35 Ch 35

Although this rune was considered the least useful among the Twelve Seals, Takumi felt it had strong functionality now. He immediately chose to fuse with it. As a result, he gained another unique ability.

The last powerful and useful item was the signature summon of the Thunder dragon - Kurigara. After obtaining it, Takumi could summon anytime.

Her previous form was the dragon-type judgment-level Ruin Beast Boreas. After its death, it was resurrected by the Law Thunder and became one of he formidable powers. Its destructive power went without saying. When Dvalin showed up, it could only become a meal for Kurigara.

Of course, Kurigara wasn't like Dvalin, having self-awareness. It was merely a pure weapon of war, acting only according to its orders. Though Takumi could completely grant it self-awareness with the "Flower of Life's" ability, he didn't plan to do so. Kurigara role was as a powerful tool. Giving it sentience would be redundant. It was best to use it as a weapon and mount.

After obtaining Kurigara, Takumi deliberately went outside, riding the dragon in the high skies for a spin. Well, it felt pretty good. It was much cooler than flying with his own "power."

"Hmm? Something seems to be happening down there."

While flying the dragon, Takumi sensed that something interesting was going on below. "Oh, it's Ningguang and the Foolish People." Takumi smiled slightly and didn't hurry to descend. Instead, he observed the situation from above.

...

...

At the entrance of a cave, two members of the Foolish People were on guard duty. The cave was well-hidden, but the interior was like a hidden paradise, and a complete factory system had been built inside. Even though they were members of the Foolish People, they didn't know exactly what the factory was researching. All they knew was that it was related to their Executive Leader.

Suddenly, a sound of footsteps caught the attention of the two guards. They each tightly gripped their weapons. Soon, the owner of the footsteps appeared.

"You're... Ningguang, the one of the Seven!" One of the Foolish People recognized her and turned pale.

"How could you possibly come here?" The two of them were guarding the entrance to the stronghold, but there were other members of the Foolish People outside the area. If a big shot like Ningguang had come here, they should have received some information, right? Could it be...?

Ningguang didn't give them much time to think. Two golden gemstones, imbued with a sense of effortless grace, directly hit the throats of the two guards. Both of them fell without a sound, not even able to scream.

Behind Ningguang, a detachment of the Qixing followed. Their eyes were sharp, and it was clear that they were the elites.

"Inside is the target stronghold of our mission. The Foolish People are developing a dangerous Adeptus seal, and we must be cautious."

"Yes, lady Ningguang, we obey your command!"

Ningguang's gaze was resolute. This was the secret she had uncovered in the game's storyline. Earlier, her intelligence network had already provided clues pointing to this stronghold of the Foolish People. They seemed to be conducting some covert research at this base, but Ningguang had lacked concrete evidence. Moreover, there were no unusual signs in the area, making it difficult to prove her suspicions.

While discussing with Keqing, Ningguang keenly seized on the mention of the "Taboo Seal." Through some means, she did indeed discover the Foolish People's research in this base involved the replication of the "Taboo Seal." The seal was originally created by the previous Lord of Geo to empower mortals in battle. In Ningguang's view, this research was not merely an act of reverence but a dangerous move in preparation for war.

As a result, she led a group of elites to this stronghold. Upon entering the cave, the space inside opened up significantly. The entire mountain interior had been hollowed out, creating a massive area with clearly defined passages, spaces, and equipment. Ningguang spotted various materials, including some needed for ancient Geo Adeptus arts and forbidden items according to the standards of prestigious clans in the marketplace.

Indeed, this was the research base for the Foolish People's replication of the "Taboo Seal." However, the situation was somewhat different from what she had imagined. There were no researchers to be seen inside, creating an eerie silence. Ningguang approached a large device and picked up a seal from the table. Although the external appearance was complete, the seal didn't contain Adeptus power internally and was considered a failed experiment. She looked into the device, realizing that everything inside had already been taken out. Had they arrived too late?

Ningguang's heart sank, filled with a foreboding feeling. The next moment, as if to confirm this ominous feeling, intense light suddenly illuminated the top of the research base. Rows of dark figures appeared on the upper platforms.

"Ningguang, we've been waiting for you."

.....

"Quick, retreat!"

"Protect Ningguang!"

Ningguang's side formed a defensive line to confront the enemy's attack. It was evident that their actions had been predicted in advance by the Foolish People. This base had been set up as a trap against them. The passage behind them had been blocked by massive falling rocks, leaving them trapped. In front of them, the ground was littered with the remains of various mechanical devices, all remnants of the relic guards released by the Foolish People. It seemed this place wasn't just focused on the Taboo Seal but also involved research on relic guards.

This elite force of the Qixing, while formidable, began to show signs of exhaustion in the face of the relentless mechanical forces.

