Chapter 128. Futsu Mitama Encounters an Accident!
Yes—this situation had become exceedingly awkward.
Below, Kuki Shinobu, Albedo, and Venti likely could not fully understand why Dvalin was still rampaging even after the purification water had been used.
But high in the sky, Futsu Mitama understood it very clearly.
At this moment, Dvalin was suffering unbearable pain. His consciousness had indeed recovered slightly—but the recovery was far from complete. And in a very real sense, the root of that pain had been caused by Futsu Mitama himself, by pouring out the purification water.
Coupled with Futsu Mitama's earlier use of Anemo Archon Authority, as well as his aggressive actions up to this point, Dvalin—whose sanity had yet to fully return—could only endure the agony and continue his assault.
Futsu Mitama showed him no mercy.
He dodged Dvalin's attacks repeatedly, then, without uttering a single word, struck directly at the remaining poisonous thorn, forcing Dvalin to endure even greater torment.
Pain that seemed to pierce the heavens!!!
Realizing that meaningless biting was completely ineffective against Futsu Mitama, Dvalin abandoned it altogether.
"Roar!!!!"
He released a furious roar and twisted his massive body, surging rapidly through the sky. As Dvalin accelerated, a tornado far more terrifying than anything Cloud Retainer could conjure formed around him, with Dvalin himself at its center.
Another large-scale AOE skill.
Futsu Mitama's eyelids twitched slightly. At last, he fully understood why the Abyss Order had been so determined to obtain both Dvalin and the Primo Geovishap.
Setting the Primo Geovishap aside for the moment—although its individual strength was somewhat inferior, it undeniably possessed the ability to command Geovishap Hatchlings and Geovishaps alike. Coupled with its mountain-like body, capable of moving freely across the battlefield, its presence alone was terrifying.
In all of Liyue, there were very few who could break the Primo Geovishap's defenses—and it just so happened that Futsu Mitama had encountered all of them.
Now, Dvalin was the same.
In fact, his utility value was even greater than the Primo Geovishap's, because he was practically equivalent to an army unto himself. If Dvalin were to unleash his full strength, it would certainly be no weaker than that of the lesser Archons who wielded authority. He could summon storms, unleash an overwhelming barrage of wind projectiles—and he still had two abilities he had yet to use.
If Futsu Mitama remembered correctly, Dvalin had not yet used Dragonbreath or the Coda of Finality.
No wonder the Abyss Order had gone to such lengths to scheme against him.
If Futsu Mitama were part of the Abyss Order, he would likely covet Dvalin's power as well. This Dvalin was simply too enticing.
In a conventional battle, he could remain high in the sky, casually raining down wind projectiles while those below could do nothing but despair. Ordinary armies would stand no chance. A single tornado would be enough to annihilate them.
That said, in front of Futsu Mitama, this tornado—while troublesome—was not without a solution.
"Impregnable!"
Futsu Mitama activated the Jade Shield, protecting himself. He raised Musou Isshin and charged straight toward Dvalin, completely ignoring the raging tornado. High above, Futsu Mitama and Dvalin were once again locked in a fierce aerial clash.
Meanwhile, within the Chat Group, the conversation continued.
Venti: "Ah…Dvalin's poison is only half-cured. Why is he still fighting Futsu Mitama? At present, Dvalin and Futsu Mitama are still locked in combat. Dvalin has used—"
Azhdaha: "Enough. Stop talking, Anemo Archon. I'm sick of hearing it. To be honest, there has never been a moment when I so desperately wished the Anemo Archon would shut up and Futsu Mitama would start a Group Live Stream instead."
Guizhong: "Mm… text really is harder to process than actual visuals."
Raiden Makoto: "Don't make excuses. This Bard's narration is simply inadequate."
Zhongli: "The Electro Archon speaks truly. Though the meaning is conveyed, his commentary lacks finesse—worse even than that of some novice storytellers."
Venti: "Ehehe~!"
Maha Rukkhadevata: "I think it is acceptable. The situation should be that Futsu Mitama used purification water on Dvalin, yet it failed to ease matters, and the two have resumed fighting?"
Kuki Shinobu: "Yes, that's correct. It's a little strange, but that is precisely what's happening. Futsu Mitama and Dvalin are fighting again, and the situation has fallen into a stalemate."
