Tough or not, it's indescribably painful to watch someone we love so struggle. Moreso if we love her like a daughter.

[ Oh, Xianyun has been there more than once. ]

Zhongli was harsh. And one had thought he was well old enough to have grown past such boorishness.

While his heart is not made of stone [ ha. ], he does not know what such a feeling is like. One wishes you hadn't attacked him, of course, but one understands why you did so. If you prefer, one will discuss descending into the well with Phoenix when it comes time.