Douluo; Zhongli Adventures in Mortal World with Paimon

Chapter 561: 561: "Old man, you seem a bit off!"

Seeing Buer deep in thought, Venti didn't stop.

He glanced at the people laying the road and then at the vendors selling goods, continuing, "Humans are strange. Without constraints or faith, things might start off beautifully, but gradually, they would be dominated by their inner desires, leading to some bad deeds."

"For instance, if the Heavenly Principles didn't control the people of Teyvat, and gods researched the ley lines and forbidden knowledge, what would the entire continent of Teyvat become?"

It seemed like he was asking Buer, or perhaps himself.

If the Heavenly Principles didn't stop such research, he couldn't imagine what Teyvat would turn into.

"It would definitely be a mess..."

Venti murmured, this was the answer he got.

"Hmm~"

Buer nodded in agreement but didn't say much.

She had seen the horror of forbidden knowledge and understood why the Heavenly Principles acted this way.

If such things spread, the destruction of Teyvat would only be a matter of time.

After pondering for a moment, the two "people" set off again, heading towards Heaven Dou City.

Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had gone by.

In Heaven Dou City, on a certain street.

"Barbatos, why aren't we going through the gate?"

Buer asked with a puzzled look.

When they arrived at the outskirts of Heaven Dou City, Barbatos had actually flown into the city with her, instead of walking in like they did in other cities.

Hearing this, Venti shrugged and said, "Do you have gold soul coins?"

"No."

Having been in the Douluo Continent for some time, Buer naturally knew what gold soul coins were.

They were the currency of the Douluo Continent, similar to Mora in Teyvat.

Since arriving in the Douluo Continent, she hadn't earned any money, so naturally, she didn't have any gold soul coins.

"Me neither..."

Venti said without any embarrassment.

"???"

This statement made Buer slightly stunned.

What did not having gold soul coins have to do with entering the city?

"Entering Heaven Dou City requires paying one gold soul coin as an entry fee."

"Neither of us has a gold soul coin, so..."

Venti didn't continue, believing that the God of Wisdom would understand instantly.

Sure enough, Buer understood immediately.

Two gods couldn't even scrape together two gold soul coins, really... really...

"Let's go, don't overthink it, we're almost at the old man's place."

"Really miss the fine wine at the old man's place!"

Buer: "..."

After Venti and Buer flew into the city, they weren't far from Zhongli's residence. In a short while, the two "people" arrived at the entrance of Zhongli's mansion.

Arriving here, Venti felt like he was home. Without waiting for anyone to welcome them, he pushed the door open and walked in.

Buer: "..."

"Old man, take a look at who I've brought!"

Buer: "..."

Would Morax remember her?

The Anemo Archon, Barbatos, had already forgotten her, Morax...

When the two "people" entered Zhongli's residence, those who sensed their arrival almost immediately rushed to the hall.

"Venti, who did you bring?"

Paimon flew to Venti's side, asking curiously.

This sister who looked like an elf was quite beautiful, and she wondered how Venti "tricked" her into coming.

For some reason, Paimon felt that this sister looked somewhat familiar.

She naturally didn't sense the arrival of the two "people," but Lumine did!

At this moment, Lumine widened her eyes, looking at the Great Dendro Archon - Buer in disbelief.

This... wasn't she completely dissipated?

Beelzebul, Neuvillette, Xiao, Azhdaha, and others also looked at Buer with confusion.

Seeing the visitor, Zhongli was slightly stunned, also somewhat incredulous.

He had thought that the Dendro Archon Nahida might come, or even the World Tree, but he never expected it to be her!

"Great Dendro Archon - Buer."

Instinctively, Zhongli greeted Buer.

"???"

Buer, Venti, and Lumine almost simultaneously looked at Zhongli, their eyes filled with confusion.

Something was off, very off!

It wasn't them who were off, but this old man!

Everyone had forgotten her, only the Descenders escaped this fate.

How could he still remember the Great Dendro Archon - Buer?

Shouldn't he be puzzled, confused, with a very expressive face, then ask Buer why she had the aura of the World Tree, and then...

"Old man, you seem a bit off!"

Venti tilted his head slightly, speaking to Zhongli.

Lumine and Buer nodded, agreeing.

Others were extremely puzzled, looking at Zhongli, then at Venti and Buer, not understanding what riddle they were playing.

