A single slash—decapitation.
Il Dottore didn't even have time to react before Jiang Chen cut him down.
And it was an instant death effect.
A direct, soul-piercing strike.
No matter how many segments he had, under Jiang Chen's attack, they were all equal.
In other words, every single one of the Doctor's segments lost their heads in that instant.
The surrounding crowd was stunned.
"Someone's been killed!!"
A panicked shout rang out, and chaos erupted.
Grand Sage Azar turned his gaze toward the commotion.
When he saw the flying head, his pupils constricted sharply.
The Doctor… was just killed?
Shocking!!
Azar was dumbfounded. Was he really that weak? Just taken out like that?
Jiang Chen, having effortlessly decapitated the Doctor, didn't leave. Instead, he kicked the headless corpse a few times.
"I hate evil scientists the most."
"Experimenting on children? Death is too good for you."
His words reached the ears of the onlookers.
Many were shocked.
Experimenting on kids? Then he deserved to die!!
"Surround him!!"
At this moment, the guards finally snapped out of their daze.
Regardless of the reason, Jiang Chen had just killed someone—in broad daylight, no less.
Did they, the guards, have no dignity?
Without hesitation, they closed in.
"Stop."
A gentle voice rang out, carrying a soothing power.
Hearing it, everyone froze.
Their panicked emotions were instantly calmed.
Zhongli and Venti, recognizing the voice, dispelled the barrier and turned toward the approaching figure.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata—Buer.
Seeing her, Zhongli smiled.
"Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, it's been a long time."
He greeted her from afar.
The crowd was stunned.
The Akademiya members were the first to react, dropping to one knee in reverence.
The spectators erupted in murmurs.
The Greater Lord Rukkhadevata?
Wasn't she dead? How is she here now?
For a moment, everyone's eyes widened in disbelief.
But their movements didn't slow—bows and salutes were swiftly offered.
Gazing at her people, the Greater Lord spoke softly.
"Rise."
Then, she turned to Zhongli and Venti. "It has been a while."
"We'll catch up later."
After exchanging greetings, she shifted her attention to the Grand Sages.
"I am aware of everything that has happened in Sumeru."
"You have disappointed me greatly."
Regardless of their other actions, the mere fact that they had colluded with the Fatui was enough for Buer to execute them all.
In any nation, treason was punishable by death.
Internal conflicts were one thing, but inviting outsiders to meddle? Unforgivable.
She wouldn't even address their imprisonment of Nahida yet—first, they would answer for their alliance with the Fatui and their blasphemous schemes.
Hearing this, Azar fell silent.
He removed his hat and bowed deeply, awaiting judgment.
The other Sages stood frozen, not daring to speak.
The Greater Lord knew everything.
Meaning, nothing they had done could be hidden.
The citizens, overhearing her words, grew curious.
What had the Sages done?
But the Greater Lord didn't elaborate.
She simply stripped the traitorous Sages of their titles.
Then, she ordered the Matra to publicly disclose their crimes.
Oh, and she pulled the evidence straight from Irminsul.
Try refuting that.
Just like that, Sumeru's affairs were settled.
As for the Doctor?
She didn't even mention him.
Dead was dead.
Even she thought he deserved it.
He had crossed every line imaginable.
Once everything was arranged, the Greater Lord invited Zhongli and the others to a quieter place to talk.
"You wish to expand Sumeru's Akasha Terminal to other regions. It's possible now."
"But this requires the consent of the other nations."
"After all, it's an extension of my authority."
She addressed Jiang Chen directly.
He nodded.
"Liyue has no objections. Neither does Inazuma."
"Makoto will undoubtedly support it."
"As for Mondstadt—"
"Barbatos, what do you think?"
He turned to Venti.
The Anemo Archon shrugged.
"If Liyue's doing it, of course we'll follow suit."
"So I agree. I'll inform Jean later."
How could he not support it?
With Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma on board—plus Sumeru—that made four nations.
The remaining three—Fontaine, Natlan, and Snezhnaya—could be dealt with later.
Once the network's benefits became apparent, they'd likely join voluntarily.
The Greater Lord studied Jiang Chen thoughtfully.
He even revived Ei's sister, Makoto…
Meaning Inazuma's policies were effectively his to dictate.
Now, Sumeru was the same.
She sighed internally.
"Then there are no major issues."
"All that's left is distribution."
With a wave of her hand, she materialized several Terminals and handed them out.
"Later, I'll transmit the manufacturing method via the Terminal."
"You can produce them yourselves."
Jiang Chen shook his head.
"No."
"Let Sumeru handle production."
He wasn't the type to monopolize everything.
Let Sumeru profit from this.
They needed the mora too.
While the Terminal was currently free for all Sumeru citizens, other nations would have to pay.
Even a few hundred mora per unit would bring substantial revenue.
Tempting to take over… but no.
No need.
The Greater Lord was surprised but didn't argue.
"Very well."
"We'll proceed as you suggest."
With that settled, Jiang Chen and the others attached the Terminals to their ears.
He was genuinely curious.
After a quick setup, he logged in.
The interface resembled a forum—filled with academic discussions.