Genshin Impact: The Sharpshooter of Teyvat

Inside the hall, the Everlasting Incense had already burned out, and the solemn atmosphere of the Rite of Parting gradually began to fade.

Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu had left for Yuehai Pavilion to tend to official matters.

At that moment, Lumine and Paimon returned from their conversation with Zhongli.

Shao Yun lit up when he saw them, quickly walking up to meet them, his tone filled with a hint of anticipation.

"Well? Did you get what you were hoping for?"

Lumine hesitated slightly. Seeing the concern in Shao Yun's eyes, a warmth blossomed in her chest—but she quickly recalled the news she had just received and a conflicted expression crossed her face.

"I did learn something about my brother… but not everything."

Shao Yun's heart sank at her words, and his smile vanished.

He had expected Zhongli to reveal everything about her brother. To hear otherwise made his expression darken. He stared at Lumine, his voice slightly shaking.

"What?"

A flicker of anger rose in Shao Yun's chest. He glanced toward Zhongli, convinced he hadn't told Lumine the whole truth. He rolled his shoulders, ready to confront him.

"I spared the Fair Lady's life, damn it. If he didn't fulfill his part, I'll make sure he coughs up the rest—personally."

But just then, Lumine grabbed his arm gently and said, "Wait—he did tell me something about my brother. Don't do anything rash."

Shao Yun stopped mid-step, looking at her in confusion. "Then what did he say?"

Lumine took a deep breath and recounted what Zhongli had told her. "He said he knows something about my brother… but not where he is now."

Shao Yun furrowed his brows, clearly dissatisfied. He looked at her, puzzled by the content expression on her face.

"That's enough for you?"

Lumine nodded, her voice firm. "Yes. I asked what I wanted to ask. At least now I know he's still somewhere in this world, just not where exactly. I believe I'll find him someday."

Looking into her resolute eyes, Shao Yun couldn't help but be touched by her optimism. But still—this wasn't a fair deal!

"But I'm not satisfied! The Lady's life shouldn't be that cheap!"

…

The midday sun gleamed on the white jade railings of the Hall of Pillars, casting a cool brilliance across the stone.

Shao Yun walked with heavy steps to Zhongli's side, his face clearly marked by dissatisfaction.

He leaned against the railing and gazed into the distance without speaking, choosing not to lash out immediately.

Zhongli regarded him calmly, his deep eyes seeming to see right through him. He asked with gentle clarity, "Shao Yun, you seem troubled. What's wrong?"

Shao Yun didn't answer right away. He pulled out a bottle of Guarma Rum from his coat.

He took a long swig. The burn of the alcohol seemed to cool his anger somewhat. Then he looked directly at Zhongli and asked, voice laced with accusation.

"Zhongli, did you really tell her everything about her brother?"

Zhongli lowered his head slightly, as though carefully considering his response. After a pause, he said slowly:

"Shao Yun, aside from the history buried five centuries ago… I told Lumine everything I know. Her brother once wandered Liyue—admiring Jueyun Karst, sharing tea with me. He spoke often of wanting to cure all who suffer. His wish was to heal and save."

Zhongli's words fell like rain on dry earth, easing some of the fire in Shao Yun's heart.

That was Aether's wish—to free the cursed from Khaenri'ah.

So, Zhongli hadn't lied. He really did tell Lumine what she needed. But still—it wasn't enough!

"Zhongli, you're still holding back, aren't you? I'm still angry."

Zhongli sighed. "Shao Yun, Khaenri'ah… it's complicated. My contract with it predates even yours with me. I've taken a great risk sharing this much. But some truths… I simply cannot speak."

His gaze drifted upward to Celestia floating above.

Shao Yun gripped his bottle tightly. He turned to face Zhongli and said through gritted teeth, "So you played word games with me, huh? You think the Lady's life was worth that little?"

Zhongli was silent, then nodded. He muttered, almost to himself, "Very well. Consider it a breach of contract. I needed the Fair Lady to deliver the Gnosis to Snezhnaya. I'll accept the punishment."

He pulled out a luminous golden cor lapis, its warm glow pulsing like sunlight made solid.

Shao Yun's brow furrowed. He stepped closer. "What are you doing?"

Zhongli didn't reply. He closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and then—

With a sudden motion, he bit down hard on the cor lapis.

A sharp crack echoed out as the stone shattered between his teeth. He ground it to fragments and swallowed.

Shao Yun stared in stunned silence, mouth agape.

