[Age 2: However, you soon discovered that only the first part of your plan was feasible. While Ganyu's feeding indeed helped you accumulate a great deal of strength, it had almost no impact on her own energy levels.]
[In fact, ever since having you, Ganyu discarded the cumbersome breast pump she used to rely on. After all, an automatic solution is far more convenient than a manual one.]
[Ganyu even specially crafted a baby carrier to strap you to her chest while she worked, allowing you to indulge in a self-serve buffet while her freed hands handled more tasks.]
[Regularly clearing out her excess energy not only left Ganyu feeling refreshed, but over time, even caused her to breasts to grow two sizes larger due to frequent use.]
[Age 3: Thanks to your extraordinary bloodline and regular access to Ganyu's exclusive supply, you possessed strength equal to that of an adult by the age of three.]
[However, to conceal your abilities and maximize the amount of energy you could absorb from Ganyu, you decided to continue pretending to be an overly dependent and slow-developing toddler.]
[Of course, even delayed development must have its limits. To placate the oblivious Ganyu, you eventually managed to utter the words "Mama" after her tireless coaching.]
[What you didn't expect was Ganyu's reaction. She froze for a moment before tears streamed down her face. She cheered repeatedly, "My Baby called me Mama! Lucas called me Mama!"]
[What a foolish woman, you thought. Calling her "Mama" was just a tactical move. When you grow up and become a great demon, she'll regret it!]
["Mama, hungry!" you pointed at your mouth. A feast was immediately delivered, and you indulged heartily, letting out a satisfied milk hiccup while fantasizing about your future as a mighty beast.]
[Age 4: Not only were you physically healthy, but your mind was sharp and cunning (Talent Activated: Clever and Mischievous). In your free time, you often explored the family's library, reading and learning.]
[Age 5: That spring, the wild cats outside were especially numerous, howling through the night and disrupting Ganyu's work... No, more importantly, disturbing your sleep.]
[One day, while Ganyu was busy working, you slipped out of the house and effortlessly leaped onto the roof, determined to put an end to the noise.]
[The wild cats, seeing a mere child, paid you no heed and even meowed provocatively at you. In response, you swiftly captured them all.]
[But after catching them, you were unsure what to do. Kill them? No, that would leave behind carcasses that might distress some Liyue citizens.]
[Worse, it could attract the attention of Liyue's animal rights activists, a group more fearsome than certain religious sects.]
[As the captured cats hissed and yowled, your feral instincts flared. When you came to your senses, all the cats were gone—only a scattering of fur remained.]
[From your stomach came a low, eerie sound of meowing.]
[You recalled reading in the library about an ability unique to the beast Gluttony: "World Within the Stomach." This power allowed it to swallow living creatures into a dimensional space within its belly, sealing them there while also gaining some of their abilities.]
[Lacking parental guidance growing up, you had never learned to control this power. Unexpectedly, it activated during this incident.]
[You examined your hand, and at your command, your fingernails elongated into sharp claws. A soft, elastic paw pad also appeared in your palm.]
[A startled exclamation nearby quickly brought you back to reality.]
[Switching to Immersive Mode.]
"Lucas! Why are you up there?"
Looking up, Lucas saw Ganyu standing nearby, gazing at her "precious son" atop the roof. Usually composed and calm, her expression was now filled with panic. "Don't be scared, Mama's coming to save you!"
Without a second thought, Ganyu rushed over at an astonishing speed. Before Lucas could react, she was beneath him, catching his falling body effortlessly in her arms.
"Ganyu Mama is amazing!"
Lucas instinctively praised her, only to see her abandon her usual gentle demeanor. After a sigh of relief, her face took on a rare stern expression.
"How many times has Mama told you?" Ganyu scolded with a slight frown. "No dangerous stunts. Leave these things to Mama!"
"I… I just…"
Before he could explain, Ganyu grabbed his wrist. "Today, I have to teach you a proper lesson!"
It was the first time Lucas had seen Ganyu so angry. He tried to wriggle free, but no matter how fast he grew, he was no match for her. Soon, she dragged him back into the house.
Sitting down in a chair, Ganyu placed him over her lap and, without hesitation, began spanking him.
This time-honored disciplinary method, passed down through generations in Liyue, was direct but effective.
Ganyu herself had been punished this way as a mischievous child when she once rolled down the mountain.
Of course, unaware of his latent powers, she thought he was just an ordinary five-year-old. Thus, her strikes were light—intended to teach a lesson, not cause harm.
Simply put, the pain was minimal, but the humiliation was immense.
After about twenty swats, Ganyu's anger subsided. She stopped and looked at him, seeing his head hanging low in apparent dejection.
Uh-oh. Did I go too far?
Regret washed over Ganyu as she spoke sternly, "Why did you climb onto the roof? Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?"
"Meow-meows were bothering Ganyu Mama's work, so I wanted to chase them away…" Lucas muttered, teary-eyed and pitiful. "I don't like Ganyu Mama anymore!"
With that, he pushed open the door and dashed into his room.
Learning the truth, Ganyu was overcome with guilt.
She hadn't realized her son's risky behavior was an effort to help her. And instead of understanding, she had punished him harshly.
As a mother, she felt she had failed.
What Ganyu didn't know was that Lucas wasn't upset at all—his dejected act was pure performance.
Now snugly wrapped in his blanket, he silently counted down in his head.
Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…
"Creak…"
As expected, before he could finish, the door opened softly. Ganyu entered, gently patting his back. "It's Mama's fault. Can Lucas forgive me?"
"No!" Lucas replied sullenly.
Children truly are hard to pacify, Ganyu thought.
She slipped into bed beside him, softly patting his shoulder. "Mama's new to this too. Sometimes I make mistakes, but my sweet baby will understand, won't he?"
"Mm-hmm…" Turning to face her with tearful eyes, he whispered, "But… so unfair…"
How adorable!
Ganyu's heart melted. No matter how many times she looked, her little one was always this cute.
"How about this?" Ganyu proposed. "If Lucas forgives Mama, Mama will do anything Lucas wants, okay?"
"Anything?" Lucas widened his big, innocent eyes.
"Of course." Ganyu nodded. "Mama must make up for her mistake."
"Then…" Lucas whispered something in her ear, making her cheeks flush faintly.
"All night?" Ganyu lightly tapped his little head with her finger, smiling. "Aren't you worried about bursting that tiny belly of yours?"
Lucas is the child of the mythical beast Gluttony and can eat endlessly without any issues, but Ganyu, as his mother, is extremely meticulous about his "diet."
Especially when it comes to "highly nutritious drink," Ganyu enforces strict controls.
"Is that not okay?" Lucas tilted his head innocently.
"Of course it's okay," Ganyu replied with a gentle smile. "It's not exactly an unreasonable request. But drink slowly, or it might not last."
"Okay!" Lucas cheered, leaping into Ganyu's arms and snuggling against her. "Ganyu Mama is the best!"
"Sigh…"
Watching the adorable boy in her embrace, Ganyu let out a soft, exasperated smile.
At this rate, she thought, her size might increase again...
[After a full night of Ganyu's nourishing care, your ice elemental mastery has increased by 20%.]
Previously, a single sip had granted a 30% boost. Now, a whole night yielded only 20%.
It seemed like the effect was being diluted.
Of course, Lucas didn't mind. The reward wasn't the focus—the process was what mattered.
When he said "an entire night," he meant it, not a second less.
The next morning, Ganyu was groggily woken up by a soft, slurping sound. Slowly opening her eyes, she saw Lucas still asleep but instinctively swallowing. Even his little mouth was flushed red.
"This little guy…" Ganyu chuckled as she gently pinched his cheek. "Stop drinking, it's long gone."
Lucas yawned and gradually woke up. Smacking his lips, he patted his now full, round belly and exclaimed, "I'm so full!"
"Well, of course, you are!" Ganyu teased with a smile. "You even kept drinking in your sleep!"
"It's because it's so delicious..." Lucas replied, pouting playfully. "I wish I could drink this much every day!"
"What are you saying!" Ganyu playfully flicked his forehead. "What do you take me for?"
At that moment, there was a knock at the door.
"Who could it be so early?" Ganyu murmured, her expression tinged with confusion.
Despite living in Liyue for over three millennia, Ganyu had always maintained a distance from humans, avoiding close friendships.
After all, human lifespans were fleeting. Forming attachments would only lead to heartache, so she chose to avoid such bonds altogether.
Although puzzled, Ganyu stood up to answer the door. But just as she reached the entrance, Lucas called out loudly, "Ganyu Mama, shame on you!"
Only then did Ganyu realize she had been so groggy that she'd forgotten to dress properly.
Quickly tidying up her clothes, she shot Lucas a playful glare. "It's your fault for being such a glutton!"
With that, she opened the door.
Meanwhile, Lucas lay back in bed, savoring the memory of last night's feast.
Ganyu's current residence wasn't initially very large, nor was it close to Yujing Terrace. But to better care for Lucas, she had purchased a large house nearby.
In a prime, high-cost location, the new home was one of Liyue's most luxurious properties. However, for someone with three millennia's worth of savings, the cost was negligible.
Walking through the courtyard to the main gate, Ganyu opened the door to find two women standing outside. One had black hair with light blue undertones and the other had silver hair and stunning features. The older-looking woman had a gentle smile, while the younger, seemingly around sixteen or seventeen, wore a cold, emotionless expression, resembling a lifelike ice sculpture.
"Master?" Ganyu exclaimed, her face filled with surprise. "What brings you here?"
Indeed, the older woman was none other than Cloud Retainer, in her human form, Xianyun. Without hesitation, she stepped across the threshold and said, "I've come to see my grandson."
