After receiving Zhongli's message, Lumine and Paimon wasted no time and immediately set off for Mt. Hulao, arriving at the Dragon-Queller tree with practiced ease.
Just then, a teal shadow silently landed in front of them; it was Xiao.
He casually took off his Yaksha Mask, and the sharp malevolence around him was much calmer than before.
"You're here. The Geo Archon instructed me to wait here for some time," Xiao said, his voice cool.
Paimon cheerfully greeted, "Hello, Xiao!" Lumine also smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
Xiao nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Paimon: "The karmic debt has been removed, and I can now move more freely. My purpose in coming this time is, firstly, to guard this place to prevent mortals from straying in; secondly… to express my gratitude."
He paused, looking at Paimon, his tone solemn, "Paimon, this kindness is etched in my heart. From now on, within Liyue's borders, if you call my name, I shall answer your summons."
"Eh? Really?!" Paimon's eyes instantly lit up, "Just like Lumine?"
She put her hands on her hips proudly, her small face full of excitement, "From now on, I'll have an adeptus covering me in Liyue too!"
Lumine couldn't help but laugh, patting Paimon's little head: "Congratulations, Paimon, you're getting more and more influential. Maybe in the future, you can just flash your face to eat for free in Liyue, without paying Mora."
Paimon's eyes were practically sparkling, "Really? You're not kidding? As long as I use my ability more, I can eat for free in Liyue?"
Lumine looked at Paimon's adorable, serious expression and finally burst out laughing: "Of course not, you little silly! Liyue values fair contracts, so you have to pay for food. An adeptus's reputation can't be used as Mora!"
"What?! You're making fun of me again, hmph!" Paimon turned her head away from Lumine.
Xiao's lips seemed to twitch upward ever so slightly, then returned to a calm expression.
"The Geo Archon and the four True Lords are already prepared at the core of the seal. Although multiple formations have been set up to seal the outer perimeter of this place, it still requires someone to guard it against unforeseen circumstances. I regret that I cannot accompany the two of you."
"Understood! Thank you for your hard work, Xiao!" Paimon waved her small hand.
"Thank you, Xiao," Lumine nodded in acknowledgment.
After bidding farewell to Xiao, Lumine and Paimon followed the familiar yet strangely different path, delving into the massive cavern beneath the Dragon-Queller tree.
As expected, the moment they entered, the sight before them made both of them gasp!
Compared to last time, this place had undergone a complete transformation.
The surroundings were no longer as empty as before but were filled with massive Geo Element crystals emitting a rich golden light, illuminating the entire underground space with a brilliant glow.
Beneath Ruo Tuo, a vast and complex sealing array was emitting powerful energy fluctuations, with golden light continuously swirling.
Even more astonishing were the four cardinal points of the array!
At the eastern array eye, a colossal and elegant adeptus deer stood proudly, its antlers flowing with amber light—it was Mountain Shaper.
At the western array eye, a magnificent and majestic adeptus crane spread its wings, its movements stirring up layers of Geo waves—it was Reticulated Stone.
At the southern array eye, a serene and ethereal adeptus woman was intently controlling a precise mechanical compass floating before her—it was Cloud Retainer, who went by the name Xianyun.
At the northern array eye, an amiable old woman holding an ancient teapot—it was Madame Ping, who went by the name Streetward Rambler.
And at the central core of the array, Zhongli stood with his hands behind his back.
His expression was solemn, and the Geo elemental power around him surged like a tangible golden torrent.
Eight colossal Geo Spikes were arranged seemingly in a pattern, towering around the struggling behemoth in the center.
That was the Azhdaha, thrashing wildly and letting out earth-shshattering roars!
"Morax!!!" Each roar was accompanied by violent tremors of the earth, and the chaotic energy impact made the entire space seem to groan.
At this moment, Ruo Tuo's dragon eyes were blood-red, filled with destructive madness and a deep-seated hatred for his former close friend.
"Ugh…!" Paimon's face turned pale from the terrifying sight and oppressive aura, and she instinctively clutched Lumine's shoulder tightly.
She almost completely shrank behind Lumine, only peeking out her small head, her large eyes filled with terror.
"S-so scary! It feels like the Azhdaha's resistance is much stronger this time than last time!"
Lumine explained, "After all, last time we had the remnant of the Azhdaha's benevolent nature helping us. This time, we directly awakened the Azhdaha, so it's bound to be much stronger than last time."
Zhongli sensed their arrival, turned his gaze towards them, and spoke in a gentle, reassuring tone.
"You two have arrived. There's no need to panic. To ensure absolute certainty this time, I specifically invited four old friends to assist."
"Paimon, there's no need to be nervous. When you begin, we will fully suppress Ruo Tuo, preventing it from moving an inch. At that time, I will entrust it to you."
Zhongli's words were steady and powerful, carrying a convincing force.
Paimon also knew that with Zhongli, four powerful adepti, and Lumine by her side, her safety was absolutely guaranteed.
But looking at the mountain-sized, terrifyingly powerful, and furiously roaring Azhdaha before her, her legs still couldn't help but feel a little weak.
The perilous scene of sealing Ruo Tuo last time was still vivid in her mind: the world-destroying elemental attacks, the indestructible dragon body, the all-consuming madness…
No one could stand before such an existence without their expression changing.
"Paimon, don't be afraid," Lumine's voice rang in her ear, filled with determination and encouragement, "We're here. Just like before, believe in yourself!"
Paimon took several deep breaths, then forcefully slapped her own cheeks, making crisp "slap-slap" sounds, as if cheering herself on.
She closed her eyes and silently chanted: "Go, Paimon! You're the divine healer Paimon who cured Xiao's karmic debt and saved Atea! You're not even afraid of Abyssal corrosion, so a mere big lizard… oh no, a big dragon! There's nothing to be afraid of!"
She suddenly opened her eyes. Although there was still a trace of lingering fear in them, there was more determination after mustering her courage: "I'm ready!"
"Good!" Zhongli let out a low cry, golden light bursting from his eyes, "Everyone, give it your all!"
"As the Geo Archon commands!" The four True Lords responded in unison.
In an instant, Mountain Shaper's antlers shone brightly, transforming into tangible beams of light that poured into the Geo Spikes.
Reticulated Stone's wings stirred up monstrous Geo waves, reinforcing the seal layer by layer.
Xianyun's compass spun rapidly, precisely guiding the energy flow.
Madame Ping's teapot seemed to transform into a source of power, continuously pouring out immense adeptal energy.
Four incomparably powerful streams of adeptal energy, combined with Zhongli's vast Geo Archon power that resembled a collapsing mountain, collectively acted upon the Geo Spikes!
Ohm—! The entire array erupted with an unprecedented dazzling light! The Geo Spikes sealing Ruo Tuo suddenly sank downwards, emitting a teeth-grinding, crushing sound!
"Ughhh—!!!" Ruo Tuo let out an earth-shattering wail, its massive body completely forced down to the ground by this terrifying power, a combination of Liyue's top combat strength!
Its huge dragon head was pressed tightly against the ground, unable to lift even an inch!
It used its last ounce of strength, its blood-red dragon eyes staring intently at Zhongli, its voice filled with grief and despair: "Morax! Do you truly mean to destroy me?!"