[Yet Yelan showed no fear. Instead, she sneered coldly. "Go ahead. The Adepti have hesitated to act against demon until now for lack of justification. If a demon like you murders a Ministry of Civil Affairs official in Liyue Harbor, everything you've done for the demon will be meaningless."]
["So what?" you retorted with a cold laugh. "Helping those demon was merely out of personal interest. Do you think you can use them to threaten me? It's meaningless."]
["And what about your Mother Ganyu?" Yelan smirked. "Her private adoption of the progeny of a ferocious beast was already a grave error. If you surrender, she might avoid punishment. But if you persist, she too will be implicated. Moreover… no matter how strong you are, can you surpass all the Adepti of Liyue? Surpass the Lex Rapis himself?"]
[Yelan's words brought you back to your senses. Ganyu was deeply respected in Liyue, but that very respect meant she had to maintain her spotless reputation. If she were to be seen harboring a demon, her hard-earned prestige would be completely ruined.]
[You knew in your heart that Ganyu's feelings for you were sincere. If you truly decided to rebel against Liyue, she might even side with you. But as Yelan said, neither you nor Ganyu, no matter how powerful, could oppose all of Liyue. Such a course of action would only lead to destruction.]
[Soon, you calmed down, sighed, and said, "Why? You've been investigating me for so long, so you must know that those demons only wanted a safe home and had no intention of opposing humanity."]
[For one of the few times, Yelan's expression turned serious. She replied, "My ancestors gave their lives in the Chasm to fend off the evil beasts, with one dying and another driven mad. I once had a group of comrades who fought side by side with me, but they were all killed by beasts… beasts are beasts. Their nature cannot be changed. As long as I draw breath, I will never let a single one go."]
[You had no rebuttal to her words. From her perspective, her actions were justified. In the eyes of ordinary humans, you were indeed a stubbornly unrepentant spawn of a ferocious beast, a traitor colluding with the enemy.]
[To protect Ganyu and Ningguang from being implicated, and to buy time for the demon to escape, you ultimately chose to confess.]
[To prevent any unexpected developments, you were sentenced to execution three days later at Yujing Terrace, to be carried out by the method of crushing under a giant stone.]
[Although Ningguang tried her best to negotiate for you, your crimes were too severe to allow any leniency.]
[As for Ganyu, because of her immense strength, she was temporarily confined to Mount Aozang by Cloud Retainer to prevent her from disrupting the execution.]
[The day of the execution arrived in the blink of an eye. You were escorted to Yujing Terrace. Liyue had not held a public execution in years, but your identity and crimes warranted an elaborate display.]
[Entering Immersive Mode]
What is this? Are they really going to make me experience death firsthand?
Up to this point, Lucas had undergone many immersive mode experiences, but none had ever been as suffocating as this.
On the high platform, all seven of Liyue's Qixing were present, including Ningguang. Though she didn't cry, her reddened eyes betrayed her emotions.
Despite only being Lucas's adoptive mother, Ningguang had come to see him as family after years of close companionship. Having few close relationships, she now had to endure the anguish of watching someone she cared for deeply be executed in front of her. It was truly a case of "the elder burying the younger," leaving Ningguang wracked with pain.
Unfortunately, this was not a matter money could resolve. If it were, Ningguang would have given up her most prized Jade Chamber without hesitation.
Among the Qixing, the eldest and most senior, Tianshu Star, stood and spoke gravely: "Demon child! Having been adopted by Ganyu, you should have restrained your demonic nature and lived as a proper human. Why, then, have you committed repeated heinous acts?"
Lucas responded calmly, "I am naturally mischievous. Ending up like this is my own fault. But everything I did has nothing to do with Ganyu. That foolish woman actually believed that kindness and care could reform a ferocious beast. It's utterly laughable."
His words caused the gathered crowd to erupt into murmurs:
"See? A Demon is a Demon. Truly beyond redemption!"
"What an ungrateful wretch!"
"Lady Ganyu is too kindhearted—she's been deceived all this time!"
"Demon are indeed difficult to reform," Tianshu Star sighed. "Even after years of guidance from Ganyu and Ningguang, you remain cruel and violent. Years ago, you slaughtered hundreds from an exorcist clan. Now, you have colluded with demons to betray humanity. Your crimes are compounded. You shall face execution by the Stone Pillar of Geo."
