"'The Thousand Rocks stand firm, and the layered peaks shall never move.'
'The armor of a thousand cities shall guard against demons and repel evil.'
'We humbly ask, should the people permit it—let us all become heroic souls, to protect the citizens of Liyue!'
'Let us become heroic souls, to protect the citizens of Liyue!'
"..."
Watching the scene before him, Huoliya's lips curved into a faint smile.
"Boss, you've won again."
Humans truly were a strange race.
They were worthy of being favored.
Taro smiled lightly. "Everything in the world has two sides. What you're seeing now is the good one. Let's hope you'll still say that when you see the bad."
Human kindness was a miracle.
But as he had said before—
this race was born of chaos, and chaos had two faces.
The evil within humanity was deeper than the Abyss itself.
"So, boss, what do you plan to do now?"
Huoliya tilted her head with curiosity, her eyes filled with interest.
She was eager to know what he would do next.
"I've already decided."
Taro spoke evenly. "When I came here, I had not three, but several backup plans. After Beluga was born, I came up with three more. We'll see which one they prefer."
"???"
Huoliya blinked in confusion.
Seriously? He actually made that many plans?
When did he even do that—last night?
"Everyone~"
Taro didn't bother to explain. He simply opened his palm, summoning the Heavenly World and opening its gate.
"I've received your decision. Since that's the case, please, go inside. Stay for a while, and I'll bring you home."
"Thank you, benefactor!"
Excitement shone on every face.
"The Millelith, return home!"
Zhicheng drew his sword and stepped forward first.
"Yes!"
The unified shout echoed in unison.
Filled with longing for their homeland, the soldiers of Liyue walked into the glowing gate one by one.
"Thank you, benefactor!"
Jiuyu bowed deeply to Taro and then followed after them.
Once both groups had entered the Heavenly World,
Taro closed the gate and stored it away.
One of the missions in the Chasm was now nearing completion.
"Huuh…"
Fushe exhaled softly as he watched. After a long pause, he turned back.
"Fushui, Yingda."
"They were brothers to me, born to die together on the battlefield."
"I am Teng Snake's Grand Marshal, and Fushe is their commander. I must… enter the formation as well."
They were all heroes who had fought and died against the Abyss.
How could he stand idle now?
"Big brother…"
"Fushe-nii…"
Fushui and Yingda hesitated, their mouths opening but no words coming out.
"Hehe, no need to worry."
"The Lord of Wisdom has a way."
Beluga, who had been watching gleefully, floated behind them,
waving her little staff with a mysterious grin.
"What way?"
Yingda immediately caught on, eyes lighting up with curiosity.
"Ehehe~ Come closer."
Yingda leaned in, and Fushui followed, turning her head slightly.
Beluga tiptoed and whispered into their ears.
"Mhm! Got it!"
"Understood!"
Moments later, both of them froze, and their worried faces relaxed into relief.
"So that's how it is…"
"..."
Watching the three of them conspiring together,
Fushe was left completely stuck—should he go or not?
"Hey, what are you whispering about?"
"C'mon, don't keep me out of it. Let me hear too!"
This towering man—nearly three meters tall—rubbed his hands together, his face full of nervous anticipation. The contrast was almost comical.
"Nope~"
Yingda turned her head away, pretending to sulk.
"Hey, uh, little sister…"
Helpless, Fushe turned to Fushui.
"Mm-hmm~"
Fushui simply put a finger to her lips and shook her head, refusing as well.
"..."
Fushe's anxiety spiked.
He crouched down, smiling awkwardly at Beluga.
"Hey, uh, little one…"
"Hmph~!"
Seeing his scarred, burly face suddenly come close,
Beluga panicked, darting back behind Taro's leg.
"…"
Fushe's expression went blank.
Was he really that scary?
"Pfft… hahaha~!"
Yingda burst out laughing,
and even Fushui's lips twitched as she tried to suppress her smile.
"C'mon, little sister…"
Fushe scratched his head helplessly. "You could at least tell your big brother. This is torture."
"Big brother~" Fushui chuckled. "That's something you'll have to ask Sensei about."
"Mm-hmm~" Yingda nodded firmly. "We can only speak with Sensei's permission."
"Go ask him yourself."
"Sensei?"
Fushe blinked. "You mean that benefactor?"
"Yup!" Yingda grinned. "Sensei revived us twice. Such kindness can't be repaid. So, we signed a contract with him."
"..."
Fushe fell silent.
That must have been the price of resurrection—and he was part of it.
Their loyalty and sincerity moved him deeply,
but it also left him torn.
"Don't worry~"
"Sensei is very easy to get along with."
Fushui, sensing his thoughts, shook her head gently,
then cheerfully threw Yingda under the cart:
"Besides, Yingda's already fallen for him—she's even planning to offer herself!"
"Huh?!"
Yingda froze. "Sis—you—you—!"
Big sister, seriously?!
"We're supposed to be of one mind! Why would you sell me out?!"
"What?"
Fushe's eyes widened with delight.
"Your four limbs are still functional and your heart's beating? That's great news!"
"..."
"Forget it! I'm not talking to you!"
Yingda's face flushed red as she stomped away.
"She didn't deny it, though."
Fushui smiled knowingly.
Understanding her sister's temperament well, she knew that kind of reaction meant a silent admission. Her grin only grew wider.
"Such a pity. The soul of humor is still bound."
Taro walked forward with a small laugh. "No need to boast. The days ahead are long. The five hundred years you lost—you can still make them up."
"Benefactor, I…"
Fushe straightened his posture and said solemnly,
"May I and my soldiers also become heroic souls to protect the people of Liyue? I am their commander."
"..."
Taro smiled faintly.
"There's a way for both to be true. No need to worry."
Becoming a heroic soul didn't mean losing the flesh,
nor did it mean eternal slumber within the nation.
There were always ways to balance both.
Solutions were many—problems were few.
(End of Chapter)
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