The Raiden Shogun rose into the sky. Turning her gaze to Morax beside her, she spoke in an even, composed tone. "Thank you for today. I have troubled you."
She knew how rash her actions might appear, yet she also understood Morax's nature well. He was a gentle Archon—so long as matters did not cross a certain line, he would grant his assent.
"It is of no concern," Morax replied, giving a slight shake of his head. Among Archons, such mutual assistance was only natural.
Though the Raiden Shogun was not Raiden Ei herself, Ei had withdrawn into seclusion, leaving the Shogun as the Archon who stood before the world. Courtesy and respect were therefore only proper.
"If he has not returned to Inazuma within seven days," the Raiden Shogun continued calmly, "I will come again. I fear I may trouble you once more."
Morax did not hesitate. He could tell that her purpose here was solely to guide Futsu Mitama, and nothing more. He inclined his head slightly. "That poses no problem—though when you spar, I must be present."
It was not that he distrusted her. Rather, her nature was too singular, perhaps a consequence of Beelzebub's design. Such a Raiden Shogun could not be allowed complete freedom upon Liyue's land without his watchful eye.
"That is only natural," the Raiden Shogun replied with a nod. It would have been stranger had Morax trusted her without reservation. This was Liyue, not Inazuma; for her to act without restraint here would have been improper.
"However…" Morax's gaze drifted downward, toward Futsu Mitama below. "Do you think highly of him?"
Though he was present within the Chat Group, Morax still wished to hear her judgment directly. There was no harm in understanding more—and unlike Raiden Makoto or Azhdaha, the Raiden Shogun possessed her own clear will. She must have perceived the Group Leader's value from a different angle.
"Mmm." She nodded faintly, her eyes resting on Futsu Mitama, collapsed upon the grass from sheer exhaustion. "He possesses potential not inferior to an Archon. When he grows stronger, I will aid him in extending his lifespan."
"He will become an Eternal Guardian—one capable of standing beside me and guarding Inazuma across the long river of history."
Her gaze returned to Morax, her voice steady and unadorned. "Morax, do you not hold similar thoughts? Even Archons succumb to erosion and the passage of time. When that day comes, there must be those who inherit what we leave behind."
"Beelzebub created me, and I have taken a liking to Futsu Mitama. It is curious… I believe he may one day surpass me."
Since witnessing his use of Chakra Desiderata, a faint intention had taken root within her—to nurture him. With but a few observations, he had managed to imitate Musou no Hitotachi. Crude, incomplete, far from a true manifestation—but he had done it. To the Raiden Shogun, the process mattered little. Only the result did.
Without her direct guidance, Futsu Mitama had grasped both Chakra Desiderata and a shadow of Musou no Hitotachi. The Chakra Desiderata had likely come from Yae Miko's instruction, yet knowing Yae Miko's temperament, such teaching would have been casual at best—certainly not rigorous training. From Futsu Mitama's later attitude toward her, it was clear their acquaintance was shallow, tinged even with a hint of aversion.
None of that mattered.
What mattered was his potential—so vast that even the Raiden Shogun could not discern his future. Since her creation, she had never encountered someone she could not see through. The unknown was a variable, and variables were enemies of eternity.
Yet Futsu Mitama was a citizen of Inazuma. His variables could be guided. More than that—he, too, pursued eternity. His understanding of it was even firmer than Beelzebub's. That alone was reason enough for her to leave Inazuma and come to Liyue to guide him personally.
As for Beelzebub? She remained in the Plane of Euthymia, calmly enjoying sweets. Once she finished, she would return to meditation—still unaware that the Shogun had already departed Inazuma.
"…?" Morax did not evade the question. "Liyue has the Adeptus and the Qixing. Whether I cultivate a successor or not makes little difference. The people of Liyue will walk their own path. They will decide their own future. Liyue itself will undergo transformation."
The Raiden Shogun fell silent for a moment. Then she shook her head lightly. "I understand your reasoning. Still, I will adhere to mine."