This guy is dead serious. If this isn't the definition of a man keeping his word… then what is?

Without a wince, Zhongli continued to chew until the entire stone was gone. He wiped a bit of residue from his mouth and spoke calmly:

"He who breaks his word shall eat stone. I have done so."

Shao Yun blinked, finally finding his voice. With heartfelt awe, he raised his thumb.

"Hardcore. Respect."

He truly meant it—he was humbled. No more complaints.

"Alright. If Lumine's satisfied, then I won't say another word." His voice was a mix of resignation and peace.

Then, his tone shifted.

"Which means it's time for my question."

Zhongli nodded, inviting him to go on.

Shao Yun licked his lips, steeling himself.

"I've got someone… following me. You can see him, right?"

There was a quiver of unease in his voice.

Zhongli turned to glance behind Shao Yun. His eyes briefly flickered gold as he scanned the unseen.

Then, with practiced calm, he replied, "Are you sure? All I see is a top hat and a formal coat."

Shao Yun slapped a hand over his face.

If Zhongli couldn't even see the man's face… this was bad.

He looked up again. "Seriously? Not even you? Come on—tell the truth."

Zhongli peered once more into the space behind Shao Yun. His voice was heavier now.

"I still cannot see. All that's there… is an empty coat billowing in the wind."

Shao Yun felt a chill settle into his bones.

He took a shaky breath and spoke softly, "I've heard rumors lately… Xiao told me there's a strange demon in Liyue. Something twisted and terrifying. I'm scared it might be connected to… that thing behind me."

Zhongli's expression darkened for just a moment before he composed himself. He nodded.

"I know the spirit you're referring to. It's merely a ghost—though vengeful, it has not caused any real calamity. The Conqueror of Demons and Master Hu are already dealing with it. I trust they'll handle it swiftly."

Shao Yun visibly relaxed, letting out a long breath.

"As long as it's not that thing… I'm good."

Zhongli noticed his relief, the lingering fear still clinging to his mind like fog after a nightmare.

"Are you truly so afraid of that 'coat' behind you?" Zhongli asked softly, his voice smooth and steady, like a balm for the soul.

The words struck Shao Yun hard, rippling through his heart.

He pulled out a small notebook and turned to a particular page: a sketch of a man in a top hat.

The figure's expression was calm, but the eyes held a disturbing, unspeakable malice.

He handed the drawing to Zhongli, voice trembling. "That… that's the real demon. Can you defeat him?"

Zhongli studied the image for a long moment, brows furrowed.

Then he returned the sketch and said gently, "If a man in a mirror mocks you, smashing the mirror won't help. Don't let it get to you."

Something clicked in Shao Yun's mind. His expression sharpened.

"You mean… its real body isn't even on Teyvat?"

Zhongli didn't answer directly. As Shao Yun turned to look elsewhere for a second, he subtly raised a hand and flicked his wrist.

Outside the Hall of Pillars, a decorative incense burner suddenly cracked with a sharp snap, shattering into shards.

Startled, Shao Yun whipped around, eyes darting to the broken fragments.

Is that guy mad Zhongli found him out?

Shao Yun took a deep breath, calming his nerves.

He turned to Zhongli, who remained composed, and let out a small laugh.

"Guess I was right. That bastard's petty."

Zhongli gave a knowing nod and changed the subject. "If he meant to kill you, he would've done it already. You don't need to live in fear every day."

Shao Yun nodded in agreement.

"I know. I just… I didn't want Xiao or your Hall Master to go picking a fight with that devil because of me. I had to be sure—it's my mess to handle."

Zhongli seemed relieved by the shift in topic. He tilted his head, glancing at Shao Yun.

Shao Yun frowned slightly, as if trying to remember anything he'd forgotten.

He closed his eyes, drew in the crisp mountain air, then opened them slowly and shook his head.

"I'm good. No more questions."

Zhongli smiled gently and extended a hand.

"May you, Lumine, and Paimon travel safely. May every step of your journey be blessed with sunlight and hope."

Shao Yun shook his hand firmly, warmth rising in his chest.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhongli. Just knowing that thing's not from Teyvat… that helps a lot. Your help means everything to me."

He turned and walked back toward Lumine and Paimon.

Zhongli watched as Shao Yun's figure grew smaller, until it finally vanished from sight.

He let out a long, quiet sigh. A complicated look flickered in his eyes. He lowered his head and whispered to himself—words no one else could hear.

"Forgive me… I lied. I saw its face."