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

"That's not right. How do you even know about my experiences with Paimon?" Lumine suddenly realized the most critical point, glaring at Noah with wide eyes.

Paimon, hands on her hips and puffed up with borrowed authority from Lumine, glared at Noah as well. "Yeah, yeah! You bad guy, how come you know so much? You even remember things better than I do!"

Noah spread his hands casually. "Didn't I already say? Not all beings from beyond this world qualify as Descenders. Only those capable of altering the world's course are considered as such."

"You could think of it as only those with immense power. And my power is—time."

As he spoke, Noah snapped his fingers. Instantly, a series of images began to project around Lumine like a holographic display. They showed scenes of her journey through Mondstadt.

"So, knowing everything about you isn't all that surprising." Lumine was utterly stunned. The power of time? That was far too incredible.

Even though she had lost her memory, her common sense remained intact. Having traveled through many worlds, she knew that time manipulation was one of the most powerful and enigmatic abilities imaginable.

Even at her peak, she doubted she could ever contend with it. But… did this mean that all her privacy was effectively nonexistent in front of this man? Even a being as sly as her felt an instinctive need to adjust her clothing for modesty.

Paimon stared in awe. "Whoa… that's so amazing!"

Istaroth, playing the role of Noah's sidekick, smugly added, "Hmph, of course it is. Noah is incredible." After all, he was the Heavenly Principle, the most powerful entity in this world. Naturally, he was amazing.

Lumine gave Paimon a strange look. Look at this guy's guide—so clever, so well-informed. And then look at her own guide—so dumb, so forgetful, and constantly in need of care. But after all they'd been through together, she'd already grown used to it.

Paimon scratched her head awkwardly. "Lumine, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"

Lan clicked her tongue in amazement. "This is truly eye-opening. To think I'd learn such secrets! It's even more surprising than anything I experienced during my days as an adventurer."

"To meet not one but two individuals from beyond this world… what a day!"

Lumine snapped back to the main topic and asked, "Since you've already completed your journey through the Seven Nations, you must know how to meet the Geo Archon, right?"

Noah stroked his chin thoughtfully. "You've already figured out what's going on with your brother, and you still want to meet the Geo Archon?"

Crossing her arms and gritting her teeth, Lumine declared, "Of course! Traveling through the Seven Nations to earn proof of departure probably involves the gods, doesn't it? Otherwise, it won't work." And besides, wasn't her brother the one who said she had to travel through all seven nations and reach the end? Fine. When she caught up to him, she was going to beat him into a pulp.

Noah's smile gleamed with the delight of a mischief-maker. "Oh, I absolutely know how to meet the Geo Archon. First, you'll need to visit every Adeptus in Jueyun Karst. The Adepti will test you, and by passing their trials, you'll gain their hints."

"Once you've pieced all the hints together, you'll know where the Geo Archon is and who he really is."

After speaking, Noah turned to Zhongli, who sat there as calm as ever. "Well, Liyue's most learned Zhongli, am I right?"

Zhongli, internally crying and laughing, thought to himself: So this is how the Heavenly Principle intends to prank the Fourth Descender. But if the Heavenly Principle says it's true, then it must be true. He nodded solemnly. "Indeed, that is correct."

Paimon's jaw dropped. "Huh?! We have to track down every Adeptus and pass all their tests just to meet the Geo Archon? That's way too hard!" Her face twisted into a look of despair.

Zhongli explained, "The Geo Archon, after all, is Liyue's god and also its supreme leader. Meeting him is naturally no simple matter."

Snapping out of her shock, Lumine turned to Noah. "Was this how you met the Geo Archon back then?"

Noah nodded. "Of course. That's how I earned my proof of departure, and Zhongli himself was a witness."

Could Zhongli say otherwise? Certainly not.

Seeing the pair's increasingly disheartened expressions, Zhongli quickly added, "The Adepti are quite reasonable. They won't make things overly difficult for you."

Lumine sighed. "Alright." If her powers weren't sealed, she'd march straight up to the Geo Archon, grab him by the collar, and force him to stamp her proof of departure.

Noah's tone turned cheerful. "Come on~ Don't be so downhearted. Zhongli's treating us today. Why don't you enjoy Liyue's delicious cuisine before heading off to visit the Adepti?"

Smiling slyly, Noah turned to Zhongli. "Isn't that right, Mr. Zhongli?"

Hehehe, I can't wait to see her reaction when she finds out Zhongli himself is the Geo Archon. Will she want to kill me on the spot?

Zhongli nodded. "That's right. Today, I'll be your host. Liyue's cuisine is truly one-of-a-kind among the Seven Nations."

