Chapter 360

When Zhongli heard Takumi's explanation, he raised his eyebrows. 

"I see. It seems your ability has certain limitations."

After saying this, he fell silent, lost in thought.

"Hmm… quite an extraordinary ability," Venti mused. "The power to revive people? That's impressive. Your healing abilities seem incredibly strong. No, wait… let me try it! I want to experience it firsthand."

At that moment, Venti had a bold idea. If Takumi could restore the dead, could this ability also counteract erosion?

Erosion was a fundamental aspect of Teyvat, a curse of time affecting long-lived beings. Over time, the minds and memories of gods were altered, personalities shifting irreversibly.

If Takumi's power could heal the soul, could it also resist erosion?

Hearing Venti's request, Takumi gave him a deadpan look. 

"Are you sick? You want me to heal you?"

Everyone stared at Venti with a mixture of curiosity and disbelief. It was the first time anyone had made such a request.

"Hey, I just want to test it out," Venti insisted. "Your ability repairs the soul, right? So… can it counter erosion?"

Zhongli and Ei turned their attention to Takumi, equally intrigued.

If this worked…

Zhongli suddenly thought of an old friend—a certain dragon burdened by erosion.

Takumi was momentarily shocked but quickly regained his composure. 

"It's worth a try. Focus and see if you notice any changes."

Without hesitation, Takumi activated his power.

The energy of the Herrscher of Death surged, rich with vitality, as he directed it into Venti's body. 

Venti immediately felt warmth spreading through him, a refreshing sensation beyond any drink he had ever tasted.

"Ahh…! So comfortable! Again!" Venti exclaimed in delight.

Everyone raised their eyebrows at him.

"Hey, be serious," Takumi said, exasperated. "What kind of reaction is that? Are you really sick?"

Venti chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry! But it feels amazing."

He closed his eyes and carefully examined his condition. 

"It seems to have an effect," he muttered. "Since I've been dormant for centuries, my erosion isn't severe, but I can feel something shifting. Some old memories resurfaced… though I'm not sure if they were truly lost or just forgotten."

Takumi rolled his eyes. "What do you mean 'seems to work'? Either it does or it doesn't."

Losing patience with Venti's vague response, Takumi turned to Zhongli.

"You try it, old man. This guy is unreliable."

Zhongli nodded. "Alright."

Without hesitation, Takumi transferred the same energy into Zhongli. This time, the effect was much stronger.

Zhongli's eyes widened as long-forgotten memories resurfaced. 

"It works!"

A sense of awe filled him. It truly could counteract erosion.

Hearing Zhongli's confirmation, Takumi grinned. 

"In that case…"

He focused, increasing the flow of energy into Zhongli.

At that moment, things Zhongli had long buried deep within his mind resurfaced. 

Once Takumi deemed it sufficient, he stopped.

Zhongli took a deep breath, feeling a power he hadn't sensed in ages.

"A few more treatments like this, and I may return to my prime."

"That's enough for today," Takumi declared. "Come back when you need another session."

Zhongli nodded in satisfaction. The discovery of this ability was groundbreaking. He wasn't in a rush—there was time.

Venti, equally pleased, realized he no longer needed to rely on sleep to slow erosion's effects.

Meanwhile, Ei's eyes gleamed with curiosity.

If this truly countered erosion, did that mean eternity could be achieved by staying close to Takumi?

She seriously considered it.

The three Archons were visibly excited—if erosion was no longer an issue, their futures looked much brighter.

With the revelation settled, Zhongli turned to Ei. 

"Since you're in Liyue, why don't we have a gathering? I'll treat you all to dinner."

Ei nodded, while Venti cheered. "Father Zhongli is treating us? Now that's a rare sight!"

Takumi suddenly turned to Zhongli. "Do you even have money?"

Zhongli froze.

"…I think I may have run out."

He turned to Venti. "Barbatos, do you have any Mora?"

Venti looked puzzled. "Master, you know me. If I had money, I'd spend it all on drinks."

Zhongli sighed, then turned to Ei. "Perhaps, Ei, you could cover the cost?"

Ei fell silent.

"Morax… without Mora?"

Zhongli quickly corrected her. "I am Zhongli, not Morax. Morax has nothing to do with me."

Ei, unfazed, casually added, "I don't have Mora either."

She had never needed currency before—why start now?

Besides… pay for the meal herself? Not happening.

Good grief.