Four executioners forced Lucas under the device. A massive stone pillar, personally crafted by the Geo Archon to subdue creatures immune to ordinary weapons, loomed overhead. Once released, it would shatter any Demon's skull, extinguishing their life completely.
Lucas remained silent, bowing several times in the direction of Mt. Aozang. He knew that Ganyu, confined there, would be the one most heartbroken by his death. More than Shenhe or Ningguang, her pain would be unmatched.
"Carry out the execution! Release the stone!"
At Tianshu Star's command, the four executioners, positioned at the cardinal directions, released the chains holding the stone pillar aloft. Just as it was about to crush Lucas, an arrow of condensed ice suddenly shot forth, striking the pillar. With a loud "bang," the stone shattered into countless fragments.
As the icy mist dissipated, disbelief painted the faces of everyone present.
The one who had loosed the arrow was none other than the Qixing Envoy—Ganyu.
This wasn't a difficult guess. After all, to shatter a stone pillar crafted by the Geo Archon himself required immense strength. In all of Liyue, there were likely only a few capable of such a feat.
"Ganyu… Mama?" Lucas exclaimed in shock. "What are you doing here? How could Grandmother have let you out?"
Could it be that Ganyu had actually fought Cloud Retainer just to see him one last time?
"Don't worry," Ganyu replied, her expression remarkably calm, entirely unlike a mother facing her foster child's execution. "She simply stepped out for a while and forgot to lock the door."
Knowing Cloud Retainer's personality, it was likely not accidental but deliberate.
"Sister.. Ganyu?"
Even the white-haired Tianshu Star greeted her with uncharacteristic respect. "Could it be… that you've come to disrupt the execution?"
This was the outcome the Qixing feared most. Given Ganyu's status and influence, they had expected her to uphold justice, even at the cost of her foster son. If she acted on impulse now, the consequences would be catastrophic.
With Cloud Retainer no longer a restraint, there were few in Liyue capable of opposing Ganyu.
"Of course not." Ganyu shook her head with a gentle smile. "As an Adeptus, it would be absurd to act so recklessly. Lucas committed a grave error because of my failure to guide him properly. Since I sowed these seeds, it is only fitting that I reap the consequences. I simply wish to carry out the execution myself. I hope everyone can grant me this unreasonable request."
Hearing this, the Qixing collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
"This… While it does not align with the law…" Tianshu Star wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Since it is your request, Lady Ganyu, we must comply. However… will you truly have the heart to do it?"
After all, she had raised Lucas for seventeen years. Even raising a pet would foster deep affection, let alone a foster child.
"Why wouldn't I?"
With measured steps, Ganyu walked to Lucas's side and said softly, "Why didn't you come to me if something was wrong? You're such a bad child. If you die, what am I supposed to do? Didn't you promise to stay with me forever?"
"I'm sorry…" Lucas' voice choked with emotion. "Kill this ungrateful son…"
"Tell me," Ganyu said as she drew a longsword from her waist and rested it on Lucas' shoulder. "Do you want to live and stay with me?"
Lucas froze, muttering, "But…"
"No buts," Ganyu interrupted, shaking her head. "Just tell me whether you want to live. Leave everything else to me."
Her words shattered Lucas's resolve. He stepped forward, embracing Ganyu as he wept. "I want to live! I want to stay with you forever!"
Ganyu gently patted Lucas's back and said softly, "I've always been weak to your pleas, ever since you were small."
Their embrace left everyone stunned.
Tianshu Star couldn't help but ask, "Lady Ganyu, what are you doing?"
"Apologies." Ganyu shook her head and smiled with relief. Raising her voice, she announced, "My son has said he doesn't want to die."
The declaration sent ripples of panic across the assembly. Among the Qixing, some faces turned pale with fear.
"Lady Ganyu!" Tianshu Star forced himself to remain calm. "Please remember your position and do not forget the Geo Archon's expectations of you!"
Tianshu Star knew that if Ganyu truly acted, Liyue could barely restrain her even with all its might, and the casualties would be severe. He invoked the Archon's name, hoping to temper her resolve.
"You're right. I am the Geo Archon's trusted aide, the Qilin's descendant, a Qixing Envoy, and the secretary of Yuehai Pavilion…" Ganyu recited her many titles with ease before abruptly shifting her tone. "But before all that, I am Lucas' mother."