Ganyu, who had been raised by Cloud Retainer, regarded her as a mother figure. From Cloud Retainer's perspective, Ganyu's son was naturally her grandson.
"W-What?" Ganyu stammered in shock. "How… how did you find out?"
"Yuheng visited me a few days ago and inadvertently mentioned it," Xianyun replied with a frown. "But you… You've kept this from me for so long. Do you not want me to acknowledge my grandson?"
Truthfully, Cloud Retainer's human form appeared no older than twenty-six or twenty-seven. Hearing her refer to herself as a grandmother was undoubtedly peculiar.
Ganyu had not intended to hide the matter. However, Lucas was the child of the ferocious Gluttony. She had been using celestial energy and her divine essence to suppress his ominous aura.
While this method could deceive ordinary people, it might not fool an experienced immortal like Cloud Retainer. As one of the Archon Rex Lapis' oldest allies, she had vanquished countless demons and evildoers. If she discovered Lucas' true nature, the consequences could be dire.
"He… he's not awake yet," Ganyu quickly diverted the topic. "By the way, this young lady must be Junior Disciple Shenhe?"
Although Ganyu was Cloud Retainer's foster daughter, she rarely visited her due to the long lifespan of immortals.
It had been nearly twenty years since her last trip to Aozang Mountain. Years ago, she'd heard via letter that Cloud Retainer had taken on a human disciple, but this was their first meeting.
"Shenhe greets Senior Sister." Shenhe's tone was polite but devoid of expression.
"She's not impolite," Xianyun explained. "She's simply spent her life in seclusion, lacking experience in human interaction."
"That's no issue," Ganyu replied with a smile. "When I first came to Liyue, I didn't understand anything either. It took me a long time to adjust."
"Ganyu Mama?"
A timid voice interrupted them. Behind the group, a small boy with a chubby, angelic face peeked out from behind the door. "Who are these two sisters?"
"Grandson!"
Without a moment's hesitation, Xianyun stepped forward and scooped Lucas into her arms, giving him a hearty squeeze. "I'm your grandmother!"
This declaration left Lucas completely bewildered.
After all, it's not every day a youthful beauty suddenly appears, claiming to be your grandmother.
----
Lucas quickly gathered his thoughts.
A mother's mother is a grandmother.
The woman before him must be Ganyu's foster mother, Cloud Retainer.
"You must be Master Cloud Retainer, right?" Lucas said sweetly. "Ganyu Mama often talks about you."
"Oh?" Xianyun's gaze softened further at the polite and well-mannered boy. "And what does Ganyu say about me?"
Uh-oh…
Ganyu immediately tensed up, her heart racing.
She rarely talked about Cloud Retainer, but on the few occasions she did, her descriptions included, "Her character is naturally excellent, but she doesn't quite know how to talk to people. She claims to be an expert in communication, yet often unintentionally brings up people's embarrassing pasts, which can be a headache."
If Lucas repeated that, the one getting their bottom smacked this time would be her.
"Ganyu Mama says…" Lucas's eyes sparkled with feigned innocence. "She says you're eloquent, wise, and have a deep understanding of how to deal with others. She said I should learn from you if I ever get the chance."
Ganyu let out a breath of relief and gave Lucas a discreet thumbs-up.
Good boy! Mama's love for you is well-placed! Unlimited milk for you!
"This child is just delightful!" Xianyun nodded approvingly. "In that case, why don't you come back to Aozang Mountain with Grandma? I'll teach you all the conversational skills I've mastered over my lifetime. By the time you return to Liyue Harbor, you'll be a social butterfly, able to charm anyone!"
Yeah, right. More like he'd offend everyone and get beaten to death within a week.
"No way!" Ganyu immediately pulled Lucas into her arms, her protective instincts flaring. "My Baby and I are inseparable. Even one day apart feels unbearable. You can't take him from me!"
"Calm yourself, child. I was merely joking," Xianyun said with a chuckle. "You still haven't outgrown your tendency to take everything at face value."
Xianyun sighed nostalgically and began recounting a story to Lucas. "When your mother was a little girl, she accidentally swallowed a watermelon seed while eating. I told her it would sprout in her stomach. She was so scared she didn't drink water for three days, claiming she wanted to 'thirst the seed to death.'"
Lucas burst into laughter at the tale, and even Shenhe, who rarely smiled, let a faint curve grace her lips.
"Stop talking about that!" Ganyu's cheeks flushed crimson as she pouted. "That was ages ago!"
"Ah, yes," Xianyun said, gesturing toward Shenhe. "This is your Junior Disciple Shenhe, my youngest apprentice. Technically, she's your mother's junior, so you should call her Aunt Shenhe."
"Aunt Shenhe!" Lucas greeted sweetly, raising his hands.
While most women would have melted at his adorable charm, Shenhe's reaction was cold and indifferent. She simply nodded and said, "Hello."
Well, this one's a tough nut to crack…
Lucas maintained his angelic smile, but inwardly, he was already plotting.
No matter. Climbing a frigid mountain like her is always more exciting.
"Shenhe," Xianyun instructed, "keep Lucas company for a while. I need to speak with your senior."
Shenhe frowned slightly, clearly unaccustomed to dealing with children. However, she couldn't disobey her master's orders and nodded reluctantly. "Understood."
Ganyu followed Xianyun into another room. The moment the door closed, Xianyun's expression turned serious. "Ganyu, don't you find that child… unusual?"
Ganyu froze.
Could it be? Had Cloud Retainer's immortal vision seen through Lucas's true identity?
"You already noticed?" Ganyu, unable to lie convincingly to her foster mother, nodded nervously. "Yes… Lucas is indeed…"
"Unusually adorable!" Xianyun interrupted with a doting smile. "He's just like you when you were little! Except… not as chubby."
"That last part was entirely unnecessary…" Ganyu muttered, her expression complicated. "Is that what you meant by 'unusual'?"
"What else?" Xianyun asked matter-of-factly. "When Yuheng mentioned him to me, I was skeptical. But after seeing him, I understand now. Even I would be tempted to adopt such a lovable child."
Cloud Retainer was famously selective about whom she took in, adopting Ganyu out of a promise to her parents and Shenhe for her exceptional aptitude and resilience.
Relieved that Cloud Retainer hadn't discerned Lucas's true nature, Ganyu relaxed slightly. Still, she couldn't help but ask, "I hesitated to tell you about Lucas because… his origins are not exactly… clean."
"Ganyu," Xianyun said sternly, "since when did I teach you to judge people by their lineage? Even if his parents were thieves or villains, with your guidance, he could still grow into an upstanding individual."
Ganyu bit her lip, a bitter smile tugging at her lips.
His parents are far more terrifying than mere thieves…
Xianyun patted Ganyu's shoulder. "Now then, aside from meeting my grandson, I have another request."
"Anything within my power, I'll gladly do," Ganyu replied earnestly.
"It concerns your junior, Shenhe," Xianyun began. "She has trained diligently under me for years, and I am very fond of her. However, she is still mortal and cannot remain by my side forever. Eventually, she must return to the mortal world. I wish for her to stay here for a time and acclimate to life among humans."
"That's no problem at all," Ganyu agreed without hesitation. "This house is far too big for just the two of us. I'm sure Lucas would be delighted to have an aunt around."
Meanwhile
"Aunt Shenhe!" Lucas called out, raising his arms expectantly. "Carry me!"
This tactic had won Lucas countless hugs from beautiful women, a seemingly foolproof move.
However, Shenhe instinctively stepped back and frowned slightly. "Please do not approach me."
"Huh?" Lucas's face fell, feigning hurt. "Do you… dislike me?"
"It's not that," Shenhe said, shaking her head. "I was born under the rare and ominous Solitary Star and Disastrous Evil Fate. Anyone close to me is destined to suffer misfortune."
Shenhe wasn't exaggerating. This fate was an exceptionally rare and destructive astrological alignment, both dangerous to herself and those around her.
Only through the use of celestial restraints and rituals had her fate been suppressed.
Cloud Retainer's request for Ganyu to house Shenhe wasn't just for her mortal acclimation. Ganyu's auspicious aura as a qilin might help purify Shenhe's overwhelming malice.
While her fate was a curse to ordinary mortals, it was a blessing to someone like Lucas. As the child of the fearsome Gluttony, Shenhe's ominous energy could harmonize with his own, creating a "negative plus negative equals positive" effect.
If Lucas could consume Shenhe's cursed fate, it would provide immense benefits to his cultivation.
However, consuming a fate was vastly different from absorbing an ability. If Lucas recklessly devoured Shenhe's body, the resulting clash of malevolent energies could cause his "World Within the Stomach" to explode entirely.
According to ancient texts, to consume a fate, one must achieve harmony with its bearer—uniting Yin and Yang, aligning life energies seamlessly.
The Solitary Star and Disastrous Evil—I must have it!
As the young boy's face broke into a peculiar grin, entirely mismatched with his age, Shenhe felt a chill run down her spine. She frowned and asked, "What are you smiling about?"
"Oh, it's nothing," Lucas said, shaking his head with a harmless smile. "Since I've been nurtured by Ganyu Mama, I've accumulated some auspicious energy in my body. Maybe I won't be affected by your ominous aura."
"Really…?" Shenhe's resolve wavered slightly, her tone uncertain.
"If you don't believe me," Lucas offered, extending a small hand toward her, "you can hold my hand and see for yourself."
Shenhe hesitated. During her training on Aozang Mountain, she often encountered lost travelers. On one occasion, she accidentally brushed against a woman's shoulder, and not long after, the woman was bitten by a venomous red-scaled snake and barely survived.
