Chapter 183

At noon, they arrived at Wanmin Restaurant, where Ganyu and others were already waiting in the private room.

Originally, Jiang Ning wanted to bring Madame Ping along, but she smiled and said that this was a gathering for young people, and she, as an old lady, wouldn't participate.

However, when Jiang Ning saw Raiden Makoto and Havria in the private room, he felt somewhat strange.

Well, compared to these people, you would still be considered young...

But he couldn't say that out loud, or he would definitely get beaten up.

While enjoying the food, Raiden Makoto also got to experience Liyue's culinary style.

Although she didn't want to admit it, Liyue's cuisine was indeed far superior to Inazuma's by many years.

Perhaps this was to be expected from a place blessed by the Stove God?

Jiang Ning said, "It's a shame Xiangling isn't here. Her cooking skills have now surpassed her father's... Chef Mao's."

"I keep hearing about this young girl from all of you... I should meet her sometime," said Kitsune.

"She's a very energetic young girl," Havria added.

Kitsune then asked, "By the way, Havria, do you have any plans for your future?"

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Havria hesitated but quickly began to contemplate:

"I don't have anything specific in mind. I might just travel to different nations with Jiang Ning. After all, I've always been confined to my small world in the Salt, never venturing outside."

Kitsune glanced at Jiang Ning, who was chatting with Raiden Makoto, and lowered her voice:

"So, you plan to stay with Jiang Ning? You know what I mean. I'll definitely be following him since he's my benefactor, and I quite like this little fellow."

Kitsune, being the cunning fox she was, really wanted to see if she could tease her until she was completely flustered, watching him with teary eyes looking pitiful.

"This... I..." Havria's face turned red, apparently not expecting such a question from Kitsune.

She was momentarily speechless.

Kitsune continued, "Think about it - when your body was being reconstructed, Jiang Ning saw everything, right? And he's done you great favors. Shouldn't you repay him with yourself?"

"Stop, stop..." Havria said, then began to focus intensely on her food.

But she was clearly considering it.

As the saying goes, for a life-saving grace, if the savior is handsome and graceful, a maiden can only offer herself in return. If they're not attractive, then she'll repay the debt in the next life as a horse or ox.

Obviously, Jiang Ning fell into the former category.

Having spent so much time with Jiang Ning, Havria definitely had some thoughts about him.

Seeing this, Kitsune didn't press further. In such matters, it's best to just plant the seed.

Besides, look, my little benefactor, see how far this grateful fox has gone for you.

Go ahead and experience the fox's matchmaking skills.

...

After lunch, Jiang Ning became a master of time management for the afternoon.

He helped Shenhe, his senior working at Wanmin Restaurant, so she could finish early and go home.

Then he went to Yuehai Pavilion to see Senior Ganyu, offering his lap as a pillow for her afternoon nap.

In the afternoon, he had tea and conversation with Liyue's wealthy Lady Ningguang. Afterward, he took a detour to bring some snacks to Eula in the wilderness, making the female Millelith soldiers envious of their captain's happiness...

Indeed, with Ningguang and Keqing's help, Eula had formed a female Millelith squad, responsible for guarding a specific area and clearing out monsters.

Then... he went to the teahouse to see Keqing in disguise, who was conducting an informal inspection.

He took the opportunity to tease her a bit.

Finally, he went to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to find old Zhongli.

"Master Zhongli, are you here... why are you looking at me like that?"

Jiang Ning arrived at the funeral parlor and saw Zhongli sitting at the table with teacups and other items in front of him, but his gaze was somewhat peculiar.

So he couldn't help but feel confused.

Zhongli recalled yesterday's joke-like conversation but strangely felt that the pairing of Xianyun and Jiang Ning... might not be such a bad idea.

Besides, Xianyun had been single for so many years. It was about time she found someone. Among the adepti, she either saw them as friends, looked down on them, or had personality conflicts.

So, calculating everything, Jiang Ning might actually be the best choice?

Zhongli shook his head.

Sigh, he was really getting old, erosion gradually taking its toll, and Liyue entering a new era.

In his retirement, he'd actually started thinking about matchmaking and gossiping?

