Hi everyone! Rue here. Okay the last chapter for Zhongli Story Quest II is here. Also I can only fit only one OST song here since I don't want to drag the fight too long.

Anyways I might take a break for awhile since my work is loaded at this month and not to mention the next game Snowbreak contaiment zone is about to be release soon something I'm looking forward to try. So yeah I'm going to be super busy this month....again.

Rue returns in the Theater and sees the girls were glaring at each other with their weapons ready and Theater is in a complete mess.

"...What happened. I was only gone for a 30 minutes." Rue asked the guys.

"Basically they fighting because it seems like Lumine is determined to have Aether for herself with the girls protesting the idea." Diluc explained.

"...Well that explains the cuts and bruises on you guys." Rue said noticing the boys cuts and bruises and ripped clothes.

"...Don't ask. The girls are monsters when it comes to the battle of love. We had to protect Aether from the girls" Venti said with chuckle as he hat was destoryed in the crossfire.

"Where's Aether." Rue asked.

"Over there with Rex Lapis, Paimon and Nahida. Rex Lapis had to put a barrier around Aether." Chongyun said as Rue turns to where Aether was and saw Aether had tired look on his face while Nahida and Paimon comfort him.

"....ALRIGHT THAT'S ENOUGH!" Rue shouted at.the girls and catching everyone attention. "YOU GIRLS ARE GOING TO STOP OR SO HELP ME AEONS I WILL MAKE SURE THAT NONE YOU WILL BE SEATING BESIDE AETHER AND I WILL MAKE SURE NONE OF YOU WILL EVER END UP WITH HIM IN YOUR WORLD!" Rue shouted his threat to the main girls.

This causes the girls to be scared and immediately stopped what they are doing and put away their weapons.

Rue sighs and snapped his fingers and everything was fixed and everyone in their respective seats.

"Anyway we are getting close to the end of this quest. I suggest you prepare yourself....and you Aether to feel the girls wrath." Rue said with last sentence giving Aether a look.

"What why?" Aether asked and this got the girls eyes narrowed.

"With the amount of crazy events you got yourself involved with...why do you think." Rue said with deadpan look. Aether blushes in embarrass at what Rue said but also realized that entity before him was right.

Soon the group approached Kun Jun, who was deep in his thoughts as he was standing near the giant ancient tree.

"Kun Jun! We need to get going!" Paimon called for Kun Jun's attention. Kun Jun snapped out of his thoughts and look at them

"No problem! I'm done here." Kun Jun said.

"Any results, Mr. Kun Jun?" Zhongli asked.

"There are many beautiful rocks here, but nothing out of the ordinary. I couldn't find any clues." Kun Jun sighs "Then again, the memories of ore can shift with the passage of time and the changing of the environment."

"Is there a pattern to it?" Aether asked.

Kun Jun put on a thinking look "Hmm, difficult to say... I feel that ore memories tend to be from the recent past."

"But how. How can stone lose their memories. Are their memories like humans?" Xingque said with curiosity.

"So there's never any ancient memories?" Paimon asked

"Rocks endure, but as eons pass their memories are erased. Those memories that survive are rooted in powerful emotion or thought." Kun Jun explained.

"That makes sense - it is the same for people!" Paimon said nodding.

"Well that's an interesting to hear." Chongyun said.

"Yes memories doesn't last forever. There will be times memories will be gone as time passes by." Ningguang said as she nods her in understanding.

"Indeed... Let's keep going." Kun Jun said with the group nodding in agreement. The group headed to the giant ancient tree with a stone tablet nearby.

"Wow, such an immense tree!" Kun Jun said in awe at the giant tree.

"And the resting place of certain being." Cloud Retainer muttered under her breath.

"And there's so many mysterious-looking crystals up there too... amazing." Paimon said in awe as well

"This ancient tree..." Zhongli's eyes narrowed at this. "Let's conduct separate investigations. I'll take that area, perhaps you could survey this section."

"Be careful." Aether said to Zhongli and Zhongli nodded and parted with the group

"Kun Jun, can you see anything worth investigating?" Paimon asked.

"Well... there is this stone tablet here." Kun Jun said as he pointed at the stone tablet nearby.

"Doesn't seem very interesting... Paimon's gonna look over there." Paimon said.

"Huh? It's worth a try, surely. Let me see..." Kun Jun touched the stone and memories started rushing inside his head. His eyes widened at this. 'This is...'

"...What did you see Mr Kun Jun." Ganyu asked. Kun jun was quiet as he still doesn't recall that day.

"Hey! What's wrong?" Paimon asked worried.

"...Just a bit light-headed... It's passed, nothing to worry about." Kun Jun said.

"...Why do I feel like he is hiding something" One of people from Sumeru said.

"No he isn't. Kun Jun isn't evil or anything I'm sure of it!" Aether defended Kun Jun.

"...It could be a case of his memory returning." Someone from Sumeru said.

"Did you see anything?" Aether asked and Kun Jun shook his head.

"Not... hmm... not yet..." Kun Jun response to Aether question

"*sigh* Whatever, Paimon's going to investigate over there. Why don't you climb the tree and have a look, Aether?" Paimon suggested.

"You're sure there'll be clues in the tree?" Aether asked,

"If you don't try you don't know! Anyway, you'll be able to get a good look at our surroundings from up there!" Paimon said,

"Yeah... climbing an ancient tree that could awaken a scary force is a good idea." Dehya said with sarcasms in her voice.

