Gu Chen stood where Hu Tao had vanished, staring at that spot for a long time, silent.
He knew it.
This time, Hu Tao was truly gone.
Once she entered reincarnation, the Hu Tao he knew would disappear completely.
Gu Chen's expression was complicated.
Eventually, he made his way back to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Zhongli seemed to have been waiting there for some time. When he saw Gu Chen return, he asked calmly,
"She's gone?"
"She's gone," Gu Chen nodded.
Zhongli sighed softly, then said,
"You should've been mentally prepared for this, shouldn't you?"
"Being prepared is one thing. Actually facing it is another," Gu Chen replied.
"It's like during the Archon War—you knew your comrades might fall, but when they truly did, could you calmly accept it?"
Zhongli fell silent for a moment. After glancing back at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, he spoke slowly,
"The last seedling of the Hu family is gone as well. From now on, this entire Wangsheng Funeral Parlor… will be yours."
Gu Chen rubbed his brow.
"I know."
Having married Hu Tao, he was already considered part of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and naturally had the right to inherit it.
"I'll stay here with you," Zhongli said.
Gu Chen nodded.
"Let's go have a few drinks."
[Azhdaha]: Oh~ 'I'll stay here with you.' Anyone who didn't know better would think you like the Cult Leader too. (picking nose)
[Kaeya]: Azhdaha's angle of interpretation is truly otherworldly. (grin)
[Venti]: Zhongli: The Hall Master is gone, we're all heartbroken… but you still have me. (Zhongli · dragon smirk)
[Zhongli]: …
[Furina]: So good, love it. When is Zhongli confessing to Gu Chen? (grin)
[Gu Chen]: So the Cult Leader's diehard fans are all abstract artists? (annoyed)
[Paimon]: You're only realizing this now? Isn't that a bit late? (shocked)
[Nilou]: Is no one really sad about Hall Master Hu's passing? (shocked)
[Kirara]: It is sad, but there's not really a need to be too upset, since once the female lead is gone, the video's about to end anyway! (Klee · yay)
[Collei]: Hehe… hehehe… (dazed laugh)
Gu Chen took over as Hall Master of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, becoming its seventy-eighth generation Hall Master.
Zhongli remained as a consultant.
Gu Chen was knowledgeable, and Zhongli found things easy—often not even staying at the parlor.
The world knew that within Wangsheng Funeral Parlor were two mysterious figures, ageless and undying, like immortals or gods.
Those who sought immortality often came, but without exception, none gained any immortal arts.
Spring passed into autumn.
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor grew ever more enigmatic.
The Liyue Qixing gradually changed with the passage of time. The Jade Chamber—once rebuilt—had long since fallen again, in some forgotten year.
People changed with time. Nations changed with eras.
Only Gu Chen, as if forgotten by time itself, remained unchanged forever.
"Today, I met her."
Pushing open the door as he returned to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Gu Chen spoke quietly.
Zhongli, who had been reading, set his book down and looked up.
"Little Tao?"
"Mm."
Gu Chen nodded.
"She was born into an ordinary family. Both parents are alive, her grandparents dote on her, and she's living fairly well."
"That's good," Zhongli said, nodding slightly. After sipping his tea, he asked,
"What do you intend to do?"
"I don't know," Gu Chen shook his head.
"She's no longer her. I can't impose my attachment onto a familiar yet unfamiliar soul."
"Being able to see that means you're already letting go," Zhongli said softly.
"Letting go…"
"Perhaps."
Gu Chen neither affirmed nor denied. After a soft sigh, he changed the subject.
"Seems like there aren't many apprentices lately?"
"You think that girl is suitable?" Zhongli laughed.
"Wangsheng Funeral Parlor can't just be you and me. We'll always need undertakers."
"Keeping her close and observing isn't bad either," Zhongli nodded, smiling.
"But when she eventually marries, you…"
"I'll naturally send my blessings as the Hall Master," Gu Chen said.
Zhongli nodded.
"Then let's go take a look."
Gu Chen and Zhongli walked out of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor side by side, the image slowly freezing.
[Nilou]: Mr. Gu Chen waited… but also didn't quite wait, did he? (shocked)
[Collei]: It feels like Mr. Gu Chen really has let go.
[Hu Tao]: There's no choice but to let go. You can't exactly get together with this Hall Master's reincarnation and make her walk the same path again, right? (Hu Tao · messed up)
[Yae Miko]: Somehow it feels like Miss Hu Tao is the fake female lead, and Mr. Zhongli is the real one. He's the one who can truly accompany brother-in-law for eternity. (bad smile)
[Azhdaha]: See? Told you I wasn't the only one thinking that. (grin)
[Kaeya]: Mr. Zhongli, if you like the Cult Leader, you should confess early! (grin)
[Venti]: Even if your (censored) love isn't accepted by the world, I still support—
[Hu Tao]: (Video of Venti being chased and beaten by Zhongli · 10s)
[Dvalin]: Even though Venti deserves a beating, he's not wrong. (grin)
[Gu Chen]: You people are being ridiculous! (annoyed)
[Paimon]: This is getting into knowledge blind spots. Let's talk about what we actually learned from this video. (shocked)
[Shikanoin Heizou]:
Long-lived races and short-lived races are fated for tragedy.
