"I didn't expect that this time it would still be Big Brother Ye who ended the war."
"I wonder why you're dressed like this… even your appearance has changed."
Zhongli spoke with a curious expression.
As the Geo Archon Morax, he had already sensed the authority of war emanating from Ren Kai when he stood atop Mt. Tianheng.
"Then… was this how I used to look?"
Ren Kai canceled the transformation, returning to Rexas's appearance, and asked Zhongli.
"Yes, Big Brother Ye."
Seeing the familiar face before him, Zhongli's voice grew slightly excited.
But the excitement was followed by a wave of pain, and his hand instinctively pressed against his chest.
"How are your injuries?"
By now, Ren Kai had completely immersed himself in Rexas's memories.
Without realizing it, he slipped naturally into the role, showing concern for Zhongli like an older brother.
"They are manageable."
"I simply exhausted too much strength."
Zhongli replied helplessly.
"Then go back and rest."
"I'll keep watch for a while."
Ren Kai said with a smile.
"Big Brother Ye's strength has not yet fully recovered either."
"You should be careful."
Zhongli smiled faintly but accepted the suggestion.
"I am Rexas."
Ren Kai spoke the most domineering line of the War God Rexas.
Those words alone were enough to put Zhongli at ease.
"This feeling… is wonderful."
"Then I shall return and recover."
It was hard to imagine that the mighty Geo Archon Morax—now Zhongli—could show such a happy expression.
"Go on."
Ren Kai nodded with the indulgent expression of an older brother caring for his younger sibling.
Only Rexas would ever show such warmth toward Zhongli.
Zhongli nodded.
With a wave of his hand, he dissolved the barrier.
He began walking back toward the mountains, glancing back once more before disappearing.
"Sigh… everything is such a mess."
"I'd better ask Guizhong about Qiqi."
Once Zhongli had gone far enough, Ren Kai exited Rexas's mindset and used the Transformation Technique again, returning to the appearance of Uchiha Madara.
The sun was already beginning to set.
Under the golden glow of dusk, the mountains of Liyue looked like a true paradise on earth.
Ren Kai walked in the direction Guizhong had gone.
Before long, he spotted Guizhong, Ping'er, and Cloud Retainer teasing the pink fox.
"Little Yae, tell me some stories about Mr. Ban."
"I'll give you this teapot if you do."
"You saw earlier how fun the world inside it is, right?"
Ping'er looked at the fox with the expression of someone coaxing a child.
"Hmph."
"You should tell me instead."
"I'll teach you the Transformation Technique."
"I guarantee you'll successfully take human form within three days."
Cloud Retainer declared confidently.
"Pfft."
"I already know those things."
"I won't betray Lord Ban."
The fox puffed up proudly.
Her jade pendant already contained similar spells.
Besides, following Lord Ban around and eating fried tofu and skewers was far more enjoyable.
Guizhong simply watched the scene with an amused expression.
Among the three of them, only she knew Mr. Ban's true identity.
"Yae."
Ren Kai called out.
"Lord Ban! Hehe!"
The pink fox immediately ran toward him happily.
The scene looked oddly familiar to Ren Kai.
He suddenly understood the joy of raising a pet.
"Well? Are you hungry?"
He caught the fox as she jumped into his arms and asked gently.
"Yes!"
"Does that mean we're going back to eat fried tofu and skewers?"
The fox curled up in his embrace, enjoying the warmth.
Her expression was both satisfied and smug.
"Not yet."
"I need to ask Lady Guizhong something first."
Ren Kai patted her head affectionately.
"Okay."
The fox obediently climbed back onto his shoulder.
"Mr. Ban wishes to know the whereabouts of that little girl, correct?"
Guizhong suddenly spoke in a serious tone as she approached him.
Ping'er and Cloud Retainer both stared at her in surprise.
Since when did you become so serious?
"Yes."
"I want to know where she is now… and how she's doing."
Ren Kai nodded.
In truth, he wanted to adopt Qiqi.
A girl as adorable and clever as Qiqi shouldn't fall into the hands of those with ulterior motives.
"Hehe."
"How about this?"
"If you attend tonight's gathering, I'll tell you where the girl is."
Guizhong's serious demeanor lasted less than three seconds before she reverted to her mischievous self.
"…"
Cloud Retainer and Ping'er both fell silent.
Is that really how you invite someone to a gathering?
What if he gets offended?
This warrior looked cold and incredibly powerful.
Ren Kai remained silent, thinking.
Cloud Retainer began to worry.
Did we offend him?
What if he draws his sword?
Could we even stop him?
"Alright."
"But first, let me see the girl."
After careful consideration, Ren Kai agreed.
After speaking with Zhongli earlier, he had become far calmer and more composed.
"Hehe, no problem!"
Guizhong happily began leading the way toward Guili Assembly.
As they traveled, Ping'er quietly observed Ren Kai.
Meanwhile, Cloud Retainer struggled to contain herself.
"Why are you searching for that little girl, Mr. Ban?"
She finally couldn't hold back.
Remaining silent was unbearable for her.
"I heard her story."
"I wish to help her."
Ren Kai replied expressionlessly.
When dealing with this talkative bird adeptus, it was best to maintain distance.
Otherwise, any secret might eventually slip out.
"Pfft—Mr. Ban is so gentle."
Guizhong burst out laughing.
Ping'er and Cloud Retainer both looked confused.
What exactly did she mean?
Only Ren Kai understood.
She was referring to Rexas—the gentle War God.
"Mr. Ban… are you from Inazuma?"
"Why have we never heard of you before?"
Ping'er asked thoughtfully.
"I have spent most of my life in seclusion."
"I rarely interact with the outside world."
Ren Kai recited the explanation he had prepared earlier.
Ironically, it had originally been meant for Guizhong.
But she had never needed it.
"Yes, yes."
"He's been in seclusion so long it's practically a habit."
Guizhong chimed in playfully.
Ping'er and Cloud Retainer both stared at her in disbelief.
Why are you messing around again?
"Bleh!"
"Come catch me if you can!"
Realizing she had nearly exposed something, Guizhong suddenly kicked off her shoes and ran ahead barefoot.
Better to act mischievous for real than accidentally reveal too much.
Watching her carefree antics, Ren Kai couldn't help thinking—
Maybe Hu Tao really was Guizhong's reincarnation.
"Will there be fried tofu and skewers at this gathering?"
The fox asked curiously from his shoulder.
"Of course."
"You can eat whatever you like."
Ping'er promised seriously.
After all—
Liyue also had a god who specialized in cooking.
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