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This difficult "optimization" lasted for nearly half an hour!

During this half hour, the huge wrench phantom rotated with difficulty, and each rotation was accompanied by fierce sparks and roars of energy.

Ruota's body struggled several times in great pain and instinctive resistance, and each time Zhongli and the four True Lords suppressed him with all their strength, and the entire cave shook.

But as time went on, Ruota's struggle became obviously smaller and weaker.

The most obvious change is that its dragon eyes, which were originally as red as blood and full of madness and desire for destruction, are now fading away little by little, and the violent aura is also slowly dissipating.

Gradually, a feeling of fatigue and confusion appeared, and finally... clarity gradually returned!

Chapter 26: Old Friends

Finally, the light of the huge golden magic circle on the ground gradually dimmed and finally disappeared completely.

The huge wrench shadow above Ruota's head also completed its final rotation and quietly dissipated.

The entire cave fell silent in an instant, with only the occasional sound of falling gravel.

Amidst the smoke and dust, the huge head of the Rāshtra Dragon King moved slightly.

Slowly and laboriously, it raised its eyelids.

The dragon eyes that were once occupied by madness, although still exhausted, had regained their clear amber-gold color.

Like the purest glass, Zhongli's figure is reflected in it.

Zhongli's tense expression finally showed a hint of relaxation. He took a step forward, and his voice was filled with a rare hint of imperceptible nervousness and anticipation.

"The sky moves and everything changes, the mountains and seas change into shapes..."

Ruota's huge dragon head tilted slightly, and he was silent for a moment as he looked at the contracted god who had protected Liyue for thousands of years.

Just when everyone's hearts were in their throats, he slowly spoke, his voice hoarse and low, full of fatigue: "Stars rise in the wasteland, shining like the blazing sun."

Upon hearing this, Zhongli's tightly-pressed lips finally lifted up into a shallow yet incredibly real arc, and his eyes seemed to show thousands of years of ice and snow melting.

Ruota took a breath and glanced at the half piece of ancient stone (Dragon-Suppressing Stone) that had appeared in Zhongli's hand at some point.

"Back then... you used this broken stone... to trick me into signing that contract... Thousands of years later... you're still this... cunning..."

This familiar tone, this tone that was filled with resentment but no longer contained hatred, was like a thunderclap, exploding in everyone's hearts!

"Great! We did it! Ying!" Paimon cheered excitedly, spun several times in the air, and then excitedly stretched out his little hand to high-five Ying to celebrate.

Ying also showed a sincere smile, stretched out her hand and clapped it crisply with Paimon's little hand.

"yeah!"

True Lord Xueyue Zhuyang breathed a long sigh of relief, his four hooves relaxed, and he looked at Paimon with amazement: "Little guy... really... created a miracle."

True Lord Lishui Dieshan folded his wings, his voice unusually gentle, "Such mighty power... is unheard of. My friend, thank you for your hard work."

Grandma Ping's eyes were slightly red, and she wiped them with her sleeve: "Good...good! It's a blessing for Liyue to have an old friend return! Young friend Paimon, on behalf of Ruota, thank you very much!"

Although Xianyun was still cold, his tense shoulders relaxed and he nodded slightly to Paimeng: "Hmph... well done... "

Zhongli watched as Ruota regained his composure and began to absorb energy. He turned and bowed solemnly to Paimeng, "Paimeng, your kindness is as great as a mountain. Zhongli is deeply grateful."

Paimon felt a little embarrassed by everyone's thanks, his face turned slightly red, and he was about to wave his hand and say "nothing".

Suddenly, "Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle~~~~" an extremely loud, long, and very present rumbling sound came from her stomach, instantly echoing throughout the cave that had just quieted down.

“…” The smile on Paimon’s face froze, and his little face suddenly turned red like a ripe apple.

"This... this consumes a lot of energy, hehe." Her eyes were vague and she looked a little embarrassed.

After all, it was a scene of old friends reuniting, and I was kind of ruining the atmosphere.

Ying looked at Paimon's embarrassed look and couldn't help but burst out laughing, her eyes full of understanding and doting.

"I understand, I understand. Master Paimeng has worked hard! You've done a great job this time! Last time we were at Xinyuexuan, this time we'll go to Liuli Pavilion and treat you to a nice meal! Order whatever you want!"

"Liuliting! A full meal!" Paimeng's eyes lit up again in an instant, and his saliva was about to flow out.

But the next second, a huge feeling of hunger hit her again. She looked at Ying pitifully, "Ying... Liuliting... Let's talk about it later... Now... Can you give me something to eat to fill my stomach?"

"I feel like... I'm almost too hungry to fly... I'm seeing little stars..."

Ying immediately pulled out the most classic and fastest way to replenish energy from her backpack—a steaming, fragrant bowl of sweet flower-stuffed chicken! "Eat it quickly, you great hero!"

Paimon cheered and didn't care about being shy anymore. He rushed over, hugged the sweet flower-stuffed chicken and started to gobble it up, humming with happiness.