"Without a successor, how are the people to truly comprehend our ideals?"
"And only overwhelming power can protect all that one wishes to protect. I train Futsu Mitama because I see in him potential not inferior to my own."
With that, she had no intention of continuing. Casting one final glance at Futsu Mitama, she transformed into a bolt of lightning and streaked toward Inazuma.
"…"
Morax remained silent.
A successor—Did Liyue truly possess someone like Futsu Mitama now?
The Raiden Shogun believed his potential rivaled that of an Archon, that given time he might even surpass her. Morax did not deny it—he had seen it as well.
Once strength reached a certain height, lifespan ceased to be a true concern. Across Teyvat, many powerful beings had endured through unique means, extending their lives far beyond the ordinary. Even without the Raiden Shogun's aid, Futsu Mitama would likely find his own way.
"The Adeptus may endure," Morax murmured, "but what of humans?"
Liyue stood upon the balance between Adeptus and humanity. The Adeptus were long-lived and powerful. The Qixing of the present era were capable—but still lacking.
Disciples of the Adeptus would always stand closer to the Adeptus themselves. Should turmoil arise, their allegiance would be clear.
Thus, after his "feigned death," Liyue would need a human—someone of great strength, unbound to the Adeptus—to stand firm.
The age of human governance had to advance.
Though Morax had never intended to cultivate a successor, the Raiden Shogun's words had stirred something within him. Without power, the human voice would forever remain too faint.
After sensing her departure, Morax made no move to descend. He cast a final glance at Futsu Mitama, then vanished into the clouds, leaving no trace behind. Below, seeing that Morax had not come down, Futsu Mitama felt a quiet sense of relief. It seemed the old man understood.
Had Morax descended, there would have been no avoiding Azhdaha's questions. And once pressed, Futsu Mitama would have been forced to admit that Morax could not be pulled into the Chat Group. That alone would have sparked suspicion—especially when even Raiden Makoto, a former Archon, and Azhdaha himself, whose strength rivaled one, had been drawn into it.
Earlier, Raiden Makoto had even asked whether Raiden Ei could be pulled in from the Plane of Euthymia. Futsu Mitama had answered yes.
If Morax alone were the exception, the conclusion would have been obvious.
Morax already in the group.
As Zhongli the sole representative of Liyue within the group, his suspicion would no longer be merely great—it would be all but confirmed.
Fortunately, Morax had chosen to stay away, allowing Futsu Mitama to help him conceal the truth a little longer. Still, Azhdaha's mood within the group had clearly soured.
[Azhdaha: "Morax!!! Why didn't you come down!!! Just come down for a moment!!!"]
[Azhdaha: "I remember Morax being very approachable—he's guided others before and even gifted things to foreigners!""]
[Raiden Makoto: "Ah… my sincerest condolences, Azhdaha~ (laughing)"]
[Yae Miko: "Yes, yes, we're terribly saddened too. But Morax probably didn't want to interfere with Futsu Mitama and the Raiden Shogun's affairs~ (laughing)"]
[Azhdaha: "You're both just enjoying this. Don't rush—after the Rite of Descension, Morax will definitely join the group. Then it'll be my turn to mock you."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Th-That…"]
[Yae Miko: "Hmm… the Rite of Descension."]
[Azhdaha: "Hahahaha! The Group Leader has ties with the Qixing—being near the Rite of Descension is only natural!"]
[Albedo: "Indeed. It is said that once a year, during the Rite of Descension, the people of Liyue and those of other nations may behold Lord Rex Lapis."]
[Albedo: "Each year, Liyue's commerce flourishes because of him. Aside from meeting the Group Leader, I came to Liyue to investigate the mystery of condensed resin."]
[Albedo: "Oh—@Zhongli, Mr. Zhongli, are you familiar with condensed resin?"]
[Zhongli: "Hm? Condensed resin? I know of resin, but not this. Is it an alchemical substance?"]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "No, it's an item Kokomi obtained from a group sign-in."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "Most sign-ins grant experience, but there's a small chance of receiving items."]
