Ruotuo Returns to His Original Form, and the Lord Emperor Returns to Liyue!

At this moment, within the mental world of the Dragon King Ruotuo, amidst a layer of rock formations, Ruotuo's malevolent thoughts were still relentlessly attacking his benevolent side.

Although the malevolent thoughts were incredibly powerful, the benevolent thoughts were shielded by Lin Yuan's divine power, rendering them unaffected. In contrast, Ruotuo's malevolent side had to break through Lin Yuan's divine protection. Otherwise, the divine power gradually spreading within his mental world would allow the benevolent thoughts to slowly take control.

Ruotuo's benevolent side spoke calmly: "Give up. The divine power of the Dragon Emperor is not something you can break through. It's too strong. Your fate is only to merge with me. There's no need to resist."

Divine power is a truly mysterious force, and through its use, Lin Yuan's influence affected Ruotuo's inner world. Frustrated, Ruotuo's malevolent thoughts shouted: "If it weren't for the protection of his divine power, I would have devoured you long ago!" It continued to attack the benevolent side, but to no avail.

It could only watch as the benevolent thoughts gradually began to control a portion of the mental world, competing for dominance. Ruotuo's malevolent thoughts could only feel a deep sense of frustration. Lin Yuan, the Dragon Emperor, was simply its nemesis. No matter where it went, it seemed impossible to escape his control.

Even in the mental world where it reigned supreme, Lin Yuan could still defeat it through Ruotuo's benevolent thoughts.

Facing the raging malevolent side, Ruotuo's benevolent side remained calm and spoke once again.

"Since all your attacks are futile, why don't you drop your pride and have a proper discussion?" said the benevolent side of Ruotuo, glowing with white light.

The Dragon King Ruotuo, radiating malevolent energy, roared in response: "Discuss what? I am the true form of the Dragon King Ruotuo!"

The benevolent side calmly replied, "Regardless of what you think, our fusion is inevitable. This is the will of the Dragon Emperor."

Ruotuo's malevolent side fell silent. The overwhelming power of Lin Yuan made it impossible for them to go against his will.

The benevolent side continued, "Even after we fuse, the Dragon Emperor will cleanse our current consciousness. By that time, we will once again become the protectors of Liyue."

Hearing this, the malevolent side was filled with rage, causing the mental world to tremble as it spoke: "No! I will destroy Liyue! I will never guard it again."

Protecting Liyue was the task of the original Ruotuo Dragon King. But now, the heavily worn Ruotuo viewed the citizens of Liyue as mere ants. Forcing it to protect such insignificant beings felt like a complete insult.

The benevolent side smiled lightly and said, "You don't have a choice. The Dragon Emperor's will is absolute."

The malevolent side, filled with fury, shouted, "The Dragon Emperor? Have you submitted to him already?"

On the other side, the benevolent side spoke calmly, without any resistance to the idea of submission: "The Dragon Emperor is far superior to Morax. He gained Morax's approval and even defeated us. There's nothing wrong with submitting to him."

The malevolent thoughts immediately fell silent. In the face of Lin Yuan's overwhelming power, it couldn't muster any more harsh words.

It was at this moment that Ruotuo's benevolent side sensed something and calmly said,

"The Dragon Emperor says it's time. We are about to merge into one."

Having said this, the benevolent side of Ruotuo began to use the power it had over the mental world, starting to merge into the dark energy. The two forms of the Dragon King Ruotuo slowly moved closer. The malevolent side roared in defiance,

"No! The Dragon King Ruotuo should not be like this! Stop it!"

However, wrapped in Lin Yuan's divine power, neither of the two Dragon Kings could move.

As soon as the two forms of Ruotuo touched each other, the fusion officially began. With the assistance of Lin Yuan's divine power, the process of merging went smoothly. The two Dragon Kings gradually fused together.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity in the mental world, only one Ruotuo remained, symbolizing the successful unification of Ruotuo's will.

At the same time, in the outside world, as the two Dragon Kings merged into one, Ruotuo's body, made of rock, began to transform, once again becoming a single solid stone.

At that moment, Lin Yuan reopened his eyes.

Zhongli and Lottia approached.

"So, this is the original creation of elemental beings—the true form of the Dragon King Ruotuo?" they asked.

Lottia curiously observed the stone. The intense elemental power emanating from it indicated its immense potential. With the right guidance from a powerful being, this stone could quickly grow into a top-tier force.

Without moving his massive dragon head, Lin Yuan's deep voice resounded,

"Ruotuo has now reverted to his original form, back to what he was before he met the old man."

Zhongli, with his hands clasped behind his back, looked at the stone and recalled his first encounter with Ruotuo.

"When I first met Ruotuo, I could already see his draconic form. What I truly did was merely grant him his final sight."

Hearing this, both Lottia and Lin Yuan glanced at the stone that was once the Dragon King Ruotuo, but they couldn't discern any draconic features.

Zhongli continued,

"Now that Ruotuo has been completely cleansed of his original nature by you, he is no longer limited to the form of a dragon. He possesses far more possibilities."