"...Well it's a try besides they do need to check every corner for clues." Candace said.

Kun Jun was silent for a moment before he spoke "Oh! Uh... you think so?"

"When has Paimon ever come up with a bad idea, hmm?" Paimon said before a realization hit her. "Wait a minute... Paimon can fly! *sigh* Alright, Paimon will go, you wait here, Paimon will-"

"All of you, come here." Zhongli called the group, cutting the group off.

"Huh? Zhongli's voice came from... behind the tree. Did he find another clue?" Paimon asked before turning to Aether and Kun Jun "Quick, let's go see! Maybe he found another miner!"

The group headed to where Zhongli was and they saw Zhongli standing near a hole

"This has been newly dug. It would appear our answer is up ahead." Zhongli informed them which suprised everyone.

"Is that a voice coming from the tunnel? Eek! Someone else go first!" Paimon feeling very scared.

"...What? Paimon is not going in there first. Paimon doesn't know how to fight." Paimon protest at the looks she was receiving.

"Well at least Zhongli was there to help us." Aether said, thankful that archon was there during that quest.

"Compose yourselves. I will lead us in." Zhongli said firmly. Kun Jun was silent as he felt something very familiar in that hole..

"There is an unusual presence emanating from inside the tunnel. Prepare yourselves, and tread lightly." Zhongli warned and everyone prepared themselves. They entered the entrance beneath the ancient tree. Zhongli leads the group and soon they found the missing miners working and giant entrance cave that some ancient seal barrier on it.

"This is..." Zhongli eyes narrowed at this.

"The missing miners are here!" Paimon said and had a worried look. "Wh-What are they digging for?"

"Thank Archon they are alive and not one of them is injured!" Amber said happily.

"...But the way are moving...it almost like." Tighnari pause but Cyno finished his sentence.

"Zombie...like they are going through the motion." Cyno said with frown his face.

"I'm afraid that this whole tunnel...Is the fruit of their strenuous labor" Zhongli eyes narrowed.

"That gate..." Paimon pause as she notice the giant enteance of the cave with a seal on it. "Has it been there all along?"

"....So he escaped?!" Cloud retainer shouted which surprised everyone except a few Adeptus, Zhongli, Aether and Paimon.

"Who are you talking about master. You seem panicking." Shenhe said.

"... It's another force equal to Rex Lapis himself." Cloud Retainer said and immediately this alarm many in the theater.

"Digging a tunnel to this ancient seal. Had they not been discovered" Zhongli prepared his powers as his eyes narrowed. "They would undoubtedly persevere Until they opened the gate."

"...They look like they haven't eaten or rest for many days." Venti said with frown on his face.

"...they are forcing their body to work." Nahida with a sad look on her face. She doesn't like seeing people suffer.

"...So behind this seal, there's..." Paimon paused when suddenly all the miners turns to them. The miners rushes towards them with their pickaxe ready as they prepared to attack them. Paimon screams in terror and quickly hides behind Aether.

Aether was prepared to fight when suddenly Zhongli conjures a shield around everyone.

The miners attack the shield but they didn't break through Zhongli shield. Zhongli cross his arms and narrowed his eyes towards the miners.

"Well damn. His shield is nearly unbreakable." Dehya said in awe.

"Well he's the Geo Archon after all." Candace said.

"But not a single scratch. Even how much those miners strike it with their pick axe. It's not even landing a scratch!" Noelle said in awe. She wanted to create a strudy shield!

"What do we do? We can't hurt them!" Paimon said in worried.

Zhongli pushes his shield forward, pushing back the rest of the miners and making sure not to hurt them.

Soon a black smoke gather behind the group and Kun Jun notice this.The blue-haired girl appears out of the smoke and launches an attack.

Kun Jun notices and blocks the attack from hitting Zhongli, A huge explosion happened and the seal breaks and a strong gust of wind blows everyone. Aether and Zhongli tries to hold their ground as they best they could but soon they are being sucked inside the cavern.

"just a random question but how the heck the traveler grabbed the ground when there is nothing to hold on." One of the people Sumeru asked.

"Plot holes. But who cares." Rue said with bored tone.

Aether, Zhongli and Paimon found themselves inside the cavernsOn the other side of the door, greeted by the daunting sight of an enormous dragon made of stone and was glaring at them. The dragon let out a roar at them. Zhongli and Aether quickly draw their weaon as they prepared for battle.

"What type of monster is this!?' Paimon cleared scared.

Many had different kind of reactions. The normal citizens were looking at the dragon in fear.

The male cast were looking dragon in awe and feared but at the same time as wondering how the heck Aether always got himself fighting giant ancient figures or powerful beings.

The girls were scared and worried for Aether life at same time...well they were angry because Aether got himself involved in another life and death situation.

"...Oh Archon..." Kaeya eyes widen in shock.

"...Well Damn." Itto eyes widen in shock as well.

"...You mean to tell us that Aether and Rex Lapis...fought that thing." Xingque said in whisper as he looks at Rue in disbelief. Rue just nodded in confirmation.

"....You fought Azhdaha!" The other Adepti said with Ganyu and Shene being the loudest.

"Aether what are you thinking!? You fought a being that is equal to Rex Lapis." Keqing shouted in anger and worry. The girls also agreed.

"...You do realized that Aether deals these kinds of things on daily bases." Rue pointed out and this only made the glares at Aether more and the same time more worried.

