The Love That Topples Cities unleashed by Xingqiu and Chongyun was, for Liyue Harbor—and even for Ningguang and the others—
the most explosive scene in decades.
Ningguang herself had no objection to such things; private matters were private matters.
But Shenhe's expression had darkened to a terrifying degree.
And Ningguang, who knew full well that a wrathful Shenhe could casually drop a Sevenfold Spirit-Slaying Order to forcibly "straighten" the boys on the spot—
immediately decided it was time to move on.
Especially when this… situation really wasn't something to leave in the spotlight.
The whole world was currently watching Liyue's cultivators battle.
This should've been an opportunity for Liyue to stand proud before all nations.
Ningguang absolutely did not want Liyue's name to spread across Teyvat because of…
that.
So she quickly raised her voice:
"Since Baqiu has also been dealt with, let us return to Liyue Harbor. The citizens must be awaiting this victory."
But this wasn't enough to dispel Shenhe's murderous intent toward "correcting" Chongyun.
Thus Ningguang brought out the ultimate trump card—
"The Sect Master should also be expecting us."
At the mention of Jiang Yan, Shenhe's rage instantly died down.
After shooting Chongyun a long, heavy cold glance, she turned and left the battlefield in a streak of white light, returning directly to the Jade Chamber.
Before today, she wouldn't have minded returning with the others to accept the cheers of the people.
But now…
She had no face to meet Chongyun's parents.
Under her watch—
her only nephew, her family's last branch—
turned crooked.
This was… truly a blow to the heart.
Ningguang sighed lightly but put the thought aside for later.
She called everyone together and led them back toward the harbor.
The outer disciples who had maintained the defensive barrier earlier were already lined up in neat rows.
Seeing the group return, they bowed together.
"Congratulations on your victorious return, seniors!"
Ningguang nodded gracefully.
"You have all worked hard. Without your assistance suppressing the waves, Liyue Harbor would have suffered far greater damage."
"Once the Ministry of Civil Affairs finishes assessing losses, each of you will receive medicinal herbs from Jueyun Karst."
At those words, the outer and servant disciples lit up with joy.
Jueyun Karst's herbs weren't truly "spiritual herbs," not like Shushan's—but they were touched by ambient spiritual energy and were ideal for cultivators below Qi-Refining.
In comparison—
Shushan's true spirit herbs were precious and reserved for inner disciples.
● Wild herbs from Shushan's world were guarded by beasts at Qi-Refining and above.
● Low-level disciples seeking those herbs would be seeking death.
So for them, Jueyun Karst's herbs were perfect.
All they had done today was help stabilize the waves—and they were getting such a reward.
A massive profit.
They bowed again in excitement.
"Thank you, Senior Ningguang!"
Without further comment, Ningguang guided the group toward the harbor.
Below, the citizens had mostly recovered from the shock of the earlier pink sword-love-affair incident.
Their eyes burned with fervent admiration as they looked up at the returning cultivators—though when their gazes passed Xingqiu and Chongyun, there was inevitably a flicker of… complicated gossip.
At the beginning of Osial's attack, Liyue had been shrouded in despair.
Now—
Even if enemies stronger than Osial descended, they would no longer fear.
Liyue now had cultivators.
And this sense of security was stronger than anything—even stronger than having Morax himself watching over them.
The absolute, overwhelming power of cultivators had been demonstrated.
Alongside pride in their homeland, what now burned even brighter within Liyue's people was—
the desire to cultivate.
Ningguang saw their expressions and felt a warm satisfaction.
Osial's arrival had brought them tremendous benefits.
But the greatest benefit was—
Liyue's people had finally unified in spirit.
They had accepted the era without an Archon.
They had begun to envision a future built by human hands.
After a thoughtful silence, Ningguang spoke—her voice clear and steady.
"Days ago, during the Rite of Parting, the Lord of Geo announced His abdication."
"I believe many of you have worried about Liyue's future. Throughout these days, we have heard your concerns."
"How will Liyue face powerful enemies without the Archon?
What path will Liyue walk without the Archon?
Without the Archon, can this nation—
which has relied upon its god for three thousand seven hundred years—
still stand tall?"
Her voice rose.
"But today, you have witnessed the answer yourselves."
"Without the Archon, Liyue still crushes all foes!"
"Without the Archon, Liyue's future remains bright!"
"Without the Archon, Liyue's history will continue to advance endlessly!"
"The Liyue of today is no longer the trembling land besieged by ancient demon gods."
