Chapter 265
"The Dragon King, Azhdaha—I've heard storytellers mention its tale. They say it was once a spiritual stone deep underground, sculpted into a form by Morax himself and given new life. From then on, it fought alongside him across the world. But the storytellers never explained what happened later. I don't know the rest."
"Azhdaha and Morax eventually became enemies."
"What?"
"It's a complicated story. To put it simply, Liyue's excessive mining damaged the ley lines that Azhdaha depended on for survival. This, coupled with the wear and tear it suffered over time, drove it into madness. As a result, it broke the contract it had once made with Morax. Morax had to suppress it in battle and seal it underground."
"That sounds similar to the plight of the Demonic Gods in Guyun Stone Forest."
"It's not entirely the same. Azhdaha was one of Liyue's own, though. Its madness makes it a bit different. If you could restore its sanity and ease the pain from its erosion, someone might be very grateful to you."
"And what makes you think I can restore its sanity?"
"Aren't you a priest? Isn't healing your specialty?"
"Technically, yes. But I've never tried anything like this before."
"Give it a shot."
"Where exactly is Azhdaha sealed?"
"Beneath Mt. Hulao, beneath a tree known as the Dragon-Queller. Over the countless years, the bedrock beneath it has entombed Azhdaha like a coffin."
"I think it's near Nantianmen, right? That's pretty far."
Suddenly, Shenhe interjected, "I've been there before."
"Oh? Really?"
"Yes. Mountain Shaper lives atop Mt. Hulao. I've visited him with my master, and we passed by the Dragon-Queller. I remember my master standing beneath the tree, lost in thought for quite some time."
"Mountain Shaper, huh," Greater Lord Rukkhadevata nodded. "He lives on Mt. Hulao and likely had orders from Morax to oversee the seal on Azhdaha."
"But he spends so much time in Liyue playing Mahjong. Shouldn't he be watching over the seal?"
"People have long forgotten that part of history. Who even remembers Azhdaha anymore? Besides, Morax's seal isn't something easily broken. And with the passing of time, Azhdaha's power has likely weakened significantly. There's no need to keep constant watch."
"..."
"So, I've given you two options. What do you think, Cousin?"
"Well, kids pick one option, but adults? We take everything."
"Farms, naturally, are better when they're larger in scale. But managing a massive one can be a headache."
"That's also true."
"Well, I do have a solution for that."
"Oh?"
"The Aranara. Have you heard of them?"
"I've read about them in the Teyvat Travel Guide. They seem to be mystical creatures in Sumeru, but I don't know much."
"Correct. They were once my followers—spirits of the forest, pure-hearted and lovers of nature. They possess a unique ability to traverse dreams."
"So if we find these little guys, they could help manage the farm in the dream world?"
"Yes. Out of respect for me, they'd likely agree to help. But, Cousin, you can't just make them work for free. You'd better treat them well."
"Come on, do I look like that kind of person? Our Summer Shop is famous in Liyue for its generous benefits! Didn't you see Ying'er quit her job and switch over?"
"You lured her over with spices."
"I did not! Stop spreading baseless rumors."
"Then why did you gift Ying'er such expensive incense?"
"Because I'm rich and can do what I want. Is that a problem?"
"Tch, fine. So you think this plan could work?"
"Not bad at all."
"So, when are we heading to Sumeru?"
"Aha! You're letting your true intentions slip!"
"I'm not—I just want to help you establish your farm sooner!"
"And then sneak in at night to steal my crops when I'm not looking?"
"?? Do I seem like that type of person?"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"Swear on it, then."
"..."
"See! You won't swear, so you are!"
"Childish! Does a god swearing even mean anything? Would I swear to myself?"
"Swear to Celestia, then."
"Why would I do that?"
"Speaking of Celestia, I heard it hasn't shown itself in hundreds of years."
Xia Zhi remembered hearing about it from Morax—how there was an entity in Skyfrost Nail's domain. For Morax to speak of it with such weight meant its strength likely surpassed his.
Perhaps that's what the "Prismatic Tier" means.
He couldn't help but feel curious about this mysterious Celestia and its power. Meeting such a being would be fascinating. He wasn't even thinking about treasure chests—he just genuinely wanted to see it.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata gave him a knowing smile and remarked, "You know, I haven't shown myself in hundreds of years either, in the eyes of the world."
"What do you mean by that?"
"You know exactly what I mean."
"There you go again, throwing baseless accusations."
"Who's to say you won't end up dragging Celestia out of hiding, just like me, someday?"
"..."
"Whatever. I'm not arguing with you."
"Cousin, when are we going to Sumeru?"
"Wait a bit."
"Wait for what?"
"For when I feel like it."
"And when will that be?"
"I don't know."
"How about I come to your room tonight?"
"???"
"Where's your mind at? Disgusting! You're up to no good! Shenhe, slap him!"
Shenhe glanced at her, then remarked, "Childish."
The Greater Lord widened her eyes and protested, "You're disrespecting a god!"
Shenhe leaned over and gave Xia Zhi a kiss on the cheek before turning to Rukkhadevata and saying, "Yeah, so?"
"Fine, you win."
"Exactly."
"So, Cousin, when are we going to Sumeru?"
"Are you that eager to go?"
"I just want to visit… it's my homeland, after all."
"Isn't your homeland your home?"
Shaking her head, Rukkhadevata sighed, "I'm an Old God now. I can only visit it as a traveler. Sumeru is now Lesser Lord Kusanali's home. My presence would only bring chaos. If I'm honest, my home is here in Liyue, with you, Cousin. From now on, it's just the two of us."
"..."
"Cousin~ When are we going to Sumeru?"
"We'll go eventually, but we have to follow the proper order."
"What order?"
"I've already planned out the shop's travel itinerary before you arrived."
"What itinerary?"
"A proper one! Didn't I mention I was going to hire you as a tour guide?"
"Oh, I thought you were joking."
"Not at all. It's October now. In two months, it'll be time for Liyue's Lantern Rite. After the festival, I plan to take everyone to Mondstadt for Windblume Festival. We'll visit Springvale to meet Diona's father too."
"And after that, we'll head to Sumeru?"
"Not quite yet. After Windblume, summer will be here. I heard from Ningguang that Inazuma's Sakoku Decree might be lifted next year. If that happens, we'll visit Inazuma for their Summer Festival and drop by Zhu Zi's home."
"And after that?"
"Then we'll head to Sumeru."
"Oh, fine. I'm not in a rush. I have some old friends to catch up with in Mondstadt and Inazuma anyway."
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