“It seems… I’ve lost something important again. In the end, did I still fail…?”
Everything was over. Dottore wouldn’t be coming to Sumeru for a while, and the revival of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was a pleasant surprise for the people of Sumeru, and even those in the Desert.
………………
Inside the Sanctuary of Surasthana…
“Paimon: What! Qixuan-jie, are you saying you knew Greater Lord Rukkhadevata wasn’t dead from the very beginning?”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: To be precise, I did die, but because I am closely connected to Irminsul, the health of Irminsul also affects my state. This young lady directly removed the Forbidden Knowledge from Irminsul and the Forbidden Knowledge that had already merged with me, allowing me to recover peacefully. Initially… I wanted to use you all to resolve Sumeru’s predicament and, while doing so, erase the corrupted me from 【Irminsul】.”
“Lumine: Erase… Then that sentence I heard…”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Yes, that’s right. Those were the words I spoke when your consciousness connected to 【Irminsul】.”
“Nahida: Wait… Erasing the corrupted you from Irminsul would be equivalent to…”
Nahida didn’t dare to think further…
“Paimon: Ah… What would happen?”
“Qixuan: Let’s say, Paimon, Lumine bought you three pastries, but one of them was spoiled. You threw it away without a second thought, and Lumine wouldn’t remember there was ever a spoiled pastry. No one would remember~~”
“Paimon: Then wouldn’t everyone forget…?”
Nahida was a little sad; the people loved her so much. But thankfully, none of that would happen again.
“Nahida: Can… I ask you a question?”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: You may.”
“Nahida: Where… did I come from? Why do I feel so close to you?”
“Paimon: Looking closely, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata’s face does resemble Nahida’s a bit (whispering).”
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata knelt down and gently stroked Nahida’s head.
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Because you are the 【purest branch】 I plucked from 【Irminsul】. Strictly speaking, hmm~~ you could be considered my 【daughter】. Back then, it was out of necessity to leave a divine seed for Sumeru, and 【Irminsul】 also needed a new manager. Of course, I have high hopes for you.”
“Paimon: So that’s their relationship, hehe. Lumine, do you think Nahida will grow up to be a new 【Greater Lord Rukkhadevata】?”
“Lumine: Perhaps… she will?”
“Qixuan: A small branch growing into a new great tree, hmm~~~”
“Nahida: Eh? But… I am merely the 【Moon】, and you, as the 【Sun】, are what Sumeru needs.”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Don’t be so modest. You are my reincarnation. I believe you will become a greater Archon than me. If it’s alright, could you call me 【Mom】?”
“Nahida: Eh? Um… Mom…”
“Qixuan: I want to too.”
“Lumine: Me too.”
“Paimon: You two!”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Haha, everyone is so lively! But I still want to thank Qixuan-jie, and also the Traveler and Paimon who came from afar. You all did wonderfully too.”
“Paimon: Hehe, as long as there’s a celebration banquet, that’s good enough.”
“Nahida: Of course! Once Sumeru City’s facilities are rebuilt, we’ll hold another 【The Sabzeruz Festival】.”
“Paimon: Yay!”
“Qixuan: No need for thanks. How could I stand by and watch a beloved Archon perish?”
“Lumine: Mhm, well said!”
“Nahida: Everyone, please go rest. I will help the people repair Sumeru City.”
“Paimon: We’ll help too! But… where did that Balladeer go? Did he even disappear without a trace?”
“Nahida: After clearing the Forbidden Knowledge from his body, he reverted to his 【initial】 self. Although he remembers what he once did, he no longer has that desire to destroy everything. He has now been sent back to Inazuma, and I’ve communicated with the Archon of Inazuma.”
“Paimon: So that’s how it is. It’s a bit too easy on him, though. Alright, let’s go help out in the city!”
“Lumine: Gogogo, let’s go!”
The two quickly ran out of the Sanctuary of Surasthana. Qixuan nodded to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and also left. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata looked at the Akasha Terminal and the black dragon Qixuan left in 【Irminsul】, falling into thought.
Inazuma……………
“Ei: You stand right there! You wild horse! Are you itching for a beating?! You dared to cause trouble in Sumeru and even wanted to become a new Archon. Why don’t you dare come back and be the Electro Archon?!”
Inside the Tenshukaku, a scene of a mother disciplining her mischievous child was playing out. Thankfully, Yae Miko was holding her back. Well, as a fox, she couldn’t do much. Makoto shielded Balladeer behind her and said, “Alright, alright, Ei. I’ve already sent someone to compensate Sumeru, and I’ve also negotiated with Buer. Everything is fine on her end.”
Ei finally put down her weapon.
“Yae Miko: Alright, alright. After all, you created him back then, and then you neglected him. Rebellious children are all like this.”
“Ei: …………”
“Balladeer: …………Hmph.”
In Sumeru City, after three days of repairs, the city had been completely revitalized. During this time, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata also made an appearance. Dehya, Cyno, Nilou, Alhaitham, and Rahman all saw the benevolent Archon. At the same time, the date for the new 【The Sabzeruz Festival】 was set for tomorrow.
Early the next morning…
“Paimon: So excited! People are already starting to decorate outside.”
“Qixuan: Let’s go. Today, we’re going to have a good time all day.”
“Lumine: Mhm!”
Everyone walked onto the main street, their faces beaming with happy smiles. While strolling, they also encountered Dina and several old acquaintances. They were all delighted that Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had returned and happy that Lesser Lord Kusanali was Sumeru’s new Archon.
Inside the Grand Bazaar…
“Paimon: Dehya! Here, here!”
Dehya, who was still chatting with Nilou, turned around and said, “Oh, you’re here? Nilou and I were just talking about having you all perform a segment on stage, after all, you’re Sumeru’s great heroes.”
“Paimon: Great heroes? Eh! Us?”
“Nilou: Of course! Now the city is filled with tales of your deeds, and many have even become your fans.”
“Paimon: Hehe, I never thought I’d have a day where I’d be a hero.”
“Lumine: So self-absorbed.”
“Qixuan: Seconded.”
“Paimon: What do you two mean?!”
“Dehya: Hahahahaha.”
“Paimon: Hmph, speaking of which, where are Cyno and Alhaitham?”
“Dehya: Those two, they’re both quite busy. One is busy patrolling because most of his subordinates were injured. Hehe, I told Rahman to go easy on them. As for Alhaitham, he’s organizing the Grand Sage’s belongings.”
“Paimon: Grand Sage? Oh right, how is he?”
“Nilou: He’s been exiled to the Desert. That was Lesser Lord Kusanali’s decision.”
“Dehya: Hmph, if you ask me, it’s still too lenient. He should have…”
“Nilou: Alright, alright. Let’s not talk about unhappy things on a happy day. We should have fun.”
“Paimon: Hehe, right, let’s have fun.”
“Nilou: Lumine, Paimon, and Qixuan should also prepare.”
“Qixuan: Hmm? Prepare for what?”
“Nilou: The 【Envoy of the Flower God】 and 【Knight of Flowers】 have been decided! Good luck, hehe.”
“Paimon: Ah… this… Should we go practice?”
“Lumine: Let’s go explore first, there shouldn’t be a rush.”
And so, they continued to explore until evening, then changed into beautiful outfits, each representing a different flower. Lumine’s was Qingxin, Qixuan’s was Selerusia, and Paimon’s was white peach blossom. At the entrance of Sumeru City, they gazed at the enormous, beautiful flower float, composed of various Sumeru flowers and rare herbs. Strangely, there were two seats.
“Paimon: Wow, what a beautiful flower float, even prettier than in my dreams.”
“Lumine: Indeed, and there are so many people.”
Fortunately, their clothes were quite eye-catching, otherwise, they would have been squashed.
“Qixuan: They’re here.”
A jade-green path constructed by divine power reached the flower float. Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and Nahida descended from the sky, walking step by step towards the flower float. It was clear that Nahida was still a little nervous. The Sumeru citizens on both sides grew excited.
“Paimon: Uh… Ah, no, we need to hurry.”
“Lumine: It’s really noisy.”
They arrived in front of the flower float, waiting for their Archons. Then, Lumine took Nahida’s hand, and Qixuan took Greater Lord Rukkhadevata’s hand, helping them onto the flower float.
“Lumine: It’s been a long time, our Archons. Everyone is looking forward to seeing you.”
“Qixuan: Let’s go. The Sabzeruz Festival is about to begin.”
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata waved her hand, and a path made of flowers formed in front of the flower float. The float slowly carried them towards the Grand Bazaar.
………………
“Nilou: It’s coming, I’m so nervous.”
