While his mind raced with wild thoughts, Jiang Chen got to work.
Meanwhile, Zhongli approached Azhdaha, gazing at his slumbering form with a sigh.
Memories of their shared past flashed through his mind.
"Old friend... I shall grant you rebirth."
His words were solemn, but his actions were merciless.
In an instant, he delivered a painless death to the sleeping dragon.
Azhdaha perished without ever waking.
With the deed done, Zhongli activated all the seals in the chamber.
This place had always been Azhdaha's tomb.
If erosion became unbearable, Zhongli would end Azhdaha's suffering—just as he would his own, should the day come.
The cavern had been prepared centuries ago, a joint effort between Morax and Azhdaha to contain their corruption and prevent it from tainting Liyue's lands.
Now, to ensure Azhdaha's corpse didn't fester with malice, Zhongli reinforced the seals, locking it down completely.
Jiang Chen, observing this, hurriedly drew his summoning circle.
Damn, Zhongli's efficiency is terrifying.
No hesitation—just instant execution.
Will Azhdaha attack on sight when he wakes up?
Burning with curiosity, Jiang Chen completed the magic circle, then used Azhdaha's remains as the catalyst for summoning.
The small circle could only accommodate one of Azhdaha's claws—the dragon's true form was far too massive.
As Jiang Chen activated the ritual, a titanic surge of Geo energy erupted, piercing through the cavern and blazing into the sky.
The sheer scale dwarfed even Guizhong's summoning.
But it wasn't just Geo—other elements converged as well.
Azhdaha had never been limited to one element.
The cataclysmic energy ripple shook all of Liyue and even reached Sumeru's borders.
At this proximity, Sumeru's scholars couldn't possibly miss it.
Across Teyvat, every Archon sensed the disturbance.
Venti, halfway through a nap in Liyue Harbor, jolted awake.
"What the—? Old man, what are you doing?!"
Without hesitation, he raced toward Tianqiu Valley.
Another summoning?!
Ningguang, atop the Jade Chamber, considered contacting Jiang Chen—but ultimately held back.
If this is his doing, he's likely busy.
Better to wait.
Her gaze fixed on the pillar of light, she murmured:
"First Guizhong, now... who?"
The adepti, already resurrected, had secretly gathered near Tianqiu Valley, standing guard.
This was no ordinary summoning—it involved the Lord of Vishaps.
A single mishap could endanger all of Liyue.
They knew Azhdaha's power firsthand.
But the ritual proceeded flawlessly.
Deep underground, Azhdaha's colossal draconic form vanished, replaced by a muscular humanoid figure within the magic circle.
Azhdaha blinked, dazed.
"I... what...?"
Fragmented memories flooded back—culminating in Morax killing him in his sleep.
His head snapped up, eyes locking onto Zhongli.
...That wasn't a dream?
His face darkened.
"Morax. You killed me?"
I was your brother—and you murdered me?!
Though he'd felt no pain, the betrayal stung deeply.
If Azhdaha had Sharingan, this trauma would've unlocked the Mangekyō—maybe even the Rinnegan.
The agony was that profound.
"It was for your own good, old friend."
"Welcome back."
Zhongli glossed over the details.
You're alive now, so what's the issue?
Azhdaha huffed, still resentful.
Damn you, Morax—cold-hearted lizard!
"Your erosion... it's gone, isn't it?"
The reminder diverted Azhdaha's focus.
Checking his condition, his anger melted into awe.
"It's... gone!"
The torment of erosion—vanished!
"Forgive me, old friend."
"This was the only way to save you."
Zhongli's apology was perfectly timed.
Azhdaha waved it off.
"No matter!"
"You helped me, after all!"
His grudge dissipated.
How could he stay mad when Zhongli's actions cured his erosion?
Jiang Chen's eye twitched.
Azhdaha, you sweet summer child...
Morax is gaslighting you!!
Don't fall for it!
But seeing their reconciliation, Jiang Chen held his tongue.
Better not stir the pot.
"But... what am I now?"
"I feel stronger than before—with new abilities."
Azhdaha flexed his arms, marveling at his enhanced power.
His prime strength remained, but he'd gained:
True Form Liberation
Reality Marble: Dragonic Battlefield (Absolute dominance within)
Geo Weapon Creation & Enhancement
What exactly had Morax turned him into?
Puzzled, Azhdaha looked to Zhongli—who gestured toward Jiang Chen.