Genshin impact: investing in small Ningguang

Written on Dec 06, 2024

For Members Only

Chapter 91-94

The chapter is kinda short so I add more on once.

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Chapter 91: Resurrection

Guizhong raised her head and looked at Zhongli. "Morax, how have you been these years?"

Even after a thousand years had passed, her concern for Morax remained undiminished. On the contrary, the separation of life and death had only strengthened her feelings.

Zhongli responded softly, "In the end, Liyue no longer requires the help of gods or Adepti. I often integrate into Liyue society as a human, listening to storytelling, walking my bird, and making many friends. I've come to enjoy that kind of lifestyle."

Azdaha, standing beside him, listened with a look of longing.

Great minds think alike, he mused. Morax's life was exactly how he had envisioned retirement for himself!

Guizhong pouted, her expression one of grievance, like a young wife unhappy with her husband's words. This wasn't what she wanted to hear.

"Morax!" she exclaimed angrily. "I've listened to you talk about so many things, but I haven't heard you mention me even once!"

Zhongli looked surprised, as though confused. "What do you mean?"

Guizhong couldn't tell if he truly didn't understand or was pretending to be oblivious.

If this were a thousand years ago, her shy nature would have caused her to change the subject. But now, standing amidst a field of blooming glazed lilies, memories of their shared promises gave her courage.

She wasn't someone to back down from a challenge, especially not this one.

With a determined gaze, Guizhong fixed her beautiful eyes on Zhongli and said, word by word, "Morax, I've missed you all these years. I need to know—have you ever thought of me, even just for a moment?"

Her voice trembled, but she mustered her courage and continued, "Be honest with me. Have you?"

She stared at Zhongli, her face filled with nervousness and anxiety. She desperately wanted his answer but feared it at the same time.

For a moment, Zhongli was silent.

Normally, he was like an encyclopedia, able to provide precise and accurate answers to countless questions. Scholars in Liyue often admired his vast knowledge.

But this question—this heartfelt query from Guizhong—left him speechless.

Seeing his silence, Guizhong's expression dimmed. Her voice was soft and weak as she said, "I understand."

Her large, expressive eyes seemed to lose their light. She turned away, looking like a wounded creature retreating from the world.

Just as she began to step back, Zhongli's deep voice broke the silence.

"In the end, I don't know what it means to 'miss' someone," he admitted. "But over these past thousand years, I've often dreamed of you. I dreamed of your words, your laughter, and the songs you used to hum. If that counts as missing someone… then, yes, I have."

For Zhongli, such a confession was incredibly difficult. Yet, seeing Guizhong's sorrow had stirred even his unyielding heart. He spoke simply and truthfully, without overthinking his words.

Guizhong froze, her body trembling. Then, tears as large as raindrops began to fall.

She hadn't cried when Zhongli spoke earlier. She hadn't cried when he remained silent. But now, hearing his heartfelt words, she wept like a child.

"Morax," she sobbed, her voice shaking, "I've longed for this moment for so long."

Her spectral body began to fade. The soul-guiding lamp dimmed, signaling her imminent departure.

Finally, she spoke softly, "Morax, do you still have the Memory of Dust I gave you?"

Zhongli nodded, raising the relic in his hand.

Her tear-filled eyes sparkled with a faint smile. "Promise me… you won't forget me. I will stay with you as this lock of dust."

Her voice grew quieter, nearly a whisper. Her form flickered, and Zhongli realized the inevitable: once Guizhong faded, she would never return.

Though he was the mighty God of Contracts, he was powerless in the face of this loss—just as he had been a thousand years ago when Guizhong had first passed away in his arms.

But as Zhongli's will grew stronger, something extraordinary occurred. Amon, who stood nearby, felt the Gnosis in his possession react. The dim artifact began to shine brilliantly, shedding layers of decay.

The Gnosis floated toward Amon, then merged with him. As it did, Amon's vision sharpened, and his connection to the elements deepened. He could now resonate with the earth itself, much like Zhongli.

Seizing this newfound power, Amon created a puppet—an exact replica of Guizhong. The puppet glowed with life as Guizhong's spirit found refuge within.

Guizhong, who had been bracing herself for eternal rest, suddenly opened her eyes. She found herself surrounded by a sea of glazed lilies and, to her astonishment, in Zhongli's arms.

Tears streamed down her face as she exclaimed, "Morax, you fool! Why did you come down with me?"

Zhongli chuckled softly. "Guizhong, you're still in Liyue."

"In… Liyue?" she stammered, incredulous.

Azdaha explained gently, "Guizhong, you've been given a new life—not as a god, but as an ordinary person. From now on, you can live among us."

Realizing she had been resurrected, Guizhong threw her arms around Zhongli, sobbing uncontrollably. "Morax, I don't want to leave you ever again!"

Zhongli smiled warmly, stroking her hair. "Then stay with me."

And so, in a field of blooming glazed lilies, the two were finally reunited, ready to face the world together.

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Chapter 92: Let Mr. Amon Feel a Sense of Belonging in Liyue

Hearing Zhongli agree, she finally grinned foolishly, as happy as a child.

She hugged Zhongli's arm tighter, as if she didn't want to let go.

"Since I want to live as an ordinary person, I should change my name, right? What name should I choose?"

The name Guizhong had disappeared with the war between demons and gods.

Now she needed a new name and a new identity. Given Guizhong's personality, it was natural that the new name she chose would be related to Morax.

Guizhong blinked her big eyes, looking at Zhongli curiously, and asked, "Morax, what is your name in Liyue now?"

Zhongli spoke slowly, "I have had many names in Liyue, and the one I use most often is Zhongli."

"Zhongli..." Guizhong repeated the name softly.

After a moment, she raised her head, her big eyes sparkling.

"I've decided. From now on, my new name in Liyue will still be Guizhong."

"It's just that it won't be the Gui from before, but the Zhong from Zhongli."

The girl smiled brightly, her eyebrows arched, and the love in her eyes seemed to overflow like spring water.

Azdaha and Amon exchanged glances, both smiling bitterly.

They had become third wheels in this sweet atmosphere.

What was this overwhelming sweetness?

Things had come to this point—wasn't it unreasonable for these two people not to get married?

Hearing Guizhong's playful words, Zhongli had a faint smile on his face.

In the end, she was still as quirky as ever, unchanged despite everything.

And that was fine.

The return of his old friend would be a great comfort to him in his battle against the erosion of time.

After deciding on her new name, Guizhong finally raised her head and looked at Amon.

She had heard from Azdaha and Zhongli that it was this stranger, Amon, who had given her a second life.

Similarly, Azdaha had also been reborn thanks to Amon.

When Guizhong heard the news, she was filled with astonishment.

She hadn't expected Amon to possess the ability to resurrect others.

It was incredible.

This was the first time she had ever heard of such a thing.

If this ability had existed during the Demon God War, Amon would undoubtedly have been seen as a god-level figure.

Of course, beyond her surprise, Guizhong also felt immense gratitude.

"Mr. Amon, thank you very much for your help," she said sincerely.

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to reunite with Morax."

Guizhong paused, then glanced at Zhongli.

She didn't say anything aloud, but Zhongli understood her meaning.

The Memory of Dust floated in the air, slowly drifting toward Amon.

Originally, the Memory of Dust had been left by Guizhong as a keepsake for Zhongli.

But now that she had been resurrected, the artifact had lost its symbolic significance for either of them.

In Guizhong's view, this artifact should now be given to someone who needed it more.

"Mr. Amon, I don't know how to fully express my gratitude," she said.

"The only thing Morax and I can offer you now is this artifact. I hope you will accept it."

Zhongli nodded slightly, signaling Amon to take it.

Without pretense, Amon accepted the Memory of Dust.

If Zhongli wasn't being polite, there was no need for Amon to be either.

He had helped them twice now, so this artifact could be considered his reward.

Moreover, the Memory of Dust would be useful to him.

At the very least, little Ningguang could wield it as a weapon when she grew up.

After all, this was a magic weapon crafted by Guizhong thousands of years ago, and its power was extraordinary.

Compared to its previous fragments, the complete Memory of Dust was vastly different.

Holding it in his hands, Amon could clearly sense the immense energy it contained.

At that moment, Guizhong looked at Zhongli earnestly and said, "Morax, let's go explore the cities outside of Liyue!"

"During the Demon God War, I always thought that once it ended, I'd travel to see the world."

"Now, I finally have that chance!"

Her eyes shone with joy and anticipation as she planned her new life.

When Azdaha heard this, he immediately perked up.

If that was the plan, he was no longer sleepy!

Having been sealed underground for a thousand years, Azdaha had long yearned for fresh air.

Now, he finally voiced his thoughts.

For a moment, both Guizhong and Azdaha looked to Zhongli to gauge his response.

Zhongli remained silent, seemingly lost in thought.

Guizhong pouted, "Morax, if you're too busy, we can forget about it."

"As the God of Liyue, you probably can't just leave."

Though Guizhong was disappointed, she understood Zhongli's responsibilities.

However, Zhongli slowly shook his head.

"No, I think we can go for a walk," he said.

"I've been contemplating retirement, and this might be the perfect time."

