Just Say Whether You Want It or Not!!

Zhongli doesn't know!

You'll have to ask Jiang Chen.

Following Zhongli's gaze, Azhdaha turned his attention to Jiang Chen.

He quickly sensed a unique connection between them.

So… this was Jiang Chen's doing?

"To cure your erosion, Morax had to… well, kill you once."

"What you are now is a Heroic Spirit."

"No longer a traditional adeptus."

Jiang Chen patiently explained the concept of Heroic Spirits—immortality, immunity to erosion, and resurrection upon death.

Azhdaha's eyes widened.

There were such benefits?!

"And you've already sensed it, right?"

"Your unique abilities."

Jiang Chen studied Azhdaha with interest.

The moment he was summoned, Jiang Chen had deciphered his skills.

Noble Phantasms could now be mass-produced!

Azhdaha would become Liyue's finest arms dealer.

Even the weakest weapons he forged would rival 4-star gear in the game.

Time to put him on permanent overtime.

Pity they're all melee weapons—firearms would've been even better.

The times have changed.

Still, only Geo-constructed weapons could become Noble Phantasms.

But that was more than enough.

"Indeed!"

"I can feel it."

To demonstrate, Azhdaha stomped the ground.

A massive greatsword erupted from the earth, its surface darkening as mystic runes materialized.

This was a B-rank Noble Phantasm—no True Name, but legitimate nonetheless.

In this world, such weapons could empower Vision wielders or serve as legendary arms for ordinary soldiers.

"The Millelith are getting an upgrade!"

Jiang Chen's eyes gleamed.

Perfect.

Just the kind of workhorse he needed.

With Azhdaha's help, the Millelith could rearm entirely.

Zhongli, overhearing this, perked up.

True—this ability could restore the Millelith's golden age.

During the Archon War, the Millelith had fought gods alongside him.

But as peace settled, their strength waned, and their ancient weapons were lost.

Zhongli had watched it happen—even encouraged it.

Maintaining such a force was too costly.

But now, with Azhdaha's weapons and revived training methods, the Millelith could rise again.

Given Teyvat's growing unrest, this was necessary.

Zhongli glanced at Jiang Chen—this was Ningguang's department now.

Azhdaha's fate as a draft horse was sealed.

Honestly, his hulking human form was born for labor.

Jiang Chen caught the hint.

He'd discuss it with Ningguang later.

"Azhdaha, we'll need you to forge weapons for the Millelith."

"Their current gear is pathetic."

"You're our only hope."

Jiang Chen grinned.

The perfect exploitable workforce.

Azhdaha blinked.

"…Upgrade the entire Millelith?"

"Are you joking?"

"Do you know how many soldiers that is?!"

He wasn't stupid.

This was outright slavery!

"You've got the skills—just mass-produce a batch."

"Once it's done, you're free."

"Not like we're asking for daily output!"

Azhdaha's face darkened.

"…How many are the Millelith now?"

If it was a fixed number, maybe he'd consider it.

"Just three million weapons of various types."

Jiang Chen dropped the bomb.

Azhdaha choked.

Even Guizhong, listening nearby, gaped.

Three million?!

The Millelith didn't even have a million troops!

What was he planning?!

"Have you lost your mind?"

"Since when does Liyue have that many soldiers?"

Azhdaha spluttered.

Not even during the Archon War had the Millelith been that numerous.

"They don't… yet."

"But tell me—do you want them to?"

Jiang Chen posed the question nonchalantly.

Azhdaha paused.

He loved Liyue—of course he wanted it to prosper.

A larger Millelith meant a stronger Liyue.

The thought ignited his blood.

"YES!"

No hesitation.

He wanted it!

His passion flared.

"Is three million enough?"

"Should I make more?"

...

Good. I chose well.

Jiang Chen approved.

"If you're willing, go ahead."

What else could he say?

Once the weapons were ready, recruitment would begin.

Liyue was vast, monsters plentiful—expanding the Millelith was only logical.

Future developments demanded manpower.

Azhdaha, lost in his grand vision, trembled with excitement.

Five million troops… what a sight!

"MORAX! I DEMAND TO BE GRAND MARSHAL!"

He bellowed his ambition.

...

Zhongli massaged his temples.

These two were made for each other.

Had entrusting Liyue to Jiang Chen been a mistake?

At this rate, they'd be invading Snezhnaya by next year.

The thought horrified him.

"Take it up with Jiang Chen."

"He runs Liyue now."

He washed his hands of the matter.

The more he pondered, the worse it got.

Let Jiang Chen handle Azhdaha's military aspirations.