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Shenhe stood quietly beneath the lantern light of Liyue Harbor's streets.
Honestly, the legendary Archons who had once fallen, been sealed, or vanished into history were now speaking casually within this so-called Chat Group. Even someone like Shenhe — possessed of talent comparable to the Adeptus — could not prevent her thoughts from going blank.
It was not only her.
When the Chat Group had first appeared, even those within it had required time to accept it.
Each of them, in their own way, had once doubted.
Yae Miko had even questioned whether Raiden Makoto was truly herself.
It was only after Makoto calmly reminisced about events from centuries past — moments only the two of them could know — that Yae Miko had covered her face and declared, "That's enough, Lady Makoto. Any more and it would be impolite."
Shenhe was now in that same state.
She suspected impersonation.
She suspected illusion.
She suspected deception.
"Hm. It's better if you ask directly," Futsu Mitama said evenly. "If you don't understand something, ask. You can also try signing in. The probability of new members obtaining an item from their first sign-in is surprisingly high."
He spoke seriously.
It was almost metaphysical — yet strangely consistent.
Aila, Kuki Shinobu, Kamisato Ayaka, Guizhong, and Klee had all received items upon first sign-in.
Yae Miko's expression darkened slightly.
"There is indeed a chance," she said calmly. "But do not hold too much hope."
Since joining, she had received nothing but experience points.
Not a single item.
Even Futsu Mitama had obtained something.
Only Lady Makoto had shared her fate of receiving nothing.
Kuki Shinobu nodded. "Lower expectations. It is safer that way."
Aila agreed.
Shenhe tilted her head.
"Signing in? Items?"
She did not understand. But she was not someone who suppressed confusion.
After all, she had grown up under Cloud Retainer's guidance — and one could not survive that without learning to speak directly.
So she entered the Chat Group.
Shenhe: "@Azhdaha @Guizhong. Are you truly who you claim to be? I do not believe it."
Azhdaha: "Do not believe it? Good. Such vigilance is correct."
Guizhong: "Worthy of Cloud Retainer's disciple. However, I am indeed the God of Dust. If you doubt it, ask anything you wish. Of course — only matters from before my death."
Azhdaha: "The same applies to me."
Shenhe: "Very well. Please forgive me if I offend."
Yae Miko: "What sort of question will it be~?"
Venti: "Ehe! I'm curious too!"
Zhongli: "Having grown among the Adeptus, Shenhe likely knows many hidden matters."
Maha Rukkhadevata: "Indeed. Even trivial events may serve as proof."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "In Inazuma as well, many hidden stories vanished after the calamity five hundred years ago."
Kamisato Ayaka: "Then Shenhe will certainly ask something very secretive, correct?"
Aila: "Anticipating."
Kuki Shinobu: "Curious."
Shenhe paused briefly.
Then she asked:
Shenhe: "What interesting things happened to the current Secretary of the Qixing, Ganyu, when she was young?"
There was a brief silence. Then—
Guizhong: "She feared humans and cried when she first saw them."
Azhdaha: "When she was little, she was round and chubby. She once choked a giant beast to death."
Guizhong: "Oh! And she loved it when Cloud Retainer stroked her horns to help her sleep."
Azhdaha: "She followed us constantly. After choking that beast, she began eating vegetables. Speaking of which, it irritates me. Why eat vegetables? Had she continued eating meat, her true form might have been second only to mine and Marchosius."
Guizhong: "She is a young lady. She cannot be like you."
Shenhe lowered her gaze slightly.
Shenhe: "Confirmed. You are indeed the seniors."
Zhongli: "…"
Yae Miko: "That simple?"
Futsu Mitama: "This is already extremely secretive. If such matters spread—"
Kamisato Ayaka: "There would be consequences."
Albedo: "If the Secretary of the Qixing were ever added to this group—the outcome would be unpredictable."
Kuki Shinobu: "Agreed."
Aila: "Mhm."
Venti: "No need to worry~ As long as the Group Leader does not pull her in."
Futsu Mitama: "That may not hold. After leveling up, three members are randomly invited. She could be among them."
Shenhe: "Then I must be cautious with my words. And what exactly is this Chat Group?"
Zhongli: "This matter, I shall—"
Guizhong: "Mr. Zhongli, please step aside. It is rare for a junior to join. Allow me."
Zhongli: "…"
Venti: "Hahahahaha!"
Raiden Makoto: "Hehe~"
Maha Rukkhadevata: "It is indeed interesting here."
Shenhe: "I am listening."
And so, as they walked toward Liyue Harbor, Guizhong began explaining. Through her words — and the additions of others — Shenhe gradually learned the fundamentals.
Three of The Seven were present.
The Anemo Archon — Venti.
The Electro Archon — Raiden Makoto.
The Dendro Archon — Maha Rukkhadevata.
There were also internal plans.
The resurrection of Guizhong.
Future strategies concerning Inazuma — against the Fatui and the Tenryou Commission.
The information was vast.
Even by the time they reached the residence Futsu Mitama had purchased in Liyue Harbor, explanations were still ongoing.
"Eh? What a coincidence~"
A lively voice cut through the night air. The door of the adjacent Wangsheng Funeral Parlor opened slightly. Hu Tao leaned out, Homa resting across her back.
"We were just about to head out. Didn't expect you to be back."
Behind her stood Zhongli — or rather, the Consultant — wearing an expression of quiet resignation.
Seeing them, Shenhe's gaze flickered subtly.
Among those present, only Director Hu had not joined the Chat Group.
"Director Hu," Futsu Mitama greeted.
They had not yet gone to Qingce Village.
It was late.
When Futsu Mitama's group had entered the harbor, they had been stopped several times by the Millelith. After verifying identities, the guards apologized, explaining that Liyue Harbor had been unstable at night recently.
Hu Tao sighed.
"This is all because of this Consultant~"
Zhongli closed his eyes calmly. Hu Tao shot him an annoyed look.
"He returned too late. Now we'll likely face a stronger evil spirit. At that time, we'll let the Consultant handle it."
Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu exchanged a glance.
Sending Adeptus (Rex Lapis) to fight an evil spirit—
The spirit's fate would not be pleasant.
"I am not skilled in combat," Zhongli replied calmly. "Director Hu will need to exert herself."
Hu Tao snorted.
"That's natural. Don't worry, I was only teasing. I wouldn't force our Consultant to handle such matters."
She then looked curiously at the group.
"When did you return? Didn't you go to Mondstadt? I heard there was a Dragon Crisis. Oh — and how is little Klee? I quite like that child. I've even considered whether she could become my successor. The position of Director requires someone with her personality!"
Her thoughts leapt effortlessly from dragons to funeral inheritance. Fortunately, neither Klee nor Albedo was present to hear it.
Zhongli stood behind Hu Tao, the composure he always wore now tinged with unmistakable helplessness. Had she not just said there was no time? And yet here she was, still chatting as though the evening breeze carried no urgency at all.
Before Futsu Mitama or the others could interject, Zhongli spoke in his usual steady tone.
"Director Hu, we should be on our way."
"Oh right"
Hu Tao jolted as if awakened from a pleasant dream. With Homa slung across her back, she stepped forward briskly. "We're leaving first!"
As she walked, she continued talking without pause. "We'll chat when we get back. I'm still very curious about what you experienced in Mondstadt. Ah, the Consultant is like a closed-off gourd. He came back, but he didn't even tell me you all came back with him."
Following a few paces behind, Zhongli replied calmly, "Director Hu, when I was about to inform you, you mentioned you had urgent business and departed in haste."
Hu Tao spun around, pointing at him with righteous confidence. "Because I needed to prepare for tonight's battle! I had to quickly retrieve the talismans I'll use in the fight. And when you just returned, you didn't tell me Futsu Mitama and the others came back with you either."
Zhongli fell silent.
On this matter, he was indeed somewhat at fault.
Hu Tao's clear, lively voice drifted through the air as the two figures gradually receded into the distance, heading toward Qingce Village. Their silhouettes grew smaller against the mountain path until only their conversation lingered faintly in the wind.
Left behind, Futsu Mitama and the others exchanged glances, momentarily unsure how to respond.
"Mr. Zhongli truly works hard," Kuki Shinobu sighed. For an adeptus to be directed about so freely by Director Hu—it was a sight few would dare imagine.
