Under the vast canopy of an enormous tree, Hiroshi's realm nurtured the first tree into a magnificent giant. The soothing rustle of leaves filled the air as Hiroshi stood beneath the tree, holding Qiqi's small hand.
Gazing at Qiqi's hair swaying in the gentle breeze, Hiroshi turned to nod at Ruri Gokou and Klee before taking out a vibrant blue gem.
"Qiqi, Brother Hiroshi is ready to begin now."
"Okay, Brother Hiroshi," Qiqi replied softly, her calm demeanor unwavering as she glanced at Hiroshi and the falling leaves overhead.
Hiroshi gave Qiqi a reassuring smile as the image of the sun and moon appeared in his eyes. The power of the five elements gathered from the world, with the towering green tree extending its verdant branches to lift Qiqi gently. The branches formed a small vine chair, cradling Qiqi within.
Resting in the vine chair, Qiqi gazed at her family below before closing her eyes.
The blue gem rose from Hiroshi's palm, hovering above Qiqi's head. Tiny blue specks of light trickled down from the gem, merging into Qiqi's body.
A soft hum resonated from the depths of the world. In the morning light, the stars in the sky seemed to orbit a radiant moon, while the rising sun cast its new rays over the horizon.
The five elements, primarily wood, harmonized under Hiroshi's control, restoring the energy cycle within Qiqi's body. The stars and moon soothed the scars on her soul, while the sun's first light infused her with vitality. The gem's immense life force, equivalent to half a world's worth, transformed Qiqi's zombie body at a remarkable pace.
Her ordinary body had been incapable of bearing her soul's adeptus essence. Though she hadn't fully reached the divine realm, her soul was already far beyond that of a mortal. This mismatch had forced Liyue's adepti to create her zombie body. Now, at the core of Hiroshi's realm, the world nurtured her as it once nurtured its creator.
The accumulated essence of the world, combined with the gem's life force, rapidly evolved Qiqi's body. A healthy blush appeared on her previously pale skin, and a serene glow graced her face as she slept.
Feeling the life force rising within Qiqi, Hiroshi, whose legs had grown weak, leaned against Ruri Gokou for support. Glancing at Qiqi's peaceful face, Hiroshi broke into a relieved smile.
"Hiroshi, are you alright?" Ruri Gokou asked, helping him sit on the grass. Her concern was evident as she noticed his pale complexion.
"I'm fine, Ruri." Hiroshi shook his head slightly, gripping her hand with a triumphant grin. "I spent a long time coming up with this method to revive Qiqi."
"If I hadn't obtained such immense life force from Mark, I wouldn't have dared attempt this. Otherwise, Qiqi's revival might have left me drained for a long time. As it stands, I'm just a bit weak in the legs."
Ruri Gokou pinched Hiroshi's cheek with narrowed eyes. "Explain to me why reviving Qiqi, which should only require demi-god level power, has left someone as divine as you so exhausted."
"Haha..." Hiroshi chuckled awkwardly, scratching his cheek as Ruri's gaze bored into him. Beside them, Klee watched with wide-eyed curiosity. "Well, I just wanted to give Qiqi the best. As her brother, if I can do it, I'll go the extra mile, even if it's a bit tough on me."
Looking up at Qiqi, whose life fire now burned brightly, Hiroshi smiled warmly.
"Initially, the life gem alone would've made reviving Qiqi easy. But during my breakthrough to the divine realm and the creation of my new divine body, I gained new insights."
"Combining that knowledge with the life gem's vast energy, I devised a better plan."
Standing up, his eyes gleamed with divine brilliance. "Using Hiroshi's realm as the foundation and the gem's life force as fuel, I constructed this grand formation to not just revive Qiqi but to evolve her zombie body continuously."
"She'll ascend beyond her current state until her zombie body becomes a divine body."
Hiroshi gazed at Qiqi, now emanating a faint divine radiance, and continued with a smile. "Though she won't immediately control her divine body's power, I'll seal the excess strength. This will ensure no issues arise."
"If she faces a dire threat in the future, her divine body's hidden power will activate, greatly enhancing her survival capabilities."
"More importantly, this opens the door for Qiqi to fully step into the divine realm in the future, without interfering with her growth."
Catching his breath, Hiroshi calmed his excitement. Ruri Gokou sighed, pulling him back to sit beside her. Resting his head on her lap, she gently stroked his hair and spoke softly, "You've worked hard, Hiroshi."
Hiroshi smiled as he cradled the curious Klee in his arms, holding Ruri Gokou's hand. "With you all here, it doesn't feel hard at all."
The gentle breeze rustled the leaves above, and amidst the sound of swaying branches, Qiqi's small body shifted slightly. Her long eyelashes fluttered before she opened her crimson eyes.
Propping herself up on the soft leaves, Qiqi marveled at how agile her once-stiff body had become. Glancing around, she spotted Hiroshi and the others waving to her beneath the tree.
Her previously tense expression softened into relief. Taking a deep breath, she stood, her warm body brimming with life. The branches supporting her gracefully lowered her to Hiroshi's side.
"Brother Hiroshi," Qiqi murmured, opening her small arms and diving into his embrace. "Qiqi is back."
Bending down with a smile, Hiroshi lifted Qiqi onto his shoulders and ruffled her hair. "Let's go home. We'll celebrate together later with lots of delicious food."
"Okay." Qiqi nodded, her face lighting up with a joyful smile. Clinging to Hiroshi's neck, she reached out to hold Ruri Gokou's hand.
"Qiqi is looking forward to it."