With that, Ganyu reversed her sword and struck swiftly. Lucas felt a chill on his shoulder as blood trickled from a shallow cut.
"Mama… What are you doing?" Lucas asked, bewildered.
"What? After all you've taken from me, can't I take a little from you?" Ganyu smiled faintly, biting into the wound and drinking his blood. The saliva of a Qilin, a pure Adeptus, quickly healed the wound.
The blood of an Adeptus was unimaginably pure. Now mingled with the tainted blood of the Gluttony, the result was clear.
Ganyu's expression twisted in pain as her blue hair slowly turned deep red, and her clear eyes took on a blood-red hue.
"Ganyu the Adeptus is dead," she declared, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "I owe Liyue nothing anymore. Now, I only wish to take my son and leave."
As her words fell, the Millelith soldiers appeared in orderly ranks, prepared in advance for such an outcome.
But upon seeing Ganyu, their expressions grew conflicted.
To the people of Liyue, Ganyu was a living legend, the very embodiment of an Adeptus. Compared to the once-a-year glimpse of the Geo Archon or the reclusive Adepti, Ganyu was the most tangible symbol of their faith.
"Lady Ganyu!"
Yelan stepped forward, her brows furrowed. "There are laws in this land, and rules in every family. Do not ruin thousands of years of cultivation over a treacherous demon."
Yelan felt the weight of the confrontation. Though few had witnessed Ganyu fight, as the Geo Archon's right hand during the Archon War, her strength was undeniable.
But letting Ganyu leave with Lucas would render years of effort meaningless. Allowing Lucas, a dangerous demon, to escape would invite disaster.
"I don't want to fight, but that doesn't mean I won't," Ganyu said coldly, steadying Lucas by the shoulders. "I'm taking him. Let's see who dares to stop me."
Even those who had only known Ganyu as gentle and humble now shuddered at her murderous intent.
Among the Millelith, seasoned elites hesitated. Raised on tales of Ganyu's deeds, they found the idea of raising arms against her unthinkable.
Fight? Most doubted they could withstand her might.
Stand down? Letting two demons escape Liyue would disgrace them all.
Yelan saw their hesitation and intervened, unwilling to send her soldiers to their deaths.
"Lady Ganyu, have you resolved to burn everything down?"
At that moment, Keqing, the silent Yuheng Star, stood and sighed deeply. "I've long opposed Adepti interfering in Liyue's affairs, fearing dependence on their power and the danger they pose if they stray."
Mortality limits humanity's capacity for corruption, but gods and Adepti, with their eternal lives, are not so restrained.
"I've said I don't wish to harm anyone," Ganyu replied, frowning. "I just want to take my son and leave."
"And his crimes? Do they simply vanish?" Keqing's voice was sharp. "Does being an Adeptus grant you privilege? If you leave, what becomes of Liyue's laws?"
Of the Qixing, Keqing was the most resolute and principled. Raising her hand, she shouted, "Eightfold Demon-Slaying Array, activate!"
With Keqing's command, eight enormous glowing swords suddenly emerged from the eight directions surrounding Yujing Terrace. The swords connected to form walls of light, sealing the terrace completely.
This sword formation had been constructed to fend off demons. Ironically, its first activation was now aimed at Ganyu.
From the glowing swords, countless smaller blades of light burst forth, launching a fierce assault on Ganyu and Lucas.
The sheer number of blades darkened the sky, nearly blotting out the sun.
Ganyu, however, remained unfazed. Wielding her sword with a single hand, every swing unleashed multiple icy blades, shattering the incoming light swords with precision.
Though the world knew Ganyu for her skill in archery, no one had expected her swordsmanship to be equally remarkable.
In truth, Ganyu's preference for the bow wasn't due to proficiency but necessity. Her immense strength made close-combat weapons dangerous for others—her icy sword energy could unintentionally harm allies. Using a bow allowed her to better control her power.
Now, however, Ganyu held nothing back. The overwhelming sword formation couldn't even touch her.
Just then, a commotion erupted in the crowd. Several Millelith soldiers rushed forward, their faces pale. "Disaster! The demon army is attacking the city!"
Sure enough, in the distance, a vast army of demons appeared, surging toward Yujing Terrace.
Liyue Harbor was heavily fortified, and ordinary monsters could never breach its walls. But this demon army, numbering in the tens of thousands, took advantage of the day's reduced defenses—most soldiers had been reassigned to Yujing Terrace for the execution.