[Zhongli: "Fascinating. What does it do?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Based on Kokomi's experience and Ei's reaction during the livestream, it dispels fatigue, sharpens the mind—and may even resist erosion."]
[Azhdaha: "Judging by Beelzebub's demeanor, it truly can resist erosion. If I ate a few, perhaps I could fight a few more battles for Liyue."]
[Azhdaha: "That's precisely why I wish Morax would join the Chat Group. He might uncover its secrets."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Guuji and Albedo are already researching it. Please be patient."]
[Yae Miko: "Sadly, we've made little progress. Aside from its pleasant aroma and the ability to replicate similarly flavored snacks, nothing substantial."]
[Albedo: "The same here. My replicated version restores some energy, but it's far inferior to true condensed resin."]
[Zhongli: "@Sangonomiya Kokomi, could you spare two? I can ask a friend to investigate. If anything is discovered, I will report back."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Two is fine, but they're consumed upon use. Unless another sign-in occurs—which is unlikely."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Yes… it's been over seven days now. All we ever get from sign-ins is that cursed experience."]
The discussion veered off once more, but Futsu Mitama was already accustomed to it. If it never strayed, could it truly be called a Chat Group?
As dusk settled, Kamisato Ayaka in Inazuma—and Kuki Shinobu and Futsu Mitama in Liyue—enjoyed freshly prepared Inazuman cuisine beneath the open sky. Shenhe was mildly surprised that they could produce such gourmet food out of thin air, but the world was full of oddities. She paid it little heed.
At last, Cloud Retainer emerged.
Aila followed behind her, expression as aloof as ever, her appearance unchanged.
Futsu Mitama scratched his head in confusion. Cloud Retainer had said Aila's personality and appearance would change slightly later—but none of that had manifested.
"This Adeptus has done all she can," Cloud Retainer said with a sigh, glancing at Futsu Mitama. "Truly peculiar…to encounter someone with such a physique. No wonder she was targeted. There is reason behind everything."
As usual, the Adeptus of Two Pieces of Fowl spoke in riddles, leaving Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu at a loss.
"A special physique?" Shenhe seemed to grasp something. She looked at Aila with faint confusion. "Master… is her physique the same as mine?"
Shenhe herself bore a unique constitution—her fate lonely and ominous, prone to harming those around her. Thus, the Adeptus had bound her soul with red ropes to restrain her murderous intent, shaping her detached, ethereal nature.
"Similar, yet not the same," Cloud Retainer replied, shaking her head. "If your fate is one of solitude and calamity, Shenhe—hers is its opposite."
"Her fate once bore signs of prosperity. Had nothing gone awry, her life would have been smooth and abundant. But now… her fate is incomplete. That prosperity has been stolen, leaving only 'nothingness.' This Adeptus has never seen one whose fate was stolen yet still lived. It is this anomaly that makes her unique."
Futsu Mitama raised a hand, cutting her off with a helpless expression. "True Monarch…could you perhaps explain it in simpler terms?"
"We truly don't understand such matters… at least, I certainly don't."
Kuki Shinobu and Shenhe both fell into silence, brows faintly furrowed, as though Cloud Retainer's words had stirred some distant realization within them. Only Futsu Mitama was genuinely at a loss—the Adeptus' explanation was far too abstruse.
Seeing his bewilderment, Cloud Retainer gave a soft hum before speaking again, her tone finally easing.
"To put it simply—she is not merely suffering from amnesia. Someone took her destiny and memories and used them to create another 'her.' When this Immortal first laid eyes upon her, something felt amiss. She appeared whole, yet was clearly incomplete."
"Just now, this Immortal employed various Immortal Arts to help her reclaim what was lost. Though the attempt failed…she did glimpse something."
Cloud Retainer then turned her gaze to Aila behind her. "Now, you speak. This Immortal will say no more."