Hearing this and glancing at Venti, Zhongli suddenly understood.

The World Tree had erased all information about the Great Dendro Archon, yet he still remembered her.

Even if Zhongli wasn't a "transcender," the original Zhongli from this timeline still knew something...

The Seven Archons had changed, and now five had passed.

Among the first generation of gods, only the Anemo Archon and the Geo Archon hadn't changed, meaning Zhongli knew that the Dendro Archon of Sumeru had changed, and even that the first Dendro Archon had fallen.

"I might be a bit special, and I remember you."

While Zhongli was "organizing his words," Lumine approached Buer, saying.

"Traveler, long time no see."

Buer smiled, greeting Lumine.

"I thought I'd never see you again, that I would be the last record of your existence..."

When Lumine said this, she felt somewhat sorrowful.

The Great Dendro Archon who saved the world was forgotten by everyone, even Paimon by her side didn't remember her.

"I don't know why this happened, suddenly crossing over, suddenly reviving..."

"For me, it should be considered a good thing."

The Great Dendro Archon didn't mind whether people forgot her or if someone remembered her.

Some things had to be done, even if they wouldn't be remembered by history.

"By the way, Morax, your memory wasn't altered by the World Tree?"

Buer paused, looking at Zhongli, puzzled.

Having said this, everyone vaguely understood one thing: the person before them wasn't "ordinary," they might know her, but due to certain events, they had forgotten her.

"My true form comes from the stars beyond Teyvat, perhaps that's why I remember you."

Zhongli gave an answer that could be considered as such.

His true form did indeed come from the stars beyond the continent of Teyvat.

Although everyone was still puzzled, they didn't continue to press. Everyone has their own secrets, and if the other party isn't willing to say more, pressing further is meaningless.

Isn't it quite nice as it is now?

"Hehe, since the old man remembers the Great Dendro Archon, then you should introduce her to everyone."

####

Chapter 562: 562: Old Friends Fall One After Another, Like Leaves in the Wind

"Hmm~"

After a moment of contemplation, a glint of light flashed in Zhongli's amber eyes, though his expression remained completely calm, showing no emotion.

His gaze turned to the Great Dendro Archon, Buer. Zhongli spoke calmly, "If the Great Dendro Archon doesn't mind, I can share my shallow understanding to introduce her to everyone."

As soon as these words were spoken, the corners of everyone's eyes twitched slightly, their expressions turning quite peculiar.

"Shallow understanding?"

Does this old man have no self-awareness?

As the oldest and most composed presence here, does he not know much about himself?

"The old man is as humble as ever."

Venti stroked his chin and chimed in softly.

He and Zhongli had performed many acts together, especially in front of "ordinary people."

Fortunately, the two of them had thick skin, and even if there were those in the know, they could still perfectly act out their roles.

As long as they didn't feel awkward, then it was others who would feel awkward. That's just how it was.

The Great Dendro Archon covered her face with her right hand, sizing up Zhongli for a moment, and couldn't help but think to herself: The Geo Archon, Morax, has really changed a lot over the years.

The Geo Archon of the past was the most arrogant among the Seven, especially during their first meeting. The arrogance he exuded could be felt by the other gods even from a distance.

As time passed, this Geo Archon had become much more restrained, his temper increasingly gentle. The change was indeed significant.

The "young" Morax had a "fight if you don't agree" attitude, but time had worn down his temper.

Breaking free from her memories, the Great Dendro Archon spoke gently, "The Geo Archon may speak freely."

Among the Seven, not all of them had fought their way to their positions.

The Great Dendro Archon, being the incarnation of the World Tree, was one of the Seven by default.

In terms of combat, she was inferior to the Anemo, Electro, and Geo Archons.

But in terms of wisdom, she stood alone at the top.

After receiving the "former" Dendro Archon's response, Zhongli nodded and began to recount the "incident" involving the Great Dendro Archon.

It truly was an incident. That matter originally had nothing to do with her, but she was unexpectedly dragged into it. What else could it be called but an incident?

The troublemaker died, and the one who did nothing ended up taking the blame. It was truly hard to put into words.

"As everyone knows, the World Tree was born in Sumeru, and the Great Dendro Archon is the incarnation of the World Tree..."

Everyone: "..."

Just the opening line made everyone exchange glances, wanting to speak but hesitating.