Klee: "The Knights of Favonius here have been deployed! This tornado is way too scary!!! Everyone wants this resolved quickly—Auntie Lisa can't stop them anymore!"
Albedo: "No. The situation is becoming dangerous. Once the Knights are deployed, the Lady will be under far fewer restrictions. If she escapes now—"
Yae Miko: "She will definitely escape. That cunning woman is extremely adept at exploiting opportunity. Last time, I was careless and allowed her to collude with both the Kanjou and Tenryou Commissions."
Yae Miko: "If she has any sense at all, she will realize that Futsu Mitama is focused on resolving the Dragon Crisis. Given her temperament, she will certainly stir up trouble."
Aila: "Anemo Archon, can't you help?"
Venti: "I…"
Maha Rukkhadevata: "Now is not the time for the Anemo Archon to intervene."
Raiden Makoto: "When a familiar is in such a state, even a god finds it difficult to act."
Azhdaha: "Indeed. Morax once endured the same suffering, watching me corroded by erosion. He could not act—yet could not refrain from acting either. And because I still loved humanity and Liyue, the last remnants of my sanity allowed Morax to seal me."
Azhdaha: "The Anemo Archon is likely experiencing the same torment now. He wishes to act, yet fears that doing so will only deepen Dvalin's misunderstanding."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "I can understand that."
Kamisato Ayaka: "But isn't Futsu Mitama in grave danger now? The Lady is approaching as well. A Harbinger—combined with Dvalin."
Zhongli: "It will be fine. I can stop her—she will not come. However, I cannot guarantee the actions of the Fatui troops."
Venti: "Thank you for your assistance, Consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor~"
Aila: "If only I were by Young Master's side…but at my current strength, I could only offer minimal support."
Aila: "I must grow stronger."
Futsu Mitama: "It's not that bad—But are the Knights of Favonius on their way?"
Futsu Mitama: "I understand the situation now. I'll resolve this battle as quickly as possible. Venti—you may need to be ready to catch me…or Dvalin."
Venti: "You can still speak under these conditions?! And what do you mean—catch you or Dvalin?!"
Azhdaha: "Wait!!! Futsu Mitama—start the Group Live Stream! I refuse to endure the Anemo Archon's text commentary any longer!!!"
Azhdaha: "@Futsu Mitama."
Maha Rukkhadevata: "I'm quite curious about this Group Live Stream as well."
Guizhong: "I've seen it before—it's rather remarkable."
Keqing: "Live Stream? What is that???"
Klee: "Klee wants to watch too!! But Big Brother Futsu Mitama must be very busy, so we shouldn't bother him!"
Battling Dvalin midair, Futsu Mitama couldn't help but chuckle upon seeing Azhdaha's message. He had nearly forgotten about the Group Live Stream. By all logic, he should have activated it at the very beginning of the battle.
But earlier, believing Zhongli would be present, he hadn't started it.
The cascade of subsequent events caused him to forget it entirely. Now, seeing how eager Azhdaha and the others were, he naturally spared a moment. Dodging Dvalin's claws, Futsu Mitama calmly moved his finger.
[Group Leader Futsu Mitama has started the Group Live Stream.]
The long-dormant Group Live Stream was finally reopened.
Whether it was Azhdaha beneath Mt. Hulao, Keqing working late into the night at Liyue Harbor, Kamisato Ayaka handling affairs alongside Kamisato Ayato in Inazuma City, or Sangonomiya Kokomi laboring at the Resistance headquarters until her consciousness nearly collapsed—all of them immediately perked up.
Zhongli, sipping tea in Mondstadt Plaza, also turned his gaze to the stream.
"Roar!!!!"
Within the Group Live Stream, Dvalin roared furiously. Futsu Mitama, Musou Isshin in hand, once again cleaved apart several wind projectiles. Watching through the stream, Albedo and the others below finally understood why Dvalin had gone berserk.
A poisoned thorn still remained embedded in Dvalin's back. Coupled with his agonized roars, it was highly likely that the purification water had only removed one thorn—while another still lingered.
Moreover, the purification water had eradicated a vast portion of the poison in one sweep. That poison had eroded Dvalin for five hundred years.
