Chapter 71: Overtime Summons and Zhongli's Leave of Absence
Dan Heng met Jing Yuan's scrutinizing gaze without flinching. His own eyes remained clear, reflecting an unwavering honesty. "These were all fortuitous gains from my Trailblazing journey," he explained smoothly. "However, this 'deep Pivot Array Compendium' does not belong to me. I merely borrowed it from a friend. Once the Divination Commission successfully studies the spirit-gathering array formations recorded within its pages, it must be returned."
His answer was characteristically concise. He attributed the miraculous haul entirely to the vague concepts of 'Trailblazing'and'fortuitous encounters,'while pointedly emphasizing the true ownership of the array compendium.'A Trailblazing journey?' Jing Yuan mused, his sharp mind racing through the implications. The Astral Express had been resting recently. They certainly had not traveled far enough to stumble upon such model-shifting artifacts...
Yet, as he studied Dan Heng's resolute expression, the Luofu General instantly understood. The young archivist was either unwilling or completely unable to reveal the true source of these treasures. Those carefully chosen phrases—'fortuitous gains'and'borrowed from a friend'—were likely the absolute limit of what he was permitted to disclose. Was he protecting someone? Or was he bound by the strict rules of some unknown entity?
Jing Yuan looked deeply at the young man standing before him. Finally, the swirling doubts in his chest transformed into a soft, almost inaudible sigh, dissipating into the quiet air of the pavilion.
He understood Dan Heng's character perfectly. Even more so, he recognized the deep-seated sense of responsibility toward the Xianzhou Alliance that still lingered within his Vidyadhara bloodline. Dan Heng's intentions were entirely sincere. He had not brought trouble to the Luofu; he had brought salvation. He had brought hope.
The people of the Xianzhou, despite their long lives, still harbored a deep, quiet yearning for their true homeland.
"I understand." Jing Yuan's voice returned to its usual, steady cadence. With deliberate care, he began to securely store the precious items away. "Regarding the array compendium, I have noted your terms. It will be heavily safeguarded. The moment the Divination Commission extracts the necessary knowledge from it, the text will be immediately returned to your keeping."
With the handover complete, Dan Heng's purpose on the Luofu had been fulfilled. He saw no reason to linger. Offering a slight, respectful bow to the General, he said, "In that case, I shall take my leave."
"Safe travels," Jing Yuan replied, rising from his seat to see his guest off.
Dan Heng turned on his heel. His cyan coat fluttered slightly as his figure quickly disappeared into the shadowed depths of the Seat of Divine Foresight's winding corridors.
Jing Yuan did not immediately return to his inner desk. Instead, he walked alone, his steps slow and measured, toward the majestic main entrance of the Seat of Divine Foresight. He stood there with his hands clasped loosely behind his back. His golden eyes grew distant, piercing through the drifting mists of Scalegorge Waterscape as if trying to follow that receding cyan figure. He remained in absolute silence for a long time.
A storm of complex emotions surged within his chest. He saw the overlapping shadows of an old friend, felt the crushing weight of his heavy responsibilities, and now... he tasted the sudden, intoxicating arrival of immense hope.
After standing motionless for an indeterminate amount of time, Jing Yuan slowly turned around. The quiet nostalgia and gentle warmth faded from his features, instantly replaced by the sharp, calculating visage of the Luofu General. He was once again the master strategist, fully in control of the board. His eyes narrowed slightly, gleaming with a sharp, commanding light that naturally exuded absolute authority.
"Guards." His voice was not loud, yet it carried perfectly across the courtyard, reaching the Cloud Knights stationed in the distance.
"General! What are your orders?" A Cloud Knight captain quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply as he awaited the command.
Jing Yuan's voice was crisp, ringing with absolute, decisive power. "Issue a summons. Immediately invite Master Diviner Fu Xuan and Cauldron Master Lingsha to the Seat of Divine Foresight. Tell them there are critical matters of state to discuss. Ensure they arrive as swiftly as possible."
"Yes, General!" The Cloud Knight captain received the order with grave solemnity, turning sharply on his heel to sprint toward the communication relays.
A massive storm—one capable of shifting the very foundations of the entire Xianzhou Alliance—was quietly brewing within the Seat of Divine Foresight. However, unlike the plagues of the past, this storm did not bring destruction and gloom. It brought the blinding light of hope. It was a light strong enough to finally dispel the suffocating shadow of the long-life species and illuminate a brand new future.
Meanwhile, far across the multiversal divide, the sun was beginning to set over the continent of Teyvat.
High upon the peak of Mt. Tianheng, a gentle evening breeze swept through the grass, slowly dispersing the lingering, mouth-watering scent of roasted meats and rich spices. Zhongli and Azhdaha sat comfortably opposite one another. Although the empty cups and plates had already been cleared away, the warm, leisurely atmosphere of two ancient friends reuniting over a hearty meal still hung heavily in the air.
Azhdaha patted his stomach, his rugged face practically glowing with deep contentment. He let out a low, rumbling chuckle of appreciation. "That Xiangling girl... her culinary skills are truly remarkable! I haven't eaten like this in a thousand years. Now that was a proper meal!"
Zhongli picked up a fresh cup of clear tea, taking a slow, appreciative sip. A faint, gentle smile touched his lips. "It was indeed exceptional. However, Azhdaha..."
