The next morning.
The skies were clear and the breeze gentle.
Paimon had just come out of Wanmin Restaurant, her belly feeling warm and full after a bowl of porridge. She floated leisurely through the streets of Liyue Harbor, basking in the rising sun's gentle warmth.
Stretching with a contented sigh, she felt suddenly energized and began drifting home at a slow, lazy pace.
When Paimon returned to the Gu Residence, everything was quiet—perhaps too quiet.
The Yujing Terrace district was always calm outside of major festivals, being home mostly to the city's elite. But today, it felt as if the whole place were still lost in dreams.
She pouted.
"It's almost noon already, those two slackers…"
Floating cautiously through the courtyard, she peeked into rooms here and there, spying in secret—until she finally found her target.
The next moment, Paimon's eyes went wide. She covered them with both hands, her face burning red as she hurriedly floated away, muttering to herself:
"So this is the world of the strong? So… so intense! Nothing like what the books described!"
Since Gu Chen and Ying were still asleep, Paimon lay sprawled in the courtyard, dragging a chair over so she could bask lazily in the sun.
Peaceful days like this filled her heart with joy.
Then—
Creak.
A door opened behind her.
Paimon turned and blinked. "Ying? You're up already?"
It was indeed Ying, stepping out with a sheepish grin, one hand over her stomach.
"Hungry," she said cheerfully. "Gotta get something to eat!"
"Oh, oh."
Paimon nodded absently, watching as Ying tidied her clothes and seemed to prepare to go out. Something felt… off about her.
"Uh… Ying," Paimon asked carefully, "are you sure you're still a rookie adventurer?"
"Huh?!"
Ying's expression darkened instantly, her tone low and dangerous. "You… didn't happen to see something a little too mature for your age, did you?"
"Eh?! N-No! I-I just accidentally read one of Lisa's novels, that's all!" Paimon said quickly.
"Hmph, whatever. I'm going out to buy breakfast for A-Chen~"
Humming a cheerful tune, Ying skipped off.
Paimon slumped back in her chair with a sigh, realizing she'd been tricked by all those romantic novels.
"Books are liars," she muttered.
A while later, Gu Chen finally emerged from the room, spotting Paimon sunbathing.
"Where's Ying?" he asked.
"She went to buy breakfast for you."
"Incredible," Gu Chen said after a pause.
As expected of a woman who could stand toe-to-toe with the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles—her first battle trauma didn't seem to affect her at all. She was back to full energy, even eager to go buy food.
But then Gu Chen frowned.
"There's no need for her to go by herself though, right? She could've just messaged Xiangling in the group chat, sent a red packet, and had it delivered. The handling fee's just a few Mora…"
Paimon spread her tiny hands and tilted her head, suddenly realizing:
"Or maybe… she just wanted to buy it herself?"
Gu Chen froze.
Could it be… love?
How terrifyingly powerful.
Soon after, Ying returned, smiling sweetly as she handed him a meal box. "Here~"
"You haven't eaten?" Gu Chen asked.
She shook her head. "Nope!"
Her stomach growled right on cue.
Chuckling, she dragged him to sit and eat with her—completely ignoring Paimon.
But Paimon had long since learned to expect this.
No stinky lovebirds could ruin her sunny day.
Two days passed.
Gu Chen and Ying grew accustomed to their quiet life. On strolls through Yujing Terrace, they'd sometimes meet Ganyu from Yuehai Pavilion, or Keqing hurrying over from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
It was, Gu Chen had to admit, a truly pleasant place to live.
But today, that peace was broken.
From early morning, crowds had flooded the Yujing Terrace. The wide marble platform, usually serene, now teemed with people—familiar faces among them: Xiangling, Xingqiu, Hu Tao, Chongyun, Xinyan, Yun Jin, and many more.
Today was no ordinary day.
This year's Rite of Descension would not be like those before—for the people of Liyue knew that on this day, the Geo Archon, Morax, would officially step down. It was the end of an era, and the birth of a new one.
Morax's abdication marked the transition from the Age of Gods to the Age of Humanity.
