The ears of a God are naturally sharp.
"Yin-Yang Immortal, what a fine name."
The other Adepti agreed, it was indeed a fitting title.
"It seems we now have another Adepti among us."
Cloud Retainer murmured as she gazed at Qiu Bai.
Marchosius approached Qiu Bai and gave his shoulder a hearty pat.
"I am Marchosius, the Stove God. A pleasure to meet you."
Qiu Bai looked at the god before him. As someone who knew Marchosius as Guoba in the future, he had great respect for him.
After all, this was the god who poured his strength into the land for the sole purpose of eradicating disease and disaster. That devotion had lasted for centuries.
Qiu Bai smiled. "Nice to meet you. I am Morcius, the God of Yin-Yang. The pleasure is mine."
"Alright, let's first escort the people to Liyue Harbor, then we shall return to Jueyun Karst."
Cloud Retainer flapped her wings and addressed the other Adepti.
Two days later..
Qiu Bai stood before Liyue Harbor, his eyes widening in awe.
"It's so much bigger than in the game, I can't even begin to imagine what Liyue will look like a thousand years from now."
"Yin-Yang Immortal, will you be joining us in Jueyun Karst?"
Cloud Retainer turned her head, glancing back at Qiu Bai.
The other Adepti were also waiting for his response.
"I will return to guard Dihua Marsh."
Xiao spoke briefly before vanishing in an instant.
"I noticed that the people of Liyue have a very simple diet. I shall send an incarnation to create more delicacies for them."
Marchosius said before disappearing as well.
"The people of Liyue have only just emerged from disaster. There is still much governance to be done. I will go ahead."
With that, Ganyu headed toward Liyue Harbor.
Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper also flew off toward Jueyun Karst ahead of the others.
Qiu Bai knew that by now, the people of Liyue had already memorized his face. Staying here would only bring unnecessary trouble.
It was better to go to Jueyun Karst instead, it was quiet, and the scenery was breathtaking.
"Very well, Cloud Retainer. Let's go."
Qiu Bai cupped his hands in a respectful gesture toward the great crane before him.
Cloud Retainer nodded and took off into the distance, with Qiu Bai following behind.
After about a day of flight, Qiu Bai lips twitched.
"Looks like this version of Liyue is far bigger than in the game..."
Looking down at the vast mountain ranges, rivers, and numerous ancient ruins below, Qiu Bai couldn't help but feel like he had been playing a fake version of Genshin Impact all this time.
Upon arriving at Jueyun Karst, Morax was already there, waiting for them.
"Rex Lapis." The Adepti all cupped their hands in respect.
"There is no need for such formalities," Morax said. "Today, I have gathered you here to introduce a new friend."
He turned to Qiu Bai and nodded.
"This is Morcius, a newly born God—The God of Yin-Yang, who governs the Power of Yin and Yang."
"Earlier, we sparred so that he could familiarize himself with his power. His strength is truly formidable."
The Adepti were visibly surprised. After all, during the Archon War, countless gods had fallen at Morax hands. For him to give such high praise to someone was no small matter.
Morax paused for a moment, then looked at Qiu Bai thoughtfully before speaking.
"Friend, you were born in Liyue and have no other place to go. Why not stay here and reside among the Adepti?"
"Rex Lapis, you may not know this," Cloud Retainer interjected. "But Morcius has already been recognized as an Adepti by Liyue's people. They even gave him a title—'Yin-Yang Immortal'."
"Hmph! What a frivolous god," Moon Carver commented, giving Qiu Bai an odd look. "Though I must admit, he is quite handsome. As expected of someone who can stand against Rex Lapis, he does live up to his title."
"Oh? Is that so?" Morax mused. "If that is the case, my friend, would you be willing to officially join Liyue's Adepti?"
His golden eyes locked onto Qiu Bai with a serious expression.
"You are a god, equal in rank to me. There is no reason why you should not bear the title of an Adeptus."
Qiu Bai mind raced.
