Compared to the shady Abyss Mage, Zhongli's combat power was clearly on an entirely different level.
This wasn't a fight — it was a dimensional suppression.
The moment the battle erupted, the Abyss Mage's expression turned dark and solemn. His black robe fluttered lightly in the wind, as if heralding the descent of abyssal power. His hands trembled as he chanted low incantations, murky energy gathering rapidly in his palms.
In an instant, the surrounding air grew thin. Faint whispers seemed to rise from the Abyss itself.
The Abyss Mage believed he had control of the battlefield.
But the moment his gaze landed on Zhongli, fear crept into his heart.
Against the oppressive darkness, Zhongli's figure appeared dazzlingly bright. His ornate attire shimmered with golden geo light, standing tall like a god bringing illumination into the Abyss.
Which, frankly, he was.
Idris watched from the side without intervening, silently marveling.
This guy's even better at putting on airs than I am… Guess some things really do come down to talent.
Fortunately, Zhongli couldn't beat him — and Idris was still holding onto Zhongli's little secret. Thinking that way made everything feel much better.
Zhongli raised his hand, preparing to strike—
—and suddenly sneezed twice.
He turned around and immediately saw Idris wearing a strange, knowing grin.
Zhongli shuddered.
That black-hearted Sumeru Sage is definitely bad-mouthing me in his head.
Suppressing the urge to glare, Zhongli turned back and decided to vent all his irritation on the Abyss Mage.
His expression returned to calm indifference, as though every move his opponent would make was already within his expectations. He did not rush to attack, instead carefully observing, waiting for the perfect moment.
The Abyss Mage struck first.
Dark energy condensed into a jet-black beam that screamed through the air toward Zhongli, carrying crushing pressure — as if it meant to swallow all light.
Zhongli merely raised his palm.
Bang.
The black beam shattered on contact, scattering like broken glass before dissipating entirely.
"That's it?" Zhongli said mildly, his tone calm yet absolute.
The air warped.
In the next instant, Zhongli vanished and reappeared in front of the Abyss Mage. Geo light surged violently, his presence crashing down like a divine mountain.
The Abyss Mage screamed in panic, frantically attempting to reinforce his defenses.
Useless.
Zhongli's power was overwhelming — raw, ancient, absolute. Each strike of geo force fell like a natural disaster. The Abyss Mage was driven back again and again, terror and despair flooding his eyes.
From the sidelines, Nahida clapped excitedly.
"Braid-guy is amazing! Amazing! That was so cool!"
Zhongli's mouth twitched.
Braid-guy?
Is that even a name humans use?
But he wisely chose not to argue. Arguing with the Sumeru Sage's favorite person would only lead to suffering.
Shenhe stared in shock.
She had never imagined that this seemingly gentle man possessed such terrifying strength. The Abyss Mage was completely helpless before him — crushed without mercy.
For a brief moment, she even felt as if she were witnessing the Geo Archon himself.
She glanced at Idris.
Zhongli's strength already rivals a god," Idris said calmly. "But compared to me, he's still a bit lacking."
The words sounded shameless.
Yet Shenhe believed them without hesitation.
After all, Idris was the Sumeru Sage — the man who had defeated a god.
None of them felt the need to intervene.
As the battle dragged on, Zhongli's dominance only became more absolute. Geo energy roared around him like a blazing sun, erasing all darkness. With a final decisive blow, the Abyss Mage collapsed to the ground, completely defeated.
Zhongli lowered his hand and smiled faintly, as though everything had unfolded exactly as expected.
Only then did Idris walk forward.
He grabbed the Abyss Mage by the collar.
"So," Idris said lazily, "start talking. What's going on?"
The Abyss Mage convulsed.
"Ula… ula… wula-ula-wah—"
"Wula-la-la—"
Idris' head started to ache.
The Abyss Mage showed no sign of stopping.
"Can you speak properly or not?!" Idris snapped. "Do you even know Common Tongue?!"
Slap.
He struck without hesitation.
The sudden violence made the air go still.
Nahida frowned slightly. Shenhe froze.
Only Zhongli watched in silence, deep in thought.
He understood. Idris might seem brutal, but there was method to his madness. At moments like this, extracting information mattered more than appearances.
Moments later, the Abyss Mage collapsed to his knees, trembling violently, overwhelmed by fear.
"That's all you know?" Idris scoffed.
"Then you're useless."
He ended the Abyss Mage without another word.
Zhongli's pupils contracted.
His gaze toward Idris subtly changed.
Idris didn't care.
The Abyss Mage had wasted enough time.
Muttering to himself, Idris turned away.
Honestly, these Abyss types talk like aliens. If aliens are all like this, they're not much of a threat — can't even communicate properly.
With the threat eliminated, the group resumed their journey.
Idris walked ahead, unbothered. Behind him, Nahida and Shenhe exchanged glances, both shaken.
So this was the Sumeru Sage everyone spoke of.
No wonder even villains were terrified of him.
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