"According to Baiwen's own words, the most terrifying thing about the Heart-Testing Array isn't merely that it condenses a person's entire life into a fleeting instant, testing their nature across an endless span of years."
"It is that, in the process, it uses countless temptations—ones ordinary people can hardly resist—to lure you into giving up everything and sinking into illusion."
"If you succumb, if you lose yourself, you fail instantly."
Hearing this, Arlecchino and the others frowned slightly, as if recalling something unpleasant.
"For example?" asked the Cryo Archon, her tone carrying a hidden edge.
"For example…"
The Debt Collector pressed his lips together, then said softly:
"For Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, who longs to overthrow Celestia and grant Teyvat true freedom—the formation might let her see that dream realized."
"For someone who wishes to resurrect their parents, their lover, to live in bliss with a whole family—the formation would grant that life."
"For someone who dreams of clawing their way into power—the formation would weave a life of struggle, ending with them at the summit of authority."
"The Heart-Testing Array shapes each person's life around their most cherished dream. Then it offers that dream—either fulfilled in sweetness, or shattered in tragedy."
"Over and over, it lashes at one's dao-heart through each illusory lifetime."
"A single flicker of hesitation means failure."
"And throughout, memories of those long years come flooding back, only to fade away again and again."
"It forces you to doubt everything—reality, Mount Shu, even yourself."
"Worse, each stage consumes energy and weighs down the soul. With every layer, the difficulty multiplies tenfold."
"This is the most dreadful thing about the Heart-Testing Array. It does not drive people back with pain. It seduces with beauty, like a demon dragging you into blissful ruin."
"That is why, for all who have passed through, recalling it still brings fear."
The Debt Collector swallowed hard, his voice turning hoarse. Even now, thinking of the trials made his scalp prickle.
The office sank into long silence.
At last, the three Fatui Harbingers present realized how truly terrifying the Heart-Testing Array was.
Dreams—who has none?
A good life—who would not yearn for it?
The formation preyed on that very root of human desire.
Did you want your beloved returned? Then it gave you a lifetime where they had never died. You met, fell in love, married, and raised as many children as you wished.
And those children, in those endless years, were whole people—complete in personality.
Only to learn in the end that it was all false, and you yourself must shatter it.
Rosalyne went pale, cold sweat soaking her back, her hands and feet icy as she sat.
The Heart-Testing Array… it could break her spirit in minutes!
"...Hah."
Arlecchino let out a long breath, masking the fear in her eyes, speaking low:
"Truly worthy of cultivators' methods. Too strange, too dreadful, beyond imagination."
"Now I think about it—Childe passing six stages is almost unthinkable."
"Honestly, if it were me, I wouldn't be sure of clearing even four or five."
The Cryo Archon said nothing, only adjusting her estimation of Childe upward.
To reach the sixth trial—even without cultivation—proved he was an extraordinary talent.
It seemed everyone had been deceived by his reckless image.
But even so, for now it mattered little. His path was set: cultivation above all. Having one of their own in Mount Shu was too precious for the Cryo Archon to risk with petty concerns.
After a pause, she asked:
"So, the formation has nine stages. If Childe reached the sixth, he must be among the best, yes?"
The Debt Collector scratched his cheek, hesitant to answer.
Seeing this, the Cryo Archon raised her brows in surprise.
"Don't tell me there are others who surpassed him?"
Awkwardly, the Debt Collector nodded.
"Among this batch, yes, Master Childe's results were excellent. But across all inner sect disciples, they're more… middling."
"In fact, even in this initiation, he placed only third—and tied, at that."
At this, the Cryo Archon and Rosalyne exchanged a glance.
"Who else?" they asked softly.
"Alongside Master Childe, Yelan of Liyue also cleared six trials."
Hearing this, the Cryo Archon thought for a moment, then nodded in recognition.
"It was her…"
She recalled when Yelan had intercepted that priceless garment of ancient beast hide, a gift meant for her.
She had paid it little mind—it had never reached her hands, nor did she need it.
But even then, she had liked Yelan, had even considered recruiting her into the Fatui. Once Yelan's true identity became clear, that idea was dropped.
Even so, she had seen Yelan was no ordinary person. That she too reached the sixth trial made sense.
