Beneath the video, countless comments flooded in.
Some questioned: did that mean Guixu had removed the erosion imposed on Azhdaha by the Heavenly Principles, yet could not erase Azhdaha's inherent erosion? Others replied that inherent erosion could only be resolved by oneself—so even if Guixu removed the external erosion, Azhdaha still had to overcome the obstacle in his own heart.
Some players expressed hope that Azhdaha would one day fully recover, even joking that it would be best if he entered the banner pool. Others pointed out that Azhdaha wielded five elemental powers—if he became playable, wouldn't he be completely overpowered? Some argued that even if he couldn't be playable, appearing more in the story would already be enough.
At the same time, many continued demanding when Qiu Nian would finally enter the banner.
There were also discussions about Guixu's strength. Some believed that if he could resist or even erase the erosion of the Heavenly Principles, then his power must be terrifying. Others brought up the legend of him splitting the Abyss with a single strike—he had neither confirmed nor denied it, which only made him more mysterious.
Of course, not everyone was convinced.
Some pointed out that Qiu Nian himself claimed to be severely injured, even saying he couldn't cross the sea to Inazuma. Could someone in that state really help Azhdaha resist such a force?
But that argument was quickly drowned out by mockery.
"Severely injured?" people laughed.
After all, the same "severely injured" man had effortlessly crushed a fragment of Azhdaha and purified Xiao's karmic debt.
Gradually, more and more players began to accept a different conclusion.
They believed Qiu Nian was indeed injured—but they no longer believed he was as weak as he claimed.
His words about being inferior to any of the Seven were now widely seen as nothing more than modesty.
Meanwhile, discussions about Khaenri'ah also grew heated. Some felt that if the disaster truly originated from Khaenri'ah, then its destruction by the gods was justified. Others urged caution, pointing out that the current information was far too limited to draw such a definitive conclusion.
After all, as Qiu Nian himself had said—
the answer would only be found along the journey.
After watching the sunset over Jueyun Karst, Qiu Nian made his way down a quiet mountain path. The cool evening breeze of summer brushed past him as he walked toward a place where he used to fish.
He spent some time there, catching a few fish. Then he stood up, poured the fish from his wooden bucket back into the river, scattered a handful of bait, and headed toward Nantianmen.
Upon arriving, he entered a vast cavern.
Inside, a massive Ancient Geovishap lay curled up, sleeping.
A servant of Azhdaha.
A stone dragon that once shook mountains alongside its king.
After Azhdaha's seal weakened, it too had awakened from its ancient slumber. It could absorb Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, and Electro elements.
"It seems that after Azhdaha's matter settled, this one has behaved itself quite a bit."
"The attacks on Liyue Harbor by geovishaps haven't happened since."
Qiu Nian leapt down into the cavern, landing silently. He walked slowly toward the enormous creature.
Listening to its deep, thunderous breathing, he couldn't help but find it slightly amusing.
Though it hadn't caused significant damage to Liyue Harbor, it was still better to deal with it now—just in case it decided to lead another assault someday.
A low growl echoed.
The Ancient Geovishap sensed his presence and opened its eyes.
The moment it noticed a human standing within its territory, it jolted upright.
"ROAR!!!"
Its furious roar shook the entire cavern.
"Behave."
Qiu Nian's voice was calm and light.
Yet in that instant, the Ancient Geovishap felt as if a mountain had crashed down upon its back.
It was forced flat against the ground, unable to move.
Under its terrified gaze, Qiu Nian walked closer, stopping before its massive head.
A strand of divine power appeared in his hand. With a flick of his fingers, it entered the creature's mind.
In its consciousness, images flashed—
the sealed Azhdaha, and Kun Jun's final words.
Once finished, Qiu Nian lifted the suppression.
The Ancient Geovishap slowly stood up.
Its enormous eyes now carried a trace of reverence as it looked at him.
"Good. As long as you understand."
Qiu Nian nodded, then turned away.
With a flicker of white-and-crimson energy, he vanished.
When he reappeared, he was already outside Liyue Harbor, in a quiet, empty place.
Looking at the brightly lit city in the distance, he smiled faintly.
"Summer…"
"Maybe I'll get a bowl of white fungus, lotus seed, and red date soup."
With that thought, he began walking back toward Liyue Harbor.
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