Genshin Impact: The Sharpshooter of Teyvat

The morning sunlight filtered through the clouds, casting dappled shadows across the streets of Feiyun Slope, adding a warm hue to the bustling city.

Shao Yun, having just successfully robbed the Northland Bank, wore an expression of irrepressible joy on his face.

He walked down the street with a spring in his step, as if the entire world stood with him. Every face seemed friendly, and everything in his eyes appeared so pleasing.

At that moment, two familiar figures approached—Lumine and Paimon.

Shao Yun's eyes lit up at the sight, and an even brighter smile spread across his face. He waved and shouted, "Lumine, Paimon! I'm here!"

Hearing the call, Lumine and Paimon turned and spotted Shao Yun's familiar figure.

A trace of complex emotion flickered in Lumine's gaze, while Paimon forced a smile and waved back. "Hey, Shao Yun..."

Shao Yun stepped up to them, grinning widely. "How's Childe? Did you find him?"

Paimon's expression darkened slightly at the question. She hesitated for a moment, then slowly replied, "Lumine and I went, but we didn't find him."

Shao Yun's smile gradually faded.

He nodded and pressed his lips together. Paimon probably feels really down.

Then he looked at Paimon and said, "Maybe his 'body' has already been taken care of by the Millelith."

Paimon's spirits sank even lower upon hearing that.

She looked at Shao Yun, a hint of sorrow in her eyes.

Seeing this, Shao Yun gently patted Paimon's head and consoled her, "Don't be so gloomy. At least it's not us who died, right? We should be thankful we're still alive."

Then, a line spoken long ago by the legendary outlaw "Micah Tully" came to mind. Shao Yun adapted it slightly and said solemnly to Paimon:

"Being alive is victory, Paimon. Everything else is bullshit! No matter the cost, I'll keep you both safe. Even if I have to become a villain."

Paimon was visibly startled by those words. She looked into Shao Yun's determined eyes, as if she could see the resolve and courage within him.

She blinked, then slowly said, "I get it..."

Looking at the still-upset Paimon, he told them about the successful heist at the Northland Bank.

He then reached out and gently pinched Paimon's soft cheek, speaking in the gentlest tone he could muster. "Paimon, stop dwelling on it. That's all in the past now. You should be picturing the beautiful life we'll have ahead."

From the side, Lumine watched Shao Yun's impassioned expression with curiosity. "So how much did you steal exactly?"

Shao Yun smiled faintly, eyes gleaming with uncontainable joy. Straightening up proudly, he answered:

"Over fifty billion Mora! We've really hit the jackpot!"

Lumine's reaction mirrored that of Keqing's before—her eyes went wide, and her body swayed as if she might faint on the spot.

Quick as a flash, Shao Yun caught her.

"Calm down, Lumine. You too, Paimon," Shao Yun's voice was steady and firm. "Right now, what we should be discussing is how to use this massive fortune."

Lumine's chest heaved as she tried to regulate her breathing. After a moment, she managed to say:

"Let me... let me just process this... You know what? Paimon and I used to work ourselves to death every day, completing commissions just to earn a little over ten thousand Mora. And you—you made fifty billion in under an hour!"

Shao Yun gripped Lumine's hand tightly, offering solid reassurance.

"That's right. This money is ours now. And when it comes to how we spend it, I'll follow your and Paimon's lead!"

Lumine's mind was overheating. Her gaze grew unfocused, and her face showed an unusual fatigue.

Seeing this, Shao Yun grew concerned. He quickly moved beside Lumine and helped her into a shaded area nearby.

He fanned her gently with his palm—his motions tender yet resolute—as if silently promising that no matter what, he would always be by her side.

As time passed, the color slowly returned to Lumine's cheeks.

She opened her eyes slowly and turned toward Shao Yun. Her clear eyes were filled with gratitude and trust.

Parting her soft, cherry-like lips slightly, she tried to speak, but her throat was still dry from the earlier excitement.

She waited another minute. Finally, her voice recovered some strength, and she spoke in a low voice:

"Shao Yun, my mind is a total mess right now... I don't even know what to say anymore... You're incredible!"

Though faint, her voice was filled with sincerity.

Shao Yun looked at her, a flicker of pain in his eyes. But this fifty billion was just the beginning. He smiled, ready to deliver even better news.

"Lumine, I've got something good to tell you—but I'm hesitating. I'm afraid you'll get too excited."

Lumine immediately sat up straight, curiosity and anticipation flashing in her eyes.

She took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her pounding heart.

Then she looked Shao Yun dead in the eye and said, "Tell me. No matter what it is, I can handle it."

Shao Yun gazed into her bright golden eyes and began, his tone laced with gravity.

"I saw the Fair Lady and Zhongli at the Northland Bank. Zhongli is the Geo Archon! He faked his death—he's not dead at all. And to save the Fair Lady, he struck a deal with me..."

Shao Yun took a deep breath and continued: "To protect her, he exchanged information about your brother in return for her life. You know how valuable that deal is..."

He paused, as if giving Lumine time to digest this shocking revelation.

Lumine gripped his hand tightly, her eyes filled with disbelief and hope.

"Really? News about my brother?" Her voice trembled, as though she feared it was all just a dream.

Shao Yun nodded firmly. "Yes. He gave his word. 'Let the oathbreaker suffer the wrath of the rock.' That was his vow—as the Geo Archon, that's his credibility."

At this, the composure Lumine had maintained finally broke. She pressed her face close to Shao Yun's and softly kissed his cheek.

