Chapter 127

Osial's roar echoed throughout Liyue once again.

But unlike his initial powerful roar, it had now turned into screams of agony.

Though this strike couldn't truly pierce the stars, it had severed several of Osial's heads, leaving only one lonely head remaining.

"Who are you?!"

Osial roared in fury.

"Who I am doesn't matter... damn, out of elemental power, and still one head left..."

Jiang Ning gritted his teeth, trying to summon the strength to finish off the last head.

But the drain on his body was too severe.

He could no longer unleash large-scale attacks.

Osial noticed Jiang Ning's condition and felt relieved - at least this opponent wasn't too overwhelming.

He fixed his gaze on the approaching sea surface.

If only he could reach there!

'Channel all adeptal power into Memory of Dust.'

A melodious but weak voice suddenly rang out.

"Huh?"

Jiang Ning was startled, thinking he was hearing things.

"System, what's happening?"

Jiang Ning frowned.

[...Don't ask, host. Another one's trying to claim territory. I'll explain later, just do as she says.]

Since the System said so, Jiang Ning didn't hesitate. He poured all his remaining adeptal power and elemental energy into Memory of Dust.

The weapon emitted a brilliant light and a subtle aura.

'G-gentler!'

The voice seemed embarrassed.

'What kind of disciple did that bastard Morax train?'

'Watch carefully, aim there, and say with me: Memory of Dust, activate!'

"Memory of Dust, activate!"

Jiang Ning raised his thumb at Osial, not in approval but to aim.

Memory of Dust transformed rapidly, and to Jiang Ning's amazement, it unfolded into a massive cannon barrel glowing with orange light.

Inside was terrifying elemental power and traces of divine power.

Where did this divine power come from?

Before Jiang Ning could think further, another deafening boom rang out, so loud it left his ears ringing.

The next moment, Osial's final head, just about to reach the sea surface, was pierced through. His wails and screams echoed endlessly.

Finally, he crashed into the sea and fell silent.

Then his body began to dissipate and explode, with the god's resentful energy spreading outward.

In the distance, Zhongli showed a long-absent smile, sensing an old friend's presence - truly an unexpected joy.

Moreover, Jiang Ning's performance was brilliant, showing both wisdom and decisiveness in battle.

As before, once he properly ascends to a divine body, Jiang Ning's power will reach the level of the Seven Archons.

"Gather all."

Zhongli made his move. Osial's post-death explosion was too much for the current Jiang Ning to handle. Golden divine power surrounded Zhongli, his classical attire transforming into divine raiment with a white hood.

Zhongli flew toward Jiang Ning - his disciple had truly submitted a satisfactory answer.

"Master."

Pale-faced and exhausted, Jiang Ning gave Zhongli a peace sign.

"You did well... you can rest now."

Zhongli said.

But Jiang Ning gritted his teeth: "Not time to rest yet, Master. Take me down there - we can't waste the god's resentful energy..."

Though Zhongli had planned to seal the remnants first, seeing Jiang Ning's insistence and remembering that presence, he could only nod:

"If you're too tired, don't force yourself."

"Mm, understood."

Meanwhile, Beisht had gone berserk after witnessing Osial's fall. At this moment, she was not just Osial's servant but his wife.

She wanted revenge! For Osial!

Hatred filled her mind completely. Beisht no longer cared about whether she could win - she only wanted to destroy the Jade Chamber blocking her path.

"Careful! She's gone mad!"

Keqing said gravely.

"What's this? Multiple portals are opening around the Jade Chamber - it's the Fatui! They're trying to destroy the Guizhong Ballista! We can't let them succeed!"

Keqing's expression changed dramatically as she saw Fatui members emerging and rushing toward the adepti-operated ballistas.

The surrounding Millelith reacted quickly, engaging the Fatui in battle, barely maintaining the defensive line.

Xiao had the easiest time, taking them down one by one, while Xianyun and Madame Ping were in relative "danger."

These two were purely slacking off, with only Millelith guards around them, almost allowing the Fatui to breach their defensive position.

"This won't do..." Ningguang frowned. "Traveler, we need your help."

Lumine smiled happily: "I've been waiting for you to say that... The Fatui, huh? Time to settle old and new scores! Uraa!"

Shouting an incomprehensible battle cry, she charged straight into the crowd of Fatui.

Then...

Xiao had to fish her out.

Though Lumine was now much stronger than average Vision holders, she hadn't reached her previous level - and even ants could kill an elephant in sufficient numbers.

The Fatui present were all elite among elites, so Lumine quickly became overwhelmed.

Fortunately, Xiao was kind enough to pull her out.

"You're too reckless."

Keqing had also retreated, her face flushed and breathing unsteady from the intense fighting.

Lumine looked embarrassed.

"Just hold on a little longer."

Ningguang watched as Beisht was gradually pushed back by the Guizhong Ballista, and this delay had allowed Liyue's navy to form an encirclement.

Without the Fatui's interference, killing this god's servant would only be a matter of time.

"Like shattered jade, descending..."

Ganyu finally went all out, unleashing power unique to her half-qilin nature. With Jiang Ning's dual cultivation nurturing and strengthening her recently, she could now rival even Xiao.

Massive cryo elements swept across the Jade Chamber - deadly ice shards for enemies, but healing cold wind for allies.

"This child Ganyu..."

Madame Ping shook her head helplessly.

With Ganyu's combat power joining in, the Fatui were frozen in place, awaiting death.

Lumine seized this opportunity to work with Keqing and destroy all the Fatui's portals.

The time had come to fully eliminate Beisht.

Her aura grew weaker while Liyue's reinforcements intensified, with more warships rushing to the battlefield.

Perhaps due to Jiang Ning's intervention, the Jade Chamber didn't need to face the god directly - dealing with just a god's servant didn't require Ningguang to sacrifice the Chamber.