Paimon scratched her head sheepishly. "Oh, we couldn't possibly…"

Lumine also felt slightly embarrassed. She was here to ask for help and hadn't even paid any compensation, and now she was being treated to a meal? But then she remembered how little Mora she had and shamelessly nodded her agreement.

Noah, still grinning, said, "Lead the way, Zhongli. With your refined taste and knowledge, I'm sure you'll choose somewhere that won't disappoint me or the Traveler."

As Lumine hesitated with embarrassment, Noah was inwardly overjoyed. You think you've exposed me? You've only uncovered the first layer of my plan. I still have a second layer, a third layer…

Even a millennium-old trickster like you is no match for my games.

The original inheritor of Phanes' Light Realm Authority, capable of using Teyvat's creative power perfectly—did you think I'd let her go? Not a chance.

As the saying goes: "You're here now, so don't even think about leaving."

Before the twins arrived, there were only two beings in all of Teyvat capable of wielding Light Realm Authority: the Dragon King Nibelungen and Phanes, who defeated the Seven Dragon Lords and divided their power.

Light Realm Authority was Teyvat's power of creation—the force of a creator. If Lumine mastered it, she wouldn't surpass the Heavenly Principle, but she would far outclass the Four Shades.

Phanes' original plan had been to have Lumine master Light Realm Authority, inherit her Primordial Ring of Law, and take over the Human Realm Force System to continue protecting Teyvat.

Why travel through the Seven Nations? To create bonds and forge chains of destiny that would bind her to Teyvat.

Once she inherited the Human Realm Force System, she would be entirely tied to Teyvat, unable to leave even if she wanted to.

But now that Noah had inherited Phanes' throne, Lumine had no choice but to stay. Binding her to Teyvat? That was too easy.

After taking some time to enjoy himself, Noah planned to open the second World Gate in Fontaine. By then, the Human Realm Force System, with its power to govern fate, would officially register Lumine as a permanent resident of Teyvat.

As the group exited the Heyu Tea House, Lumine thanked Lan for introducing her to Zhongli. Then she followed Zhongli and her fellow Descender, Noah, down the bustling streets.

Suddenly, a lively, playful voice rang out. "My, my! Zhongli, I wondered why you left so early this morning. Turns out you're entertaining guests!"

With a lively and mischievous voice, a young girl approached. She was dressed in a red-brown outfit decorated with lily patterns, her head adorned with a plum blossom-decorated hat styled in the form of a divination cap.

The girl exuded youthful energy, and her bright, spirited eyes instantly conveyed that she had a playful and quirky personality.

Hu Tao spoke with an easy familiarity, "Ah, I always knew that Zhongli had many friends, but it's the first time I've seen him entertaining such a big group. Could it be that today is Zhongli's birthday?"

Zhongli, upon seeing the girl, felt a slight wave of exhaustion rise within him. "Director Hu, you jest. Today is not my birthday."

Hu Tao chuckled mischievously. "Ah, Zhongli, you're just as stiff as always. I was only joking." With that, she stepped forward and looked at the people standing behind Zhongli.

"As expected of guests invited by our esteemed Consultant. Each of you radiates an extraordinary presence—like people destined to become my future friends! Consultant, why not introduce me to them?"

Paimon, ever the spokesperson for Lumine, immediately commented, "Wow, she's so... forward!"

Noah stepped forward with a smile and said, "A tiny blade of grass beneath our feet, crowned with two fiery blossoms above. What a spirited and passionate young lady!"

Hu Tao's eyes lit up at once. "Wow! Such a carefree and eloquent young man! You must be someone who doesn't conform to the rules—a person after my own heart. It's truly an honor!"

Although Hu Tao was mischievous and lively by nature, as the head of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—a business with a 2,000-year legacy in Liyue—she was well-versed in proper etiquette. A friend of Consultant Zhongli naturally required a formal introduction; skipping such pleasantries would be seen as rude to Zhongli himself.

Zhongli, noting the Heavenly Principle's casual and worldly demeanor, quickly stepped in to perform the introductions. "Allow me to make the introductions. This is Hu Tao, the Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. She is responsible for all of Liyue's funeral affairs."

Hu Tao clasped her hands together and said warmly, "That's correct! Everyone in Liyue will eventually become my customer. You can also rest assured—if you'd like, you can pre-order our services in advance."

Paimon almost burned out her remaining brainpower trying to process this, muttering in disbelief, "She runs a funeral business... Who in their right mind would be wishing for customers like that?!"

Even Lumine couldn't help but nod in agreement. This overly familiar girl had a truly eccentric personality.

Hu Tao laughed lightheartedly. "Life and death are part of the natural order, you know. Even immortals have their time to pass on. Planning ahead with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor ensures peace of mind~."

Zhongli cleared his throat gently, interrupting Hu Tao's rambling. "Director Hu," he said, before continuing the introductions.