As he spoke, Zhongli glanced at Amon.

The more they interacted, the more Zhongli realized he couldn't quite figure Amon out.

When Zhongli had revealed his identity as the Geo Archon, Amon hadn't been surprised, as if he had already known.

Then, with the resurrections of Azdaha and Guizhong, Amon's abilities had left Zhongli deeply impressed.

Especially during the resurrections, Zhongli had felt the overwhelming power radiating from Amon—a power on par with a god's.

Even Azdaha, for a moment, had mistaken Amon for the Geo Archon.

This wasn't an exaggeration, as Zhongli could sense that Amon possessed a Geo Gnosis of his own.

Zhongli didn't know the full story, nor did he wish to pry.

He only knew one thing: the next Geo Archon might already be standing before him.

Even if Morax retired one day, with Amon present, Liyue would remain stable.

Feeling Zhongli's gaze, Amon instinctively took a step back.

Zhongli, that old schemer, always looked at him this way when plotting something.

Amon regretted accepting the Memory of Dust.

It seemed he had stepped into another one of Zhongli's traps.

Amon didn't even need to think—Zhongli was likely considering him as a successor.

But Amon wasn't interested.

His ambitions lay with the stars and the seven nations of Teyvat, not being tied down as the Geo Archon.

Feigning ignorance of Zhongli's intentions, Amon laughed.

"Well, this little girl was controlled by Azdaha's dark thoughts earlier. Her family must be worried about her."

"I'll take her back to her village. You all can chat."

With that, Amon prepared to leave, choosing to run away from the situation.

If he didn't escape now, he'd surely become Zhongli's scapegoat in his succession plans.

Zhongli remained still, watching Amon's retreating figure with a calm expression.

Guizhong, ever perceptive, quickly understood Zhongli's intentions.

"Mr. Amon isn't a citizen of Liyue," she said softly.

"He's just a traveler."

"Morax, I understand you want him to stay and protect Liyue. But there's a way to achieve that. All we need to do is give him a home."

"If he feels a sense of belonging here, we won't even need to ask. He'll naturally stand up for Liyue in times of need."

Guizhong paused before adding with a playful smile, "By the way, isn't that little girl Ganyu still single?"

"As her aunt, I think she and Mr. Amon would make a great match."

Besides her bond with Morax, Guizhong also had a sisterly relationship with Cloud Retainer.

The three of them even had a dining table outside Cloud Retainer's cave.

Having watched Ganyu grow up, Guizhong naturally wanted to introduce a suitable partner for her.

Zhongli was silent for a moment before saying, "Let's visit Aocang Mountain to see Cloud Retainer."

"She's missed you all these years."

"Let her know you're back. I'm sure she'll be overjoyed."

Zhongli paused, then added, "And... we can also talk about Ganyu."

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Chapter 94: Betrayal and Deception

On the other side, Shen He followed her father to the back mountain.

Along the way, Shen He felt a strange unease growing inside her.

On regular days, her father would always take care of her emotions. For example, when walking in a pitch-dark environment like this, he would tell lighthearted stories to distract her and ease her fear.

But today, her father's behavior was extremely unusual. He did not say a single word and kept walking briskly. Moreover, he repeatedly urged Shen He not to stop.

At first, Shen He managed to keep up with her father's pace. But as time went on, her strength waned.

She had already overdrawn her energy earlier, and climbing the mountain now was draining what little stamina she had left. Exhaustion overtook her, and she could barely keep moving.

Looking up at her father, Shen He pleaded, "Daddy, He'er wants to sit down and rest for a while. Is that okay? He'er can't walk anymore."

She just wanted to sit down for a moment and rub her sore, swollen calves. After all, she was only a five-year-old child, and her physical strength was no match for an adult.

Her father looked down at her, rubbed her head gently, and said softly, "He'er, we're almost at the back mountain. It's just a few more steps. Hold on a little longer, okay? Once we get there, you can rest for as long as you want."

Although his tone was gentle, there was no room for negotiation in his words. He continued holding her hand, urging her forward.

From a young age, Shen He had always been obedient and sensible. Naturally, she nodded and agreed to her father's arrangement.

Biting her lip, she mustered her remaining strength and trudged on. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder why her father was so fixated on reaching the back mountain so urgently.

What could be so important in the cave that her father couldn't wait until morning?

Unable to quell her curiosity, Shen He blinked her wide, innocent eyes and asked, "Daddy, what's in the back mountain? Do we really have to go there at night? He'er feels a little scared..."

The forest around them was enveloped in darkness so thick that she could barely see her own hands. The eerie sound of the wind echoed through the trees, sending shivers down her spine.