"So this old man is already planning for his retirement and wants me to manage things in his place?"
After all, Liyue was his favorite of the Seven Nations, and... well, there were so many "wives" here.
His gaze discreetly shifted to Ganyu for a moment. "Ah, I really do have good taste."
With a smile, Qiu Bai responded, "Then, as you say, Morax."
"Good," Morax replied with a nod, smiling in satisfaction.
With that matter settled, Morax and the Adepti began discussing the governance of Liyue.
Following Cloud Retainer advice, Qiu Bai created a cave dwelling for himself. With a casual wave of his hand, he erected a protective barrier around it.
Half a year passed in the blink of an eye.
Qiu Bai had not been idle during this time. He decorated his cave until it resembled a true immortal's paradise.
Even Cloud Retainer and the other Adepti were impressed when they visited, exclaiming that they wanted to go back and renovate their own abodes.
During this period, Qiu Bai also took the opportunity to learn various Adepti arts. The Adepti were more than happy to teach him their techniques.
Time flowed like an endless river, ever-changing, but Qiu Bai had long since integrated himself into Liyue's Adepti.
Every time Morax visited, Qiu Bai would prepare a fine pot of tea. They would sit together, discussing the development of Liyue and its future plans.
Morax was often amazed by Qiu Bai ideas, while Qiu Bai, in turn, sought Morax guidance on how to better wield his power. Over time, their conversations became open and unreserved, and they grew to be close friends who spoke without hesitation.
Seasons passed, and decades went by.
At every Rite of Descension, Morax and Qiu Bai would descend together, guiding the people of Liyue on how to govern their land.
Over the years, Qiu Bai became known to the people as "The Immortal Lord."
One day, as Qiu Bai and Morax were having tea in Jueyun Karst, Morax suddenly paused, his teacup halting midair.
A strange expression crossed his face, something between realization and foreboding.
"This feeling, could it be? So the day has finally come. Azhdaha…"
A complex emotion flickered in Morax golden eyes as he fell into deep thought.
Qiu Bai noticed his change in demeanor and raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong, Morax?"
Morax did not answer immediately. Instead, he set his cup down and looked at Qiu Bai with a solemn expression.
"Morcius, come with me."
Without further explanation, Morax took off into the sky at great speed, and Qiu Bai followed close behind.
They traveled swiftly, the winds howling past them, until they arrived at their destination.
"This is it, my friend. This is The Chasm, Liyue's most vital mining site."
Morax voice was calm but carried an underlying weight as he explained.
Qiu Bai gazed at the landscape before him.
"So this is The Chasm? It's far, far larger than it was in the game."
The scene before him was breathtaking. Towering mountains flanked the massive abyss, ancient forests stretching along the edges. Countless wooden houses and structures clustered around the mining sites, while massive wooden machinery stood in operation.
Yet the center of The Chasm was a void of darkness—deep, endless, and foreboding.
Qiu Bai took it all in, murmuring to himself, "The Chasm, what a magnificent sight."
Then he turned to Morax, puzzled. "Morax, why did you bring me here?"
Though he had a vague idea, he still wanted to hear it from Morax himself.
In the original story, Morax had fought Azhdaha, the Dragon King, alone, eventually sealing him beneath the earth after a fierce battle.
"My friend," Morax said, his voice steady, "soon, I will face an old companion in battle. It;s strength rivals our own. During the fight, I ask that you protect the people of The Chasm."
His golden eyes met Qiu Bai, his expression firm.
"Morcius, this battle is mine alone. Do not interfere."
Qiu Bai fell silent for a moment.
He watched as Morax gazed toward the depths of The Chasm, his voice laced with sorrow.
"Azhdaha… Have even you succumbed to the erosion of endless time?"
Qiu Bai exhaled softly. He looked at Morax, his friend, the pillar of Liyue, the god who had protected this land for millennia.
He knew that after this battle, Morax own erosion would surely worsen.
Still, he smiled, nodding.
"Leave it to me, Morax."