Whether it was due to Lin Yuan's divine power or some other reason, the stone that Ruotuo had become broke through some of the previous limitations of his form. This also meant that the reborn Ruotuo Dragon King now had a higher potential. Once fully formed, he could evolve even further.

Lottia exclaimed in surprise,

"The Dragon King Ruotuo can advance beyond the power of a top-tier Archon?"

Although Ruotuo had been overpowered by the fully grown Lin Yuan, he was still a force comparable to the most powerful Archons. Any Archon who faced the Dragon King Ruotuo would have to carefully consider their own strength.

Yet now, there was the possibility that such a powerful being could become even stronger.

This immense potential left Lottia feeling a bit envious.

After all, Lottia was merely a pure water sprite. Though the strongest among them, her strength could only barely compare to some of the weaker Archons. Furthermore, she had little potential for future growth.

Lin Yuan noticed that Lottia seemed a bit downhearted and said,

"Don't be discouraged. You might come across the right opportunity for you in the future. Even if not, as long as you're with me, no one will be able to bully you."

Lottia nodded and replied,

"I trust you, Lin Yuan."

After comforting her, Lin Yuan turned his attention back to Ruotuo's stone form and asked,

"So how should we handle this stone to help it reach its full potential?"

Since empowering his subordinates would make his forces stronger, Lin Yuan naturally welcomed the idea. Although even a further evolved Ruotuo Dragon King wouldn't be a match for Lin Yuan, a being that had advanced beyond the level of a top-tier Archon would make a powerful guardian for Liyue.

By that point, the only threat to Liyue might be someone from Celestia itself.

Zhongli slowly said,

"The creation of elemental beings holds a spirit within. If you carve it with care, you can unlock its full power."

Lin Yuan understood immediately—this meant he was being asked to reshape Ruotuo. Did this mean he didn't have to give Ruotuo the form of a dragon anymore?

Lin Yuan wasn't particularly fond of Ruotuo's previous draconic form.

"Too bulky, and not much to look at," Lin Yuan thought. Back when he played the game, he often saw people editing animals like frogs to resemble the Ruotuo Dragon King. Among the followers of the Seven Archons, Ruotuo's looks ranked at the bottom.

If there was ever a gathering of the Seven Archons—Venti with his Stormterror dragon and Ei with Yae Miko, the pink-haired fox—bringing a frog-like Ruotuo Dragon King would be quite unappealing.

Now that the Ruotuo Dragon King was going to be his follower, it certainly deserved a more attractive form to match Lin Yuan's current five-clawed divine dragon appearance. However, there wasn't enough time to carve out every detail right now.

Lin Yuan calmly said,

"Liyue is currently facing a disaster. Let's return to Liyue and resolve the crisis first; we can deal with Ruotuo's rebirth afterward."

Although the Ruotuo Dragon King, who had triggered the earthquake, was dealt with, Lin Yuan could still sense several evil presences near Liyue Harbor. He also felt the prayers of several individuals seeking his protection. Based on their fearful emotions, Liyue's situation seemed dire.

Now that Lin Yuan had assumed the role of the new Geo Archon, it was his duty to fulfill his responsibilities, respond to their prayers, and protect Liyue.

Zhongli nodded and said,

"I can sense several familiar presences in Liyue. One of them seems to be related to Osial."

Related to Osial? Lin Yuan immediately thought, could it be that Osial's wife, Beisht, was attacking Liyue?

Although in the original storyline defeating Beisht didn't require deploying the Jade Chamber, with the disruption caused by the Ruotuo Dragon King's earthquake and the chaos from other malevolent forces, Liyue would likely struggle to handle Beisht as easily.

With an ethereal voice, Lottia said,

"Let's hurry over, then."

Lin Yuan and Zhongli nodded. With matters settled here, Lin Yuan took the stone form of the Ruotuo Dragon King, and together with Lottia, they flew toward Liyue Harbor. Zhongli, hands behind his back, floated alongside them.

Meanwhile, back in Liyue Harbor, the atmosphere was gripped by fear and panic. At some of the evacuation points, people could see ominous black fog creeping in from the sea, causing widespread alarm among the citizens.

At that moment, the Adepti intervened, casting a barrier of golden light that temporarily blocked the encroaching black mist. The citizens let out a sigh of relief and were about to praise the strength of the Adepti.

However, the black mist quickly coalesced into a thicker, more concentrated sludge and broke through the golden barrier, surging toward the harbor.

Seeing this, everyone's hearts were filled with dread.

"What is that black fog? It's coming right at us!"

"There's something evil about that fog—it's so unsettling!"

"This can't be happening. It even broke through the Adepti's magic!"

"If even the Adepti couldn't stop it, are we really doomed?"

Even the normally composed Qianyan Army, tasked with maintaining order, remained silent, unable to quell the rising panic. The ominous black fog drew closer, and in just a few minutes, it would overwhelm the port of Liyue.

In the face of this overwhelming reality, even the steadfast Qianyan Army couldn't help but waver. Was Liyue truly facing its destruction this time?