"Go on, it'll be fine," Lucas encouraged with a smile. "See? There's nothing dangerous around here."
Indeed, this was Ganyu's estate—one of the safest places in all of Liyue Harbor, rivaled only by the floating Jade Chamber and the Golden House.
After a moment of hesitation, Shenhe finally gave in to her curiosity. She reached out her pale hand and gently clasped Lucas'.
A small hand clasped a larger one.
Deep within Shenhe's heart, a soft, unfamiliar sensation stirred.
So this is the warmth of human contact?
Shenhe couldn't recall the last time she had held someone's hand. Though Cloud Retainer had treated her well, the immortal's aloofness always left a subtle distance between them.
The last person to hold her hand had been her father, but that memory was marred by his betrayal when he tricked her into a dark and cold cavern, nearly sacrificing her.
"See? That wasn't so bad," Lucas said, smiling. "Nothing happened, right—"
Before he could finish, a loud thud interrupted him. A fist-sized rock suddenly fell from the sky, grazing his cheek before landing in front of him, creating a noticeable dent in the ground.
If it had been just a few centimeters closer, it would have struck Lucas squarely on the head.
Lucas' face turned pale as fear washed over him.
What kind of cursed luck is this?
Shenhe quickly pulled her hand back, retreating several steps as her brows furrowed deeply. "See? I wasn't lying. Anyone who gets close to me… always encounters misfortune."
After a long pause, Lucas gathered his composure and picked up the rock. To his surprise, it was a raw jade stone, slightly damaged from the fall. When he broke it open, the outer layer crumbled away to reveal a high-quality gemstone inside.
Raw jade stones, known as "unpolished treasures," were highly coveted in Liyue. The jade trade was a cornerstone of the city's economy, and even a small unpolished gem like this could fetch a fortune.
Rocks don't just fall from the sky, especially not ones containing jade…
"Aunt Shenhe, this isn't bad luck!" Lucas said, handing the stone to her. "Look, it's a heavenly blessing! This is an auspicious sign."
Just then, Ganyu and Xianyun emerged from the house.
"Lucas?" Ganyu immediately noticed the gleaming gemstone in his hand. She frowned slightly and said, "You shouldn't accept such valuable gifts from others right after meeting them."
Although she wasn't an expert in jade, her 3,000 years of life experience had given her a sharp eye. Even a glance was enough to tell her that this was no ordinary gem.
"This gem fell from the sky," Lucas explained honestly. "But I guess you could say Aunt Shenhe gave it to me."
"Fell from the sky?" Ganyu looked up instinctively. The vast sky was clear and bright, with only the Jade Chamber floating majestically in the distance. She quickly put two and two together.
"Falling jade stones are not unheard of," Xianyun said nonchalantly. "During the Archon War, I once crafted a catapult and used the plump Ganyu as ammunition. She descended from the heavens and crushed hundreds of monsters."
What in the world? That's some divine justice.
"That's not true!" Ganyu protested, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "At most… it was a few dozen!"
Xianyun chuckled heartily. "Ah, the memory still brings me joy." Turning to leave, she added, "The hour grows late. Having seen my grandson, I'll take my leave."
"Senior, Lucas, farewell." Shenhe bowed slightly, ready to depart.
"No, you're staying," Xianyun said, shaking her head. "I've arranged for you to remain in Liyue to continue your training."
"Stay here?" Shenhe froze, her gaze tinged with sorrow. "Even you… are abandoning me?"
"Don't be absurd," Xianyun replied. "This is simply an opportunity for you to experience life among mortals. If it proves uncomfortable, you can always return to Mt. Aozang—that is your home, too."
With those words, Xianyun transformed into a celestial crane and soared into the sky. Shenhe silently watched her leave, then bowed deeply in her direction.
"Alright, Junior Sister," Ganyu said kindly. "From now on, you'll live here with us. You won't have to worry about food or clothes."
"What is there to worry about?" Shenhe replied flatly. "On the way here, I saw plenty of tables laden with food. If I get hungry, I can simply help myself."
Having spent years in the wilderness, surviving on spiritual herbs and grasses, Shenhe had no concept of money.
"Those are goods for sale, purchased with mora," Ganyu patiently explained. "In Liyue, you must work to earn your food. That's the rule."
"That's easy," Shenhe said earnestly. "I'll just ask the wealthiest person in Liyue for some mora."
"Technically, that would be considered 'robbery,' which is illegal," Ganyu said with a sigh. A thought seemed to cross her mind, and her tone shifted. "Speaking of the wealthiest person in Liyue, I do have some grievances to address with her…"
Liyue Harbor, Jade Chamber
As the personal domain of Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, the Jade Chamber was an exclusive location. Only a select few had unrestricted access, and as an emissary of the Qixing, Ganyu was one of them.
"Well, this is a pleasant surprise!" Ningguang greeted warmly as Ganyu entered her office with Lucas in tow. Rising from her seat, she approached with a radiant smile. "And who is this adorable little one? He must be your adopted son!"
"He is my son. There's no need to add the word 'adopted,'" Ganyu said, her brows furrowing slightly.
Years ago, when Ganyu sought to adopt Lucas, the proposal was met with staunch opposition from the Qixing—including Ningguang herself.
Now, seeing Ningguang casually compliment Lucas's cuteness as if nothing had happened, Ganyu's straightforward nature made her feel slightly uncomfortable.
-
"Looks like my words were clumsy," Ningguang said, staring at Lucas for a long moment before smiling. "I didn't expect that the little baby from back then would grow into such a handsome young boy."
"I didn't come here for a friendly visit today," Ganyu said coldly, placing the shattered fragments of the falling jade stone and the gemstone on Ningguang's desk. "Do you recognize this jade stone?"
Ningguang, ever diplomatic, instantly recognized that Ganyu was not in a good mood. She frowned slightly and replied, "The Jade Chamber did indeed purchase a batch of raw jade stones some time ago. I originally intended to use them for leisure when I had free time. Perhaps a crow carried one or two pieces away."
Ningguang understood Ganyu's temperament well.
Although Ganyu was of semi-immortal bloodline, she lacked the aloofness typical of immortals. She was usually warm and gentle in her dealings with others. To see her this stern and cold was a rare occurrence, even for Ningguang.
"According to Liyue law, the owner of falling objects is responsible for any resulting damages," Ganyu said icily. "This jade stone almost hit Lucas earlier. The construction of the Jade Chamber itself poses several safety hazards. If I use this incident as grounds to impeach you, the Jade Chamber may not survive."
Although Ganyu was usually kind and mild-mannered, she had no mercy for those who endangered her son—even if they were as prestigious as a member of the Qixing.
In Liyue, Ganyu had never been afraid of offending people with more seniority—because none of them could match her centuries-long experience.
If anyone else had made such a threat, Ningguang might have dismissed it. But since it came from Ganyu, the situation was different.
Moreover, Ganyu's junior, Yanfei, a fellow semi-immortal, was Liyue Harbor's top legal expert. If a lawsuit were to happen, Ningguang's entire legal team would struggle to hold their ground against her.
Even someone as composed and shrewd as Ningguang couldn't afford to take this matter lightly. The Jade Chamber wasn't just her life's work—it was also her pride and joy. Seeing that Ganyu was genuinely upset, Ningguang quickly adjusted her tone. "I admit that there was negligence on my part. I hope Lady Ganyu will give me a chance. I will ensure stricter management moving forward."
"That depends on whether Lucas is willing to forgive you," Ganyu said, patting Lucas on the shoulder. "Baby, what do you say?"
Ningguang understood perfectly: to resolve this matter, she needed to make the boy happy. She bent down slightly, smiled, and said, "Can you forgive Auntie Ningguang? Whatever you ask for, Auntie will agree to it."
Though Ningguang looked no older than twenty herself, calling herself "Auntie" felt more appropriate given Lucas's status as Ganyu's son. Referring to herself as "sister" might have undermined her standing.
Having someone powerful on his side was truly delightful!
How many five-year-olds in all of Liyue Harbor could make someone as prestigious as Tianquan Ningguang smile and beg for forgiveness?
"The Jade Chamber is really pretty," Lucas said with a sly glint in his eyes. "I'd like to visit anytime I want!"
Ningguang chuckled inwardly at how easily children could be pleased. She retrieved a small token from her sleeve and handed it to Lucas. "This is the Tianquan Token. With this, you can come and go from the Jade Chamber as you please—no need for prior notice."
The token, though small, was intricately crafted with gold and jade.
As Ganyu's son , Lucas didn't need such a token to access the Jade Chamber. But in all of Liyue Harbor, fewer than a handful of people had the privilege of holding this token—and they were all prominent figures.
"Wow! Yay!" Lucas clutched the token in his hand, beaming. "Mama Ganyu, can I come often to play?"
Seeing her son so happy, Ganyu's anger subsided somewhat. Moreover, Ningguang's gesture of goodwill was indeed sincere. She nodded. "As long as you don't disturb your Auntie Ningguang while she's working or resting."
Noticing Ganyu's softened demeanor, Ningguang seized the moment, pinching Lucas's cheek gently. "This child is so sweet and lovable. If Lady Ganyu doesn't mind, how about letting me be his godmother?"
Knowing how much Ganyu adored Lucas, she naturally wanted him to receive all of her affection. Still, she was aware that Ningguang, being young and already occupying the Tianquan seat, had boundless potential. Forming closer ties with her could only bring benefits.
"That would be wonderful," Ganyu replied after a moment's thought. "Lucas, call her godmother."