Merchants buzzed with excitement, seeing opportunity in the change.
The ceremony was presided over by Ningguang—not alone this time, but alongside all the Liyue Qixing and Ganyu, who had faithfully served for millennia.
From the Gu Residence's second floor, Gu Chen could see the entire Yujing Terrace.
A distant voice called out from the crowd: "Mr. Gu Chen! I'll come find you later!"
He squinted. "Tartaglia?"
"It's me!"
The Fatui Harbinger waved enthusiastically, flanked by two stern-looking Millelith guards.
"Big day for Liyue! The Tianquan herself gave us prisoners permission to witness this historic moment!"
He was clearly excited—not about the ceremony, but about seeing Gu Chen again. He had long realized that this man was no ordinary mortal.
"Later," Gu Chen said simply.
"Got it! I won't bother you now." Tartaglia grinned and slipped back into the crowd.
By noon, a soft breeze swept through the terrace.
Unnoticed by most, Venti was already perched atop the moon gate's roof, legs swinging, bottle in hand.
From far above, the Adepti began to descend—
The Yaksha race Guardian, the Great General of Golden Wings—Xiao.
And the other illuminated adepti: Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, and Streetward Rambler.
They had all come to bear witness.
They understood well what this day meant:
The passing of an age.
The end of the time of gods, and the rise of humankind.
And yet, they felt no sorrow.
So long as Liyue prospered, they were content.
At the center of the terrace stood a massive ancient censer, surrounded by offerings. The Qixing took their places before it.
Ningguang looked up at the sky and declared,
"The auspicious hour is upon us. We humbly invite the Archon!"
She raised her hands, and a golden light burst skyward from the censer.
Every eye turned upward.
From the clear blue sky, a radiant figure descended—a being of divine presence clad in white robes, his hood shadowing his face. His arms were dark as obsidian, traced with veins of molten gold. A single strand of hair streamed from the opening in his hood.
In that instant, reverence filled every heart.
He was no longer the gentle, scholarly Zhongli they knew.
He was the God who had protected Liyue for 3,700 years, who had ended the War of the Archons and built a nation from chaos—
The God of Geo, Morax.
To the people of Liyue—Rex Lapis, the Lord of Geo!
He was the God of War.
The God of Commerce.
The God of Contracts.
Now, He descended, divine aura fading as He neared the mortal world—yet His majesty alone was enough to make the crowd fall silent.
"Three thousand and seven hundred years ago, gods and monsters walked this land," He began, His deep voice echoing across the terrace.
"I sought not dominion, only to ease the suffering of mortal life…"
His words painted vivid scenes—the wars of the Archons, the terror of beasts, the struggle of humankind. They saw, as if through His eyes, the birth of cities and the dawn of civilization.
And now… their protector was stepping down.
Tears filled countless eyes.
"This is the changing of an era," Morax said.
"I am the God of Humanity. It is fitting that I now entrust the fate of Liyue to humankind.
From this day forth, Liyue's future shall be written by human hands."
As His final words faded, His form slowly dissolved into light.
The Qixing bowed deeply.
"We bid farewell to the Lord of Geo."
The crowd's voices rose like thunder, echoing into the heavens.
From the Gu Residence balcony, Gu Chen watched quietly.
"The era has changed…" he murmured.
"Is that good or bad?" Paimon asked softly.
He thought for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"That, only history can decide. We who live in the present cannot judge.
But I believe—under human hands—Liyue may shine brighter than ever.
If they are willing to build it, with their own effort."
He glanced toward the gate. "Now then—looks like we have a visitor."
"Huh?"
Paimon floated over, opening the door—
—and froze. "S-society dropout—ah! I mean, Lord of Geo!!"
Zhongli chuckled. "Come now, I only spent a few Fatui Mora in my last life. No need to call me that."
"Besides," he added with a warm smile, "I am no longer a god. As a mortal, one should make friends."
Gu Chen laughed. "Well said. Welcome, my friend."
