Genshin Impact: The Sharpshooter of Teyvat

Night had quietly fallen, and the flickering lights of the Golden House appeared especially faint through the veil of rain. At that moment, Paimon clung to Lumine, seeking the comfort and peace of that familiar warmth.

Lumine gently stroked Paimon's hair, though her gaze was drawn outside the door. Shao Yun stood silently nearby, his expression grave. The three of them had intended to leave the conflict-ridden Golden House.

But then, the ground suddenly trembled—violently. As if some ancient, slumbering power was awakening beneath them.

Lumine's brows knitted. She turned to Shao Yun with concern. "What's going on?" Her voice trembled in the unsettled air.

No sooner had she spoken than the starry night sky was swallowed by clouds. Lightning streaked through the heavens, illuminating the darkness in jagged flashes.

Then, heavy rain began to fall, each drop pelting the earth with a harsh pat-pat-pat.

Beyond Liyue Harbor, the sea churned violently. Massive waterspouts rose from the waves, raging across the ocean's surface like dragons, threatening to consume the entire harbor.

Shao Yun's eyes narrowed. A deep, uneasy feeling stirred in his chest.

Looks like the Fatui really woke up Osial. That old bastard must really want to retire—pulling all the stops!

"Looks like the Fatui are done playing nice with Liyue."

The sea breeze, thick with salt, swept across Lumine's face, tossing her hair in the wind.

Her eyes hardened as she stared at the waterspouts in the distance. "So, what now—"

Before she could finish, a faint sound sliced through the air.

Several figures streaked down from Mt. Tianheng like shooting stars and landed gracefully atop the Jade Chamber.

Their sudden arrival cut Lumine off—and caught Shao Yun's attention.

He turned, a more serious look flashing across his eyes.

"It's your call, Lumine. Hide—or…?"

He looked to her, clearly seeking her choice.

Lumine didn't hesitate. She looked up at the grand Jade Chamber above them, courage stirring within her.

"We help."

…

Beneath the brilliant lights of the Jade Chamber, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon stood on high, overlooking the churning sea below.

Paimon had only just pulled herself from Lumine's embrace. Her face was streaked with the remnants of tears, still shaken from everything that had happened.

She rubbed her eyes and looked around, her voice dazed. "What's happening now?"

Shao Yun's gaze locked on the monstrous serpent heads forming out of seawater in the distance—Osial's horrifying form.

He exhaled deeply. "We're on the Jade Chamber. So far, Osial hasn't made landfall yet."

Before he finished speaking, a breeze swept by—and Xiao appeared as if from thin air. His sharp gaze scanned them, surprised. "Why are you here?"

Shao Yun turned and met his gaze with a slight smile. "Hey, Xiao. We figured you might need some help. So, we came."

At that moment, the immortals—Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver—along with Ganyu, Madame Ping, Keqing, Ningguang, and a group of Millelith soldiers stepped out from the Jade Chamber interior.

Seeing Liyue's top defenders gathered, Shao Yun's eyes glinted with appreciation. He chuckled. "Looks like everyone's here. I thought you adepti types would show up way later."

Cloud Retainer shook her head, her voice tinged with regret.

"We were waiting at Mt. Tianheng. But instead of our lord's remains… we found an old enemy."

Ningguang picked up from there. "Osial has returned, attacking Liyue Harbor. We cannot stand by. The Qixing and the adepti have agreed—we will face this threat together and protect our home."

In this time of crisis, the immortals and mortals of Liyue had no choice but to fight side by side.

Shao Yun stared out across the waves. The gigantic, writhing serpent heads of Osial loomed above the sea, twisted and grotesque.

They were terrifying to behold.

And yet, Shao Yun's lips curled faintly. "Scary, sure. But if you look close, they're kinda… pretty?"

Everyone around him fell into stunned silence. No one had expected him to crack a joke at a time like this.

Paimon sniffled. Clearly, she too was overwhelmed by the scene before her. She looked around, noticing the worried, tense faces surrounding her.

She took a deep breath, then asked, "Does anyone have a plan? That thing—it makes me feel sick just looking at it."

"It's not just you. Some Millelith rookies can't even stand. The pressure of an ancient god is overwhelming for ordinary humans."

Keqing took a deep breath, steadying herself. She drew her Lion's Roar, its blade gleaming cold in the rain. She pointed toward Osial, her voice strong and unwavering.

"We must stop it from reaching Liyue Harbor. This is our home. We cannot let it fall."

Suddenly, a powerful gust blew through, forcing everyone to shield their eyes. Paimon ducked behind Lumine, peeking out cautiously at the massive form of Osial.

Its body loomed like a mountain. Tentacles thrashed through the sea, each movement sending colossal waves crashing in every direction.

Paimon's voice quivered. "So… this is what the Archon Wars were like?" Her words trembled, full of awe and fear.

She turned to the group, summoning her courage. "Can we stop it?"

Though quiet, her voice rang clear in the tense atmosphere.

Ningguang gently shook her head, a hint of helplessness in her eyes. "The adepti have discussed it. The answer is—uncertain."

Her words dropped like a stone into their hearts.