The entire army was on the verge of destruction, and it seemed like only a matter of time.

Ningguang's gaze was intense. She endured, protected by the Qixing's forces.

All of this was due to a miscalculation, and now they found themselves in this dire situation.

Could this be the end for the Tianquan?

"Ningguang, you can rest assured and go on. Your story will continue to be passed down in Liyue Harbor, but you won't have a chance to hear it anymore."

The masked Foolish People assassin whispered. His concealed weapon was aimed at Ningguang, ready to release when suddenly the scene in his line of sight trembled.

The assassin was bewildered, thinking it was a stress reaction in his body. But the next moment, the entire research base shook violently. Dust and sand fell from above.

"What's going on?"

One of the Foolish People asked.

"Sir, the instruments are showing that someone is using brute force from the outside!"

"Are you kidding? This place was designed by Dr. [Boshi]!"

However, before he could finish his words, the mountain wall above trembled again and tore open a huge gap. Light from the outside shone in, and everyone looked up at the massive crack.

They all had expressions of disbelief on their faces. Above the sky, there was a colossal dragon-shaped figure. From their viewpoint below, the dragon's outstretched wings almost blocked out the sky, creating an indescribable sense of oppression.

The dragon's mouth was filled with interweaving red lightning, and it was clear that the enormous rift overhead had been torn open by its breath.

The once formidable defensive fortifications appeared as fragile as paper before this red lightning.

Only a flurry of dust scattered in the light and shadows.

"Your Majesty, what... what is this monster!"

"Hurry, go get the Executive!"

"It's over, darn it, my legs, they won't move!"

"It's coming down...!"

Every member of the Foolish People felt a deep sense of fear, as if they were being hunted by an ancient and ferocious beast, sending chills down their spines.

Some of the braver ones gritted their teeth, but their legs were trembling uncontrollably, and the more timid ones simply fell to the ground, not daring to even look up.

The remnants of the relic guards continued their attacks, oblivious to the overwhelming pressure that the living beings were feeling.

As the colossal dragon descended, its immense pressure fell indiscriminately on everyone present.

It was futile for mere mortals to resist this overwhelming force directly.

A resounding crash! The dragon's wings sliced open the rift overhead into a "十" shape.

When it descended, the monstrous dragon claws directly crushed two relic guards who were swinging their "windmills."

The robust bodies of the relic guards, which had previously seemed impervious, crumbled instantly into a pile of metal trash.

A thunderous explosion! A storm mixed with lightning spread out.

Ningguang and the members of the Qixing had to use both hands to shield themselves from this storm.

As they raised their heads and saw the enormous creature before them, they felt like they had fallen into an ice cave.

They were already on the brink of desperation just from dealing with the relic guards, but now a terrifying dragon had descended from the sky!

It was entirely red, as if it had been forged from steel. Its wings, claws, and tail shimmered with cold light, all clearly displaying its power to destroy and wreak havoc.

Damn it! The Foolish People had hidden such a powerful war machine!

With such a fearsome steel dragon, Liyue Harbor might be doomed to fall.

"How could this happen... Could this be the Foolish People's ultimate weapon?"

"It's unbelievable... They actually have such an invincible dragon."

The members of the Qixing felt dry-mouthed and struggled to accept the reality before their eyes.

"Ningguang, we may meet our end today."

"Even in death, we shall stand!"

"Yes! Even though the Foolish People have such a terrifying trump card, we, the people of Liyue, will not surrender!"

"Liyue Harbor will endure, and the Lord of Geo will triumph over this evil dragon!"

The soldiers had steeled themselves for death and picked up their weapons, ready to fight like ants, even if it was their final stand.

"Qianyan Stronghold, Chengzhang Unshaken!!"

However, at that moment, Ningguang, who had been silent, spoke up.

Her eyes revealed an unusual expression.

"Everyone, calm down."

"It seems like it's not targeting us."

"What!?"

Just as the soldiers were bewildered, three whistling sounds suddenly came from the front.

"Buzz—"

"Buzz—"

"Buzz—"

Three relic guards emerged from the machinery gates, took aim, and fired missiles at the giant dragon.

Aren't they on the same side?

Even if these missiles weren't directly hit, the explosive shockwaves were incredibly powerful, enough to incapacitate anyone within range. But when they struck the dragon's steel body, it was like a small firework, with absolutely no harm done.

Then, the dragon seemed to lose interest in the playthings beneath it.

It swept its claw in a single motion.

Amidst a burst of electric currents and flames, the three relic guards were completely disabled.

On the side of the machinery gate, an anomaly was detected, and red lights began to flicker.

The remaining relic guards were about to launch a full-scale attack.

The dragon spread its wings.

Sharp red currents scattered on its wings as it flew toward the machinery gate.

Instantly, a fierce wind swept through the base.