The middle-aged man forced a smile and replied, "I've prepared a big surprise for you in the back mountain. You'll definitely love it when you see it.

"As for being scared, don't be afraid, He'er. Daddy is here. Daddy will protect you and make sure you're safe."

His calm and reassuring words soothed Shen He's nerves.

In her young heart, her father was a great hero—a protector who could slay demons and uphold justice.

So, reassured by her father's promise, Shen He pressed on.

Before long, they arrived at the cave.

However, the moment Shen He stepped inside, she froze in place.

Instead of a surprise, what she saw was a monstrous entity that looked like it had emerged from a nightmare.

The creature's body emitted an ominous black glow, and strands of blood-red resentment coiled around it like chains, binding it tightly.

It turned its hollow, lifeless eyes toward Shen He, and an unsettling gleam of greed and malice suddenly appeared within them.

"The misfortune star's fate repels most, yet it nourishes me well," the monster rasped, its voice a chilling growl.

"If I can devour this little girl, I'll regain much of my lost strength."

The monster let out a horrifying laugh and began shambling toward her.

Its movements were slow and deliberate, revealing its weakened state. Yet even so, Shen He couldn't suppress her rising fear.

Instinctively, she gripped her father's hand tightly, seeking comfort and protection.

Her father was her hero—surely, he would destroy this monster and save her.

But when she looked up, her father's face no longer showed the warmth and care she knew. His expression was cold and emotionless, as distant as a stranger's.

Without a word, he let go of her hand and turned to leave the cave.

It happened so quickly that Shen He didn't even have time to react.

By the time she understood what was happening, her father had already reached the entrance of the cave.

Staring at his retreating back in disbelief, Shen He finally realized the truth.

The "surprise" her father had promised was nothing more than a lie to lure her up the mountain. His real intent was to leave her here—to offer her to the monster.

Tears welled up in Shen He's eyes as she shook her head, refusing to believe what was happening.

"Daddy... Why are you doing this to He'er?" she asked, her voice trembling with despair.

Her father turned to her briefly, his face still devoid of emotion.

"Shen He, you've been a bringer of misfortune since the day you were born.

"Your mother died because of you.

"And now, do you intend to kill me as well?

"Rather than let you continue to harm others, it's better to offer you to this lord. In return, I can bring your mother back."

With that, he left without looking back.

Before exiting, he even rolled large stones to block the cave entrance, ensuring there would be no escape.

His cold words echoed in Shen He's mind like a curse, stabbing into her heart like daggers.

She had always regarded her father as her hero, only to discover that in his eyes, she was nothing but a disaster.

The irony was overwhelming.

Still, Shen He clenched her fists.

Her mother's dying wish had been simple: "He'er, I just want you to grow up healthy and safe."

Though she was terrified, Shen He resolved to survive—for her mother's sake.

With trembling hands, she pulled a dagger from her pocket—a memento left by her mother for warding off evil.

Facing the advancing monster, she raised the dagger, her small hands shaking but determined.

The creature let out a mocking laugh, clearly amused by her futile attempt.

But just as it approached her, a streak of golden light pierced through its body.

The black aura dissipated instantly, and the monster vanished without a trace.

Stunned, Shen He turned toward the cave entrance and saw a familiar figure standing there.

It was Amon, the kind young man she had met earlier.

For the first time that night, hope returned to Shen He's tear-streaked face.

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Chapter 93: I've Prepared a Big Surprise for You in the Back Hills

Let's talk about Amon.

After bidding farewell to Zhongli and the others, he planned to escort the girl back to her village. However, a problem arose almost immediately: Amon didn't know which village the girl was from.

He attempted to wake the girl up by calling out to her several times but failed. The girl had expended a significant amount of energy while being controlled by the evil thoughts of Azdaha and was now sleeping soundly on the grass, her face weary but peaceful.

Amon wasn't in a hurry; he chose to wait quietly for her to awaken.

Much like Ningguang, the girl was restless even in her sleep, shifting around frequently. Her small feet twitched as though she were about to kick someone.

Amused, Amon chuckled to himself, thinking that the little girl was quite feisty. He took a moment to observe her closely.

The girl's fair skin and neatly braided long black hair made her look pristine. It wasn't hard to imagine that she would grow into a beauty in the future.

While waiting, Amon found himself with nothing to do. He decided to draw a prize.

Previously, he had received intertwined fates from Azdaha's precious treasure chest and the soul-guiding lamp that had resolved Guizhong's regret. Altogether, Amon had two intertwined fates to use.

Opening the gacha, he conducted his first draw.

The result? A sky-blue flash—he pulled a prop.