"Morax... you arrive at my doorstep of your own volition. Excellent... taking revenge for sealing me away will be all the easier!" The dragon growled at them

"So.... the little girl is your power incarnate." Zhongli said as he narrowed his eyes. "But if you recall, Azhdaha... this is not how we intended for events to transpire." Zhongli said as revealed the dragon name.

"Waste not your words! Your life is mine!" Azdaha growled and soon the battle started as the music started to play in background.

"... what's with the music?" Itto asked.

"For cinematic! To make you feel how aether and Rex Lapis felt when they were facing that mighty stone dragon!" Rue said dramatically.

"Well can you turn it off. If anything it's making some of us tense." Dehya said as she and other girls were anxious and worried for Aether and Zhongli safety....mostly Aether.

"...No." Rue said with a flat tone and this made the girls glare at the watcher. Soon the music picks more and everyone but Aether, Zhongli feel anxious at the scene before them.

Azdaha stomps on the ground creating shockwave for each stomp. Zhongli immediately created a shield around Aether and himself to protect them from the attack.

"Argh...! Is once not enough!? You would forsake me again!?" Azdaha growled.

"If that is what you choose to believe, so be it. He who bears the weight of memory is destined to shoulder the burden of truth. As it ought to be." Zhongli said. Soon the battle continues.

(Suìyǔ xī hēiyì zhú)

Azdaha let out a roar. Aether immediately charges towards the enemy and immediately delivers a barrage of sword attack but it barely done any damages.

'My sword isn't working. Looks like I need to use my powers' Aether thought as he was ready to summon his geo elemental attack.

(Shānyě xī jiǒng bù)

(Chū!)

"Aether look out!" Paimon screams. Aether looks suprise and didn't expect Azdaha swing his tail and struck him.

BAM!

"Aether/traveler/brother!" Many in theater said in worried and shock with the girls being the loudest. They knew that Aether took a massive hit from Azhdaha.

Aether groans as she smashes to the nearby wall but managed to stand up.

(Jūn cháng wéi xī guóhuī wú)

(Xù chóuyuàn zēng xī)

"Aether are you alright?!" Zhongli asked before he jumps out of the way to avoid Azdaha claws.

"I'm okay." Aether groans as managed to regain his balance. Zhongli glares at Azdaha and immediately summon two pillars near Azdaha and hits the dragon with his elemental attack.

"This is really bad." Diluc grits his teeth in worry for Aether and Zhongli as everyone saw Azhdaha handle them like they were just pair of pests.

"Damn...Maybe I should really go with comrade next time as his traveling companion if this is the things he handle daily." Childe said with savage grin as his thirst for battle was increasing. Increasing in excitement.

"...Aether will survive...he is here...with us...with me." Ei reminded to herself as she knew her beloved will survive. But she still couldn't help but worry.

(Huánghuáng xī suǒ língchí ètú)

Azdaha growled and suddenly leaps in the air.

(Guī xī!)

"The heck! He can jump that high especially inside this area?!" Paimon said in shock.

"Oh Archon he can leap that high." Barbara said in shock and scared with Jean holding her sister hand tightly in comfort.

"Damn it they are going to be crushed like pancake if they can't avoid the attack." Dehya said in anger and worry.

"Not to mention it would surely shake the entire cave." Nilou said as she was worried.

(Chánshí luányuè gǔzhuǎn hū)

(Wànchuān tuānliú tūn qiónglú)

Soon a huge earthquake happened upon Azdaha landing and creating a huge shockwave. Zhongli immediately created shields for both Aether and him. But the shield wasn't enough and broke it.

"Rex Lapis shield was broken!" Xiao said in shock. Other Yakashas and many of Liyue were shock as well that someone managed to break Zhongli shield.

"Truly Azhdaha powers didn't dwindle at all even being sealed for so long." Cloud Retainer said.

"Not to mentions the anger he felt." Madam Ping said in worried.

"...Come on Morax...you can do it." Guizhong said worried.

(Shānbēng yánzú)

(Qiāngū ān chú?)

Aether and Zhongli crashes to the wall and we're groaning in pain from the impact.

"Damn it....he's too strong." Aether groans as he gets off the wall and was panting heavily.

"Indeed....This is going to be difficult." Zhongli said.

Aether and Zhongli look at Azdaha and saw the dragon let out a roar changing into another elemental into cryo and release a barrage of shard of ice. Aether and Zhongli uses their weapon to deflect it but Azdaha suddenly digs in the ground.

"Be on your guard Aether!" Zhongli said as the two looks around as they prepared for Azdaha attack. Azdaha jump out from the ground and landed on the ground and created a powerful shockwave. Zhongli immediately created a shield to protect himself but didn't make a shield for Aether in time.

"Look out!" Paimon shouted. Aether eyes widen and send crashing to a nearby wall. Aether groans in pain as he falls on the ground with visible injuries.

"Aether!....That bastard of a dragon! I'll kill him!" Lumine said in anger. Aether placed a hand on shoulder to snap out his sister from anger and to calm her down.

"Getting....weak....Damn it." Aether groans as he felt he was losing consciousness

"Allow me." A mysterious voice said. Soon a light aura suddenly covered Aether and Aether felt his body recovered and very refreshed. Which suprise Zhongli, Paimon and Aether himself.

"They suddenly healed!" Collei said happily and shock.

"But how?!" Kaveh said in shock.

"That voice....but they are battling him currently." Mountain shaper said as the other adepti realized Azdaha voice was suddenly heard inside Aether head.

"You've recovered? How can that..." Zhongli was cut off when a voice stops him.