Before the dragon, a red tornado, interwoven with thunder, formed. Everything in its path crumbled to pieces.

The machinery gate was instantly reduced to rubble, and the relic guards inside hadn't even had a chance to make their entrance before being swept into this storm.

"Boom!"

"Boom!"

The sound of explosions and electric currents was incessant. The ground and the surrounding rock walls continued to shake.

Luckily, this research base had a unique structure; otherwise, it would have collapsed under these explosions a long time ago.

The members of the Qixing were all stunned.

This... have they ever seen such a scene before?

Among them, Ningguang was relatively calm, with her pupils slightly dilated and her mouth slightly open. She didn't look as horrified as the others, who might as well have the word "horrified" written all over their faces.

The most horrified, without a doubt, were the members of the Foolish People on the viewing platform.

That machinery gate.

That was the Lord of Geo's experimental site for researching relic guards!

Although the Lord of Geo hadn't been here for a long time, they had already developed a sophisticated system.

They could utilize relic guards as strategic weapons to some extent.

But now, in the face of the dragon's overwhelming power, everything was... gone in an instant.

Where the hell did this evil dragon come from!

Suddenly, someone pointed to the dragon's back and said with a trembling voice, "Th-the dragon... there's someone on its back!"

Other members of the Foolish People looked up.

Sure enough, on the dragon's spine, they saw a person sitting there at an angle.

He was just sitting there leisurely, as if everything before him was nothing more than an amusing activity.

"Could it be... the Lord of Geo...!?"

Someone immediately thought of this possibility, suspecting that the Lord of Geo had summoned them for retribution. However, soon after, someone dismissed this possibility.

"No way, not even the Lord of Geo would be this terrifying!"

"This dragon seems born for destruction, that person is definitely not a deity, but a demon!"

Suddenly, amidst the trembling and commotion, the dragon turned its body and fixed its gaze on them. All members of the Foolish People were instantly horrified. However, at the same time, they finally recognized the figure on the dragon's back.

"It looks a bit familiar..."

"You're... the owner of the mobile game hall...!?"

Takumi didn't give them a chance to ask further questions. The dragon's wings flapped above, causing cliffs to crumble and massive rocks to tumble down. All the assassins from the Foolish People were buried in the debris. After a brief check, there was no sign of life left.

After finishing all of this, Takumi leaped from the dragon's back. Kurigara simultaneously dissipated into red light and reappeared in front of the members of the Qixing.

"Is everyone okay?"

All the soldiers were in utter shock, struggling to find words. They had never expected that the dragon was the companion of the person before them. It was like a divine being descending from the heavens. Originally, they had been prepared for death in battle. But now, not only had everyone been rescued, but all the members of the Foolish People were annihilated. This dangerous research base was also mostly destroyed.

This all seemed too surreal. The sudden and dramatic shift in their situation was something they couldn't fully grasp at the moment.

"Thank you for coming to our rescue, Boss," Ningguang was the first to step forward and bow to Takumi. It was probably the first time that someone of such high status as the Tianquan, Ningguang, had bowed before him.

However, the Qixing soldiers were too overwhelmed to care about formalities. They rushed to express their gratitude to Takumi. Many of the younger soldiers had tears in their eyes. From now on, Takumi was their hero! They would defend the honor of the game hall owner, and there would be no criticism of him, even if they had to endure all other kinds of insults.

....

To actually possess such a powerful dragon as a mount, as well as wielding the red thunder power, Takumi... What kind of person are you?

Ningguang in the crowd gazed at Takumi's silhouette with a curious look. This kind of gaze often appeared when Ningguang was highly interested in someone and wanted to see through them. However, she knew very well that it was impossible for her to see through this young shop owner. The difference in their levels was too great. There were countless aspects to explore in the mobile game he had created. Trying to understand what kind of person Takumi truly was might be a bit unrealistic.

In any case, after today's events, Ningguang would look at Takumi and his mobile game with a new perspective. She would never doubt him again.

A blast of red lightning shattered the massive rocks, creating a path for everyone.

"Takumi, you're truly a remarkable person!"

"I won't believe in the Lord of Geo from now on; I believe in Boss Takumi!"

Hearing these excited remarks, Takumi smiled calmly.

"Don't praise me too much, I'm just a regular shop owner."

Regular? A shop owner? Are you sure you're not joking? If they hadn't witnessed Takumi's immense power just now, they might have almost believed him.

Ningguang approached Takumi and expressed her gratitude once more, "If it weren't for you, we might not have made it out alive today. In the future, if there's anything I, as a member of the Qixing, can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask."

Ningguang made this promise as a member of the Seven. She felt that someone like Takumi might never need her help in his lifetime. However, what others needed was another matter. She had to make her intentions clear.