Leading the charge were none other than Shenhe and Chaos.
"Young Master!" Chaos bellowed. "We're here to save you!"
"Charge!" Shenhe roared, brandishing her spear. "Even if it means dying here, we'll save Lucas!"
Seeing the unrelenting tide of demons, Lucas' heart trembled.
These demons had already left Liyue and found a new home. Yet now, risking annihilation, they returned to rescue him.
The battle between humans and demons seemed imminent.
But before the clash could begin, a beam of golden light suddenly pierced the sky, cutting through the clouds. A massive beast, part dragon, part qilin, descended from above, hovering mid-air.
Its mere presence emanated a pressure so immense that many people struggled to stand.
"It's… It's the Geo Archon!" someone gasped.
The crowd finally realized the truth. The majestic beast was none other than the revered Geo Archon, the Lord of Liyue, Morax.
The Geo Archon rarely descended to the mortal realm, appearing only during the annual Rite of Descension to deliver divine edicts. He had abstained from meddling in worldly affairs for millennia.
His sudden appearance today signaled that this conflict had reached an unresolvable point.
In theater, there is a term known as deus ex machina, where a powerful entity intervenes in an otherwise hopeless situation to resolve the plot. Though considered outdated in modern storytelling, this moment felt anything but contrived.
For those present, the Archon's arrival brought nothing but awe and gratitude.
Even Ganyu, who moments earlier seemed invincible in her demonic state, now wore a conflicted expression in the face of her former sovereign.
"Forgive me, Lucas…" Ganyu gave a bitter smile. "The Lord of Geo is the one opponent I cannot overcome."
"It's okay, Ganyu Mama," Lucas replied calmly. "If I can die with you, I'll have no regrets."
"Yes…" Ganyu nodded, her smile tinged with tears. "At least we can die together. That's enough."
With that, Ganyu raised her head to face the Archon. "Lord Morax, I have violated our ancient contract. My sins are unforgivable. I only ask to die to atone for them."
"Ganyu, I am aware of everything you've done," the Archon said, his deep voice resonating like thunder. "You have harmed no one. Sheltering a demon child was an act of compassion. What crime have you committed?"
He turned his gaze to Lucas. "As for you, child of Gluttony, your sins are numerous and vile. You have slaughtered countless innocents and now bring an army to assault this city. Speak—what punishment do you and your followers deserve?"
The demons could have lived peacefully outside Liyue. By invading to save Lucas, they had committed a grave offense. Under normal circumstances, Liyue would have been justified in exterminating them all.
After a long silence, Lucas finally gave a bitter smile and spoke. "My gluttony bloodline has a unique technique called Void Within, capable of containing all things. Punish these demons by sealing them within me. In doing so, they will no longer be a threat to the world. As for me… please turn me to stone and place me here on Yujing Terrace, as a warning to all."
Though this seemed like a punishment for the demons, everyone understood it was Lucas' way of protecting them.
Demons absorbed into the Void Within wouldn't die but would be transported to an alternate dimension within Lucas. He had observed this inner world before—it resembled reality in every way.
In truth, Lucas had considered this solution long ago: relocating the demons into his Void Within. However, he dismissed the idea as reckless and impractical. Swallowing so many at once would strain his abilities, and escape from the Void Within was nearly impossible.
But now, with events spiraling out of control, this was the only way to ensure their safety.
"Child of Gluttony…" the Geo Archon mused, his voice thoughtful. "You've committed countless atrocities. Now, you sacrifice yourself for others. Why?"
"Lord of Geo," Lucas replied, neither humble nor arrogant. "You, who know everything, must tell me—what is good? What is evil?"
The question silenced even the Archon. Simple in appearance, the query was profoundly complex.
"The heavens are impartial, treating all beings as mere pawns," Lucas said coldly. "You, as the embodiment of the heavens, should view all creatures equally. Why, then, is aiding humans deemed good, and harming them evil? If demons kill humans, it's evil. If humans kill demons, it's good. Isn't that so?"
"Twisted logic…" Yelan interjected. "The distinction between good and evil has always been clear."
"'It has always been this way'—does that make it right?" Lucas retorted sharply. "I act as I please. I kill when I wish, and I save when I wish. I don't need anyone to judge my morality."
With that, Lucas let out a long howl. His body swelled and expanded, revealing his true Gluttony form.