"Focus your efforts, Morax!" A voice shouted. Zhongli eyes widen at this.

"There is no mistake. That was definitely Azhdaha" Ganyu said in shock.

"But they are fighting him and the voice...seems calm for some reason." Yelan said as everyone continues to witness.

Soon Aether and Zhongli released their Elemental Burst on Azdaha.

"To dust!"

"I will have order!"

The two release their elemental burst and causes a huge explosion as the cave shake.

The smoke cleared and Aether and Zhongli came out and released another barrage of attacks on him.

"Morax! You think you can destroy me!?" Azdaha roared and Zhongli responded only in silence.

"He's seem losing ground! That last attack must have weaken him!" Ningguang said. Everyone was pretty tenses at the battle before them. Seeing the Traveler and the Geo Archon in action against Azdaha.

The battle continues on and Aether immediately summons another boulder to drop it on Azdaha's head.

(Língluò xī kùn wūdú)

(Jiāojì xī qióng lù)

Azdaha let out a painful roar and Aether jumps high in the air and delivers the final blow as the lyrics of the song ended

(Shěn xíngmí yánzhù yuǎn xī shānqióng fù)

Azdaha let out a roar and slowly turns back into jiu

Soon many cheered as Aether and Zhongli managed to beat Azdaha.

"Bravo comrade! As expected from my rival and the Geo Archon!" Childe praises them.

"Looks like another list of achievement of Aether." Xingque said happily.

"You could say Aether 'bury' him." Cyno joked and Tighnari just facepalm at the bad pun.

"It's decided comrade!" Childe grins as he looks at Aether. "Next time. I'm coming with you and I will make sure to join in major battles against monsters!" Childe declared with which surprised Aether and Paimon.

"You sure? What about your job and are you really alright fighting dragons, giant plants, the abyss herald-"

"Even better! Next time I'm coming with you since I know you both are going to Fontaine next?!" Childe declared showing his thirst for battle as he was excited for the challenges as he cuts Paimon sentence off.

Aether and Paimon just look at each other not sure how to feel about this.

The girls were sighing in relief and were happy that Aether, Zhongli and Paimon were safe but they make sure to plan to punish Aether later and good scolding for being reckless.

Soon everyone calm down and continues with the showing.

Soon Jiu was surrounded by barrier that said bears the title "Azhdaha" underneath her.

"Morax! A thousand years after you sealed me underground... you return for the second time..." Jiu said in Azdaha voice as the child glares at Zhongli

Zhongli was quiet for a few seconds before he spoke "You should call it by its name, Azhdaha... fate."

"Fate?" Jiu said as she paused a bit before she roars in anger. "Fate!!! Hahahaha!"

"...He seems to lost his memory. Only clouded with anger." Madam Ping said with sadness.

Jiu said with a cruel laughs before she glares at Zhongli. "So here lies the wisdom of the gods? Destroy all deemed redundant, enlist tyrants to ravage the wilderness!"

"No. You have forgotten." A soft voice said. Everyone turns to where that voice came from

Paimon was shock as she spoke "...That... that voice..."

"Azhdaha..." Zhongli said as he was surprised to see another one possessed Azdaha spirit.

"Huh? Kun Jun!?" Paimon said in complete shock. Aether was shock as well.

"WHAT!" Many shouted in shock in this revelation. Kun Jun being the most shocked the most.

"....You have Azhdaha soul..." Dai said in complete shock.

"...I don't know...I didn't know this." Kun Jun said in suprise as everyone else.

"All will be explain. Please be patient everyone." Zhongli said and everyone listen to Geo Archon words.

"Morax. It's been a while." Kun Jun said with a smile to Zhongli before turns to face Jiu

"Y-You're..." Jiu stutters in shock.

"Azhdaha... the very same." Kun Jun said with a nod confirming Jiu shock

"During the battle... you embued us with your power..." Zhongli said as he realizes that it was his old friend who helped him during the battle.

"Haha... yes. It was all I could manage." Kun Jun said with a smile.

"Then... which one is the real Azhdaha?" Aether said confused as he thinks he was seeing two people has Azdaha spirit.

Kun Jun turns to face Aether "Forgive me for concealing the truth, Traveler. There were things that only became clear to me upon reaching this tree. Allow me to elaborate. I am not Azhdaha the whole... but a fragment." Kun Jun revealed which suprise everyone while Zhongli eyes look at him.

"So basically it was piece of Azdaha soul...but how come it wasn't corrupted like the little girl." Keqing asked.

"Heaven and earth, yin and yang, opposing forces... You can consider the existence of me and the Azhdaha you see there, to be a reflection of such polarities. "We" are a schism of the will... the will of Azhdaha." Kun Jun explained the group.

"...So he was the good version of Azhdaha?" Chongyun asked.

"Seems like it..since we are talking about polar opposite." Xingque said.

"So... so there are two Azhdahas!?" Paimon said in surprise

"No! It can't be! That's impossible...!" Jiu roar in denial at this revelation.

"When the seal loosened, your power manifested in this world as a child. With this new identity, you were able to vent about the forces that suppressed you... but would anyone listen... would they even care?" Kun Jun questioned as he pause for a bit before he continues

"That's when it occurred to you. The loosening of the seal constituted an opportunity to strike back. Kidnapping the miners was all in aid of digging to the entrance to the seal itself. Your plan was to launch an attack on both ends. From outside... and within. Thereby fully destroying the seal."

