When Azhdaha heard Morax tell him to take it up with Jiang Chen, he was stunned.
Did this mean… Liyue was no longer under Morax's rule?
Jiang Chen was calling the shots now?
Had he usurped the throne?
Zhongli, noticing his confusion, explained:
"I've retired. Liyue's affairs are now Jiang Chen's responsibility."
"So if you want to be Grand Marshal, you'll have to ask him."
Morax laid it out plainly.
He was just a retired old man now—why would he still govern Liyue?
If Azhdaha wanted a military title, Jiang Chen was the one to approve it.
"We'll discuss it later!"
"No rush."
"Old man, since we're here… how about a trip to Sumeru?"
Jiang Chen brushed off the topic, steering the conversation elsewhere.
Grand Marshal?
Sure, but only after the three branches (Army, Navy, Air Force) were established.
Right now, Liyue only had a land force.
"Sumeru?"
Zhongli gave him a questioning look.
What business did they have there?
"Exactly—Sumeru!"
"I heard their Archon has been imprisoned."
"And the Fatui are involved."
Jiang Chen delivered this with perfect seriousness.
Of course, this was just an excuse.
Nahida?
Whether she was rescued or not didn't matter.
The real goal was Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
Recalling his past life memories, Jiang Chen believed Sumeru should be returned to her.
Let her decide how to handle the sages.
As for Nahida?
She was just a convenient pretext to rally the group.
Zhongli's expression darkened.
"You're planning to resurrect Rukkhadevata, aren't you?"
His gaze pierced through Jiang Chen's flimsy justification.
A confined god?
Please—that was just cover!
"Correct."
"Rukkhadevata is far more capable than the current Dendro Archon."
"Plus, my future plans require Irminsul's power."
Jiang Chen didn't bother hiding his intentions.
In short:
Nahida was incompetent.
Rukkhadevata needed to return.
Between the two, Jiang Chen vastly preferred the original Dendro Archon.
As for Nahida?
She could rot in her cage for all he cared.
This story had no role for her anymore.
"Greater Lord Rukkhadevata…"
"Very well."
"I'll accompany you."
"The Akademiya has crossed a line. A god is still a god."
If Jiang Chen hadn't mentioned it, Zhongli could've pretended ignorance.
But now that he knew, he couldn't turn a blind eye.
They'd pay a visit—just to ask questions.
Then, once Jiang Chen resurrected Rukkhadevata, things would resolve themselves.
Decision made, Zhongli suddenly turned his head, sensing a presence.
There, hiding in the shadows, was Barbatos.
Of course he'd show up.
But this was for the best.
Nodding to Jiang Chen, Zhongli headed toward Venti.
Jiang Chen promptly dragged Azhdaha along.
Venti observed the approaching trio—Morax, Jiang Chen, and the resurrected Azhdaha.
Just as he'd guessed.
"Barbatos!"
"Long time no see."
Azhdaha greeted him warmly.
They were neighbors, after all—and drinking buddies.
For all his irresponsibility, Venti was good company.
"We're going to Sumeru."
Zhongli cut to the chase.
Venti grinned.
"Sure thing~!"
The wind had already whispered the reason to him.
Crashing someone else's drama?
His specialty!
Besides, if they were going as Archons, he could just wear his divine form.
No need to reveal his face.
Might as well snag some Sumeru wine while they were at it.
Those Akademiya fools deserved it for imprisoning their own god.
How embarrassing.
Five centuries, and she still couldn't break free?
Maybe they should revoke her Archon status.
Venti internally roasted Nahida.
Even a newborn god should've grown stronger by now.
Pathetic.
Worse than him!
Perhaps he should retire too.
This whole "Archon" gig was overrated.
None of them were taking it seriously anyway.
Such were the thoughts of Teyvat's least diligent god.
"Azhdaha, you stay here."
"The other adepti have arrived—catch up with them."
"Just the three of us will go."
"We'll be back soon."
Sensing the nearby adepti, Jiang Chen decided to leave Azhdaha behind.
Let him reunite with old friends while Zhongli and Venti drew attention in Sumeru.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen would sneak to Irminsul and resurrect Rukkhadevata.
Using the World Tree itself as the catalyst.
Like with Makoto, Irminsul would become a Noble Phantasm.
If successful, it'd be an EX-rank support tool—Irminsul Mainframe, activate!
The Akasha Terminal network could then expand across Teyvat.
No need to manufacture devices—everyone would get one for free.
Just like in Sumeru.
If this plan succeeded, Teyvat would leap straight into the digital age.
Talk about skewed development.
Azhdaha didn't object.
He, too, sensed his old comrades.
"Go on. I'll prepare the drinks for your return."
With that, he headed toward the adepti.
Jiang Chen, Zhongli, and Venti vanished, streaking toward The Chasm.
From there, they'd enter Sumeru.
Their paths would then split:
Zhongli & Venti → Confront the Akademiya
Jiang Chen → Head to Irminsul
Additionally, Jiang Chen needed to check in at the Dendro Archon statue for his reward.
What would it be this time?
He was eager to find out.
Beyond resurrecting Rukkhadevata, this was his top priority.
Sign in → Claim prize.
Hopefully, an Assassin-class template for infiltration.
At the same time, Jiang Chen pondered:
What to do about Il Dottore?
Kill him? Or… kill him?
Keep him as slave labor?
His clones could be exploited to death.
But then again…
Jiang Chen's alchemy skills might surpass Dottore's anyway.
No point keeping him.
Just eliminate him.
Along with every clone.
For a moment, Jiang Chen wished for Mystic Eyes of Death Perception.
That'd make the job effortless.
Slash their conceptual existence—gone forever.
But since the clones were scattered, it'd be tricky without such an ability.
After some thought, Jiang Chen dismissed the concern.
Why worry?
He'd have Rukkhadevata on his side.
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