Silence fell upon the cave, leaving only the sound of everyone's heavy breathing.
Hu Tao was the first to run to Zhongli's side, looking him up and down. "consultant! Are you alright? Where on earth have you been all this time? And what did you mean by that 'three-year term' just now?"
Zhongli gently patted her head. "It's a long story. What matters is that Liyue has once again weathered the crisis."
Ningguang stepped forward, his expression solemn. "Mr. Zhongli, what exactly is going on? Why did Andrius impersonate you? Why do you call yourself the true Geo Dragon King? If that is the case, then who is Azhdaha?"
Zhongli sighed softly. "It is a long story."
"Andrius is the last bloodline of the ancient Wicked Dragon lineage, a clan that has coveted Liyue since time immemorial. He impersonated me to gain your trust while sowing discord, aiming to eventually wipe out Liyue's elite."
"I call myself the Geo Dragon King because it is one of my many identities—indeed, my original one. As for Azhdaha..."
He turned toward the massive, ancient dragon king, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions: respect, nostalgia, and a hint of melancholy.
"He was my comrade-in-arms, the Dragon King who laid the foundations of Liyue's lands alongside me. He was a... brother, who once shared my authority and burdens."
These words sent a shockwave through everyone present.
Xingqiu couldn't help but whisper, "Brothers?"
Azhdaha let out a low whimper. The sound was no longer filled with violence, but carried endless vicissitudes and weariness. His massive head nodded slightly, confirming Zhongli's words.
Zhongli bowed slightly toward Azhdaha. "Brother Azhdaha, I have let you suffer."
Azhdaha growled lowly, "It matters not. To witness the end of The Wicked Dragon with my own eyes makes this bit of grievance worth it."
The others were already feeling guilty for attacking the wrong 'dragon.' The scene had been too chaotic before, but now that the enemy was dealt with, they all offered their apologies to Azhdaha, which he accepted one by one.
Finally, Azhdaha looked at Xiao. "This Yaksha, however, showed commendable courage in seeing through the ruse."
Xiao gently removed his nuó mask, his expression remaining cold. "I was merely doing my duty."
Zhongli's gaze swept over everyone present, a look of gratification in his eyes.
He looked toward where Andrius had dissipated, his gaze turning cold. "The Wicked Dragon Andrius was the incarnation of the concepts of 'misfortune' and 'deceit,' a twisted creation of the geo element's dark side. He knew of the past between Azhdaha and me, and even more so that after Azhdaha was sealed, I chose to walk the mortal world in human form. He thought my power was greatly diminished, or perhaps that I had a weakness in my heart due to losing Azhdaha. Thus, he set this trap, intending to sow discord, frame others, and incite internal strife to profit from the chaos."
Zhongli's gaze swept over the crowd again, finally landing on Xiao. "He could mimic my appearance and even steal a faint trace of my aura, but he could never mimic the bonds between me and my old friends. He could not understand the true 'contract' between me and Xiao, Azhdaha, and Liyue."
"Xiao's vigilance, Azhdaha's endurance, and the final choice made by all of you... all prove his failure."
"Do you know why Azhdaha was sealed here?"
Hearing Zhongli's question, the others looked at each other, all showing thoughtful expressions.
"Azhdaha and I once fought across the lands alongside Lord Rex Lapis, achieving great military honors. We signed a contract with the Lord: we would help him pacify the four corners of the world, and he would provide us a place to dwell."
"Later, Azhdaha resided in The Chasm, while I, possessing a human form, followed the Lord's side."
"However, after the war ended, mortals mined endlessly in The Chasm, believing the underground minerals to be inexhaustible. They did not know when to stop, nor did they realize the earth itself could feel pain. That ceaseless digging accelerated Azhdaha's erosion, plunging him into extreme agony..."
A flash of pain crossed Zhongli's eyes. "Eventually, he lost his sanity in that pain and attacked the mortals of The Chasm... violating our original contract with the Lord. Lord Rex Lapis had no choice but to personally suppress him beneath the Dragon-Queller."
"It was not his fault, nor was it the malice of mortals; it was simply a tragedy born of the changing times. But today, you have seen that even after enduring such grievances, he is still willing to fight for Liyue."
Zhongli's words stirred waves of emotion in everyone's hearts.
Then, everyone simultaneously turned their gazes toward the massive, scarred Azhdaha, their eyes filled with overwhelming guilt, shock, and respect.
Seeing the hesitation on their faces and their sincere reactions, Azhdaha let out a long, low sigh.
His massive eyes swept over the crowd, and he spoke slowly. Though his voice still boomed, it was much calmer: "The past is the past... Morax's choice was also part of the contract. Now, to see Liyue still surrounded by so many willing to protect it, and to hear these words from you... my heart... is at peace."
Zhongli saw that everyone wanted to say something, so he spoke again: "There is no need to dwell excessively on guilt. The lessons of history are meant to guide us toward a better future. Azhdaha's sacrifice will not be forgotten, and Liyue, in your hands, will surely move toward an even more prosperous future."
...A dead silence followed.
Ganyu was the first to break the silence, asking softly, "Then... Dragon King, you now..."
Zhongli shook his head slightly, interrupting the title. "I am now merely Zhongli, a consultant of the WangSheng Funeral Parlor. The authority and responsibilities of the Geo Dragon King have been sealed away with the changing times. Protecting Liyue is a new contract signed between you—and all of us—and this land."
"Today's events have proven the power of this contract."
Hu Tao watched this scene, blinked, and suddenly blurted out, "So... consultant, you're the Dragon King? Then doesn't our WangSheng Funeral Parlor have... a really powerful background? Next time I'm negotiating business, can I say, 'Do you know who my consultant is?'"
Ningguang facepalmed, looking at Hu Tao with some helplessness, but the tense atmosphere eased considerably because of those eccentric words.
Zhongli withdrew his hand and turned to face everyone, regaining his usual composure. "Director, the background is not important. What matters is that the crisis is resolved and the truth has come to light. Now, it is time to handle the aftermath."
Having finished, he looked at Ningguang.
Ningguang understood and nodded slightly, then turned to the group. "The crisis is over, but the follow-up work has only just begun. Keqing, please take some people to check if there are any remaining formations in the vicinity. Beidou..."
While Ningguang was assigning tasks, Zhongli quietly stepped aside.
He gazed at the group of warriors protecting Liyue, a faint smile appearing on his lips as he whispered to himself, "Osmanthus wine tastes the same as I remember... but where are those who share the memory? When shall we meet again..."
In the distance, Xiao looked at Zhongli with a different light in his eyes... (This story is entirely fictional. All plots in the book are the wild imagination and artistic creation of the 'Fictional Historian,' intended to weave a legendary tale in a parallel dimension for your entertainment. Readers, please be advised.)
(The End)
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