"The audacity! Are you insane!? If you truly are a part of me, how is it you find yourself standing on the side of the betrayer!?" Jiu growled in anger

"I was another power awakened with the loosening of the seal. Too weak to reincarnate, but strong enough to possess a human body." Kun Jun said firmly as he pause a bit before he continues. "I was barely conscious... I couldn't remember who I was. Only the past would elicit a reaction from me... But my aim was clear: Find Morax... and aid him in stopping you."

"I had sensed that something was amiss when you mentioned Dragonfall. Had your power been but a little stronger, I would've recognized you." Zhongli said realizing that Azdaha was with them the whole time.

Kun Jun shook his head and smile at Zhongli "Don't blame yourself, I have changed beyond all recognition. Only when I touched the stone tablet... did I truly remember. It's been so long. A secret beyond all comprehension, of youthful humanity and ancient dragon-kind... Morax, do you want to tell the tale?"

"So we will now know the full story of this earth dragon!" Xingque said excited. He wasn't the only one but the other story teller, historican, author was interested in hearing Azdaha story.

"There would be no harm in it. The decision is yours." Zhongli said smile as he didn't Azdaha share the story.

"Haha, you haven't changed. Then allow me." Kun Jun said with a smile before he started to tell the story.

"Azhdaha was once a friend and ally of the Geo Archon, Morax, with a lifespan far exceeding that of mankind. However, that which is derived of the earth is no more or less than the earth itself...The memories of rocks do not last long. Those memories that survive are rooted in powerful emotion. But as time passes, so these memories fade into obscurity. Erosion is the world's greatest destroyer of memories." Kun Jun said and this got Aether confused

"Erosion...?" Aether asked confused on the mention of this as he heard this from Zhongli before.

"Erosion ground Azhdaha's consciousness into oblivion. Slowly, he forgot the face of his old friend, and his memories of defending Liyue Harbor disintegrated." Kun Jun said with a soft sigh before turning to Jiu, who has the dark side of Azdaha. "Azhdaha, now incomplete, became irascible... aggressive."

"What would you expect!? It was humanity that attacked the Ley Lines that sustained me!" Jiu said angrily.

"This much is true. Which is why "you" attacked The Chasm... why "you" waged war against Morax. In the beginning, in order to open up new territory and increase production, the citizens of Liyue came to the mountains to mine. Overexploitation caused the Ley Lines to quake, which brought untold suffering to "us." " Kun jun pause for a bit before he continues speaking.

"So basically it's our fault that Azhdaha became like this. Because we mine the ores." Ningguang said.

Many in Liyue were sadden in hearing this why Azdaha became like this.

"Well partially. Like Azhdaha said. The Erosion played the big part of it but I won't deny. Humanity accelerated the effect." Rue said to them.

"Erosion made "us" even more savage. No matter how we struggled, we lost the ability to coexist with humanity... we lost all reason. Morax shared with us some of his power, to prevent further erosion. But... it was futile. Everything returns to dust. It is the natural order, an unstoppable force."

Kun Jun closed his eyes in silence before he spoke and looked Jiu directly in the eyes."And so, "we" became "you." And from your will... "I" emerged."

Jiu was silent as Jiu glares angrily at Kun Jun.

"I am your final contract. Witness the promise between Azhdaha and Morax. You can hate me... but you cannot deny me." Kun Jun said

"No... no..." Jiu shouted in denial.

"I am the remnants of Azhdaha's benevolence, the echo of a contract set in stone. I harbor a willingness to go further, a willingness to coexist peacefully with mankind."

Jiu was still in denial in hearing Kun Jun words. "No, no! It is I, Azhdaha, forged of elemental crystal, bearer of the weight and memories of the earth, older than the mountains and the oceans that decides! I will not swear allegiance to this insect!"

"Morax is not an insect." Kun jun angrily

"A lord over insects is nothing but an insect in turn!" Jiu argues.

"But without Rex Lapis! He wouldn't even exist?!" One of the people in Liyue argue and many agreed on that.

"You forgot yourself. Nobody held Morax in higher regard than you or I. That which you have forgotten, I hold here in my heart. If you are the memory of the earth... then I am the memory of coexistence... of coexistence with humanity."

Kun jun pause for a bit before he started to speak some words "All powers under heaven, rise and fall of land and sea..."

"...A star appears within the wild... a sun ascends as bright as... jade..." Jiu said those words and everyone watches in silences as they wait Jiu to speak again.

"Strange... What... what is this feeling? And all this..." Jiu said as she started to feel weak.

"You are spent, and I will soon disappear. Before I do, heed these words. In the wilderness, snow falls on a spring day. In an instant it will melt. Even where it is fleeting and leaves no trace. Even where it will never fall again..." Kun Jun said firmly

"No, that isn't true! I don't accept this as fate!" Jiu shouted angrily, not accepting Kun Jun words.

"Perhaps it isn't. But it remains... an inevitable misfortune." Kun Jun shook his head as he looks at Jiu who was slowly disappearing.

"Mor... ax..." Jiu's last words before the little girl completely disappeared.

"The little girl vanished..." Paimon said.

"Eroded?" Aether guess but no one confirms his answer.

"...Maybe. If that Azdaha eroded wouldn't the good Azdaha disappear as well since they are the same." Yelan pointed out.

"It could be they are separated and that Azhdaha used his power in battling Aether and Rex Lapis after all." Ningguang pointed out.

"Are you satisfied, Azhdaha?"Zhongli asked Kun Jun who still being controlled by Azdaha.

