Genshin Impact: Creating Chaos as the 6th Harbringer

The Jade Chamber hovered high above Liyue Harbor, its majestic form shimmering like a precious gem in the fading hues of the evening sun. Within its opulent halls, an unusual tension crackled through the air, carried by the arrival of an unexpected guest.

Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, stood gracefully at the head of the main room. Her golden eyes, sharp and discerning, locked onto the figure before her—a man whose very presence seemed to blend elegance with a quiet undercurrent of danger. He met her gaze with a calm confidence, his smile teetering on the edge of playful provocation.

Zanni, the Sixth Harbinger of the Fatui, or Nicholas as he was known to those within his circle, exuded charm wrapped in menace. His raven-black hair, soft and slightly disheveled, framed his chiseled features. The ice-blue of his eyes glimmered with a piercing clarity that seemed to dissect everything in his path. His attire was equally striking: a finely tailored coat adorned with intricate silver embroidery that shimmered faintly under the room's golden light. The high collar and subtle Snezhnayan crests on his chains and pins added to his aura of authority and opulence.

Yet, it was not his appearance alone that set Ningguang on edge. There was a magnetic quality about him, a way his presence seemed to dominate the room. And then there was his smile—a faint curve of his lips that promised mischief.

"Zanni, I presume?" Ningguang's voice was calm, her words carrying the crisp authority of a seasoned leader. Positioned near the grand window, she appeared ethereal as the evening light cast a soft glow around her. "When Snezhnaya announced they would send an envoy to discuss trade, I did not anticipate one of their Harbingers. Your arrival is... unexpected."

Zanni bowed slightly, his dark coat sweeping like a shadow. "Unexpected, my lady?" His voice was smooth and unhurried, laced with just enough charm to disarm. "I prefer to think of it as memorable." Straightening, his azure gaze gleamed with quiet amusement. "I must apologize for arriving without the usual pomp. I thought Liyue's elegance might appreciate a subtler approach."

Ningguang's lips curved ever so slightly, though the expression barely reached her eyes. "Subtlety is not a virtue commonly attributed to Fatui. I am curious as to why you would adopt it now."

"Curiosity," Zanni replied, stepping lightly closer to the tea table that stood between them. "A quality we seem to share, Lady Ningguang." He gestured toward the vast cityscape visible beyond the window. "How could one not be curious about a place of such remarkable beauty?"

Her expression remained poised. "Admiration for Liyue is flattering, but I suspect you did not come all this way to indulge in scenery."

"True," Zanni admitted with a soft chuckle. "But then, purpose and admiration need not be mutually exclusive. I am here, as Snezhnaya's representative, to strengthen the bond between our nations." His tone softened, as though offering a genuine sentiment. "To ensure our interests align."

"And what interests might those be?" Ningguang's question was edged with caution, her golden eyes narrowing slightly.

Zanni leaned forward, his voice dipping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Trade, of course. Liyue's wealth and resources are unparalleled. Surely you value the opportunities Snezhnaya provides as much as we value your city's treasures."

Before she could respond, he added with a sly smile, "Perhaps we could discuss these matters over dinner? I hear Liyue's cuisine is unrivaled."

Ningguang's gaze sharpened, the faintest flicker of irritation in her golden eyes. "Flattery, Harbinger, is a poor distraction. If you have a proposal, I suggest you present it formally."

Zanni raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin softening into a more contemplative expression. "As you wish. I wouldn't dare waste your time. But is it not a shame? Such a rare chance for conversation, squandered on politics."

"Your 'chance' is over," Ningguang replied coldly, her tone as unyielding as the stone beneath their feet. "I will arrange for someone to escort you back to the harbor."

A soft knock interrupted them as the grand doors swung open, revealing Keqing, another member of the Qixing. Her sharp violet eyes immediately locked onto Zanni with suspicion.

"Tianquan, the council meeting preparations are complete," Keqing reported briskly, sparing Zanni a brief, wary glance. "Will our guest be joining us?"

"No," Ningguang said smoothly. "The Harbinger was just leaving."

Zanni inclined his head toward Keqing, his smile never faltering. "What a pity. I do enjoy meeting such distinguished individuals such as the Yuheng."

Keqing's expression darkened, her gaze hardening. But she said nothing, stepping aside as Zanni bowed once more to Ningguang and exited, his boots echoing softly against the polished floors.

After breathing in the wind, Nicholas exited the Jade Chamber and made his way down towards the harbor, bracing the howling wind and surveying the city below. A devilish grin returned, only more cynical and calculating.

Ningguang was all that he had thought and been warned about she would be, and her poise had only added to his curiosity. But that was just the first act of his performance. 

Nicholas strode along the busy streets of Liyue Harbor, letting himself melt into the crowd, his fierce eyes observing everything. The merchants peddling their goods, the laborers carrying freight to and from the piers, the buzz of dialogue that flooded the atmosphere — it all evoked an image of a city that lived on a daily basis, governed by routine and methodical organization. And it was that order he sought to unravel.

As he walked, his eye was caught by a familiar figure near one of the market stalls. One stood out among them, a tall man with long, dark hair and a composed demeanor. Of course he knew it was Zhongli, one of the coolest character Genshin when he used to play and the most mysterious according lore nerds. 

He approached Zhongli with the nonchalant demeanor of an inquisitive traveler, stopping just close enough to overhear their exchange.

"This piece of jade is particularly exquisite," Zhongli remarked, holding up a finely polished stone. "I will take three of these."

"Only three?" Nicholas interjected smoothly, his voice tinged with playful curiosity. "Surely someone of your refined taste could find use for the entire set."

Zhongli turned toward him, his golden eyes calm but curious. "Ah, I did not notice you there."

"My apologies for interrupting," Nicholas said with a slight bow, his tone warm and inviting. "I couldn't help but admire your discernment. It's not often you encounter someone with such an eye for quality."

Zhongli's expression softened slightly, a small smile gracing his features. "I appreciate the compliment. Are you, too, a connoisseur of fine craftsmanship?"

"Not quite," Nicholas replied, his voice as smooth as silk. "But I do admire those who appreciate the finer things in life—and those who recognize their worth." He let his gaze linger on Zhongli for a moment, his smile gentling. "Perhaps you'd allow me the honor of learning from your expertise someday?" Nicholas took out his card and gave it to Zhongli, "If you need large sums for transaction or to store valuable jades even something very valuable to the Geo Archon, feel free to use Northland Bank as you choice for transaction" 

Zhongli does the same too but for his Wangsheng Funeral palour. I tuck it in after looking at it

"Mr Zhongli, I hope we meet again in the future maybe even participate in a business as partners" 

Zhongli inclined his head slightly, his composed demeanor unshaken. "Should our paths cross again, I would be glad to share what little insight I may have."

"I'll hold you to that," Nicholas said, his tone lightly teasing. As Zhongli turned back to his purchase, Nicholas allowed himself a small chuckle. The first thread of his web was spun.

Zhongli turned his attention back to the vendor, though his thoughts lingered on the encounter. The young Harbinger was bold, no doubt, but boldness alone would not sway the tides. Zhongli had witnessed countless ambitions rise and fall over the centuries, many consumed by the weight of their own desires.

Zhongli took a deep sigh. Erosions have certainly weaken him alot compared to when Guizhong was alive and they were in Guili Plains and the winds seems to sing the song of the rebellion from the Winter Kingdom

Time was running out and he still haven't found a successor yet