READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 43: Chapter 43
Mondstadt
Beneath the iconic tree of Windrise.
Venti stood under the pillar of light that soared into the sky, looking toward the Sky Island high above. Because the sky was shrouded in a colorful aurora, ordinary people couldn't see Sky Island behind the aurora. The rainbow-like rings projected new laws that filled every inch of Teyvat.
"The new laws and the fresh vitality are filling the thousand winds. It's so comfortable~" Venti opened his arms, enjoying the breath of the new wind, his green eyes gazing toward Dragonspine.
The damaged ley lines there were healing rapidly, and the chilling winds blowing into Mondstadt were gradually weakening. Thousands of years ago, there was once a prosperous nation in that region, thriving without the presence of gods. But this prosperity had been based on the reckless use of ley line power, causing continual damage until natural law drove the nails to stabilize the damaged earth.
"The climate in Mondstadt is getting better and better. Maintaining the 'Thousand Winds Barrier' now requires only sixty percent of my original power," Venti murmured with delight.
He wasn't truly weak. Though he wasn't as strong as Morax, he still stood in the top three among the Seven Archons. After all, besides Morax and Beelzebul, these were the only three original gods left. The other four Archons were no longer as powerful as their predecessors.
The climate in Mondstadt had always been harsh. The pleasant weather they now enjoyed was thanks to Venti, who had used his divine power to lay the "Thousand Winds Barrier" after the Archon War a thousand years ago. More than ninety percent of his divine power was dedicated to maintaining this barrier to keep the cold winds of Dragonspine at bay.
"Ah, it's a pity there are duties across three realms now, so I can't go off without care." Venti scratched his head in frustration. He wanted to see this new world, but that required going through the door arranged by Celestia. If Celestia found out he went to play without permission, he'd be in trouble. Maybe he could apply to help Fontaine with the next annexation?
…
Fontaine
Fontaine's Supreme Court, Palais Mérét.
"The water in Fontaine has changed. There's something new within it that I cannot understand," Neuvillette said, looking out the window at the sky filled with a seven-colored aurora, before turning his gaze back to the Hydro Archon, Furina.
A few days ago, Furina had revealed herself in her true divine form. It had taken Neuvillette a few moments to come to terms with it. She explained the truth: Furina was also the Hydro Archon, and she had separated her personality and divinity into two beings.
Only then had he fully understood why Furina had often seemed like an ordinary girl.
"So, it's true that Celestia has set forth new laws and begun annexing other worlds," Neuvillette said, his doubts finally settled.
"Of course, Neuvillette," Furina affirmed, her gaze lifting toward the Supreme Throne floating above. "This current situation is the result of Celestia's plan to annex other worlds. We've been entrusted with overseeing the second world, and we can't afford to let anything go wrong."
She continued, "This second world is different from the first. It contains demonic-level power and is far more complex. Fontaine must concentrate all our strength to support Celestia's plan."
The first world had been weak; it was merely a trial for Celestia. But now, things were different.
"Are those so-called imperial weapons, those legendary creations akin to godly machines, the ones we're up against?" Neuvillette questioned.
Furina nodded. "The Teigu possesses advantages even beyond those of a Vision bearer, sometimes reaching god-like power or destruction."
"They remind me of Khaenri'ah's giant war machines—creations that could rival even the Demon Gods," Neuvillette mused.
Furina looked at him with sincerity. "For Fontaine and for the future of Teyvat, I implore you."
She was the Archon of Justice, the Sovereign of Water, Judgement, and Law, but she couldn't compare to Neuvillette's ability to govern the nation. Since assuming the role from Egeria, the previous Archon, Furina had focused solely on deciphering Fontaine's prophecy and had never managed the country herself.
Neuvillette was silent for a moment before replying, "For Fontaine, and for Teyvat… I cannot refuse your request."
He paused, then added, "But won't you tell Furina about your true nature? I believe she deserves to know."
Furina sighed. "She will know the truth eventually. If she asks, tell her." With that, she dissolved into blue water and disappeared.
"Let things unfold as they may," Neuvillette whispered, then returned to his work.
…
Liyue
Qingyun Peak
'Lingering demonic energy in Liyue's land is being purified, the disordered ley lines are recovering, and the mountains are growing stronger…'
Zhongli sat at a stone table in the front yard of Cloud Retainer's abode, sipping his tea. His golden eyes scanned the distant mountains as he processed these changes.
'It feels like Teyvat is returning to its pre-Calamity state…'
The world of Teyvat had not always been so fragmented. Before the Archon War, Teyvat had been whole. But that war had shattered the heavens, broken the earth, and thrown the fragments into the Abyss.
"It's incredible," Mountain Shaper remarked in awe. "It feels as if the world has completely renewed itself."
"Cloud Retainer, your cultivation is still shallow," Moon Carver teased. "Do you not feel the weight and essence in these mountains and rivers? It feels almost dreamlike."
"Hmph. Who says I can't feel it? These new laws must come from the annexed world," Mountain Shaper retorted.
Cloud Retainer raised her head with pride. "Your perception still falls short of mine. Look at the sky—can't you tell what's different?"
Zhongli ignored the bickering immortals and instead focused on Xiao, who had just appeared before him.
Xiao bowed respectfully. "Rex Lapis."
Zhongli put down his teacup. "The demonic energy within you has dissipated by seventy percent due to the aurora. This is a good sign."
…
As changes spread across Teyvat, the Demon Slayer world faced even greater transformations. In the Quantum Sea, a massive blue planet was being slowly pulled from beyond the Sea of Trees by a supreme force.