10:00 AM.
Reaching the Sanctuary of Surasthana required navigating a series of ascending slopes.
Ignoring the sidelong glances from passersby, Apep walked steadily upward, a chattering little plump bird perched on her head.
Finally, she was almost there. Apep took a deep breath. As she climbed the last stretch, the broad, flat plaza before the Sanctuary of Surasthana came into view, along with the group of people sitting around a table, chatting.
Lesser Lord Kusanali...
Apep's gaze shifted.
And that small, young-looking god. So weak, she had almost missed her at first glance.
Another one, carrying the aura of a cursed authority. He felt ordinary at a glance, yet her instincts screamed that he was also not to be trifled with.
Apep's eyes fell upon the final figure.
With just one look, Apep's eyes widened, her vertical pupils dilating slightly.
That day, Apep had only stolen a glimpse, but the image was seared into her memory. She felt that even after thousands or tens of thousands of years, she would never forget his appearance.
He wore pristine white robes, his aura transcendent.
Before him, it felt as if the entire world was as insignificant as dust.
Perhaps that day, it wasn't that he had grown enormous, but that Teyvat had shrunk infinitely to rest in his palm.
That gaze, like an incomparably noble deity looking down upon all living things without joy or sorrow, was etched vividly in Apep's mind. She thought that whether it was the Dragon Sovereign of old or Phanes, in his eyes, they probably held no more significance than common ants.
Thinking of this, a touch of bitterness welled up in Apep's heart. Before a power that surpassed everything, all things seemed to lose their importance.
Slightly dazed, Apep's feelings were complex. When fate takes a turn, people often sigh over their respective circumstances. Apep was no different.
On one hand, she lamented that a proud Ancient Dragon was about to break her own haughty bones and submit to another.
On the other hand, she also felt a faint sense of anticipation—the prospect of securing a better future by placing herself under someone else's command.
The source of her shame was her own identity and the Dragon Sovereign she had once followed. It was like a general who served a previous dynasty's emperor, contemplating defection after learning of better prospects elsewhere.
Was this not a form of betrayal?
Probably, yes.
But by turning here, Apep truly saw hope for revenge.
"I'm back!" The little Vermilion Bird flapped its wings and flew over.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata raised her right hand, and the little bird landed on her index finger.
"I completed the mission perfectly!" The little Vermilion Bird's tone was upbeat, its body wriggling slightly, its words carrying a hint of seeking praise. "The mudskipper... ahem, Apep, says she is willing to follow you, Master!"
"Good." The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata smiled, raising her left hand to gently stroke the bird's head with her fingertip.
The little Vermiary Bird rubbed against her finger contentedly, then hopped onto Lu Heng's shoulder, chirping, "It's still you who's amazing, Sir!"
"Oh?" Lu Heng raised an eyebrow, smiling. "How am I amazing this time?"
"Just mentioning your identity was enough to settle it!" The little Vermiary Bird leaned closer, whispering, "She was ready to accept death, but after learning about you, she didn't want to die anymore."
Lu Heng's smile widened as he looked up at the somewhat uneasy Apep.
His gaze held no malice, but when it fell upon her, Apep couldn't help but shudder slightly.
She took a deep breath.
Since she had already made her decision, there was no point in hesitating anymore.
She turned towards the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"Lord of Verdure, I, Apep, swear here today that from this day forward, I will wholeheartedly follow you."
Before Apep could bow deeply, the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was already in front of her, reaching out to stop the motion.
Apep was stunned.
Was the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata rejecting her?
Apep felt lost and confused.
"You need not follow me." The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's smile was gentle, her soft voice seemingly capable of soothing restless souls. She said softly, "We should together follow a more virtuous, greater existence. With him illuminating the path ahead, can't we all travel further?"
Huh?
Apep froze.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's words were completely outside her expectations. She thought that as an Ancient Dragon submitting to the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, the goddess would be very pleased.
And the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata was pleased, but not in the way Apep imagined—she didn't desire Apep's submission to herself.
Apep could feel the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's sincerity.
Compared to submitting to the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, Apep would rather submit to Lu Heng and follow him.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, clearly unaware of Apep's thoughts, had instead offered her a stepping stone.
Apep, whose hostility towards the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata wasn't very high to begin with, was now sincerely convinced.
Often, small details in an event can reveal a person's true character. The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had clearly won Apep over.
No wonder her reputation among the three Archons was the best. No wonder the humans of the rainforest followed her so willingly.
Apep looked at the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata with admiration, then turned her gaze to Lu Heng.
