Tartaglia's interest in the Primo Geovishap ran deep. It was said that this creature bore an intricate connection to the ancient dragon Azhdaha.
According to the history recounted by Mr. Zhongli, Azhdaha's whereabouts remained unknown. Whether he had been slain by Lord Rex Lapis or sealed away was never clearly recorded. Even in contemporary accounts, the conclusion was vague at best—only that Lord Rex Lapis had sealed Azhdaha within an abyssal darkness.
In Tartaglia's mind, that "abyssal darkness" could only refer to one place.
The Chasm.
After all, Snezhnayan forces were still engaged there to this very day.
Yet The Chasm was sealed. The Qixing's restrictions remained in place, and the darkness below had not fully receded. No one knew what truly awaited within.
Though Tartaglia claimed he feared no darkness—having trained in the Abyss as a child—there were limits even to that confidence. No matter how strange The Chasm might be, it surely could not surpass the Abyss itself—and yet, the Qixing would never grant him entry.
They had only just sealed it. Why would they overturn their own decision for the sake of a Fatui Harbinger?
And so Tartaglia had no choice. Even if he were certain of Azhdaha's location, he could only feign ignorance. Unless matters reached a point of no return.
At that stage, he would discard the Qixing's goodwill entirely, shatter the seal without hesitation, and search The Chasm by force.
But for now, he chose another path.
He sought information on the Primo Geovishap from Futsu Mitama—hoping that through it, he might trace Azhdaha's trail.
"What kind of information are you looking for?" Futsu Mitama regarded Tartaglia calmly, a flicker of surprise passing through his gaze. He had not expected the Fatui Harbinger to also be pursuing the Primo Geovishap.
At most, it was an evolved Primo Geovishap—powerful, yes, but hardly beyond expectations. Tartaglia should have known that the Liyue Qixing were already moving against it.
Even the Adeptus had turned their attention toward it. Was he truly planning to snatch prey from a tiger's jaws?
"Hahahaha." Tartaglia laughed, as though unfazed. Naturally, he had no intention of revealing his true purpose. "Nothing too special. You managed to harvest quite a few useful things from it, after all. Snezhnaya is… very interested in the Primo Geovishap as well."
"Geovishap Hatchlings and ordinary Geovishaps are common enough—but a Primo Geovishap like this?" He spread his hands lightly. "That's rare. If possible, I'd like to take a few parts from it. Every little bit helps, you know."
He let out an exaggerated sigh. "I've been reimbursing far too many expenses lately. Regrator says that if I don't start earning mora again, he won't approve any more funding."
"So I thought I'd learn from you—hunt one myself." Tartaglia smiled faintly. "Of course, I wouldn't kill it. A creature like that has tremendous value."
In any case, it was the only Primo Geovishap of its kind in Liyue. There was no need to destroy it outright—especially when it might possess ties to the Adeptus after surviving for so long. After all, in Zhongli's account, Azhdaha had shared deep bonds with both the Adeptus and Lord Rex Lapis himself.
Had it not been for the calamity that drove him mad—causing him to lash out against humanity—
Azhdaha might still roam Liyue freely, like Morax and the Adeptus, rather than being sealed beneath the earth.
From Tartaglia's perspective, the Primo Geovishap's survival alone suggested an extraordinary origin.
That was precisely why he wished to locate it.
And Futsu Mitama's frequent trips beyond Liyue Harbor over the past several days had not gone unnoticed. Tartaglia suspected he had already uncovered something.
"…"
Futsu Mitama fell silent. He did not believe Tartaglia's explanation—not a single word of it.
That Tartaglia wanted the Primo Geovishap was genuine. But the claim that Regrator was withholding funds unless he earned mora?
Unconvincing.
Kuki Shinobu clearly thought the same. Tartaglia had spent vast sums before—yet no Harbinger had objected. A single Primo Geovishap could never rival the wealth of the Northland Bank.
Even a hundred million mora meant little to it.
Judging by Ningguang's and the Shopkeeper's Daughter's attitudes, influence mattered far more than mora itself.
As for Futsu Mitama, his reason for doubt was simpler.
