The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles was silent.
So awkward. Incredibly awkward!
From beginning to end, it felt like Gu Chen had been teasing her relentlessly—while two subordinates watched the entire thing unfold like a comedy show!
Her toes could've dug out a three-room apartment in sheer embarrassment.
She took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling, before finally speaking solemnly.
"Mr. Gu Chen, thank you… very much."
"All for Teyvat, after all."
Gu Chen smiled faintly—his expression radiant, like that of a saint who carried the world's salvation on his shoulders.
Had she not just been flirted with, the Sustainer might've actually believed it.
After two seconds of quiet thought, Zhongli set his teacup down with a crisp clink before speaking.
"I'll take my leave. The matter with Azhdaha must be resolved as soon as possible."
"Go ahead. If you can't handle it, come find me," Gu Chen replied with a nod.
The Sustainer said nothing.
She understood Zhongli's intent, and she had no reason to stop him—partly because she couldn't, and partly because the video had already proven that her past-life actions and stance had been misguided.
At least in that previous world, following the Tai Xuan Sect had been absolutely the right choice. So in this life, she had no thought of stopping him.
"Old man, I'll come too!"
"Dvalin might need some help. The way he's been slandering me lately, he's definitely suffering from erosion."
Venti's face was all seriousness—as if he actually believed his own nonsense.
If Zhongli hadn't known Dvalin only mocked Venti for fun, he might've taken him seriously.
After a moment's thought, Zhongli nodded.
"Very well. Then, Your Excellency the Sustainer, Master, I'll take my leave."
After exchanging farewells, the two quickly departed.
If Venti hadn't burst out laughing, Zhongli might've stayed longer.
The Azhdaha situation was urgent, but not that urgent.
Still, thanks to Venti, he now had the perfect excuse to flee. If the Sustainer got flustered and decided to "teach him a lesson," that'd be troublesome.
Even half-eroded, the Sustainer was still technically his superior. It wasn't wise to cross her directly—better to retreat while he could.
Venti, however, was a bit regretful.
His thighs were red from pinching, yet he still couldn't hold back his laughter.
His mental fortitude clearly wasn't as good as the old man's. He resolved to improve his composure next time—
to remain as calm as Mount Tianheng even if the heavens themselves crumbled.
After they left, Gu Chen and the Sustainer sat together in the pavilion.
Gu Chen sipped his tea leisurely, completely at ease.
For some reason, the Sustainer began to feel nervous.
Surely such a precious item as the World Stabilizer couldn't have been given away so easily?
Was someone really that generous?
Gu Chen wasn't wrong—she hadn't paid any price at all, and that made her uneasy.
But to pay with… one night?
No! That was absurd!
The mere thought made her cheeks flush with shame and anger, though she didn't show it outwardly.
She simply stared at Gu Chen, body taut, as if bracing for impact.
"Something else on your mind?" Gu Chen raised an eyebrow.
By all logic, the Sustainer's only purpose in coming here was the World Stabilizer.
He'd already given it to her—since he didn't want Teyvat destroyed, there was no reason to keep it.
So why wasn't she leaving?
Then again, he didn't mind having a gorgeous woman nearby—as long as she didn't cause trouble.
Faced with his question, the Sustainer hesitated.
If she left now, it'd seem like she'd just taken the treasure and bolted—that felt… improper.
But if she stayed, she was honestly afraid Gu Chen might really "leave the door open for her" tonight.
A faint blush colored her pale face.
"If there's nothing else, I'll… take my leave."
The stone bench beneath her felt like sitting on needles—she couldn't stay another second.
"Take care. I won't see you off." Gu Chen nodded lightly.
After offering another round of gratitude, the Sustainer took the World Stabilizer and stepped into the portal, vanishing into the depths of space.
Gu Chen rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Then, a familiar voice piped up beside him.
"What are you thinking about?"
He looked up and saw Paimon hovering there. He chuckled. "Take a guess."
"I guess?" Paimon tilted her head, thinking hard. After a few moments, she pouted. "I don't know. But I do want to ask—what's for dinner?"
"What do you want to eat?" Gu Chen asked, reaching out to scoop her out of the air and pinch her chubby little cheeks.
"Hotpot! Grilled skewers! Hehe, Navia gave me some maple soda to go with it—it'll be perfect! ♡"
Gu Chen pictured it for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. What did the others say?"
"I already asked them! That's why I came to find you, Boss Gu!" Paimon grinned, eyes curving into little crescent moons.
"Good. I'll start preparing, but you're helping this time."
"Mhm! Gu Boss, you're the best!"
Huaguang Stone Forest – Beneath the Dragon-Queller Tree
Jagged stone spines rose in the darkness, arranged with geometric precision. The golden energy coursing between them faintly illuminated the vast, colorless underground cavern.
There was no light here, no color—only endless shadows, and a pair of crimson eyes glowing like liquid fire.
Azhdaha was imprisoned here.
Having violated the ancient contract, he had been sealed away by the Geo Archon, Morax.
Millennia of hatred had eroded him, twisting his once-great mind into madness.
But with the arrival of the "Exposure System," the ancient dragon had glimpsed the outside world once more.
He hated Morax—
and yet, according to the records and videos he saw in the chat group, Morax had saved him in a previous life.
It was maddeningly contradictory.
Because in his memory, no such thing existed.
After learning what "erosion" truly was, much of his hatred faded.
He wasn't stupid—he knew it wasn't Morax's fault.
It was the erosion. The madness. The forgetting.
He had destroyed the very land he once vowed to protect.
It was now four in the afternoon.
Imprisoned for so long, Azhdaha often used the chat group to vent his emotions.
After another round of cursing out Morax, he actually felt refreshed.
"Can't really fault Morax for anything, but damn, it just feels so good to insult him!" His booming laughter echoed through the cavern.
Then, a low voice cut through the air.
"How good?"
Azhdaha froze.
He turned his massive head stiffly—and saw a brown-haired man, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at him with calm disapproval.
Beside him stood a green-clad bard, grinning ear to ear.
Zhongli. And Venti.
"Ahaha… M-Morax! My old friend! W-what brings you here?"
The dragon's laughter turned dry. His heart sank like a stone.
This was bad. Very bad.
He was already sealed because he couldn't best Morax—and now Morax had regained his past-life memories.
The Tai Xuan Sect's Heavenly Law Enforcer!
That was no laughing matter.
Even if Morax wouldn't kill him, Azhdaha could think of ten thousand ways the man could.
"I just wanted to see," Zhongli said evenly, "how happy you were to insult me."
The calm tone carried crushing pressure.
Venti, meanwhile, was nearly doubled over laughing—and even recorded a short clip to post in the chat group.
[Venti]: (Video – The Domineering Zhongli and His Delicate Companion, 10s)
[Nilou]: Huh? It's Mr. Zhongli and Azhdaha! Zhongli looks just like a domineering CEO from a light novel… and Azhdaha's like the fragile heroine! (☆▽☆)
[Collei]: Wait—this is actually shippable?? (香菱: sparkly eyes)
[Keqing]: Don't. You. Dare. Ship. It!!!
[Ningguang]: …
[Kaeya]: Can't hold it in, but I fully support this! (Klee: "Charge!!")
[Gu Chen]: Azhdaha looked shyly at Zhongli and whispered, "Morax~ please… look at me properly~" (≖‿≖)
[Venti]: HAHAHAHA!! (rolling on the floor laughing)
[Yae Miko]: Fufu~ I'll have Yae Publishing House produce a light novel like this. It'll sell so well with the girls~ (mischievous smile)
[Zhongli]: …
Zhongli's expression cracked.
Venti was wheezing from laughter.
Azhdaha's gaze turned complicated as he looked at Zhongli, finally whispering tentatively,
"Morax… is that truly what you like?"
Seeing the bewildered eyes of his ancient friend trying so hard to understand, Zhongli's chest rose sharply—he nearly lost control and summoned Heavenly Moving Mountains.
"There's business to discuss," he said through clenched teeth.
"Business?"
Azhdaha blinked, then nodded seriously.
If Morax had come here for business, it could only mean one of three things:
to reinforce his seal,
to punish him for his words,
or… to release him.
The last possibility made him frown.
Once, he had longed for freedom. Now, he hesitated.
He knew his current state—if he lost control again, he could wreak untold havoc. Unless that corruption could be cured…
Wait!