"The Liyue of today has cultivators—
people capable of defending their homes and drawing their blades against the strong!"
"Liyue has grown strong enough that every one of us can have faith in its future."
"The Archon abdicated for the sake of his dream—
and for the sake of Liyue's future."
"So, people of Liyue—
rejoice."
"Liyue has never been weak.
Whoever dares assault Liyue—
no matter how far—
shall be punished."
When her final words fell—
The roar of the crowd shook even the clouds in the Ninth Heaven.
The gloom left by Zhongli's retirement vanished completely.
From this moment, every human-led reform in Liyue would proceed without obstruction.
A demon god attack had brought them so many blessings—
Osial would vomit blood in his grave if he knew.
Far away — at Tianqiu Valley
Under the ancient seal of the Fulong Tree, Zhongli turned his head slightly toward the direction of Liyue.
A gentle, relieved smile appeared.
The final contract—ended.
From today onward, he laid down the name Rex Lapis.
He laid down all duties related to Liyue.
From now on—
He would cultivate wholeheartedly, and one day resurrect his fallen friend.
The immortal path was long. One always needed companions—
or in modern terms, Dao-friends.
With his last worldly tie severed, Zhongli felt no sorrow.
In fact, he felt unburdened—almost cheerful.
He turned back toward the scene before him—
Ruotuo Dragon King, pinned to the ground and being beaten bloody by Tartaglia, Diluc, and several other Shushan disciples.
Zhongli rubbed his brow.
"Ruotuo, can you listen properly now?"
"You're dreaming!"
Ruotuo roared with bloodshot eyes—
just in time for Diluc, clad in his golden Arhat body, to smack him across the face and send him flying.
"Morax! Even if I die, I will NEVER be your dog!
If you have the guts—kill me!!"
Zhongli calmly replied:
"First, I am Zhongli now, not Morax.
Second, I am not making you my dog.
I am offering you the chance to take the form of the Howling Sky Hound."
"You deceitful bastard! Delusional!
Just wait—
Morax, if I break my seal, I SWEAR I WILL SLAP YOUR ANCESTORS!"
That line made Zhongli's face darken several shades.
"Such insolence. It seems I have been far too lenient."
"Diluc, Tartaglia—
I have safeguarded his heart veins.
The rest… is up to you."
The two cupped their fists.
"Yes, Peak Master Zhongli."
Tartaglia stretched his shoulders, a wicked grin forming as the weakened version of the Reverse-Blood Demon Blade emerged in his hand.
It no longer drank life essence—but it still drank blood.
A deadly weapon, but harmless as long as the heart veins were protected.
In other words—
He could finally have some fun.
"Finally… I can fight properly."
Tartaglia muttered to himself.
Deep down, he also felt Zhongli was being petty.
Zhongli could've dispelled Ruotuo's erosion instantly—
but then Ruotuo opened his mouth with:
"Morax! I'll slap your ancestors!"
That was it.
Face could not be preserved after that.
Forget curing him—
first the kid needed a beating.
Luckily, Ruotuo was tough—extremely tough.
Tartaglia felt this was the most satisfying fight he'd had since joining Shushan.
If only he could fight one-on-one…
that would be even better.
But with so many cultivators dog-piling Ruotuo,
the dragon king couldn't give him any real pressure.
Especially Diluc—
once he activated his Golden Arhat Body, he became like a walking manifestation of the Dharma.
He could pin Ruotuo down with one hand.
Only missing the line:
"Ruotuo, you are too strong. I must seal you."
"Ruotuo, don't blame me. When you recover, please don't hold a grudge."
Tartaglia whispered, body streaking forward in a burst of blood light.
One slash.
A dragon horn flew skyward,
a wave of blood mist poured into the Reverse-Blood Blade, empowering it further.
Zhongli inhaled sharply, pained—and just as he was about to tell Tartaglia to go easier—
Ruotuo bellowed:
"Morax! When I break this seal—
I'll make YOU my dog!!"
"…"
Zhongli pinched the bridge of his nose.
"…Tartaglia. Continue."
"Gladly!"
And so, the stubborn dragon king was once again crushed under a mass beating.
Judging by the situation—
unless Ruotuo bowed his head,
this violent "education" might last for quite a while.
Back at Liyue Harbor
Ningguang's speech concluded.
The cheering lasted several long, thunderous minutes before the crowd finally quieted.
Seeing this, Ningguang spoke again:
"Thousand-Rock Army, report the battle damage."
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