To purge so much of it at once was, in a sense, akin to ripping his very life away. No wonder he remained in a berserk state—this reaction was entirely understandable.
At the same time, Venti, Albedo, and Kuki Shinobu all recalled Futsu Mitama's earlier words.
Why had he said that Venti might need to catch him—or Dvalin?
"Tendo Bansho!"
As these thoughts crossed their minds, Futsu Mitama crossed his arms, and yet another Planet Befall descended from the heavens, crashing toward Dvalin. Compared to before, Dvalin had clearly regained some awareness. He opened his jaws, unleashing highly destructive Anemo-elemental dragon breath.
For a brief moment, the Planet Befall was held at bay by the torrent.
But this time, Futsu Mitama did not remain stationary. He reached out—and Musou Isshin manifested in his grasp.
"Swish—!!"
Teleporting behind Dvalin, purple lightning flared within Futsu Mitama's eyes as Musou Isshin was already in motion.
No thoughts—only severance.
Blinding violet lightning illuminated the sky once more. The might of a god bore down upon Dvalin, forcing his focus to falter for an instant. This Musou no Hitotachi was infused with Electro Archon Authority. Its purpose was no longer merely to break defenses.
The Planet Befall had been a feint. The true decisive strike was this Musou no Hitotachi—aimed not to kill, but to smash Dvalin from the sky.
Dvalin was powerful, and he still possessed a final trump card: the Curtain Call of the Sky.
In games, that technique appeared unimpressive—easily endured with shields or healing.
But this was reality.
Futsu Mitama had no intention of allowing Dvalin to unleash it. Knowing the opponent held such a move, he chose to suppress him decisively.
"!!!!!"
Dvalin sensed overwhelming danger. He tried to turn—but the Planet Befall loomed directly above. Instinct forced him to twist his body, desperately attempting to avoid the strike from behind.
Yet such was the disadvantage of his massive form. By the time he moved, it was already too late.
Violet lightning—bearing profound meaning and divine authority—crashed heavily into Dvalin's body.
"Pfft—!!!"
Blood sprayed forth. The proud Dragon of the East was wounded yet again. It did not end there. The Planet Befall slammed down upon Dvalin's back, smashing him violently toward the ground.
"Hoo… hoo… hoo…"
Futsu Mitama gasped, his breathing ragged. Releasing two Planet Befalls and two Musou no Hitotachi (one with Electro Authority) in rapid succession strained even him.
And even so, Dvalin was merely suppressed—not slain.
To truly kill him, Futsu Mitama would need to strike his head. Unless Dvalin's head was severed in a single blow, an elemental being of his caliber could recover rapidly, even from grievous wounds.
But suppression was enough.
This brief window was all Futsu Mitama needed to pour the purification water onto the final poisoned thorn.
Even so, he felt it had been perilously close. Had Dvalin not taken the Planet Befall head-on, the exchange would not have ended so smoothly. From the battle thus far, Dvalin had clearly regained some sanity.
Not much—but some.
Futsu Mitama's condition was not ideal. Roughly sixty percent of his stamina had been consumed. Had Dvalin endured both the Planet Befall and Musou no Hitotachi directly—
Futsu Mitama would have been forced to use his ultimate trump card: Musou no Hitotachi infused with both Electro and Anemo Archon Authority.
That strike was terrifyingly powerful—powerful enough that even the Raiden Shogun had been momentarily serious, though she ultimately defeated him in a single blow.
A Raiden Shogun who took him seriously, even briefly, was proof enough of its danger. The move was complex and stamina-draining—but undeniably overwhelming. Had he used it, the result would likely have been mutual destruction, with both himself and Dvalin falling from the sky.
That was why Futsu Mitama had told Venti to be ready to catch either of them. Watching Dvalin crash toward the ground, Futsu Mitama noticed that Venti made no move at all.
"…."
For once, Futsu Mitama was truly speechless.
"You and Dvalin really are close friends," he muttered. "Not even bothering to catch him."
With that thought, he descended as well. Regardless, now was the perfect opportunity. As long as the final poisoned thorn was removed, everything would finally come to an end.
As Futsu Mitama flew downward, something else was unfolding within Mondstadt.