He knew Regrator's true ambition: to seize control of the world's monetary circulation—to make Snezhnaya its heart, stopping or flowing at its will.
That man was quite ambitios.
Having walked through both side paths and main routes alike, Futsu Mitama knew every Harbinger had already planted numerous unseen pieces throughout Liyue.
In that sense, Tartaglia's current predicament—being constrained by the Qixing—was itself part of design.
"As for the Primo Geovishap," Futsu Mitama finally spoke, tapping his finger lightly against the table. "It's believed to have moved toward The Chasm."
He met Tartaglia's gaze. "Next, I'll be accompanying an Immortal Disciple and an Adeptus to hunt it."
"It has already endangered Liyue's citizens. The Adeptus have decided to act decisively—no mercy this time. I'll serve as the main attacker."
He fell silent once more.
Tartaglia had warned him that Il Dottore was coming to Liyue—valuable intelligence. Returning some information in exchange was only fair.
Besides, Tartaglia was currently in a dormant phase.
The Tsaritsa understood well: unless Morax agreed, no one could claim his Gnosis.
Until that contract was signed, Tartaglia posed little threat. Once it was… he would bare his fangs without hesitation.
Before then, Futsu Mitama saw no harm in extracting a little more value from him.
Tartaglia understood the silence—but the revelation unsettled him.
The Adeptus intended to kill the Primo Geovishap.
Its actions must have crossed a line severe enough to erase any lingering sentiment.
Faulty assumptions led to faulty conclusions.
"The Chasm—" Tartaglia frowned. Once again, that place barred his path. Why did it feel as though he could never truly reach it? After a moment's thought, he looked at Futsu Mitama with renewed expectation. "Do you have a way to enter The Chasm? My Snezhnayan warriors are still stationed there. I'd like to bring them out. If you can help, I'm willing to offer this amount—personally."
He raised a single finger, smiling with confidence.
"One million mora?" Futsu Mitama smiled faintly. Such a sum no longer stirred him in the slightest.
With Ningguang and the Shopkeeper's Daughter at work, nearly a hundred million mora awaited him already. What was one million compared to that?
He took a sip of water, a trace of emotion passing through him. In Inazuma, years of effort had earned him barely ten million mora. Here in Liyue, before he had even finished spending it, others were lining up to hand him more.
"Ten million mora."
Tartaglia spoke calmly.
The words nearly made Futsu Mitama spit out his drink. Kuki Shinobu was equally stunned.
Ten million?!
Kuki Shinobu knew all too well—her total assets, including those within the Northland Bank, barely reached four or five million.
Yet Tartaglia spoke as though money were nothing at all.
"You're serious?" Futsu Mitama looked at him closely. "Just for taking you into The Chasm?"
"No extra conditions? No fighting, no searching for the Primo Geovishap?"
Tartaglia smiled—an unmistakably wealthy smile. "Just entry. Nothing more. Of course, that's assuming proper procedures. If not, I have other ways."
He shrugged. "It's just that if I force my way in, I might come out fine—but everything Snezhnaya has built in Liyue would likely collapse."
"As for the other matters you mentioned?" His eyes gleamed. "Those would require a different price."
From Tartaglia's perspective, breaking into The Chasm was trivial. The Qixing's seal was formidable, but he possessed the Cryo Archon's authority. Yet force would bring only hostility—unless desperation demanded it.
Thus, ten million mora was a small price to pay.
Futsu Mitama was different. Raiden Shogun's Retainer. On good terms with the Qixing. Familiar with the Adeptus. If anyone could bring him into The Chasm legitimately, it was him.
With Regrator's resources, ten million mora was negligible.
"…"
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu exchanged a glance.
Tartaglia was serious.
Was it troublesome? Not particularly.
Zhongli was present.
With a single word from Lord Rex Lapis, the Qixing would comply.
The Chasm's danger lay chiefly with ordinary people. For those who wielded divine authority, such anomalies were little more than obstacles.
Two beings of such power entering The Chasm to aid Liyue would be a net gain—no matter how one viewed it.
