Ever since the Rite of Parting, when the Geo Archon Morax officially stepped down, Liyue had entered the age of mortal governance.
Ganyu hadn't been ostracized in this new Liyue, yet everywhere she went she could hear the same rallying cry of "human rule." It seemed as though everyone was striving toward that single direction.
But within Ganyu's heart, there was only confusion.
She was neither human nor pure adeptus, and could only wander in the narrow space between the two worlds.
That very contradiction left her troubled.
On one hand, Liyue was embracing mortal leadership; on the other, the adepti were preparing to retreat from the world.
So what was she supposed to do?
Lost in thought, Ganyu returned to Mt. Aocang to clear her mind.
Cloud Retainer understood her disciple's dilemma well, but even she didn't know how to guide her. Normally, she prided herself on being eloquent, but this time—even she had to pause and think carefully before speaking, lest one careless word lead her lost disciple even deeper into confusion.
Shenhe, for her part, didn't know her senior sister Ganyu that well.
Being naturally detached and indifferent to worldly matters, Shenhe didn't know how to comfort her either.
That very day, however, the fourth episode of the Past Lives series had been released.
When Cloud Retainer saw that the female lead of this episode was none other than Ganyu, she froze for a second—then smiled brightly.
Perhaps, she thought, this video might just offer Ganyu some inspiration.
[Cloud Retainer]: @[Gu Chen] Ganyu is my disciple. You'd better treat her well, or this immortal won't let you off! (Raiden Shogun – Threatening)
[Ganyu]: Master, what are you saying! (Ganyu – Flustered)
[Gu Chen]: Taking care of people? I'm a professional at that. (Zhongli – Smug Dragon King)
[Guizhong]: (Qiqi – Secretly Watching)
[Paimon]: I can testify! Boss Gu really knows how to take care of people! (Nods Vigorously)
[Kaeya]: Judging from the title and keywords, this video's bound to be tragic. Any thoughts, Your Holiness? (Mischievous)
[Venti]: (Mischievous)
[Gu Chen]: The video hasn't even started—what do you expect me to say? (Keqing – Confused)
[Gu Chen]: I'll just say that the silhouette on the cover looks way too cool. (Zhongli – Smug Dragon King)
[Zhongli]: Judging by reason, that back view represents someone pressing forward through trials, while Ganyu is chasing from behind—the distance seems short, yet it's an uncrossable chasm…
[Furina]: Are you doing literary analysis now?! (Qiqi – Falls Over)
So much insight from just a cover image—truly six thousand years of experience.
But… why didn't she see any of that herself?
[Heizou]: Based on what we know, Ganyu's at least three thousand years old. We don't know when Gu Chen met her, but—bet you guys think Osial dies in this episode? (Hu Tao – Smirking)
[Osial]: Wait, why'd you suddenly drag me into this?! (Angry)
He hadn't even thought about that before—but now that it was mentioned, Osial shuddered.
He did not want to end up like Orobashi—dead in episode one, decapitated in episode two, and erased without a trace in episode three.
The word tragic had been redefined in three different ways already.
So now Osial could only pray he'd get a better fate this time.
Best not to piss off Gu Chen!
[Xingqiu]: If you think about it, Osial really seems in danger! (Paimon – Shocked)
[Azhdaha]: Rest in peace. (Mourns)
[Osial]: Don't think you're safe! From what I know, you were sealed away for ages too—if you'd lost control and met the Cult Leader… hahaha…
[Azhdaha]: …
Actually, he had a point.
[Azhdaha]: @[Gu Chen] Bro, go easy on me, yeah? We're on the same side! (Klee – Begging)
[Gu Chen]: (Zhongli – Smug Dragon King)
[Nilou]: The video's starting! (Venti – Tosses Flowers)
The cover image slowly faded away.
Clouds flowed across the sky like water as the camera glided through the mist.
Moments later, towering mountains and deep forests came into view—this was none other than the later region known as Jueyun Karst.
[Paimon]: What a smooth transition! (Paimon – Amazed)
Within the steep terrain of the Minlin area, mortals could barely climb those mountains—only herbalists risking their lives for rare plants ever dared to scale those cliffs.