The sight of the terrifying beast filled the onlookers with dread.
The demons, however, gazed at him with admiration and respect. They laid down their weapons, resigned to their fate.
"Devour Heaven and Earth!"
Lucas opened his massive jaws, unleashing a whirlwind that swept the demons into his belly.
The scene was awe-inspiring. By the time the onlookers regained their senses, the demon army had vanished. Only their discarded weapons remained as evidence of their existence.
They no longer needed those weapons.
Their young master had created a utopia within his body, free from conflict. Tragically, Lucas would never see it himself.
After absorbing the demons, Lucas' power surged. His fur bristled like needles, and a fearsome aura radiated from him.
Were it not for the Geo Archon's presence, many onlookers would have fled in terror.
Keqing and the others wore complicated expressions.
The beast before them rivaled the legendary Osial, who once terrorized Liyue. Without the Archon's intervention today, a combined force of Lucas and Ganyu might have destroyed Liyue entirely.
Lucas's newfound power made him even more ferocious, and for a brief moment, he felt the impulse to challenge the Geo Archon to a final battle.
However, his life no longer belonged to him alone. If he were killed, the demons sealed within his Void Within would perish as well.
"Since your mind is made up," the Geo Archon said, his voice firm and commanding, "accept your punishment."
Lucas didn't resist. He silently closed his eyes as a beam of golden light descended. His body began to harden, inch by inch, transforming into dull, unyielding stone.
Ganyu watched in silence, unable to stop the tears streaming down her face.
She had resolved to defy fate, yet she remained powerless to change it.
Before long, the fearsome beast, Gluttony, was sealed within the stone, standing tall at the center of Yujing Terrace as an enormous statue.
Ironically, a statue that should have inspired fear and loathing became one of the most famous sights of Yujing Terrace in later years.
It was said that the creature within had willingly sacrificed itself to save countless demons. People began to see a hint of tenderness beneath the terrifying exterior.
"Lucas… don't be afraid…"
Ganyu raised her sword, aiming it at her own neck. "Mama is coming to join you!"
But just as the blade was about to pierce her throat, an invisible force stopped her hand.
"If you wish to seek death, Ganyu, I won't stop you," the Geo Archon said calmly. "However, at least bid farewell to Cloud Retainer, who raised you for so many years."
In the Archon's solemn voice, there was a rare touch of warmth. After all, the young woman before him was an old comrade who had once fought by his side.
And so, what could have become a catastrophic battle that engulfed all of Liyue was resolved in an instant, without a single casualty, by the Geo Archon's intervention.
"The heavens are impartial, treating all beings as pawns. The sage is impartial, treating all people as pawns..." the Geo Archon murmured to himself. "I've lived over six millennia, yet I still cannot comprehend this principle. Perhaps this title, 'Lord of Geo,' is not worth bearing."
.....
Ganyu returned home in a daze, only to find a Xianyun waiting at the door as if she had been there for some time.
Finally, Ganyu, who had been holding back her emotions, broke down, throwing herself into Xianyun's arms and crying uncontrollably.
"It has been a long time since you cried like this," Xianyun said softly. "It seems that to a mother, her child will always remain a child."
"Forgive my unfilial behavior…" Ganyu said sorrowfully. "I've decided to follow Lucas. After this meeting, we will be separated forever, across life and death."
"Foolish child, foolish child," Xianyun said, shaking her head. "My grandson isn't dead. If you truly slit your throat, you wouldn't be joining him—you'd be leaving him behind."
"Lucas isn't dead," Ganyu replied bitterly, her voice filled with anguish. "But he's sealed. Even if I venture into the afterlife, I can never meet him again."
"Silly girl, don't you find it strange?" Xianyun asked. "Do you truly believe I would stand idly by and let those humans kill my grandson?"
Ganyu was taken aback. She realized the truth in those words. Shenhe's defiance was bold, yet even she lacked the strength to challenge the Archon directly. Cloud Retainer, being far more formidable, would never have remained indifferent.
"Look at this," Xianyun said. In her hand was an unassuming jade pot, emanating faint wisps of celestial energy.
"The Serenitea Pot?" Ganyu asked, puzzled. "Why do you have this?"
The Serenitea Pot was a rare artifact capable of creating a vast internal domain, often used by Adepti as a retreat for meditation.
Of course, the size of the internal realm depended on the creator's power. A weaker user could only create a modest dwelling, while a stronger one could fashion an entire miniature world.