From the skies above Liyue Harbor, the people on the Jade Chamber could also clearly see the creeping black mist below. The citizens taking refuge on the Jade Chamber all turned their anxious eyes toward Ningguang, the Tianquan Star, who remained stationed there.

"Ningguang, is there anything we can do? Are we really just going to watch as Liyue falls?"

"Can you assist the Adepti in stopping the black fog?"

"If you need us to leave the Jade Chamber so you can fight at full strength, we're willing to return to the ground."

With eyes full of hope and desperation, the people looked at Ningguang, still holding faith in the Seven Stars. They believed there was still something she could do to change the dire situation. Some of them even realized that Ningguang couldn't use her full abilities because of their presence on the Jade Chamber, and they bravely volunteered to return to the ground to give her more freedom.

Ningguang looked at the hopeful faces around her, struggling to tell them the harsh truth—that she had already used every last trick at her disposal. She could see the situation far more clearly than they could. The Adepti were too preoccupied to stop the advancing black fog, and besides them, there was no one left capable of halting such an enormous calamity.

For a moment, even Ningguang felt a pang of despair. But outwardly, she remained composed and resolute as she addressed the crowd,

"Please trust in the Adepti. Stay here and wait for this disaster to pass."

However, several courageous individuals stepped forward and said,

"Ningguang, there's no need to comfort us. Liyue is in grave danger. If there's anything we can do to save it, we are willing to sacrifice ourselves."

"Yes, Ningguang. My family is down there on the ground taking shelter. If something happens to them, and only we on the Jade Chamber survive, I wouldn't want to live either."

"Ningguang, the earthquake has already stopped. If the black mist comes, it'll destroy Liyue just the same. Let us go down!"

"That's right, we'd rather perish with Liyue than survive alone!"

One by one, the citizens stood up, their eyes filled with unwavering determination. In this moment, the people of Liyue showed a deep attachment to their homeland that surpassed the calamity brought by the malevolent gods. Even though they couldn't do much, they were willing to face destruction alongside Liyue, rather than live in cowardice.

Even Ningguang, the master of Liyue's commerce, couldn't help but feel deeply moved by the fearless spirit of the people standing before her. She gently rubbed the rings on her fingers and said solemnly,

"Everyone, I do indeed have one final plan, but it will require you all to return to the ground. This is something I can manage."

At this point, Ningguang, moved by the will of the people, was ready to play her last card. By her side, Baiwen, understanding what Ningguang intended, quickly said,

"Ningguang, the Jade Chamber is something you painstakingly rebuilt with your own hands…"

Before Baiwen could finish, Ningguang interrupted her,

"If Liyue falls, what value does the Jade Chamber have?"

In that moment, it seemed as though Ningguang had been inspired by the people's indomitable spirit, and her resolve was unshakable. If Liyue was in danger once again, what did it matter if she had to sacrifice the Jade Chamber a second time?

Hearing Ningguang's words, the citizens grew even more spirited, calling out one after another,

"Ningguang, send us back to the ground!"

"The earthquake has stopped! Even if I die, I want to be with my family on the ground."

"Don't let us hold you back from saving Liyue."

Ningguang looked at the determined faces of the people and waved her hand, saying,

"Alright, I promise you all that I will save Liyue. If I fail, I will perish alongside it."

Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi, Ningguang's three secretaries, stood behind her, visibly moved.

Seeing that even Lady Ningguang had such resolve, they too would not retreat.

With Ningguang's assurance, the citizens' spirits soared to new heights. Immediately, Ningguang instructed the Qianyan Army to begin sending the people from the Jade Chamber back to the ground. The earthquake had ceased for a while now; what they needed to worry about was the impending attack from the eerie black mist.

To allow the immortals to focus on dealing with the black mist, Ningguang planned to use the Jade Chamber to strike at Baizhu, buying time for the other immortals. The teleportation platforms in the Jade Chamber were large, and soon the people were sent down to the ground.

Ningguang turned to Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi, speaking calmly,

"You should also go. Over the years, you have followed me and done a lot. There's no need for you to stay here any longer."

Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi hurriedly responded,

"Lady Ningguang, we want to share the fate of you and the Jade Chamber."

"Lady Ningguang, using the Jade Chamber to strike the evil gods is too dangerous. We wish to be with you."

"We are willing to follow Lady Ningguang and sacrifice ourselves for Liyue."

They all understood that regardless of whether they could save Liyue, using the Jade Chamber to attack the evil gods was a matter of life and death.

For this, they were willing to stay here and advance or retreat alongside Ningguang.

Ningguang's gaze lingered on the faces of the three for a moment before she said solemnly, "Alright, for the sake of Liyue!"

At that moment, the black mist had already broken through the protective golden light set up by the immortals. The dense, mud-like evil energy surged towards Liyue Harbor.

Ningguang's expression hardened; there was no time left. She quickly formed a seal with her hands and slowly floated into the air.

The formation of the Jade Chamber opened again, moving towards Baizhu.

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T/N:

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