Moreover, this matter wasn't even certain yet, and he was already trying to help others...

Zhongli felt somewhat guilty, having all the bills charged to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and then helping others cut in line. It felt rather inappropriate.

Temporarily suppressing the strange feeling in his heart, Zhongli said to Jiang Ning:

"Come, sit... In a few days, let's go to the Dragon-Queller together. It's time for Azhdaha to see daylight again. I will be responsible for subduing Azhdaha, and the treatment of his erosion will be up to you."

Jiang Ning said, "Oh... Finally going to treat Uncle Azhdaha? Leave it to me."

"But Master..." Jiang Ning grinned, rubbing his hands together, "Can I have that great sword that suppresses Uncle Azhdaha?"

Zhongli replied, "Naturally. Once Azhdaha emerges, that great sword will have no other use. Giving it to you would be putting it to good use."

"Yay! Thank you, Master!"

Jiang Ning was very happy.

Every time he came, he could get some of old Zhongli's treasures. It was really exciting.

No, wait, this should be called an elder's care for their junior.

He deeply respects his master, so...

Jiang Ning continued, "Master, also, can I have your ancestral molting that you left behind? Those are excellent materials..."

"And there's quite a bit of energy in them too. Xiao gave me his brothers' and sisters' relics, these are all beneficial."

Zhongli fell silent. What was wrong with this disciple? Had he been spoiling him too much?

Back then, to continue the Rite of Parting, he had separated his ancestral molting from himself on the spot, and now he wants his ancestral molting...

Isn't that basically like saying, "Old Zhongli, I want your remains, just letting you know, dig up your own grave and bring the stuff to me"?

Too ridiculous.

However, these things indeed had no use anymore, they were only brought out for formality at the time.

His disciple wanted them, and it seemed to be related to his former subordinates and old friends...

He had to give them up. If he refused, and if Xianyun and Ping found out...

The former might be fine, but the latter, involving Guizhong's matters, would really dare to come find him for "tea" with a spear in hand.

Though not afraid, it would be troublesome.

Looking at this kid's punch-worthy expression, Zhongli even wondered if it was the Anemo Archon's power that naturally made people unserious, corrupting his originally well-behaved disciple?

However, Zhongli still slowly nodded: "After Azhdaha's matter is settled, I will give them to you."

But although he agreed to give them, he still felt somewhat annoyed...

It must be that drunk poet who corrupted his disciple.

In a few days, he should stab him with a spear.

In Mondstadt, a certain drunk and carefree Anemo Archon suddenly felt a chill down his spine and sneezed.

Was someone thinking about him?

...

After spending several days at home and in Liyue Harbor with his fiancées, it was time to attend to official business.

Jiang Ning and Zhongli arrived at the location of the Dragon-Queller tree.

The nearby monsters had long been cleared out by Xiao.

This was to prevent these cats and dogs from disturbing the Archon and Jiang Ning's work.

"I'm counting on you, Jiang Ning."

Looking at the seal he had personally set many years ago, Zhongli's expression was complex.

Taking a deep breath, Zhongli's elegant casual wear gradually transformed into divine attire with a white hood.

His peaceful countenance also gained a touch of divinity.

At this moment, he was no longer Zhongli, the consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, but Morax, who had protected Liyue for many years.

Zhongli calmly looked at the seal before him, raised one hand, and the seal immediately tore open, with black mist surging out.

But Zhongli was prepared, having set up barriers around to prevent Azhdaha from breaking free.

"Roar! Morax!"

A mighty roar burst forth from within the seal.

The voice's owner seemed to be full of hatred and indignation towards Morax.

"Let's go in," Zhongli said.

Jiang Ning followed behind Zhongli, entering the seal into a different world - a spacious cave with eight pillars made of Zhongli's divine power arranged in a seal formation in the center, and a...

Big toad?

Jiang Ning was somewhat stunned. Wait, this thing made of rock that's extremely fat, you're telling me this is Lord Azhdaha?

Are you sure this isn't some giant turtle or toad?

"These years sealed inside, Lord Azhdaha's diet seems to have been quite good..." Jiang Ning pressed his lips together and said to his master.

