When people think of foxes, the first impression is always cunning and sly.
Yae Miko was an exceptionally intelligent woman. During Inazuma's darkest and most turbulent period, she stepped forward in place of the Raiden Shogun and handled everything, guiding the nation through that crisis.
That unspoken history alone was proof of her wisdom and methods.
As a clever woman, Yae Miko had long expected that she would eventually appear in the Past Life Series, taking the role of a heroine in one of the episodes.
She had anticipated it—but what truly caught her off guard was how soon that day arrived.
Seeing the surprise on her face, Raiden Makoto teased gently,
"What's wrong? You're usually so eloquent—why are you stunned now?"
Yae Miko snapped back to her senses and waved her hand lightly.
"Oh my, Sister Makoto, don't tease me~ I just didn't expect it to come so soon, that's all."
"Mm-hmm." Makoto smiled faintly, her gaze carrying a hint of amusement as she looked at Yae Miko. "After this episode, our relationship will become even closer, won't it, Miko?"
"Oh?" Yae Miko raised a brow, then put on a mock hurt expression, as if both disappointed and aggrieved.
"So in your eyes, our relationship still isn't close enough? Was I being presumptuous, Sister~?"
"You little fox!" Makoto shot her a playful glare. "You even dare tease your elder sister now. You deserve a spanking."
[Transcendent Chat Group]
[Gu Chen]: Good analysis. Don't do it again next time.
[Kaeya]: From the cover, Gu Chen probably dies again. But Inazuma's already had so many episodes—who kills him this time? (Keqing • curious)
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: Judging by the timeline, with Lady Guuji Yae appearing… hmm, Watatsumi Omikami has no suspicion! (nods)
[Shikanoin Heizou]: I hate to break it to you, Miss Kokomi, but don't deceive yourself. With Gu Chen in Teyvat, the timeline is bound to change like a butterfly effect. Who's to say Orobashi couldn't survive another 500 years? (certain)
[Gorou]: Give Lady Kokomi some face! (Nahida • pointing)
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: It's fine. I was just speaking as the shrine maiden of Watatsumi Omikami. (energy dropping)
[Venti]: No-prize guessing game—how will Gu Chen die this time?
[Azhdaha]: No prize? Then what's the point? (sweating emoji)
[Venti]: You're the one sweating! I don't even have Mora—how am I supposed to offer a prize?! (annoyed)
[Kamisato Ayaka]: Does Mr. Gu Chen really have no way to escape death? (worried)
[Yae Miko]: Oh my, the little girl seems quite concerned about my dear brother-in-law~ (smirking)
[Kamisato Ayaka]: As a fan of Mr. Gu Chen, it's normal to care, isn't it? (confused)
[Nilou]: Exactly!
[Kirara]: Agreed!
[Furina]: I get it! In Azhdaha's fan edit, the original pairing was her and Gu Chen—she must be a future heroine. She's just worrying about her future husband in advance! (clever)
[Kamisato Ayaka]: I am not!!!
[Kamisato Ayato]: (stunned) (thinking) (realizes something's wrong) (sudden enlightenment) (heartbroken) (resigned)
[Aether]: (watching the drama)
[Dainsleif]: As an older brother, you're now experiencing what once happened to someone else. (smirk)
[Aether]: You really didn't have to say that.
[Thoma]: Uh… if it's Mr. Gu Chen and Miss Ayaka… I hope it ends like Focalors—stable and happy. Please don't let him die midway. (praying)
[Collei]: Can't Gu Chen just not die? Or at least die later? I want to see a sweet romance. (Klee • pleading)
[Gu Chen]: Sorry I can't stay alive very long in these videos. (sweating emoji)
[Albedo]: Here come the keywords. Let's see what they say. (smirk)
Raiden Ei, nestled in Gu Chen's arms, also grew serious.
But suddenly, her consciousness was pushed aside, drifting helplessly as the Raiden Shogun took control of the body.
"So… the owner of this body will die once again?" The Shogun looked at Gu Chen with deep concern, her eyes filled with pity.
"It's fine." Gu Chen reached out and gently patted her head.
Ei, watching from the sidelines, frowned in frustration.
That head pat was supposed to be hers!
Damn it—why did the Shogun have to seize control at a time like this? Unforgivable! bites handkerchief.jpg
Gu Chen lowered his gaze, focusing on the keywords appearing on the screen.
[Past Life Series – Episode 10]
[Beneath the Bitter-Love Tree, You and I]
[Main Characters]: Gu Chen × Yae Miko
[Keywords]:
The Greatest Light Novel AuthorAn Unwilling DreamThe Fox Immortal Trapped in EternityIf There Is Reincarnation, I Will Wait for You Until the End of My LifeI Remember—And So Does the Tree
[Kaeya]: Five keywords?! (Venti • shocked)
[Venti]: Good, good—aside from the first one, everything screams tragedy. Trying to stab me in the heart? Not happening! (sunglasses)
[Azhdaha]: Thinking about it, this feels like a tragic story between a long-lived being and a short-lived one. (realization)
[Osial]: If that's the case, I'm interested! Before, the Master saved others—now he's saving himself? Come cultivate the Supreme Mystic Scripture with me—achieve immortality and stay with your lover forever! (excited)
[Beisht]: You can cultivate that? (Sucrose • confused)
[Osial]: …
[Azhdaha]: Tried to show off and got exposed—carry him out. (smirk)
[Hu Tao]: These keywords feel familiar… the more I look, the more familiar they seem! (spooky)
[Shikanoin Heizou]: Wait, everyone! I've realized something terrifying!
[Kaeya]: What is it?