"Indeed." Futsu Mitama nodded lightly. Zhongli truly did shoulder a great deal.
No wonder during the Rite of Descension he had asked Futsu Mitama to keep Hu Tao and Klee in line. One Hu Tao was already spirited enough. Add Klee—another blazing temperament—and the consequences were difficult to predict. It was no surprise Zhongli had felt a headache coming on.
Yae Miko watched the retreating figures, a hand thoughtfully brushing her chin. A soft chuckle escaped her lips. "This Director Hu's personality is quite similar to the child from Naganohara Fireworks. If she didn't have urgent business, I might even invite her to Inazuma as a guest. She could assist with certain funeral arrangements."
Futsu Mitama's expression grew subtle.
Naganohara Fireworks—She meant Yoimiya.
Indeed, that lively spirit, forever surrounded by sparks and laughter—she would certainly find common ground with Hu Tao and Klee. All three bore Pyro Visions, and Pyro users were often bright as flames—warm, vibrant, impossible to ignore. "Right, Grandpa Lu?"
Silence answered him.
Shenhe had not spoken. Instead, she quietly @-ed Zhongli within the Chat Group, asking if the man just now had truly been him.
When confirmation arrived, she offered no further words. Even now, the existence of the Chat Group felt unreal to her.
She had grown up among adeptus. She had witnessed countless extraordinary things. And yet this—and Futsu Mitama being its Group Leader—
Only now did she understand how his strength had risen so swiftly.
He trained diligently. He received personal guidance from the Raiden Shogun. And he possessed this miraculous medium connecting being across eras and realms. It would be stranger if his power had not advanced.
The moment passed like a ripple fading across still water. Soon, Futsu Mitama and the others returned home. Back in their residence in Liyue Harbor, Aila and Kuki Shinobu immediately fetched cleaning tools. Shenhe quietly affixed everyday talismans throughout the rooms, gentle currents of adeptal energy sweeping dust and insects away.
Yae Miko, meanwhile, selected a room at leisure. She examined its arrangement briefly, nodded with mild approval, and settled in without offering assistance.
Futsu Mitama attempted to help, but Aila firmly sent him away. The young master need not concern himself with such trivialities—she and Shinobu would manage. In less than ten minutes, the house shone anew. Shenhe's talismans expelled the last traces of dust beyond the threshold.
Once everything was in order, Aila prepared bathwater and fresh garments for Futsu Mitama. Kuki Shinobu retired to her room.
Shenhe remained seated in the living room, quietly conversing within the Chat Group, clarifying what she should do next.
Thus passed a tranquil night.
—
The following morning, Futsu Mitama descended the stairs with a yawn—only to find Shenhe seated below, her expression faintly weary.
He paused.
"This?"
He studied her carefully. With her current strength, even a night-long battle would not leave her fatigued. Yet her face bore unmistakable signs of mental exhaustion.
"Did you challenge Raiden Shogun?" he asked cautiously.
Given her extensive use of the Chat Group the night before, there was only one possibility. Had she entered "Raiden Style · Martial Arts"?
That was no ordinary trial.
After Raiden Makoto uploaded it, Aila, Kuki Shinobu, Kamisato Ayaka, and others had eagerly attempted it. They fought the Raiden Shogun within the constructed realm.
And then—there was no then.
They learned a little, yes. But in exchange, their minds were drained as though they had not slept for three days and nights. Even after resting, the fatigue lingered into the next day. Their sparring performance declined sharply, wasting precious training time.
It was not worth the cost. Thus, almost no one challenged the Raiden Shogun there anymore.
Futsu Mitama himself, perhaps by virtue of being the Group Leader, did not suffer consequences as severe. He could spar and learn without fear. Avoiding such backlash was simple in theory: defeat her in single combat. Or endure four to five hours against her.
The rewards were immense.
But as Azhdaha had remarked in the Chat Group, to defeat that Raiden Shogun would require at least first-class Archon-level strength. Even stripped of authority, her martial prowess alone was terrifying.
And those who had already reached such heights would likely have forged their own path. They would no longer require her guidance.
