As Sam Li's Vortex Vanquisher shot forth, it pierced through the skull of the colossal Ethereal in the sky.

Countless Geo spears rained down like a storm, tearing open the massive Ethereal's body one after another, until it was completely perforated.

When the assault ended, the giant Ethereal split apart in midair and shattered into fragments, crashing down to the ground.

Yet, even then, the remains still writhed. From the broken pieces, countless insect-like Ethereal began to crawl and take flight.

Seeing this, Sam Li immediately understood—it must be the Ethereal's second form.

The next moment, he sheathed his spear and raised a single finger.

He commanded the earth, calling upon the Geo from the ground around him, gathering it at his fingertip.

As the energy condensed, a small golden sphere formed—like a miniature sun, radiating a dazzling brilliance.

Sam Li then flicked it forward lightly.

The orb shot out, expanding rapidly as it flew, before suddenly detonating with a sharp pop.

In an instant, golden light exploded outward.

A flood of Geo poured forth, the brilliance so blinding that no one could open their eyes.

For a moment, Hoshimi Miyabi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Asaba Harumasa, and Yae Miko felt as though they were adrift in a golden ocean.

The warmth enveloping them left no room for fear.

The flash of light came and went in the blink of an eye, fading just as quickly as it appeared.

When Hoshimi Miyabi looked forward again, she was stunned—the insect-like Ethereal that had emerged from the carcass were now plummeting from the sky like rain.

Thud, thud, thud, thud, thud—

Thousands of them struck the ground, shattering into piles of Ether crystal fragments, slowly dissolving into the Hollow.

At the same time, a familiar notification echoed in Sam Li's mind:

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for successfully defeating Destruction-class Ethereal – Complete Corrosion Form ×1. Reward: 300,000 System Points——]

[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for gaining Role-Playing Progress +3%——]

Thus, the three Destruction-class Ethereal that had suddenly appeared had all been slain by Sam Li.

Compared to his battles against other Ethereal, it looked effortless. But Sam Li knew well that these Destruction-class creatures were far beyond Notoriety Ethereal or even high-tier ones.

Without his strength and the Adepti's intervention, New Eridu alone could never have eliminated them.

The Defense Army's thermal and Ether weapons could deal with ordinary Ethereal, even suppress and destroy Notoriety-class ones. But against Destruction-class Ethereal, they were utterly useless.

Only Void Hunters like Hoshimi Miyabi represented New Eridu's true peak combat strength. And yet, such powerhouses were extremely rare across the entire city.

...

As his role-playing progress advanced, Sam Li could feel himself becoming more and more like the true Morax. His control over Geo, his martial path—both had reached new heights.

Simply put, he had grown stronger.

He lifted his gaze skyward.

Faintly, he felt he could sense the meteors above, each radiating pure Geo. It was as if a connection had formed between him and the stars, as though he could one day call them down to crash upon the earth.

For now, it was only a feeling. His current mastery wasn't enough to summon a meteor from the heavens.

...

His thoughts shifted, and he once more pulled up the system's character details panel:

[Host]: Sam Li

[System]: Ultimate Role-Playing System

[System Points]: 1,163,000

[Current World]: Zenless Zone Zero

[Current Role]: Geo Archon – Morax (Zhongli)

[Current Role Progress]: 72%

[Abilities]: Rain of Stone, Jade Shield (Enhanced), Stone Stele

[Weapon]: Vortex Vanquisher

[Items]: None

[Shop]: Statue of the Seven, Jade Chamber, Serenitea Pot...

...

After slaying the three Destruction-class Ethereal, his role-playing progress had surged dramatically.

Beside him, the Adepti—Moon Carver, Cloud Retainer, Vigilant Yaksha Xiao, and Mountain Shaper—calmly sheathed their weapons.

Their composed expressions showed no trace of surprise at the battle just now, nor at Sam Li's performance.

After all, this was the Geo Archon.

But on the other side, Hoshimi Miyabi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Asaba Harumasa, Soukaku, and Belle—controlling Eous—were all left wide-eyed in shock.

They had known Sam Li was strong.

But the techniques he had just displayed were beyond imagination—striking down Destruction-class Ethereal in a single blow.

Hoshimi Miyabi was shaken.

Though not an immortal herself, in her eyes Sam Li's power already surpassed even Adepti such as Cloud Retainer and Moon Carver.

And their respectful attitude toward him confirmed it.

...

Among them, one was even more shaken than the rest—Keqing of the Liyue Qixing.

Until now, she had never realized Sam Li's true identity. She had thought he was just a guest consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor who had stumbled into New Eridu by accident and ended up working for the Hare's House.

But now—after witnessing those overwhelming techniques—

That boundless Geo, that spearplay flowing like a soaring dragon, those awe-inspiring strikes... Who else could wield such power but the Geo Archon himself?

At this moment, Keqing finally understood.

Sam Li was none other than the Geo Archon, hidden among mortals.

No wonder his knowledge was so vast. No wonder there was always a unique aura about him. No wonder, though he appeared young, he carried himself with weary eyes that seemed to hold the weight of countless years—finding solace in bird-watching and tea.

So that was it.

So that's how it was.

Not long ago, Keqing had admired Sam Li's ability, even wishing to recruit him into the Yujing Terrace under her command.

She never imagined his true identity was the Geo Archon.

Thinking back to her words with him, the times they had fought side by side... her heart swelled with shock, but also joy, embarrassment, and... something more.

At that moment, Belle guided Eous to her side.

"Miss Keqing, Miss Keqing..."

Keqing blinked back to awareness.

Without answering Belle, she strode quickly toward Sam Li.