
Although he and Hu Tao were already extremely familiar with one another, and she could easily push the gate open herself, Hu Tao had never once done so.
Every time she arrived, she would properly knock first to confirm whether he was home and whether it was convenient to enter.
The courtyard was not far from the main gate, so Futsu Mitama quickly opened it and saw Hu Tao carrying the Staff of Homa while Zhongli stood beside her wearing a helpless expression.
Futsu Mitama immediately glanced toward Zhongli inside the Chat Group, silently asking why he had returned.
Zhongli replied equally helplessly within the Chat Group.
He explained that while strolling through Liyue Harbor, he had coincidentally encountered Hu Tao, who immediately dragged him here without giving him any chance to refuse.
And honestly speaking, Zhongli truly could not refuse.
A few days earlier, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had been exceptionally busy, yet Zhongli had "coincidentally" found himself occupied elsewhere and pushed most of the work aside.
Although Hu Tao herself claimed not to mind and even told Zhongli to handle his own affairs while she took care of the work alone, she was actually extremely perceptive regarding interpersonal etiquette despite her young age.
Many of Zhongli's troublesome habits were tolerated by her with remarkable generosity. As long as it did not involve some "major funeral order," Hu Tao almost always approved Zhongli's leave requests without complaint.
Faced with such an understanding Director Hu, Zhongli often felt both relieved and slightly guilty.
This was precisely why Zhongli rarely rejected Hu Tao's requests.
As a result, the leisurely retired Geo Archon wandering around Liyue Harbor ended up getting caught on the spot by Hu Tao.
"Hi! Futsu Mitama!!"
Hu Tao greeted him enthusiastically, as though they had not met in ages.
"I've finished handling everything! Where's little Klee?!"
In reality, it had not been long at all.
Hu Tao had merely just completed the Guyun Stone Forest matter, carefully explaining the entire situation to the arriving Millelith.
After hearing her explanation, the Millelith all exchanged bewildered glances.
After all—who in the world went fishing using explosives and accidentally blew up an Demon God's follower?!
Yet the terrifying storm and enormous tsunami they witnessed in the distance earlier were undeniably real.
In the end, they could only scold Hu Tao a few times, warn her not to repeat such actions again, and then let her go since the incident had genuinely been unintentional.
Furthermore, the matter involved Futsu Mitama, an extremely sensitive figure, so the Millelith did not dare pursue it too deeply.
Once everything was resolved, Hu Tao immediately came over to play with Klee.
She still felt somewhat guilty regarding what happened earlier.
Moreover, because Klee rarely visited Liyue, Hu Tao was determined to let her enjoy herself to the fullest. She had even prepared a special Liyue sightseeing guide while on the way over.
The first destination written on it was—
Wuwang Hill.
"Klee?" Futsu Mitama replied casually, "She went out with Albedo and probably won't return for a while."
"Since you're already here, come inside first."
As he spoke, he led Hu Tao and Zhongli into the courtyard.
"Ah~"
Hu Tao immediately showed a visibly disappointed expression. Clearly, she was rather sad about missing Klee.
Still, she obediently followed behind Futsu Mitama into the courtyard.
Soon afterward, Hu Tao and Zhongli arrived inside.
The very first thing Hu Tao saw was Cloud Retainer standing atop the eaves.
Her eyes widened instantly.
"Cloud Retainer?!!!"
"The current Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?"
Cloud Retainer also looked toward Hu Tao. Naturally, she knew of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
After all, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had existed since the Archon War, and its true superior had always been Rex Lapis himself.
It would be strange if she did not know of it.
Just as Cloud Retainer prepared to exchange a few words, Hu Tao suddenly grabbed Zhongli and bowed respectfully.
"The seventy-seventh Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, together with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's consultant, hereby pays respects to the Adeptus!"
The status of the Adeptus within Liyue was incomparably lofty. Ordinary citizens would instinctively bow upon meeting one.
Just as the people of Inazuma bowed respectfully when encountering Yae Miko or Futsu Mitama—
Hu Tao dragging Zhongli into a respectful salute before Cloud Retainer was therefore perfectly natural.