Disappointment clouded Paimon's eyes. "Even the Qixing and the adepti together… can't guarantee it? Isn't there any way?"

Just then, Cloud Retainer spoke, her voice calm yet confident. "There is a way."

Paimon's eyes lit up. "Really?! What is it?"

Cloud Retainer smiled faintly. "While wandering Mt. Tianheng, I saw the rebuilt Guizhong Ballista. Inspired, I created several improved models. They might just be enough."

Shao Yun glanced at her. The immortal bird exuded confidence, unshaken by the threat ahead.

"Alright then," he said, voice low. "What do you need us to do?"

Cloud Retainer looked at him and gently shook her head. "You mortals need only sit and watch. Facing a god is our duty. Stay behind us."

That wasn't just for Shao Yun—it was for Ningguang, too.

The adepti had seen her little schemes. But with the Geo Archon gone, petty politics could wait.

Shao Yun grinned. He turned to Lumine. "Well, that's great. Looks like we get front row seats to an immortal showdown."

Ningguang composed herself. Clad in her elegant qipao, she shone like a jewel in the night.

She took a deep breath and raised her voice. "No time to waste. Final battle—activate!"

With a flick of her hand, the Jade Chamber's defenses roared to life.

A massive platform extended forward. Three modified Guizhong Ballistae rose from it like steel titans, imposing and precise.

Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, and Moon Carver stood before them, weapons aimed directly at Osial.

With perfect coordination, the three machines fired, unleashing a web of piercing beams—an overwhelming barrage blanketing the sea.

Shao Yun watched from the side with Lumine. He smiled and pulled an apple from his pack, offering it to her. "Guess we found the best seats in the house. Here—eat something."

Lumine took the apple and bit into it, smiling wryly. "Feels like we're watching a play."

I'm no god-slayer. I'm not Kratos. I'm just a cowboy.

"If I were some illiterate old dad from an action game, maybe I'd know how to beat sea monsters. But no—I'm a cowboy."

Lumine sighed. "You and your weird metaphors…"

Shao Yun handed out more apples—one to Keqing, one to Xiao, one to Madame Ping, Ganyu, and Paimon.

Madame Ping's eyes softened. "Thank you, young man."

Xiao examined the apple curiously.

Keqing stored hers away, eyes still locked on the battle.

Ganyu and Paimon ate theirs quietly.

As for the Millelith? Shao Yun spared them a glance—then looked away.

Don't know them well.

Then, he pulled out a bottle of fine amber brandy, tilted it back—just as several black portals tore open on the platform.

"What's that?" Paimon's voice was tight with fear. She pointed.

Shao Yun, Keqing, and Lumine all turned—just in time to see Fatui troops pour from the void, charging toward the Ballistae.

Shao Yun scowled. "These bastards aren't here to deliver flowers."

He hurled the brandy bottle to the ground. Glass shattered, amber liquid splashing.

"Fatui again?! What are they—cockroaches?"

Keqing didn't hesitate. Sword drawn, she leapt forward. "All Millelith able to fight—with me!"

Her voice was the call to arms. Soldiers surged behind her.

Lumine wasn't far behind. She unsheathed her legendary blade—Traveler's Sword—and joined her in battle, eyes blazing with resolve.

"I'm in, too!" Shao Yun handed Paimon to Madame Ping and drew his carbine.

…

His eyes were cold and sharp. The carbine gleamed gold with each lever-pull—click-clack, click-clack.

"You death-seeking bastards—come on!" His voice rang out, filled with taunt and fire.

He narrowed his eyes, activated Deadeye—locked onto seven targets.

No hesitation. Trigger squeezed, lever pumped—seven times in a row.

Seven shots rang out.

Seven Fatui fell, their heads bursting under the precise shots. Blood and bone painted the platform.

Shao Yun laughed. "Come on! However many you got—bring it!"

His roar was electric—arrogant, unyielding.

From the skies, Ningguang's expression twisted in fury. "Those Fatui dogs dare sabotage us again—especially Childe!"

Shao Yun shot a Anemoboxer Fatui who was begging for his life, then shouted up to her.

"Don't worry—Childe's dead!"

Ningguang's eyes widened. She looked down at him, stunned. "You killed him?!"

He didn't answer.

Instead, he switched to a pump-action shotgun and charged into the fray.

A thunderous BLAM—a Electro Cicin Mage fell.

Another strike—he bashed a Debt Collector, then blew his head apart like a melon.

He called back up to Ningguang. "If no one helps him, he'll die. But who knows? Maybe someone does."

Ningguang stared at Shao Yun, dancing in the fire and blood. Her voice trembled. "I thought you'd tie him up… bring him to me."

But he had no time for explanations. He dodged a musket shot and returned fire with explosive shells—splattering the gunner's head.

"I didn't plan this! Believe me or not!"

Ningguang shivered. "Note to self: don't ever threaten him."

He was more terrifying than she ever imagined.

Good thing she let him rob the Northland Bank… or she might've been his next target.

Shao Yun, now with revolver in hand, shot an Cryogunner Fatui he'd crippled with his shotgun.

Then he calmly replied, "I figured you were smarter than that."