"Alright." Futsu Mitama nodded. "I'll find a way. If it fails, that's the end of it."
"Naturally." Tartaglia smiled. Success or failure mattered little—it was merely a calculated move.
He continued, "As for Il Dottore—he's coming for two reasons. One, he knows about the Primo Geovishap's awakening."
"And two…" His gaze lingered on Futsu Mitama. "He's very interested in you."
"Beyond the wine you sold in Inazuma—it's you."
"To be honest," Tartaglia chuckled, "I never understood why Il Dottore would take an interest in a winemaker. Before all that chaos you caused, most people were baffled. After all, Snezhnaya didn't think your wine tasted particularly good. More like a mildly refreshing drink."
Futsu Mitama remained silent, his gaze steady—as if to say: Continue. This isn't enough.
Tartaglia laughed helplessly. Realizing idle chatter would yield nothing, he grew serious. "Let's discuss Il Dottore's movements over dinner."
"The dishes should be arriving."
As if on cue, the door opened, and course after course was served. Over Xinyue Kiosk's famed cuisine, they exchanged information.
Il Dottore would arrive after the Rite of Descension. Scaramouche remained in Inazuma—his intentions unknown. La Signora had returned to her homeland.
As for the Tsaritsa's appearance, Tartaglia merely smiled—suggesting that Futsu Mitama might one day visit Her Majesty himself.
After all, a Raiden Shogun's Retainer was more than qualified.
In return, Tartaglia asked about the Primo Geovishap's combat methods, its traits, and the timing of the hunt.
Futsu Mitama answered the first readily. As for when they would strike—
He shook his head. "I don't know yet. Cloud Retainer said we'll act at night."
Who could say whether it would be tonight?
After all, Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper still intended to pass on their adeptal arts to Aila in full. And once they confirmed that Azhdaha's seal remained undisturbed, the three Adeptus visibly relaxed, no longer treating the Primo Geovishap as a matter of immediate urgency.
That said, Cloud Retainer had already spoken. If she said she would deal with the Primo Geovishap, then action would certainly follow—sooner or later.
Thus, within the span of a single meal, both Futsu Mitama and Tartaglia obtained precisely what they wanted.
Tartaglia felt he had struck a tremendous bargain.
Futsu Mitama felt the same.
"Happy times are always short, aren't they?" Tartaglia said with a satisfied expression once he had eaten his fill. He rose to his feet and sighed lightly. "I should head back to the Northland Bank. There's still plenty of work waiting for me."
He looked at Futsu Mitama earnestly. "Honestly, after spending some time with you, I'm certain we'd get along quite well. I truly hope we don't end up as enemies someday."
With that, he prepared to settle the bill and leave. But just as he reached the door, he seemed to recall something and turned back with a grin.
"Oh, right. Since we've eaten so well—how about a bit of warm-up exercise?"
The eagerness in his eyes was unmistakable—Tartaglia was clearly itching for a fight. For a warrior like him, there was no pleasure greater than a spar after a hearty meal.
"No." Futsu Mitama refused without hesitation. He shook his head calmly. "I'm not interested. I still need to meet Zhongli."
"What a pity." Tartaglia shook his head in regret. Then, as he stepped outside, he chuckled softly. "One more thing—though it may sound a bit unfair to Dottore, you should be careful. No one who's worked with him has ever met a good end. Since he's taken an interest in you, I don't want to see you killed—at least not as a friend."
He paused, then added casually, "Just as I wouldn't care if you killed him, I wouldn't care if he killed you either."
With that, Tartaglia departed from Xinyue Kiosk without lingering, nor did he shamelessly suggest accompanying them to see Zhongli. He understood restraint. Excessive persistence would only sour impressions.
As for whatever Futsu Mitama was forging with the authority of the Electro Archon—Tartaglia felt no curiosity at all.
He was confident enough in himself. No matter what was forged, he believed he could still defeat it.
After Tartaglia left, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu remained behind. The dishes had not yet been finished. They had ordered more than a dozen dishes in total. Tartaglia had left early because he'd eaten his fill and obtained the intelligence he wanted. Staying any longer would have served no purpose beyond idle chatter.
