"A promise?"
Zhongli narrowed his eyes slightly.
"You mean...?!"
"Yes!"
Ellin nodded slightly. "The promise I made beneath the Dragon-Queller Tree in Nantianmen-I'm confident I can fulfill it now."
"It's time to bring your dear friend Guizhong back."
"Ellin, dear, is that truly possible?"
Cloud Retainer's expression shifted as well. She and Guizhong had been close friends, and Guizhong's death had grieved her just as deeply.
Now that she heard Ellin could resurrect Guizhong, how could she not rejoice?
"Of course!"
Ellin nodded again.
"Good. In that case, rest here a moment. I shall make the preparations!"
An hour later.
Atop Mt. Aocang.
Cloud Retainer, Xiao, Madame Ping, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and the other immortals had gathered, along with Azhdaha and Zhongli.
These figures, the very pinnacle of Liyue's fighting strength, stood at various positions around Mt. Aocang's summit, each guarding a direction to protect Ellin.
"Ellin, dear, with all of us here to guard you, you may set your mind at ease and give this your all!"
Cloud Retainer spoke from the northwestern side of the summit.
Every top fighter in Liyue had gathered to stand guard. It was easy to imagine how much this mattered to them.
At the sight, Ellin's expression grew much more solemn.
Even so, she said, "Let me make this clear first: I can't guarantee I'll resurrect Guizhong. I only have an eighty-percent chance of success!"
"Eighty percent is enough!"
Zhongli's gaze was resolute.
"Yes, we've seen everything you've done for us old folk."
"Helping Azhdaha return was already an immense kindness."
"Guizhong is dead. Bringing someone back from death is no easy feat. We're already deeply grateful that you're willing to find a way and try."
"An eighty-percent chance is more than enough. Even if you fail, we won't blame you.