Time resumed its flow. Shouts, howling winds, and the distant roar of thunder rushed back toward Rover.
In the eyes of all present, the deafening explosion nearly shattered their eardrums. Aether knelt on the ground in a daze, his body drenched by the heavy rain as thick smoke reflected in his eyes.
Brother Rover… sacrificed himself just like that…
Zhongli, who had been about to intervene, froze momentarily before sitting back down. Beside him, a figure clad in green had already appeared, downing the osmanthus wine Zhongli had prepared in one gulp.
"Told you, this kid's no ordinary one. No need to rush."
The bard slowly took out his lyre and began to play amidst the downpour, as if composing a new heroic ballad.
Suddenly, a dragon's roar shook the heavens, drowning out all other noise. An azure dragon appeared before everyone's eyes, and then—Rover, stepping through the air, slowly advanced toward Osial.
Dragon markings crawled across Rover's back, his entire being radiating divinity as he gazed down at the sea god beneath the waves.
The power of Time stilled the surrounding air, even suspending the remnants of the Jade Chamber midair. What Jinhsi could do, Rover could do as well—and better.
The azure dragon let out a furious roar toward the sky before coiling around Rover, its eyes locked onto Osial with predatory intensity.
A bolt of lightning suddenly split the sky, but Rover, hovering in midair, calmly raised his hand. The lightning froze in place. With a mere flick of his finger, it shattered into nothingness.
Osial thrashed restlessly, its six tentacles surging with corrupted black divine energy. The dark power coalesced into a massive orb, and around it, countless waves rose from nowhere. The already forming whirlpool had now become a full-blown storm.
Countless gales howled like enraged dragons through the sky, buffeting Rover as the storm swallowed the dark clouds, streaks of lightning flashing within. Against the colossal tempest, Rover seemed like a lone leaf boat upon the ocean—one wrong move, and it would capsize.
The people of Liyue felt the overwhelming pressure from the sea, but the Millelith stood firm, ready for battle. The Qixing and the adepti watched the unfolding conflict intently.
The azure dragon moved. It plunged headfirst into the heart of the storm. Rover slowly drew his blade, the crisp ring of steel sending a shiver through all who heard it. Spectro particles shimmered along the edge, occasionally scattering into the air.
With a casual swing, Rover unleashed a slash that dimmed the heavens. The raging storm first halted—then was cleanly split in two, as though sliced apart with surgical precision, revealing the flailing tentacles within.
The power of Time manifested fully. Osial realized in horror that it could no longer move. Rover took step after step through the air, ripples forming beneath his feet as though ascending an invisible staircase, until he stood directly above the sea god.
The azure dragon roared, dispersing the churning clouds and revealing clear skies once more. The tsunami, struck by the blade's light, froze into an immovable wall of water.
Hearts pounded in countless chests as the azure dragon returned to Rover's side, ready to deliver the final judgment.
The dragon opened its maw, unleashing a searing beam of light directly into Osial's core. A wretched howl echoed as the ocean depths trembled—everyone bore witness to the fall of a god.
The tentacles twitched, flailing wildly for a moment before sinking into the abyss.
"Rover is even stronger than I anticipated. Indeed, this power… Hsi has yet to master it fully."
Jinhsi stood atop the floating wreckage of the Jade Chamber, awaiting Rover's return.
"The spacetime rift is unstable. Only one person can go back."
Rover spoke calmly, then returned the power of Time to Jinhsi—she needed it to govern Jinzhou.
"But I believe Rover will find a way back. Hsi… will be waiting for you there."
Rover nodded. Jinhsi then took the gourd from his back.
"Ah, right. Hsi contacted the Huaxu Academy and obtained this signal device. Your Pangu Terminal should be reactivated—you have backups, yes?"
Rover accepted the gourd, examining the Pangu Terminal attached to it. The Echoes he had collected in Jinzhou were indeed backed up—after all, he was someone who loved "hoeing the earth."
"Good. Thank you."
Jinhsi was not one to linger. With firm steps, she walked into the black hole—and then, it vanished.
Liyue was once again bathed in azure skies. The frozen wall of water collapsed with a thunderous crash, and a rainbow arched through the fresh air.
Rover exhaled deeply as he watched Aether sprint toward him, the adepti and the Qixing observing him intently. At least… it was all over.
...
"As the tale goes, in days past, Liyue faced the onslaught of an Ancient God. The monsters of Mt. Tianheng amassed, eyeing the nation with destruction in their hearts.
The Qixing and the adepti set aside their grudges, uniting against a common foe. Yet the Abyss Order's involvement tipped the scales toward peril.
Then, a hero descended from the heavens, bathed in radiant light, an azure dragon at his side…"
Tian Tiezuo snapped his fan open with a flourish, launching into his vivid performance for the audience.
Paimon flew over to Rover, whispering excitedly.
"Rover, you're famous now! I wonder what kind of reward the Qixing will give you!"
Aether sighed, pulling Paimon back.
"Stop thinking about rewards. That's Rover's business, not yours."
Paimon puffed her cheeks, crossing her arms defiantly.
"We helped with the plan too! Rover defeating the god was partly our achievement!"
Rover rubbed his temples, torn between laughter and exasperation.
"Alright, alright. I'll split the reward with you."
Paimon's eyes sparkled instantly, buzzing around Rover in excitement.
"Half!? Rover, you're the best! I'll never give you a mean nickname again—only nice ones!"
Just then, Zhongli entered Tian Tiezuo's venue, ordering tea before approaching Rover's table.
"Young friends, I come bearing an invitation. You are once again requested to visit the Golden House."