This so-called "as everyone knows" is only known to you, right?

If they knew, would they need Zhongli to introduce it?

Ignoring the colorful expressions on everyone's faces, Zhongli continued, "Five hundred years ago, after the battle of Khaenri'ah, the World Tree was infected with forbidden knowledge. This knowledge was a burden to both the World Tree and the Great Dendro Archon."

"The Great Dendro Archon came up with a solution: to break off the purest branch from the World Tree and turn it into the Lesser Lord Kusanali."

"Lesser Lord Kusanali and the Great Dendro Archon share the same roots. She is the Great Dendro Archon, yet she is not the Great Dendro Archon."

"She is an individual entity, not carrying the wisdom and memories of the Great Dendro Archon..."

"When the Traveler Lumine..."

At this point, Zhongli paused because he saw Paimon's bright eyes staring at him expectantly.

Although Paimon didn't know what was happening, since the Traveler was mentioned, there must be a "place" for her.

It must have been with her and the Traveler's help that the world was saved!

Zhongli's eyelids twitched. To be honest, this matter really didn't have much to do with Paimon... Ah, forget it.

Shaking his head to dispel the chaotic thoughts, Zhongli continued, "With the help of the Traveler and Paimon, the Great Dendro Archon ultimately purified the World Tree and successfully allowed herself to completely dissipate."

"Hehe~"

Paimon put her hands on her hips and laughed proudly, "I knew it was me and the Traveler who helped the Great Dendro Archon save the world!"

But at this moment, no one paid attention to little Paimon, as they were all lost in their thoughts.

It turned out that they had known about the Great Dendro Archon to some extent before, but it was her sacrifice that led to all living beings in the world forgetting her.

Only Zhongli and Lumine, for some special reasons, remembered this Great Dendro Archon.

At this moment, Zhongli looked at the Great Dendro Archon, a hint of tenderness in his eyes, and said, "To be honest, seeing you again, I am truly surprised and delighted."

"Old friends fall one after another, like leaves in the wind."

"I never expected to see a departed old friend appear before me again..."

As these words were spoken, many "people" in the room became emotional.

The entire Tiancheng City turned from sunny to cloudy, then overcast, and finally, a light rain began to fall.

"Focalors..."

Neuvillette looked up at the ceiling, as if seeing that figure in his mind. He opened his mouth slightly but felt a lump in his throat.

Not just that figure, but also humans, Melusines, and departed old friends.

In the side room, Furina listened to the sound of the rain outside, somewhat bewildered. Why did the weather change so suddenly?

As if thinking of something, Furina's expression turned quite interesting.

"Is the Hydro Dragon crying again?"

"Who knows what he's remembering."

After a moment of thought, she picked up an umbrella and decided to go out and buy a sweet little cake to share with Neuvillette.

Eating something sweet, he probably wouldn't be so emotional, right?

In the hall, the Electro Archon, Beelzebul, sitting to the side, showed no expression on her face, but her eyes were filled with sorrow.

"Sister... Lady Makoto..."

Old friends appeared one by one. She wished everyone could come back to life, whether or not they had crossed into this other world.

Who among those present didn't have a story?

"Old friends..."

Venti murmured, then shook his head, a gentle smile reappearing on his face.

Sensing the somber atmosphere, he whispered to Zhongli, "Old man, now that everyone has reunited, shouldn't you do something?"

"???"

Zhongli was full of questions. What did Venti mean?

Seeing Zhongli's confusion, Venti hinted, "For example, set up a couple of tables?"

"Everyone can sit down, drink, and chat. Wouldn't that be nice?"

Zhongli: "..."

This guy was definitely after his wine.

Fortunately, he had plenty of wine here, with people sending some over from time to time, so he could handle this big drinker.

Venti's words also pulled everyone out of their sadness.

Although the Anemo Archon was a bit unreliable, he could show his usefulness at critical moments.

As soon as he spoke, everyone instantly forgot their sorrow.

Zhongli glanced at Venti and said, "Don't worry, there's plenty of wine."

"I'll ask Chef Xiangling to prepare some dishes. Everyone can enjoy some tea and wine while you wait."

"Great, I'll go get the wine!"

Venti turned into a gust of wind and disappeared on the spot. He knew Zhongli's place very well.

Zhongli: " 0.o"