On the other side, Zhongli did not remove the seal immediately.

He walked up to Ruta, who had regained his consciousness but still looked weak.

"How's it going, old friend?"

"Tired, more tired than ever before." Ruo Tuo's voice was still low and hoarse, but his tone was much calmer, with a kind of exhaustion that came from surviving a disaster. "My strength... seems to have been completely drained..."

Zhongli nodded. "The purification process is extremely demanding, and your essence has also been damaged. I will not remove this seal for the time being. I will modify it slightly."

He raised his hand, golden light flowed from his fingertips, and touched the huge rock ridges.

The sealing runes on the ground gradually disappeared, replaced by a gentle and condensed array pattern.

“This formation can help you gather rock elemental power faster, nourish your essence, and speed up your recovery.

You can rest here and recuperate peacefully. When you have recovered some strength, we can talk about our past together."

"Hmph... whatever you say..." Ruota closed his eyes, as if he had almost no strength to speak, and just responded tiredly.

But its body obviously relaxed, and it began to instinctively absorb the rich rock elemental power gathered around it by the formation.

Zhongli watched as Ruota began to absorb the energy, a hint of relief and satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

He turned around and began to leave the sealed place with Ying, Paimeng and the four True Lords.

On the way back to Liyue Harbor, the atmosphere was much more relaxed.

It was rare that Xiao did not return to the Wangshu Inn in Dihuazhou, and was preparing to go to Liuli Pavilion to celebrate with them.

The other two True Lords, Lishui Dieshan and Xueyue Zhuyang, who had lived in Jueyun for a long time, also accompanied them.

On the way, everyone expressed their sincere gratitude to Ying and Paimon.

"The power of this 'wrench' of this little fellow is truly mysterious," said True Lord Xueyue Zhuyang with deep emotion. "It can actually cleanse a thousand years of accumulated resentment and restore spiritual clarity."

"Yes, I've lived for so long, and this is the first time I've seen such a miraculous ability." Grandma Ping smiled at Paimeng, who was still gnawing on a chicken leg. "This earthly opportunity is beyond words."

"Hmph, although the principle is unclear, the result is certain." Xianyun still maintained her style, but her eyes looking at Paimeng were much softer. "It is truly unique."

Xiao and Lishui Dieshan Zhenjun just nodded slightly, and everything was said without words.

Paimon enjoyed listening to everyone praising him in a roundabout way. After all, this was a rare highlight moment for him.

Along the way, everyone chatted casually, talking about the thrilling process just now, talking about Ruota's recovery, and talking about the future of Liyue.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on this group of people who had just completed an almost impossible feat, appearing particularly warm and peaceful.

Chapter 27 Wildfire Eavesdropping Suspicion

The private rooms of the Glazed Pavilion were brightly lit and filled with fragrant aromas. Exquisite Liyue delicacies filled the table, each showcasing the grandeur of the banquet and the host's thoughtfulness.

"Mmm! It's so delicious!" Paimon hummed happily, "Zhongli, you really understand me! Liuli Pavilion's reputation is well-deserved!"

Ying looked at Paimeng wolfing down his food, his eyes full of smiles: "Eat slowly, Paimeng, no one is competing with you for it. You are the biggest contributor this time."

Zhongli sat upright in the main seat, sipping a cup of tea leisurely and looking at the lively scene in front of him, with a rare sense of ease and warmth in his golden eyes.

"Young friend Paimeng has made a great contribution in helping old friend Ruota regain his clarity of mind. This meal is a small token of our gratitude and congratulations."

He looked at Paimon who was trying hard to "fight" with a matsutake stuffed meat roll, his tone gentle and serious.

"Paimon, your 'Power of Optimization' has extraordinary potential. Today it can purify millennia of wear and tear, and someday it may be able to touch upon the deeper mysteries of life, even... the very laws of nature. How to proceed on this path requires your own understanding, and we will do our best to assist you in this exploration together."

Paimon finally swallowed the meat roll, his little face flushed with excitement and food.

"Really? My wrench can be even more powerful? Hehe, then Paimon will be even more popular in the future! However,"

She scratched her head. "I still need to think about how to become more powerful... Hmm, maybe I need to eat more delicious food to replenish my energy?"

As she spoke, her eyes turned to the tempting-smelling squirrel fish next to her.

Ying held her forehead helplessly: "...Paimon, the relationship between ability and eating is not that simple."

Zhongli smiled faintly, noncommittal: "Enlightenment comes naturally, it cannot be forced. Enjoying the present moment is also a form of cultivation."

While Paimon was temporarily "sealed" by the food, Ying took out the chat group interface and briefly reported his safety to Zhongli and shared the joy of success.

Zhongli even had an idea and sent another table of sumptuous Liuli Pavilion delicacies to the train crew and the rope craftsman brother and sister through the group warehouse of the chat group.

[Bengtie·Xing]: "!!! Long live Mr. Zhongli! Long live Paimon!"