Though the pot appeared ordinary, Ganyu could feel an overwhelming power emanating from it.
"Speculation is pointless," Xianyun said, activating the pot. "Step inside, and you'll understand."
A flash of light engulfed them, and Ganyu found herself within the Serenitea Pot.
Expecting a humble abode, she was stunned to see a vast expanse of grasslands, distant mountain ranges, and an endless ocean.
If not for witnessing her entry into the pot, Ganyu would never have believed such a place could exist within it.
Even Cloud Retainer's celestial power should not have been sufficient to create such an expansive domain.
"Don't overthink it," Xianyun said, her tone slightly proud. "In all of Liyue—no, in all of Teyvat—only the Lord of Geo could create such a wonder. Were it not for an old favor he owed me, I wouldn't have been able to obtain this treasure."
"This pot… was given to you by the Lord of Geo?" Ganyu asked in disbelief. "But why would he—"
"Mama Ganyu!"
A familiar voice interrupted her. Ganyu spun around, startled, to see Lucas waving at her in the distance.
Behind him stood Shenhe and the demons he had "swallowed" earlier.
Lucas dashed toward Ganyu, lifting her into an embrace and spinning her around several times before finally setting her down, leaving her slightly dizzy.
"What… What is going on?" Ganyu asked, still dazed. "Am I dreaming?"
"To be honest, I thought I was dreaming too," Lucas said, scratching his head. "But it turns out the Lord of Geo is even more incredible than I imagined. He placed this Serenitea Pot in my throat."
"So… instead of entering your Void Within, they were sent into the Serenitea Pot?" Ganyu realized. "But I saw you turn into a stone statue!"
"That was just an external projection," Lucas said with a grin. "When the Serenitea Pot appeared in my throat, I guessed the Lord of Geo's intention and played along."
"But why would the Lord of Geo help you?" Ganyu asked, still confused. "Even if Master pleaded on your behalf, that wouldn't explain it."
"Cough, cough!" Xianyun cleared her throat, sounding displeased. "What? Do you doubt my influence?"
"Who knows?" Lucas shrugged. "Maybe he felt guilty himself."
"Tch, I was hoping for a proper fight," Shenhe said, clearly disappointed. "If the Lord of Geo hadn't intervened, I'd have shown everyone that Lucas could sit in his place just as well."
It seemed that while the other demons had come to rescue Lucas with the resolve to die, Shenhe had harbored ambitions of rebellion.
"In any case, our clan owes this sanctuary to the Lord of Geo," Chaos said, his tone complex. "Young Master, Lady Ganyu, why return to the mortal world? Stay here in this paradise and enjoy peace together."
"Wherever Lucas is, that's where I'll be," Ganyu said firmly. "For all eternity, we will never be apart."
"Mama Ganyu," Lucas said with a mischievous grin. "Shouldn't we celebrate this occasion properly?"
"Celebrate how?" Ganyu asked, tilting her head.
"By drinking, of course!" Lucas licked his lips. "Tonight, we're drinking until dawn!"
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Returning to Text Mode]
[Age 18: From then on, you, Ganyu, Shenhe, and countless demons lived permanently within the Serenitea Pot, leading an idyllic life of paradise. Your days were filled with leisure and cultivation.]
[Age 19: Shenhe became pregnant.]
[Age 20: Shenhe gave birth to a healthy baby girl. However, Cloud Retainer was greatly troubled. By Shenhe's lineage, the baby was her granddaughter, but by your lineage, she was her great-granddaughter.]
[Age 21: The little one had quite an appetite. Thankfully, Ganyu Mama kept a steady supply of food. Not only could she feed your daughter, but you occasionally managed to sneak a share for yourself.]
[Age 22: One time, while competing with your daughter over food, you suddenly lost control of your cultivation. Ganyu had no choice but to spar with you to help stabilize your condition. After much effort, she succeeded.]
[Afterward, you sheepishly admitted to Ganyu that you had faked it all. You were thoroughly chastised.]
[Age 23: More sparring with Ganyu.]
[Age 24: Cloud Retainer left Mount Aozang to live with you all in the Serenitea Pot.]
[Age 25: Ningguang resigned from her position as one of Liyue's Qixing and moved into the Serenitea Pot.]
[Age 26: Ganyu became preg—]
...
