Genshin Impact: My Villain System Isn't Working Properly

"Isn't it simple? Just look at what the Fatui did in Mondstadt?" Keqing crossed her arms and snorted.

"The Gnosis..." Ganyu's expression was calm, but her gaze turned cold.

Though angry, they weren't as outraged as the Knights of Favonius. After all, even if the Tsaritsa herself came, could they take the Gnosis like they did in Mondstadt? Not unless Rex Lapis died.

Did they think the God of War was made of clay?

Though "God of War" was just Liyue people's respectful title for Rex Lapis, the fact that Liyue controlled its own minting rights and had slain so many gods proved that Morax's reputation wasn't exaggerated.

As for other schemes... honestly, if the Fatui's plots succeeded, the Qixing might as well resign.

At least that's what Ganyu thought.

However, in the original storyline, