Genshin Impact: I, Heavenly Principle, Will Make Teyvat Supreme

Seeing Zhongli's ever-steady and composed demeanor, though with a faint hint of tension in his brows, Noah smiled and said, "Long time no see, Zhongli. I just finished taking care of a few things back home—things are much better now. I couldn't wait to head out, explore a bit, and enjoy the scenery. I plan to travel from Liyue all the way to Fontaine."

Zhongli let out a quiet breath of relief and replied, "Then I must certainly ensure a proper welcome for you, Lord Noah. The mountainous scenery and landscapes of Liyue hold a uniquely serene elegance among the Seven Nations."

Only now did Zhongli realize: This Heavenly Principle had only recently arrived in the world of Teyvat. Naturally, he would want to take a look at the surface and experience the beauty of the land.

What's more, in just the short time since his arrival, this world had already been revitalized under his care. Regardless of the reasons behind it, Zhongli couldn't help but feel deep respect.

Lan's curiosity got the better of her. "Mr. Zhongli, is this Lord Noah perhaps some important figure from Inazuma?"

After all, she knew that the deity of Inazuma was a goddess.

This question, however, put Zhongli in a difficult spot. He glanced at Noah, whose expression remained calm and pleasant. Zhongli thought to himself: Surely Lord Noah, who is exploring Teyvat for leisure, wouldn't want to reveal his identity as the Heavenly Principle.

"This Lord Noah is…"

Just as Zhongli began to fabricate an explanation, a shadow suddenly collided with the floating figure of Paimon beside Lumine.

"Ahhh!" Paimon let out a yelp as she was knocked to the ground, crying out in pain.

"Ow! Ow!" she complained.

Lumine immediately turned her head, only to freeze in complete shock at the sight before her.

Not only her—Lan was equally dumbfounded, while Zhongli's pupils slightly contracted. This aura… though faint, unmistakably belonged to the most enigmatic of the Four Shades.

As one of the oldest of the Seven Archons, Zhongli had some knowledge of Phanes' plans. He knew that he—and likely Barbatos too—were not entirely in the dark.

Originally, Zhongli had intended to step down from his divine role while Phanes slumbered. He had planned to guide Phanes' chosen successor through Liyue's script before retiring.

However, with the sudden appearance of the new Heavenly Principle, Phanes' entire plan was overturned. Zhongli was forced to abandon his retirement plans altogether.

This change also meant that the fourth Descender could no longer ascend to become the next Heavenly Principle. Therefore, after the Rite of Parting, Zhongli had decided to meet this Descender and then leave her to her own devices.

But he had not anticipated the arrival of the fifth Descender, the current Heavenly Principle, in Liyue itself. Even Zhongli found himself caught off guard.

Lumine finally snapped out of her daze, her golden eyes wide with disbelief. Her mouth opened into a round "O" as she stammered, "P-Paimon… there are two of you?!"

Paimon floated back up, rubbing her head with a dazed expression. "Ow… my head hurts. It's all dizzy… W-who, who bumped into me…"

The other figure, now glowing with the same pink hue as Paimon, also pretended to groggily float up. "Ugh… my head… Who dared bump into me…"

"Ahhh! W-who are you?! How do you look exactly like me?" Paimon shrieked, pointing accusingly at her double.

The imposter, Istaroth, immediately played the victim, glaring back at Paimon. "You hit me first! Who are you?!"

Paimon, now fully alert, found herself staring at her identical copy in utter shock. "You… you… why do you look exactly like me? Who are you?!"

Floating over to Lumine, Istaroth clung to her and declared, "I'm Paimon, Lumine's best companion."

"What?!" Paimon cried out, utterly flabbergasted. "You're calling yourself Paimon?! Then what am I supposed to be called?!"

Standing with her hands on her hips, Istaroth struck an arrogant pose that reeked of superiority. "How would I know what you're called? Why don't you explain why you look exactly like me and why you headbutted me?!"

Her demeanor, her tone, even her haughty attitude—all perfectly mimicked Paimon's usual behavior.

Watching her own clone acting so self-assured, Paimon began to panic. "Lumine! I'm the real Paimon! That one's an imposter!"

"Lies!" Istaroth stomped the air dramatically. "Why would I impersonate you?"

"No! You're the imposter!" Paimon stomped back. "Lumine, I'm the real Paimon, and she's fake!"

"No, she's the fake, and I'm the real Paimon!" Istaroth retorted.

The two Paimons buzzed around Lumine, causing the Traveler to feel entirely at a loss. She hesitated, then looked at the first Paimon. "Are you Paimon?"

Paimon nodded vigorously like a pecking chicken. "Yes, yes, yes! See, Lumine, you can tell it's me!"

Then Lumine turned to the other Paimon. "And you? Are you Paimon too?"

Istaroth nodded furiously. "Of course I am!"

Faced with the identical behaviors of both Paimons, Lumine felt her brain spinning. Helplessly, she threw up her hands. "I can't tell which one of you is the real Paimon."

The two Paimons puffed out their cheeks in identical frustration. "How could you, Lumine?!"

Yae Miko, observing this ridiculous scene, turned her gaze to the smiling Noah at her side. In an instant, she realized the true source of this spectacle.

Ah, so this was the fun Lord Noah wanted to have. The corners of her mouth curled up knowingly. Turning to the group, she said, "I think I know a way to determine which one is real."

Both Paimons turned to her, their faces lighting up identically. "What is it?!"

Yae Miko smiled calmly. "Why don't you both share something only you and Lumine would know? That way, we can easily tell the difference."

"That's a great idea!" Paimon exclaimed. She turned to Istaroth, her hands on her hips. "Hah! Now you'll be exposed, you fake!"

"Excuse me," Istaroth scoffed, mirroring the stance. "That's my line, you counterfeit!"

Lumine nodded. "Good idea. I'll ask the questions."

Still perplexed by how two Paimons could exist, Lumine resolved herself. Clearly, one of them had to be a fraud.

And whoever was behind this prank… she'd figure it out and make sure they paid dearly. Heh. She couldn't wait to catch them red-handed.

"First question: Where did I first meet Paimon?"

Istaroth shot her hand up. "Guyun Stone Forest! Lumine fished me out of the sea when I was about to drown. If not for her, I'd be a goner!"

Paimon, just about to answer, froze mid-word. She watched in horror as her duplicate flawlessly recited the story, down to the details. Lumine's skeptical gaze turned to her, and Paimon panicked.

"T-that doesn't count! Ask another one. I'll get the next question right!"

Lumine proceeded to her second question: "What was the first dish Amber treated us to?"

Once again, Istaroth raised her hand first. "Sticky Honey-Roasted Carrots!"

Paimon had barely managed to say the word "Sticky" before her counterpart finished the answer. Seeing Lumine's increasingly scrutinizing look, Paimon felt tears welling up.

"N-no! That doesn't count either! Ask a third one! I'll definitely get it right!"

Istaroth stood proudly, arms akimbo. "Hah, counterfeit! Admit it already!"

Fuming with frustration, Paimon stomped the air. "Y-you, why do you know so much about me and Lumine?!"

Lumine pressed forward with the final question. "Alright, last one. Only the real Paimon would know the answer to this."

Paimon clutched her chest, determined. "I'll get it! I promise!"

Istaroth mimicked her confidently. "No doubt about it. I'm the real deal!"

Lumine smirked. "Third question: Who is the Darknight Hero of Mondstadt?"

Istaroth didn't hesitate. "The Righteous Diluc!"

Paimon barely had time to lift her hand before—crash. Her mind blanked.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

40 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon: 

Patreon.com/DaoOfHeaven