Half a quarter-hour later, Ken and Zhongli easily entered the Sal Terrae.
Compared to the bright sunshine and lush green grass outside, the already barren and dilapidated Sal Terrae was shrouded in darkness, with ruins everywhere. White salt crusts covered the ground, thoroughly salinizing the entire land.
"Even a weak demon god's power after death is not something mortals can resist."
Looking at the salinized land, Zhongli stepped forward. This was one of the reasons he had chosen to suppress the Overlord of the Vortex Osial back then—if Osial were killed, it would also be a disaster for Liyue.
"Let's go to the place where Havria died," Ken said, glancing around with some emotion.
Just like Orobashi and the Thunderbird, whose lingering resentment remained in Inazuma after being slain.
Although Havria was kind and gentle, she was still a demon god. The place of her death was the source of all the demon god residues, so purifying from there would be more convenient.
The real Sal Terrae was different from the domain in the game.
Even though monsters lurked inside, in front of Ken and Zhongli, they were nothing more than ashes in the snap of a finger. There was no need to make Lumine act as a tool like in the game.
The deeper they went, the more severe the salinization became. Many humans who hadn't escaped in time were salinized on the spot, frozen like statues forever on this land.
Soon, the two arrived in front of a door.
"This door records everything that happened back then."
The ancient, towering door stood as if from eternity, exuding an aura of timeless grandeur.
Ken placed his palm on the door, channeling power into it.
The originally plain door lit up with golden light. A dull rumbling sound echoed as the door opened on both sides, revealing history long sealed by time.
A wind carrying salty air whistled in from outside, making Ken's robe flutter dramatically, evoking a sense of loneliness and tragedy.
Compared to the scenes in the game, the real site of the demon god's murder was even more shocking.
Inside the simple palace, only a few bare stone pillars provided support. It was less like a demon god's palace and more like a crude cave.
A pool of salt residue remained in the center of the palace. Centered on this pool, the surrounding salt had splashed outward like blades, piercing through the people who had slaughtered the demon god back then, creating a vast white expanse like forged ice and snow.
"Is this Havria's remains?" Ken looked at the central salt pool with a sense of melancholy.
Zhongli nodded: "Yes, back then Havria's form disintegrated, leaving only this bit of salt residue. The scene of her final moments is frozen here. If purification is possible, it would allow Havria to fully return to the eternal skies."
"Hm, let me try." Ken's gaze was calm as he slowly walked around the salt-formed blades and arrived at the spot where the Salt Demon God had died.
Looking at the last remnants of the Salt Demon God, Ken seemed to see the gentle demon god of the past, tragically slain by her own people in this humble palace.
He raised his palm, and water-blue elemental power quickly gathered around him, swirling like an endless river through the palace. Ken's robe billowed, his hair fluttered, and he slowly rose into the air, with water elements surging like waves.
"Purify."
Ken's voice was ethereal and distant, as if immersed in a vast ocean. Massive waves of water elemental power condensed into streams, sweeping through the surroundings with a gentle yet unbreakable force, purifying the land.
The siren's requiem could purify all resentment and misfortune in the world.
An ethereal song echoed in the palace, as if countless holy sirens leaped from moonlit silver waters, perching on rocks and singing passionately. The melody lingered, and wherever the water elements flowed, the salinized land was instantly purified.
"As expected..."
Zhongli's eyes burned as he watched Ken in the air. The rolling water elemental power around him seemed endless, carrying a pure and clear purifying force that swept through the entire Sal Terrae.
As Morax, one of the Seven Archons of the mortal world, he could clearly sense the strength of Ken's power, yet he couldn't gauge Ken's exact level. But it definitely surpassed that of gods, enough to kill Osial.
Under this vast yet gentle force, the Sal Terrae, salinized for thousands of years, finally regained its long-lost vitality after countless ages.
Gentle breezes blew through, turning those statues into dust that scattered in the dark underground palace.
"If there were grass elemental powers, this place might become vibrant again."
After his power had spread over every inch of the Sal Terrae, Ken slowly retracted his elemental force and landed back on the ground.
The purified land restored its freshness and fertility from a thousand years ago.
"Your power is indeed strong. It seems our agreement can be fulfilled. When this trial ends, please take action to kill the Overlord of the Vortex."
As the renowned martial god from the Archon War, Zhongli was not indecisive. Since Ken had the power to purify demon god residues, there was no need to keep Osial alive.
However, as the Geo Archon who had "passed away" in the eyes of Liyue's people, he couldn't act openly against the Overlord of the Vortex.
This heavy task could only be entrusted to Ken.
"In that case, the contract is made," Ken agreed.
Zhongli was somewhat surprised: "Besides having that Spark Knight participate in the battle, do you have no other requests? By common rationality... this deal isn't fair or reasonable."
Ken shook his head: "This is fatherly love. You wouldn't understand."
Zhongli: "..."
That light sentence suddenly made Zhongli feel a lump in his throat.
He wouldn't understand... how could he not?
Over the years, whether it was Ganyu or Hu Tao, they were like daughters to him, even without blood ties—it was no different from family... How could he not understand?
Well... he did understand little about it.
After a moment of silence, Zhongli sighed: "Go get the Salt Ruler and Salt Chalice."
The Salt Ruler and Salt Chalice were Havria's possessions. Although demon gods varied in strength, even a weak one's authority was not to be underestimated. With these two items, salt would be endless.
Ken stored both items in his system space and prepared to leave. Turning around, he saw Zhongli frowning slightly, deep in thought.
"What's wrong?" Ken rarely saw Zhongli with such an expression.
