Seeing that Xiao's matter had temporarily concluded, Lumine turned to Zhongli and said, "Since Xiao's karma can be dealt with, Paimon's power should also be able to resolve some of your erosion."
"Although I don't know how much it can resolve, it will definitely be useful."
"Why don't we strike while the iron is hot and help you try it now?"
Paimon also reacted, her big eyes sparkling, with a hint of excitement.
"Yes, yes! Zhongli, let's try it!"
Paimon, realizing her ability seemed truly formidable, particularly wanted to test the limits of her power.
After all, she had been with Lumine for so long, always just a little mascot and the God of Mouth.
Now that she finally had a new ability, and a chance to help Lumine in the future, she naturally wanted to use it more.
Upon hearing the words "erosion," Zhongli's hand, which had just picked up his teacup, paused almost imperceptibly, and a fleeting, indescribable complex light flickered deep in his eyes, too quick for anyone to catch.
He put down the teacup, his tone as steady as ever: "There is no need to rush this matter for now."
"As for erosion…" Zhongli's gaze drifted towards the direction of Celestia, his tone carrying a hint of distant contemplation.
"It is the foundation of this world's operation, forged by the laws of Heavenly Principles, unlike 'afflictions' like karma. If forcefully removed, there might be unforeseen variables."
He paused, his tone shifting to reassurance: "When the time is ripe, we can find a stable and secluded place, combine our strengths, and invite the Adepti to provide support. Then, perhaps, we can give it a try. This way would also be more secure."
Lumine and Paimon nodded in agreement: "Mm! Then we'll wait for you, Zhongli, to get ready and call Xianyun and the others together!"
Afterward, everyone entrusted Xiao to Philgudet's care and set off for New Moon Pavilion.
On the way, Paimon finally couldn't hold back and boasted about her achievements in the chat group.
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "@All members Wahahahaha! I, Paimon, have made another great contribution!"
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "Just now! I solved the karma that had plagued the Yaksha for over a thousand years!"
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "The root of that thing was the remnants of a demon god! It was a super big problem! Even Zhongli and the others could only suppress it! But what happened? As soon as my 'Optimization Power' came out, hmph hmph hmph! It was easy peasy! Xiao is sleeping so soundly now!"
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "How about that? Am I amazing?! Tonight, the Geo Archon is even treating us to a big feast at New Moon Pavilion to celebrate! Hehe!"
[Honkai Stelle Rail · March 7th]: "So amazing! A thousand years of karma! Should we call Paimon the divine healer now?"
[Zero Zone · Ling]: "A thousand years! Paimon is so amazing!"
[Honkai: Star Rail]: "Alright, Paimon, I admit you're very strong, but my bamboo-copter can make me fly, and that's not bad either."
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "But I can already fly."
Paimon's simple reply made Stelle seem to lose all color, turning into a black and white palette.
Everyone in the chat group more or less envied Paimon's ability.
At the same time, this news also ignited other sparks of thought.
Dan Heng mused: 'Purifying the residual resentment of a thousand-year-old demon god... it seems Lumine and their world also have long-lived beings, and a thousand-year-old problem can be resolved, so perhaps the previous speculation might come true.
The Mara-Struck of the Xianzhou might truly be resolved by Paimon, but it's uncertain if those who have been completely corrupted can still be saved.
No, this is a rare opportunity, I should ask Paimon if she can agree first.'
On the other side, Wise had similar thoughts, and he looked at Ling.
"Ling, do you think Paimon's power might also be able to help those who are afflicted by Aether corrosion?"
Ling was a little surprised, "Eh? That seems to make sense! If it can really be done, then Paimon would be like a savior to many of us here."
"No, I have to ask Paimon if she's willing to help us."
Wise interrupted Ling, "Ling, be careful, don't be too rash."
Ling replied: "Oh, I know, big brother, we have a very good relationship."
At this moment, two messages appeared almost simultaneously in the group.
[Honkai: Stelle Rail · Dan Heng]: "Paimon, although it's a bit presumptuous, I still want to ask you for a favor. If you ever have the chance to come to our universe, would you be willing to try and heal the Mara-Struck of the Xianzhou people?"
[Zero Zone · Ling]: "Paimon, if you have the chance, could you try to resolve the Aether corrosion here? Many people here are corroded by the Hollow's Aether and will be Eidolonized, eventually turning into Eidolon, which are monsters."
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "Eh? Mara-Struck? Eidolonized? What are those? They sound so scary!"
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "But no problem! I'm Divine Healer Paimon now, so whenever Paimon's help is needed, just say the word! I, Paimon, will not shirk my duty!"
[Genshin Impact · Paimon]: "Hehe, of course, if there's good food, that's even better!"
[Honkai: Stelle Rail · Dan Heng]: "No problem, I'll arrange it."
[Zero Zone · Ling]: "No problem, Paimon, when the time comes, my brother and I will take you to Guangying Plaza for a big meal."
...
Life seemed to return to its peaceful, everyday routine.
Lumine and Paimon briefly bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Liyue Harbor, using the Teleport Waypoint to return to the scorching lands of Natlan, continuing their interrupted journey to visit the Pyro Archon and search for clues about her brother.
At the same time, they were silently waiting for Zhongli's signal regarding the promise to eliminate "erosion."
On the Astral Express, Stelle and March 7th were still keen on chatting in the group and bickering, never missing their daily check-ins and routine tasks.
The chat group became their main base for envisioning future interdimensional pioneering adventures and sharing interesting stories from their respective worlds, filled with infinite anticipation for the upcoming "World Event."
New Eridu, Sixth Street. Ling and Wise also returned to their busy and fulfilling lives, running the video store while also handling commissions from the Rope Net, and earning valuable points.
Until three days later, Wise, in order to get news of Perlman, went with Billy to the Outer Ring to discuss helping the Children of Calydon become the Overlord of the Outer Ring.
Originally, they were chatting and laughing along the way, and Wise even posted a few photos of the Outer Ring in the group.
Unexpectedly, a tanker truck came speeding towards them without slowing down. To avoid a collision, Wise reminded Billy to sharply turn the wheel, breaking through the guardrail and falling into a Hollow.
[Zero Zone · Wise]: "Emergency situation, Ling. We've probably been set up. Just now, to avoid a tanker truck that deliberately drove towards us, Billy sharply turned the wheel and broke through the guardrail. Now we've fallen into a Hollow by the roadside."
[Zero Zone · Ling]: "What?! Big brother, are you hurt? How do you feel?"
Seeing this, everyone in the group also expressed their concern.
[Zero Zone · Wise]: "Everyone, don't worry, for now, we seem to be fine. The rest I'll have to ask Ling to contact for external help. You can call the Children of Calydon directly."
[Zero Zone · Ling]: "I'll contact them right away! But big brother, our physiques can't stay in the Hollow for long!"
Although she knew her brother was temporarily fine, Ling was still in a panic.
System notification! Detected urgent need for help from group members, World Commission activated!
World Commission: Help Ling rescue Wise from the Hollow.
Difficulty: Easy
Player Limit: Three people
Commission Reward: 200 group points
Hint: Upon accepting the mission, you will be directly teleported to Wise's side in the Hollow. Please help Wise leave the Hollow as soon as possible.