【Bengtie·March 7】: "Wow! It's Liyue food! It smells so good! Thank you, Mr. Zhongli! Thank you, Paimon! (taking a photo of the lotus cake.jpg)"

[Bengtie Danheng]: "Thank you for the hospitality. Congratulations to the Dragon King Ruota on his recovery. Paimon's abilities are amazing."

[Zero·Ling]: "Looks delicious! Thank you, Mr. Zhongli and Paimon! My brother and I are eating energy bars to replenish our energy. We've been making do with the lack of supplies in the Outer Ring these past few days."

[Juequ Ling·Zhe]: "Thank you. Congratulations on your success. I received the delicious food, it's very tempting."

The group was suddenly filled with photos of food and words of gratitude, and the atmosphere was warm and cheerful.

Seeing everyone enjoying their meal, Paimon puffed out his chest in real life, feeling very proud.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the room through the window. Ying was still washing up, while Paimeng was energetically browsing the chat group.

[Juequ Zero·Ling]: "Luckily, Mr. Zhongli treated us to dinner last night, otherwise my brother and I would definitely be too tired to get up today."

[Genshin Impact·Paimon]: "What's wrong? Ling, it sounds like you guys had another secret operation last night?"

[Zero Ling]: "Yes, the Sons of Calydon have been targeted by certain forces recently, and Lucy and the others suspect there's a traitor. Lucy's suspicions are even more justified after discovering that Wildfire Town Mayor Kasa has a deal with the Triumphant."

[Bengtie·March 7]: "No way, didn't you say before that they have a good relationship? Otherwise, you wouldn't have allowed the Son of Calydon to be stationed there. Could there be some misunderstanding?"

[Absolute Zone Zero·Ling]: "March's guess was pretty accurate! The reason Kasa and the others traded with the Triumphers was because there were recent problems with the oil pipeline, resulting in a lack of basic supplies."

[Zero Ling]: "But I didn't want to distract the Son of Calydon, so I traded food and medicine with the Triumphant by making handicrafts."

[Bengtie·Xing]: "I feel like they're a bit stubborn. What can't be said directly? Friends are supposed to help each other. Being stubborn will only lead to more trouble."

[Bengtie·March 7]: "Hey, Xing, please don't make random comments."

[Bengtie·March 7]: "It's good that it's a misunderstanding. As long as it's a misunderstanding, there's a possibility of reconciliation. But, Ling, doesn't that mean there's no clue about the insider incident you mentioned?"

[Zero·Ling]: "It seems the misunderstanding has been resolved. However, the insider incident has also come to a conclusion. I'd like to introduce someone to you."

[Photo: A tall, burly middle-aged man wearing a well-tailored leather jacket, with gray hair and eagle-like eyes, is talking to Caesar, Lucy, and the others.]

Pompey in the photo has a resolute face and deep eyes. Even through the screen, one can feel the calm aura of being in a high position for a long time and the subtle sense of oppression.

[Juequ Zero·Ling]: "Look, this is the current leader of the Triumphant Overlord, Uncle Pompey! He personally came to handle this last night. My goodness, just standing there, his aura makes you feel like he's a formidable figure! He's so imposing without even getting angry!"

[Genshin Impact·Paimon]: "Wow! He looks so awesome just looking at the picture! Like... that kind of... final stage boss!"

[Bengtie·Xing]: "Paimon is right! That aura, that look, that stance... It's like a final boss! Ling, you better be careful!"

[Bengtie·March 7]: "Xing! What boss or no boss? Don't scare Ling! But... this Mr. Pompey does look very majestic."

[Zero Bell]: "He discovered a bug in the Yangtun handicrafts he commissioned from Wildfire Town and realized that something was wrong with Morse, who was in charge of the transaction."

[Zero·Ling]: "And he's really good at it! He just defined the eavesdropping incident with just a few words and took all the responsibility."

[Zero Ling]: "Then he offered a compensation plan on the spot, not only compensating the Son of Calydon for his losses but also promising to strengthen support for Wildfire Town. His sincerity was impeccable."

[Zero Bell]: "Insanely efficient! The situation was resolved quickly. Honestly, this boss gives people the feeling of being... unfathomable! Management, negotiation, and strength, they all seem to be extremely strong! It seems so difficult for Sister Caesar and the others to win against such an opponent in the Hellfire Ride..."

At this time, Zhongli also began to analyze for everyone.

[Genshin Impact·Zhongli]: "I observed this man's calm demeanor, his eyes gleaming with brilliance. He handled this matter with swift and decisive action, employing both kindness and authority. He is truly remarkable. His management skills and negotiation techniques are truly first-rate."

[Genshin Impact·Zhongli]: "However, the eavesdropping may be more than just a superficial incident. Morse, with his mere position as captain, was able to connect so many parties and orchestrate such a precise scheme, causing such distress to the son of Calydon. The information, resources, and connections required to accomplish this are far beyond the reach of a mere captain. This is just the tip of the iceberg; I'm afraid there are still undercurrents beneath the surface."

Chapter 28 Pre-match Warm-up