"I had to make amends. Satisfaction had no part in it." Kun Jun said before turning to Zhongli. "So, Morax... you call yourself Zhongli these days?"

"I do." Zhongli said with a nod.

"Well, I'm afraid old habits die hard. To me, you're Morax." Kun Jun said with a smile to his friend

"As you please." Zhongli smiled as he nods.

"I never did forget your gift of sight." Kun Jun said as Azdaha was reminded of the past.

"I hardly lifted a finger. Think nothing of it." Zhongli waved of the thing he done to help Azdaha.

"And yet you could see. You wouldn't know the yearning of a blind dragon, searching for the sun. A pair of eyes, from Morax to Azhdaha. This... I will remember this." Kun Jun said.

"They are speaking like old friends." Yao Yao said happily.

"Yes... Azhdaha and Rex Lapis had close bond before Azhdaha descend from madness." Madam Ping said.

Silence fell between the group before Zhongli spoke again.

"Your power is nearly spent." Zhongli said realizing that Azdaha was slowly losing its power.

"...Perceptive as always, my friend." Kun Jun said with a chuckle.

"Wait he is disappearing?!" Xiangling asked.

"Sadly Yes...after all he is only a part of Azdaha after all...along with memories of the one who he possessed." Zhongli explained

"So that's why I can't remember that incident" Kun Jun said in realization why he can't remember that commission.

"Shall we get going, you and I?" Zhongli asked.

"Surely the pressing matter is still that of the miners trapped outside the seal?" Kun Jun.

Zhongli nodded and spoke "Indeed. Hence the need to get going, to fix the damage left in your wake."

"Ha... straight down to business, as always. Let's go." Kun Jun said. Soon the group leaves the cave as Azdaha leads them away from the cave. Soon they are out of the cave.

"Huh? How did we get here? We need to go back and check on the miners!" Paimon said. The group decided to check the miners and found all of them were asleep now but they were okay.

The group soon completely out of the cave and was now underneath the tree and there they say Uncle Dai.

"So there you are! My men and I found your clues and followed them straight here." Dai said "We found Mao in a tent at the campsite unconscious! It seems he'll be okay. Sadly, we found no trace of the other three..." He notice that group had relief look on their faces.

"Huh? Young Kun, wh-what is...?"

"Nothing, pay it no mind. Those three miners are over in that cave there." Kun Jun cut of Dai and pointed where the remaining Miners are.

"Cave? What happened!?" Dai said worried.

"They're exhausted, but not in danger. Don't worry." Zhongli informed Uncle Dai.

"R-Right, well... Thank you, all of you! I better go and see how they're doing." Dai said with look relief and gratitude.

"So you're taking them back to Liyue Harbor?" Kun Jun asked.

"That's right!" Dai nodded.

"Can I come with you?" Kun Jun said.

"No problem! You rescued my men. I'll be happy to assist all of you in any way I can. I'll be back soon, I need to assess their condition." Dai said before walking away and heading to the cave to check the other miners.

"Kun Jun... Oh, uh... we should be calling you Azhdaha... You're coming back to Liyue Harbor too, right?" Paimon asked as she wasn't sure if Kun Jun was talking or Azhdaha she was talking.

"Not I, merely this body." Kun Jun said to Paimon as Azdaha took over again. "Once I'm gone, the true owner will accompany the miners back to Liyue. Kun Jun hails from a family of famous artisans - he too will be famous in time. It would be a shame for someone of his talent to go missing."

"You always did have a great admiration for blacksmiths." Zhongli said with a smile.

"Curious how swords and daggers are blind, yet their creators see so much. Perhaps empathy is mankind's proudest achievement after all?" Kun Jun said.

"Azhdaha. I am no longer the Geo Archon." Zhongli said revealing that he was no longer the ruler of Liyue.

"...I can sense it." Kun Jun said as he realizes that Zhongli was not the same as before and was a weaker than before.

"Today I am just an ordinary citizen of Liyue." Zhongli said with a small chuckle.

"Even you met such a fate... Let's get the difficult part out of the way. I cannot guarantee that I won't be awoken a second time." Kun Jun said.

"No matter. If that day comes to pass, Liyue must prepare itself to face you." Zhongli said.

"And how will Liyue fare without Rex Lapis?" Kun Jun asked curious how Liyue will move forward with Rex Lapis' guidance.

"Even without a god above, this remains a nation of men. I was once their god, I ought to be here to witness their rise and fall." Zhongli said.

"All life is shaped and then ground away by the endless flow of time. You were always the strongest among us, yet it would seem that even you have been eroded...That's unimportant... fate is ordained by heaven. Even if our mission had already concluded, it would be cowardly not to strike out on the road of departure." Kun jun let out a sigh as the white aura was growing weaker. "You may live forever, doomed to a lonely existence... yet even this is temporary. When you reach the end of time, those people, those past and future relationships predetermined by fate... They will be waiting for you."

"I do not pretend to match your rhetoric when it comes to the subject of a life long-lived. I fear that the life of an elemental being is longer than any in this world." Zhongli said.

"Were it not so, you would have killed me long ago, and would not be having to face me again now." Kun Jun said.

"You've brought a smile to my face. When all is said and done, a reunion between old friends is an auspicious occasion." Zhongli as he recalled the past.

"That day in The Chasm? Did you hesitate?" Kun jun asked.

"A heart of stone is a heart nonetheless. But I am the God of Contracts, and was, for a time, a god of the people of Liyue."

