The next morning.
A light drizzle had fallen the previous night.
In the early dawn, the plants in the Gu Estate's courtyard still carried beads of dew on their leaves.
Gu Chen walked to the doorway and stretched lazily, feeling refreshed and full of energy.
He glanced at the sun slowly rising in the east. The sky was perfectly clear—another beautiful day.
"Yo, you're awake?"
Just as Gu Chen was marveling at the good weather, a teasing voice sounded beside him.
He turned and smiled. "Up this early?"
"Couldn't sleep without someone holding me." Lumine sighed dramatically, then asked with a face full of mischief, "Compared to the other girls… how is it? A different kind of… ahem?"
Gu Chen froze.
Ever since Lumine became his main wife, this girl—who had "promoted" from maiden to Madam—truly had her mind warped in strange directions.
She cared about these things way too much!
After thinking seriously for a moment, Gu Chen nodded honestly. "Well… the extra equipment really is pretty nice."
"I knew it!"
Lumine's expression said she'd expected that answer. "Alright, go find Paimon and eat. I'm going to check on Ganyu."
"What's wrong?" Gu Chen asked, puzzled.
"Do you think I'm like you—getting out of bed and ignoring everything?"
Lumine rolled her eyes and huffed, "Scumbag!"
"Huh?"
Gu Chen was confused.
Only after replaying everything did he understand.
He had woken up, walked straight out to eat, and left Ganyu sleeping in the room. That… really was irresponsible.
"Tsk—my bad."
Gu Chen quickly realized his mistake.
He'd simply gotten used to things these days, but that wasn't an excuse.
When he returned to the room, he saw Lumine cleaning with an expression full of disdain, muttering, "Of course the physically strong ones like messing things up."
Gu Chen glanced toward the bed.
Ganyu was curled up asleep, blanket pulled up to her chin, only her head exposed. The little cowlick atop her head swayed slightly in the chilly morning breeze drifting through the window.
The wind carried a faint coolness, and sleeping Ganyu subconsciously tightened the blanket.
After quickly tidying the room, Lumine looked at Gu Chen and said, "You stay here. If it's just me, she'll be too embarrassed."
Gu Chen nodded.
Checking the time, he said softly, "Let her sleep a bit longer."
Before experiencing it herself, Lumine couldn't imagine it.
But after seeing last night's battlefield, she agreed with Gu Chen—Ganyu needed rest.
"You go find Paimon. She bought your breakfast. Also—don't go out this morning," Lumine said.
Gu Chen nodded slightly.
More and more, Lumine now carried the authoritative air of the First Wife—everything managed in perfect order.
He went out and found Paimon.
Paimon was being cuddled by Raiden Shogun and gently squished. After handing breakfast to Gu Chen, the little one simply lay back down and continued her nap.
After greeting the wives, Gu Chen chatted privately with Zhongli.
Zhongli lived with the routine of an old civil servant.
No—not "like" one. He was a retired civil servant.
There were many matters Zhongli wanted to ask Gu Chen about—such as the procedures for establishing the Taixuan Sect.
Gu Chen originally wanted to just release the Immortal Scriptures publicly. Anyone who wasn't walking the righteous path wouldn't be able to cultivate them anyway, so he had no worries.
But Zhongli preferred building the Taixuan Sect properly, as shown in the videos—clearly establishing rules and structure.
After all, no rules, no order.
Rules made it easier to restrain those who gained extraordinary power through the scriptures.
After thinking it over, Gu Chen realized he didn't need to handle this himself.
He simply left the matter to Zhongli.
A retired senior citizen dragged back into work—this was that kind of situation.
But Zhongli wasn't the least bit resistant; in fact, he was quite enthusiastic.
After six thousand years, his spirit had been worn full of holes, leaving him calm and steady.
Now, with the Immortal Scriptures to cultivate, Zhongli felt as if he were becoming young again.
Like an elder nearing the end of his life whose mind and body suddenly regained vitality.
That lightness—like unlocking a shackle—felt wonderful.
Most obvious of all—Zhongli, the ancient fossil, now participated in group chats to joke around.
