Finally, the massive golden array on the ground gradually dimmed, eventually disappearing completely.
The giant wrench-shaped phantom above Azhdaha's head also completed its final rotation, quietly dissipating.
The entire cavern instantly fell silent, with only the occasional sound of rolling gravel.
Amidst the swirling dust, Azhdaha's massive head stirred slightly.
He slowly and laboriously lifted his eyelids.
His dragon eyes, once consumed by madness, were now, though still utterly exhausted, restored to their clear, amber-gold hue.
Like the purest glazed glass, Zhongli's reflection was mirrored within them.
Zhongli's tightly-wound expression finally showed a hint of loosening; he took a step forward, his voice uncharacteristically carrying a subtle, almost imperceptible tension and anticipation.
"Heavenly Movement of All Forms, Mountain and Sea Transformation…"
Azhdaha's massive dragon head tilted slightly, looking at the God of Contracts who had protected Liyue for thousands of years, and remained silent for a moment.
Just as everyone's hearts were in their throats, he slowly spoke, his voice hoarse and deep, filled with profound weariness: "Stars rise from the wasteland, shining like the blazing sun."
Upon hearing this, Zhongli's tightly pursed lips finally curved upwards into a faint but undeniably genuine smile, as if ten thousand years of ice and snow had melted in his eyes.
Azhdaha took a breath, his gaze sweeping over the half of an ancient stone (Dragon Suppressing Stone) that had appeared in Zhongli's hand at some point.
"Back then… you used this broken stone… to trick me into signing that contract… thousands of years have passed… and you're still… this cunning…"
This familiar tone, this resentful but no longer hateful voice! It was like a clap of thunder, resounding in everyone's hearts!
"This is amazing! We succeeded, Lumine!" Paimon cheered excitedly, spinning several times in the air, then eagerly extended her small hand for a high-five with Lumine to celebrate.
Lumine also broke into a genuine smile, reaching out her hand to meet Paimon's small hand with a crisp clap.
"Yay!"
Mountain Shaper exhaled a long breath, his four hooves relaxing, and looked at Paimon with admiration: "Little one… truly… created a miracle."
Cloud Retainer folded her wings, her voice unusually gentle: "Such power… unheard of. Little friend, you've worked hard."
Madame Ping's eyes were slightly red; she wiped the corner of her eyes with her sleeve: "Good… good indeed! An old friend returns, this is Liyue's fortune! Little friend Paimon, this old one thanks you on Azhdaha's behalf!"
Xianyun, though still aloof, also relaxed her tense shoulders and nodded slightly towards Paimon: "Hmph… well… done."
Zhongli watched Azhdaha, who had regained his calm and was beginning to absorb energy, then turned and bowed solemnly to Paimon: "Paimon, this kindness is heavier than mountains. Zhongli is deeply grateful."
Paimon was a little embarrassed by everyone's successive thanks, her small face flushed, and she was about to wave her hand and say, "It's nothing."
Suddenly, a very loud, long, and undeniably present rumbling sound came from her stomach, instantly filling the now quiet cavern.
"…" Paimon's smile froze, and her small face instantly turned crimson, like a ripe apple.
"This… this consumed quite a bit, hehe." Her eyes darted around, a little abashed.
After all, this was a scene of old friends reuniting, and she was somewhat disrupting the atmosphere.
Lumine looked at Paimon's embarrassed expression and couldn't help but let out a giggle, her eyes full of understanding and fondness.
"I understand, I understand. Master Paimon, you've worked hard! You've done a great service this time! Last time we went to New Moon Pavilion, this time let's go to Liuli Pavilion and treat you to a big meal! Order whatever you want!"
"Liuli Pavilion! A full course!" Paimon's eyes instantly lit up again, and she was practically drooling.
But the next second, a massive wave of hunger struck again, and she looked pitifully at Lumine: "Lumine… Liuli Pavilion… let's talk about it later… can you… give me something to eat right now to tide me over?"
"I feel… I'm so hungry I can barely fly… I'm even seeing little stars floating around…"
Lumine immediately pulled out the most classic and quickest stamina-replenishing food from her backpack—steaming, fragrant Sweet Madame! "Eat up, great hero!"
Paimon cheered, no longer caring about shyness, and pounced on the Sweet Madame, gobbling it down, humming contentedly.
On the other side, Zhongli did not immediately remove the seal.
He walked to Azhdaha, who had regained his reason but was still visibly weak.
"How do you feel, old friend?"
"Tired, more tired than ever." Azhdaha's voice was still deep and hoarse, but his tone was much calmer, carrying the fatigue of surviving a great ordeal. "My power… feels completely drained…"
Zhongli nodded: "Purifying erosion consumes a great deal, and your essence is also damaged. This seal will not be removed for now; I will modify it slightly."
He raised his hand, golden light flowing from his fingertips, and touched the massive rock pillars.
The sealing runes on the ground gradually faded, replaced by a gentle, condensed array pattern.
"This array can help you gather Geo elemental power more quickly, nourish your essence, and accelerate your recovery.
Rest here with peace of mind. Once you regain some strength, we can catch up."
"Hmph… as you wish…" Azhdaha closed his eyes, seemingly almost out of strength to even speak, only responding wearily.
But his body visibly relaxed, and he began to instinctively absorb the rich Geo elemental power gathered by the array from the surroundings.
Zhongli watched Azhdaha begin to absorb energy, a hint of relief and satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
He turned, and with Lumine, Paimon, and the four Adepti, began to leave the sealed area.
On the way back to Liyue Harbor, the atmosphere was much more relaxed.
Xiao uncharacteristically did not return to Wangshu Inn in Dihua Marsh, preparing to go with them to Liuli Pavilion to celebrate.
The other two Adepti who resided in Jueyun Karst, Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper, also traveled together.
Along the way, everyone also expressed their sincere gratitude to Lumine and Paimon.
"This little one's 'wrench' power is truly profound," Mountain Shaper exclaimed, "It can even cleanse a thousand years of accumulated resentment and restore clarity of mind."
"Indeed, this old one has lived for so long, and this is the first time I've seen such extraordinary ability," Madame Ping said, smiling as she watched Paimon still gnawing on a drumstick. "Mundane opportunities are truly wondrous."
"Hmph, though the principle is unclear, the result is undeniable." Xianyun maintained her usual demeanor, but her gaze towards Paimon softened considerably. "It is indeed quite unique."
Xiao and Cloud Retainer simply nodded slightly, everything understood without words.
Listening to everyone praise her indirectly, Paimon was very pleased, as this was her rare moment of glory.
Along the way, everyone chatted casually, discussing the thrilling process they had just experienced, Azhdaha's recovery, and the future of Liyue.
The lingering glow of the setting sun fell upon this group of people who had just accomplished an almost impossible feat, appearing exceptionally warm and tranquil.