The moment that specific tone hit his ears, Azhdaha's thoroughly relaxed expression vanished. He instantly sat up straighter, his eyelids drooping into a deadpan stare that practically screamed, 'I knew it.'He let out a heavy, dramatic sigh, teasing his old friend with a healthy dose of complaint. "Hmm? Morax, nothing good ever comes after your'howevers.'Spit it out. What kind of errand are you dumping on me this time? Don't tell me you're planning to'visit' some remote, god-forsaken corner of the world again like yesterday, leaving me to babysit all of Liyue's affairs?"
Zhongli set his teacup down on the stone table. His expression remained perfectly calm, but a newfound, quiet seriousness settled into his amber eyes. "It is not a distant journey. It is merely that the Traveler Lumine and her companion, Paimon, are currently traversing the nation of Natlan. I have reason to believe they may be facing a rather difficult situation. I wish to go and observe the state of affairs, to see if I might offer them a little assistance."
The moment those names were spoken, Azhdaha's petty complaints evaporated into thin air. He slapped his knee, his booming voice echoing across the mountaintop with absolute sincerity. "Oh, so that's what this is about! It's for those two! Well, say no more, you just go right ahead!"
He gestured wildly with one thick arm. "That little floating fellow, Paimon, is my sworn benefactor! If it weren't for her and that ridiculous wrench of hers, I'd still be rotting away, completely mad in that dark, sunless underground! I haven't forgotten that kindness, and I never will. Don't you worry about Liyue for a single second. With me standing guard, the sky itself could shatter and I wouldn't let a single piece hit the harbor!"
He paused, his boisterous energy dimming slightly as a hint of self-deprecation and genuine concern bled into his tone. "...It's just a shame about my current state. My power hasn't fully recovered yet. If I went with you to the Nation of War, I probably wouldn't be much help. I'd only end up causing you trouble."
He leaned forward, locking eyes with the former Geo Archon. "Morax, you be careful over there. If you run into a truly tough opponent, don't try to play the stoic hero. Send me a message! Even if I have to crawl all the way to Natlan on my belly, I'll come back you up!"
Zhongli looked at the fierce, genuine gratitude and deep concern burning in Azhdaha's eyes. A quiet warmth bloomed within his chest. Despite enduring centuries of agonizing erosion and madness, his old friend's loyal, righteous nature remained completely untouched.
"Do not worry," Zhongli said gently, his voice a soothing rumble. "This trip is purely intended to assist them. I do not anticipate facing any lethal danger. However, if I truly encounter an enemy I cannot handle alone, I will naturally summon you to my side. It is just that..."
He trailed off, shifting his gaze downward. He looked out over the sprawling, bustling expanse of Liyue Harbor far below the mountain peak. "The Liyue of today has firmly entered the era of humanity. The Liyue Qixing govern the laws, the Millelith defend the borders, and the common people live their lives in peace and prosperity. The ordinary, day-to-day matters of this nation no longer require intervention from ancient beings like you and me."
He turned back to Azhdaha. "We must place our full trust in them. Your only task is to remain here, recover your strength in peace, and serve as a silent deterrent against those with petty ambitions. If, by some chance, a short-sighted, Archon-level existence actually dares to covet Liyue's lands... then, and only then, will it be time for the Lord of Vishaps to take the field."
Azhdaha followed Zhongli's gaze. The thousands of glowing lanterns illuminating Liyue Harbor looked like a sea of brilliant stars scattered across the mortal realm. He remained silent for a long moment, simply taking in the stunning view of the city they had both bled to build.
Finally, he gave a slow, heavy nod. His voice was much steadier now, grounded by the weight of his new duty. "Hmm. I understand. A thousand years have passed... things are different now. I'll listen to you. I will stay here and stand guard over the harbor. If anyone dares to step foot in this nation with ill intent, I'll make absolutely sure they never leave!"
He understood the deeper meaning behind Zhongli's words. His old friend was gently teaching him how to adapt to this new, unfamiliar era, while simultaneously demonstrating his deep trust in the mortal people of Liyue.
Just then, the faint, rhythmic whirring of complex machinery echoed through the night air, rapidly approaching from the distance.
A moment later, Cloud Retainer—now walking the mortal realm under the guise of Xianyun—descended gracefully onto the mountaintop. She stepped lightly off her floating mechanical construct, her sharp eyes immediately zeroing in on the tidied feast area and the two ancient dragons sitting leisurely by the cliffside.
Instantly, a look of absolute, undisguised displeasure twisted her elegant, ethereal features.
"Rex Lapis! Azhdaha!" Xianyun marched forward, the heels of her boots clicking sharply against the stone. Her tone dripped with indignant reproach. "Such a grand, joyous occasion, and yet neither of you saw fit to invite one? Do you perhaps find one's presence too noisy? One loves nothing more than a lively discussion and a good chat with old friends! Honestly, the sheer audacity—"
She suddenly cut herself off. Her rant died in her throat as she abruptly changed the subject, her sharp gaze locking onto a massive, strangely shaped object parked just a few yards away. It was a vehicle of completely otherworldly design, its sleek metallic chassis gleaming under the moonlight.
Xianyun's eyes widened, her mechanical curiosity instantly overriding her annoyance. "And what... is this?"
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