Zhongli watched Liyue's united front and their determination to protect their home.

He smiled happily - his disciple had passed the test excellently, and Liyue, the child he had watched over for so long, was finally growing up...

With a final unwilling roar, Beisht collapsed onto the sea surface, her head turning toward where Osial had fallen - a poignant sight.

"...Is it over?"

The sudden silence felt strange, but seeing the fallen god and dead servant, the Millelith finally came to their senses.

Then came the rush of excitement and adrenaline.

"We won!"

"We defeated a god! Defeated a god's servant!"

"As unmovable as the mountains!"

"As unmovable as the mountains!"

With the Millelith's chants, cheers erupted throughout Liyue Harbor.

Many citizens who had been huddled in their homes, initially terrified of the god, had witnessed Jiang Ning's incredible spear throw and were now overjoyed.

Then they saw the adepti of the Jade Chamber and the Millelith fighting bravely, repelling the ambitious Fatui and killing the threatening divine servant.

These scenes filled the people of Liyue with pride and excitement.

"Is Jiang Ning really that strong?!"

"Those moves were just like Rex Lapis reborn!"

"How would you know Rex Lapis's moves? Have you seen them?"

"Hmph, it's recorded in ancient texts. Nobody knows Rex Lapis better than me!"

Cheers and praise rang out everywhere, but most of the excitement centered on Jiang Ning.

This god-making plan had succeeded.

"Whew, so tired..."

After finally relaxing, Ningguang and Keqing felt dizzy.

One had maintained the Jade Chamber's formations, while the other had constantly protected the Guizhong Ballista from Fatui elites.

Both were physically exhausting tasks.

Looking at the adepti, Xiao maintained his usual demeanor, while Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper were panting heavily, having expended much energy.

In contrast, Xianyun and Madame Ping... one was glowing with energy, not even out of breath, while the other remained kindly, cheerfully watching everyone.

Ningguang finally couldn't hold back: "Honored adepti, even slacking off shouldn't be done so obviously... at least pretend a little."

Moon Carver looked at Xianyun in shock: "At such a crucial moment, you were slacking off?"

Mountain Shaper added: "So what's really going on here?"

"All will be explained after you've calmed the citizens."

A majestic voice rang out, and the adepti's expressions changed, then turned to joy:

"Rex Lapis, you're safe!"

Moon Carver was overjoyed.

Zhongli nodded slightly: "Yes, I will explain everything to everyone. But for now, focus on post-disaster relief work, and... the Rite of Parting."

Ningguang froze, then understood something and respectfully said: "As you command, Rex Lapis."

After speaking, Zhongli nodded to everyone and vanished.

Jiang Ning was still absorbing power; he couldn't leave him for too long.

Though Zhongli had left, the surrounding Millelith were still feverishly excited, seeming to forget their battle wounds.

After all, seeing Rex Lapis in his divine attire was a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

"The Rite of Parting? What's Rex Lapis planning? No adeptus has passed away..." Mountain Shaper was confused.

But Moon Carver saw Xianyun's knowing look and suddenly understood:

"You knew everything from the start, didn't you? Tell us!"

Xianyun rolled her eyes: "Rex Lapis said to wait until we return to explain."

That's what you get for not taking me to play in Liyue Harbor.

Though in her adeptus beast form, she could imagine these two scratching their heads in confusion.

"Alright, let's head back, there's still much to do... And thank you for your help, Traveler. Your reward will certainly satisfy you."

Ningguang said.

Lumine quickly waved her hands: "It's fine, just help me post some missing person notices in Liyue Harbor."

"Don't worry, we'll help you search for your brother, but business is business... a reward is a reward."

Ningguang smiled.

"Well... alright."

Lumine could only accept.

Paimon appeared beside Lumine after the battle: "Great! Lumine, now we can buy lots of delicious food!"

This comment made Lumine angry, and she pinched Paimon hard: "You dare say that! Where were you during the fight? Now that it's over and there's food, you show up!"

"I'm sorry! Waaah! Lumine is scary!"

This chase and play added some humor to the post-battle atmosphere, as Liyue prepared to enter a new chapter.

...

"Your Highness, we couldn't implement the plan this time."

On a distant mountaintop, a Pyro Abyss Mage respectfully reported to the blonde youth before him.

Aether gazed into the distance and said: "It doesn't matter. I could sense Morax's presence. He knew as soon as we entered Liyue - he was warning me..."

It seems Morax values this heir greatly...

Thinking about how many Abyss infiltration points in Liyue had suddenly lost contact recently - that must have been Morax's work. Still as cautious as ever.

But to Aether, this wasn't important. If Osial was gone, so be it. He had many other places to experiment: Mondstadt, Inazuma's Enkanomiya, Sumeru's desert...

Just a new deity who could absorb god remnants wouldn't shake his plans.

But if Aether knew what Jiang Ning could absorb...

Still, his sister's brave performance just now...

Aether's gaze softened.

Lumine is growing quickly too. Hurry along then - when you've traveled through all seven nations, that will be the day we reunite.

He turned without hesitation and entered the opened Abyss portal.

Aether's final words faded away on the mountaintop:

"Let's go. We're heading to Sumeru."

"Yes, Your Highness."

After Aether left, Zhongli slowly appeared at that spot.

He had heard Aether's words - going to Sumeru...

Zhongli fell into deep thought.

For now, better not let young Jiang Ning go to Sumeru. After all, he hasn't grown strong enough to face the Abyss alone yet.

For the first time, Zhongli was being so cautious.

After all, Jiang Ning might be Teyvat's hope for turning the tide.

Inazuma... might be a good place, but before that, they could recruit that drunk first.

Zhongli's eyes flickered.

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