Heaven and earth trembled as Gu Chen merged with the Dao.
His vast power melted into the very fabric of the world, making this realm more stable than it had ever been.
The collapsing continents reformed, and the seams of reality began to stretch outward—this world was expanding.
It was because a new god had been born.
A god who governed all, emotionless and impartial, existing only to preserve balance and order.
Within the Taixuan Sect, even the newest disciples could feel it—the rhythm of heaven and earth had changed.
No one knew what kind of expression could capture the complexity of what they felt.
Their beloved Sect Master had achieved the lofty ambition he once spoke of.
He had ended the chaos of the Archon War,
defeated the ruler of the world,
and given humanity the strength to master its own fate.
But now… their Sect Master had become one with the Dao.
Would they ever see him again?
Would that warm smile ever appear once more?
Would he still scold them for failing to grasp a simple spell, only to kick them playfully in frustration?
No one knew.
All across Teyvat, change swept through every corner.
The air itself brimmed with vitality; energy flowed like the tides of the sea.
This was a blessing—an ideal environment for cultivation and prosperity.
But everyone knew the cost.
Atop the mountain peak, within a sea of Glaze Lilies,
Guizhong clutched the Taixuan Taixuan Divine Registry, her knuckles white.
Her head hung low, lashes trembling as mist gathered in her eyes.
To merge with the Dao was to abandon all mortal emotion.
He had become a being of pure law—a "dead" god without joy, sorrow, or love.
When she saw him again…
Would he look at her as he once did?
Or would his gaze pass through her, as it did the mountains and rivers?
For to the Dao, all things—no matter how strong or fragile—were equal,
mere patterns in the grand tapestry of existence.
In truth, Gu Chen rarely interfered in the affairs of the Taixuan Sect.
It was Guizhong, the Grand Elder, who managed most of its daily operations.
Only when she could not handle something would Gu Chen step in.
She often joked that she was the real Sect Master—
and every time, Gu Chen would just smile and paint her another dream,
promising her a future filled with peace and beauty.
Now that she truly held the position of Sect Master,
with the Taixuan Divine Registry in her hands,
she could command heaven and earth themselves—
yet she felt no joy at all.
If he were still here,
she would have laughed,
run to the Glaze Lily fields to boast of her achievement,
and waited for him to praise her.
But now… who was left to share that joy with?
"Books say that the Dao is everywhere," she whispered softly.
"That it can feel the joys and sorrows of all living things.
You can feel this too, can't you?
You can hear me, right?"
The world was silent.
Only the wind passed through the flowers, whispering faintly.
There was no reply.
"You've never ignored me before…
So it's true, isn't it?
You really have no feelings anymore…"
A tear fell, glistening like crystal,
landing gently on the petal of a Glaze Lily.
As if sensing her sorrow, the flower drooped,
its stem bending with grief.
[Nilou]: Aaaaaaah!!! I can't take this! The daily scenes of Guizhong and the Sect Master were always so warm—she was so happy by his side! Even when she knew he was just "painting pies" for her, she still went along with it, just to ease his burden! Why did he have to merge with Dao?! (crying)
[Collei]: The Sect Master was so kind too! He was ambitious but humble, caring toward everyone. Even knowing he was about to leave, he still passed the mantle to Guizhong and gave her the Investiture List! Now she governs all of Teyvat—but he'll never laugh with her again... (sobbing)
[Ayaka Kamisato]: Even the Glaze Lilies feel her sadness... The Dao must feel it too—but he can no longer respond. To him, she's just another being mourning in the wind.
[Kirinagiya]: Why does this hurt so much more because of how gentle it was before?! My poor Sect Master!! (cries)
[Lynney]: It's raining in Fontaine... Even the heavens are mourning.
[Paimon]: If only the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles hadn't died! Then the world wouldn't have started collapsing, and Gu Chen wouldn't have had to merge with the Dao!
[Lisa]: It all happened too fast. He had no other choice—without him, the world would've fallen apart. Now, thanks to his sacrifice, even another Archon War couldn't shake Teyvat again.
[Klee]: Big sister looks so sad... (sniff)
[Furina]: I'm crying too...
[Venti]: Ahh... My great Sect Master, what a bittersweet end...
[Kaeya]: Sigh...
[Prince]: Honestly, the Sustainer was an idiot. The Taixuan Sect was working for the good of mankind—if she had cooperated instead of fighting for power, they could've brought Teyvat into a golden age together!
[Dainsleif]: Hard to believe, but I agree with that assessment.
[Paimon]: Uhhh... you guys sure the Sustainer won't, like, come after us for saying that?
The Sustainer of Heavenly Principles:
"So... you talk big behind my back now?"
She was conflicted.
Did the her in the video really think that way?
Had her own power made her arrogant?
Yet even she had to admit—the ending wasn't bad.
Teyvat was at peace, and a bright future lay ahead.
Still… the price left a deep ache in her chest.
Would Gu Chen, now one with the Dao, ever feel joy again?
[Gu Chen]: Maybe we should skip this topic before someone loses their temper.
[Venti]: Haha, unbothered as always, Sect Master!
[Gu Chen]: Even if I must carry the heavens in one hand and Paimon in the other—I remain invincible!
[Paimon]: Wait, what?! Respectfully?? o.O
[Gu Chen]: Respectfully indeed. (confirmed)
He said it half in jest, but his tone carried absolute confidence.
[Kaeya]: As expected of the Sect Master!!
[Vortex God]: Hmph! If the Taixuan Sea Vortex Heavenly Lord stands with him, no Sustainer can shake us!
[Vortex God]: @[Zhongli] My fellow Taixuan Noble Gold Enforcer, my brother! How about letting me out for a stroll?
[Zhongli]: You are not the same "you" from that past life. (sips tea)
Vortex God sulked, realizing he wouldn't win that argument.
[Twalin]: Why is everyone a "Heavenly Lord" or "Star Lord" except me? There's only one star lord here!
[Venti]: So... am I dragging down the group's average now?
[Kaeya]: Hey, don't insult our Taixuan Thousand-Winds Star Lord like that!
[Venti]: Anyway, shouldn't we be focusing on what rewards the video gives?
[Diluc]: You're changing the subject too obviously.
[Venti]: Mind your manners, young man. You speak to a Star Lord!
[Childe]: Glory fades, my friend. Videos don't last forever. (smirk)
As they bantered, the video reached its end.
The final title card appeared—this time radiant with divine brilliance.
[Past-Life Series: Volume III — Taixuan Sect Master]
[Complete!]
Main Characters Receive the Following Rewards:
Gu Chen — Gu Chen's reward!
Guizhong (Guizhong) — Guizhong's reward!
Morax — Morax's reward!
Next: Volume IV releases in seven Teyvat days!
New Video Type: "New video type" launching in three days!
[Tighnari]: He actually guessed it right! It really was Guizhong's reward!
[Alhaitham]: Gu Chen's reward… intriguing name. (thinking)
[Kaveh]: Sounds like a device to keep the world stable? How does that even work?
[Venti]: Wait, what's a "Creative Spinoff" series supposed to mean?!
[Nilou]: Aaaah!! Guizhong gets to be with the Sect Master again!!
[Collei]: Yay, yay, yay!!
[Dragon of the Sands]: @[Zhongli] He really got his past memories? Ugh, no fair!
[System Prompt]
Guizhong has joined the chat!
[Nilou]: Welcome, Sect Master's wife!! 💕
[Collei]: Welcome, Sect Master's wife!!
[Kirara]: Welcome, Sect Master's wife~! (meow)
[Hu Tao]: Welcome, Sect Master's wife! (wink)
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