Azhdaha's Rebirth, Liyue Faces a Natural Disaster!
Unlike the original storyline, where they were accompanied by others, this time it was just Zhongli and Kun Jun. When Kun Jun touched the Dragon-Quelling Stone, Zhongli immediately revealed Kun Jun's true identity.
Now, the two were entering the cave where Azhdaha, the Dragon King, was sealed.
"Morax, my true form still retains its full power. Do you really think you can seal it again with your current strength?" Kun Jun asked with concern. He was merely a fragment of Azhdaha's consciousness, separated when the seal began to weaken, possessing no combat ability. Azhdaha, being an elemental creation, had remained at its peak even after the long years of imprisonment.
Kun Jun could see that the current strength of Morax had diminished compared to when he first sealed Azhdaha. It was apparent that stepping down from the Geo Archon position and the wear and tear of the years had affected the once-great Archon.
Zhongli, hands clasped behind his back, responded calmly, "No matter. If Azhdaha intends to break free from the seal, then I am destined to face it in battle once more."
The memories of sealing Azhdaha resurfaced in Zhongli's mind. Back then, Azhdaha bore deep resentment toward Morax, the one who had created him and then imprisoned him. Zhongli knew he must bear the consequences of that decision alone.
Kun Jun's eyes showed a flicker of emotion. Morax had clearly prepared to risk everything to seal Azhdaha again. After all, Azhdaha's strength had once been comparable to Morax's. Now, with the shifts in power, it was clear that Morax would need such resolve to confront him.
As they finally stepped into the cave, the space inside opened up, revealing the colossal form of Azhdaha, just as Zhongli remembered it—pinned to the ground by stone spines. Azhdaha sensed their presence and opened its eyes. Upon seeing Zhongli, Azhdaha roared with fury, "Morax! You've come to me yourself, making it all the easier for me to exact revenge for my imprisonment!"
Azhdaha's enraged roar echoed throughout the cave, sending tremors through the earth. Zhongli gazed calmly at the creature he had not seen for years and said, "Azhdaha, you've been worn down over time. Otherwise, I would not have sought to seal you again."
The years of confinement had blurred Azhdaha's mind, making him more volatile. Zhongli's words only fueled his anger further, "Is this the reasoning of the gods? To destroy what they no longer need, ravaging the wilderness like butchers?"
"No, you're mistaken," Kun Jun interjected. "Azhdaha was Morax's closest friend. He sealed you only because he had no other choice."
For the first time, Azhdaha turned his attention away from Zhongli and looked at Kun Jun. His large eyes reflected confusion, "Who are you…?"
"I am a fragment of Azhdaha's benevolent nature. My very existence proves that the original Azhdaha was not as brutal as you are now," Kun Jun explained.
"No… That's impossible." Azhdaha was both shocked and furious, trying to reject Kun Jun's words. But he could sense the same elemental aura from Kun Jun, confirming that they shared the same origin.
Azhdaha had once been whole, but the toll of wear had split him into two—one part embodying his benevolence and the other, his malevolence. The separation was the result of the immense damage he had endured over time.
Kun Jun continued, "I am your final contract, a witness to the bond between you and Morax. You can be angry, but you must not deny me."
However, Kun Jun's words only provoked Azhdaha's rage, "No! I am the Dragon King Azhdaha, born of the elements, eternal as the mountains and seas. I am no friend to ants!"
"Morax is no ant," Kun Jun replied softly, understanding the depth of the friendship that had once existed between Azhdaha and Morax. Yet, Azhdaha's rage had driven him to irrationality. He began ramming the seal violently, shouting, "The gods of ants are no more than ants themselves!"
With each strike, the seal weakened further until finally, the stone spines shattered. Azhdaha, now freed, let out a thunderous roar, announcing his return to the world.
"Morax, you will pay for the agony of a thousand years of imprisonment," Azhdaha declared, rising to his full height. His massive body, as large as a mountain, radiated an overwhelming sense of power.
Zhongli remained calm and turned to Kun Jun, "Stay on the sidelines. This battle is our fate."
Kun Jun nodded silently, knowing he was too weak to help Zhongli. He could only watch as Zhongli walked toward Azhdaha as if taking a stroll.
At the same time Azhdaha broke free of the seal, the tremors he caused spread throughout the land of Liyue, echoing through the earth veins.
In Liyue Harbor, the ground suddenly began to shake violently, causing people to stumble and fall to the ground. Panic quickly spread among the citizens:
"What's happening? An earthquake?"
"An earthquake in Liyue Harbor? I've never seen anything like this in my entire life!"
"The Geo Archon is gone! Without his protection, how are we supposed to survive such disasters?"
"Everyone, stay calm! We are the Millelith. The tremors aren't severe yet. Please gather in the open spaces."
With the quakes rippling through Liyue, fear spread among the people. In the 3,700 years that Morax had protected Liyue, the city had never experienced an earthquake. Now, with the Geo Archon gone, a tremor had struck, and many believed it was an omen of catastrophe.
The Millelith worked quickly to maintain order, guiding the citizens to safer areas. Yet fear gripped the hearts of many as they felt their once-stable world shake beneath them.
Meanwhile, atop the Jade Chamber, the tremors had little impact, but the Seven Stars (Qixing) quickly received reports of the earthquake.
Ningguang walked out of the Jade Chamber and gazed down at Liyue Harbor with concern, "Why has an earthquake suddenly struck? How long will it last? How severe will it become?"
Keqing, standing by her side, responded, "For now, it's not too intense. Only a few buildings have collapsed in Liyue. However, the tremors are coming in waves and seem to be growing stronger."
Ningguang frowned deeply. The most terrifying aspect of an earthquake was the series of aftershocks. This one hadn't yet reached its peak. If it grew stronger, much of Liyue's buildings might collapse.
"Have the Millelith evacuate everyone as quickly as possible. And where is our little dragon adeptus?" Ningguang asked, issuing her preliminary orders to her secretary while also inquiring about Lin Yuan's whereabouts.
As the next Geo Archon, Lin Yuan's safety was paramount.
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T/N:
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