Chapter 116. The 'Four' Archon Communicate
Venti looked at Zhongli, a trace of confusion flashing through his eyes—as though silently asking, Are you certain? This was an authority that belonged to someone. Zhongli should understand that better than anyone.
This was not something one could casually touch. To do so would invite calamity.
For a moment, Venti was genuinely baffled. He even wanted to ask Zhongli whether he was still sane. But after recalling that Zhongli, of all people, held leverage over him, Venti suppressed the impulse. He fell silent briefly, then shifted his tone and asked instead,
"Are you sure?"
"Time is very useful to me."
As he spoke, Zhongli cast a glance toward Albedo.
Understanding the signal immediately, Albedo took out the condensed resin. This piece of condensed resin had originally been given to him by Sangonomiya Kokomi. Ever since obtaining it, Albedo had devoted himself to studying it. Now that his research was complete, he had originally intended to return it to Kokomi.
However, after the series of incidents in Liyue—and with Guizhong's remnant soul now residing within the Memory of Dust—
To avoid any unforeseen accidents, Albedo had discreetly "modified" the condensed resin. After learning that Sangonomiya Kokomi had been in poor spirits recently, he had returned to Mondstadt and crafted several devices meant to replenish her mental energy and improve her sleep.
These small gadgets were remarkably effective. Albedo had often made similar items for Acting Grand Master Jean. Unexpectedly, Sangonomiya Kokomi in the Chat Group also requested them. Later, after Keqing learned of their effects, she even sent a bag filled with mora, requesting some for herself.
This left Albedo feeling slightly embarrassed. Were these things really that effective?
Now, as Albedo took out the condensed resin, Venti's gaze immediately fixed upon it. He stared at it intently, a strange glimmer flickering in his eyes. Clearly, he sensed something extraordinary about the item.
Zhongli noticed Venti's reaction at once. His expression remained calm as he asked,
"Do you recognize this?"
"No~" Venti shrugged, spreading his hands casually. "I don't recognize it, but I can feel a trace of the Power of Time within it."
"Ah how should I explain it" He chuckled lightly. "I have a bit of… resonance with Time. Or rather—with that one."
He pointed toward the sky, then at himself, laughing softly as he looked back at Zhongli.
"Honestly, I'm still amazed. How did you manage to stuff Time into this thing? Turning Time into something consumable—now that's no ordinary feat."
Clearly, Venti had misunderstood. He believed this was something Zhongli had personally created. Though he found it odd—after all, meddling with Time involved that existence above the firmament—he assumed Zhongli had simply acted boldly.
After all, the current Seven Archons likely wouldn't even consider touching such a domain. Managing their nations alone was already a heavy burden.
"It wasn't made by me."
Zhongli did not attempt to mislead him. In front of Venti, cunning was meaningless. If he wanted assistance, sincerity was required. On the journey to Mondstadt, Albedo had once asked Futsu Mitama—under Zhongli's implicit instruction—what they should do if they truly encountered the Anemo Archon.
Futsu Mitama's response had been simple: Bring him into the Chat Group and ask about Time.
Raiden Makoto and Maha Rukkhadevata were already members—what difference would one more Archon make? Eventually, even the Geo Archon himself would be pulled in.
It was precisely because of this that Zhongli now appeared utterly unconcerned.
"Not you?" Venti blinked, his gaze shifting back to Albedo. After a brief pause, he shook his head and frowned slightly. "Then what's going on?"
He was genuinely confused now.
Albedo, despite being "dangerous" in his own way, could never have created something like this. And even if he wanted to—where would he acquire the means?
Time was not something one could simply obtain. Venti was confident that anyone capable of doing so would need power at least on the level of an Archon. Curiosity welled up rapidly. Just as he was about to probe further—
Zhongli interrupted calmly.
"I cannot explain the specifics. But this item is called condensed resin. Its effect is straightforward. When consumed by mortals or gods, it evokes memories of warmth and beauty. For ordinary humans, it completely dispels fatigue and restores their mental state, allowing them to continue working—or living—at peak condition."
"And for Archons or Adeptus—" Zhongli paused briefly, then continued evenly, "It eliminates karma and resists erosion."
Silence followed. The earlier descriptions were insignificant compared to that final statement.
Karma—the resentment of fallen gods—could only be offset through equal exchange. Erosion—formless, invisible—was known to exist, yet had no solution.