"Yes." Shenhe nodded calmly. "This path is not for me. But…it is very strong. My master likely would not be her match."
Futsu Mitama felt a trace of awkwardness. The existence inside that trial was constructed from Raiden Makoto's memories of Raiden Ei. Cloud Retainer entering it would not fare better.
"However—"
Shenhe lifted her gaze to him, serious and unwavering.
"Though I lasted only an hour, I gained insight. After I have rested…may we spar?"
Faced with her exhaustion, Futsu Mitama could only nod in agreement.
"Oh—right." He suddenly remembered something. "Did you sign in?"
Having just woken, he had not checked the Chat Group yet.
"Yes."
Everyone had urged her the previous night. Naturally, she had tried.
"And the result?" His eyes brightened faintly.
The beginner's welfare appeared only once. If missed, it might never return.
Even Raiden Makoto—the original Raiden Shogun and earliest member besides Futsu Mitama and Aila—had yet to sign in for a single item.
"No. Only experience."
Shenhe shook her head with mild regret. It was said her junior sister had obtained many items through sign-ins. A broken pocket watch capable of accelerating movement. The maid outfit she wore.
All were products of chance.
Futsu Mitama sighed lightly. Disappointed, but accustomed.
Soon, the others rose as well.
Aila had already gone out early to purchase breakfast. After eating, the group prepared to head to Liyue Harbor to meet Beidou. Yesterday, Yae Miko had visited Ningguang—not for diplomacy, nor for chess or dinner—but to arrange a meeting with Beidou.
The Big Sis of The Crux Fleet was exceedingly busy. Without appointment, one would not see her. To prevent complications, Futsu Mitama had asked Yae Miko through the Chat Group to contact Ningguang the day they arrived.
Before long, they reached Liyue Harbor.
Ships lined the docks. Sailors hauled cargo. Merchants conferred with officials of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Foreign travelers strolled along the piers. Children laughed nearby.
A trace of nostalgia flickered in the eyes of Futsu Mitama, Aila, and Kuki Shinobu. This had been their first stop upon reaching Liyue. And now, in perhaps two or three days, they would set sail for Inazuma.
"Let's go," Yae Miko said lightly, glancing toward the imposing Crux ship anchored ahead. "Captain Beidou of The Crux Fleet—the Dragon King—is waiting."
"Little one, you're more familiar with her than I am. I won't join the negotiation."
Futsu Mitama glanced at her. If she was unwilling, she was unwilling. No need for so many explanations.
Such was Yae Miko's nature. Trivial matters she delegated freely. But true importance—she would handle personally without prompting. Like when the special husk doll appeared, and she came from Inazuma without hesitation.
He said nothing.
Together, they approached The Crux.
"Yo! Mitama no Anchan!"
A crew member spotted him first, voice booming across the dock. "You're here! Earlier than expected! Big Sis Beidou is waiting onboard!"
At once, more sailors leaned over the railings, greeting Futsu Mitama and Aila warmly. He was no ordinary figure. The thunderstorm that once sealed Inazuma had dissipated after he produced a single item.
And Aila had sparred directly with Big Sis Beidou.
Who was Big Sis Beidou? Leader of them all.
When crossbows failed against monstrous sea beasts, it was she who drew her greatsword and plunged into the sea without hesitation. On their return voyage from Inazuma, Futsu Mitama and Aila had joined Beidou more than once in hunting such beasts.
Futsu Mitama acted only once—slaying a turtle-like sea creature. Aila followed Beidou closely, learning with each encounter.
If an unfortunate beast approached, the two struck together. And then…there was no then.
Sea beast meat was quite delicious. Thus, this master and servant held considerable respect among the crew.
Amid cheerful chatter, they boarded The Crux once more. On deck stood Beidou, gazing into the distance, seemingly absorbed in thought.
"Hey, Beidou."
Futsu Mitama called out.
She blinked, turning slowly before breaking into a grin.
"Long time no see, Mitama no Anchan. The things you've stirred up in Liyue… tsk tsk. Quite a list. I heard from Ningguang you assisted the adeptus in slaying a Primo Geovishap. Severely wounded the Fatui's Second Harbinger, Dottore. Even became Rex Lapis's successor."