"Hmm? No need for such formalities." Lu Heng chuckled. "Since there's no conflict of interest between us, let's just sit down, have some tea, and chat. There's no need for all that."
Was this the breadth of vision and格局 of a higher-level existence?
Apep felt ashamed of her own petty thoughts.
"I..." she began to speak.
Lu Heng waved his hand. "Hey, it's often just human nature. I've experienced it all."
"Come." The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata said with a smile. "He's right. Since we don't need to cross blades, we can all sit down as friends."
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata led Apep to sit down.
The Ancient Dragon, whose mindset was still stuck in a previous era, clearly found it somewhat difficult to blend into the atmosphere.
But every time the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata spoke, she helped Apep gradually relax.
With the two 'Sucrose look-alikes' sitting on either side, Apep, after two cups of tea, began to feel as intoxicated as if she had drunk wine, pouring out the story of her life since birth.
Furina, Nahida, and the little Vermiary Bird listened beside them as if hearing a story.
The Ancient Dragon's life was long; the first half of it had already been vast, lived amidst war and hatred.
No one asked her to let go of her hatred, but at the very least, the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata hoped she could live a better life from now on.
The conversation turned to the recent issues with Apep's condition.
The little Vermiary Bird made a move completely违反 for a bird—she raised a wing and patted her chest. "The trouble caused by that mere Forbidden Knowledge? Leave it to me! One fire, burn it all clean!"
"Ahem..." Apep's expression showed hesitation.
Would she really not be burned to ashes if a fire came at her?
"Let me do it." A wisp of wandering elemental energy was pinched by Lu Heng, who then used it as ink to virtually write a small,烫金 seal script character in the air.
Lu Heng made a slight pushing motion with his hand, and the character imprint flew towards Apep, sinking into her forehead.
"This..." In an instant, Apep felt an unprecedented sense of relief.
The condition inside her body was like cancer, but her powerful adaptability allowed her to adapt to the affliction. Yet, this only meant she wouldn't die from it—the pain was still very real!
But now, with Lu Heng's intervention, the病灶 within her was erased in the blink of an eye!
It was as if a world riddled with pollution and decay had been swept clean by a higher power, simultaneously revitalized.
It was absurd. Apep didn't even have time to perceive the process in detail. One second she was in discomfort, the next, completely cured.
What just happened?
"Regarding Apep's situation, I should make a trip." The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata said.
She was referring to the Sumpter Beasts from Nahida's second story quest.
Lu Heng nodded. "Why don't you all go together?"
"Good!" Apep agreed without a second thought.
"Me too!" Nahida raised her hand.
"Hey, can you take me along?" Furina's eyes lit up; she also wanted to join the fun.
"And me!" The little Vermiary Bird flew over and perched on the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's shoulder, chirping, "Even though there's no risk on this trip, I need to protect my Master at all times!"
She had found a new height in excuses for wanting to join the excitement.
"You all go ahead." Lu Heng waved his hand, showing his phone. "Someone's delivering money."
"Alright, let's set off then." The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata said with a smile.
"We're off now." Nahida waved goodbye to Lu Heng.
She was overjoyed. This was practically a field trip! Not having to go to class was already cause for celebration, and a trip made it even better!
"Okay, come back early. I've scheduled a lesson for you tonight." Lu Heng's smile was radiant.
"!" Nahida froze.
How could someone be this wicked?
"You can't escape it, little twig!" The little Vermiary Bird mocked.
"It's fine!" Nahida puffed her cheeks angrily. "You have to go to class too!"
"Oh?" The little Vermiary Bird visibly drooped.
I'm a divine bird! I'm a bird! So unfair! Why do birds have to go to school?
Not far away, space tore open, and Tartaglia leaped out of the void.
Seeing Lu Heng sipping tea, he grinned and strode over. "Brother Lu, drinking tea? Where are the ladies?"
"If you'd come any later, I would have gone out to play with your sister-in-law too." Lu Heng asked with a smile, "How much funding did you manage to get this time back in Snezhnaya?"
Mentioning this, Tartaglia's face fell, and he sighed. "Snezhnaya's economy can't compare to Liyue's... Anyway, that's what the Tsaritsa and Pantalone told me."
Understood.
Looked like he hadn't gotten much money.
"It's fine if sister-in-law isn't here." Tartaglia waved his hand, and a chest containing five hundred million Mora appeared on the ground.
There were no card shops in Snezhnaya, so he had brought cash directly.
"Is it okay to leave it with you, Brother Lu?" Tartaglia asked.
