Chapter 67

"No, no, no… Emperor Morax doesn't even have a Pokémon yet?"

As Zhongli listened, he imagined Venti taunting him with a drunken smirk. For a brief moment, his normally composed face showed a faint twitch of irritation.

Takumi spread his hands as he finished speaking. "These are Barbatos' exact words."

Zhongli paused, his face twitching slightly as he said, "That's exactly the kind of thing my old friend, that drunken poet, would say!"

He took a deep breath, feeling a flash of murderous intent. Venti was in danger!

At that moment, Takumi summoned a blank Pokédex from the next room. "After you register and authenticate, you'll be able to communicate with your old friends."

"A battle line?" Zhongli pondered, understanding it as a direct challenge.

Following Takumi's guidance, Zhongli quickly familiarized himself with the Pokédex.

It began.

"Who am I? … A Kubfu!"

A Pokémon appeared on the illustrated screen, surprising Takumi.

"Are you surprised?" Zhongli asked, with a rare smile.

"Of course I'm surprised!" Takumi took a deep breath. "Pokémon can generally be classified as ordinary, rare, or legendary."

Looking up at the screen, he saw the Kubfu, a rare Pokémon with potential. "When Kubfu evolves, it becomes Urshifu… a legendary form!"

If Takumi hadn't already obtained Meloetta, he might've felt envious.

Kubfu and Urshifu—beings of pure fighting spirit, rare and treasured Pokémon that embody martial discipline and power. Over time, they grow stronger through continuous training.

Zhongli nodded. "A mythical beast form? Does this mean the Pokémon sweeping across Liyue Harbor with psychic power is also a mythical beast?"

Takumi rolled his eyes, amused, and after adding Zhongli to a customer group chat, sent him a private message with a short video of his previous battle with Aether.

"See for yourself. This is the power of a first-level god."

After watching the video, Zhongli looked back at his Pokédex in awe. "The power of a new moon? The ability to induce sweet dreams?" He nodded with understanding. "Your Kubfu has the potential of a second-level god, with a unique bloodline and combat prowess… making it priceless."

Although Morax was hailed as the ancestor of all Adepti, he knew that even the Yaksha of Liyue were somewhat lacking. They fell short of even the third-level gods like Moltres or Articuno—pseudo-gods, mere avatars without true mastery of their power.

Zhongli's thoughts drifted to Azhdaha, the Dragon King who once fought by his side.

"But what about wear and tear…" Zhongli started, only to be interrupted by Takumi.

Takumi gave him an odd look. "Why would you assume Pokémon wear out? Pokémon aren't native to Teyvat!"

Zhongli's expression shifted, as if a thousand thoughts raced through his mind. For once, the old Archon felt a spark of excitement.

"Club Manager Takumi," Zhongli said, leaning forward, "what do I need to pay?"

Takumi hesitated, then nodded thoughtfully. "Old man, I'd like to exchange this for a piece of land in Liyue."

"A piece of land?" Zhongli raised an eyebrow. "For what purpose?"

Takumi grinned. "I want to establish an ecological zone for Pokémon—a miniature world where they can live and thrive, with everything from bacterial decomposers to the ozone layer, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem."

Zhongli fell silent, considering the proposition. Given Takumi's unique status, if he didn't establish this in Liyue, he could easily move to Mondstadt, Inazuma, or elsewhere. Approving this would signify Liyue's endorsement of a new era.

The Archon's eyes gleamed with foresight as he realized the opportunity before him. Embracing this represented a step forward for all of Teyvat.

"Very well," Zhongli replied, nodding slowly.

Takumi's face lit up as he heard this agreement.

Suddenly, Takumi disappeared from his seat in the Heyu Teahouse. Moments later, he appeared high above Liyue Harbor, with the Jade Chamber suspended nearby. Zhongli followed suit, levitating beside him.

Takumi unrolled a map of Liyue he had prepared, drawing a boundary between Mt. Aozang, Qingyun Peak, and Jueyun Karst, then marking another boundary near Qingce Village.

"Here," he said, pointing. "An ecological zone will be created, containing mountains, jungles, inland seas, and scattered islands."

Zhongli examined the area Takumi indicated, nodding in understanding.

Seeing his approval, Takumi couldn't suppress a grin. "Then let's begin, Emperor."

With that, he activated the Ecological Zone card from his inventory.

In response to Takumi's words, Zhongli's gaze followed his outstretched hand.

Suddenly, clouds swirled, and the sky darkened as a massive shadow began to envelop the designated area.

Lightning crackled across the heavens as a vortex of energy formed, signaling the advent of an entirely new realm within Teyvat.