Kun Jun smiled in hearing this. "You chose justice, but did not forsake your kindness. You came to me not as an assassin, and so I was willingly sealed away."

"The movements of the Earth Dragon can tremble the earth and shake the heavens. With your abilities, even at my full strength, I struggled to confront you, let alone seal you away." Zhongli said revealing that Azdaha was his equal.

"Hence "my" inception." Kun Jun said. "Do not forget that I was there with Liyue's founder. The face may have changed, but the content of the contract remains intact. Old friend, God of Contracts. I hereby honor our agreement."

Zhongli couldn't help but smiled at hearing this. 'Thank you, Azhdaha."

Kun Jun looks up at the ancient tree and smile "My life is night eternal. I will go on with the infinite flow of time. And you, Morax... You too will live for many days to come."

"You're leaving?" Zhongli asked as he saw Azdaha aura was slowly disappearing.

"If it is fated, Morax... we will meet again." Kun Jun said and soon a ray of light flies from Kun Jun's body, and just like that, Azhdaha is gone...

"Huh!?" Paimon said in shock as they saw Kun Jun collapse on the ground.

"...the real Kun Jun?" Aether said as he wasn't sure if Azdaha has still inside Kun Jun.

"Yes. Don't be alarmed, he's only asleep." Zhongli told them which made the duo sigh in relief.

"So he's really gone." Xiao said.

"But not forgotten... especially with traveler there." Guizhong said.

"I agree. Like Rex Lapis said. The traveler will serve as witness...a record of the history of it." Cloud Retainer said.

"Whoa... that was so weird. It was like he... suddenly became another person." Paimon said in awe.

"In fact... we have yet to meet the real Kun Jun." Zhongli said.

"He was a great friend of yours." Aether said with a smile.

Zhongli nods in agreement "He was. Centuries may have passed since then... but events from a thousand years ago... remain crystal clear in my mind." Soon Zhongli started to tell the tale on how he met Azdaha.

"A thousand years ago, Azhdaha attacked The Chasm. I tried to obstruct him, fighting him tooth and nail down the length and breadth of the mine. Finally, I brought him down, and sealed him underground." Zhongli said as he looks at the sky before turning to Aether.

"During that battle, Dragonfall was born. Azhdaha could sense the stone. Subconsciously, he wanted to use it to find me. Despite being the victor, I could not claim to be stronger than he. And in his heart, he still retained an ounce of good will towards me... towards Liyue... towards life above ground." Zhongli closes his eyes a bit before he spoke again.

"He was willing to be sealed away. But as the erosion set in... he forgot."

"Have you also been affected by erosion?" Aether asked as he was worried about Zhongli losing himself from erosion.

Many listen with full attention especially the people of Liyue as they are worried about Rex Lapis being affected by Erosion.

"Even I cannot avoid it. But there is something I understand better than most: When the door opens, it is time to leave. The greater the power, the greater the danger erosion may bring about. The millennia may come and go, but even a stone may tire." Zhongli said.

"Is that why you chose to step down as the Geo Archon...?" Aether asked thinking why this might be the reason Zhongli stopped being the Geo Archon of Liyue.

Zhongli took a deep breath and spoke "Personally sealing away an old friend... this is just one form of erosion I have endured. People abandon and surrender the things they love to pursue the right path. Perhaps this is the erosion imposed on me by the Heavenly Principles." He paused for a bit before he spoke again.

"But I was a god of mankind. My identity may change, but my eyes will bear witness to the history of humanity." Zhongli said.

"Your not leaving us...are you Rex Lapis." Yao Yao asked.

"...Who knows...that day will come...but for now...even I'm not Liyue Archon anymore...I will still protect Liyue." Zhongli said.

"But to us you will always be our Archon! The one who lead Liyue to what it is today." Ganyu said and many in Liyue people and adepti in agreement.

"Yes...you are always our Archon...we will never forget you...and we will make sure that even future generations will remember your great deeds." Ningguang vow to Zhongli.

"You still care a lot about Liyue..." Paimon said.

"Call it... part of my duty." Zhongli said with a smile on his face. "I must thank you both."

"No worries!" Paimon said and Aether remember something

"I want to ask you something." Aether said.

"Oh? About what?" Zhongli asked with curiosity.

"About my sister." Aether said as he wanted to find some answers.

Lumine perks up in hearing this. She smiles as she was happy Aether always think of her even after their little incident in a certain domain.

"Oh yeah! Paimon nearly forgot!" Paimon remember and turns to Zhongli "So, not long ago we met a guy called Dain. He told us about Khaenri'ah and the punishment of the gods... That's when we realized that those events... were connected to the person we're searching for."

"This is crucial for me." Aether said as he thinks that Zhongli might have the answer why Lumine was with the abyss.

"Zhongli, you're a god. You've lived through thousands of years of history. Surely you experienced the incident." Paimon said.

Aether frowned as he remembers this as Zhongli denied him knowledge to know about the incident.

Zhongli was quiet for a while and atmosphere was very tense before he finally spoke.".....I cannot say."

"Rex Lapis...why?" Ganyu said with frowned.

"Yeah....is it because there was contract made during that incident?" Keqing asked. Zhongli didn't answered Keqing question but this made everyone knew it was.

"Why!?" Paimon shouted in disbelief at Zhongli, refusing to answer. Aether was just quiet

"You can't even give us a thread of information? This is so important to us!" Paimon shouted at Zhongli as she didn't care that Zhongli was a former Archon.

"I understand, but I must apologize. This is my contract." Zhongli said with a regretful look.

