"Revive… the Totem of Resurrection…"
"Resurrection!"
The teacup in Zhongli's hand suddenly shattered, tea splashing in all directions, even onto the faces of Xiao and the others nearby.
But Xiao and the others didn't care.
They stared at Ryen with intense emotions.
"Mr. Ryen! The Totem of Resurrection… is it really what I'm imagining it to be?"
Ryen gave a playful shrug and joked:
"I already said, the Totem of Resurrection only has one function. The name is so straightforward—don't tell me you still don't get it?"
"Or do you want me to spell it out even more clearly?"
"That's right! The Totem of Resurrection allows you to bring the Adepti back to life!"
The atmosphere in the courtyard instantly fell into silence.
After a long pause, Moon Carver was the first to speak, his voice anxious:
"Mr. Ryen! How is the Totem of Resurrection made? How do we use it? Can we go in now and retrieve it?"
"Are there any limitations to the totem?"
"Can the Archons be revived with it?"
Ningguang and the others remained silent. They understood just how tempting the Totem of Resurrection was—for the Adepti, and especially for Zhongli.
Over thousands of years of warfare, how many Adepti had died?
They were comrades who had fought side by side. Family.
Now, there was a chance to let them see how far Liyue had come—to reunite once more, to recreate the scene of all the Adepti gathering, drinking, and celebrating as they once had.
That was the ultimate dream of every Adeptus—even Zhongli never dared to hope for it.
But now… it was finally within reach!
At this moment, anyone who dared interrupt was just asking to be shouted down by the Adepti.
"Don't rush, let's take it one step at a time!"
Ryen waved his hand helplessly.
"How can we not be in a rush!"
Cloud Retainer was so worked up she could barely stand still, pacing back and forth to express her emotions.
"Minghai, Yixiao, Yingda, Minu…"
"And… Guizhong…"
"They were all our family! They fought for Liyue, but missed the chance to witness its age of prosperity. That's a pain we all carry in our hearts as Adepti!"
"If there's a chance—if there's even the slightest chance—no matter what the cost, I want them to see Liyue as it is today with their own eyes!"
"Ryen, no matter what! We must revive them!"
Zhongli spoke in a deep voice:
"Cloud Retainer! Restrain your power!"
Cloud Retainer took a deep breath, calming the immortal energy that had surged out unconsciously, and looked eagerly at Ryen.
Zhongli turned to Ryen, his gaze complex.
"Cloud Retainer may be a bit emotional, but the Totem of Resurrection truly is far too important to us."
"In Liyue's 3,700-year history, far too many old friends were lost to war. They could have chosen seclusion—watching the changes of the world from afar…"
"But they gave their lives for Liyue."
"I know… what we're attempting may defy the natural balance of life and death—but they have earned the right to witness the Liyue of today."
"This time… call it my selfishness—I want to bring them back."
"For Liyue, it's also a good thing. With more adepti returning, Liyue's strength will continue to grow, and we can prepare for future wars."
"Ryen, how do we use the Totem of Resurrection?"
Ningguang and the others also looked at Ryen with anticipation.
In ancient Liyue, the number of adepti was countless. At its peak, hundreds of adepti rallied together, and four or five Archons stood united.
The War God Zhongli, the Dust Archon Guizhong, the Stove God Marchosius...
Plus the pure combat power of the primeval Archon, Azhdaha.
With the four Archons protecting Liyue, they were considered the strongest in their time—and even now...
They would reign supreme over the world.
If Liyue could return to its former glory, the odds of standing against Celestia would greatly improve.
Seeing that they were growing impatient, Ryen didn't keep them in suspense. He spoke softly:
"I'll tell you. But before that, you all need to understand how the Totem of Resurrection works."
"The essence of the Totem of Resurrection... is soul conversion."
"You must first acquire stored soul energy through consumption. Only then can you exchange it to revive a specific person."
Upon hearing this, everyone's heart sank.
"Equivalent exchange…" Zhongli sighed deeply.
It had reached the outcome he least wished to see.
To bring one person back—does it mean another must die?
Ningguang pursed her lips and said softly:
"Don't worry. Liyue's Sky Prison holds many death row inmates. Using their lives in exchange for an adeptus' life—it's worth it!"
Hu Tao opened her mouth slightly but didn't say anything in the end.
"No, you're mistaken. Human life isn't sufficient to serve as the foundation for reviving an adeptus."
Ryen shook his head.
Xiao seemed slightly dazed.
"So… it's us, then? No problem! I've already seen enough of this flourishing age—it's their turn to see it now!"
Some of the other adepti also revealed a willingness to sacrifice themselves.
Ryen couldn't help but laugh and shake his head.
"What are you all thinking? Did I say anything about you exchanging your lives?"
"Even if a soul is needed—you think that world doesn't have powerful monsters with strong souls?"
"What I meant is—this soul energy we need can be obtained by slaying the Wither while holding a Nether Star. Then, it will become a Totem of Resurrection."
"Holding the Totem of Resurrection and killing the Wither will absorb the Wither's soul."
"At that point, you'll possess one unit of soul energy. And no matter if it's an adeptus or an Archon—reviving them only costs one soul point!"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.
They had assumed that the Totem of Resurrection would demand an immense price.
After all, this was an act that defied all the laws of nature.
But…
Killing a Wither?
Was that even considered a cost?
It's just a Wither. How many have they already slain?
Even just for Beacons, they've been killing Withers non-stop.
This was something they could do as a matter of routine!
The price to pay—was practically zero.
~~----------------------
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