"Godmother!" Lucas said cheerfully without hesitation.
"Good boy!" Ningguang picked him up and held him in her arms, her expression full of genuine affection.
Though Ningguang had many admirers, she was always too occupied with work to focus on personal matters. Still, she was a woman—and holding such an adorable child naturally awakened her maternal instincts.
Ganyu felt both proud and a little disheartened.
It seemed she would have to ensure Lucas got plenty of milk to remind him who his real mother was!
However, nestled in Ningguang's arms, Lucas's face bore a subtle, mischievous grin.
His request wasn't just about visiting the Jade Chamber. His true goal was its owner—Ningguang herself.
Though the Qixing lacked a formal ranking, Ningguang, as Tianquan, was widely regarded as their leader. She was one of the most powerful and wealthy figures in Liyue. Winning her favor would undoubtedly benefit Lucas' future endeavors.
Who would've thought he'd unexpectedly become her godson? With these two maternal figures supporting him, Lucas would be unstoppable in Liyue!
[Reward Received: Talent "Tianquan's Favor"]
[Effect: Increases business acumen by 50%]
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Switching to Text Mode]
[Age 6: You became the first minor granted unrestricted access to the Jade Chamber, Tianquan Ningguang's private residence. You frequently visited to play, and your bond with Ningguang deepened over time.]
[The Jade Chamber's vast library provided endless opportunities for learning. Ningguang would sometimes play with you during her free time, occasionally teaching you valuable lessons, resulting in significant personal growth.]
[Age 7: A year passed since Shenhe moved in. She still struggled to adjust to human society.]
[Age 8: At your "insistent requests," Shenhe occasionally began teaching you basic immortal arts and techniques. Though your true form was that of the beast Gluttony, being nourished by Ganyu's qilin nectar from a young age had imbued you with abundant celestial energy, making it easier for you to learn.]
[Age 9: Your innate talent was extraordinary. No matter the subject, your learning speed outpaced ordinary people. You quickly mastered much of Ningguang's business acumen, and she seemed to view you as a potential successor.]
[Having no children of her own and no interest in suitors, she began treating you like her heir.]
[Age 10: The seventeenth attempt to quit drinking milk failed. Despite repeatedly telling herself you were too old to depend on her nectar, Ganyu couldn't resist your pleading and always gave in.]
[Moreover, her own body had grown accustomed to your presence. Without your regular help draining her excess energy, Ganyu herself would feel unwell and struggle to sleep.]
[Age 11: Ganyu's personal clothing no longer fits her. Of course, this isn't because she gained weight.]
[What's more troubling is that even her custom-made attire, the "Frostdew Trail," designed and gifted by Cloud Retainer herself, accidentally became too tight and ripped.]
[Fortunately, due to your presence, Cloud Retainer began visiting Liyue more frequently and soon crafted a new outfit for Ganyu. Naturally, the new design retained the same… prominent aesthetic as before.]
[Age 12: Over the past seven years, you've grown from a little boy into a charming and handsome teenager. Thanks to your "rich nutrition" since childhood, your development is exceptionally rapid. You now look like you're 14 or 15 and are nearly as tall as Shenhe.]
[As for Shenhe, perhaps due to her cultivation of immortal arts, her appearance hasn't changed over the years. However, her aura has become increasingly cold and detached. She speaks only when interacting with those she is close to.]
[Driven by her dedication to slaying demons and purging evil, Shenhe even joined the Adventurers' Guild. She only accepts tasks related to eliminating demons and spirits. While these tasks offer lucrative rewards, such foes are far more formidable than regular monsters, making such commissions rare and dangerous.]
[As you've grown older, your perspective has gradually shifted. Although Ganyu is your "mother-killer," living with her over time has made you increasingly aware of her immense power. Even after centuries of cultivation, you might never surpass her.]
[To quickly enhance your strength, sticking to conventional cultivation would yield limited results. Thus, you decided to take an unconventional approach—using your "World Within the Stomach" ability to devour and absorb the power of others.]
[While Liyue Harbor has many strong individuals worth targeting, acting within the city risks attracting too much attention. So, you found another target—the adventurers.]
[In reality, adventurers aren't like the protagonists in fantasy novels, enjoying exciting adventures while earning handsome rewards.]
[In fact, adventuring is a highly dangerous profession, especially for those without the blessings of a Vision. They often live on the edge, risking their lives every day.]
[You observe the Adventurers' Guild from the shadows, waiting for adventurer teams to accept their tasks. Once they leave, you quietly tail them.]
[When the adventurers are busy battling monsters, that's when you strike—taking advantage of the chaos to devour both the adventurers and the monsters, all in one go.]
[Compared to monsters, humans contain far richer energy. More importantly, beyond sheer strength, you can also draw power from their "emotions" by devouring them.]
[Anger, fear, sorrow… These emotions are not only delicious to someone like you, Beast of Gluttony, but can also be converted into pure energy.]
[However, those you devour don't actually "die." They're absorbed into your World Within the Stomach, becoming a part of your being.]
[It's not uncommon for adventurers to die during missions, and missing adventurers whose bodies are never found are even more frequent.]
[Of course, these tragedies do have their "beneficiaries." The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, for instance, profits from arranging symbolic funerals with empty tombs even when there's no corpse.]
[The current Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, though young, is highly skilled. Sometimes you wonder: if you told her that you were responsible for creating all these "deaths," would Director Hu Tao offer you a share of her profits?]
[Age 13: The unusual number of adventurer disappearances soon caught the attention of the Adventurers' Guild. After all, if adventurers who had purchased life insurance through the Guild met with misfortune, the Guild would incur significant costs.]
[However, the Guild struggled to find any leads on these mysterious disappearances, let alone suspect you.]
[At the same time, sightings of demonic beasts in Liyue's territory have increased. Unlike ordinary monsters, demonic beasts are typically born of malice and corruption. Ordinary adventurers are no match for them.]
[Many believe the rash of adventurer disappearances is due to these demonic beasts.]
[While Liyue is home to many powerful individuals capable of repelling such threats, the villages and towns within its borders frequently fall victim to demonic beast attacks.]
[Just as adventurer deaths benefit the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the appearance of demonic beasts has allowed Liyue's exorcist families to flourish, raising their fees for dealing with such threats. Although the people suffer from these predatory practices, they have no choice but to pay for their survival.]
[However, Shenhe, equally skilled in slaying demons, has not raised her prices. Following her master's teachings, she helps the people of Liyue for free.]
[Her unselfish regard for the welfare of others has earned her the gratitude of countless villagers. For the first time, Shenhe begins to feel a sense of belonging, easing her internal turmoil.]
[But Shenhe's charitable actions anger the exorcist families. They soon discover she is a member of their branch family and possesses the rare and dangerous "Solitary Star and Disastrous Evil Fate" constitution, which once "cursed" her parents to death.]
[To protect their own interests, the main family begins spreading rumors, accusing Shenhe of being a curse-bringer. They claim the red ropes she wears are to suppress her malice, warning that if she loses control, she could be more dangerous than the demonic beasts she fights.]
[Age 14: At first, people were reluctant to believe these claims. But over time, they noticed that disasters seemed to follow Shenhe wherever she went. Those who interacted with her often met with misfortune soon after.]
[Coupled with her strange red ropes, her fierce combat style, and her otherworldly silver hair, the people grew increasingly fearful and alienated from her.]
[Disheartened, Shenhe began to withdraw, isolating herself in her room and refusing to go out, even when Ganyu tried to comfort her.]
[One day, Shenhe received a sealed letter from the exorcist family. Though you didn't know its contents, after reading it, Shenhe left the house. You decided…]
[1. Follow her directly.]
[2. Read the letter first before deciding.]
"Choose the second option."
Given Lucas' cautious nature, he would rarely act rashly.
[You easily sneaked into Shenhe's room and found the letter on the table. Without hesitation, you picked it up. The letter was from her exorcist family.]
[It proposed relocating her parents to the ancestral burial grounds.]
[You knew that, given the family's history with Shenhe, they were likely planning to impose unreasonable conditions. Without further thought, you set out for their estate.]
[While informing Ganyu would undoubtedly resolve the matter quickly, you had a different plan. This could be an excellent opportunity to push Shenhe toward "corruption."]
[The family's headquarters were located in a quiet, secluded part of Liyue Harbor. This exorcist family had existed for centuries, growing steadily over time.]
[However, you knew their prowess mostly relied on ancestral artifacts and talismans. Truly powerful members of their clan had long since dwindled.]
[You infiltrated their estate effortlessly. The two gatekeepers didn't even notice the faint sound of your movements.]
[Following the trail of Shenhe's lingering scent, you quickly found the meeting hall. Standing at the door, you decided…]
[1. Sneak in quietly.]
[2. Enter directly.]
"Sneak in quietly."
[Switching to Immersive Mode.]
Lucas' choice transported his consciousness into the scene. He now stood on the rafters of the meeting hall, peering down. Inside, around 20 to 30 people were seated in two rows. At the head of the room was an elderly man, his face lined with age yet full of vitality.
Lucas recognized him from past encounters: the clan patriarch. Most others in the room were prominent figures within the family.
Shenhe stood in the center of the room. Despite the whispered remarks around her, her expression remained calm and composed.
"Ahem…" The patriarch coughed lightly before speaking in a steady tone. "Ah-He…"
"Just call me Shenhe," she interrupted coldly. "We're not that close."
"Insolence!" snapped one of the elders, standing abruptly. "A mere branch family girl dares to speak so rudely to the patriarch?"
