The impact of the Stormterror incident continued to spread.
Not just within Mondstadt—
But across the entirety of Teyvat.
Thanks to the live broadcast from the chat group, countless people had witnessed that battle with their own eyes.
And one name—
Had completely shaken the world.
Cao Zhong.
From an unknown nobody—
To someone who could suppress Stormterror with overwhelming power.
Even the gods had taken notice.
In Mondstadt, his name was everywhere.
"Have you heard? That guy from the Wan Shi House—Cao Zhong—defeated Stormterror!"
"Of course! I saw it live—he was terrifying!"
"They say even Acting Grand Master Jean personally thanked him!"
"And he's really popular with the ladies too!"
Inside the Wan Shi House, however—
Cao Zhong lay slumped in his chair, bored out of his mind.
Fame?
Didn't care.
Reputation?
Didn't matter.
What he cared about was—
Why no one was coming to see him anymore.
"Life is so dull…"
At the same time, discussions about him were happening across the nations.
In Liyue, inside the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Zhongli held a cup of tea, his expression calm yet thoughtful.
"A person of such strength appearing in Mondstadt…"
"Interesting."
In Inazuma, Yae Miko smiled faintly as she read the chat.
"My, my… what an intriguing little man."
In Sumeru, scholars were already analyzing him.
"An unknown power system… highly dangerous… further observation required."
Even in the Abyss—
Aether's expression darkened.
"Cao Zhong…"
"This variable must be eliminated."
Back in Mondstadt, Cao Zhong opened the chat group.
Instant chaos.
[Hu Tao]: Cao Zhong! You're famous now!
[Xingqiu]: Your name has spread across all nations.
[Kaeya]: Not bad—you've become quite the big shot.
[Bennett]: Bro, you're amazing!!!
[Venti]: @Cao Zhong So… drinks on you now?
[Cao Zhong]: Why would I treat you?
[Venti]: Because you're famous now!
[Cao Zhong]: Shouldn't you be treating me? I saved your city.
[Kaeya]: That actually makes sense.
[Diluc]: Agreed.
[Venti]: …Wait, that's not right!
The chat burst into laughter.
But soon, the tone shifted.
[Jean]: @Cao Zhong Your strength will attract attention from other nations. Please be cautious.
[Ningguang]: Power like yours will not go unnoticed.
[Yae Miko]: Some people might try to recruit you.
[Tartaglia]: Or challenge you.
[Cao Zhong]: Let them come. I'm not interested.
Simple words—
But filled with absolute confidence.
At that moment, everyone understood.
Cao Zhong was no longer just someone interesting.
He was a force that could shake Teyvat.
Cao Zhong closed the chat and sighed.
"…Still no customers."
Fame had come.
Power had come.
Attention had come.
But somehow—
His life had become even more boring.