“Dehya: Don’t be nervous, just like regular practice.”
“Alhaitham: Hmm, theoretically, nervousness is inevitable, but there’s no need to worry so much.”
“Cyno: Aren’t you reading your books?”
“Alhaitham: I’ll read after the performance.”
The flower float carried everyone and the two Archons over. Everyone bowed, and Nilou, already prepared on stage, began her performance. Everyone partied until late into the night before going to sleep.
The flower float sways and sways, Nahida opens her eyes. The Knight of Flowers and everyone look forward to meeting you. She says: Today is the happiest day.
………………
A few days after The Sabzeruz Festival ended, Lumine felt it was time to depart for the next nation. However, Nahida called everyone over, saying that Greater Lord Rukkhadevata wanted to speak with Lumine. Conveniently, Lumine also had many questions to ask.
Nahida led them to the Sanctuary of Surasthana, but Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was nowhere to be seen.
“Paimon: Eh? Nahida, did we come to the wrong place?”
“Nahida: No, she’s still within 【Irminsul】. We need to go there.”
“Lumine: How do we get there?”
“Nahida: Take my hand.”
Everyone held Nahida’s hand, forming a circle. Then, their consciousnesses detached from their bodies and traveled to Irminsul.
Looking at the illusory surroundings, Paimon was a little scared. They were currently sitting on a boat. Paimon wondered if it would collapse?
Soon, they arrived at the center of 【Irminsul】. The giant tree was exactly as Lumine had seen it in her dreams. At this moment, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata walked out.
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: You’ve arrived.”
“Lumine: Did you want to see us for something?”
Qixuan gave Greater Lord Rukkhadevata a look, and Greater Lord Rukkhadevata immediately understood.
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Indeed, I have something to discuss with you all, and it will be helpful for “you”.”
“Lumine: Eh? Me?”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: That’s right. You are meeting me in the form of consciousness. You are about to travel to the next nation, and they will also need your help there. I cannot say much about the specifics.”
“Paimon: So, how does this relate to going to the next nation?”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: I want to help this Traveler as much as I can. Are you willing to accept my trial?”
“Lumine: So, you mean, you want to train me?”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Something like that. I’ve observed that you come from beyond this world, and your mental strength is very powerful. It’s just a shame that after your power was sealed by Its clone, you became someone with power but forgot how to use it.”
“Paimon: Wow, Lumine is really that strong.”
“Lumine: You know who separated me and my brother?!”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Yes, It was once the ruler of Teyvat, and the creator who chose the 【Seven Archons】. The one who intercepted you and your brother was Asmoday, one of the four shadows It created, the 【Spatial Archon】.”
“Lumine: So that’s how it is…”
“Qixuan: How does it feel to know the truth?”
“Lumine: Not great, but… I think I have a new goal. Please begin the trial!”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Good. I am not skilled in combat; I am more adept at controlling dreams, and dreams are connected to consciousness. In other words, the stronger your consciousness, the less affected you will be by an enemy’s mental attacks.”
So, Greater Lord Rukkhadevata turned and told Lumine the details of the trial, and then released the 【black dragon】.
The giant black dragon breathed dragonfire, staring intently at Lumine.
“Lumine: I… I fight it? Is this real?”
Qixuan pulled Paimon and hid far away to watch the show.
“Lumine: You two are disloyal!”
“Paimon: Are we… really doing this?”
Qixuan wouldn’t say that she was the one who released the dragon.
“Qixuan: Ahem, don’t worry, Buer has a sense of proportion.”
“Greater Lord Rukkhadevata: Don’t worry, although the pain is synchronized, you won’t actually suffer any DMG. Defeat it, and your consciousness will become even stronger.”
With no other choice, Lumine had to brace herself and face the colossal creature.
………………
Bang! With a loud crash, Lumine was sent flying again.
Paimon, still eating watermelon, said, “How long will she keep getting beaten up?”
“Qixuan: It should be soon, right?”
At this moment, Lumine was cursing in her mind with Liyue’s national essence, but she still had to go on. Finally, after eighty-one knockbacks, Lumine’s body finally emitted golden light. That was her 【original】 power. Perhaps the power within her body couldn’t stand it anymore.
“Lumine: My power is back, not much, but it’s enough!”
Then, Lumine unleashed a sweeping golden sword energy, directly cutting the black dragon in half.
………………