Su Han had almost forgotten about her. Tsumi, the half-human, half-serpent shrine maiden of Watatsumi Island. Indeed, no one in Teyvat was more suited to inherit this ancient lineage than her.
Since the Enkanomiya incident, she had been following Sangonomiya Kokomi, learning the administrative affairs of Watatsumi Island. Word was that the girl was exceptionally bright—a natural talent in both combat and scholarship.
"Big Brother Su Han, what do you think? If you agree, I'll bring her over immediately," Kokomi proposed.
"Go ahead. Bring Tsumi here."
As a shrine maiden and a vital part of Inazuma's future, if her strength could be elevated through this perfectly compatible bloodline, she might even join the All-Heavens Mission Group to assist in high-end tasks.
Kokomi departed quickly. Tsumi, having spent so much of her life among the Vishaps, still struggled with crowded environments. She spent her days working and her nights sequestered in her room. Kokomi wanted to give her a chance to truly stand among the elite.
Soon, the two sisters arrived at the Jade Chamber. Looking at the grand Secret Realm, Tsumi was visibly stunned. It had been some time since her last visit, and the place felt even more unfathomable. The air was thick with spiritual energy; merely standing there made her physical body feel revitalized.
"Hello... Lord Su Han," Tsumi said timidly, facing the group of powerhouses.
Su Han smiled warmly. "I'd prefer it if you called me Big Brother Su Han. No need for 'Lord.' How have you been? It's been a while."
"I've been well," she replied, slowly relaxing. "Life on Watatsumi is... different from what I imagined. I finally understand why the Bathysmal Vishaps fought so hard."
Through their conversation, Tsumi's shyness began to melt away. Su Han took the opportunity to present the treasure. "This is the Primordial Tengshe Essence Blood. I can promise you that consuming it will make you incredibly strong—perhaps even stronger than an Adeptus. Are you willing to take this power to protect Watatsumi and this world?"
The girl thought for a moment, then nodded firmly. "I am willing, Big Brother."
The Metamorphosis
Su Han extracted the treasure from the system. It was the size of a walnut, moon-white in color, with a faint, pulsing light trapped within. Tsumi took the essence and placed it in her mouth. It didn't feel hard; instead, it melted instantly upon touching her tongue.
Light erupted from her body, wrapping her in a crystalline shell that soon solidified into a massive, pale egg.
"What's happening?" Paimon asked, hovering close.
"It's a cocooning process," Venti noted, sensing the energy within. "A powerful force is awakening inside."
The elemental energy of the Secret Realm began to swirl toward the egg. Sensing the disturbance, the Raiden Sisters returned to the deck.
"What is this? There's a girl inside... her potential is staggering," Raiden Makoto observed.
Moments later, the white eggshell began to crack. Makoto gestured for the men to step back for a moment. When the shell finally fell away, a magnificent white-scaled serpent appeared. It was roughly two meters long, its scales shimmering with a pearlescent luster.
Then, the serpent began to shrink and glow. Tsumi reappeared in her human form, but she looked different. Her vertical pupils had returned to a normal shape, and the faint scales on her face had vanished. She looked like an ordinary, beautiful human girl.
"Did it fail?" Paimon whispered.
"On the contrary," Hanachirusato explained. "The higher the bloodline, the more perfect the human form becomes. The tails and scales are now hidden within."
"Tsumi, how do you feel?" Su Han asked.
"My body... it feels different. Strong. And... I think I've mastered a power."
She opened her palm. A terrifying, ghostly blue flame flared up. The temperature was so high that the space around her hand began to warp. Even Hu Tao felt a sense of threat, and Xiao narrowed his eyes.
"Wait, she's a serpent... why does she have fire?" Paimon asked.
Su Han laughed. "The Tengshe is a calamity beast that commands fire. Its attributes are darkness, nightmares, and terror. This isn't just a monster; it's a primordial beast of the heavens."
Double Celebration
Raiden Makoto looked at the dazed Tsumi. "You have immense power, but you don't know how to use it. Come and train with me for a while."
"Yes... thank you, Sister," Tsumi said obediently. She didn't know who this woman was, but she looked remarkably like the Shogun and felt incredibly kind.
With the successful lineage inheritance and Makoto's return, the mood was jubilant. Xiangling announced a grand celebratory feast, promising everyone's favorite dishes.
As the preparations began, the blacksmith Toutosai arrived, carrying several newly forged weapons to present to the group. The era of new power in Teyvat was truly beginning.
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