Genshin Impact: Starting with Jing Yuan's Character Card

That night.

A sneaky figure peeked over the wall of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, looking left and right to make sure no one was around before nimbly climbing over.

Suddenly, he felt a pair of arms wrap around his neck, followed by a sensation of weightlessness as he was pulled backward.

"Yun Fan, oh Yun Fan, where do you think you're going? I've been waiting for you all day, and I've finally caught you!" Hu Tao's playful voice came from behind, though Yun Fan could sense the hidden anger in her tone.

"Looks like I can't escape today after all," Yun Fan thought with a bitter smile. "But Director Hu, your collarbone is digging into me. Such an unyielding chest."

No, it must be that Hu Tao is malnourished. It definitely isn't a genetic issue. It's surely because Zhongli keeps charging everything to the parlor's account, leaving Hu Tao with no money to eat properly!

There's still time to fix this, or else she'll end up starving in the future.

"Director Hu!" Yun Fan turned around, looking at Hu Tao with a serious expression.

"Wh-what is it?"

Seeing Yun Fan's sudden seriousness, Hu Tao was momentarily at a loss. Why was he making such a face all of a sudden?

"Director, to make up for my mistake, from now on, you can eat at Wanmin Restaurant every day. Just put it on my tab, and make sure to order nutritious dishes."

"You have money?" Hu Tao eyed Yun Fan suspiciously. This distant relative of Zhongli's was handsome, but he didn't seem like the wealthy type. In the few days she had known him, he, like Zhongli, had been charging everything to the parlor's account. And now he's telling me he has money?

"Don't worry. I've deposited a million Mora at Wanmin Restaurant. Just give them my name when you go."

"A million Mora? You're that rich? Are you sure you don't want to book a Wangsheng Funeral Parlor package?" Realizing Yun Fan was a big spender, Hu Tao immediately switched back to her professional role, promoting her services. (In this story, Mora has the same purchasing power as real-world currency.)

"No, no, but Director Hu, I can suggest a new strategy…"

Yun Fan then explained the concept of "end-of-life experiences" from Earth to Hu Tao. This service would be unprecedented in Liyue, and Hu Tao's eyes lit up as she listened. She slapped the table excitedly.

"Yun Fan, you're a genius! I'll get to work on this right away. We'll have Zhongli carry the coffins to save him from drinking tea and listening to opera all day, adding to the parlor's expenses…" Hu Tao hummed a tune as she left.

After Hu Tao left, Yun Fan turned to a darkened room and called out softly, "Mr. Zhongli, I've decided to stay in Liyue for the long term. Regarding the contract you mentioned last time, shall we discuss it in detail?"

The door, which had been tightly shut, creaked open. Zhongli, who should have been resting, gestured for Yun Fan to enter. Yun Fan nodded and walked in, taking a seat on a chair. Zhongli didn't say anything, simply sitting down across from him.

"Regarding the contract, I have three conditions.

First, you must not actively do anything to harm Liyue.

Second, when Liyue faces calamity, you must lend your aid.

Third, if one day I succumb to erosion and act against Liyue, I ask that you end my life."

Zhongli calmly stated his terms. When he mentioned the third condition, a hint of sorrow flashed in his eyes. Many of his old friends had left him due to erosion.

Erosion was a curse imposed by the Heavenly Principles upon the gods. As long as they lived under this false sky, the erosion would never cease. One day, they would be unable to resist its effects and become monsters driven only by destruction and slaughter.

Yun Fan remained silent. He was familiar with the concept of erosion, but he hadn't expected Zhongli to ask him to kill him. Was this the mercy of the God of Contracts?

"Mr. Zhongli, I agree to your conditions. But a contract must be fair. What will you offer on the other end of the scale?" Yun Fan agreed to Zhongli's terms, as they weren't difficult for him. But he wasn't a pushover either. If Zhongli couldn't offer something satisfactory, he wouldn't accept.

"How about I offer my Gnosis in exchange?" Zhongli placed a golden chess piece on the table. The piece emitted a faint glow, exuding a sacred aura.

"Your Gnosis?" Yun Fan stared intently at the piece. If he took it, how would the Tsaritsa's plans proceed? Wouldn't that throw everything into chaos?

Wait, actually, taking the Gnosis now wouldn't be a big issue. He could just find a way to give it to the Tsaritsa three years later. Perhaps he could exchange it for something special, like a position among the Fatui Harbingers…

"Very well, Mr. Zhongli. Your offer is sufficient to uphold this contract. Pleasure doing business." Yun Fan signed the contract, which then transformed into two streams of light that entered his and Zhongli's chests.

"The contract is sealed. Those who break it shall suffer the wrath of the rock."

Yun Fan left, leaving Zhongli alone in the room. After a long while, he sighed.

"It's time to prepare for the next step." Zhongli waved his hand, sending a divine decree to the Liyue Qixing under the cover of night. When this decree spread throughout Liyue, it would undoubtedly cause a great upheaval.

"Consider this a small test for the Liyue Qixing. Liyue has been too quiet for too long," Zhongli murmured to himself.

Back in his guest room, Yun Fan didn't immediately study the Gnosis. Instead, he handed it over to Void Archives for analysis and lay down to sleep.

If the Balladeer saw this, he'd probably fly into a rage and curse Yun Fan for wasting such a treasure.

...

The next morning, high atop the Jade Chamber, in a lavishly decorated room, Ningguang lay asleep on a soft bed, her silver hair spread out like a sleeping beauty. The sunlight gently illuminated her flower-like face.

A gentle breeze stirred, causing a strand of her hair to sway. The entire scene was filled with harmonious beauty.

Suddenly, the beauty opened her eyes, her wine-red pupils filled with shock. "The Emperor… the Emperor has issued such a decree."

After a moment of shock, Ningguang quickly dressed and left the room.

"Good morning, Lady Ningguang," Baiwen, dressed in her work uniform, greeted her. She noticed that Lady Ningguang seemed slightly flustered this morning. What major event could have caused the unflappable Lady Ningguang to show such emotion?

"Baiwen, contact the other Qixing and Ganyu. Tell them to come to the Jade Chamber. I'm convening a meeting of the Liyue Qixing."

"But Lady Ningguang, the Qixing meeting…" Baiwen didn't finish her sentence. The Qixing meeting couldn't be convened by just one person; it required the agreement of all seven members.

"They'll come. The Emperor issued a new decree last night. They must have received it as well."

"Understood, Lady Ningguang." Hearing this, Baiwen didn't ask further. This wasn't something she needed to know.

After Baiwen hurried off, Ningguang walked to the window, overlooking the bustling and harmonious scenery of Liyue Harbor. She murmured to herself, "In the coming days, Liyue Harbor is sure to become turbulent. Emperor, what is your intention?"