It resembled a treasure-hunting compass but had broader functionality. Not only could it locate treasures, but it could also find people and objects. All you had to do was express your intent, and the compass would guide you accordingly.

For his second draw, a purple light appeared—a four-star elemental combat skill: the spell to summon generals with spiritual power.

While many might not recognize the name of this skill, Amon was familiar with it. It was Shen He's elemental combat skill, a pivotal ability in her arsenal.

When used, it allowed the character to dash forward, inflicting ice damage on enemies along the path. The skill could be used in two ways: a tap to increase the damage of elemental combat skills and bursts by 15%, or a long press to enhance normal and charged attacks by the same percentage.

In the game, Shen He was a support character specifically designed for ice-element teammates, capable of significantly amplifying the damage of characters like Kamisato Ayaka or Ganyu.

Currently, Amon didn't possess many ice skills. The only one he had drawn previously was Ganyu's "Trail of Qilins."

However, combined with Mona's and Shen He's damage-enhancing abilities, Amon's capacity to support Ganyu would increase significantly, making teamwork with her more efficient and enjoyable.

Satisfied, Amon integrated the new skill into his library and exited the interface.

By now, night had fallen completely. In the distance, the faint glow of torches marked the locations of several villages.

Yet, Amon still had no idea where the girl's home might be.

At that moment, the girl stirred. She sat up from the grass, glanced around, and froze. Her gaze shifted to Amon, and she instinctively took a step back, eyes wary.

It was clear that she was frightened. After all, waking up in an unfamiliar place with a stranger nearby was unsettling.

Sensing her fear, Amon quickly reassured her, "Don't be afraid, little girl. I'm not a bad person. You fainted in the wilderness, and it's already dark. There are wild animals around, and possibly even monsters. I stayed to protect you."

The girl glanced around, finding that the surroundings were indeed as Amon described—pitch black and potentially dangerous.

Moreover, Amon had kept a respectful distance from her, reinforcing his protective stance.

Recalling her parents' teachings on discerning people's intentions, the girl realized Amon was not lying and harbored no ill will.

Feeling safe, she relaxed slightly. A moment later, she looked up at Amon and said earnestly, "Thank you, big brother."

It was the first time Amon had heard her speak. Her soft, lilting voice was endearing, and when she smiled, it radiated warmth, evoking a sense of healing.

Amon mused that the girl was likely lively and cheerful by nature—a quality that would only grow stronger with time.

Shaking off his thoughts, he asked, "What's your name, little girl? Where is your village?"

The girl blinked her large, expressive eyes and began in her delicate voice, "Big brother, my name is—"

Before she could finish, the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted her.

Both Amon and the girl turned toward the source of the noise.

A middle-aged man appeared, dressed in exorcist's robes that exuded righteousness.

His gaze landed on the girl, and he softened. "He'er, I've finally found you. Why did you wander so far from home?"

The girl tilted her head, confused. "Daddy, I don't know why I'm here. I was practicing at home when everything went dark. When I woke up, I was here. Something must've happened, but I can't remember."

Her father frowned deeply, then said seriously, "You must have been influenced by malevolent forces and wandered here. Thank goodness you're safe now."

The man's voice softened as he continued, "It's late. Let's go home. I've prepared a gift for you in the back hills."

The girl's eyes lit up with curiosity and joy. She grabbed her father's hand, visibly dependent on him. However, before leaving, she glanced back at Amon.

"Daddy, this kind big brother looked after me while I was asleep," she said, tugging on her father's sleeve.

The man turned to Amon and smiled gratefully. "Thank you for taking care of my He'er. I owe you a great debt."

Amon waved his hand dismissively. "It was nothing. Anyone would've done the same."

But the father shook his head. "It wasn't 'nothing.' He'er is everything to me. I've already lost her mother—I couldn't bear to lose her too."

Hearing this, the girl tightened her grip on her father's hand. "Don't worry, Daddy. I'll stay with you and be good."

The man patted her head lovingly before turning back to Amon. "We must go now, but I'll repay your kindness another time."

As the pair departed, the girl cast one last glance at Amon, who waved her goodbye.

However, a nagging unease settled over Amon as he watched them leave.

Something about the situation felt... wrong.

The man's righteous demeanor and his exorcist robes didn't sit well with Amon. He had also called the girl "He'er"—a name that immediately brought Shen He to mind.

Suddenly, a chilling realization struck him.

In the original timeline, Shen He's father claimed to have prepared a gift for her in the back hills, but it had been a trap—an offering to a vile evil spirit.

Amon's heart sank. Shen He was in danger.

Without hesitation, he retrieved the compass and focused on locating her.

The needle moved, pointing firmly in one direction.

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