Zhongli felt it himself. After the Archon War, after watching countless companions fall, after founding Liyue Harbor, after personally sealing Azhdaha when erosion drove him mad—
Even Morax, whose will was said to be unshakable, felt exhaustion creeping in after millennia. If this continued—Zhongli could foresee his own end.
Would Liyue, the nation he forged with his own hands, be able to withstand such madness? He did not know.
But the appearance of condensed resin changed everything. And within the Chat Group still lingered many remnant souls who needed it.
No matter the cost, Zhongli had to obtain information about Time from Barbatos—even if it meant prolonged negotiation.
"Resist erosion?" Venti frowned deeply, clearly conflicted.
For any Archon, this was an item of unimaginable importance—even to him. Yet Time remained far more terrifying.Still, Zhongli claimed it worked. And Zhongli was not one to speak lightly.
Which raised a single, irresistible question.
If Zhongli hadn't made it…then who had?
After a long pause, Venti looked at him and said,
"I can consider helping—but you must introduce me to the one who gave you the condensed resin."
"Mm." Zhongli nodded calmly. "He's already in Mondstadt. Albedo and I are heading to meet him. At Angel's Share. He ordered several cups of dandelion wine that no one's drinking. Perfect timing for you."
Venti's eyes widened.
"What?!"
Albedo instantly understood. The Anemo Archon was clearly alarmed by how much had unfolded in Mondstadt without his knowledge. But then—
"There's wine?" Venti's expression instantly brightened. "Then we can talk slowly!"
To Albedo's astonishment, the Archon laughed cheerfully.
"I love dandelion wine! The moment I entered the city, I could smell it. It seems Mondstadt's brewers have improved while I was gone. If it weren't for you, I'd be busking at a tavern right now—earning mora just to drink."
Albedo froze. Is this really the Anemo Archon?
For the first time, he felt that Mondstadt's ignorance of its god might actually be a blessing.
Zhongli sighed quietly and removed Venti's arm from his shoulder.
"Let me make one thing clear," he said calmly. "He does not know my identity. For now, it must remain concealed."
"If you expose it—don't blame me for being ruthless."
Venti stiffened. He knew Zhongli well enough not to doubt that threat.
"Got it, got it!" Venti waved quickly. "I won't say a word! Can we go now? I haven't had a drink in ages."
"Very well."
Zhongli nodded and led the way toward Angel's Share.
Venti followed eagerly, chattering nonstop. Albedo trailed behind in silence.
—
Inside Angel's Share, the atmosphere remained delicate.
Diluc's earlier words had left Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu unusually quiet. Their purpose for coming to Mondstadt was difficult to explain—forcing it would only make things worse.
Thus, they simply waited.
Then—
Ding-a-ling~
The wind chimes rang.
"They're here." Kuki Shinobu stood abruptly and leaned over the railing.
Moments later, the trio arrived upstairs.
Diluc rose calmly. "I'll attend to the shop. If anything arises, notify me directly."
As he departed, his gaze lingered briefly on Futsu Mitama.
Mondstadt's calm…was already beginning to stir.
With that, Diluc turned and walked downstairs, not looking back.
Albedo was familiar with Diluc's temperament. He gave a slight nod in acknowledgment. Diluc returned the gesture just as briefly, saying nothing more.
Venti, meanwhile, wasted no time. He eagerly approached the table, staring at the meticulously prepared drinks Diluc had left behind, his eyes practically brimming with undisguised desire.
"And this is—?" Kuki Shinobu looked at Zhongli and Albedo, confusion evident in her eyes. She clearly did not understand who this person was.
When Venti had arrived alongside Zhongli and Albedo, she had instinctively assumed he was merely a passing guest. But now it was obvious—he had come with them.
Yet neither Zhongli nor Albedo had mentioned him in the Chat Group beforehand. Kuki Shinobu's guard rose instinctively.
"The one we were looking for," Albedo said calmly, taking a seat beside Futsu Mitama.
Zhongli naturally sat in the seat Diluc had just vacated, while Venti dropped into the chair beside him.
"Hm?!"
Kuki Shinobu's pupils contracted sharply. She stared at the young man who was already reaching for wine, her voice dropping unconsciously.
"Is that him?"
She knew exactly who they had been searching for in Mondstadt.
The Anemo Archon—Barbatos.
But this was him? They had found him in half a day?
No—not even half a day.
How was that possible?!
Could it be, as Albedo had once implied, that as long as he wished it, the Anemo Archon would simply appear?
"Mm."
Zhongli and Albedo nodded in unison. Confirmation.
"You're the ones looking for me, aren't you?"