[Unknown Age: Years later, the Geo Archon had long since passed into history. The Adepti of Liyue gradually faded into seclusion. Yet, the towering Gluttony statue on Yujing Terrace stood steadfast, a silent testament to a bygone era. A stone tablet before it detailed the extraordinary events of the past, often drawing crowds of curious visitors.]
One day, four strikingly beautiful young women arrived in Liyue and stopped at Yujing Terrace. They stood before the statue, reading the inscription with great interest. Their conversation, overheard by bystanders, was utterly baffling:
[Girl A: "Sister, so this is what Dad's true form looks like."]
[Girl B: "How many times do I have to tell you? My mom is your grandma's junior disciple. You should be calling me Auntie."]
[Girl C: "Well, my mom is your mom's master, yet you don't call me Shishu!"]
[Girl D: "Good thing my mom has nothing to do with your family…"]
[Girl A: "Your mom is my mom's coworker."]
[Girl B: "Your mom is my dad's godmother."]
[Girl C: "Your mom is my mom's junior."]
[Girl D: "My mom gave me ten million Mora as pocket money. If you all stop arguing, I'll share it with you."]
[Girl A, B, C: "Deal!"]
[Simulation Ends]
[Cause of Death: Unknown, possibly overindulgence in milk.]
[Comprehensive Evaluation: Generations of Chaos.]
[Reward has been sent and is ready for collection.]
Lucas let out a long sigh after the simulation ended.
"As expected of a Gluttony… I can eat anything, and I'm not afraid of eating anything," he muttered.
Still, it was a decent ending. It was far better than becoming a lifeless stone statue, trapped in endless torment.
[Please choose one talent to retain as a permanent ability: "Extraordinary Bloodline," "Inherently Adorable," or "Whimsical Genius."]
"What's there to choose?" Lucas said dryly. "The last two are useless at my age."
Indeed, the latter two talents were only effective during childhood and held no relevance to Lucas now.
["Extraordinary Bloodline" selected as a permanent ability.]
[Host has obtained the "Gluttony Bloodline."]
The moment Lucas confirmed his choice, a sudden pang of hunger struck him. His stomach growled audibly, echoing through the room.
Seriously? So the first effect of the bloodline is hunger?
Looking out the window, he saw the moon high in the sky. Midnight was approaching.
"That's it. I'm going to Wanmin Restaurant for a midnight snack," Lucas decided, hopping out of bed and rubbing his stomach. "Can't sleep on an empty stomach."
Just the thought of Wanmin's dishes was enough to awaken the glutton within him. Throwing on some clothes, he stepped into the starlit night.
At this hour, most restaurants would have closed. But Wanmin Restaurant was known for its late hours, catering to night-shift workers and sailors. The ingredients might not be as fresh as during the day, but the prices were low, making it a haven for hearty eaters.
Yet, when Lucas arrived, he was stunned. The restaurant was shuttered, with a sign hanging on the door: Closed early for inventory.
"Why does this always happen to me!" Lucas groaned. His stomach growled again in protest, creating a comedic effect.
"That's quite the noise," came an icy voice from behind him. "I almost thought a beast had invaded."
The voice was familiar. Lucas turned and saw a tall, silver-haired woman standing there, her expression cold. She wore a form-fitting black athletic outfit that accentuated her striking figure.
"Shenhe?" Lucas exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
It was indeed Shenhe. Lucas hadn't expected to meet her so soon after finishing the simulation.
"Me?" Shenhe replied coolly. "I was out for a night run. The harbor's too crowded during the day; I can't move freely."
For someone as dedicated to training as Shenhe, this wasn't surprising.
"Ahem…" Lucas felt his face heat up. "A girl running around alone at night dressed like that? Not exactly safe."
Not that he was worried about her. But just imagining her running in such an outfit, her figure drawing all kinds of attention, was enough to stir dangerous thoughts.
While Liyue Harbor had excellent security, a beauty like Shenhe could tempt even the most virtuous to sin.
"Why wouldn't it be safe?" Shenhe tilted her head in confusion. "Are there monsters in the harbor?"
"Not monsters," Lucas muttered. "Sometimes, humans with malicious intent are far worse than any beast."
At these words, Shenhe's pupils dilated slightly.
----
Author's Note: Phew that surely was a lot of work...
We will catch up in next 2 chapters I think...
Well do support the book even tho we can probably not make back to rankings again...