Aila stepped forward. Seeing the worry etched across Futsu Mitama's face, she spoke gently.
"Young Master, I'm all right. It's just…I saw her."
"The 'me' from when I was little—walking through ice and snow. Through Cloud Retainer's Immortal Arts, I spoke with her. She was surprised that I was still alive. When she realized I hadn't died, she was happy…and said she would come to find me. Then she cut off the connection herself."
"I can feel it. She is stronger than I am."
No relief came to Futsu Mitama—only a heavy weight settling in his chest.
This sounded far too familiar.
Fragments. Copies. Segments. Slices.
Almost instinctively, his thoughts turned to the Fatui's Second Harbinger—Dottore.
That man's existence was built upon dividing himself into countless selves, each created for a purpose. And before leaving Inazuma, Futsu Mitama had already heard that Dottore had arrived there.
They had narrowly missed each other.
Now, he felt a chill run down his spine. If Dottore had seen Aila back then, the consequences would have been unimaginable. Regardless of who had abducted Aila in Liyue Harbor, one thing was certain: if Dottore laid eyes on her now, he would stop at nothing to seize her and dissect the truth behind her existence.
If even Cloud Retainer could discern it, Dottore surely could as well.
More troubling still were Aila's words.
She was "happy" that Aila wasn't dead—and said she would come find her. It sounded benign…yet it was anything but.
Futsu Mitama turned to Cloud Retainer, his expression grave. "If that 'Aila' comes… what will happen?"
Cloud Retainer answered without hesitation.
"If fortune smiles upon them, nothing disastrous will occur. The two will merge, becoming one. But if fortune turns its back…the one who possesses the stolen destiny and memories will plunder everything the current Aila has. That being, too, is an incomplete creation. If she wishes to become whole, she must seize everything from Aila."
"And likewise—if Aila seeks to recover what was taken, she must reclaim what is rightfully hers."
Her voice softened, carrying a trace of pity.
"This is no fate of prosperity or honor. In truth, it is even crueler than Shenhe's lonely and ominous destiny."
Indeed, in Cloud Retainer's eyes, Aila's life was unbearably tragic. Abducted in childhood. Stripped of destiny and memories. Having barely survived and returned to Liyue—only to face a struggle against herself. This battle over fate was one in which even Adeptus could not interfere.
Because it was Aila's battle alone.
"I won't lose." Aila's voice was calm, unwavering. She looked straight at Futsu Mitama, her gaze resolute. "Even if she is stronger than me now, I'm confident I can surpass her."
"She has no one to protect. Though she is 'me,' she is selfish—she trusts no one. When I saw her, she stood alone. No matter what she's been through, she won't defeat me like that."
She pressed a hand to her chest. Reflected in her eyes was only Futsu Mitama.
"I'm different. I have Young Master. And Young Master can make me stronger."
"Aila…"
Futsu Mitama's heart softened completely. He stepped forward and drew her into his arms. Since arriving in this world, the first person he had met was Aila. She had stayed by his side the longest. She had once said that for his sake, she could do anything—that as long as he was there, she lacked nothing.
And the same was true for him. For Aila, he would do anything.
The atmosphere grew quietly intimate.
Kuki Shinobu instinctively felt she shouldn't be present. Even Shenhe sensed that this was a moment best left undisturbed.
"Hmph."
Cloud Retainer snorted softly, as though recalling something, then looked at Futsu Mitama.
"Oh, yes. This Immortal intends to take Aila as a disciple. She said she would leave the decision to you. What do you say?"
"Hm?" Futsu Mitama blinked in surprise.
He released Aila and turned to Cloud Retainer. "Does Aila truly have the aptitude for Immortal Arts?"
Though Aila was talented, Immortal Arts were not something just anyone could learn. Even in Liyue, very few were suited for such cultivation.
"Yes." Cloud Retainer nodded. "Her aptitude is exceptionally high. It will not take long for her strength to leap forward."