"Don't tell me—you've come to teach me the TaiXuan Scripture!?" His voice trembled with excitement.
Zhongli nodded. "Indeed."
"Did the Master approve?"
"Of course. Without his consent, I would not act on my own." Zhongli smiled faintly.
"HAHAHA! I knew it! My great Master, compassionate and boundless, would never abandon his loyal Earthly Vassal!"
Azhdaha's laughter shook the cavern.
Then he paused, suddenly anxious. "But… the TaiXuan Scripture requires a pure heart and an unshakable Dao. My mind is eroded—will I even qualify?"
Erosion. Darkness. Guilt.
Could one such as him still walk the path?
"Be at ease," Zhongli said softly. "Erosion is not your fault. The Scripture will not reject you."
Relief washed over the dragon's face.
"Then what are you waiting for?! Teach me!"
Zhongli sighed helplessly, then raised a hand. A strand of divine light entered Azhdaha's brow.
Moments later, the dragon's eyes lit up.
"It works! It really works! Hahahaha!"
After the excitement, he asked Zhongli to strengthen the seal—just in case. When he'd mastered the Scripture, he could release himself without danger.
Leaving his rejuvenated friend behind, Zhongli departed to spread the teachings among the other immortals, while Venti went to guide Dvalin—his ever-loyal companion, no matter the teasing.
[Transcendents' Chat Group]
[Azhdaha]: How did you all know I started cultivating the TaiXuan Scripture? (confused)
[Kaeya]: Nobody asked, bro. Wait—THE TaiXuan Scripture?! (Paimon: shocked emoji)
[Furina]: What?! Eating alone, are we?! (Nahida: pointing accusingly)
[Vortex God]: ??? @Azhdaha You know that hoarding cultivation manuals causes diarrhea, right? Also, how the hell did you get the Scripture?!
[Azhdaha]: @Vortex God And how did you know I'll regain freedom once I master it?
[Vortex God]: ???
Everyone else has been sealed for millennia—and you're just casually getting parole?!
[Raiden Ei]: What's going on? (confused emoji)
[Heizou]: In this era, the full TaiXuan Scriptures shouldn't even exist—only an anonymous entry-level text for cultivating minor power and testing one's virtue. The full version must've come from Mr. Zhongli.
[Zhongli]: Correct. The Master permitted me to share the Scripture. It will bless this world and free us from erosion. (bow)
[Vortex God]: @Zhongli Bro, look at me too! (Hu Tao: puppy eyes)
[Gu Chen]: Who let a slimy giant squid cosplay as a loli? (¬_¬)
[Kaeya]: Reporting in, Master—it's Vortex God! (mischievous grin)
[Vortex God]: Master! Please! I wanna turn over a new leaf! (clings to leg)
[Diluc]: What are the requirements for cultivation?
[Zhongli]: Simply do not betray your heart, nor harm others for selfish gain. As long as you meet the same standards as the disciples in the video, there are no other thresholds—save for passing the entry test.
[Diluc]: Understood. My thanks, Master.
[Kaeya]: Brothers! It's over! Your boy Kaeya's about to become a celestial immortal! (grin)
A cavalry captain?
Pfft.
Flying on a sword was way cooler!
Kaeya felt overjoyed.
He knew his hidden heritage made his position in Mondstadt… awkward. To many, he was an enigma—a spy in his own home.
But now, having been acknowledged by the entry test, he could cultivate!
Hell yes!
"Time to celebrate with a drink or two with Diluc!"
With that, he happily ditched work to hit the tavern.
[Nilou]: I've been trying to cultivate for a while but don't feel anything… does that mean I'm a bad person? (Klee: teary eyes)
[Diluc]: That's normal. Persistence matters. Many get rejected immediately. Since you weren't, you've already been recognized.
[Prince]: …
[Lumine]: @Prince Wait—does that mean you were rejected? (laughing emoji)
[Prince]: Hmph. It's not just me. Ask Fatui.
[Dottore]: …
[Scaramouche]: …
[La Signora]: …
[Tartaglia]: I'm working hard to atone! I'll prove myself worthy! (photo: a mud-covered convict building roads with workers)
[Paimon]: You suddenly seem really motivated to improve… (shocked emoji)
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