"Enough," the patriarch said, waving a hand to calm the elder. "Shenhe, do you know why you were summoned today?"
"Are you senile?" Shenhe replied, frowning. "Didn't you write that letter yourselves?"
Her bluntness made even the usually composed patriarch's expression darken. "Then I'll get straight to the point. Would you like your parents relocated to the ancestral burial grounds? In return, you could return to the main family and no longer be a wandering outcast."
"They're already dead. What does it matter where they're buried?" Shenhe said indifferently. "As for me, I already have a home. I don't need to come back."
The gathered elders exchanged astonished glances.
They had planned to use this offer as leverage for negotiations, but Shenhe showed no interest in their "bargaining chips."
"If that's the case…" the patriarch said, his brow furrowing. "Why did you agree to come?"
"You proposed these terms because you wanted something from me," Shenhe said coolly. "I was curious to know what it was. Now that I know, I plan to reject you outright."
Hearing this, Lucas, still perched on the rafters, nearly burst into laughter.
Classic Shenhe—not only flipping the table but smashing it to pieces.
The elders were visibly furious. Shenhe had already encroached on their business before, and now her defiance stoked their rage even further.
-
"Shenhe, it seems I've been too lenient with you." The clan patriarch rose slowly, his face stern and commanding. "Whether part of the main family or a branch, all members of our clan must obey the patriarch. Don't think that learning a few crooked techniques from some reclusive immortal allows you to disregard the clan."
Such words could only be uttered here. If they reached Cloud Retainer's ears, her temper would ensure she descended to create a scene until her fury was satisfied.
"I do disregard you," Shenhe said coldly, sweeping her gaze across the room. "What will you do about it?"
"Niece Shenhe," a corpulent middle-aged exorcist said with a lecherous grin, "since you're so headstrong, we won't hold back. Recently, the family uncovered an ancient manuscript describing a powerful technique that requires a woman of the Solitary Star and Disastrous Evil constitution as a furnace."
Shenhe's face darkened with fury. "So that's your plan. You want to use me as some kind of tool? You're worse than animals!"
"This is for the prosperity of the family," the patriarch said, a sinister gleam in his murky eyes. "The technique even grants extended life and rejuvenation. Shenhe, offer your body and prolong my life."
At his words, the doors to the hall suddenly slammed shut. The people inside rose to their feet, weapons drawn. Clearly, they had prepared for resistance from the beginning.
"Don't resist, dear niece," the corpulent exorcist said, walking toward her with a malicious smile. "The technique is beneficial for the woman, too. You'll—"
Before he could finish, there was a loud thud. Lucas leapt down from above, stomping on the man's face with enough force to send his massive body flying several meters, crashing into the wall.
"Lucas?" Shenhe exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Just enjoying the show," Lucas said casually. "At first, I thought I'd entered a zoo and found a bunch of livestock. Turns out, it's a circus full of clowns."
"Isn't he Ganyu's adopted son?" someone in the crowd whispered, recognizing Lucas.
He grinned and replied, "That's right. So, what are you going to do about it? Go ahead—try me."
Before anyone could respond, a dark mist suddenly surrounded Lucas.
Lucas felt a strange discomfort throughout his body. When the mist dissipated, two black horns had sprouted from his head, and his sharp fangs gleamed ominously.
What's going on? Why am I suddenly revealing my demon form?
Not only was Lucas stunned, but the exorcists in the room were equally shocked. To see Ganyu's adopted son turn out to be a demon was beyond their comprehension.
"I see now!" The patriarch sneered. "This hall was originally a demon-refining chamber. The floor still contains the old formation that forces demons and fiends to reveal their true forms."
"Well, that simplifies things," a tall, thin exorcist said with a smirk. "Shenhe, the rogue branch member, consorting with demons—eliminating her will be a justified act for our family."
"How can this be?" Shenhe whispered, disbelief evident in her tone. "You're… a demon?"
Having lived alongside Lucas for nearly a decade, the revelation that he was a demon—her sworn enemy—was hard for her to accept.
"What if I am?" Lucas scoffed. "Look at these people around you. They may be human, but they're more despicable and shameless than demons."
Shenhe had no retort. She had returned to the family harboring a sliver of hope that they had turned over a new leaf, willing to move her parents' remains and accept her. But it was clear now—they only wanted to exploit her as a sacrifice for their desires.
"Well, bad luck for you all," Lucas shrugged. "I had only planned to teach you a small lesson, but now that you've seen my true form, I'll have to silence you permanently."
The statement sounded incongruous coming from a 14-year-old boy. Although the exorcist clan had declined over the years, their best experts were gathered in this hall, specializing in dealing with demons. They dismissed Lucas as a threat.
"Take this!" A swordsman lunged at Lucas, seemingly eager to earn merit by striking first.
But before anyone could blink, a shadow flashed across the room. When the darkness cleared, the swordsman's body had been cleaved in half. His head remained attached to his neck, but most of his torso was missing, as if it had been bitten off by a massive beast. His remaining organs spilled onto the floor.
Lucas wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand and smirked. "Tch. You taste awful. Are all of you this unappetizing?"
In a mere moment, Lucas had unleashed the gluttonous jaws of his beast form, devouring the swordsman's flesh and blood entirely—not sealing it within his World Within the Stomach, but consuming it directly.
"Lucas, what is going on—" Shenhe's words were cut off as her vision blurred. A bloody haze clouded her mind.
Lucas stood before her, holding a broken red rope—the very one that suppressed her berserk nature.
"Forgive me, Aunt Shenhe," Lucas said softly. Shenhe's fading consciousness barely registered his final words: "Join me in the abyss."
Shenhe awoke sometime later, her red ropes intact once more. As her vision cleared, despair etched itself onto her face.
Corpses. So many corpses.
Few were intact. Shattered remains of flesh and entrails stained every surface red.
The dead were not just those vile men from the meeting hall but also other clan members—innocent women and children.
Her silver hair and clothing were soaked in blood. Under her nails, pieces of flesh and gore clung stubbornly.
Without the red ropes, Shenhe's berserk state had unleashed utter carnage. On Mt. Aozang, she once lost control and massacred hundreds of animals. Worse, she retained every memory of those frenzied moments, each act of brutality etched into her mind, tormenting her endlessly.
Now, the events from earlier replayed vividly in her thoughts.
"Aunt Shenhe," Lucas said, waiting nearby as she stirred. Seeing her awake, he asked, "How are you feeling?"
"You demon!" Shenhe roared, striking Lucas with her fist. Her punch landed squarely on his left cheek with a resounding thud.
Shenhe's immense strength would have shattered a normal person's skull. Yet, Lucas only bled slightly from the corner of his mouth.
"Why didn't you dodge?" she demanded, her voice trembling with anger.
"If hitting me makes you feel better, go ahead," Lucas said calmly. "They wanted to kill us. If we didn't kill them first, we'd be dead. It wasn't our fault."
"But I killed innocents too," Shenhe said in despair, clutching her head. "Women… children…"
"In a toppled nest, no eggs remain intact," Lucas said flatly. "If we spared them, they'd come after us. Besides, my being a demon cannot be exposed. If word got out, it would tarnish Mama Ganyu's reputation."
"But I know your secret," Shenhe said coldly. "Will you kill me to silence me too?"
"Most of the bodies here were your doing," Lucas said with a smile. "The letter they sent you is solid evidence. Who do you think the Ministry of Civil Affairs would believe is the culprit?"
"You're framing me?" Shenhe said, her voice shaking with fury. "Why… why would you do this to me?"
Though Shenhe was usually aloof, she had come to see Lucas and Ganyu as family. Now, one of them had betrayed her so cruelly.
"Because I care about you, Aunt Shenhe," Lucas said, wrapping his arms around her. "I want to end your suffering. You saw it, didn't you? Those hypocritical humans are worse than beasts. Didn't you feel a thrill when you slaughtered those vile clan members?"
----
Hearing Lucas's words, Shenhe's body began to tremble slightly.
Because he wasn't wrong. Although her earlier slaughter had been driven by her berserk nature, beneath the guilt and unease, she couldn't deny that she had felt an unparalleled sense of exhilaration while killing those vile scoundrels.
Seeing the cracks in her mental defenses, Lucas continued to sow his influence. "If cruelty and savagery are your nature, why suppress it? The Solitary Star and Disastrous Evil Fate is not a curse—it's a gift. Why not embrace it and turn it into your strength?"
These words deeply shook Shenhe.
All her life, she had blamed the tragedies she suffered on her cursed fate, loathing it completely.
But Lucas was the first person who encouraged her to accept herself.
"What… should I do?" Shenhe muttered.
"The path of humanity is narrow and hopeless," Lucas said, tilting his head to expose his pale neck. Smiling, he whispered, "Drink my blood. Join me on the demonic path, free from all restrictions, bound by nothing."
Free from all restrictions, bound by nothing.
Shenhe's heart surged with emotion. Before she realized it, her teeth had sunk into Lucas's neck, and the taste of blood flooded her senses.
As the child of Gluttony, Lucas's blood carried immense, ferocious power. For an ordinary person, drinking it might induce temporary demonic transformation and greatly increase their strength, but it would soon overwhelm them, driving them completely mad.
However, Shenhe's Solitary Star and Disastrous Evil Fate was a perfect match for the ferocity of Gluttony's blood.
Her silver-gray eyes were instantly tinged with red, and the ethereal immortal aura around her turned into a misty shroud of blood.
"Well?" Lucas asked, his voice strained with pain but gleaming with satisfaction. "Aunt Shenhe, my blood tastes pretty good, doesn't it?"
