Boom.
A heavy dull impact came from the Abyss tumor, numbing Su Han's arm. He originally thought that one strike would completely destroy this pillar condensed from Abyss toxins, but he quickly realized he had been too optimistic.
Even his full-force attack only created many cracks on its surface. It was still far from being destroyed.
Just as Su Han prepared to continue his assault, the Dvalin beneath his feet began to shake violently. The attack had caused the giant dragon unbearable pain; naturally, it didn't want to remain restrained any longer.
"Hey, Su Han, hurry up. I can't hold on anymore."
Venti's anxious voice came from the distance. Su Han's heart tightened. He knew now wasn't the time to be distracted, so he raised his longsword and slashed down again.
Boom.
Another full-force strike, and this time, the cracks grew even more numerous.
Su Han saw hope and began attacking wildly. It took a full five seconds before the sturdy Abyss tumor was finally shattered completely.
As the colossal tumor broke apart, a massive explosion mixed with countless purple-black toxic fumes blasted Su Han into the air. Thankfully, the golden radiance protecting him kept him safe.
Just as he was about to leave Dvalin's back, something unusual caught the corner of Su Han's eye. Shocked, he muttered, "What is that? Could it be…"
A possibility flashed through his mind, but before he could confirm it, a gentle green wind wrapped around him. Su Han immediately knew Venti had arrived beside him, and he said urgently, "Let me go back for another look!"
"I'm sorry, my power is at its limit. Letting you get close again might put your life in danger. Calm down, Su Han. You've already done very well."
Venti appeared beside him, his gaze filled with admiration. He thought Su Han was only going to investigate, but he hadn't expected him to actually destroy an Abyss tumor. Truly impressive.
Because of this brief delay, Su Han saw Dvalin finally break free of the restraints. But the pain earlier had clearly frightened it. After a few roars, it flew away. The sky gradually cleared as it left.
After they landed, Venti looked at the serious expression on Su Han's face and asked, confused, "What are you thinking about? Didn't you just destroy one of the Abyss tumors? As long as we calm it later and remove the remaining three, it should be fine, right?"
"In theory, yes. But I have some bad news to tell you."
"What news?"
"When the tumor shattered just now, I was blown away by the toxin. In that moment, I saw many man-made marks near Dvalin's wound. To be precise, Abyss incantations."
"Abyss incantations? Wait, you mean the Abyss is modifying Dvalin!"
Venti's expression darkened instantly. He originally thought Dvalin's discomfort was caused solely by the toxins. He never imagined this.
Su Han nodded. "It's probably not that simple. When you inspected Dvalin before, how many Abyss tumors did it have?"
Venti recalled for a moment. "Two!"
"But today it had four. I suspect the additional two appeared recently and were made by the Abyss Order."
"Those bastards. How dare they!"
Venti had previously believed the new tumors appeared because Dvalin heard people's prayers and forced the toxins to the surface. Clearing them would solve everything. But this... this was entirely different.
If the Abyss Order was involved, then even if they cleared the tumors today, more would appear later.
Su Han sighed. "That's why I wanted to get closer just now. But you hesitated."
"That was my mistake. I'm sorry."
Venti was filled with regret. They had truly missed an opportunity. If they could confirm the source of Dvalin's mutation, everything would be much easier to resolve.
While the two were talking, Hu Tao's voice came from the distance.
"Hey! Are you two alright? I brought support from the Knights of Favonius!"
Su Han looked up and saw a large group of knights rushing over. At the front were the lively Hall Master Hu Tao and little Klee.
Venti saw this and said, "I'm leaving first. Let's meet tonight at Diluc's tavern."
"Aren't you going to greet them?"
"I only came to support temporarily. I don't want unnecessary trouble. Everything's up to you now."
Venti grinned, turned into a gentle breeze, and disappeared.
A few minutes later, the group arrived before Su Han. Klee jumped off her mount and leaped into his arms excitedly. "Big brother, did you come to find Klee? Klee missed you so much!"
The surrounding knights looked at each other in disbelief. When did Klee become so affectionate with someone?
Jean, who had been taking care of Klee for so long, felt a sour sting in her chest. Even she had never seen Klee act so attached.
"Big brother missed you too. Hu Tao, are you alright?"
Hu Tao waved a hand. "Look at me, obviously I'm fine. But what happened just now? That dragon was roaring nonstop. Did you fight it?"
Su Han originally intended to downplay things, but knowing Venti had already left all responsibility to him, he decided there was no harm in taking the credit.
"I just destroyed one of the Abyss tumors on the East Wind Dragon's back."
The surrounding knights gasped. They hadn't expected this unfamiliar man to be so powerful.
Kaeya clicked his tongue in admiration. "Truly someone worthy of the Liyue Adepti's recognition. You actually have the strength to fight a dragon head-on. Su Han, you've been hiding quite a lot."
Seeing Kaeya's meaningful smile, Su Han twitched the corner of his mouth. "It's called staying low-key. And I solved a big problem for you all. Isn't there some kind of reward for that?"
Without him, they might not have been able to resolve the crisis today. Not rewarding him would be unreasonable.
Jean stepped forward with a smile. "Don't worry. We won't let a hero's efforts go unrewarded. But this isn't the place for discussion. Can we return to Mondstadt first?"
The internal situation of the Knights of Favonius wasn't resolved yet. Talking about sensitive matters here could risk leaks. She didn't want that.
This was the first time Su Han met Jean. He couldn't help but look her over. Mondstadt truly had excellent genes. Jean was only nineteen, yet her mature figure radiated an alluring, wife-like charm. Her curves were so enticing that likely only Lisa and Eula could compare.
Seeing Su Han's gaze, Jean realized she hadn't introduced herself. She quickly extended her hand with a polite smile. "I'm Jean, Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Su Han."
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