Stormterror's eyes fluctuated slightly. His huge dragon wings trembled gently, emitting a low and distant roar, seeming to respond to his God.
In the next second, Venti opened his arms.
Under everyone's gaze, they could see Venti's hands gently lifting.
Instantly, a mass of Anemo power shining with soft brilliance emerged out of thin air, rising slowly.
Then it fell, like the warm morning sun spilling on Dvalin's body.
That familiar and long-lost power flowed in Dvalin's body.
Like a spring breeze blowing across a withered grassland, reviving new vitality.
Dvalin's huge body trembled slightly. A trace of shock and confusion flashed in his blue vertical pupils.
He looked down at his sharp claws, feeling the gentle caress of the wind.
Feeling the Anemo power surging in his body, like a long-lost friend whispering softly, awakening dusty memories.
"This is... the power of the Anemo Archon's familiar?"
Dvalin's low voice carried uncertainty. He slowly turned his head, looking at Venti sitting on his back.
There was shock, doubt, and an indescribable complex emotion in his eyes.
His wings flapped gently. The violent hurricane no longer existed, replaced by a gentle wind flow circling around, seemingly welcoming the return of its king.
But Stormterror still hesitated, whispering, "But I am... no longer one of the Four Winds."
Venti just smiled slightly, his emerald eyes reflecting the distant firmament.
Gently raising his hand, brushing the drifting wind: "Hehe, even if you are no longer one of the Four Winds, you still protected Mondstadt, right?"
Dvalin was stunned, seeming to want to say something, but finally said nothing.
He just looked at Venti, looking at this Anemo Archon who was just like before.
In those eyes, there was no majesty of a god, no command, only a gentle and sincere gaze.
He was silent for a long time, then roared to the sky, the sound piercing the firmament, carrying long-lost relaxation and freedom.
Then he flapped his wings abruptly. A clear storm swept in all directions, bringing up a whirlwind filling the sky, wrapped in the glory once lost by this land.
His figure soared into the sky, turning into a vigorous wind shadow rushing into the clouds.
High in the sky, he circled, probed, and adapted to this long-lost wind of freedom.
The wind flowed between his wings, like the earth telling its longing, and the sky giving its blessing.
"At this moment, Mondstadt's night sky has finally returned to its original tranquility."
Jean looked up at the sky, feeling the high-altitude breeze on her face, an indescribable shock rising in her heart.
Is it over just like that?
Really smoother than imagined.
Jean looked at Kael again, amazed.
And Paimon finally recovered, shouting in surprise, "Eh! Flying so high!! Wahhh! This view is really great!!!"
Stormterror circled under the night, soaring among the clouds, low dragon roars echoing between heaven and earth.
At this moment, he was no longer a violent demonic dragon.
But the Dragon of the Wind of Freedom.
The Dragon of the East, one of the former Four Winds of Mondstadt.
Soon, Dvalin carried Jean and the others across most of Mondstadt, returning to Windrise outside Mondstadt City.
Everyone walked down from Dvalin's back.
After everyone came down, Dvalin soared again.
Jean looked up at Dvalin's figure, her expression complex, her eyes filled with heavy respect.
She had once faced Dvalin's rampage in Mondstadt with anger and sorrow as the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius.
Now seeing this giant dragon finally break free from the shackles, she had mixed feelings.
Diluc was silent, his fingers gently stroking the claymore in his hand.
His eyes flickered slightly, seeming to recall something.
Paimon also stared blankly at the sky, recovering after a good while, sighing, "This time, he is really free, right?"
Venti nodded gently, a shallow smile on his lips, whispering softly, "Fly, Dvalin. From now on, the wind will guide your direction again."
"From now on, carry my blessing."
"Fly more calmly."
Hearing Venti's words, the soaring Dvalin looked back at Venti, looked at this land.
Then he flapped his wings and flew high, crossing the clouds, disappearing into the vast sky.
This time, he was no longer the imprisoned "Stormterror."
He was the Wind of Mondstadt, the symbol of freedom—Dvalin.
Dvalin's figure disappeared into the distant horizon.
The wind still brushed gently across the earth, taking away the former anger, confusion, and pain, leaving only the breath of freedom.
Everyone stood on the high slope of Windrise, watching the departure of the Dragon of the East.
The night sky was clear as wash. A bright moon hung high in the firmament. Silver brilliance spilled on the earth, embellishing Windrise like a dream.
Stars were dense, like countless warm light spots flickering, telling the bond between Mondstadt and the Wind for thousands of years.
Hills, grasslands, rivers were all immersed in this tranquility.
The wind brushed the grass blades, bringing up a low chant. That was the melody belonging to the wind, the song of freedom belonging to Mondstadt.