After some casual chatter—
[Transcendence Group Chat]
Zhongli: Good news, everyone. After discussing with the Hierarch, the Taixuan Sect will officially be established tomorrow at noon. (Venti: confetti)
Kaeya: See? Early birds—er, ravens—get the worm! @Zhongli Where's the mountain gate? I'll set off immediately to拜师! (Hu Tao: smirk)
Chongyun: My bags are packed. I'm moving into the Taixuan Sect right away. After ten years of bitter cultivation… every demon and monster shall tremble before my name! (Mona: hmpf)
Hu Tao: I've realized the greatest truth of life! If you can't resist—accept! And once I accepted… it was great! (Hu Tao: cute)
Zhongli: The mountain gate will be on Qingyun Peak in Liyue. No need to travel; you can access the method online. Once you begin cultivation, you are a Taixuan disciple. Please mind the sect rules.
Venti: When do we start the Apotheosis Ceremony?! (urgenturgenturgent)
Azhdaha: We haven't even opened the mountain gate yet. What are you in such a rush to ascend for? (Keqing: confused)
Dvalin: He's the only one in the group who's a Star Archon. (meme)
Kaeya: You can't wait to upgrade your title and become a Heavenly Sovereign, huh? (meme)
Venti: A friend who sees through but doesn't call out is a true friend! (Paimon: hmpf)
Furina: I have a question. @Sustainer of Heavenly Principles Can you cultivate the Taixuan Scripture?
Kaeya: Great question!
Paimon: Miss Furina is so smart! If the Sustainer can cultivate, then we'll know what kind of "person" she is! (shocked Paimon)
Lyney: Was this a sudden flash of brilliance from Lady Furina? (Lynette: perceptive)
Furina: Do not speculate on a god's wisdom! (Paimon: hmpf)
Sustainer of Heavenly Principles: I can.
Venti: Whoa—you can cultivate the Taixuan Scripture? Then doesn't that mean you're a good person?! (shocked)
Gu Chen: Venti, aren't you acting too young? She said she can. You questioning her out loud means she'll make you suffer quietly. You're done for! (meme)
Zhongli: Rest in peace.
Kaeya: Rest in peace. (meme)
Dvalin: A good death. (Venti: confetti)
Venti: @Sustainer Great Sustainer, I absolutely wasn't doubting you! I was merely marveling at your profound comprehension! To grasp the Taixuan Scripture in such a short time—unimaginable! Your brilliance is unmatched in all of Teyvat! You must be exhausted maintaining the world's order recently—allow little Venti to massage your legs and shoulders! (Hu Tao: cute)
Sustainer of Heavenly Principles:
Zhongli: Hard to comment.
Furina: Shameful—shameful! Why don't you dare fight her?! (teeth-gritting)
Raiden Ei: Support.
Nahida: (Qiqi: observing)
Venti: This way, Your Excellency! I found a traitor! @Furina
Furina: Don't slander me—I am the Sustainer's most loyal subordinate! (Paimon: hmpf)
Sustainer of Heavenly Principles:
The Seven Archons—did they really think she didn't see through their little games?
Before, she lacked the strength to care.
Now—she simply couldn't be bothered.
What was that saying again?
"When the sky falls, the tall one holds it up."
She used to be the tall one.
Now Gu Chen was.
So—she decided to slack off.
And upon choosing to slack off, the world suddenly felt wide and free.
The Sustainer felt incredibly relaxed.
Even Venti's obnoxious antics looked pleasing for once.
She didn't bother speaking anymore—just silently lurked like most of the group.
Noon.
Ganyu's adeptus body was incredibly strong.
Working overtime for a thousand straight years proved that well enough.
Now she sat at the table eating quietly, cheeks still flushed red.
The other women teased her, making her wish she could disappear into the ground.
Too embarrassing—far too embarrassing!
"Glug glug…"
Paimon drank milk tea.
Lately she'd been influenced by the Raiden dummy… or maybe it was getting close to Kamisato Ayato. Either way, she'd gotten addicted to milk tea.
"Hey, stop bullying Ganyu. She's so gentle—she's uncomfortable enough already!" Paimon put down her drink, tiny arms folded in righteous indignation.
Ganyu nodded gratefully.
Guizhong chuckled.
She was the type who loved stirring a topic, then watching everyone else talk while she enjoyed the atmosphere.
"I won't talk about that. How about we go out later?" Guizhong asked.
Ganyu didn't know what for, but nodded anyway.
"By the way, Ganyu doesn't need to work at Yueshaiting anymore, right?" Lumine asked suddenly.
Ganyu thought for a moment and shook her head. "Someone is covering my duties… probably? I think?"
Her tone clearly lacked confidence.
She knew exactly how heavy her workload used to be.
Gu Chen pondered, then said, "Since people already know you returned from Jueyun Karst, I estimate Ningguang will visit soon to ask you back to Yueshaiting."