Venti spoke lightly as he picked up the dandelion wine, his tone gentle, almost amused.
"Beelzebub—ah, rather, the Raiden Shogun. Is she doing well? You carry her Authority. I assume you're a human who earned her recognition in recent years."
He spoke her name naturally, without hesitation.
Kuki Shinobu's heart trembled. She had fully prepared herself for failure—for a fruitless search ending in retreat. After all, according to historical records, the Anemo Archon had vanished since that incident.
Even five hundred years ago, during the calamity that swept across Teyvat, Barbatos had not appeared. Instead, it was his familiar—Dvalin—who fought the corrupted dragon Durin atop Dragonspine and brought the battle to an end.
Yet now, Barbatos stood before her. This was something countless Mondstadters would never have dared imagine.
While Kuki Shinobu remained in shock, Venti took a sip of dandelion wine. His expression immediately brightened, delight spreading across his face.
"That's it—this taste! Exactly right! I live for moments like this." He glanced around cheerfully. "You're not drinking? Then I won't hold back~"
Without a shred of courtesy, he pulled all the remaining dandelion wine toward himself.
"…."
For a brief moment, Kuki Shinobu genuinely questioned reality. Is this really the Anemo Archon Barbatos?
No matter how she looked at him, he seemed more like a wandering drunkard who lived solely for alcohol.
"There's no need to doubt it," Albedo said quietly, noticing her reaction. "That is Lord Barbatos. There are records stating that he is extremely fond of wine. And as far as I know—Lord Barbatos is, indeed, an exceptional drinker."
Albedo's words reminded Kuki Shinobu of Raiden Makoto's own assessment.
She had once mentioned—rather helplessly—that Barbatos drank far too much.
Looking at Venti now, Kuki Shinobu found herself sharing the same thought Albedo had earlier.
Is this really an Archon? Can his believer stand this?
Futsu Mitama, however, was already accustomed to it. Venti lacked divine solemnity—but he had lived for thousands of years and witnessed far more than most gods ever would. He understood freedom more deeply than anyone: entrusting Mondstadt to its people, withdrawing when unneeded, yet never absent when truly required.
When Mondstadt faced crisis, Venti would act. In that sense, he was a surprisingly responsible Archon. Compared to this, Inazuma across the sea felt… rather tragic.
Another day of unintentional Inazuma comparison.
"Don't call me Lord Barbatos." Venti spoke again after another sip of wine, his expression relaxed and cheerful. "Just call me Venti."
"I'd rather my identity stay hidden for now. And even if you shouted it out loud—" He smiled mischievously. "—I wouldn't admit it anyway. Ehe~"
He drained the cup in one go, exhaling in satisfaction. Clearly, it had been a very long time since his last proper drink. Once his mood settled, Venti looked directly at Futsu Mitama.
"I already know why you're here."
"As for Time—" He paused slightly. "To be honest, I do have a method."
Every pair of eyes lit up instantly.
Kuki Shinobu clenched her hands unconsciously—Lady Makoto might be saved.
Zhongli's breathing grew imperceptibly steadier.
If the Power of Time could be obtained, then condensed resin could be produced on a large scale.
Azhdaha. Guizhong. Raiden Makoto. Even Maha Rukkhadevata.
They might all truly have a future.
Of course, Raiden Makoto's situation was still premature—there was only one special husk doll. And its main material remained an enigma even to Zhongli, known only to nourish the soul. Yet after days of research, Zhongli was certain of one thing:
That husk doll could carry an Archon's soul.
And with condensed resin—even a remnant Archon could be restored.
"But," Venti's tone shifted. He poured himself another drink and sighed lightly. "This method comes at a price I cannot currently accept. Unless you can offer something of equal weight, I won't obtain Time for you."
The excitement cooled immediately. Indeed—Time was never something easily touched.
"However," Venti looked toward Futsu Mitama with clear interest. "If you can obtain something like condensed resin, then acquiring the Power of Time shouldn't be beyond you."
In his eyes, the answer was obvious.
The most unusual presence in the tavern was Futsu Mitama. Electro and Geo intertwined around him—and within him resided the Authority of the Electro Archon.
His aura was unmistakably unique.
If he could create condensed resin, then surely he possessed a way to bypass that one and seize Time itself. So why come here?
This puzzled Venti deeply.
"How should I explain this?"
Futsu Mitama scratched his head, then opened the invitation list. He found Venti's name and avatar.
"You'll understand once you're in."
"Hm?"