The Lady could clearly sense an eruption of powerful Anemo elemental energy, intertwined with the familiar authority of the Electro Archon, somewhere within the city. When she realized that the elite forces of the Knights of Favonius had been fully deployed, a bad premonition welled up within her.
Had Futsu Mitama intervened to resolve the Dragon Crisis?
If he had…then it would not be through killing Dvalin.
Rather—under the guidance of the Anemo Archon Barbatos—he would be helping Dvalin escape the Abyss Order's control.
This situation completely conflicted with the Lady's plan.
If Dvalin failed to cause chaos at this critical juncture, the Anemo Archon Barbatos—who had long neglected his duties—would likely vanish once again. At that point, the Knights of Favonius, who harbored no goodwill toward the Fatui, would almost certainly fight them to the bitter end.
Was this really going to escalate into war?
If war truly broke out, it would not be a trivial matter. The Fatui would face unimaginable pressure, because Mondstadt's yearning for freedom was something no force could suppress.
If the Fatui went to war with Mondstadt—even if Mondstadt were fated to clash with Snezhnaya—would a large-scale war truly be ignited?
A war between Snezhnaya and Mondstadt? A Fatui Harbinger destroying Mondstadt?
The Tsaritsa herself confronting Barbatos?
If it came to that, the Fatui would be facing far more than just Mondstadt.
Some matters could only be handled in the shadows.
Once brought into the open, wouldn't every nation turn hostile toward Snezhnaya and the Fatui?
Thus, upon realizing this possibility, the Lady decisively departed from the Knights of Favonius prison, accompanied by two Electro Cicin Mages.
The timing was already right. She was scheduled to be released the next day anyway. Leaving one day early—justified or not—no longer mattered.
She had to seize this opportunity to claim Barbatos's Gnosis.
Nothing else mattered more.
As the Lady strode out of the prison with the two Electro Cicin Mages at her sides, she headed straight for the Goth Grand Hotel, intending to mobilize every combat-ready Fatui operative. Before leaving Mondstadt City, she needed to assemble all available forces—the coming battle would very likely involve a direct confrontation with the Knights of Favonius.
If such a confrontation occurred, she could not allow even the slightest margin for failure.
Thanks to the frequent jailbreaks conducted by the Electro Cicin Mages, various orders from the Lady had already been disseminated. Even while imprisoned, she had maintained a clear grasp of every card she still held.
That was why she was confident she could reach the battlefield before Futsu Mitama defeated Dvalin. More importantly, she was confident that once she arrived, she could seize control of the situation.
If Futsu Mitama and Dvalin ended up gravely injuring one another, that would only benefit her further.
As the Lady and the two Electro Cicin Mages strode boldly through the streets of Mondstadt, they gazed at the distant tornado and the violet lightning flickering within the darkened clouds.
They knew—that was where Dvalin and Futsu Mitama were fighting.
At full speed, it would take less than an hour to reach the site. Likely less than half an hour.
Just as they prepared to continue onward, the Lady suddenly halted.
"Lady?"
One of the Electro Cicin Mages looked at her in confusion, unable to understand why she had stopped.
"…"
The Lady said nothing. Her gaze locked onto a lone figure ahead—Zhongli, calmly drinking tea in the square. At this moment, due to the tornado conjured by Dvalin, most of Mondstadt's citizens had already retreated indoors.
Even the shops had closed.
Yet in the middle of Mondstadt Square, Zhongli sat there, sipping tea as though nothing at all were happening.
Coincidence—or intentional?
The Lady could not determine why the Geo Archon would appear at such a moment.
But a deep sense of unease crept into her heart.
"We'll take a detour," she said calmly.
Even though passing through the square was the shortest route to the Goth Grand Hotel, she had no intention of going that way.
Ever since seeing Zhongli, an ominous premonition had taken hold.
If he was here, then he had likely already signed some secret contract with Barbatos. If they could avoid him, that would be ideal.
"Since you've come all this way," Zhongli's voice suddenly rang out, "why not stay for a cup of tea?"
He turned his gaze toward the Lady, her figure reflected in his eyes.
"What do you say, Fatui Harbinger—the Lady?"
The moment he spoke, the Lady's expression darkened.