As the camera panned forward, Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver, and other adepti appeared one after another—some meditating, others purging monsters.
Then the scene shifted—now, the adepti were rallying behind Morax in battle.
Even Azhdaha's form appeared briefly.
Soon, the image cut to a human settlement where Morax was receiving a visitor: a young man in white robes, a sword slung across his back, with the bearing of a celestial exile.
"So you're saying, you are an immortal from another realm?" Morax asked in surprise.
"Indeed," Gu Chen nodded.
[Kaeya]: Sounds familiar—another otherworldly immortal, just like the Cult Leader's first story. Think he's gonna repeat the same move? Let's hope this world's Sustainer has better reading comprehension this time. (Smirking)
[Sustainer of Heavenly Principles]: …
[Lynney]: Doesn't feel the same though—back then, the Cult Leader's presence was overwhelming. This time, Gu Chen's vibe seems… more restrained? (Paimon – Shocked)
[Xingqiu]: You don't get it. True immortals hide their power. (Confident)
[Yaoyao]: Yeah! When Master lived among mortals, she just looked like a kind old lady—no one would've guessed she was an adeptus! (Nods)
[Madame Ping]: (Ganyu – Proud Smile)
"Welcome to Teyvat," Morax said. "Though, I'm afraid you arrive in an age of chaos… forgive our state."
"Ah, gods clash and mortals suffer," Gu Chen sighed. "Need a hand?"
After a moment's thought, Morax nodded. "It would be most welcome. But beware—battles between Archons are perilous."
"I'm prepared." Gu Chen smiled faintly.
After they'd spoken for a while, Morax hesitated, then asked, "There's something I've been wondering—if you'll permit me."
"What is it?" Gu Chen asked curiously.
"You said you were once human… yet you've attained such power. Are all humans in your world capable of this?"
Gu Chen shook his head. "Cultivation tests talent and bone—but above all, perseverance. Few can walk that path."
"I see…" Morax mused, then smiled. "I shall introduce you to the other adepti."
"Gladly."
Through Morax's introductions, Gu Chen met the other immortals.
They were curious about this "immortal from another world," and through their exchanges, both sides learned much.
[Venti]: So this time, Gu Bro isn't absurdly overpowered. Right now, Old Man Morax's definitely stronger. Gu Bro's just a bit above the average adeptus—not nearly as busted as in the previous life. (Mischievous)
[Zhongli]: Indeed, this incarnation likely won't spread celestial arts. The Taixuan Canon from before ignored talent and physique, relying solely on will—but this Gu Chen says otherwise. It suggests his methods aren't universal, only for the adepti.
[Furina]: The Cult Leader felt omnipotent—master of everything. This Gu Immortal feels… focused, specialized. Quite the contrast.
[Nilou]: No! There's still something they share! (Nods)
[Heizou]: Huh? What do they share? (Kaveh – Scratches Head)
[Lynney]: Can't see any connection except both being "otherworldly immortals."
[Paimon]: Nilou, don't tell me you're gonna say it's because they're both handsome? (Nahida – Pointing)
[Nilou]: Hehe… (Collei – Starry-Eyed)
[Kaeya]: Nilou's totally crushing on the Cult Leader. (Certain)
Nilou froze.
Cr-crushing on him?!
Her cheeks flushed red, mind spinning.
"I–I'm just saying… Mr. Gu Chen is kind, handsome, and makes people feel safe. Any single girl would admire that, right?"
[Barbara]: Speaking as a former idol, that's totally a fan-to-crush pipeline! Nilou's definitely there! (Nods)
[Gu Chen]: My female fans, huh? Alright then, let me send you all a shot of my abs. (Zhongli – Smug Dragon King)
[Nilou]: Ah, no! Wait—I mean, I'm just a fan of Gu Chen and the female leads! But, um… you could DM me the photo? (Xiangling – Sparkly Eyes)
[Collei]: Um… I'd like to see too. (Shenhe – Staring)
[Hu Tao]: @[Gu Chen] Hello, yes, please send several privately!
[Kamisato Ayaka]: Um… Sayu wants to see too, if that's okay? (Barbara – Shy)
[Sayu]: ?!