With the time freed up, he might as well return to the Northland Bank, or spar with his subordinates to hone his skills.
"What do you think of him?" Kuki Shinobu asked quietly, glancing at Futsu Mitama. "He gave us plenty of information, but some things still don't add up."
"Why is he so determined to enter The Chasm? And—why is he so eager to befriend you?"
As an enemy, Tartaglia was difficult to read. Even she hadn't expected to encounter someone quite like him. Even her boss, Arataki Itto, understood things far more simply.
An enemy was an enemy. A friend was a friend.
Clear and straightforward.
"He's fine," Futsu Mitama replied after a moment. "He can still be trusted this year."
"This year?" Kuki Shinobu tilted her head, confusion plain on her face. "Why—does that sound like next year will be different?"
Then she frowned slightly. "But Dottore—"
Futsu Mitama picked up a piece of fish and ate it unhurriedly. A faint glimmer passed through his eyes as he spoke evenly. "I have a feeling he'll arrive in Liyue earlier than expected. Possibly even before the Rite of Descension."
Kuki Shinobu nodded. She had been thinking the same. Tartaglia's words were credible—but Dottore was the sort who might betray even his own allies. Would he really inform Tartaglia of his arrival time?
Highly unlikely.
If she were Dottore, she would mislead both Tartaglia and Liyue's authorities, arriving early and claiming afterward that she had merely come ahead of schedule to enjoy the scenery. Given the current relations between Liyue and Snezhnaya, the Qixing wouldn't press the issue.
"When that happens," Futsu Mitama continued calmly, "even if he doesn't come looking for me, I'll seek him out myself."
If Aila had never been involved, his attitude toward Dottore would likely have mirrored that toward Signora and Scaramouche—mutual non-interference unless provoked.
But now it was different.
Dottore was suspected of being behind Aila's abduction.
Waiting passively was no longer an option.
Kuki Shinobu's expression grew solemn. Even if the Dottore who arrived was merely a slice, he was still the Second Harbinger—far more dangerous than Tartaglia, Signora, or Scaramouche.
If they were to confront him, far more preparation would be required.
After finishing their meal, the two left Xinyue Kiosk and headed toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Zhongli had already messaged Futsu Mitama in the chat group—the item was complete. Before they could even step inside the parlor—
Boom!
A muted explosion rang out. Light red smoke billowed from the cracks in the door, carrying with it a dizzying, unpleasant stench.
Passerby took one look, understood immediately, and turned away without a word—some even detouring rather than passing the entrance.
"…"
Kuki Shinobu and Futsu Mitama exchanged a glance and instinctively covered their noses. They silently decided to message Zhongli instead, suggesting that the bracelet be tested at Futsu Mitama's residence.
After all, his house had a courtyard.
More importantly, at this moment, in both their hearts, Director Hu ranked as far more dangerous than any Fatui Harbinger.
Just then, the door opened.
Zhongli stepped out calmly, a faint golden light shimmering around him—a Geo barrier protecting his person. Behind him, Director Hu stumbled out, coughing violently, holding a plate of half-charred, half-red food that emitted a truly indescribable odor.
"Why did it explode? The heat was clearly right," she muttered. "Was it the fire talisman? That shouldn't have happened"
She looked up and spotted Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu edging away.
Her eyes lit up as she hurried over. "You're back! Looks like the Fatui Harbinger didn't give you any trouble!"
"No fight, huh? Excellent! This Director is very pleased!" She held up the plate proudly. "To celebrate, I specially prepared Jueyun Chili Stuffed Meat!"
She glanced down at the dish, hesitated, then—without another word—dumped it straight into a nearby trash bin.
Then she turned back, brimming with energy. "That was an experimental dish designed to deal with evil spirits. You absolutely don't need to worry about it!"
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu silently took two steps back.
Zhongli, still standing within his Geo barrier, looked equally helpless—as if to say, as you can see, Director Hu's cooking has failed again.
"Hahaha~~~" Director Hu scratched her head sheepishly. "I don't know what's going on lately. I learned a new dish from Xiangling, but it turned out like this."