"This gentleman here is Noah, a friend of mine. He is a scholar of great knowledge and exceptional demeanor, currently visiting Liyue to enjoy its scenery."

"This distinguished lady is a yokai from Inazuma, the Miko (Shinto Priestess) of the Grand Narukami Shrine, Lady Yae Miko."

"This young adventurer with golden hair is Lumine, a legendary figure granted the title of Honorary Knight by the Knights of Favonius in Mondstadt."

"And as for these two..." Zhongli's gaze shifted to the floating figures of Istaroth and Paimon.

Today truly was an eventful day, even for someone as composed as Zhongli. A gathering of the Heavenly Principle, the Fourth Descender, two of Celestia's Four Regents, and, to top it all off, the ever-headstrong Director Hu Tao—it was enough to test anyone's endurance.

Paimon puffed up her chest and introduced herself confidently, "I'm Paimon, Lumine's best companion!"

Istaroth, who had returned to her blue form, mimicked Paimon by folding her arms proudly and tilting her head. "I'm Istaroth, Noah's best companion!"

Hu Tao's expression grew increasingly amazed. "As expected of Consultant Zhongli! The friends you've brought today are truly remarkable. A scholar praised for his knowledge, a yokai from Inazuma, an Honorary Knight of Mondstadt, and—"

Her words trailed off as she glanced at the two floating companions. "—these two... best companions."

Paimon and Istaroth immediately looked dissatisfied. "What?! Why do we get the shortest introductions?!"

Hu Tao laughed as she tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her plum blossom-shaped eyes. "Oh? Do my two small friends have even more impressive achievements to share? I'm all ears."

The two companions fell silent at that. Paimon, suffering from memory loss, couldn't recall any notable accomplishments and assumed she had none. As for Istaroth, she would never reveal her secrets under any circumstances.

Hu Tao, ever the lively spirit, placed her hands on her hips and said with a grin, "Meeting people is a matter of fate. Now that we've exchanged names, we're officially friends!"

"It's already noon, and knowing Consultant Zhongli's methodical nature, I can guess you're headed for lunch. Well, I have just the right place in mind—a restaurant guaranteed to whet your appetites."

Noah couldn't help but applaud. "Fate brings us together, Director Hu. Well said! Such a meeting must surely be the result of karma from a past life. How could we refuse your generous hospitality?"

It was rare to meet someone who could effortlessly increase goodwill and bring everyone closer together on the first encounter. Hu Tao was undoubtedly one of those rare individuals.

And Noah had, in the past, spared no expense in pulling for Hu Tao's full constellations.

Yae Miko, following suit, smiled slyly and added, "Indeed. I've even heard about the reputation of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor all the way in Inazuma. If the opportunity arises, I'd be glad to collaborate."

Hu Tao's eyes lit up like stars. "Though I'm definitely interested in discussing business, there's no talk of work during meals. Once the drinks are flowing, though, I'd love to chat more with the esteemed fox lady!"

It was beyond her expectations—what began as an attempt to meet Consultant Zhongli's friends had turned into a golden opportunity to forge connections with someone important in Inazuma. Perhaps this was her chance to expand Wangsheng Funeral Parlor into foreign lands.

Not bad, Consultant Zhongli. The friends you've introduced me to are all extraordinary.

Yae Miko chuckled. "Fox lady? This is the first time someone's called me that."

Watching the ever-lively Hu Tao, Zhongli sighed internally. This child's energy was simply too much for him to handle.

Yet, as he glanced at Noah, he couldn't help but notice something peculiar. The Heavenly Principle seemed to genuinely enjoy Hu Tao's company.

Thinking back, Noah's playful and mischievous nature wasn't unlike Hu Tao's own. Was this simply a case of like attracting like?

Hu Tao soon led the group to a bustling restaurant in Chihu Rock. The place was crowded with patrons, and a young girl dressed in a chef's uniform was hard at work inside. A bear-shaped creature clumsily helped by carrying empty plates.

Hu Tao waved enthusiastically. "Hey, Xiangling! I've brought some special guests today. Time to whip out the best dishes from Wanmin Restaurant!"

Xiangling turned her head in surprise, spotting Hu Tao leading a large group of guests into the restaurant. "Hu Tao? Bringing so many people today? Please, come in, come in!"

Setting down her work, Xiangling hurried over. "And Zhongli is here too! Are these guests of yours, Hu Tao?"

Some of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's clients would go to great lengths to invite Zhongli for consultations, sparing no expense on meals and entertainment. They often ordered the most expensive dishes in the restaurant.

Hu Tao quickly waved her hands in denial. "No, no, not this time! These aren't clients. These are friends I just made today. And as the host, I'm treating them to lunch."

"So, as Liyue's top chef, you'd better prepare your best dishes for us!"

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