It was a light, quick kiss—but it overflowed with warmth and affection, as gentle and sweet as a spring breeze.

Paimon, watching nearby, was so shocked her mouth fell open.

She quickly covered her eyes with her hands, as if afraid to see something she shouldn't. Still, through the gaps between her fingers, she couldn't help sneaking a peek.

After a moment, Lumine reluctantly pulled away from Shao Yun and whispered, "Thank you, Shao Yun." Her voice carried deep gratitude and joy, as though every emotion had crystallized into that one phrase.

Shao Yun looked at Lumine, a hint of mixed emotion passing through his eyes. He instinctively touched his cheek and let out a faint, helpless smile. He joked, "You're this emotional over something small—if you really do find your brother, I might actually get scared."

Lumine met his gaze and said with layered meaning, "When that time comes, you'll understand everything." Her eyes sparkled with resolve and anticipation, as though she could already see the day of reunion on the horizon.

Then, she turned toward the sky, her eyes shimmering with light. She began to dream of the days ahead, picturing the moment when she would see her brother again.

She knew that would be one of the most beautiful moments in her life.

…

At that moment, the sound of hurried, heavy footsteps shattered the morning calm.

A Millelith soldier, clad in full armor, rushed through the streets, clutching a bright yellow scroll in hand, his face solemn and grave.

As he moved, he loudly proclaimed, "The Archon has passed! The Rite of Parting will be held today at noon!"

The sudden announcement struck like a stone in a pond, stirring ripples of shock.

To think—Osial had just been dealt with, and the Qixing were already preparing the Rite of Parting. It seemed a bit too rushed, likely a maneuver to hasten the transfer of power.

Shao Yun nodded, looked at Lumine, and said softly, "There's still a while before noon. How about we eat first and then go?"

But Lumine shook her head. She stood up, clenched her fists tightly, and said excitedly, "Let's go now. Zhongli will definitely be there. I need to know about my brother—now."

Her voice was firm and urgent, as though some unseen force was propelling her forward.

Shao Yun looked at her unwavering gaze and sighed inwardly. He stood and reached out to her.

"Alright, let's go."

On the way to Yujing Terrace, the streets teemed with people, as if all of Liyue Harbor had gathered. Their faces were etched with worry and sorrow.

Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon slowly made their way toward the terrace.

Among the crowd, a middle-aged man shook his head with a sigh, his eyes full of dismay.

"So, it's true... Lord Morax has really left us." His voice carried deep regret, like a weight pressing on everyone's hearts.

Not far off, an elderly man with white hair stood with eyes reddened, tears welling up. His hands trembled as he murmured:

"Ah... I never thought the Archon, the old master... would pass so suddenly..." His voice caught in his throat, unable to continue.

Just then, a man dressed like a laborer suddenly cut in.

"Could it have been the Fatui? They've always had their eye on Liyue. Maybe they're the ones behind this!"

At those words, the crowd fell dead silent, as if that single guess had swallowed all other noise.

A man dressed like a wealthy merchant nodded, brow furrowed. "It's possible. Just like in Mondstadt yesterday—they stirred up chaos in the streets. Maybe the Qixing found evidence, and they panicked."

A dockworker clenched his fists, face twisted with rage.

"When will the Liyue Qixing finally drive those Snezhnayan wolves out?! They do whatever they want here—it's lawless!"

The old man let out a deep sigh, as if pouring all his grief and helplessness into that breath.

He looked up at the sky, as though searching for the figure who once watched over Liyue.

Shao Yun listened to the crowd's buzz, voices rising and falling, faces a mix of anxious hope and unease for the changes to come.

He turned to Lumine and whispered, "Their wish might be granted soon. The Fatui might vanish from Liyue Harbor. And now that the Northland Bank is empty, maybe the Qixing will take over and breathe new life into that place."

Lumine smirked at that, a playful gleam in her eye. "And then you'll rob it again? Shake all of Liyue Harbor to its core?"

Shao Yun laughed, his eyes gleaming with mischief, as if the idea didn't bother him in the least. "If you want me to rob again, I'll do it—over and over—until you're satisfied."

Lumine gently slapped his shoulder, her tone half-scolding.

"There's an old saying in Liyue: 'The heart is never satisfied, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant.' You'd better take it easy. Don't lose control."

Shao Yun nodded, his face briefly serious. "Got it. From now on, I'll only target treasure hoarders, Fatui, and idiots who don't know better. I've got enough money—but who ever says no to more?"

Lumine sighed and spread her hands, both exasperated and amused by his nature.

"Sigh... I give up. But hey, as long as you don't go too far, if it makes you happy, I don't mind."

…

They arrived at the Hall of Pillars. Outside the venue, the crowd surged like waves, a cacophony of voices filling the air. Though it was still far from noon, people had already gathered in anticipation of the solemn occasion.

In the midst of the clamoring crowd, Shao Yun scanned the area and found the venue was packed to the brim.

He frowned slightly, then crouched down and said softly to Lumine, "Lumine, same as always."

Lumine looked at him with resignation. She knew what he meant. She nodded and said, "You... alright."

Just like the first time she'd watched the Rite of Descension, she deftly climbed onto Shao Yun's shoulders.

Shao Yun rose to his full height, securely holding Lumine's legs so she could see farther and clearer.

Standing on Shao Yun's shoulders, Lumine's gaze cut through the crowd, and from a distance, she caught sight of what was happening inside the venue.