Mortals will eventually die—so if possible, don't leave regrets before death.
Even gods can't resist the erosion of time.
[Osial]: I disagree with the first point. The Tai Xuan Cult Leader arc already showed that the Cult Leader aims to create an eternal age of peace. Even though he merged with the Dao in that episode, he clearly succeeded. After Zhongli gained his reward through the exposure system, the Tai Xuan Scripture could be spread directly. That means the tragedy between long-lived and short-lived races doesn't have to continue. As long as one is pure of heart, cultivating the Tai Xuan Scripture offers hope of longevity. When that happens, the limit of lifespan is broken!
[Collei]: I get the second point—I really do! (Collei · I can do it)
Miss Hu Tao was full of regret in the video. From the keywords alone, you can tell she was actually very afraid of death, because death meant she couldn't keep accompanying Mr. Gu Chen. And at the end, when she chose not to keep living, that was also filled with regret—she didn't want Gu Chen's memory of her to be an aged image!
[Tighnari]: You mostly understand it, but not entirely. Still, that's fine—these things only have a correct answer when one truly faces them personally.
[Furina]: I get the third point! Same old story—simple and brutal. Just cultivate the Tai Xuan Scripture and you can avoid erosion! With longevity, you can ignore the wear of time entirely. The Tai Xuan Cult Leader arc's Azhdaha is the perfect example—compare him to the real-world Azhdaha, and Tai Xuan's Earth Lord never suffered erosion! (Klee · yay)
[Neuvillette]: Ms. Furina has, for once, given the correct answer.
[Furina]: It's just that I usually don't take things seriously! (annoyed)
[Kaeya]: After all this analysis, the Cult Leader's aura just doubled, huh?
[Azhdaha]: As expected of the Cult Leader. That Tai Xuan arc really was far-reaching. (sigh)
[Sustainer of Heavenly Principles]: Indeed. Even Teyvat itself was stabilized by the World Stabilizer. (nod)
[Raiden Shogun]: Master being so powerful is only natural. (nod)
[Kaeya]: What kind of title is that? (grin)
[Gu Chen]: Young people shouldn't ask too much. It's not good for you.
[Gu Chen]: Alright, since you've all finished summarizing and decided I'm so awesome—shouldn't you kneel once to show respect? (grin)
[Kaeya]: Who's this upstairs? Did someone's friend join the group? Never seen them before. (memory loss)
[Venti]: Don't know them, unfamiliar face. (memory loss)
[Azhdaha]: Oh? Newcomer? (memory loss)
[Gu Chen sent a group red packet]
[Venti]: Oh my, Cult Leader, you're too generous! I'll kneel right away! (Venti bowing enthusiastically · 5s video)
[Barbara]: I can't look anymore—expel him from Mondstadt. (facepalm)
[Diluc]: Agreed. Also, thanks for the red packet, Cult Leader.
[Azhdaha]: Heh, grabbed twenty thousand Mora. Off to live freely—thanks, Cult Leader. (Hu Tao · heart)
[Osial]: You fake Cult Leader fans only mess around because the Cult Leader is nice. Unlike me—I truly feel grateful to the Cult Leader and heartbroken for him this episode. (voice message · thick "heartbroken" tone · 5s)
[Gu Chen]: Who dragged this idiot in here?! Kick him out! (annoyed)
[Osial]: (grin)
The video's opening cover appeared again, signaling the end of the episode.
Everyone eagerly awaited the rewards.
[Past Lives Series · Episode Seven]
[Curse of Immortality · Complete]
[Main story characters will receive rewards]
[Gu Chen obtains: Memories of Past Life, Authority of Life]
[Hu Tao obtains: Memories of Past Life, Authority of Death]
[Zhongli obtains: Memories of Past Life, Mortal World Insight]
[Kaeya]: ???
[Sustainer of Heavenly Principles]: ???
[Azhdaha]: ???
[Osial]: What the hell is this? Authority of Life? Authority of Death?! (Alhaitham · too noisy)
[Kaveh]: What?! This is straight-up godhood?! That's insane! (Paimon · shocked)
[Tartaglia]: @[Gu Chen] Cult Leader, how does it feel? (curious)
[Gu Chen]: Optional. Not very useful. (shrug)
[Venti]: You really know how to show off. Even though it's true, it still hurts! (annoyed)
[Dvalin]: A certain unnamed Anemo Archon suddenly feels like his authority isn't very appealing anymore. (grin)
[Zhongli]: Absurd… was a copy made from the original authority?
