"It's nothing, really. I just want to beat someone up."

Under Zhongli's gaze, Wendy looked down at Liyue Harbor.

Beat someone up?

It had to be said, Wendy's words successfully made Zhongli even more perplexed.

Although he still couldn't discern Wendy's true strength, her speed alone indicated she was far from simple, not to mention her seeming knowledge of many things concerning him.

Thus, Zhongli clearly couldn't understand the nature of this request for help.

Did she want me to be her helper?

But... who was she planning to beat up?

And... why would she think I'd help her?

"Then, Miss Wendy, who exactly do you wish to beat up?"

Despite his confusion, Zhongli still wanted to know who Wendy intended to confront.

"Childe!"

Turning around, Wendy uttered the person's name.

Childe???

Honestly, this was someone Zhongli had not expected.

After all, Childe wasn't particularly strong; seeking the Geo Archon's help against him would clearly be overkill.

Could it be... Wendy couldn't defeat Childe?

Was she merely fast?

Looking at Wendy, Zhongli felt this speculation of his was rather unlikely.

Since even he couldn't see through Wendy, it clearly meant she was anything but simple.

Zhongli was puzzled, but he still asked, "Why do you wish to beat him? And do you want me to help you..."

"No, I can handle it myself."

Knowing what Zhongli was about to say, Wendy interrupted him.

"I see. I thought Miss Wendy wished for me to be your helper."

"I do need a helper, but not the kind you're thinking of. I could crush Childe with a single finger."

As she spoke, Wendy extended a finger, as if genuinely intending to press Childe to death that way.

"In that case, what assistance might I provide?"

Regardless of the outcome, Zhongli wished to first understand the entire situation.

"It's simple. You just find an opportunity to tell him that I was sent by the Anemo Archon to beat him up, or you can even say I am the Anemo Archon. That's all."

Withdrawing her finger, Wendy stated her request.

Since framing the Geo Archon didn't work last time, she'd try the Anemo Archon this time. She figured it must be one of these two gods.

Last time, she told Childe her identity was "my friend"...

This time, she planned to say she was sent by the Anemo Archon, or simply make Childe believe she was the Anemo Archon...

What exactly... is she doing?

Trying to sow discord between the Cryo Archon, myself, and Barbatos?

No... Miss Wendy knows my identity...

Such provocation would be meaningless...

How peculiar...

Zhongli fell into deep thought regarding Wendy's request; he truly couldn't fathom what she intended to do.

"Hello?"

Waving her hand in front of Zhongli, Wendy awaited his response.

"A very strange request, and... why should I help you? Miss Wendy, there is no contract between us."

Although he still couldn't understand Wendy's objective, Zhongli wanted to see why he absolutely had to comply.

He could tell Wendy was very confident, as if he would certainly agree to her request.

"Oh, right, contracts." Hearing Zhongli mention contracts, Wendy seemed to recall something important, then continued, "I know you're preparing to retire, but you're worried whether these humans can carry on without you, so you're planning to test them. I, for one, could help you with this matter. How about it?"

For Wendy, she wouldn't let others help her for nothing.

If someone helped her, she would also help them in return.

However, if Zhongli didn't agree, she would simply have to show him what she was capable of first.

She even knows about this...

After hearing Wendy's words, a rare complex expression appeared on Zhongli's face.

The matter of his impending retirement was something he had only contemplated in his heart, never revealing it to a second soul, yet Wendy still knew.

How exactly... did she manage that?

"It seems Mr. Zhongli still has some reservations."

Suddenly smiling, strange patterns suddenly appeared on Wendy's hand.

And with the appearance of these patterns, extremely violent gusts of wind suddenly whipped up, engulfing even Liyue Harbor below.

Instantly, the sea near Liyue Harbor surged with massive waves, while within Liyue Harbor, fierce winds rampaged everywhere.

What astonishing power...

At this moment, Zhongli could distinctly feel a considerably terrifying power accumulating within Wendy.

What was more alarming, that peculiar power continued to surge.

"Stop, stop, Wendy, I said stop."

It was then that Kaito spoke.

Although he was speaking in concert with Wendy, he was genuinely close to being blown away this time. He needed to give Wendy an excuse to stop, and also to observe Zhongli's subsequent reaction.

"Darling, who's Tingting?"

The fierce wind abruptly ceased, and Wendy, looking displeased, walked in front of Kaito.

"Uh... no, I just wanted you to stop, there's no Tingting. That was too dangerous just now."

"Really?"

"Really!"

Zhongli: "..."

Witnessing this scene, Zhongli was momentarily unsure how to react.

However, regarding Wendy's recent request, he already knew what he had to do.

"I agree to your recent proposal, Miss Wendy."

__

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