Boom—!
The vast expanse of azure finally condensed into a single point, transforming into an arrow that shot out with blinding speed.
At that moment, the thunder of heaven and earth fell silent, the storm froze.
The sky and the sea were split by this arrow, becoming two worlds.
This was a true miracle.
In the Komore Teahouse, within the courtyard.
The cherry blossoms in mid-air paused for a moment, then slowly drifted down.
"Qin Yu..."
The women stared at the terrifying spectacle in the distance, their gazes complex.
The battle between gods, the heavens and earth changed color.
This was the Archon War.
He must be alright.
...
Such an anomaly was enough to be seen anywhere in Inazuma.
Even in lands far across the ocean.
In the land of Geo, Liyue Harbor.
Beside a wooden bridge, a graceful figure stood.
She wore a simple black dress, exuding an elegant aura.
A gentle breeze caressed her silky black hair, revealing a slender waist.
Ribbons fluttered, classical and exquisite.
Beneath the black, cinched-waist long dress were fair and slender calves.
She appeared to be a reliable older sister.
"A truly surprising young man."
Under the warm sunlight, golden maple leaves drifted before her.
The woman slightly raised her delicate chin and reached out to catch one.
Mortal… The Tsaritsa's contract…
Should she go see Qin Yu?
"Sigh."
Her amber eyes gazed towards the sea, and she finally sighed.
A hint of… weariness seemed to have settled on her mature and beautiful face.
The next moment, the woman's vision went dark.
"Hee hee— Guess who I am?"
A playful voice sounded by her ear, in perfect surround sound.
The woman felt a flat yet soft body nuzzling against her.
"Hu Tao, out so early today."
The woman gently squeezed the girl's small hand.
As if comforting a mischievous daughter.
"Sigh… Boring, you recognized me again."
The mischievous girl hugged the woman, pouting.
Hu Tao, the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
The woman had raised her since childhood, their relationship naturally intimate.
But soon, she reacted and said sternly,
"Zhong Li—! What's with all the sudden unexpected bills!"
If this continued, they'd be bankrupt!
"Oh? Is that so? This is the first I've heard of it."
"Darn it… feigning ignorance again."
Hu Tao clung to Zhong Li, her slender legs in white socks kicking in dissatisfaction.
If anyone saw this scene, they'd probably think it was a daily squabble between a daughter supporting her extravagant mother.
But clearly, a mother's children were not always just one.
"Yan… ahem, Miss Zhong Li!"
A soft, pleasant, and clear voice sounded, tinged with sleepiness.
"Sister Ganyu, I'm surprised to see you out shopping in the daytime!"
Hu Tao covered her mouth with exaggerated surprise.
"I, I just happened to be passing by."
Ganyu secretly glanced at Zhong Li, who looked at her with gentle eyes, her face blushing slightly.
She looked just like a thoughtful daughter visiting her mother.
Saying this, she quickly picked up the bag she was holding.
"Sweets, would you like some?"
"Sure, sure."
Hu Tao replied for Zhong Li, bouncing away from her and opening the bag.
"Sister Ganyu, I heard you wanted to resign from your position as the Seven Stars' Secretary."
Hu Tao asked, munching on sweets.
"Yes, after learning of Keqing's situation, I think… I want to go out for a while."
Ganyu looked at Zhong Li expectantly, looking somewhat hesitant.
It was as if she had "Mom, what do you think?" written all over her face.
"Just follow your heart." Zhong Li said.
Suddenly, she frowned again.
"After all these years, haven't you found a partner to show me?"
"The standard… similar to that Qin Yu would be fine."
This time, there should be no excuse to refuse.
She worried herself sick over these children.
"A, a partner?!"
Ganyu's face turned red, and she quickly shook her head.
Giving birth to a little Qilin…
No, no, she had to stay by Zhong Li's side!
"This is an order. Go find a partner and bring them back for me to see."
Zhong Li snorted and flicked Ganyu's forehead.
Disobedient.
"Okay."
The latter mumbled, only able to agree.
She silently noted Qin Yu's name.
It seemed she would have to ask Keqing for dating advice.
"Qin Yu? As someone by the Electro Archon's side, he must have a lot of orders."
"Shall we go to Inazuma together? Expanding the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's business is a good idea!"
Hu Tao clapped her hands, her eyes lighting up.
The mischievous girl was already looking around for a small boat.
"Sigh, this child."
Zhong Li pursed her lips and sighed.
Raising children wasn't always easy.
Just like…
"Um."
A slightly awkward voice sounded.
The next moment, a young man appeared from behind a tree by the bridge, observing from a distance.
"Xiao—"
Ganyu and Hu Tao waved.
"Just passing by."
Xiao walked over, silent and reserved.
Pretending to be cool by not speaking… he was indeed very strong.
"..."
Zhong Li rubbed his hair, her expression gentle.
Xiao's expression visibly relaxed.
"Let's gather at Wanmin Restaurant, my treat."
The young single mother smiled at the three children she had raised.
"Put it on the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's tab again?"
"That would be splendid."
...
On the other side.
Inazuma, Seirai Island.
"Hoo… hoo…"
Qin Yu slowly dispersed his Hydro energy, breathing heavily.
He looked at the island split in two.
"Did… did I do this?"
He murmured, a look of shock in his eyes.
Yelan's C6 effect was too terrifying.
If he were to face someone difficult in the future, and just shoot them in the face, who could possibly resist!
Crack—
Ice crystals shattered, as if the sky was collapsing.
Immediately after, a figure shrouded in chilling aura appeared, descending from the sky.
It was the Cryo Archon, who had tanked Qin Yu's shot.
With C6 Yelan and the blessing of the World Tree's life, Qin Yu's attack was incredibly terrifying.
The residual power of the arrow was still enough to pierce through the entire Seirai Island.
And the Cryo Archon, the true target of the attack…
"What are you spacing out for? Hurry and catch her."
From afar, a催促 (cuīcù - urge/hasten) voice came.
Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and the God of Flowers arrived hand in hand, surprise in their eyes.
That arrow was truly unexpected.
Was this still the Qin Yu who needed tutoring and had to write papers beneath her?
"Go on, Yu."
Ei put away her薙刀 (nàdāo - a type of Chinese glaive), and said softly.
The attack was terrifying, but it wasn't enough to kill the Cryo Archon.
Stopping at the right moment…
Suddenly, she raised an eyebrow and looked at Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
The latter blinked, a joyful smile curving her lips.
Why not take this opportunity to deal with the Cryo Archon…
The joyful God of Wisdom had come up with a new idea.
"Mm."
Qin Yu nodded and moved.
Riding the wind, he charged towards the figure surrounded by shimmering ice.
"..."
In mid-air, the Cryo Archon slowly opened her ice-blue, silver-gray eyes.
Her gaze shifted, looking at Qin Yu.
The proud Archon felt a complex emotion rise within her.
"I… lost?"
Although she hadn't used her authority, nor her divine weapon.
There were many reasons.
But she had still lost.
Lost to the man she tried to forcibly take away.
Recalling Qin Yu's final gaze.
Fighting to protect the beauty around him?
"So, this is what true gentleness is like."
The Cryo Archon murmured, slowly closing her eyes.
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
Absolute cruelty…
Perhaps it was time to pause and reflect.
"Are you alright—"
Qin Yu was getting closer.
But the Cryo Archon no longer wanted to do anything.
Until an unfamiliar aura enveloped her.
It was Qin Yu.
The proud and cold Empress fell into his embrace.
…It was very warm.