Venti frowned slightly. Before he could react—
A voice echoed within his mind. At the same moment, text appeared before his eyes.
Ding! Are you willing to join the Teyvat Continent Loving Family Chat Group?
Shock flashed across Venti's face. He immediately turned to Zhongli.
Zhongli gave a faint nod.
Normal, it said.
"Interesting."
Venti smiled, lifting another cup of dandelion wine. This was truly something he had never encountered. Soon, the world shifted. A translucent interface unfolded before his eyes.
[Group Announcement: Ding!!!]
[Welcome Venti to the Teyvat Continent Loving Family Chat Group]
[Yae Miko: "Ah, I want to die~ Why are the winds and waves so strong tonight? Hm? A new member? Venti?? The Group Leader pulled in another one? This is the wise and beautiful Lady Yae Miko."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Venti… It's you. As expected."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "The Anemo Archon? I didn't expect you to join as well. It's been a long time—after all, I haven't seen you drink in ages."]
[Azhdaha: "Ah! The neighboring Archon who never works properly joined, but Morax still hasn't! MORAX!!!"]
[Guizhong: "Azhdaha, don't say that. Why do you say the Anemo Archon doesn't work properly?"]
[Azhdaha: "Freedom, guidance abandoned, disasters followed—according to ley lines, he really doesn't."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "So…Futsu Mitama found Lord Barbatos?"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "I feel this is not a discussion we can safely interrupt."]
[Klee: "Eh?! The new member Venti is Lord Barbatos?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Welcome. This is simply a place for communication. Nothing particularly special."]
[Venti: "Nothing special—?"]
"…You call this nothing special?"
Venti was genuinely shaken.
Baal.
Maha Rukkhadevata.
Azhdaha.
Guizhong.
An Original Archon and Demon God who should have fallen—gathered here.
Four, if Morax was counted.
What exactly is this Group Leader planning? Want to rebel?
For a fleeting moment, even rebellion crossed his mind.
He took a deep breath and another sip of wine. Then, glancing at Zhongli—who wordlessly warned him to focus—
Venti typed.
Venti: "As you can see, I am the Anemo Archon Barbatos. My feelings are… complicated. Still, I'm very glad to see you all alive. Let's have a drink together sometime~"
Venti: "[Image]Look! Mondstadt's dandelion wine—this is the good stuff! Absolutely delicious!"
Raiden Makoto: "Hahaha… You really haven't changed. Still as fond of drinking as ever. But unfortunately, we can't drink right now. I'm currently only a remnant soul, still within the Plane of Euthymia."
Maha Rukkhadevata: "I'm within the World Tree. To be honest, I don't even know whether I can still be considered 'alive.'"
Azhdaha: "You can bring the wine to Mt. Hulao in Liyue. I can have a little with you."
Venti: "No, no. Your idea of 'a little' would probably dry up every river in Liyue."
Yae Miko: "Ah~ Barbatos, who hasn't shown his face for a thousand years, appears right in front of the little one. This damned storm…it's completely blocking my path!"
Yae Miko: "Originally, if nothing unexpected had happened, I should've been there too."
Albedo: "Guuji Yae Miko is on her way. Now you understand my pain, don't you? That's pretty much how I felt back then."
Yae Miko: "Hehehe… just you wait."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Albedo, be careful. Guuji Yae Miko is extremely vengeful."
Kamisato Ayaka: "Guuji Yae Miko is actually quite kind. But even without this storm, Guuji Yae Miko, you'd likely only be arriving in Liyue—not Mondstadt."
Venti: "Sounds like I've missed quite a few interesting developments. But never mind. I can listen to everyone's stories slowly later. Compared to that… what exactly is condensed resin?"
Raiden Makoto: "Oh? Didn't the person next to you explain it already?"
Maha Rukkhadevata: "If you already know about condensed resin, then you should also understand its abilities, correct?"
Venti: "I know what it can do. But he didn't go into detail—only hinted at it. It's probably because I hadn't joined this Chat Group yet."
Zhongli: "I can explain it now."
Venti: "No need. You, Consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, hurry up and excuse yourself. Don't interrupt me catching up with my two old friends."
Zhongli: "..."
Raiden Makoto: "Hahahaha… It's actually very simple. I'll give you a general explanation of this Chat Group's situation—After all, no matter how you look at it, I'm considered one of the earliest official members."
Later, within the Chat Group, Raiden Makoto began explaining the origins of the group—its purpose, its current situation, the nature of condensed resin, and the special husk doll, as well as the Power of Time that Venti was about to obtain.