One of the Electro Cicin Mages, sensing the gravity of the situation, snapped impatiently, "We're in a hurry, you—"
The Lady raised her hand, stopping her mid-sentence. She stared at Zhongli, her voice tinged with suppressed fury.
"Give me an explanation."
At that moment, a flame burned fiercely in her chest. This was the perfect opportunity to seize the Gnosis—yet Morax himself was standing in her way.
And she could not ignore him.
Morax was a god who honored contracts. Who knew what agreement Barbatos had made with him to keep him in Mondstadt?
Zhongli said nothing.
Instead, he quietly poured a cup of tea and placed it before her, his gaze calm and unhurried.
The meaning was unmistakable.
The tea was ready.
Come and drink.
The two Electro Cicin Mages burned with anger. As the Lady's confidantes, they fully understood her plan.
At this moment, they wished nothing more than to rush forward and teach this ignorant man a lesson. Yet before they could act, the Lady suppressed the raging fire in her heart.
She stepped forward and sat down beside Zhongli.
The two Electro Cicin Mages were utterly stunned. They stood frozen, staring blankly at Zhongli, their minds in turmoil.
Who was this man?
Who could force the Lady to set aside the mission to seize the Gnosis?
"What is going on?" the Lady demanded, staring straight at Zhongli. "This doesn't suit you. What did Barbatos give you? Or rather—what right does he have to make you act?"
To have Morax personally obstruct the Fatui's actions—did he have any idea what price that would require?
After all, Morax would only ever act to protect Liyue. Even the mission to obtain the Geo Archon's Gnosis had been entrusted to her directly by the Tsaritsa herself.
She had personally delivered the contract drafted by the Tsaritsa to Zhongli. Though she did not know its contents, she knew that Snezhnaya must have offered something comparable to a Gnosis. Even so, Morax had merely hesitated and stated that he could not yet sign it—only that he would give Snezhnaya an answer in the coming years.
So the question was simple. If something comparable to a Gnosis was not enough to immediately move Morax—
Then what, exactly, had Barbatos paid to make him stand here and block her path?
She could not comprehend it. She truly could not comprehend it.
Zhongli remained silent.
He gazed into the distance, as though observing something far away, completely ignoring the Lady as he continued drinking his tea.
Her expression grew increasingly grim—but she did not dare act.
She knew all too well that any rash movement would be "settled" by Morax himself. As the oldest of the Seven, the God of War of the Archon War, and the bearer of countless contracts and faiths—
Morax was the strongest being on the continent of Teyvat.
Even Dottore's attitude proved that fact.
Morax had personally warned him: send a clone to be imprisoned in Liyue, or he would come and capture him himself.
Dottore had no choice but to comply. Because if Morax truly acted, he could turn Dottore into a pariah, despised by all nations—beyond even Snezhnaya's protection.
Now, no matter how violently her emotions burned, the absolute disparity in strength forced the Lady to remain seated. Yet she swore—
If she ever set foot in Liyue again, she would make Morax pay.
Unforgivable.
Absolutely unforgivable.
She knew she could not defeat him. But if she could not defeat Morax—
Then she would target Liyue itself.
Can't beat you, Morax?
Still can't deal with your Liyue?
How utterly laughable.
Zhongli was not deliberately ignoring her. His attention was focused on the group livestream.
Futsu Mitama's performance genuinely surprised him. In less than seven days—even through fragmented memories of dust—his mastery of Planet Befall and Jade Shield had reached an impressive level.
And that was merely an Elemental Technique.
This made Zhongli ponder whether he should secretly pass on his spear techniques and sealing arts as well.
Just as Raiden Ei possessed Musou no Hitotachi, Zhongli's true trump cards were not only Elemental means.
He wielded the Geo Spear—a terrifying art capable of reshaping continents.
And he possessed sealing techniques powerful enough to suppress multiple Archons.
If what he had already given Futsu Mitama was enough to make him the "successor of the Geo Archon"—
Then if he passed on the remaining techniques, and once they were fully mastered, the next Geo Archon would undoubtedly be Futsu Mitama.
Zhongli hesitated.
Faced with such an extraordinary existence—one who could surpass all of them in the future—
Should he compete with Baal and Beelzebub?
After a brief pause, Zhongli decided to be ruthless. Once his retirement was complete, he would pass everything on and let Futsu Mitama bear the burden.
