Sensing the absolute power of raging flames and freezing cold, a hint of panic, no, fear finally appeared on the Great Sage's face... People are terrified of death, and no matter how strong they are, they are like ants in the face of death.
"You... you... hurry up! Why are you still watching me? Quickly capture this thief!"
The soldiers around them, who possessed the God's Eye, looked at each other. They had merely become Sumeru soldiers through recruitment. After all, having the God's Eye could secure a good position, and it was sought after everywhere.
There was no need to fight and kill for a mere Great Sage, potentially losing their lives. This was something they were unwilling to do, so they hesitated to move forward, quietly staying put and warily watching Lu Ze.
"Heh heh... Hey, you there? Look at the soldiers you've raised. They can't even follow simple orders. I truly pity you. Even ordinary soldiers in Liyue are better than them! But, since I've said so much, it's time for you to die."
Handing Nahida to Bella behind him, the Heavenly Fire Greatsword in his hand once again erupted with light. A colossal pillar of fire directly incinerated the giant tree crown above. However, none of that mattered anymore.
"Heavenly Fire... unsheathed! Let the raging flames take all your sins away together!"
The immense blaze ignited everything around. Sumeru City, once full of life, turned into a sea of fire. If Nahida were to see this... she might be very angry? After all, waking up to find her home stolen, who wouldn't be angry!
Countless citizens began to flee in panic, but there was no escape from the sea of fire. If no turn of events occurred, the city might truly be massacred.
To bear the corresponding side effects, the Ice Archon's core in Lu Ze's body had already volatilized to its limit. The ethereal voice behind him grew increasingly clear.
"Heh heh... How dare you bully the teacher... It seems you can only... but those commoners are innocent... let my power... save you once more!"
At this moment, Anna was like the Snow Queen. A giant ice-blue crystal scepter appeared in her hand. She forcefully thrust it into the air, and the surrounding weather... instantly turned into a freezing cold land tens of degrees below zero.
Sumeru, which was originally a tropical region, suddenly experienced a rare spectacle. The entire Sumeru City... seemed to have transformed into a small town belonging to the Ice Queen, with snowflakes falling from the sky.
The burning tree crown was instantly extinguished, though not many leaves remained, all scorched black. However, miraculously, this scene formed half a black tree crown and half one filled with ice leaves, creating a spectacle in itself.
Those soldiers, the Great Sage, and those with the God's Eye who had no time to resist, all turned into ashes.
Sumeru City, once a sea of fire, no longer had any trace of flame. The surviving citizens looked at the snowflakes falling from the sky with shocked expressions. Could it be that the Cryo Archon had descended? Otherwise, how could the sea of fire have transformed into this icy landscape?
After unleashing this attack, Anna's shadow became transparent again. But at the moment of disappearing... she gently hugged Lu Ze and said happily, "We meet again, Teacher... This is for you... the Kiss of Ice and Snow."
Lu Ze, who had been resisting the side effects, opened his eyes. He touched his cold face. A moment ago, there had been a slight warmth. Was it her?
"Anna... is that you? Is it really you? Anna!"
He turned his head abruptly, only to see Bella covering Nahida with her giant wings. She was originally a Cryo-type Honkai Beast, so she could resist this cold. Fortunately, the Heavenly Fire unsheathed earlier hadn't been aimed at her, otherwise she would have surely...
"Are you satisfied now, Lu Ze? I still want to go back and play with the Queen."
She had been using her body heat to maintain Nahida's relatively cool attire. If it weren't for her, this little beauty might have already become an icicle.
"Hoo... Let's hurry and rescue Nahida. I don't believe Sumeru City only has one Great Sage. Anyone who dares to harm my customer... I'll make them pay dearly."
The after-effects had subsided. He moved his body, and the frost on him shattered with a crackling sound, falling to the ground. But that wasn't important... The priority now was to rescue Nahida from the Sanctuary of Wisdom.
Looking at his masterpiece, Lu Ze chuckled unashamedly. He could only hope that Nahida wouldn't be angry with him when she woke up... after all, he had burned her home like this.
With a forceful kick, the grand doors of the Sanctuary of Wisdom were kicked open. The decorations inside clearly showed the reverence the people of Sumeru had for the Dendro Archon, but time changes people's minds; no one can escape it.
Soon, he arrived at the rear and saw a large transparent glass tank. A child lay quietly inside, her aura appearing weak. It seemed the divine power extracted this time was indeed substantial.
Perhaps it was because the soundproofing of this palace was too effective, but countless researchers were busy here, each wearing green headphones and discussing something... This time, they intended to use the power of the Dendro Archon to perfectly create an illusion.
"It seems I don't need to capture them one by one. You're all here. Everyone, hands up! You are all surrounded by me. If you don't want to die, obey me obediently!"
The Heavenly Fire Greatsword was leaned against his shoulder. Bella behind him held Nahida with a helpless expression. This guy really knew how to put on a show, didn't he? Sigh...
"Who are you?! Why are you trespassing in the Sanctuary of Wisdom? Guards! Someone has entered the forbidden area!"
One of the young people urgently shouted. This action immediately amused Lu Ze. Why did these people look so foolish? These people were going to research the power of gods... I can only say they were too naive!
"Stop shouting, your throat will break before anyone comes to save you. I've already dealt with everyone outside. If I'm in a bad mood, I might massacre the city. If you cooperate obediently... I won't touch any of you. After all, my goal is singular! That girl in the glass tank, I must take her away."
When the girl in the glass tank was mentioned, all the researchers looked towards one person. He was the most important figure here, a doctor highly valued by Sumeru's high command.
"No, absolutely not! We will never allow you to take Nahida. Her existence is of great significance to us. We are on the verge of becoming humans who can touch divine power. This magnificent feat will be recorded in history!"