"Ningguang, you're too polite. You've helped me set up the game hall, and Childe has also generously provided me with funds. I haven't had a chance to thank you for all of that."

"It was just a small token of appreciation, and I'm glad you liked it, Boss Takumi."

Ningguang smiled faintly. She couldn't help but feel that Takumi's current demeanor was quite different from the time when he fought the Dragon. The former was carefree and easygoing, a young man with an open heart. The latter was unruly and domineering, like a Real deity. Which of these was the real Takumi? Or perhaps, was it both?

In the future, Ningguang would spend more time trying to understand this.

"By the way, speaking of Childe, he should have already taken away the developed 'Forbidden Curse Scrolls.'"

"From what I know, it seems that Foolish People have some issues with you, Boss Takumi."

"Maybe they will rely on the power of the Forbidden Curse Scrolls..."

"Well... Boss Takumi, please be cautious," Ningguang cautioned.

Takumi nodded. "Rest assured, Foolish People pose no threat to me."

If anyone else had said these words, it would have been considered ignorance and arrogance. However, when it came from Takumi, it seemed only natural.

Soon after, led by Takumi, Ningguang and the Qixing soldiers returned to the outside. The vast sky and boundless sea welcomed them, making the cave entrance they had just emerged from seem like a dream.

Halfway up the mountain, there was a massive gap – Takumi's handiwork.

"This place is indeed not suitable for staying any longer. Both the automated mechanisms and the development of the Forbidden Curse Scrolls should no longer be preserved," Ningguang commented as she looked at the ruins before her.

In fact, the place had been almost entirely destroyed. As they moved further away, they heard a massive crashing sound from behind – it had finally collapsed due to the extensive damage. Completely buried underground, it might become a hidden underground relic many years from now. Explorers would marvel at the dreadful traces of destruction.

Takumi had already bid them farewell and returned to the city ahead of them. Ningguang, however, had matters to attend to.

When they returned to Liyue Harbor, the city guards were shocked to see Ningguang leading this group in such a disheveled state. Who would dare lay hands on the Tianquan Ningguang within Liyue's borders? Although Ningguang appeared slightly disheveled now and lacked her usual regal composure while sitting on the Yujing Terrace, her magnificent aura had not diminished one bit. The recent life-threatening crisis had added a sense of transcendence to her.

This incident happened suddenly. Ningguang didn't have the time to inform the other members of the Qixing. She personally led a group of elite troops to clear out the base of the Foolish People, nearly falling into their trap. Once this news spread, it shook the entire Liyue Harbor. People felt worried and relieved by the safety of Tianquan Ningguang. They also felt anger toward the audacity of Foolish People.

Initially, the Foolish People's forces denied their involvement at the research base. However, when Ningguang presented the remnants of the Forbidden Curse Scrolls, they couldn't say a word. Ningguang subsequently used thunderous methods to investigate and hold the Foolish People in Liyue Harbor accountable for their actions, one by one.

During this period, there were rumors that when Tianquan Ningguang and her group were in dire straits, the owner of the game hall, Takumi, timely appeared riding a massive dragon and defeated all the members of the Foolish People. The authenticity of this event could not be verified, but it became a curious tale circulating in the streets. People's admiration and curiosity about Takumi grew.

Of course, these were stories for later. At this moment, Liyue Harbor was not peaceful. The power of the Foolish People was being systematically investigated and suppressed, but their leaders remained unconcerned. The Cryo Archon had already made it clear to them about the mission of this trip – the "God's Hearts" of the other Seven, not establishing diplomatic relations or any political purposes. For the Foolish People's leaders, using diplomatic relations to infiltrate a nation was merely one of their methods.

Somewhere outside Liyue Harbor, Zhongli gazed into the distance at the solitary Cloud Retainer's palace. He thought back to his conversation with Venti before he left. "Think carefully. Even you and I wouldn't be able to create something like a 'game' out of thin air, let alone reveal events of the world's present and future within it. This power is beyond the level of the 'Seven of the Earthly Desires'."

"Are you suggesting that he's one of the higher-ranking Deity related to the power of 'time'?" Venti remained non-committal, but his attitude said it all.

The two had already ventured into the realms of the extraordinary with their conversation. Zhongli chose to leave the rest unspoken.

"Ha-ha, the taste of old wine is rich and pure, but it's a shame it's gone so quickly."

"Well then, Old Man, until we meet again in the future."

This free-spirited and cheerful Windborne Bard arrived suddenly and departed just as abruptly. It seemed like he was only here to convey this message to himself, 0.3, and perhaps share a bottle of old wine. According to Zhongli's understanding of him, this was entirely in character.

At this moment, Zhongli was contemplating. If Takumi was indeed the "God of Time," then everything seemed to fall into place. But what was his purpose in doing all this?