"You mean, another past grievance? Like the incident with Azhdaha? Too painful to talk about?" Paimon asked.

"It was signed before it all began. I have always honored the contract... and kept my silence." Zhongli said with a regretful look

Paimon was angry at hearing this and shouted at him "...How can you be like that...!?" Paimon didn't care that Zhongli was an Archon. She hated that Zhongli was refusing to give any information that would help Aether.

"...I really appreciate that you tried to protest about it Paimon." Aether said to Paimon as he was grateful to his companion.

"Yeah after everything we went through Paimon didn't want to be left without any answers especially involving your sister!" Paimon said.

"You two are friends to me. I can assure it brings me no pleasure to disappoint you. But as the God of Contracts, I cannot go back on my word." Zhongli said, hoping Aether would understand

"....I believe you." Aether finally spoke after a few minutes which suprise Paimon

"Seem Traveler understand Rex Lapis position. Normally someone would whine or tantrum about this. But not traveler." Mountain shaper said.

"Traveler has endure much. He will continue to grow as he learn more about this world I dare say that maybe he will be much more knowledgeable than I." Cloud Retainer said.

"Would you be ready to find out?" Paimon said worried.

"Perhaps." Aether said as he wasn't sure how he will handle the truth if he ever learns about it in the future.

"It appears your understanding of this world continues to grow." Zhongli said with a small smile on his face.

"There are many events of ages past... many secrets that lie hidden...They have been eroded by time, forgotten by the people... abandoned." Zhongli paused for a bit before he continues to speak.

"Yeah...a heap of secrets..." Aether sighs as he learns many secrets in Teyvat, the Hilichurls, the abyss, Khaenri'ah, Irminsul, Aranara and many others. Aether knew he had many things to learn especially if he prepares himself if he ever plans to go to Fontaine and meet the Hydro Archon.

"But you are capable of finding them and bringing them into the light. Those who come to witness... will witness. Those who are born to remember... will remember." Zhongli said. Aether let out a sigh and looks in the sky as Zhongli spoke.

"If you take the same road as that person, there may be more difficulties ahead. But as long as you firmly believe that you are on the right path... everything has meaning." Zhongli said.

"Another great words of wisdom from Rex Lapis himself!" One of the people Liyue said as they agreed on Zhongli's words.

Soon the camera zoom out and shown the tombstone near the ancient tree that said the following "Life endures in Heaven and Earth thanks to the merciful Adeptus. On this site lies an evil dragon, please do not disturb it."

Soon the theater ended and Rue smiled as he stands up. "Alright everyone we will continue with the viewing within the next 30 minutes. But first Aether please come with me." Rue said as he gesture Aether to follow him. Aether looked confused but nodded. Soon the two disappear from a portal.

"Paimon wondered what Rue wanted from Aether. Paimon is getting nervous." Paimon said nervously.

"Don't worry Paimon I'm sure that Rue has his reason beside Rue doesn't seem a reason to do something bad with Aether." Nahida comfort her.

"...Yeah...Rue been super nice to us... Paimon is sure Aether will return okay." Paimon said with a smile.

==With Aether and Rue==

"Are you crazy! Why are you making Nahida relieved that memory! Rukkhadevata sacrifice herself so the forbidden knowledge to be removed from that world and for now Nahida to be view her people as the true Archon of Sumeru and now you're making them remember it. It will cause forbidden knowledge to come back but at the same time bring pain to Nahida." Aether shouted in anger. Rue was giving him a blank look.

"..I know but...Nahida is strong girl. Besides this isn't my decision alone but the council as well. Many were protest at first but soon slowly agreed to have the memory of Rukkhadevata being remove be recovered to the people of Teyvat...not only a reminder about the great Archon...but the same time to make the other sages and Scholars realize that Nahida is Rukkhadevata successor...her daughter." Rue gave his reason and Aether eyes widen in hearing this.

"Daughter....what do you mean by that." Aether question.

"... Let's not be idiots here Aether. We both clearly know that their relationship is similar to mother and daughter. Nahida might be an incarnation of Rukkhadevata but we both clearly see they are family at most." Rue stated. Many other council members agreed as well that Rukkhadevata and Nahida share a bond of mother and daughter relationship despite their circumstances.

"....Alright fine but what about the forbidden knowledge. A memory of Rukkhadevata can also trigger that forbidden knowledge." Aether asked as he was worried about Nahida and the others that will be affected by this.

"Don't worry forbidden knowledge will never be apply since technically we are outside of space and time. Even they return to their world with the knowledge of Rukkhadevata. The forbidden knowledge is gone in that world...for good along with Eleazar." Rue explained to lessen the worry of Aether of the forbidden knowledge getting caught by the people and the sickness of Eleazar. The council did extensive research on this if showing the memory would trigger the forbidden knowledge or Eleazar. But to their suprise. It won't so it was good to go.

"...I'm trusting you on this." Aether said with glare to Rue.

"... It's a promise not only as friend but a watcher as well also we have special guest joining us," Rue said. And soon a blue portal opens and Aether turns to the portal and his eyes on the figure he sees that came from the portal.

".....Rukkhadevata?" Aether said in complete shock.

Alright the story is finally done and finally been a hassle and time at the same time losing sleep on this. As I really want to finish this story quest. Now the next chapter will be "A Dream of Falling Branches" that I consider one of the beautiful and saddest scenes in Genshin Impact. The reason why I loved the Nahida story more. Well see you all in the next chapter.

Rue out!