"But don't worry! I'd never let you eat something like that. It's still in the experimental phase~ Hehe."
She smiled cutely.
The two of them grew even more alarmed.
Experimental phase?
So she still planned to serve it someday?!
"Oh right, you're here for Zhongli, aren't you?" Director Hu waved. "I won't disturb you. I'll head back inside~"
She carried the empty plate back into the parlor and closed the door, clearly eager to escape the awkwardness of being caught mid–culinary disaster.
Only after she left did Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu finally breathe out in relief.
"Zhongli," Futsu Mitama asked, turning to him, "how's the bracelet?"
"It's finished." Zhongli handed it over calmly. "This isn't a suitable place to test it. Would you prefer the wilderness—or your residence?"
He glanced toward Futsu Mitama's home nearby.
"What do you suggest?" Futsu Mitama asked directly.
After a brief pause, Zhongli replied evenly, "The wilderness would be better. Testing it within Liyue Harbor carries risks—and would almost certainly attract the Millelith."
That was no hint. It was a clear warning. What had once been ordinary materials, refined by Electro Archon authority and subtly altered by Zhongli himself—the result was unknown.
"Alright." Futsu Mitama nodded. "Then let's test it in the wild. I'm heading to Mt. Aocang anyway."
He added, "Are you going as well? To see the Adeptus?" Zhongli shook his head lightly. He had already seen them—through the chat group's live broadcast. More importantly, meeting them now risked exposing his identity. Until his retirement was complete, he had no intention of meeting the Adeptus as Zhongli.
If they met again, it would be as Morax.
And so, they set off together, soon leaving the city and heading toward Mt. Aocang. Along the way, they searched for powerful monsters suitable for testing the bracelet.
But after walking for quite some time, they encountered little more than Slimes.
No Hilichurl tribes. No Geovishap Hatchlings. No Whopperflowers. No Fatui.
This was only natural.
In Liyue, wherever humans lived, Millelith patrols were present—and a certain Yaksha was tirelessly clearing the land, either fighting or on his way to fight.
An exemplary worker, perpetually on overtime.
"It seems there's nothing suitable to test it on," Zhongli said after a moment, gazing toward Mt. Aocang. "Since we're already here—why not give the bracelet to Aila directly?"
Futsu Mitama had intended to test it himself first, preferably against something formidable. Now, however—
"…What a pity," he sighed.
In the end, he could only let Aila—who was training adeptal arts on Mt. Aocang—be the first to test it.
"What's there to pity?" Zhongli replied calmly. "This was meant for Aila from the start. It's only fitting that she be the first."
Futsu Mitama nodded, conceding the point.
Then, without hesitation, Zhongli turned and left.
Kuki Shinobu blinked in surprise. "You're not coming up to rest for a bit? It's not far—only a dozen minutes."
Zhongli shook his head. "I still have matters to attend to in Liyue Harbor. I only came to observe the bracelet's testing. Time is short. You can inform me of the results through the chat group later."
With that, he departed decisively.
Kuki Shinobu watched his retreating figure, feeling oddly unsettled. They were already at Mt. Aocang. He could have easily stayed to watch Aila test the bracelet—yet he turned back instead.
It was like reaching the finish line, only to run back to the start.
"Do you think Zhongli has something against the Adeptus?" she asked helplessly.
"Don't worry about it," Futsu Mitama replied calmly.
He knew exactly why Zhongli hadn't gone up the mountain.
If Cloud Retainer were to see through his disguise before his retirement—
Then Zhongli might have to start considering a new identity altogether.
Because Cloud Retainer's mouth, for all her wisdom, was notoriously incapable of keeping secrets. Whenever she spoke with old friends, she inevitably let things slip—often without realizing it herself.
It was precisely for this reason that, when Ganyu had previously visited Mt. Aocang, she noticed the subtle shift in Shenhe's expression. Even then, Ganyu could not help but suspect that Cloud Retainer had once again begun recounting her childhood stories to others.
"How could I not care?" Kuki Shinobu rolled her eyes, her tone helpless. "Mr. Zhongli always gives me a profound, unfathomable feeling. I genuinely think he might be one of Liyue's Adeptus."