[Heizou]: If you know Inazuman history, after Ei lost her friends but before she created the Raiden Shogun—that period was the hardest time for Inazuma. Thankfully, Lady Guuji Yae held things together. Now look at the keyword "The Fox Immortal Trapped in Eternity"… oh no. I have a bad feeling. She might become obsessive like Ei did… I'm getting chills!
[Kamisato Ayato]: Then perhaps we should start praying for the people of that future era?
[Yoimiya]: Oh no… (Collei • blank)
[Arataki Itto]: Huh?! Why so pessimistic?!
[Kuki Shinobu]: Think about it—if both the top leader and second-in-command fall into despair… the smart ones are already sweating. Meanwhile, boss, you're still laughing… (sweating emoji)
[Yoimiya]: Can he really not avoid dying? (Klee • pleading)
[Gu Chen]: Not envying immortals or lovers—just enjoy each day while it lasts.
[Kaeya]: Honestly, we might be about to witness Gu Chen's worst showing yet. (smirk)
[Dvalin]: You can laugh—but don't celebrate too early. Let's see how it plays out.
[Venti]: Doesn't matter! Gu Chen is definitely doomed this episode! (Zhongli • dragon king smirk)
[Zhongli]: By common reasoning, we shouldn't jump to conclusions before things are clear. (tea)
[Paimon]: Better just watch quietly—the video's starting! Time to enjoy! (snacks photo)
[Collei]: Yay! (snacks photo)
The cover faded.
Purple filled the screen, followed by a dim, oppressive sky.
Thunderclouds churned. Lightning flashed. A storm was coming.
A crow flapped through the clouds, diving downward.
It crossed barren land, approached a settlement, paused briefly on a rooftop—then took flight again.
From above, it looked down.
On the highest point of a grand building, a lone figure stood, turning to glance upward.
Startled, the crow faltered, then dove down, finally settling on the roof of a wooden house.
Thunder roared.
From inside, the cry of an infant echoed.
The crow tilted its head, listening for a moment—then flew away.
[Kaeya]: What kind of high-budget opening is this? (smirk)
[Heizou]: This opening is interesting. The figure atop Tenshukaku is likely Lady Ei—only she has that sword-like presence. The oppressive storm feels symbolic. And that crow… could that house be where Gu Chen was born? Being born during a storm isn't unusual—but a crow on the roof… that's ominous. (sweating)
[Tartaglia]: A bad omen?!
[Venti]: Don't start with superstition.
[Azhdaha]: You're literally a god telling others not to believe in superstition? What are you even saying? (Alhaitham • think)
[Furina]: The opening is impressive, but it's still not as good as— (laughing)
[Kaeya]: As good as Mondstadt's scenic openings, right? (smirk)
[Diluc]: Khaenri'ah people, get out of Mondstadt! (smirk)
[Dainsleif]: Insult Kaeya if you must—don't drag Khaenri'ah into it. (Baizhu • coughing blood)
The rain poured down, drumming against rooftops and earth, washing away the oppressive atmosphere.
Gradually, the infant's cries were drowned out by the storm.
Only the sound of rain and distant waves crashing remained.
Time passed.
The rain eased.
Two figures emerged, opening umbrellas, bidding farewell to those inside.
The scene shifted.
A bright, sunny day.
A middle-aged couple sat outside their home, faces filled with relief and happiness.
"Old Gu, have you thought of a name for the child?" the woman asked.
"Of course!" Old Gu puffed out his chest proudly. "Chen—meaning the sun, moon, and stars. I hope this boy will surpass me and shine as brightly as the heavens!"
"Gu Chen? That's a good name!" the woman nodded in satisfaction.
"Heh." Old Gu grinned, gently touching the baby's cheek. "From now on, you're Gu Chen. Your nickname is Ah Chen. Remember that!"
The infant, unaware, simply giggled.
[Kirara]: Gu? That's not an Inazuman surname, right? (scratching head)
[Heizou]: Think! Their clothing is Inazuman, but daily life details resemble Liyue. They probably migrated from Liyue to settle here. (insight)
[Kujou Sara]: Long ago, many people came to Inazuma for trade or other reasons and settled here.
[Osial]: For example, Orobashi—that guy fled to Inazuma from the mainland. (smirk)
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: (Paimon • peaceful)
[Gorou]: One day, Lord Orobashi is going to come back just to deal with all of you! (angry)
[Azhdaha]: Wouldn't that be nice? He died unjustly—just for seeing something he shouldn't have. Curiosity really kills. (sigh)
[Diona]: I'll hold back. No curiosity. (fierce)
[Kirara]: Me too! (not lying)
[Gu Chen]: Two cute kitties. (pat pat)
The Gu family had originally come from Liyue to Inazuma for business.
For generations, they had only one child per generation. Perhaps the talent for commerce had faded—the family gradually declined, though they still lived more comfortably than most.
Old Gu, however, had a talent for fishing. He owned a nearly ten-meter fishing boat.
Recently, with a newborn in the house, expenses had increased sharply. He needed to earn a large sum.
Entrusting the child to his close friend Naganohara Masato, the couple set out to sea on a calm, sunny day.
But fate is unpredictable.
Shortly after they departed, the weather turned violent.
Later, returning sailors reported seeing a wreck bearing the Gu family's mark—after that, Old Gu and his wife were never seen again.
[Kaeya]: Huh?!
[Venti]: What?! He's not even one year old and already lost both parents?! I told you that crow was bad news! (shocked)
[Azhdaha]: Damn! That kind of bad luck actually happened to him? (shocked)
[Heizou]: Storms at sea are common… but fishermen always check the weather. It was clearly a sunny day… maybe there really was some uncontrollable ominous force.
[Yoimiya]: Wait—Naganohara Masato… Naganohara? That's my surname! So Gu Chen will grow up in my family?! (shocked)
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