As she spoke, Maha Rukkhadevata would occasionally interject with thoughtful questions, refining certain points or clarifying subtle details.
The rest of the group, however, fell into an unspoken silence. After all, Raiden Makoto, Venti, and Maha Rukkhadevata were all original Archons. Even Azhdaha—whose seniority was comparable to theirs—did not interrupt. That silence itself was a form of acknowledgment.
During the explanation, Raiden Makoto subtly suggested that Mr. Zhongli of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was exceptionally knowledgeable and might also share his thoughts.
Venti, however, dismissed the idea outright, stating that having his two old friends explain things was more than sufficient, and that there was no need for Mr. Zhongli to speak. In response, Raiden Makoto appeared rather pleased, even sending several laughing emojis in succession.
Outside the Chat Group, Zhongli calmly ordered a cup of tea and drank it slowly. Observing his composed demeanor, Albedo couldn't help but feel a trace of unease.
He wondered whether the Anemo Archon Barbatos's behavior might eventually provoke retaliation from Rex Lapis.
Futsu Mitama, on the other hand, watched the interaction between Zhongli and Venti with growing amusement.
Inwardly, he couldn't help but rejoice. Barbatos was simply courting death far too enthusiastically.
It perfectly matched his playful personality. Was he really not afraid that the Old Man would endure it for now—only to later find an opportunity to stuff him into a sack, drag Azhdaha along, and beat him up together?
Moreover, Futsu Mitama clearly remembered that Venti was actually quite afraid of Zhongli's fists. So why was he acting so bold and mischievous now?
Though he couldn't understand the reason, Futsu Mitama decided to remain silent and simply watch. After all, he wasn't the one who should be anxious.
—
After Raiden Makoto and Maha Rukkhadevata finished their discussion, Venti finally understood why Zhongli was so eager to involve himself with the Power of Time. If he had joined the Chat Group earlier and known their current circumstances, he would likely have fought just as fiercely to obtain that power for them.
It was only the cost that caused him to fall into brief contemplation.
Raiden Makoto: "Now that you understand the situation, what do you think? If it's not feasible, then so be it. I do have a backup plan that could also allow them to obtain the Power of Time—though the price may be rather steep."
Venti: "This isn't merely 'rather steep.' You and I both know what happens when someone gets involved with that power."
Maha Rukkhadevata: "Hmm…"
Venti: "Never mind, never mind~ Since I've already had a drink and have been dragged into this, I'll make three requests. If you agree to them, I'll agree to acquire the Power of Time."
Venti:
"@Futsu Mitama, is the Group Leader present?"
Futsu Mitama: "I'm sitting right across from you. What do you think?"
Venti: "Hahaha~ Relax. My three requests are very simple. Care to hear them?"
Raiden Makoto: "You'll really go obtain the Power of Time if I agree? Do you actually understand what that means?"
Maha Rukkhadevata: "That's normal. After all, Venti has quite a close relationship with that person."
Venti: "Mmm. Of course, it's not about drawing power from her. But I know of a certain island where she once left traces. And within those traces, the Power of Time exists. If Rex Lapis were to go there and act too freely, it would immediately attract her attention."
Venti: "But I'm different. I left a contingency there long ago. Still, there are risks. So I need the Group Leader to agree to my three requests. They're not particularly excessive."
Futsu Mitama: "Name them. As long as I can agree, there won't be a problem."
Venti: "First—regarding the recent Dragon Crisis in Mondstadt. I hope you can help me resolve it. We can discuss the details privately later."
Futsu Mitama: "No problem. That's simple."
Venti: "Second—mmm~ I'm a bit envious of the administrator position. When the Group level increases and administrator slots open up, save one for me."
Futsu Mitama:
"That's also fine. If you can obtain the Power of Time, you'll be solving a major issue for everyone. Giving you an administrator position would be only fair."
Venti:
"And third— Have you ever considered joining Mondstadt—and becoming my family?"
Raiden Makoto:"NO!!!!"
Yae Miko: "I object!!!"
Azhdaha: "You slacking god! You actually want to abduct someone from my Liyue?!"
Keqing:
"Wait!!! That's absolutely not acceptable!! Futsu Mitama is destined to inherit the position of the Geo Archon and lead Liyue into the era of humans and Adeptus!"
Albedo: "Is there really such a good thing?!"
Klee: "Brother Futsu Mitama is a good person! Klee agrees!!!"
In an instant, the Chat Group descended into complete chaos.
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