Aether and Paimon exchanged glances, both frowning in confusion.
That thunderclap just now was no natural phenomenon—it had been summoned by the figures hovering above the heavens.
The Gods of this realm?
Aether recalled that when he made the contract with the Heavenly Dao back at the auction house, he had sensed the interference of other divine entities from above. It was only thanks to Zhongli's aid that he managed to forcefully establish the contract.
Zhongli hadn't shown himself at the time, first because the one who helped was not his true body, and second because he had conveyed through elemental will that he would take care of the matter himself.
Now, the two descending figures above were most likely here for him and his companions.
"Paimon, wait here. I'll go take a look."
He'd never had much affection for the gods of this world. That's why, after arriving here, he hadn't bothered seeking their guidance like he would in Teyvat.
But since they had come knocking on his door, it was only proper to meet them face to face.
"No. This time, let me protect you."
Paimon grabbed Aether's sleeve and shook her head. She could feel the abundant power surging within her body, and a bright smile bloomed on her lips.
She had no idea how this sudden awakening happened, but the power within her was no weaker than the auras those heavenly figures exuded.
"Whoever you are, if you came here to cause trouble, I'll gladly let you taste the wrath of Teyvat's cutest warrior!"
She muttered under her breath, gave Aether a reassuring look, then stepped outside. Gazing at the sky, she stretched out her delicate hand, slicing the air—summoning a spatial rift that tore open before her.
With graceful steps, she entered the rift. In the next instant, she emerged amidst the clouds.
The two figures above were slightly startled by Paimon's sudden appearance, but upon remembering earlier events, they weren't entirely surprised.
"You show up uninvited, then thunder down like you're trying to scare people. Are you here to fight or what?"
Paimon crossed her arms, eyeing the two figures.
One was a young woman, appearing no older than eighteen or nineteen. Her features were exquisitely flawless, long dark green hair cascading over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with pure, gentle light.
The other was a towering figure, covered in black scales, emanating waves of dark energy. His eyes glowed red, and his visage was twisted and monstrous.
"You misunderstand, my lady," the delicate figure replied gently. "I am the Goddess of Kindness. We merely sensed a surge of energy earlier and came to investigate what occurred in the mortal realm."
"Hmph. Why even bother explaining?"
The grotesque figure beside her snorted, his crimson eyes scanning Paimon from head to toe. He sneered.
"A beauty like you… I've never seen anyone quite like you before. Which realm are you from? Why haven't you reported to the divine realm?"
"I'm not a god," Paimon replied flatly, frowning. "So why should I go to your so-called divine realm?"
The aura from this ugly creature made her extremely uncomfortable—it felt even filthier than the Abyss.
"Hahaha… Just a nameless wild god, and you dare talk back?"
The God of Evil stared at Paimon, his eyes gleaming with disturbing intent.
"Such a beautiful woman… what a waste it would be to kill you. Why not come with me instead? Serve at my side as my handmaiden. How does that sound?"
"Oh? And what if I refuse?"
Paimon's clear eyes gleamed with icy sharpness.
This grotesque thing was as ugly as his stench—his strength wasn't all that impressive either. And yet, he was running his mouth like a tyrant?
"If you refuse…" The God of Evil stretched out a massive hand, fingers curling as if to seize her.
"I quite enjoy crushing beauty with my own hands. There's something thrilling about watching perfection struggle and break. Wouldn't you like to experience that?"
As he spoke, his aura surged, unleashing waves of darkness and malevolence that made Paimon wrinkle her nose. The stench had only worsened.
"Evil, have you already forgotten what happened with Destruction not long ago?"
The Goddess of Kindness quickly grabbed Evil's arm, trying to rein him in. The opponent's strength was still unknown. Acting recklessly might bring dire consequences.
They had only come to investigate the massive energy that had erupted earlier. Fighting had never been the plan.
Besides, although the woman before them lacked a divine title, her power was undeniable. Her aura… it was faintly similar to the one that fought Destruction recently.
"Hmph! Don't compare me to Destruction!"
The God of Evil shook off the Kindness goddess's hand but made no further move to attack.
Still, her words had clearly struck a nerve. His eyes narrowed at Paimon, mind drifting back to that day.
He remembered clearly the moment he saw that otherworldly god's avatar thrash Destruction. That being had looked calm and refined, but once the battle began, he was ruthlessly efficient—Destruction hadn't stood a chance.
It had taken all five of them—the Five Divine Kings—working together to eventually disperse that avatar. And even so, Destruction, who had first engaged the enemy, had yet to recover from his injuries.
Now this woman, though lacking a divine title, carried a similar aura… something he hadn't noticed until Kindness pointed it out.
It wasn't her that he feared—but whether that fearsome god might still be nearby.
Back then, they had only faced the god's avatar—and it had taken everything they had. If the true body ever descended, the entire divine realm might fall…
"…"
Paimon had already prepared herself for battle, only for the enemy to seem… distracted?
That grotesque bastard had actually backed down? Though he still stared at her with that revolting gaze.
"You. What's your relationship with that otherworldly god?"
Evil's voice was cold and probing.
"What god? Don't bother me with useless chatter—if you want to fight, then fight!"
Paimon was bursting with battle spirit.
She had always been the Traveler's guide, never his fighter. Watching Aether battle while she hovered helplessly on the sidelines had often left her itching to help.
Now, her body brimmed with power. She didn't know how or why—but it was more than enough to beat this hideous freak.
"Fine, fine… You saw that, Kindness? It's not me starting this—she's asking for it!"
Dark energy surged from Evil's scarlet eyes. Paimon had successfully provoked him.
A god without a divine seat—if she even was a god—daring to challenge him, the God of Evil, a God King? Unheard of in the divine realm!
He shoved the Goddess of Kindness aside. No matter who tried to stop him—today, he would teach this insolent woman a harsh lesson!
_
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