Chapter 140

Rumble...

Pushing open the massive golden doors carved with mysterious symbols, Tartaglia looked up at the enormous platform of gold, where the giant body of the Geo Archon's immortal form lay.

"Who goes there!"

Fenglin, wielding his Millelith spear, noticed Tartaglia breaking in and immediately channeled his energy, thrusting his spear forward.

Whoosh!

With a sharp sound piercing the air, Tartaglia smiled faintly, blue Hydro energy forming around him, shaping into dual blades.

Clang!

The tip of the spear collided with Tartaglia's blades, and in an instant, they had exchanged several moves.

The spear, which was thrust out like a shooting star, was once again blocked. Fenglin's face darkened as he saw the excitement in Tartaglia's expression.

"As the Eleventh Harbinger of the Fatui, you should know the consequences of appearing in the Golden House at this hour!"

"Hahaha!"

The Hydro blades in Tartaglia's hands danced swiftly. His eyes were fervent as he locked onto Fenglin, smiling. "As the Eleventh Harbinger, it's my duty to fulfill the Tsaritsa's will."

Gazing at the giant Geo Archon's immortal form behind Fenglin, Tartaglia's blades started to change rapidly.

"Since the Tsaritsa wants Morax's Gnosis, I shall claim it for her!"

Leaping into the air, Tartaglia raised his bow and fired arrows, the Hydro energy knocking away the Millelith soldiers who had been stealthily closing in.

Yu Xu, holding his spear, roared, channeling his strength into smashing the flowing Hydro energy, shattering it instantly. He then adjusted his stance, preparing to fight again.

Clapping echoed through the hall. Tartaglia looked at the four Millelith soldiers with admiration, saying, "Liyue, renowned for its warriors, even has such skilled soldiers among the ranks."

"If that's the case, I guess I can use a little more effort."

The sound of rushing water emerged, and a massive wave enveloped the area where Tartaglia stood. Purple Electro energy sparked, his aura intensifying.

Fenglin tensed, focusing on the sparking water surrounding Tartaglia. Waving at the four Millelith soldiers behind him, he shouted, "Leave! This is no longer your fight. Go back to Liyue Harbor and report to the Qixing!"

"Yes!"

Without hesitation, the four Millelith soldiers stopped advancing toward Tartaglia and turned toward the exit of the Golden House.

"Can't let you leave," Tartaglia muttered. His voice, muffled behind his mask, grew menacing. "If the Qixing learn of my actions while negotiating with the Adepti, things won't end well."

Purple Electro energy danced around him as Tartaglia leaped, transforming into a bolt of lightning, heading towards the fleeing Millelith soldiers.

"Your opponent is me! Geo Strike!"

A spear thrust through the air, halting Tartaglia's charge.

Facing Tartaglia, Fenglin held his spear firmly and took a deep breath, setting up his stance.

"Hahaha, it's always the strong opponents that are the most interesting," Tartaglia chuckled, twirling his twin blades. "I've had enough of those small-time tricks and negotiations. But for the Tsaritsa, I endured it."

The intense aura around Fenglin consolidated, as firm and immovable as the Liyue peaks. Tartaglia responded with an explosion of Electro energy.

"Five million Mora for this intel was worth it. Not only did I learn the Gnosis' location, but I also get to battle an adept Liyue warrior. Truly worth it!"

"Millelith Resolute, Firm As the Peaks!"

Fenglin slowly spoke the oath he had made upon joining the Millelith. His gaze sharpened, and his aura surged.

Boom!

A loud clash filled the room as Fenglin and Tartaglia transformed into streaks of light, colliding fiercely in the golden hall.

The air filled with blinding lightning as Fenglin's spear repeatedly struck, breaking through the thunderous power in front of him.

"Hah!"

Blocking Tartaglia's descending blade, Fenglin roared, his aura flaring up again.

"Geo Strike!"

With a powerful strike, Tartaglia was pushed back. He steadied himself, shaking his head as he observed Fenglin. "What a pity. A warrior like you unable to wield elemental power? This could've been a more exciting duel."

He turned his head, glimpsing the bright light from the door, then said, "No more playing around. I can't risk this being dragged out any longer—the Qixing and Adepti will be back soon."

"Once that happens, even I can't leave unscathed."

"After all, this is Liyue. If not for the Rite of Parting held earlier today and the Adepti's subsequent visit, I wouldn't have had the chance to waltz into one of Liyue's core areas."

He crossed his blades. "Let's finish this quickly."

Rumble!

Purple lightning erupted. Crouching down, Tartaglia glanced at the determined Fenglin. "Don't worry. I won't kill you."

Boom!!!

In the deafening crackle of lightning, the purple glow dashed past Fenglin, now far faster than before.

Thud.

Like a fallen stone pillar, Fenglin collapsed onto the ground. Through his blurred vision, he watched as a pair of unwavering feet approached the Geo Archon's immortal form on the platform.

"Millelith... Resolute, Peaks... Firm," he murmured.

Surprised, Tartaglia turned, witnessing Fenglin slowly rise, supporting himself on his spear. An expression of astonishment crossed Tartaglia's face. He knew the extent of the power he unleashed, one born of his near-complete release of his Foul Legacy Transformation.

Tartaglia paused, letting the lightning flicker and fade from his hands. Exhaling slowly, he looked at Fenglin, who stood firm despite everything, and smiled. "Someday, I'll return to fight you, face-to-face."

Leaping onto the dragon's body, Tartaglia's hand glowed with Electro energy as he reached for the heart of the Geo Archon's form. When he pulled back, his hand was empty.

"Interesting," he mused, glancing at his empty palm. "The Gnosis isn't here."

He looked down at the unconscious Fenglin and shook his head. "No one in Liyue would desecrate the Archon's body, so where is it?"

"Aside from the people of Liyue and myself, no one else has touched the body. Not even Hiroshi, despite being a friend of Yuheng. After all, he's also the Honorary Knight of Mondstadt."

"So, the Gnosis wasn't here from the start," Tartaglia concluded, laughing. "How clever."

A series of talismans began to appear around Tartaglia. He looked at them and sighed.

"It seems I have no choice but to proceed with the backup plan."

"I never liked this approach—this world belongs to the strong. But as a Harbinger, I serve the Tsaritsa, and for her, I'll endure this distaste."

"When an ancient demon is resurrected and wreaks havoc upon this city, will you still pretend to be dead and do nothing, Morax?"