"Looks like my worries were completely unnecessary."
Xiao landed on a slightly elevated spot. He had barely steadied himself when Zhongli appeared beside him.
"My respects, former Emperor."
"No need for formalities. I am merely a mortal named Zhongli now. You may dispense with such courtesies from now on."
At Zhongli's words, Xiao naturally nodded in agreement.
The two stood side by side, quietly watching Lin Yi in the arena.
His clothing retained the elegant style of Liyue's finery, paired with the solid, dignified colors of Geo.
At times, he seemed like a mountain spanning the world, holding all things beneath its weight.
Of course, the aura emanating from the Dark Sea's side was formidable enough to give even Zhongli a faint sense of danger.
"The enemy is reasonably strong. Now we shall see how Lin Yi handles her," Zhongli said, objectively assessing the situation.
"Former Rex... Mr. Zhongli, your judgment must surely be impartial, but Lord Lin Yi does hold a divine office."
Zhongli closed his eyes and quietly listened to the wind.
"It is precisely because Lin Yi holds a divine office that this battle could go either way."
The rumors that the leader of the Dark Sea had challenged the Heavenly Principles apparently were not empty talk.
And this female leader clearly had more tricks hidden up her sleeve.
Farther away, the Anemo Archon Venti was also watching the battle, as were informants from Inazuma and Sumeru.
Boom!
The female leader entered the battlefield, blasting a huge crater into the ground. Sand and stones flew everywhere in a spectacular entrance.
"Hey, this is my turf. If you hog all the spotlight, how am I supposed to show off?"
A little annoyed, Lin Yi summoned an enormous replica of the Memory of Dust, leaving it hovering behind him.