Zhongli's method to save Azhdaha was brutally simple.
Kill him first, then resurrect him as a Heroic Spirit.
This was the easiest solution.
Once revived, Azhdaha's erosion would vanish, restoring him to his former self.
"When do we start?"
Jiang Chen didn't overthink it.
If Zhongli had made up his mind, he'd help without question.
He just hoped Azhdaha wouldn't bite Zhongli's head off after being revived.
After all, this was literally killing him first before bringing him back.
The resentment would be immense.
"Whenever you're ready."
Zhongli pondered briefly before deciding.
He was free anytime—it all depended on Jiang Chen's schedule.
If Jiang Chen was available, they could head over right after the opera.
They'd finish the job and still make it back for dinner with an old friend.
"Alright!"
"I'm ready now."
"Let's just go."
Jiang Chen didn't waste words—no point delaying.
"After the opera."
But the old man wasn't in a hurry.
He even had the leisure to enjoy the performance first.
Jiang Chen was speechless.
Damn, this casual attitude…
Was he not worried at all about Azhdaha?
"We can do it whenever?"
"Is Azhdaha less important than an opera?"
Staring at Zhongli, Jiang Chen didn't know what to say.
Azhdaha deserved better!
"What's wrong?"
"Watch the show—this is Yun Jin's performance."
"A rare treat."
...
Jiang Chen fell silent.
Fine.
Whatever makes you happy.
No wonder Azhdaha cursed Morax every day while imprisoned.
Even Jiang Chen felt like yelling at him now.
Maybe Azhdaha's insults weren't enough?
Should he teach Azhdaha a few more phrases?
More curse words = better self-defense.
Jiang Chen mentally ranted before shaking his head.
No point dwelling on it.
Instead, he focused on Yun Jin.
Zhongli enjoyed listening to her, but Jiang Chen preferred watching.
After all, Yun Jin was quite the sight.
The two sat in the booth, each absorbed in their own way.
An hour later, the opera concluded.
"Let's go."
"Time for business."
With the show over, it was time to get serious.
Zhongli stood and headed out, Jiang Chen following closely.
Shockingly, Zhongli paid the bill himself this time.
"You… brought Mora?"
"That's unheard of."
Seeing Zhongli pay was like watching Venti actually work.
Absolutely mind-blowing.
"Had some spare change recently."
"So I carried it."
After settling the bill, Zhongli casually remarked before walking out.
He'd gotten a bit of Mora lately—from Hu Tao.
Mainly because she was tired of reimbursing his tabs.
So, to avoid paperwork, she'd shoved some Mora at him and told him to pay his own way.
Zhongli didn't want to carry money, but if he didn't, Hu Tao might stop covering his expenses.
As a doting father figure, he was utterly helpless against her.
Jiang Chen chuckled at the explanation.
Only Hu Tao could rein in this guy.
With a smile, he didn't dwell on it.
The two left the theater and slipped into a secluded alley, vanishing instantly.
Zhongli brought Jiang Chen to Tianqiu Valley, where the Vortex Vanquisher Tree stood—the seal imprisoning Azhdaha.
Arriving, Jiang Chen scanned the area curiously.
The human vessel Azhdaha had possessed wasn't here.
Had no one come to dig?
Or had Zhongli already handled it?
Zhongli approached the tree and activated a seal.
Golden runes glowed at the base, revealing a massive barrier.
With a few more hand signs, Zhongli stepped through.
"Follow me."
Jiang Chen hurried after him.
Beyond the barrier lay a cavern, leading to a vast underground chamber.
There, a giant draconic figure lay slumbering.
Jiang Chen's eyes widened.
The space was crisscrossed with enchanted chains—layer upon layer of restraints.
To Jiang Chen, this was a perfect magical workshop.
With his Territory Creation skill, he could modify this place.
The power of Paracelsus's template stirred within him.
Smirking, Jiang Chen leapt down, landing beside Zhongli.
"I reinforced the seals recently and induced his slumber."
"No need to wake him."
"Just prepare your summoning circle."
"I'll handle the rest."
Let Azhdaha be reborn in his sleep.
Erase his consciousness, then resummon him on the spot.
Jiang Chen nodded.
"No problem."
"This is the cleanest method."
With their plan set, Zhongli moved into position.
Jiang Chen studied Azhdaha's form, musing silently.
If Azhdaha had a Servant class, it'd definitely be Berserker, right?
With special anti-Morax attacks?
As a top-tier adeptus, Azhdaha's stat sheet would be insane.
He might even have Divinity-Slaying traits.
The thought excited Jiang Chen.
Speaking of which… this place is close to Sumeru.
Should I drop by?
Might as well—already here.
His adventurer's instincts tingled.
Grab the check-in reward, resolve the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata situation, and—
Kill The Doctor.
Decision made.
After this, I'll drag Zhongli along.
"The Akademiya imprisoned their own Archon—you have to help, right?"
As good neighbors, they'd crossed the line.
Venti's still in Liyue too—let's bring him along.
Too bad Makoto and Ei are in Inazuma, or we could've invited them.
Unless… I summon Makoto?
Jiang Chen could do that.
Surely Makoto and Rukkhadevata were friends, right?
Seeing her successor treated like this, wouldn't she step in?
With multiple Archons storming the Akademiya, no one could object.
Got a problem?
Is the Musou no Hitotachi not sharp enough?
Or are Zhongli's meteorites too small?