The moment the word "infinite" left Severin's lips, the five adepti could no longer remain seated calmly.
If large-scale forging, alchemy, and talisman crafting became possible, the strength of Liyue's adepti would soar.
They could even equip the Millelith with surplus treasures—perhaps restoring the army to its former glory.
Just as their internal calculations began racing—
Severin calmly poured cold water over their excitement.
"Artifact forging is powerful," he said evenly.
"But it consumes Mora at an equally astonishing rate."
"The refinement of Yuegui just now consumed one hundred billion Mora."
Madame Ping inhaled sharply.
The adepti had accumulated one hundred billion over millennia.
One refinement—one tenth gone.
At that rate, nine more attempts would bankrupt them entirely.
"However," Severin continued smoothly, "Yuegui developed true intelligence—that is why the cost was so extreme."
"Ordinary artifacts without sentience require only a few billion Mora. At most, ten to twenty billion."
The tension eased.
If every attempt cost one hundred billion, not even mountains of gold could sustain it.
Demonstration: Pills and Talismans
Severin then forged:
A Longevity PillA Water-Repelling Talisman
Both were handed to Yaoyao.
"Low-grade Longevity Pill: one year of life extension for mortals; enhanced physique for adepti."
"Low-grade Water-Repelling Talisman: temporary immunity to water currents; limited suppression of corruption."
The adepti's eyes burned with anticipation.
These were treasures worth lifetimes of study.
The Furnace Sale
"Your Highness," asked Moonlit Cloud Retainer,
"Is the Eight Trigrams Furnace for sale?"
He was the first to realize the key truth:
Without the furnace—none of this mattered.
"It is a supreme treasure," Severin replied. "But I am willing to sell."
In truth, he possessed thousands of similar furnaces within his spatial ring.
The Eight Trigrams Furnace was the lowest grade among them.
"Price?" Madame Ping asked carefully.
"A friendship price. Five hundred billion Mora."
Her lips trembled.
Five hundred billion.
That could buy half of Liyue Harbor.
Before she could speak, the Mirror Maiden smoothly interjected:
"The furnace is unique in all of Teyvat. Original price: eight hundred billion. His Highness discounted three hundred billion out of regard for Lady Yanfei."
"Only five hundred billion. Permanent ownership."
"Limited stock. No returns."
Her expression was pure merchant cunning.
Madame Ping understood perfectly:
This was inflated.
But the furnace could refine all things.
Its value defied normal pricing logic.
"…Deal."
Half their treasury vanished in an instant.
One hundred billion became four hundred.
Madame Ping felt genuine pain in her heart.
Mora is plentiful—until the day it is urgently needed.
Teaching Continues
Severin explained:
True Immortal cultivation realmsDifferences between each stageThe concept of heavenly tribulationThe possibility of opposing gods after ascension
The five adepti were completely convinced.
"To think true immortals could rival gods…"
Their blood stirred.
Yet Madame Ping sighed.
"True immortality requires opposing the Heavenly Principles. That road is not ours."
Severin smiled faintly.
"Songstress of Dust."
"You awakened intelligence through hardship."
"You learned elemental manipulation after Morax taught you."
"You already broke the world's rule."
The most fundamental rule of Teyvat:
Only humans and elemental beings may wield elemental power.
Beasts were forbidden.
The moment Liyue's adepti learned immortal arts—
They had already rebelled.
They simply did not realize it.
Madame Ping fell silent.
His words carried weight.
First Failures
Meanwhile, the five True Lords eagerly began practicing alchemy.
After several attempts—
They opened the furnace.
Black smoke.
Charred lumps.
"Your Highness?" asked Cloud Retainer stiffly.
"Oh," Severin said mildly,
"There is a probability of failure."
"Control temperature carefully."
"Beginners should start with simpler formulas."
They tried again.
Five or six failures.
Billions wasted.
Finally—
Cloud Retainer produced a Low-Grade Youth-Preserving Pill.
"I succeeded!"
"Though I wasted tens of billions…"
"Who shall test it?"
All five turned simultaneously toward Madame Ping.
She closed her eyes and swallowed the pill.
Moments later—
The wrinkles around her brow visibly reduced.
Her complexion brightened.
The effect was undeniable.
Instant chaos followed.
The five began fighting over the furnace.
The Serenitea Pot descended into noisy turmoil until Madame Ping shouted them into order.
"Forgive our behavior," she said to Severin.
Severin's gaze shifted past them.
"You are not the only observer."
On a distant rooftop stood a young man with teal hair and an illuminated arm tattoo.
He descended lightly, landing before Severin.
"Protector Yaksha General," he announced, kneeling on one knee with utmost solemnity.
"Xiao greets Your Highness."
Gasps rippled through the adepti.
Such a salute—
He only ever offered to Morax.
And now—
To Severin.
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