"Gulp, gulp…"
"Um, I think that's enough…" Lucas frowned slightly.
"Gulp, gulp…"
"Maybe you should have some food with it?" Lucas's complexion started to pale.
"Gulp, gulp…"
"Aunt Shenhe, I'm… not going to make it…" Lucas's voice grew faint.
Finally, Shenhe reluctantly pulled her mouth away. Her once pallid lips were now bright red, giving her a stunning, almost bewitching look.
"How do you feel?" Lucas asked, pressing a hand against the bite marks on his neck.
"I've never felt anything like this," Shenhe said, staring at her hands. For the first time, her typically stoic face lit up with a smile. "It's… amazing. Absolutely exhilarating."
As a human, Shenhe's strength had been at the pinnacle of her kind, but she had always been limited by her mortal form.
However, after drinking Gluttony's blood, those limitations were shattered.
It was as though her bindings had been torn away, her accumulated power erupting all at once.
While Lucas had expected Shenhe's curse and his blood to complement each other, he hadn't anticipated such overwhelming synergy.
Shenhe was no longer entirely human—she had become half-human, half-demon, capable of rivaling some immortals.
"Still, you should calm yourself for now," Lucas said seriously. "The Millelith will likely arrive soon. Aunt Shenhe, you might have to endure a bit of hardship to clear any suspicion."
"Why bother with all that?" Shenhe sneered. "If the Millelith comes, I'll slaughter the Millelith. If the Liyue Qixing come, I'll wipe them out! I'll storm the Jade Chamber and take Ningguang's throne!"
What kind of overconfidence was this?
Of course, Lucas couldn't entirely blame her. After years of suppressing her violent instincts, Shenhe was now reveling in the sudden release, unable to control her excitement.
"Aunt Shenhe, please calm down!" Lucas said, half-laughing, half-crying. "To achieve great things, you need patience."
Though still intoxicated by her newfound power, Shenhe managed to compose herself slightly and asked, "What do you propose?"
"The clan's seal on a great demon weakened, and the demon broke free, massacring everyone. You, Aunt Shenhe, were caught in the chaos and barely escaped with your life," Lucas explained smoothly. "I'll make it look like a demon attack, but to fool the Ministry of Civil Affairs, you'll have to suffer a bit."
"That's all?" Shenhe said indifferently. "Go ahead, hurt me."
Lucas nodded. One hand morphed into a razor-sharp claw. "Brace yourself; this might sting a little."
With a swift strike, his claws raked across Shenhe's torso, leaving three deep gashes. Flesh tore open, and blood poured out.
Shenhe didn't flinch. Her face remained stoic, not even letting out a grunt.
What a warrior!
Despite the severity of the wounds, Shenhe's newly transformed body healed rapidly. Lucas worried that her injuries might recover before the Millelith even arrived.
After wounding Shenhe, Lucas transformed into his demon form and rampaged through the clan compound before slipping away.
As expected, within hours, news of the clan's destruction had spread. Shenhe, found gravely injured, was rushed to a medical clinic.
Just as Lucas had planned, no one suspected Shenhe of being the culprit. Her severe wounds were clearly inflicted by a demon.
Moreover, Shenhe was a disciple of Cloud Retainer, with Ganyu as her senior. Few dared to accuse someone with such prestigious connections.
The annihilation of the exorcist clan quickly became a mystery that rocked Liyue.
Only Chongyun, who had been meditating in an ice chamber to suppress his yang energy, survived the massacre. However, upon discovering the carnage, his pure yang energy erupted uncontrollably, leaving him in a state of madness.
Before leaving the destroyed compound, Lucas searched the clan leader's body and found an ancient manual. It was the technique he had mentioned earlier, requiring a Solitary Star and Disastrous Evil Fate individual as a furnace for cultivation.
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Reward Received: "Thousand Calamities Dual Cultivation Technique"]
[Description: An extremely sinister cultivation method requiring dual cultivation with an individual bearing the Solitary Star and Disastrous Evil Fate. Highly dangerous to practice.]
[The destruction of the exorcist clan became the talk of Liyue, despite the Ministry of Civil Affairs' attempts to suppress the news. Rumors spread of a great demon breaking its seal, spreading fear across the land.]
[To address the rising threat of demons, the Liyue Qixing partnered with the Adventurers' Guild to combat the growing menace.]
---
[Age 15: For reasons unknown, the frequency of demon sightings has been increasing lately, and conflicts between humans and demons have become more frequent.]
[Shenhe's injuries healed quickly, and her cultivation advanced at an astonishing pace. Moreover, you noticed her gaze toward you had become somewhat peculiar—as if she were looking at a delicious piece of food.]
[And indeed, that was the case. Ever since tasting your blood, she had become unable to resist its allure and frequently sought to drink it again.]
[Naturally, you couldn't allow your blood to become Shenhe's regular sustenance, so you limited her to drinking it only once a month. Even so, it was taking a toll on your body.]
[You suddenly recalled the Thousand Calamities Dual Cultivation Technique. If you practiced that technique, you could substitute other methods to sustain her instead of offering your blood.]
[When you carefully proposed the idea to her, Shenhe surprisingly agreed without hesitation.]
[You: "Shall we give it a try?"
Shenhe: "Let's try it!"]
[Even after you explained that it wasn't a conventional technique and that practicing it would require something very significant for a girl to give up, she remained unconcerned.]
["It's fine. It's your first time too, right? I'm not losing anything," Shenhe replied bluntly. Even after her transformation, her way of thinking was far from ordinary.]
[The Thousand Calamities Dual Cultivation Technique was fraught with danger, requiring extreme caution at every step. However, the rewards were immense. Both you and Shenhe experienced rapid cultivation progress.]
[While you were relieved to no longer have to offer blood regularly, you now had to provide other "substitutes" much more frequently than before—several times a month instead of once.]
[Ganyu found your and Shenhe's "unusual behavior" somewhat suspicious, but you managed to brush it off by claiming it was part of mutual supervision during cultivation practice.]
[Ganyu, pleased to see her son and junior sister bonding, was none the wiser that their bond had gone far beyond familial affection.]
[Though you possessed the Gluttony bloodline, even your resilience struggled to keep up with Shenhe's relentless demands. To compensate, you had to devour more targets to replenish the energy consumed during cultivation.]
[To combat the growing demon threat, the Liyue Qixing and Adventurers' Guild introduced policies such as increased rewards for demon-slaying tasks and offering support to adventurers.]
[However, only Vision-bearers had the strength to confront demons, leaving less capable adventurers unable to claim such rewards while avoiding other tasks due to the rising dangers outside the city.]
[You and Shenhe formed a two-person adventuring party, specializing in demon-slaying missions. By devouring demons and the occasional lone adventurer, you replenished your energy.]
[Though you and Shenhe were demons yourselves, you showed no mercy toward other demons. As you continued to devour them, you gained many new abilities.]
[Your partnership gained increasing fame. Those who knew the truth recognized you as an aunt and nephew duo, while others mistook you for a pair of young vigilantes ridding the land of demons.]
[Your body became a perfect, albeit twisted, energy cycle: replenished energy → dual cultivation with Shenhe → depleted energy → devouring demons and adventurers → replenished energy → repeat.]
[Only a beast of Gluttony, capable of recovering energy through devouring others, could sustain such a cycle. As a result, both you and Shenhe advanced your cultivation rapidly.]
[It was no wonder Shenhe's family had gone to great lengths to lure her into practicing this technique. The benefits were undeniable.]
[However, the rapid cultivation brought a bottleneck. To break through, you and Shenhe needed to engage in uninterrupted cultivation for three days and nights.]
[For others, this might not have been a problem, but for you and Shenhe, it was complicated.]
[The reason was simple: Ganyu doted on you excessively, needing to see you multiple times a day. Your usual cultivation sessions with Shenhe had to fit into the gaps between Ganyu's work hours.]
[To practice uninterrupted for three days and nights would undoubtedly arouse Ganyu's suspicion.]
[So, you and Shenhe devised a plan. You forged a letter from Cloud Retainer, claiming that she missed Ganyu and wished for her to visit Mt. Aozang for a few days. Though busy with work, Ganyu agreed.]
[Even with Ganyu's speed, traveling to and from Mt. Aozang would take two days, leaving enough time for you and Shenhe to complete your session.]
[After leaving numerous instructions, Ganyu finally departed. As soon as she left, you and Shenhe prepared for the three-day session.]
[During these three days and nights, you could not be distracted or physically separate, lest you risk severe backlash from malevolent energies, resulting in irreparable injuries.]
[On the first day, you managed to endure and even enjoyed yourself somewhat.]
[On the second day, you began to feel mentally drained but persevered.]
[On the third day, you were nearing your limit. Yet, with the final breakthrough so close, you pushed onward. Only one incense stick's worth of time remained until success.]
[But then, you both suddenly heard the sound of the estate gates opening.]
[Entering immersive mode.]
"I'm back!"
Ganyu's eager voice echoed from outside. "Son, Junior Sister, I missed you both so much these past few days! I brought you a surprise!"
Lucas and Shenhe exchanged complex glances.
Why was she back so soon?
"What do we do?" Lucas whispered nervously. "If we stop now, we might still have time to dress."
"We can't!" Shenhe's face flushed slightly, shaking her head. "You know as well as I do—it's the critical moment. If we stop now, all our efforts will be wasted."
While she had a point, Lucas couldn't help but feel that he was the one doing most of the effort.
Still, with their breakthrough so close, Lucas also didn't want to stop now.
"Lucas?"
Suddenly, Shenhe frowned slightly and said, "Don't think speeding up will shorten the time. Three days and nights are three days and nights—every second counts."