"This Immortal finds her temperament agreeable. And with that talisman of everlasting morality, she is more than qualified to be my disciple."
Futsu Mitama fell silent for a moment, then turned to Aila. "What do you think?"
This was far too important for him to decide alone.
Aila simply met his gaze and nodded.
That was answer enough.
"In that case," Futsu Mitama said solemnly, turning back to Cloud Retainer, "I agree. But… True Monarch, Aila is very strong-willed. I hope you won't allow her to push herself too far."
Cloud Retainer nodded, then glanced at Shenhe with faint amusement. "Rest assured. This Immortal is quite experienced. After all, Shenhe was much the same as a child. I recall when she—"
"!" Shenhe stiffened instantly. "Master, there's no need to bring that up."
"Hmph." Cloud Retainer flapped her wings. "Very well. This Immortal will refrain."
She then added coolly, "Raiden Shogun's retainer, you may rest assured. This Immortal has never mistreated her disciples. However, for a time, she must remain on Mt. Aocang and cultivate here."
The meaning was clear. They could descend the mountain—but Aila would stay.
Futsu Mitama glanced at Kuki Shinobu.
"I'll return to Liyue Harbor to retrieve my graduation certificate," Shinobu said calmly, understanding at once. "After that, I'll buy supplies and come back. If I encounter the Fatui, I'll find a way to inform you."
Here, "inform" naturally meant through the Chat Group.
Futsu Mitama nodded. "Be careful. If anything unusual or dangerous happens, contact me immediately."
As long as necessary, he could always @Zhongli. And if Zhongli wasn't otherwise engaged, he would arrive swiftly.
"Understood."
Shinobu accepted the key Futsu Mitama tossed her.
"If things get truly dangerous," he added, "go straight to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"…"
Shinobu paused, briefly imagining Hu Tao cooking inside. She nodded anyway and hurried down the mountain.
Soon, only Futsu Mitama, Aila, Shenhe, and Cloud Retainer remained.
"Come," Cloud Retainer said, turning toward her abode. "Your talent is astonishing. For the coming battle, this Immortal will impart many Immortal Arts to you. One should know—this Immortal is versed not only in Immortal Arts, but also mechanisms, talismans, exorcism, and even the Way of Conversation."
Having taken in another disciple, she was clearly in high spirits. Aila listened quietly. Her purpose was simple: to grow stronger. She was too weak now.
Young Master's growth far outpaced her own. With Raiden Style · Martial Arts and guidance equivalent to the Raiden Shogun herself, his path was already clear.
She could not afford to fall behind. At the very least, she needed the strength to stand beside him—to fight with him, not become a weakness other could exploit.
Black light ignited flickered briefly in Aila's eyes. She knew exactly why she sought power.
Once Aila and Cloud Retainer disappeared into the cave dwelling, Futsu Mitama sat down, closed the livestream, and took out Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine.
She had to grow stronger. So did he.
Because the "other Aila" walked through ice and snow. And beyond Dragonspine, there was only one such land.
Snezhnaya.
Whether Fatui or Abyss, confronting one would inevitably draw the attention of something far worse.
To protect those he cherished, he had no choice. He had to become stronger. Not someone who hid behind Archons—but someone who stood alongside them.
Even a stone cast at random, or a blow delivered without intent, still constituted an attack.
———
As for Primo Geovishap meat—no one had ever seen it before. Futsu Mitama could have said anything at the time, and no one would have been able to refute it. Yet now, standing within the cavern, the truth lay plainly before them.
The terrifying scars of battle were etched into every corner of the stone walls. The so-called "blood" that had splashed onto the ground had corroded the earth itself, and fragments of hardened scales lay scattered amid the rubble. All of it bore silent witness to what the Primo Geovishap had endured.
Faint traces of lightning crackled across the stone, interwoven with deep, clean slashes—unmistakable remnants of Futsu Mitama and his companions' clash with the ancient beast.