As for Baal and Beelzebub—he had already done his utmost to save Baal. Beelzebub would have little room to object.
With that thought, the tea in his hand somehow tasted even more fragrant.
—
At Starsnatch Cliff, Dvalin was slammed from the sky by the Meteor and crashed heavily into the ground.
"Boom——!!!"
An explosion echoed as Dvalin's entire body was petrified. This time, the petrification was far more severe than before. Previously, only half his body had been affected—and he had recovered quickly.
Now, his entire form was frozen in stone. Whether it was due to the grievous wounds inflicted by Musou no Hitotachi, or because this Stonefall carried overwhelming power—
The result was the same.
Dvalin was completely petrified.
This was the perfect moment to remove the poisonous thorn from his back.
"Hoo…"
Futsu Mitama descended slowly, gazing at the petrified dragon before turning toward the helpless-looking Venti.
"You…"
Originally, he had intended for Venti to catch Dvalin—to build goodwill. If Venti had gently supported him with wind, Dvalin would surely feel gratitude and begin questioning the Abyss Order's words. Yet instead, Venti had simply watched as Dvalin crashed to the ground.
"Haha~" Venti laughed awkwardly.
He did not explain. If he had caught Dvalin, he would have indirectly empowered him—possibly allowing him to break free of petrification prematurely.
That would have defeated the purpose. Better to heal him fully first.
Kuki Shinobu and Albedo exchanged helpless glances. What kind of god treated his own family like this?
Futsu Mitama said nothing more. He retrieved the purification water and rushed toward Dvalin, who was already showing signs of breaking free. He had to act quickly.
But just as he approached—
Ominous Abyssal power erupted out of nowhere. It anticipated his position perfectly, encircling him in an instant.
Futsu Mitama's pupils contracted.
"Not good!!!"
Venti reacted instantly. He raised his hand, unleashing a violent gale. The tornado Dvalin had created was instantly dispersed. The storm clouds summoned through Electro Archon Authority were blown apart.
Green light glowed in Venti's eyes. His braids shone brilliantly. For the first time, his expression was utterly solemn. A vast, divine pressure radiated outward.
Albedo and Kuki Shinobu were stunned. They could feel it—
Barbatos was serious. He had always seemed carefree, even negligent—
But at critical moments, he was more decisive than anyone. Venti acted without hesitation.
The Abyss Order's main force had finally made its move. They had set their sights on Futsu Mitama.
Because they knew—he was the key to saving Dvalin. If he were eliminated, Dvalin would continue to fall, perhaps even fully submitting to the Abyss.
Thus, at the very moment when Futsu Mitama and Venti believed everything was nearly over—
The Abyss Order struck.
And Venti responded in kind. The wind of Mondstadt surged. This was all of his power.
But the Abyss Order had never underestimated him. Even before he wore his crown—
They had never underestimated Barbatos. Nor Futsu Mitama.
This Abyssal Power, radiating an ominous and chilling aura, enveloped Futsu Mitama the instant it manifested.
"Buzz——!!!"
In the next moment, the Abyssal Power twisted and transformed into a pitch-black teleportation gate. From within it erupted a terrifying suction force, dragging Futsu Mitama toward it without mercy.
"Swish——!!"
The Chakra Desiderata flared into existence behind Futsu Mitama as he attempted to teleport away.
But it failed.
It was as though the surrounding space itself had been sealed shut. Without hesitation, Futsu Mitama swung Musou Isshin in his hand, intending to shatter the pitch-black teleportation gate by force—
Yet his elemental blade passed straight through it.
Completely ineffective.
What?! How is this possible?!
Shock surged through him, but there was no time to dwell on it. He immediately stowed away the purification water and shouted toward Venti,
"Save Dvalin first!! I'm not—"
"Whoosh——!!!!"
A violent gale surged toward him at extreme speed. But it was already too late.
Futsu Mitama was swallowed whole by the pitch-black teleportation gate. This was a trap the Abyss Order had prepared with meticulous precision—designed specifically for certain individuals.
Venti's expression darkened completely. His usual smile vanished without a trace, replaced by raw anger.
Because Futsu Mitama had been captured for Mondstadt's sake.