Even though it was late at night, the scenery of Windrise was still clearly visible.
Moonlight spilled, illuminating the distant Mondstadt City with distinct contours.
Figures of patrolling knights could be faintly seen on the city wall.
And in the town, lights were occasionally unextinguished, lighting up the night sparsely, as if waiting for their return.
Jean withdrew her upward gaze, looking seriously at Lumine and Kael, slowly bending down, bowing solemnly.
"Thank you..."
Jean's voice revealed a trace of fatigue, but was more filled with heartfelt gratitude: "Mondstadt's Dragon Disaster... has finally come to an end."
Jean straightened up, the solemnity on her face gradually turning gentle, continuing, "Tomorrow, I will clarify the misunderstanding to the citizens on behalf of the Knights of Favonius, and formally announce—the Stormterror crisis has been lifted."
"In the eyes of ordinary people, Stormterror suddenly attacked Mondstadt, and suddenly disappeared without a trace..."
"There must be many doubts in their hearts."
"We need to give them an explanation."
"Next, please rest well in Mondstadt City."
Jean said gently, her eyes revealing a trace of persuasion.
After all, this whole day of running and fighting was no small consumption for everyone.
Hearing this, Venti smiled slightly, emerald eyes reflecting the night.
While stretching lazily, feeling the night breeze brushing his cheek.
He said in his usual free and easy tone, "The wind direction will change..."
"One day, it will blow toward a brighter place."
"Everyone, see you tomorrow."
After speaking, Venti leaped lightly, and his whole person disappeared into the night like wind, as if he had never existed.
Everyone quietly watched Venti's back disappear under the night.
Diluc turned first, saying calmly, "I'm going back first. Time to rest today."
Jean nodded slightly.
Lumine and Paimon looked at each other, yawned, and sighed, "Indeed, after experiencing so many things... time to sleep."
At this time, Kael had a smile on his face.
Because in his line of sight, virtual text appeared.
[Facing the Trailblazer's invitation, you chose to Accept Gladly. Under your leadership, everyone arrived at the location of the Stellaron, but also happened to encounter Cocolia arriving with Bronya.]
[At this time, Bronya hadn't even touched the consciousness of the Stellaron. She tried to persuade Cocolia all the way, but Cocolia turned a deaf ear. As a result, seeing you, she was furious. Why are you here?]
[Before you could speak, Cocolia was driven by the Stellaron, becoming the Mother of Deception, controlling the Engine of Creation, and launching a fierce attack on you with the power of the Stellaron.]
[But under your information, the Trailblazer arrived at the top of the Engine of Creation first, beating the Mother of Deception with a baseball bat, but was seized by the Mother of Deception and knocked away with the Key of the Engine of Creation (Lance of Preservation).]
[And the Trailblazer's will thus received the gaze of the Preservation Aeon Qlipoth. In a short consciousness space, the Trailblazer learned about Cocolia's past experience, obtained the power of the Lance and the Engine of Creation, and walked on the Path of Preservation.]
[Finally defeated the Mother of Deception, sealed the Stellaron, and Cocolia herself dissipated because of this.]
[You saw the true face of the Stellaron, and also saw how the Astral Express group sealed the Stellaron. That requires the power of the Path as a medium...]
[Congratulations on obtaining Option One Reward: Light Cone — [The Moles Welcome You]. A Light Cone containing Destruction Path power. For every Basic ATK, Skill, or Ultimate used by the wearer, the wearer gains one stack of Mischievous. Each stack increases the wearer's ATK by 12%/24%.]
Looking at these lines of words, Kael narrowed his eyes.
Really a huge harvest.
Got a Light Cone, and also got the method to seal the Stellaron.
This means if I encounter a Stellaron next, I can completely seal it and obtain it?
"Then, let's return to Mondstadt."
In the next second, Jean smiled and spoke.
Immediately, Kael and the group embarked on the return journey.
Under the light support of the breeze, they soon returned to the front of Mondstadt's city gate.
At the city gate, several stationed Knights of Favonius were patrolling back and forth.
The spears in their hands flashed with cold light under the moonlight.
When they noticed the slowly approaching team, their originally plain expressions solidified instantly, replaced by faces full of shock.
Grand Master Jean?!
When did she go out?
Clearly, everyone knows Grand Master Jean has been handling affairs at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters these days.
Even this morning someone saw Grand Master Jean reviewing documents in the study...
But now, Grand Master Jean suddenly appears outside the city gate?
And followed by Master Diluc?
And that mysterious Honorary Knight Traveler of the Knights of Favonius.
Even... Kael of the Adventurers' Guild?!
Indescribable confusion surged in the hearts of the stationed knights.
But professional instinct made them quickly restrain their astonishment.