[Gu Chen]: More or less. (nod)
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Hu Tao stared at her reward, momentarily stunned.
Not because the authority shocked her—but because the emotions surging within her were overwhelming.
It was as though she'd once had a long dream, forgotten everything upon waking, then gradually recalled it as the video played. When the reward granted her past-life memories, those recollections became crystal clear—like something she'd personally lived through.
Hu Tao took a deep breath, pressing a hand to her chest.
Her heart was racing.
That feeling of dying with regret—she never wanted to experience it again.
All of the past came flooding back.
"Hall Master? Hall Master?"
Venti waved a hand in front of her eyes.
"Hm?"
Hu Tao slowly came back to herself.
"How do you feel?" Venti asked.
"Me?"
Hu Tao paused.
"What do you mean?"
"Everything, I guess," Venti scratched his head.
Zhongli glanced at him and said calmly,
"Let the Hall Master settle herself first."
Before his words even finished—
Hu Tao sprang to her feet and dashed toward the back door.
Before she reached it, the door opened.
Gu Chen stepped in, smiling as he raised a hand.
"Oh? Everyone's here?"
"Second Consultant!"
A figure crashed solidly into Gu Chen's arms.
Looking down, Gu Chen saw Hu Tao gazing up at him, her plum-blossom eyes brimming with joy.
Before Gu Chen could respond, Hu Tao wriggled upward, climbing onto him like a tree. She wrapped her arms around his neck, rested her chin on his shoulder, and pressed her cheek against his.
"Heehee!"
Even with a hundred years of memories, she was still just as playful.
Gu Chen laughed, reaching up to support her so she wouldn't fall.
"Calling me Second Consultant means I'll have to pay you wages."
"Wages?"
Hu Tao tilted her head, then extended her right hand before his eyes, curling her pale fingers back.
"Look—this Hall Master is yours, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is yours too. If you round it up, why would this Hall Master pay you wages?"
Gu Chen pondered for two seconds.
"That… actually makes sense."
"Right? Right?"
Hu Tao giggled, cupping Gu Chen's face and turning it toward her.
"Second Consultant, come give me a kiss."
Before Gu Chen could respond, Hu Tao puckered up and kissed him, smacking her lips afterward.
"Eh—my first kiss after reincarnation is gone just like that. Somehow it feels like there was no ceremony…"
"So that one doesn't count?" Gu Chen raised a brow.
"Doesn't matter!"
Hu Tao's eyes curved into crescents, clearly unconcerned.
"Crack… crack…"
A strange sound rang out.
Gu Chen and Hu Tao turned their heads.
Zhongli, Azhdaha, and Venti were sitting there, wearing auntie smiles while cracking sunflower seeds.
"Oh? So you two do realize there are outsiders here?" Azhdaha teased.
Venti spat out a shell and sighed dramatically.
"Tsk tsk, I'm so heartbroken. I'm clearly the Cult Leader's diehard fan, yet I'm completely ignored. Boohoo~~"
"Go die."
Zhongli kicked Venti irritably, then smiled and nodded at them.
"Don't mind us. Continue."
"Yes, yes! Continue—hugging and kissing is totally fine. We definitely won't spread it around," Venti nodded vigorously.
[Transcendent Group Chat]
[Venti]: (Video · Hu Tao receiving reward & Gu Chen arriving at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor · 57s)
[Nilou]: Wow, Hall Master Hu is so proactive! (Barbara · shy)
[Kamisato Ayaka]: Go, Hall Master Hu! (Klee · yay)
[Collei]: Even with a century of memories, Miss Hu Tao is still Miss Hu Tao—she's so cute! (Hu Tao · cute)
[Kirara]: I hereby declare—this is a total victory for Mr. Gu Chen's CP fans!! (Klee · yay)
[Yoimiya]: Yay! (Klee · yay)
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: Blessings~ (Kokomi · prayer)
"You people…"
Gu Chen shook his head, laughing helplessly.
After sitting down, Hu Tao finally climbed off him, poured him tea, and even snatched sunflower seeds from Venti to put into Gu Chen's hand.
Venti blinked helplessly and took some from Azhdaha instead, continuing to munch.
"How's the mortal-world insight?" Gu Chen asked Zhongli.
Zhongli thought for a few seconds.
"Quite good. It's like experiencing an entirely new life—many realizations. My state of mind is more complete now."
"That sounds like you're about to take another step forward," Azhdaha said in surprise.
"What, planning to rival the Heavenly Principles?"
"Not quite," Zhongli replied modestly with a smile.
"You just keep being modest," Venti pouted, then looked curiously at Hu Tao.
"I was just about to ask—Hall Master, what exactly is going on with this Authority of Death?"
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