If he pushed any harder, he might catch fire!
"This is no time for sarcasm," Lucas said tensely. "What if she catches us?"
"So what?" Shenhe said, unconcerned. "She's not a child."
"But I am!" Lucas sighed. "At least, in Ganyu Mama's eyes, I'm still her little boy."
"With all due respect," Shenhe smirked coldly, "you might be a boy, but there's nothing 'little' about you."
She would know better than anyone.
"Lucas? Junior Sister?"
Ganyu's voice grew closer. "Are you two home?"
"Did you lock the door?" Lucas asked urgently.
"Uh… no," Shenhe stammered. "I didn't think she'd be back so soon. Besides, with her strength, do you think a lock… would matter?"
Fair point. Even if they'd installed a 30cm-thick iron door, Ganyu could break through with one punch if she wanted to.
Finally, Ganyu's footsteps stopped at their door. She knocked lightly.
"Lucas? Are you in there? Mommy's coming in!"
Oh no!
Lucas felt a chill as the breakthrough moment arrived.
"I'm… I'm here!" Lucas called out reluctantly. "I was just napping. Give me a moment to get dressed."
"You scared me," Ganyu said, relieved. "Okay, I'll wait by the door. Hurry up!"
"Yes, hurry," Shenhe whispered.
Ten seconds. Five seconds. One second.
The breakthrough happened! A surge of energy coursed through Lucas and Shenhe as they achieved harmony and perfection.
Lucas came out!
Ganyu came in.
With a loud bang, the door was suddenly pushed open. Ganyu entered with a bright smile, saying, "I couldn't wait any longer! Mama missed you too much. And guess what? Your grandma is here to see you too!"
Standing beside Ganyu was none other than Xianyun herself. Apparently, this was the "surprise" Ganyu had mentioned.
However, for the four of them, all that remained of the surprise was the "shock."
Looking at the chaotic state of the room, Ganyu was utterly dumbfounded. Her shock rendered her momentarily speechless.
Lucas and Shenhe, on the other hand, were completely petrified.
Had it only been Ganyu who entered, Shenhe might have been able to manage the situation. But the presence of her mentor, Cloud Retainer, accompanying Ganyu made the situation far worse.
It was akin to a pair of high school sweethearts sneaking into a room only to have both sets of parents barge in unexpectedly.
After an awkward silence that lasted half a minute, Xianyun finally broke it. "So this is what 'awkwardness' feels like. Honestly, this is my first time experiencing such an emotion."
"You two!" Ganyu finally spoke, her face dark and her tone icy. "Get to the main hall and kneel. Now."
Lucas and Shenhe exchanged glances but said nothing. They quietly put on their clothes and left the room.
As soon as they closed the door behind them, Ganyu, who had been forcing herself to stand tall, stumbled slightly, nearly falling to the ground. Thankfully, Xianyun was there to steady her.
"How… how could this happen?" Ganyu muttered, her voice trembling. "Lucas has always been such a good boy…"
"Ganyu, there's no need to panic," Xianyun said, surprisingly calm. "They are not like us immortals, who can completely discard worldly desires. They are human, after all, and at the peak of youth. Acting on impulse is only natural."
"But…" Ganyu frowned deeply. "They're aunt and nephew. How can they…"
"What of it?" Xianyun smiled faintly. "They share no blood relation. If their feelings are mutual, why should we stand in their way?"
Ganyu had no response to this.
She couldn't even understand why she was so upset. When she saw that scene earlier, she had felt a pang of pain in her heart.
By Liyue's customs, a man of Lucas's age marrying and having children was perfectly normal.
Though Shenhe was older, her high cultivation and ageless appearance made the age gap insignificant.
Logically, as Lucas's mother, Ganyu should be happy for him. So why was her heart filled with such resistance?
Even she couldn't explain it. Her life had always been tranquil, free of desire or ambition. Yet now, she found herself anxious and conflicted.
"In any case," Ganyu said resolutely, "I must get to the bottom of this."
"I'll come with you," Xianyun said, nodding. "With my expert communication skills, I'll ensure they open up completely."
Cloud Retainer's communication skills?
Alarmed, Ganyu quickly interjected, "I think it's better if I handle this myself. They're still young and shy. If you're there, Shenhe might feel nervous. I've prepared some refreshments in the dining room—why not enjoy them while you wait?"
"That's fine," Xianyun said, seemingly unaware of Ganyu's true intentions. "But do not let anger cloud your judgment. They're just children, after all."
Children?
Ganyu recalled the earlier shocking scene and couldn't help but blush.
Unknowingly, the boy who used to cling to her for food had grown so much.
"Ganyu?" Xianyun asked, puzzled. "Why is your face suddenly so red? Are you angry?"
"Huh?"
Caught off guard, Ganyu quickly shook her head before nodding slightly. "Yes, I'm… a little upset."
But deep down, she knew that her blush wasn't entirely due to anger. At least, not completely.
Meanwhile, in the main hall.
Lucas and Shenhe knelt obediently on the floor.
Though they were both now powerful demons, neither dared to act out in front of Ganyu and Cloud Retainer.
After all, one's elders remain one's elders.
"I can't believe things turned out like this," Lucas said with a helpless sigh. "Aunt Shenhe, do you have a plan?"
"What plan could I possibly have?" Shenhe replied calmly. "Is your mother going to eat us alive? She's not you."
"Under no circumstances can we reveal our cultivation of that forbidden technique," Lucas said firmly. "As for everything else, we'll just have to play it by ear."
Of course, this reassurance seemed more directed at himself than at Shenhe.
"Playing it by ear" was a concept entirely foreign to Shenhe. Her approach to situations had always been simple: use force if it solves the problem, and speak as little as possible.
But the problem was, neither Ganyu nor Cloud Retainer could be dealt with using Shenhe's fists.
Lucas, ruthless and efficient when dealing with outsiders, could resolve most matters cleanly and without hesitation.
But in front of Mama Ganyu, he was forever her needy little boy.
"Why aren't they here yet?" Shenhe muttered, shifting her knees slightly. "Kneeling like this is uncomfortable."
"I thought you'd be used to it by now," Lucas teased, grinning. "After all, you had to kneel for half an hour before."
"Why is kneeling on the bed so different from kneeling on the floor?" Shenhe, clearly catching the implication behind Lucas's words, replied with no hint of embarrassment. Instead, she countered, "Besides, do you think I'd kneel that long for anyone else but you?"
"Ahem!"
At that moment, a sudden cough interrupted them. Ganyu, her expression complicated, approached and sat down in front of the two.
Although Ganyu had been upset with Lucas for his mischievous antics many times over the years, this was the first time Lucas had ever seen her wear such a heavy expression.
This time, it wouldn't be solved with his usual tactics of acting cute or playful.
After a long, tense silence, Lucas finally spoke. "Ganyu Mama…"
"Don't call me 'Mama'!" Ganyu snapped, puffing her cheeks. "I don't have a Mama like you—"
"Pfft…"
Ganyu's slip of the tongue caused both Lucas and Shenhe to stifle their laughter. The previously tense atmosphere eased ever so slightly.
"Stop laughing! I'm being serious here!" Ganyu scolded, her face flushing red. "Now tell me, how long has this… relationship been going on?"
Lucas: "Two months!"
Shenhe: "Almost two years."
They answered simultaneously, but with entirely different answers.
Hearing Shenhe's response, Lucas felt a pang of dread.
Seriously, Shenhe? You're too honest for your own good!
"Lucas!" Ganyu's voice turned sharp. "Even now, you're still not being truthful with me?"
"I…" Lucas's voice softened in protest. "Why are you so sure I'm the one lying?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ganyu frowned. "Shenhe never lies. If you keep deceiving me, I swear I'll punish you! From now on, you're only allowed to speak if I give you permission!"
"I… I understand…" Lucas agreed reluctantly, inwardly resigned.
As the realization of the true timeline set in, Ganyu's heart grew heavy.
For almost two years, she had remained completely oblivious. Thinking back now, there were indeed plenty of suspicious signs.
They often trained together—fine, that could be overlooked. But spending two or three hours training at a time? It seemed increasingly unlikely that was all it was.
She assumed they had been using their "training sessions" as an excuse to hide their activities.
Of course, Ganyu's suspicions were only half correct. After all, the "other activity" was real, but the training was equally genuine.
"So…" Ganyu's expression flickered with mixed emotions. "While I was away these past three days, how many times did you… train?"
Saying the actual word was too much for her to handle.
"Once," Shenhe answered truthfully.
"Just once?" Ganyu felt a small sense of relief.
Seeing Ganyu's expression relax slightly, Lucas also exhaled a quiet sigh of relief.
"Yes, just once," Shenhe nodded. "Once—for three days straight."
"Th-three days?" Ganyu's face flushed even redder. "Without… stopping?"
Even though Ganyu was inexperienced in such matters, she knew that typical human reproductive behavior couldn't possibly last that long… or so she thought. Was it different for non-humans?
"Of course not," Shenhe replied calmly. "Master always taught us that when undertaking any task, we must see it through to the end without interruption."
What kind of face would Cloud Retainer make if she knew her teachings were being applied this way?
Ganyu glanced at her son, her feelings a tangled mess.
In her eyes, Lucas had always been her adorable, well-behaved little boy. Reconciling that image with the idea of him as a man capable of enduring three days and nights was… disorienting.
This stark contrast undoubtedly stemmed from Ganyu's own life experiences. After being adopted by Cloud Retainer, she had taken decades to mature and gain understanding of the world.
