Shenhe looked at the wound on Su Han's abdomen and asked, "Do you need healing medicine?"
"Yes, I've prepared some myself."
Su Han took out an ointment from the Serenitea Pot and applied it. Although the Abyssal power had already been purified by Pure Yang Flame, the wound still throbbed faintly. If not for his astonishing defensive strength, that sword strike earlier would likely have taken half his life.
While Shenhe was bandaging Su Han's wound, waves of sobbing came from nearby. He looked up and realized that Lumine was already in tears.
"I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. I don't know why my brother became like this."
Lumine apologized while wiping away her tears. Her closest family member had injured her friend, and that made her unbearably sad.
Paimon stood to the side, unsure how to comfort her, and could only look toward Su Han for help.
"Actually, you don't need to apologize, because I know this has nothing to do with you. As for Aether, I believe there will definitely be an explanation in the future. So before that, all we need to do is cultivate diligently."
"I know, but I just feel terrible. Why would he join the Abyss Order? Doesn't my brother understand that the Abyss is destroying the world?"
Although Lumine did not know why her brother had become like this, she understood that destroying the world was absolutely wrong. Just like what had happened here, what did Dvalin ever do wrong? Not only was it modified by the Abyss, it was also implanted with toxins. What kind of decent person would do such a thing?
Su Han did not know how to explain it and could only watch silently as Lumine cried on her own.
After a long while, Eula, Hu Tao, and the others arrived from outside.
While running over, the Director said, "Hey, how are things on your side? It looks like the monsters have all retreated. Huh? Su Han, are you injured? It looks pretty serious."
The sword aura scar stretched from his shoulder all the way down to his abdomen. Although the bleeding had stopped, it still looked frightening.
Eula looked at Su Han's injuries and asked nervously, "How did this happen? Could it be that there were enemies other than the Abyss Herald?"
"We ran into a troublesome opponent, but everything is over now. How's the situation outside?"
Su Han did not want to increase Lumine's burden, so he deliberately changed the subject.
Hearing this, the Director laughed and said, "Hehe, the winds outside have completely calmed down. That Venti guy will probably be riding the big fellow back soon. Let's go out together, or he might sit down on us by accident."
Everyone burst into laughter, and the previously heavy atmosphere gradually became cheerful.
Because of his injuries, Su Han was temporarily inconvenienced in his movements. Shenhe originally wanted to support him as they went out, but Lumine snatched that role from her.
After reaching the outside, Su Han saw that the sky had already returned to clear blue. The walls of storm had dissipated as well. In the sky, Dvalin was freely soaring. Feeling the gentle air around him, Su Han smiled and said, "If this place were developed in the future, it would be quite good. Crops could be grown here."
Hearing this, Paimon was speechless. "Here you go again. You've really changed a lot lately. Everywhere you go, it's always 'this place would be good if developed.' Su Han, are you really not a workaholic?"
"A workaholic?" The Director laughed angrily and then said, "If Su Han were a workaholic, I, as his former boss, would die laughing. He used to slack off every day. He's only been a bit diligent recently."
Eula admired the scenery for a while, then turned and asked, "After the dragon crisis ends, are you going back?"
"Yes. I'll probably be recuperating for quite a long time. At least within a month, I won't be coming over. Why, is there something?"
"Nothing."
Eula sounded a little dejected. During the period of her injury, Hu Tao and Su Han had often taken time to visit her. Although she felt a bit uncomfortable at first, she gradually came to like the feeling of having friends who cared about her. Suddenly returning to her old days made it hard for her to adapt.
Seeing her expression, Su Han seemed to think of something and suggested, "If we can't come over, you can always go take a stroll around Liyue."
"That's true, but that depends on whether I have time."
Even so, a smile gradually returned to Eula's face.
Not long after, Venti descended from the sky together with Dvalin. The giant dragon looked at the group in front of him and said somewhat embarrassedly, "I'm very sorry for causing you so much trouble."
Paimon spoke in her usual familiar manner. "No need to be so polite. It's good that you've recovered. By the way, how are your injuries?"
"Dvalin's injuries have already begun to heal on their own. Of course, the speed isn't that fast, but with my help, it won't be a problem. I've also bestowed my power upon Dvalin. Even if the Abyss comes again in the future, there's no need to be afraid. Wait, Su Han, what's going on with your body?"
While praising himself, Venti suddenly noticed that something was wrong with Su Han. He was covered in bandages for no apparent reason.
"It's just a minor injury. Since Dvalin has returned to normal, how about letting him send us back? We should also let Mondstadt behold the majestic figure of the Dragon of the East Wind."
"Huh? You mean letting the people meet Dvalin? Hmm, that really is a good idea. Since they have already worshiped him, both sides should indeed meet. You don't have any objections, do you, Dvalin?"
"Of course, Lord Barbatos. During the time when I was polluted by toxins, I heard the prayers of the people. Since they did not abandon me, the Guardian of the East Wind, I naturally cannot let them down. Moreover, my situation has caused no small amount of panic for everyone. It is time to offer an apology."
After reaching an agreement, everyone was carried onto Dvalin's back by Venti's wind. The giant dragon spread his wings and soared into the sky at an astonishing speed. In just a few minutes, they arrived at Mondstadt City. The people were busy with their own affairs, until they heard the dragon's roar from the sky and looked up one after another.
Seeing the approaching giant dragon, people were about to flee when they heard it speak. "People of the Anemo Archon, please do not be afraid. I, Dvalin the Dragon of the East Wind, have returned to normal."
The people stopped in their tracks. They noticed that there were no dark clouds in the sky this time, only gentle breezes.
Could it be that Lord Dvalin had truly returned to normal?
The dragon circled above the city for a while before gently landing in the plaza. The onlookers let out exclamations of amazement, because this was their first time coming into such close contact with a giant dragon.
"Wow, it really is a dragon, exactly the same as the one we used to worship. Just looking at it makes me feel safe."
"Yeah, worthy of being the guardian dragon. It's really strong. I feel like its claws could tear the city gates apart."
"Lord Dvalin has regained his clarity. Does that mean our Mondstadt now has one more guardian deity?"
"Nonsense. This is the Anemo Archon's companion."
People spoke one after another, all taking pride in having a guardian deity.
Jean, who had been worried, finally relaxed when she saw this scene. She smiled and said, "Sure enough, the people still need a faith. As long as Dvalin is here, everyone's sense of security will increase greatly."
Only now did she truly understand the meaning of Su Han's words. Freedom was never chaos. Mondstadt could have no ruler, but it absolutely could not be without faith and a guardian. Otherwise, it would only become a target for bullying, and the people would never truly stand together with Mondstadt.
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