Windrise.
Venti looked at Gu Chen with a resentful gaze.
This kid's strength in his previous life was so strong?
He actually repelled Dvalin so easily, which left him a bit stunned.
Even through the screen, he could feel his past self's embarrassment.
Gu Chen smiled without a word.
[Extraordinary Group Chat]
[Dvalin]: @ [Venti] Why aren't you laughing anymore? Were you born without a smile?
[Venti]: Watch the video, watch the video!
In the video.
After the mysterious voice's owner was stunned, azure Anemo elemental power swirled around Gu Chen's body.
"Attack the crystal on its back; it might have an unexpected effect, hmm?"
The mysterious voice suggested.
Gu Chen didn't hesitate. After throwing a punch that formed a powerful Wind Vortex, he launched the vortex forward, precisely striking the crystal on the fleeing Stormterror's back.
Stormterror cried out in pain and flew even faster.
With Anemo boosting him, Gu Chen's speed doubled as he quickly gave chase.
After landing two more hits on the crystal, Stormterror's figure vanished completely.
After all, as a dragon that commanded the wind, once it decided to flee for real, Gu Chen could only fly back regretfully.
And that mysterious voice never appeared again.
"Great! I knew Gu Chen could do it!"
Paimon clapped repeatedly.
Lumine nodded in deep agreement, her gaze toward Gu Chen carrying a hint of admiration.
"Impressive—you actually repelled Stormterror!" Amber was astonished, then added: "We couldn't do a thing to it, but you handled it so easily. Amazing!"
"It seemed out of its mind. I just got lucky," Gu Chen shook his head.
[Dvalin]: See? I only lost because I was out of my mind!
[Neuvillette]: From a rational analysis of the video, Mr. Gu Chen's strength is astonishing. Calling it 'luck' is likely just his modest, low-key nature.
[Dvalin]: Friend, you've wounded me!
[Neuvillette]: I overlooked the occasion—my apologies.
[Kaeya]: Truth is often a blade that cuts deep.
[Collei]: Mr. Gu Chen is so strong! He cleared the monsters in the Temples of the Four Winds like they were dry weeds and rotting wood!
[Gorou]: What does it mean that Stormterror abandoned its own temple?
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: Stormterror was originally one of the Four Winds Guardians. From the Mondstadters' reactions in the video, they've forgotten the East Wind Dragon and call it Stormterror now. That crystal on the East Wind Dragon's back is quite suspicious too.
[Noelle]: Mr. Gu Chen became an Honorary Knight! So envious... When will I become an official Knight of Favonius?
[Jean]: Don't rush—you still need more training! (Encouraging)
[Diluc]: Hmph! The Fatui sure are arrogant. Mondstadt's problems will be handled by Mondstadters—no need for Fatui meddling!
[Signora]: Heh.
[Hu Tao]: The Fatui were never popular anyway. Quick, look—Gu Chen and the others met the green guy!
Gu Chen and his two companions had already encountered the green guy.
"I'm a bard—Venti."
"To be precise, the three-time consecutive champion of Mondstadt City's most beloved bard!"
Venti introduced himself with confidence shining in his eyes.
[Zhongli]: No comment.
[Raiden Ei]: ...
[Yae Miko]: Oh? Shadow finally stopped lurking?
[Lyney]: Miss Lumine's power to purify the crystal is so unique. Both are from beyond this world, so why couldn't Mr. Gu Chen do it?
[Lumine]: I don't quite get it either.
In the video.
"You truly possess incredible power."
After his shock, Venti stared at Lumine and said: "Someone like you is destined for the epics sung by bards—standing in the sunlight, you'll become a hero; in the shadows, you could guide disasters!"
"But I don't have time to compose a new song for you now. Even without subjugation, Dvalin's life force will drain away rapidly... It'll burn itself out in rage!" Venti said gravely.
Gu Chen nodded slightly, fully understanding as he replied: "I sympathize with Dvalin too, but you seemed to be chatting happily with it in the Whispering Woods. As an Honorary Knight, I advise you to turn yourself in with the dragon and seek leniency. We can brainstorm ways to save Dvalin together—what do you think?"
[Furina]: Good! I've long suspected this guy's no good—arrest him and put him on trial!
[Neuvillette]: This is another nation's affair. Please stay calm.
[Dvalin]: Death penalty! Repeat as needed!
[Yanfei]: Mr. Venti, need a lawyer for your defense?
[Venti]: I have grievances, but I can't speak them~ A mature man bears too much~ (Voice 5s)
[Zhongli]: Well sung, but from the video, Mr. Venti's identity seems quite mysterious!
Old geezer! What do you mean by that insinuation!
Though he knew exposure was inevitable, Venti wanted to struggle a bit longer.
[Kirara]: Can playing the Skyward Harp really restore Senior Dvalin?
[Venti]: Trust a three-time champion top bard!
In the video.
The four had headed to the Cathedral to find the Skyward Harp.
After failing his initial talk with Sister Gothilde, Venti shook his head with a wry smile, then said seriously: "I really can't help it—at this point, I can't hide anymore!"
"My devout followers, rejoice! Before you stands the Anemo Archon Barbatos himself—isn't it shocking? Shocked to tears? Finally meeting the god you serve—moving, right?" Venti asked, brimming with confidence.
Gothilde remained impassive, her eyes even holding a trace of disdain: "If that's all, I'll get back to the Cathedral's documents."
[Dvalin]: My devout followers.
[Furina]: Rejoice!
[Hu Tao]: Standing before you,
[Kaeya]: Is the Anemo Archon Barbatos himself!
[Venti]: Friends, no need—really, no need!
[Barbara]: Mr. Venti, please don't impersonate Lord Barbatos like that anymore!
[Zhongli]: Pfft.
[Raiden Ei]: After long seclusion, has the outside world filled with jokes? (Puzzled)
[Venti]: Please ignore me—watch the video, okay?
In the video.
After failing twice, Venti turned to Gu Chen for help.
Regrettably, even Gu Chen failed.
After the failure.
Venti wore an "as expected" expression, then said: "Direct borrowing won't work—we need clever acquisition!"
"Today, we fully respect free will. So, how would you cleverly get it?" Venti asked with a smile.
Gu Chen: "..."
"Speak up—no holding back. Free will means saying whatever!" Venti encouraged with a beaming face.
"You're hinting I should steal it, right?" Gu Chen asked, full of suspicion.
"Steal? This is clearly outsmarting it!" Venti said dead seriously.
[Heizou]: Everything you say now can and will be used as court evidence!
[Yanfei]: This case is open-and-shut. Mr. Venti's the mastermind, scheming and hinting for accomplice Mr. Gu Chen to steal the Skyward Harp—tough to defend your crew! (Headache)
[Dvalin]: Venti, as expected of you!
[Zhongli]: Mondstadt truly lives up to the City of Freedom—too free, indeed.