Takumi restrained his own aura and simulated the aura of a higher god to walk through the streets of Sumeru City.
Except for the enormous tree at the center, Sumeru City no longer resembled what it once was. Even that giant tree had grown ten times larger, with bustling streets now weaving through its massive branches.
The streets and alleys were alive with activity—vendors conducting business, ordinary people enjoying a festival, desert dwellers performing arts, and hosts announcing programs.
Alongside humans, there were elemental creatures that had taken on human form. Though transformed, they still retained the distinct traits of elemental beings. Only by becoming gods could elemental creatures fully adopt human appearances. This was similar to Inazuma's monsters, which retained unique characteristics that made them immediately recognizable.
It wasn't just the gods and elemental creatures that had changed in the main world. Humans, too, had undergone tremendous transformations. Every human was now extraordinary. The rules and materials of the main world were too dense, suppressing full expression, but even so, the changes were evident.
One of the most apparent changes was lifespan. The average lifespan of ordinary humans had reached 300 years, turning them into a quasi-immortal species. Upon birth, every person was akin to those who had once obtained the "Vision"; they could use some elemental and magical powers. Without cultivation, this was the extent of their abilities for life.
Those who practiced Liyue's martial arts, Mondstadt's magic, or any of the other training systems could reach levels akin to the two leading figures of the Vision-wielders. The most talented among them could break the limitations of mortality, light up a fourth star of life, and reach the level of "demigod" before being pulled into their own "divine system."
However, becoming a god through one's own cultivation and talent afforded no special privilege—such individuals could only start as lower gods and ascend from there. When Teyvat became the "universe," a pathway for all beings to become gods opened up, with numerous means of achieving divinity. Each method had its own name, but all shared a common ranking system.
In Liyue, those practicing immortal arts to reach demigod status were called "Immortals," while in Mondstadt, those who studied magic to become demigods were called "Mages." No matter the title, within Teyvat, it was one's rank that mattered—a measure akin to the "spirit" of the Box Garden Universe, requiring strength, merit, and mastery of the realm to advance.
As Teyvat expanded into a full-fledged universe, individuals stuck at a lower level yet capable of advancing—often called "Old Sixes"—were sure to appear.
At this time, Takumi heard excited exclamations and turned his gaze toward the Zubayr Theater.
"Look, it's Miss Nilou!"
"Miss Nilou is now the Goddess of Dance. She's even more beautiful than before!"
"Of course, Miss Nilou is a goddess now."
"I heard from the 'God of Construction' from the Academy that the main god of the underworld might invite Miss Nilou to perform for the Great Lord of Verdure."
"Really? But who's the God of Construction?"
"Hey! The God of Construction is the sage of the Mausoleum Sect, Master Cavey."
"Let me tell you a secret, the Lord of the Underworld is the Flower God from the story 'The Flower God's Birthday Festival.'"
"Wow! So the rumor about Master Flora inviting Master Nilou to dance is true?"
"It came straight from the mouth of the God of Construction—how could it be fake?"
Nilou sensed something and quickly scanned the crowd. The patisharan-like ornament on her eyelashes emitted a faint glow.
"Patisharan?"
This patisharan had been a gift from an unknown god, who had been pleased with her dancing in the past. Back then, she had been just a slightly renowned dancer. Thanks to that god's favor, she had gained fame throughout Sumeru. Her dance—reputed to be beautiful enough to enchant even the gods—had made her a true star.
Only now did she understand that the patisharan was an artifact, containing laws that protected her. She had ascended to godhood two days ago, and she wished to thank the Lord God who had granted her the artifact. Yet, with so many gods across various divine systems, she still didn't know who it was.
Her light green eyes caught sight of an inconspicuous figure in the crowd. The divine aura of the patisharan matched that of the figure.
She was about to speak, but the figure put a finger to his lips, signaling her to stay silent. Nilou quickly nodded, feeling as if butterflies were fluttering in her chest.
A gentle voice echoed in her ears.
"The once-clumsy dancer has now become the Goddess of Dance. It's truly gratifying. Your dance must be more beautiful than ever."
Listening to this voice, Nilou involuntarily placed her hands on her chest. Her cheeks flushed as she responded with her spiritual thoughts.
"At that time... Thank you. May I know your name?"
"Takumi."
In this universe, his true name carried the will of the universe. Calling him by his true name without permission could incur divine punishment.
"Lord Takumi, I can now perform the true Dance of the Gods. May I dance it for you alone?"
Nilou responded in a shy voice. This god held a special significance for her. He had been protecting her since that day—she could feel it through the patisharan.
"Okay."
"Thank you, my lord. Please allow me to be your guide."
Only gods of the "Higher God" rank or above could attend the grand ceremony. Takumi was surely such a god—Nilou could feel his sacred presence through the patisharan.
In the next moment, she appeared beside Takumi. She had changed into plain clothes, her aura now as inconspicuous as any ordinary person. Her moist, light green eyes gazed at Takumi.
"Lord Takumi..."
She had imagined what the god who favored her might look like. The real one surpassed her imagination—her heart beat faster.
Takumi smiled at Nilou, who blushed under his gaze.
"Then I'll rely on you during my time in Sumeru City, Nilou."
Nilou quickly waved her hand. "No trouble at all. It would be my honor, as a humble god, to accompany you."
"Then, Miss Nilou, follow me. Don't lose sight of me."
Nilou nodded happily. "Yes, Lord Takumi."
Takumi smiled at the girl's reaction. As they walked, his gaze shifted toward the end of the street, where many gods moved calmly.
Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared.
"Ouch! Brother Takumi?"
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!