Lucas, on the other hand, at barely fifteen or sixteen years old, had already… reached this milestone.
Could it be that creatures of Gluttony were equally voracious in this aspect?
"It's already happened," Ganyu sighed, her tone heavy. "There's no undoing it now. Lucas, Shenhe, do you… understand that what you've done is wrong?"
"Why would it be wrong?" Shenhe asked, her expression puzzled. "I like Lucas. Lucas likes me. We haven't hurt anyone, have we?"
Though human, Shenhe had lived her life in isolation from society, leaving her unfamiliar with many societal norms. Her blunt nature made it hard for her to understand what she'd done wrong.
"Like…" Ganyu felt a sharp twinge in her chest. Turning to Lucas, she asked softly, "Lucas… do you like Shenhe, too?"
Lucas hesitated briefly before nodding.
Ganyu bit her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I… I see. So, when do you plan to leave?"
Her question left both of them dumbfounded. Lucas tilted his head, confused. "Leave? Why would we leave?"
"Married couples in the human world always start their own households after the wedding," Ganyu said, her voice tinged with sorrow. "If you two truly love each other, you'll get married. And when that happens, you'll leave me, won't you?"
It suddenly clicked for Lucas why Ganyu was so upset—she wasn't angry at their relationship; she was afraid he would leave her.
"I'll never leave Ganyu Mama!" Lucas shook his head firmly. "Even if I get married one day, I'll always stay by your side!"
"Re-really?" Ganyu asked, her tone filled with hope. "You'll never leave me?"
"Never!" Lucas declared. "Because I love Ganyu Mama the most!"
"My sweet boy!" Overcome with emotion, Ganyu opened her arms wide.
"Ganyu Mama!" Lucas leapt into her embrace.
And so, this "drama" reached its surprising conclusion.
Watching this display of maternal love, Shenhe felt a subtle pang in her heart.
Having lost her mother at a young age, she had never experienced such affection.
"So…" Shenhe suddenly spoke, "does this mean Senior Sister will be joining us?"
"Eh?" Ganyu blinked, confused. "Joining what?"
"Joining us for cultivation, of course," Shenhe said matter-of-factly. "If mutual affection is the only requirement, then why not?"
"T-that's not allowed!" Ganyu stammered, her face turning scarlet as she waved her hands frantically. "Because I'm Lucas's mother!"
"If I can do it as his aunt, why not you as his mother?" Shenhe countered, unconcerned. "You're not blood-related either, right?"
"In any case, it's not happening!" Ganyu covered her face with her hands. "Shenhe, some things aren't as simple as you think."
Shenhe nodded thoughtfully but silently resolved that perhaps, given time, Ganyu might change her mind.
[Exiting immersive mode.]
[Returning to text mode.]
[Your secret with Shenhe was finally discovered by Ganyu. Fortunately, Ganyu did not harshly blame you two but instead warned Shenhe that you were still young and that cultivation should be practiced at a reasonable frequency and not rushed.]
[Shenhe outwardly agreed, but when Ganyu was not present, she would still push you to continue cultivation.]
[Now, the Thousand Calamities Dual Cultivation Technique that you and Shenhe practiced has broken through a major barrier, greatly enhancing both your strengths. Each subsequent session of cultivation yields far greater benefits than before.]
[As for the matter of marriage between you and Shenhe, Ganyu used the excuse that you were still too young to consider it for the time being. Both you and Shenhe were fine with this arrangement.]
[Age 16: The frequency of demon appearances increased yet again. Strangely, the adepti within Liyue have remained silent, as if they have no intention of intervening.]
[Of course, the adepti have no obligation to assist humanity. For a long time, the Liyue Qixing have been reducing their reliance on the adepti, hoping to solve problems through human strength alone.]
[The chaos caused by the Four Beasts was resolved by the adepti many years ago. If the current demon scourge still required the adepti to step in, it would suggest that humanity had become overly dependent on them.]
[One day, traces of significant demon activity appeared in a specific region of Liyue. The Liyue Qixing and the Adventurers' Guild collaborated to organize a large-scale campaign against the demons.]
[However, the adventurers and Millelith sent on the campaign all mysteriously vanished. Finding this matter suspicious, you and Shenhe decided to investigate.]
[Upon arriving at the scene, you and Shenhe were ambushed and surrounded by a large group of demons. This surprised you greatly, as while demons are more intelligent than ordinary monsters like Hilichurls, they are still far inferior to humans in strategy. That they could organize an ambush like this was truly unexpected.]
[However, neither you nor Shenhe viewed these demons as a threat. Just as you were about to begin a slaughter, an elderly voice interrupted the imminent battle.]
[A demon wearing a black hood slowly emerged from the group. The other demons seemed to show it great respect. You could sense an incredibly powerful aura emanating from it.]
["Such a familiar aura... Could it be? Are you the child of Gluttony?" The demon's words left you shocked. At this moment, you decided…]
[1. Admit your identity and converse.]
[2. Dismiss its claim and begin slaughtering.]
After some thought, Li Hangshan chose the first option.
[You nodded, admitting your identity. Unexpectedly, the demon reacted with great excitement. It removed its hood, revealing a face devoid of features.]
[Though it lacked a mouth, it could still speak: "So, you survived! During the chaos of the Four Beasts, I was one of them. Your mother, Gluttony, was an old friend of mine."]
[You were greatly shaken but remained skeptical. By all accounts, the Four Beasts should have been completely eradicated.]
[The demon, who introduced itself as Chaos, explained that while the other three Fiends were slain by the adepti, it had been sealed by the Yaksha protectors. Having now atoned for its sins, it had been released from its seal.]
[Chaos revealed that its unsealing had caused many dormant demons to awaken. However, it claimed to have promised the Yaksha not to harm humans and only wished to find a peaceful haven for itself and the other demons.]
[It further explained that when Ganyu rescued you all those years ago, she had spared a wolf demon. News of you being taken by Ganyu had spread from that wolf demon.]
[You candidly told Chaos that while you hadn't forgotten the death of your biological mother, Ganyu had raised you for many years and was incredibly powerful. Seeking vengeance against her would not be easy.]
[You had intended this explanation to appease Chaos, but to your surprise, it shook its head and said, "Why cling to past hatred? Ganyu has shown you kindness by raising you. Why not let go of vengeance? Surely your late mother would want you to live a good life."]
[You finally understood why the adepti had not intervened. In the past, the Four Beasts' atrocities gave the adepti a clear justification to act. But now, the demons simply sought a peaceful haven, and the conflicts with humans were inevitable byproducts. From the adepti perspective, they could not justify waging war on the demons.]
[The missing adventurers and Millelith were being held hostage by Chaos's followers. At its invitation, you visited their "home."]
[However, calling it a home was generous—it was little more than a damp, dark cave where your "kin" lived in pitiable conditions, barely managing to survive.]
[In your quest for power, you had devoured both humans and demons. Neither group gave you a sense of belonging. Though you admitted to being selfish and ruthless, seeing the demons in such dire straits stirred complicated feelings within you.]
[The humans were being held as hostages and bargaining chips. Chaos promised to release them once a suitable home for the demons had been found.]
["Go home, child," Chaos said, effectively dismissing you. "I do not expect you to return to the demons' side. I only hope we do not become enemies. If one day we are slaughtered by humanity, at least you will remain to preserve a trace of our lineage."]
[You could not discern whether Chaos's words were genuine or part of a greater scheme. But the demons' pitiful situation was no fabrication. At this moment, you decided…]
[1. Leave and have nothing to do with it.]
[2. Assist them.]
[3. Annihilate them all.]
This appeared to be a main story branch.
Each option could lead the plot in completely different directions.
Annihilation? Immediately ruled out. Not only was it morally questionable, but while you and Shenhe had grown significantly stronger, Chaos, as one of the Four Legendary Beast, was unlikely to be an easy opponent.
The first two options would determine whether you aligned with humanity or the demons going forward.
Ultimately, Lucas chose the demon route. Given his identity, remaining in the human camp seemed bound to lead to exposure eventually.
However, helping the demons establish a new home could at least offer a fallback option, even if peace between humans and demons could not be achieved.
["I admit, I cannot bring myself to kill Ganyu, nor do I have the strength. But at the very least, I wish to repay my mother's debt of life," you said after much consideration, making a decision that would change your fate. "I can act as an informant within Liyue Harbor to help you establish a haven."]
[Chaos was delighted by your decision, even naming you the demons' young master. While you did not formally accept the title, your strength and status made you worthy of it.]
[As for Shenhe, she unconditionally supported your choice. Even if you decided to rebel against the Geo Archon, she would likely join you without hesitation.]
[Thus, from that day forward, you took on a new identity as a demon spy within Liyue Harbor.]
[Your adoptive mother is Qixing emissary Ganyu, and your godmother is Tianquan Ningguang. Thanks to these connections, you had access to Liyue's upper echelons at a young age.]
[Moreover, Ningguang, seeing you as her heir, spared no effort in teaching and guiding you, even entrusting you with handling some of Liyue's affairs.]
[Among these affairs were matters related to demons, including policies and extermination plans.]
[You relayed this information to the demons, helping them avoid conflict with humans as much as possible, thereby maintaining an uneasy peace between the two races.]
[Though simple in theory, the task was fraught with challenges. Discovery would mean certain death for you as a traitor to humanity.]
[Age 17: After a year of your efforts, the demons finally had a chance to breathe. You also received some good news.]
[The nearby Mondstadt region had recently resolved the Stormterror crisis. Without Stormterror's dominion, the ruins of the Wind Dragon's lair became an ideal location for the demons to settle.]