They immediately gathered their spears, bowing slightly: "Grand Master Jean! Welcome back to the city!"
"En."
Jean nodded gently, not saying much, just stepping into the city gate.
"Hehe."
When passing by, Paimon keenly sensed the obvious confusion in the eyes of several knights.
But they didn't ask, obviously afraid to speak freely due to discipline.
Immediately she chuckled in Lumine and Kael's ears: "These guys didn't know Grand Master Jean came out today. Seeing her come back scared them."
"So this operation was very hidden, and very smooth."
Lumine narrowed her eyes.
Unimaginably smooth.
In this, Kael occupies most of the credit!
While Lumine was thinking this.
The streets under the night curtain in Mondstadt City were peaceful.
Occasionally, a few unextinguished street lamps could be seen, flickering with weak light under the blowing of the breeze.
The square, bustling during the day, was now empty, leaving only a few lazy cats lying on the eaves, yawning and enjoying the comfort of the night.
"...Everyone go back and rest. Tonight... ends like this."
Jean said softly, a trace of fatigue on her face.
Everyone nodded and left in different directions.
Kael also walked toward his residence.
When he returned home and pushed open the door, Kael looked up and swept the room.
In the next second, his brow raised slightly.
His room... was spotless.
Even cleaner than before he left.
Not a trace of dust on the table corners. The floor was polished to a shine. A faint fragrance filled the room.
There was even a vigorous violet on the bedside table.
The bed was also extremely tidy.
The quilt was folded neatly.
It seems Fischl cleaned the house for me before leaving.
Kael chuckled.
Then he took off his coat, draped it casually on the back of the chair, threw himself onto the bed, closed his eyes, and prepared to sleep well.
This day was really too tiring.
Even he was no exception.
While Kael entered a light sleep.
On the other side.
Inside the Snezhnayan Embassy in Mondstadt City.
Candlelight flickered gently, illuminating the Fatui emblem on the wall dimly.
Fatui Debt Collector Javert was sitting at the desk, face gloomy, eyes sharp.
He actually received the first transmission from the Cicin Mage.
Just now, the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, and the Pyro Vision holder tavern owner returned from outside.
That Acting Grand Master suddenly returned to the city at night, instead of staying at the Knights of Favonius Headquarters all along.
The Holy Lyre was missing, and no official announcement from the Knights was seen.
The Snezhnayan Embassy was supervised by the Knights of the Knights of Favonius, but no one came in to search.
They even demanded an apology from the Knights of Favonius today for a fabricated matter, but received no response.
The news released by the Knights of Favonius was that the Fatui stole the Holy Lyre, but they didn't come to search.
This was strange.
Plus Jean coming back from outside...
The behavior of the Knights of Favonius tonight... is extremely unusual!
"...This is too abnormal."
The Debt Collector tapped the desktop lightly with his finger, brows locked tight, eyes deep.
Originally, their Fatui had long targeted the Holy Lyre of Mondstadt City, but the theft failed, and someone else beat them to it.
Yesterday, the Holy Lyre was activated. He wanted to go out and search, but was surrounded by the Knights of Favonius.
He asked to see the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius, but didn't see her.
Today he even prepared to pressure Mondstadt with this, demanding the Knights lift the restrictions on the Snezhnayan Embassy.
Or even force the high-level Knights to apologize.
But he didn't see anyone. The Knights of Favonius didn't pay any attention to them.
He was very confused by the abnormal behavior of the Knights of Favonius.
In the past, they would have come out to apologize long ago.
At worst, they would come out to explain the situation.
But today there was no intention of coming out at all.
Even the entire Knights behaved unusually calmly, as if this matter had never happened.
And now at night, Jean suddenly returned to the city from outside late at night.
Followed by a group of people.
What does this mean?
A secret operation?
But what operation needs to be sneaky?
Related to Stormterror?
Or, related to the Holy Lyre?
All changes started from the change in the Holy Lyre.
They must have hidden something more important.
Thinking of this, the Debt Collector's face turned completely gloomy.
"Cannot sit and wait for death."
Javert muttered in a low voice, then immediately picked up a pen and wrote quickly on another secret letter:
[Mondstadt City situation abnormal. Jean and the Knights of Favonius suspected of hiding operations. Further investigation needed. Please decide, Lord Harbinger.]
After writing, he dried the ink, folded the letter, put it in a special sealed envelope, and stamped it with the Fatui seal.
In the next second, his wrist shook. A small flying black shadow flashed in from outside the window and quietly took the envelope.
Immediately after, that small figure quickly disappeared into the darkness, heading outside Mondstadt City.
At this moment.
On the other side.
Outside Stormterror's Lair.
On a lonely mountain peak, several blurred figures were hidden in the night.