Zhongli inclined his head. "Forgive the intrusion. I wished to see how you view Liyue—as someone from beyond Teyvat."
He had long suspected that Gu Chen's origins were not of this world.
Gu Chen looked at him with quiet admiration.
Even without divinity, the man before him still carried the heart of a god.
Then—
"Hehe! Everyone's here already?"
A playful voice drifted in with the wind.
Venti leaned against the doorframe, wine bottle in hand, smiling cheerfully.
"I knew you'd come too," Gu Chen said, gesturing toward the garden. "This way—I've already prepared everything."
The courtyard was like a miniature garden, complete with rockery and pavilion. A table of exquisite dishes awaited.
"Whoa! When did you do all this?" Paimon exclaimed.
"I had a feeling my friends would visit," Gu Chen replied with a grin. "Please, sit."
They did—and soon laughter filled the air.
As they drank and ate, Gu Chen spoke of the world he once knew.
Something in his words made Zhongli's shoulders finally relax, a rare, genuine smile spreading across his face as he raised his cup high.
[Transcendental Group Chat]
Everyone was talking about the Archon's abdication.
[Venti]: (selfie with wine)
[Azhdaha]: Hah! Morax, you're grinning like a fool!
[Zhongli]: …
[Kaeya]: Damn, those dishes look amazing! Chef Gu Chen, huh?
[Xiangling]: Wow, some of those recipes are totally new! ✨
[Tartaglia]: Lord Zhongli's having such fun, I'll stay away today. Tomorrow, Gu Chen, I'm coming for that rematch!
[Raiden Ei]: Envious.
[Yae Miko]: Oh? Don't be. Inazuma can't run without you, my dear Shogun~ 😏
[Furina]: Cheers to that! 🍷
[Kaeya]: Count me in! (photo: "Afternoon Death")
[Navia]: Hehe~ (photo with champagne)
[Beidou]: To the Lord of Geo! 🍶
[Dori]: To the God of Mora—may I earn much more Mora! 💰🙏
[Vortex God]: Congratulations to Liyue—peace and prosperity at last! 🎉
[Kaeya]: Vortex God really folded, huh 😂
[Vortex God]: Watch your tongue! I merely admire His strength and wisdom, young man.
[Venti]: (mischievous emoji)
Meanwhile, the Qixing were drowning in work.
Keqing, once a firm believer in human governance, now found herself overwhelmed.
But she did not give up—only became more determined to build the Liyue she dreamed of.
Ganyu scarcely left Yuehai Pavilion, working tirelessly by her side.
Even Tartaglia got his wish—a spar with Gu Chen that ended with him nearly crippled despite Gu Chen holding back. Still, the man was thrilled.
Now, he and his subordinates from Fatui were helping in "labor reform"—digging mines for Liyue's reconstruction.
Then one day—
BOOM!
The sky split open. The light curtain—gone for a week—returned once more.
[Kaeya]: Oh? A new video?
[Kirara]: Hehe~ whose past life is it this time? 👀
[Klee]: Yay! It's movie time!
[Venti]: Relaxation time~
[Furina]: Finally! I've been dying of boredom! Forget trials, videos are so much better! Hurry, hurry!!
[Neuvillette]: (facepalm)
[Nahida]: (excited)
[Yun Jin]: Perfect timing! I can take a break and watch~ 🎭
[Paimon]: Let's gooo!! ✨
Letters appeared in the sky:
[Previous Lives Series – Episode 2]
[Executor of Divine Authority]
[This Episode's Main Characters]:
Raiden Ei × Gu Chen
[Keywords]:
Divine Kinship | Suppression of a God
[Paimon]: Huh?!
[Kaeya]: What the—again, you?! @Gu Chen
[Raiden Ei]: S-Sister?! What's going on?! @Gu Chen
[Ying]: ?
[Zhongli]: Hiss…
[Nahida]: (curious)
[Gu Chen]: I have no idea! (shakes head)
Gu Chen could only stare blankly at the light curtain.
At this point, he couldn't help thinking—
Was this "Exposure System" created just to target him?!
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