Zhongli's mouth also twitched. This Azhdaha really was this fat...

Although powerful, sometimes Zhongli felt that the neighboring drunkard's Eastern Anemo Dragon looked more presentable.

"Morax! A thousand years of grudge! When will you repay! Meow!!!" ( lol ?)

Jiang Ning: "...Sorry, did I hear wrong? Is Lord Azhdaha actually a cat?"

Zhongli said: "...Perhaps the years of erosion and sealing have damaged his mind somewhat?"

Seeing Morax and an unknown youth in front of him, casually discussing himself, Azhdaha felt blood rush to his head. His mind was filled with thoughts of how to tear apart the people before him.

His limbs began to violently jump up and down, and the pillars also began to shake violently with this dragon's movement.

Even two of them had some cracks appearing on them.

Zhongli's gaze sharpened: "Indeed, we came at the right time. If we had waited a few more years, Azhdaha might have broken free from the seal... At that time, fighting with him would have caused devastation among the living once again."

"Fortunately, we're not too late... Master, shall I make my move?"

Jiang Ning was eager to try, wanting to see if he could solo Azhdaha.

Zhongli shook his head slightly: "No need. Now is not the time for you to spar. Let's finish this quickly... Although your power now is no less than mine, I am still more familiar with Azhdaha, and there's the constraint of the contract. Leave Azhdaha to me. Once I suppress him, you help restore his sanity..."

After speaking, without waiting for Jiang Ning's response, Zhongli floated up. Morax looked down at Azhdaha on the ground, his eyes full of the vicissitudes of time.

"Heaven and Land be moved!"

A celestial star descended from the sky, instantly shattering the cave's ceiling, falling straight toward the not-yet-fully-unsealed Azhdaha.

In that instant, mountains and rivers shattered, the land rumbled, and a mountain-like celestial star suppressed Azhdaha, who was still within the eight pillars.

Although the time wasn't very long, it was enough for Jiang Ning to begin.

"Morax, I'll curse your ancestors!"

Azhdaha was about to go mad. Finally able to return to the surface, his plan to break through the seal was nearly complete.

But why did this guy come again?!

Jiang Ning secretly glanced at his master and found that, sure enough, his master's expression was somewhat unpleasant.

Mainly because Azhdaha's cursing was too vulgar. Although his master was born of heaven with no ancestors, if he had them...

In just these three minutes, Azhdaha had cursed eighteen generations of ancestors.

Zhongli's face was dark as water, and he summoned another celestial star, though this one was somewhat smaller.

Moreover, the target was very specific.

Taking advantage of Azhdaha's distraction while cursing, he directly stuffed Azhdaha's mouth.

Azhdaha instinctively wanted to crush this rock and continue cursing.

But Zhongli was prepared, directly infusing the celestial star with divine power, and even adding the same talismans as the eight pillars.

This bite nearly broke Azhdaha's teeth.

Zhongli said, "Go now, Jiang Ning."

Looking at this grudge-holding old dragon, Jiang Ning secretly laughed, nodded, and went to Azhdaha's head.

Looking at Azhdaha's eyes revealing madness and bloodshot color, Jiang Ning sighed inwardly.

This erosion was truly terrifying, driving the once mighty Azhdaha to such madness...

Placing both hands on Azhdaha's brow, Jiang Ning closed his eyes, recalling a skill from an anime he had once watched.

Pat pat, and they become silly...

"Azhdaha, Azhdaha, the bad people have been chased away, don't be afraid~"

Zhongli almost lost his composure. What did you learn in Inazuma...

However, although the lines were somewhat awkward, the effect was indeed excellent.

The madness in Azhdaha's eyes rapidly retreated, the "mmm mmm" cursing sounds from his mouth gradually diminished, and his attempts to struggle and break the seal slowly stopped.

Seeing Azhdaha's gaze toward him now containing reminiscence and guilt, Morax knew what had happened.

He released both Azhdaha's gag and the celestial star suppressing him.

"It's been a long time. How have you been, old friend?"

Zhongli spoke.

"Mor... ax, I..."

"Never mind, this is not a good place for conversation. Let's go out first."

Zhongli began to remove the seal.

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