Keqing was indeed surprised. That Futsu Mitama and his group had not only confronted the Primo Geovishap, but forced it to retreat, exceeded her expectations. Still, she maintained her composure, turning to the Geo Vision–bearing specialist beside her.
"How goes the investigation?" she asked.
The Millelith had cleared the cavern precisely for this purpose—to determine where the awakened Primo Geovishap had fled. A dragon capable of shaking the land itself was a grave threat to Liyue. Though Keqing had already sought the Adeptus's aid, she knew all too well that they could not simply wait for divine intervention. If everything were left to the Adeptus, then what meaning did the Qixing and the Millelith hold?
"Lady Keqing." The specialist adjusted his glasses, his expression solemn. "Based on my findings, the Geovishap appears to have headed toward South Gate."
"I cannot yet determine its purpose," he continued, "but judging from the elemental residue… it did indeed move in that direction."
He hesitated, confusion creeping into his tone. "However, if it truly went toward South Gate, there should have been significant disturbance by now. And yet…everything remains eerily quiet."
His puzzlement was well-founded. The cavern lay between South Gate and Tianqiu Valley. Moreover, the Primo Geovishap—an Earth Dragon—moved across land with frightening speed, no less fearsome than a leviathan cutting through the sea. If South Gate were truly its destination, some sign should already have surfaced. Absolute silence made no sense.
"I don't know," Keqing replied, shaking her head lightly. Her voice remained calm. "But are you certain it was South Gate?"
The specialist nodded firmly. "There is strong Ley Line energy concentrated here. The Primo Geovishap likely used this place as a resting ground in recent decades. The abundance of rare ores here is also a result of that Ley Line concentration," he added. "I temporarily borrowed Ley Line power through a spell to trace its movements."
"Following the Hydro and Electro elemental remnants left on the Geovishap's body, the trail leads unmistakably toward South Gate."
Those traces existed precisely because of Futsu Mitama. His Electro attacks had shattered the Primo Geovishap's defenses, imprinting elemental residue upon its scales, while the Geovishap itself had wielded Hydro power during the battle.
Without that exchange, even Ley Line analysis would not have yielded results so swiftly.
"Is there something near South Gate that's drawing it?" Keqing murmured, lost in thought.
According to Futsu Mitama, he could not defeat the Primo Geovishap outright—but he wielded the authority of the Electro Archon. The power of a god alone would have been enough to terrify the beast.
That, in itself, was only natural.
The Raiden Shogun of Inazuma was a god of martial prowess, victorious in the Archon War. Her strength stood on equal footing with that of Lord Rex Lapis. Faced with divine authority, the Primo Geovishap's instinctive retreat made perfect sense.
And yet… why flee toward South Gate?
Keqing had expected it to head for The Chasm. Even another remote region would have been understandable. But South Gate—so close to civilization—was inexplicable.
Was something there calling to it? Or…had the Geovishap sensed danger and fled toward what it believed to be the safest place?
Though the Primo Geovishap possessed a degree of intelligence, Keqing reasoned that any creature frightened by divine power would instinctively seek refuge. Perhaps this Earth Dragon was no different.
"It seems I'll need to consult the records," Keqing muttered.
Even if she didn't yet grasp the reason behind the Primo Geovishap's actions, the literature might offer answers.
Just then, a Millelith soldier approached and reported, "Lady Keqing, Lady Ganyu has arrived."
"Ganyu?" Keqing frowned slightly in surprise.
As the Qixing's secretary, Ganyu was perpetually burdened with work. Though Keqing and Ganyu often held differing views, Keqing held deep respect for her diligence.
"You all continue a thorough inspection," Keqing instructed. "Collect the evaporated blood residue and the scales. Report to me immediately if anything unusual is discovered."
With that, she turned and headed out of the abandoned mine. If Keqing recalled correctly, Ganyu should have been working overtime at this hour. For her to appear here…could it be that Ningguang had sent her with news?
With these thoughts in mind, Keqing stepped into the open air, moving to meet Ganyu.