"Why?" Ganyu blinked in confusion.
This was an era governed by humans. They shouldn't need a half-adeptus like her anymore, right?
"You're an important part of Liyue Harbor," Gu Chen said. "Without you, the entire Yueshaiting's operations slow down. You didn't see it while you were gone—lately many people there walk around with worried faces."
Gu Chen continued seriously:
"There are too many secrets in Yueshaiting. Humans working there generation after generation inevitably risk leaks. But you are different. You know everything happening in every corner of Liyue Harbor, and you can manage all of it flawlessly. That is why you exist there—and why Liyue needs you."
"Strong enough to ignore assassination, capable enough to replace ten people, with a long lifespan and unwavering loyalty… you are the best choice. The only choice."
Having laid it all out, Gu Chen concluded firmly:
"Tianquan Xing will definitely come for you. She'll respect your choice, but she will come."
Ganyu fell into deep thought.
From the perspective of Liyue as a whole—even without Morax, Liyue could still operate.
But from the perspective of Yueshaiting—without Ganyu, everything would fall into disorder.
"Then… should I go back?" Ganyu asked, a little lost.
Gu Chen smiled softly. "I'm not telling you to. You should decide for yourself. Whatever you choose—I'll support you."
Warmth blossomed in Ganyu's heart.
She thought about it. After being busy for a thousand years, suddenly having nothing to do did feel strange.
It was only a few hundred meters from the Gu Estate to Yueshaiting—commuting took minutes.
If she didn't work overtime, her days would actually feel more fulfilling.
"I'll go check it out this afternoon," Ganyu said.
"Good." Gu Chen nodded.
He didn't want his wives living as his accessories.
They should have their own thoughts and choices.
Whatever Ganyu chose, he would support her.
Her making a decision proved she was truly Ganyu—not a "machine" bound by memories, but a living, feeling, thinking person.
After lunch—
Ganyu went out with Lumine and the others to shop and build up "sisterly bonds."
Only two remained in the estate: lazy Paimon and idle Gu Chen.
"You think… maybe we should find something to do?" Gu Chen suddenly asked.
"Huh?"
Paimon, happily sunbathing, froze.
Her face twisted in disbelief. "You're not asking me to get a job, right?"
"What are you thinking?"
Gu Chen shot her a glare. "Like you'd get hired anywhere."
"Ugh! Look down on me again!"
Paimon puffed her cheeks, then asked, "So what do you want to do?"
"Forget it… I don't really feel like moving."
After thinking for a while, Gu Chen waved lazily.
He used to grind so hard.
Now he slacked just as hard.
Like a salted fish.
Nothing urgent, nothing planned.
Just lie around with his wives day after day.
At this rate, he felt like he'd rust.
"I think you should just rest at home and take care of your body," Paimon said suddenly—sitting up straight, face serious, looking like she truly meant well.
"There are four already. And next video… I feel like it'll still be you. I'm worried, you know!"
Seeing her worried expression, Gu Chen's mouth twitched. "I'll be fine."
"Stop pretending to be strong." Paimon sighed deeply.
…What was that supposed to mean?
What on earth was she imagining?
Gu Chen pouted.
If she weren't a little kid, he'd make sure she understood his capabilities!
Afternoon.
Ganyu returned to Yueshaiting.
The secretaries practically cried tears of joy when they saw her.
Ganyu could clearly feel—Yueshaiting truly needed her.
Ningguang warmly welcomed her back, even asking whether she wanted her work hours adjusted so she could go home earlier to accompany her husband.
Naturally, Ganyu gladly accepted.
The old Ganyu who worked overnight all the time was gone.
From now on—solid 9-to-5, and she even mentally prepared leave days if Gu Chen "wore her out."
Night.
After spending a whole day helping Ganyu think things through, Lumine grinned.
"Let's skip tonight. Tomorrow is the Taixuan Sect founding ceremony—you don't want to show up looking exhausted, right, Hierarch?"
"Underestimating me?"
Gu Chen snorted.
"Oh? So confident?"
"Of course!"
Paimon, extremely experienced, immediately stuffed tissues into her ears and floated back to her room, tucking herself under her tiny blanket.
She knew—another night of the foolish ruler and his concubines.
Oh—except this time, there was a newly "promoted" concubine.
Hopefully it wouldn't be too loud.
Paimon drifted into peaceful sleep—
Then suddenly opened her eyes, sighing.
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