[Ayato]: …
[Yoimiya]: Heheheh… (Yaoyao – Hungry Eyes)
[Yae Miko]: Oh my~ remember to send me a few, brother-in-law. Next time you visit Inazuma, I'll let you touch my tails~ (Yae Miko – Teasing Smile)
[Gu Chen]: Alright, alright—so many girls thirsting after me! This group is dangerous. Men, leave the chat—I'll bear this suffering alone! (Zhongli – Smug Dragon King)
[Venti]: That flex just hit me right in the face! (Annoyed)
[Zhongli]: Society is in decline… oh, how the mighty have fallen. (Zhongli – Black Lines)
[Kaeya]: With the Cult Leader's charm, it's only natural. Honestly, if I were a cute girl, I'd fall for him too. (Soft voice: "Cuuult Leaaadeeer~" 3s voice clip)
[Gu Chen]: Kaeya, get out!
[Diluc]: Seconded.
[Venti]: Where's the admin?! Kick him out already! (Hu Tao – Laughing)
[Kaeya]: (Zhongli – Smug Dragon King)
[Zhongli]: Young people these days… (Paimon – Shocked)
For a moment, Zhongli suddenly felt old—out of touch with this generation's humor.
[Cloud Retainer]: Have we not strayed from the topic? Shouldn't we be discussing the video? (Keqing – Confused)
[Keqing]: Um… it's just that Ganyu hasn't even appeared yet. She might not have been born at this point in time.
In the video, Gu Chen had already become an integral part of Morax's forces.
His strength and noble character earned the respect of all the adepti.
Unlike Gu Chen, most adepti were not human—some were cranes, some deer, or other spiritual beings born of nature itself. Among them was even the qilin, a sacred and gentle creature.
"Most of the adepti prefer seclusion in the mountains," Morax said. "Would you not also open a dwelling there?"
Gu Chen thought for a moment, then smiled. "I prefer the human world. Still, it's good to have a retreat among the peaks—to relax and clear one's heart when needed."
"Shall I lend a hand?" Morax offered.
Gu Chen shook his head. "Finding a quiet place is all it takes—no trouble."
"Very well." Morax nodded. "But beware—the demons beyond our borders stir restlessly. I must journey with Azhdaha to parley with other gods. I leave the settlement in your care."
Gu Chen saw the gravity in his eyes and replied solemnly, "As long as I stand, the city stands. If it falls, I fall with it. I serve, therefore I protect. Rest assured."
"Then I shall depart."
Morax and Azhdaha took their leave.
Gu Chen stood upon the city walls.
Under Morax's guidance, his people had learned to build sturdy homes and fortifications of stone to fend off weaker monsters.
The settlement under his protection housed tens of thousands—three thousand of whom formed a trained human army.
Under Morax's personal tutelage, they were strong and disciplined, spears in hand and courage blazing.
A gust of wind swept by. Gu Chen turned his head.
Cloud Retainer descended beside him, her wings folding as she said quietly,
"With the Lord absent, our burden grows heavier."
She gazed at the gloomy sky and murmured, "A storm is coming."
"Indeed." Gu Chen nodded, glancing back at the city. "Let's hope fewer people suffer."
[Cloud Retainer]: This time period's a bit tricky—Ganyu likely hasn't been born yet.
[Moon Carver]: Morax must be heading to parley with the God of Hearts. Looks like the Conqueror of Demons will soon return.
[Xiao]: Hmm.
[Ganyu]: Is a battle about to start? (Worried)
[Cloud Retainer]: Just a small-scale demon attack. Nothing serious. (Paimon – Hmph)
[Kaeya]: …You sure about that?
[Cloud Retainer]: Would this immortal lie?
[Venti]: Then maybe you should watch the video yourself.
Two days passed in a flash.
News of Morax and Azhdaha's absence must have spread, for the skies turned ominous, thick clouds churning with malice.
The ground itself seethed with black mist.
Cloud Retainer's eyes widened. "There's a god among them!"
"A god…" Gu Chen frowned.
"We must evacuate immediately," Cloud Retainer said grimly. "Gods wield Authority—we can't fight them head-on. We'll stall for time until the Lord returns."
"Evacuate to where?"
Gu Chen shook his head. "We're already surrounded."
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