"But I have no evidence. And now that I see he deliberately avoids meeting the other Adeptus, I can't help wondering if he has some kind of grudge against them."
As she spoke, Kuki Shinobu glanced in the direction Zhongli had departed and continued complaining, "Besides, if Mr. Zhongli were Lord Rex Lapis, everything would make sense."
"After all, only Lord Rex Lapis wouldn't casually visit the Adeptus. Most of the time, he guards Liyue Harbor. Only when major events occur—like the arrival of the Shogun—would he personally rush out."
"But if Mr. Zhongli truly were Lord Rex Lapis, his name should have changed to Morax when he joined the Chat Group. And how could Lord Rex Lapis be so idle? Mr. Zhongli wanders around Liyue Harbor every day, looking like he has nothing to do—nothing like the deity who has guarded Liyue for thousands of years."
Futsu Mitama stood with his back to her, his expression briefly complicated. After all… Kuki Shinobu's guess was, in essence, correct. It was just that when Zhongli joined the Chat Group, his name hadn't appeared as Morax. Instead, it had been forcibly set by the system itself to [Zhongli].
As a result, neither Raiden Makoto nor Azhdaha recognized him as Morax at first glance. They only felt that this "human" bore a faint resemblance to him. Out of trust in the Chat Group, neither pursued the matter further—though Raiden Makoto would occasionally tease Zhongli about it.
"Let's go up Mt. Aocang," Futsu Mitama said calmly, cutting off Kuki Shinobu before she could spiral further into speculation.
He led the way upward.
After more than ten minutes of climbing—and several familiar turns along well-worn shortcuts—they reached the summit of Mt. Aocang.
Shenhe was there, practicing spear techniques.
She thrust Calamity Queller forward again and again, each strike sharp and precise, her other hand gripping a talisman that radiated a faint, icy aura.
"Hm?"
Sensing their presence, Shenhe turned her head. Upon seeing Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu, surprise flickered across her face.
"You returned so quickly?"
In her mind, they should not have come back until nightfall. Yet the sun still hung high in the sky.
"Yes. The item has been forged," Futsu Mitama replied with a slight nod. Then he raised his voice toward the cave dwelling.
"Cloud Retainer."
"Why do you summon this Adeptus?"
From within the cave, Cloud Retainer poked her crane head out, her gaze settling on Futsu Mitama. "This Adeptus is quite busy at present. If it is nothing important, do not call this Adeptus's name."
Though she was clearly in the midst of instructing Aila in adeptal arts, there was no trace of impatience in her tone.
"I've finished my task," Futsu Mitama said. "Could you call Aila out? I want to give her a gift."
As he spoke, he produced an earthy-yellow bracelet, exquisitely carved with interwoven dragon and phoenix motifs. He could have contacted Aila directly through the Chat Group—but doing so would have been disrespectful to Cloud Retainer as her master. More importantly, he intended for her to witness the artifact herself.
"A magical artifact?" Cloud Retainer's voice carried a note of surprise as her gaze fell upon the bracelet. "So you returned to Liyue Harbor to forge a magical artifact for her."
"Hm… Judging by the elemental fluctuations, it is a defensive artifact. Not bad. You truly put thought into this."
With that, her crane head withdrew swiftly back into the cave.
Not long after, Cloud Retainer emerged once more—this time accompanied by Aila. Aila wore a maid uniform of a different style than before, evidently obtained through a sign-in reward.
"Young Master."
The moment Aila saw Futsu Mitama, she trotted over, her eyes drawn immediately to the earthy-yellow bracelet in his hand, surprise flickering across her face.
Aila always paid close attention to the Chat Group. Though she spoke little, she followed everything.
Earlier that day, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu had exchanged very few messages, leaving Aila puzzled as to why they had been so quiet.
Now, as she looked at the bracelet, a memory surfaced—of that conversation at the Guiyan Assembly, between her Young Master and the shopkeeper's daughter. Back then, he had said he wanted to forge a piece of defensive equipment for her.
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