With the arrival of the Dragonheir Aqi, the atmosphere under the World Tree grew even more vibrant. Barbara, clutching her recording equipment, looked at Su Han with pleading eyes. "Brother-in-law, can we film a segment here? I feel like the 'World Tree Special' would be the most popular broadcast in Teyvat history."
"Go ahead," Su Han nodded. "Start from the lower terraces. Announce that this won't just be a fortress; it's a living city. We'll eventually open it to those who seek harmony with nature. We want the best talents—scholars, merchants, and even a certain 'Lucky Grass King' if we can lure her away from Sumeru."
Lisa stirred her coffee, her eyes sparkling. "Our territory is expanding so fast... when do we tackle Dragonspine? That frozen peak has been a thorn in our side for far too long."
The suggestion silenced the group. Dragonspine sat like a jagged tooth between Mondstadt and Liyue, its eternal blizzards making full exploration impossible for ordinary mortals.
Su Han shook his head. "Not yet. We don't touch the mountain for now."
"Is it a matter of strength?" Mona asked. "What secret is buried in that ice?"
Albedo stepped in to clarify. "It isn't just the cold. Dragonspine is a graveyard of Khaenri'ah's forbidden technologies and the skeletal remains of the demon dragon Durin. Su Han has reshaped three nations in months; touching the 'forbidden' mountain now would be like waving a red flag at the Celestia. We maintain the status quo there—for now."
Eula sighed with genuine regret. "A pity. I was hoping to reclaim my favorite bathing spots in the high-altitude springs. I've missed that chill since the missions began."
Yae Miko smirked. "You're welcome at my shrine, Eula. I have rose-petal baths with essences so rich they'll wash away even a Sovereign's fatigue."
[The Fever of the Tree-City]
As Barbara's broadcast hit the screens across Teyvat, the reaction was instantaneous.
In Liyue's Wanmin Restaurant, diners ignored their food to stare at the TV. "Living in a tree? The air must be like breathing pure silk!" one merchant exclaimed.
"More than that," another added. "Lady Barbara said the tree gathers elemental power. Living there actually increases your cultivation speed! It's a natural cheat code!"
Chef Mao stepped out, beaming. "Lord Su Han wouldn't lie. Look at my Xiangling—she's practically an Adeptus now! When the tree opens, I'm moving the restaurant up there!"
"How will you cook without meat?" a diner teased.
"I'll master vegetarian delicacies! Besides, Su Han said certain zones are fire-safe. My spicy tofu will taste even better at four thousand meters!"
In Inazuma, the Shogun's requirements were stricter: one had to master Haki, join the Shogunate army, and have a spotless record. In Mondstadt, only the Knights and the Church were currently permitted residency. Despite the high bar, the yearning was universal. The elemental density at the World Tree was reported to be three times higher than anywhere else in the world.
[The Fox's Solo Mission]
While the world dreamed of the Tree-City, Yae Miko approached Su Han. She had reached Level 3 in the group and was ready for her first independent mission.
"I hope it's something 'spicy,'" she purred, opening the mission interface.
[Mission Difficulty]: ★★★ (Three Stars)
[Objective]: Assist Uncle Nine in defeating his demon-possessed senior brother, Shi Jian.
[Requirements]: Protect the female ghost Xiao Li and ensure Uncle Nine's disciples survive the night.
[Context]: Shi Jian has succumbed to madness following his son's death, commanding an army of the undead.
[Time Limit]: 60 Minutes.
"A fallen Taoist named Shi Jian?" Miko tilted her head. "Commands 'walking corpses'?"
Su Han recognized the setting immediately—the world of Zombie Supreme. "Be careful, Miko. These aren't like Hilichurls. They are driven by pure resentment. Shi Jian is a master of lightning and corpse-control. He'll send tens of thousands of the undead to swarm the mortuary."
"Tens of thousands?" Miko laughed, covering her mouth with her sleeve. "So... a buffet for my fox spirits? This sounds delightful. I'll be back shortly."
[The World of Shadows]
Under a leaden, suffocating sky, two terrified disciples, Wenchai and Qiusheng, were sprinting toward a mortuary. "Master! Save us! They're coming!"
Inside, Uncle Nine was frantically printing spirit money, his brow drenched in sweat. He was trying to bribe the ghost messengers to aid him, knowing he couldn't hold back the tide of zombies alone.
The wooden gate shattered. The disciples scrambled inside, weeping. "Master, please! We'll do anything! Just don't let them eat us!"
BOOM—!
A bolt of vibrant purple lightning tore through the courtyard, vaporizing the lead zombies instantly. The undead recoiled, their primal fear of thunder overriding their hunger.
"Hooray! Heaven has heard our prayers!" Wenchai shouted, falling to his knees.
"Heaven?" a mocking, melodic voice drifted from the rooftops. "You should be thanking a Lady of the Narukami."
A pink-haired figure descended gracefully into the courtyard. Dozens of spectral fox spirits materialized around her, baring their teeth at the rotting horde.
"Is... is she a fox demon?" the disciples stammered, paralyzed by her breathtaking beauty.
The zombies paused for a fraction of a second before lunging again. But before they could take a step, the sky rained violet judgment. As the "walking corpses" dissolved, Miko watched her mission points and soul-essence harvest multiply.
"Oh my... so many 'wronged souls,'" the Fox smirked, her eyes glowing. "They make for such excellent snacks for my pets. Come now, little monsters... I'm still hungry."
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