"No problem." Lu Heng shook his head, storing the Mora away. Then he said, "I thought you'd stay in Snezhnaya a few more days. Did you bring card packs for your family and friends?"
"Of course I did!" Tartaglia said with a wide smile. "Especially Teucer. He even said he wants to become a powerful card master like me someday!"
"There's a chance." Lu Heng nodded.
After chatting with Lu Heng for a bit, Tartaglia grew restless. "Brother Lu, if there's nothing else, I'll go challenge the Rating Tower?"
Tartaglia had two main烦恼.
First, the lack of funds made it hard for him to enjoy the thrill of going all-in at the shop again.
Second, the lack of opponents!
Zhongli and Diluc could match him, but they were either busy or hesitant to fight him seriously.
At their level, a true, unrestrained fight would have a significant impact on the world. Even fighting over the vast ocean would severely affect the marine ecosystem.
Tartaglia was helpless; he couldn't very well force people to fight him.
The appearance of the Rating Tower had delighted Tartaglia. It meant he could freely spar with a 'Zhongli' inside.
Bliss!
"Go ahead." Lu Heng put down his teacup and stood up.
Tartaglia, who was about to leave, asked, "Brother Lu, are you leaving too?"
"Otherwise, should I just sit here drinking tea alone?" Lu Heng shook his head. "Alright, you go do your Rating Tower thing. I have matters to attend to."
Just moments ago.
The Civilization Core had sent him a piece of good news.
Changli's same-style clothes and accessories were ready!
He had to see them immediately, or he wouldn't be human!
Lu Heng's body dissipated into a wisp of green smoke.
"What's the rush?" Tartaglia scratched his head.
For a young man, the solution to something he couldn't figure out was simple: stop thinking about it.
A look of excited glee spread across his face as he sprinted towards the Sumeru branch shop. From there, he would teleport to the Dueling Platform. He was ready to wreak havoc!
Inazuma Branch Shop, Backyard.
When Lu Heng appeared, he saw the Civilization Core, shaped like a large spider, carefully examining a set of clothes displayed on a stand, its multiple eyes scanning over every detail.
For the Civilization Core, creating this outfit could have been done in an instant. But since it was for Lu Heng's future wife, it had to be perfect.
It was a bit like lockpicking. If you jiggle it open instantly, the customer might give you twenty Mora at most. But if you pretend to study it for a while before opening it, the customer thinks, 'Wow, master, your skills are great! Here's fifty Mora, thank you!'
Of course, there's also an art to it—you can't take too long, or the customer might question your expertise.
...Not that this digression matters. The Civilization Core was actually quite earnest; it was genuinely working diligently, with no intention of slacking off.
"Master, please look!" The Civilization Core began trying to explain the techniques and materials used.
Lu Heng wasn't really listening. He just smiled, took out his phone, snapped a picture, and sent it to Yae Miko.
A few seconds later.
[Yae Miko]: Couldn't wait to send it to me the moment it was finished? "Ara~ If I wear this, will you see me as Lady Changli, or as the great Lady Yae?"
Dangerous!
But anyone familiar with Yae Miko's personality knew she was just saying this to tease Lu Heng.
[Lu Heng]: I like them both! I especially love Yae Miko wearing Changli's clothes, and Changli wearing Yae Miko's clothes!
Grand Narukami Shrine.
Seeing Lu Heng's reply, Yae Miko spat lightly.
He was truly invincible!
But Yae Miko wasn't angry.
If it were an ordinary woman, she might start wondering, 'Did you like me because I resemble someone? Your first love?' and then feel like a replacement, leading to an inevitable meltdown.
But for Yae Miko, this wasn't a困扰 at all.
She didn't feel any sense of being 'cucked'.
The great Lady Yae was too adept at utilizing her own advantages.
She didn't even have time to reply to Lu Heng. After a quick tidy-up, she set off to find him.
She believed that with the 'skin' enhancement, she could easily captivate Lu Heng's very soul.
Half an hour later.
Yae Miko arrived at the backyard. Her eyes lit up when she saw the outfit.
Interesting!
Lu Heng turned his head.
She stood beside him, nudging him with her elbow, her charming eyes filled with dense affection. "Shall I put it on for you now?"
No more words were needed at this moment.
Swear loyalty to the great Lady Yae!
Yae Miko took the clothes and accessories. After asking the Civilization Core for some wearing tips, she went inside.
The woman was wicked enough to deliberately make rustling sounds while changing, cranking Lu Heng's anticipation to the breaking point!
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T/N:
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