In the serene atmosphere of Heyu Tea House, amidst the fragrance of jasmine leaves and the murmur of stories from Master Liu Su, an elegant man was enjoying his afternoon.
His very presence commanded respect without words: impeccable attire in amber and black tones, gloved hands holding his teacup with refinement, and those golden eyes that seemed to hold millennia of wisdom. The red eyeliner accentuated the intensity of his gaze, while the tasseled earring on his left ear glinted subtly with every movement.
(An interesting tale... though the version from three hundred years ago had more detail.)
Suddenly, his fingers stilled on the porcelain. A familiar aura—as ancient as the mountains of Liyue—had brushed against his senses.
"Please charge everything to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor account," he announced in a calm voice. "My apologies for the early departure."
As he stepped out into the Liyue sunset, his shadow stretched across the cobblestones, as if the very ground remembered who had walked there centuries ago.
***
*Dan Heng's Perspective*
After Cloud Retainer's abrupt departure, I found myself seated in one of her domain's elegant chairs, with Shenhe across from me.
(This is awkward.)
Ever since her master left, Shenhe hadn't taken her icy eyes off me.
(It's flattering that a beauty like her is staring... but that expressionless face is starting to unnerve me.)
I took in her details: her snow-white hair with black tips and a braid tied with a red cord. Her outfit—a blend of elegance and practicality—revealed her Cryo Vision glowing with a soft blue light.
"Why do you keep staring at me...?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "Do you need something?"
Shenhe blinked, as if the question were incomprehensible.
"The master said I mustn't lose sight of you," she replied flatly before lapsing back into silence.
(There's gotta be a way to break the ice!)
After a few seconds, I remembered something.
(If my memory serves, the Gate of Babylon holds all of humanity's treasures... Even in that absurd parody—Carnival Phantasm—it could summon ingredients. Though that spin-off isn't canon, the wikis mention it stores even concepts, like the Noble Phantasm Sha Naqba Imuru. Surely tea would qualify as a "human treasure" mundane enough?)
"Miss Shenhe, do you have a teapot?"
She nodded.
"But we have no tea leaves," she stated emotionlessly. "The master said mortal things like food might interfere with my path to enlightenment."
(In the game, Cloud Retainer only told her that because she's too lazy to cook... Way to ruin your disciple's social skills.)
"No matter," I smiled. "Turns out I have some special tea leaves. I think Cloud Retainer just told you that so you wouldn't miss civilization... but it's good manners to offer tea to guests."
Shenhe tilted her head slightly, as if processing the idea, before standing up.
"I see," she said and walked deeper into the domain.
Minutes later, she returned with a delicate porcelain teapot and a set of cups.
"Alright, wait a moment. I'll prepare the tea now."
I extended my hand, and in response to my will, a golden portal opened in the air. From its glow emerged a small jar of tea leaves, perfectly preserved.
(It worked! Though now I'm tempted to pull out Ea just to see her reaction... Better save that for another time. This isn't the moment to show off Noble Phantasms in front of a Cryo user and a talking crane.)
With a wave of my hand, I summoned purified water using Aqua's abilities and, taking advantage of Camael's thermal control, heated the liquid to the perfect temperature. The leaves blended with the water, releasing a gentle aroma.
(If any Fate or Date A Live fan sees me using these powers first and foremost to make tea, I'll never escape the Twitter threads...)
As I worked, I noticed Shenhe watching me with curiosity, though her expression remained impassive.
"Done. The tea is ready," I announced, carefully pouring.
Just then, Cloud Retainer descended gracefully from the sky, landing before us.
"Young man, Lord Rex Lapis wishes to speak with you. Mind your manners."
Behind her, a tall figure appeared, draped in a hooded robe of brown and white, adorned with delicate golden embroidery that shimmered in the light.
"My lord," Cloud Retainer and Shenhe murmured in unison, bowing reverently.
(Wow... So this is the legendary Morax in the flesh—)
"Lord Rex Lapis, it's an honor to meet you," I said, mirroring their gesture of respect.
Zhongli—or rather, the Geo Archon—raised a hand calmly.
"At ease. I've only come to talk," he said, his voice as steady as the mountains. "I see you've prepared tea. We should sit and speak more comfortably."
"Understood."
Cloud Retainer obediently shifted into her elegant human form before guiding us to the table. As she poured the tea with ceremonial precision, Zhongli lifted his cup and took a sip. For a moment, his amber eyes gleamed with approval.
(Well, at least the tea passed the God of Contracts' test... Now, what does he want from me?)
Zhongli set his cup down with a soft click, his amber eyes fixed on me as if they could weigh the soul itself.
"Why have you come to this place?" he asked, his voice as deep as the rumble of mountains.
(What a gaze! It's like he's scanning every word before it leaves my mouth.)
"The dimension I lived in was attacked by the Abyss while I was away," I replied, keeping my tone neutral. "I managed to repel the invasion, but... no one else survived. I came to Teyvat seeking a new home. I mean no harm unless attacked first, and in fact, I plan to protect wherever I settle."
I paused briefly before continuing.
"As for why I chose Liyue... When I arrived, I noticed every nation had its conflicts, but this one was the most stable."
(Well, that and it's basically the developers' favorite. What other place gets a festival every year?)
Zhongli remained silent, taking another sip of tea as his fingers traced the rim of the cup. Finally, he spoke:
"Liyue is currently in an era of transition. If you're willing to sign a contract for its protection..." His eyes gleamed with a golden flicker. "...I will personally assist you in settling within my nation."
"I'd be honored to stay in your nation, Lord Rex Lapis. I'll gladly sign the contract."
Zhongli extended his gloved hand, and the air before us shimmered with golden motes of Geo energy. In an instant, an ancient parchment materialized before my eyes, its characters glowing with an amber radiance.
(Now that's a top-tier e-signature system... Do mortals get a paper version?)
"This contract states you shall bring no harm to Liyue," declared Zhongli, his voice resonating with millennia of authority, "and that you will defend it when necessary. In return..."
A faint smile touched his lips.
"...I shall grant you the title of Adeptus. You will be our comrade in battle, and your struggles shall become ours. That will make us... family."
(Family? That sounds a bit more serious than I expected. Though, considering I just signed a contract with literally the God of Contracts...)
The parchment floated toward me. Raising my hand, I channeled a thread of Adeptal energy into the document. The moment my power touched the paper, the characters flared brightly before dissolving into the air.
"The contract is signed," announced Zhongli, and for the first time, I sensed the true weight behind his words. "And should it be broken... retribution will be delivered by the rock."
(Well, at least he didn't say "buried under an avalanche of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor invoices"... though with this guy, who knows.)