For Dvalin's sake.
Moreover, he had just endured an intense battle with Dvalin—his strength was far from its peak. If he fell into the hands of the Abyss Order in such a state, the suffering awaiting him would be unimaginable.
"Futsu Mitama——!!!!"
"This?!!"
Albedo and Kuki Shinobu stood frozen. It had all happened too fast.
In their eyes, everything had unfolded in less than two seconds—Futsu Mitama was taken away by the suddenly appearing pitch-black teleportation gate before they could even react.
Even the intervention of the Anemo Archon Barbatos had failed.
"Don't worry. The group live stream hasn't ended yet."
Venti's expression was unpleasant, but he still raised his hand. The purification water appeared within it. Just before being teleported away, Futsu Mitama had sent it to him as a gift—entrusting him with the task of saving Dvalin.
Holding the purification water, Venti flew upward, arriving beside Dvalin's massive body, which was slowly emerging from its petrified state. His gaze fell upon the poisonous thorns embedded in the dragon's back.
At that moment, Venti let out a deep sigh. He poured the purification water over the thorns and spoke softly,
"Old friend—wake up soon. You've made a grave mistake. If the two of us don't rescue Futsu Mitama, you'll probably be stewed by Beelzebub and Morax together."
Troublesome. Very troublesome.
Something had happened to Futsu Mitama—right here in Mondstadt.
Venti could clearly see it: both Beelzebub and Morax valued Futsu Mitama highly, each regarding him as their successor.
Venti himself was no different—otherwise, why would he have handed over his Anemo Archon Authority without hesitation?
And now, Futsu Mitama had been taken by the Abyss Order.
No matter what, Venti had to shoulder this responsibility.
Before Morax and Beelzebub made their move, he would use his own methods to rescue him. Otherwise, his old friend Dvalin—who had accompanied him for so long—would very likely be slaughtered and stewed by his other two old friends.
After all, this incident began with Dvalin.
If not for him, Futsu Mitama would never have been captured by the Abyss Order in such a weakened state.
And—
Venti strongly suspected that this move by the Abyss Order had originally been aimed at him. They simply hadn't anticipated Futsu Mitama's sudden appearance. To prevent their plan from being disrupted, the Abyss Order members lurking in the shadows could no longer remain passive—and thus revealed their trump card.
Venti glanced at the group live stream.
The screen was pitch black.
This meant Futsu Mitama was still in the process of being teleported.
In a sense, this was both good news—and bad news.
Because Venti could clearly feel it. The coordinates of the Anemo Archon Authority were invalid.
—
Inside Mondstadt City, Zhongli stared at the pitch-black screen before him.
He stopped drinking his tea. His gaze shifted toward the distance, where the tornado and dark clouds had already dissipated.
Zhongli remained silent for a brief moment. Then, an ancient and majestic rock spear materialized in his hand. He donned a stone mask steeped in deep historical weight and spoke calmly,
"You are free."
With those words, Zhongli vanished from his seat, departing toward an unknown destination. The Lady—who had been furiously cursing Morax in her heart just moments earlier—was now completely stunned.
"Huh???"
She was utterly frozen. Because just now, Zhongli—no, Morax—had taken something out.
What is that for? Is he serious?! Does he intend to fight someone?!
No—this was the era of the Seven Archons. What kind of existence could possibly make Morax take action personally?!
"What's going on? What's going on?!"
Now the Lady was more confused than ever. She no longer understood what was happening on the continent of Teyvat. If Morax blocking her earlier could be explained—
Then his current actions meant that he had temporarily abandoned the identity of [Zhongli] altogether.
—
Elsewhere, in the sea region bordering Inazuma and Liyue, Yae Miko watched as a bolt of lightning streaked toward Inazuma at terrifying speed.
She couldn't help but sigh. Raiden Shogun truly was fast—she would likely arrive in Inazuma within minutes. But not long after—
Yae Miko witnessed Futsu Mitama fall into an Abyss Order ambush.
Her expression froze.
"This?!! This little guy isn't going to be in serious trouble, is he?!!!"
"Swish——!!!"
The lightning that had already returned toward Inazuma suddenly changed direction. In an instant, it turned and rushed back toward Mondstadt at extreme speed.
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