Zhongli stroked his chin: "I was just thinking, if you and that great adventurer combine, the child you produce might be even more mischievous. It depends on whether that child can often come to Liyue Harbor to play."
"Cough cough..." Ken cleared his throat: "Don't worry, Klee is a good kid."
A good kid? Thinking of that great adventurer's style, Zhongli didn't believe it: "After this matter ends, let's sign a new contract."
"Hm? What contract?"
Zhongli's expression was serious: "Without a guardian's accompaniment, your child is not allowed to enter Liyue without permission."
Ken: "..."
Alice, oh Alice, look what you've done... Now even Klee is being guarded against.
But thinking of Klee's behavior, Ken felt...
Master Zhongli's concern was justified.
His daughter had perfectly inherited Alice's interests and was quite a handful.
"We'll talk about this later. Since the Sal Terrae matter is resolved, I'll head back to Blue Star first. I need to take Lumine to Jueyun Karst."
Two days passed in an instant. According to the normal timeline, Lumine should appear in Jueyun Karst around now.
Zhongli nodded: "Hm, I wish you success."
That said, a thoughtful look arose in Zhongli's eyes.
If he wasn't mistaken, Hu Tao had a strong affection for Ken, but Ken was surrounded by so many beautiful women. Could the bold and carefree Director really achieve her wish?
Even if she could compete with those beauties, could Hu Tao hold onto Ken's heart?
For the first time, Zhongli felt the worry of an old father.
However... if that girl Hu Tao ended up with Ken, then rounding up, he would be Ken's father-in-law?
Zhongli stroked his chin, suddenly feeling a bit of anticipation.
...
Blue Star.
After returning to the Magic City, Ken took out the Salt Ruler and Salt Chalice and placed them on the figure wall at home, then set up a wind shield around them to prevent accidents.
Then, Ken used the Vortex Gate to bring Lumine and Paimon back from Mondstadt.
"How's the training been these past two days?"
Ken looked at Lumine's confident expression and asked curiously.
He hadn't disturbed her these two days, and it seemed progress was good.
Lumine smiled confidently: "These two days, I happened to run into the Spindrift Knight Eula. She sparred with me for two days, and it felt pretty good... I originally wanted to train with Acting Grand Master Jean, but unexpectedly, she wasn't feeling well."
"Jean isn't feeling well?" Ken asked.
Paimon chimed in: "Yeah! But her spirits are good; it's just her walking posture is off, like her legs are injured."
Ken: "..."
So that's it... Ken suddenly understood. It had been a few days, and he hadn't expected Jean to still be uncomfortable. It seemed he had been too indulgent that night.
He'd have to take it easier in the future; there was plenty of time.
"Then let's head to Jueyun Karst now." Ken patted Lumine's head and summoned the Vortex Gate, setting it to Jueyun Karst.
...
Compared to the open landscapes and bustling prosperity of Liyue Harbor, Jueyun Karst featured towering mountains shrouded in mist.
Layer upon layer of overlapping peaks rose like sharp swords into the clouds, majestic like a soaring dragon. White clouds drifted lazily, permeated with a faint immortal aura, resembling a blessed immortal realm.
"This is Jueyun Karst? It's so beautiful and high... If it weren't for Ken, we'd probably have a hard time."
Paimon looked around curiously, admiring the scenery of Jueyun Karst.
The mountain scenery was beautiful, but the paths were rugged and difficult. Under the dense foliage, moss-covered stone steps were faintly visible, showing how rarely people visited.
The wild fruits on both sides made Paimon's mouth water, and she was eager to try.
Ken picked up little Paimon and said: "Since we're here, let's get to the main business. Eating can wait. But the barriers here seem strong. I'll open it for you two to go through. You've prepared well this time, so it should go smoothly."
After all, it was an immortal abode, full of illusions and barriers that ordinary people couldn't find.
This was why many who came to Jueyun Karst seeking immortals returned empty-handed.
But for Ken and the others, they could easily see through them.
After tearing open a gap in the barrier, Ken tossed Paimon inside. Lumine, holding the food box Ken had prepared for her, glanced back at Ken before heading toward the immortal altar.
The altar was for offerings to immortals, and with the Sigil of Permission, one could meet them there.
After Lumine and Paimon went in, Ken turned and flew toward the mountain peak, wanting to see what made this immortal treasure land so special.
...
At that time.
In a certain mountain in Jueyun Karst.
Clear springs flowed like honey, fragrant flowers bloomed beautifully, and in the clear, bright lake, lotus leaves floated on the surface while butterfly-like birds and flowers frolicked like elves.
Amid the fragrant flower clusters, there was an ancient stone table.
Seated at the stone table was a woman with an elegant and delicate figure.
The woman's white hair was like mountain snow, emitting a faint glow. Her flowing green clothes were as soft as a gentle breeze, and her emerald eyes were as clear as water. She was earnestly reading a book, surrounded by a hazy radiance.
"Hm?"
Just as the woman was engrossed in her book, a slight fluctuation of elemental power caught her attention.
Upon careful sensing, it turned out the surrounding barrier had been damaged.
The woman slowly stood up, her green skirt hem falling gently with her movements. She walked barefoot through the flowers and grass, her expression surprised: "Has some mortal accidentally stumbled into Jueyun Karst again? It seems the barrier needs to be rearranged."
As her words fell.
The woman's figure turned into a wisp of misty smoke, with the elegant shadow of a crane flashing through, disappearing into the misty immortal blessed land.
As an immortal, even if a mortal truly entered, without a token, they wouldn't meet them.
...