The Debt Collector continued:
"Beyond Yelan, another from Liyue surpassed even Master Childe. The current Hall Master of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao. And her guest, Zhongli, is none other than the Geo Archon—now acting head of Dragonhead Peak."
The Cryo Archon inclined her head. This was already known to her.
Zhongli's identity, and his so-called final contract, she understood well.
She also knew of his guest status at the Funeral Parlor.
But Hu Tao passing seven trials—that did surprise her.
Once, because Zhongli was her guest, the Cryo Archon had gathered intelligence on the parlor. Hu Tao's profile had been included.
Her reports painted her as mischievous, perhaps, but responsible—a hall master with some unusual abilities tied to life and death, but nothing warranting concern.
Now, it seemed her heart had been underestimated.
"And who was first?" Rosalyne asked eagerly.
The Debt Collector's eyes flickered with reverence.
"Fontaine's Archon, Lady Furina. She cleared all nine stages—undisputed first."
Arlecchino froze, her gaze turning complicated.
"The Hydro Archon… she truly did it…"
"Not just passed."
The Debt Collector's tone grew solemn.
"Though nine stages are nearly impossible, Mount Shu has seen it before. Baizhu once cleared them."
"As for Peak Masters like Zhongli and Venti, or elders like Alice, most reached eight."
"Other early inner sect disciples also achieved great results."
"But Lady Furina not only walked all nine, she drew the Sect Master himself to appear—declaring she had created a record without precedent, and likely without successor."
The Cryo Archon's interest was piqued.
"Explain."
The Debt Collector nodded.
"They say the final stage tests one's dao-heart—the unshakable will to pursue cultivation."
"Baizhu passed because his obsession with the path was absolute, carved into his very being."
"But Lady Furina… they say she held little attachment to cultivation itself."
"Her will was fixed only on Fontaine. And through that alone, she traversed all nine trials."
"It was as though she lived and relived countless lifetimes in a world of cultivation—yet in every age, her only thought was to build and uplift Fontaine."
"Even the Sect Master was stunned. He declared her achievement unmatched in history—perhaps never to be surpassed."
"They say not only is her heart steadfast, but her gift is of the Celestial Root itself. A peerless genius."
"Already, she is being treasured by the Sect Master. Her future is limitless."
The Debt Collector subtly emphasized her identity as Hydro Archon—hinting to the Cryo Archon that Furina was not someone easily provoked, and best left alone.
But the Cryo Archon was already thinking beyond that, unmoved by such small fears.
Arlecchino's gaze grew more complex.
"She is… stronger than I thought…" she murmured, a bitter smile flickering at her lips.
"The God-Heart Project… slow it down."
The Cryo Archon's voice was quiet, then she added:
"Focus on Liyue. Find ways to approach cultivators, approach Mount Shu. Also…"
She turned to the Debt Collector.
"You mentioned some people remained behind. For what purpose?"
"To train in martial arts, Your Majesty."
"Like the Millelith of Liyue Harbor?"
"Yes."
The Cryo Archon nodded thoughtfully.
She had examined the Millelith's martial path as soon as she arrived. In truth, she had to admit—it was astonishing.
They needed no Vision, no external crutch—yet their power was formidable.
Strength rooted in themselves. Compared to the Fatui's pursuit of elemental technology, this path was far greater.
With the aid of beast meat, Liyue had raised armies of martial experts. The Cryo Archon coveted it deeply.
But…
Martial arts were of immense significance. Liyue would never let outsiders touch it, even if they intended to open it to their own populace.
"I've heard that this martial path was created by the Geo Archon after reaching late-stage Refining Essence into Qi. Could Childe do the same? And how can Liyue keep contracting with Mount Shu for beast meat?"
Rosalyne voiced the questions weighing on the Cryo Archon's mind.
The Debt Collector looked uneasy.
"Replying to my lady—yes, they say the Geo Archon created it only after reaching late-stage Refining Spirit. Though Master Childe is strong… in Mount Shu, those stronger than him are everywhere.
"To create such a system himself… unlikely."
The Cryo Archon rubbed her brow, fell silent, then spoke softly:
"If he cannot create, then we buy. Is there any way to contact Childe?"
"This…"
The Debt Collector hesitated. Seeing Rosalyne ready to freeze him on the spot, he quickly clapped his hands and said:
"Yes! Through the General Affairs Bureau of Liyue Harbor—there is a way!"
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