Futsu Mitama merely smiled.
Yae Miko's eyes, however, narrowed slightly. She did not particularly enjoy hearing others refer to him as Rex Lapis's successor.
In Miko's view, there was something fundamentally misplaced in the rumors that circulated through Liyue Harbor. Futsu Mitama was clearly the heir of the Raiden Shogun. He was destined to become the next Raiden Shogun.
Raiden Makoto, the first Raiden Shogun, had personally acknowledged it. If she had spoken, then the future would inevitably bend toward that declaration.
Rex Lapis's successor? Miko did not think so. The lightning that lingered faintly around him, the decisiveness in his bearing—those belonged to Inazuma.
Beidou strode forward, boots striking the deck with firm rhythm. As she drew closer, her sharp gaze swept across the group assembled around him. A glint of excitement flashed in her eyes.
"This lineup is truly—"
She had sailed through tempests that swallowed fleets whole. She had crossed seas where even the horizon seemed to break. And yet, the figures standing beside Futsu Mitama still gave her pause.
First, the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine—Yae Miko. A renowned Retainer of the Raiden Shogun, standing on equal footing with Futsu Mitama himself.
Then, the disciple of Cloud Retainer—Shenhe. Ningguang had mentioned her before: a formidable force who had joined hands with Futsu Mitama to strike down a Primo Geovishap and severely wound Dottore.
And there was Aila, recently accepted as an Adeptus Disciple.
Five individuals.
Two Retainers of the Raiden Shogun.
Two Adeptus Disciples.
And one capable guide and former shrine maiden.
A combination that could stir waves even in calm waters.
"Alright," Beidou said at last, straightforward as ever. "What do you need me for?"
She did not concern herself with how powerful this group was. If they had come to her, then they had a purpose.
"If I can do it, I'll definitely do it for you. If I can't, as a friend, I'll still do my best to help."
Futsu Mitama smiled faintly. "It's nothing major. We'll be returning to Inazuma within the next two days. We came to ask when you'll be setting sail."
Beidou blinked. "That's it?"
"Yes." He nodded. That was all.
For a brief moment, Beidou stared at him. Then she let out a relieved laugh and patted her chest.
"I thought you were here for that matter. I was already prepared to go all out with you."
Curiosity flickered through the group.
Beidou was no ordinary captain. If she said "go all out," then the matter in question was undoubtedly troublesome.
"What matter?" Yae Miko asked with a faint smile, eyes narrowing with interest. "If it's within our ability, we'll naturally lend a hand."
Aila nodded lightly in agreement. Beidou had guided her greatly—whether it was the Mirror's Reflection of Tranquility or the essence of Mind's Eye. Much of her rapid mastery stemmed from that guidance.
Futsu Mitama, too, looked toward Beidou with curiosity.
Beidou crossed her arms and shook her head with a grin.
"That won't do. It's a confidential matter concerning the era of humans and adeptus in Liyue. I can't disclose it so casually. I thought Ningguang couldn't hold on anymore and was seeking outside assistance. Seems I overthought it."
At those words, the group fell silent.
A confidential matter between humans and adeptus. Interest faded almost instantly.
Yae Miko's curiosity receded as smoothly as a tide. Some secrets were best left untouched. What benefit would she, Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, gain from probing Liyue's internal affairs?
Shenhe remained equally composed. The approaching era of humans had already placed subtle constraints upon adeptus. Even descending the mountain to slay demons required careful consideration. Her master had cautioned her more than once.
"But are you truly leaving so soon?" Beidou asked, studying Futsu Mitama. "You haven't been in Liyue for long. Why so sudden?"
She herself had brought them here from Inazuma. It had only been slightly over a month. What could they have accomplished in such a short span? Attended the Rite of Descension—and then departed?
And if her information was correct, Futsu Mitama had spent half a month in Mondstadt as well.
"This matter—" Futsu Mitama exhaled softly. "It's a long story."
He had not intended to return so early. According to his original plan, he would lie low for over a year. When the time was right, he would bring Lumine to Inazuma and begin their exploration together.
But the tides of fate rarely followed one's careful calculations.
Unexpected events had arisen.
And once the currents shifted, even he could only adjust his course accordingly.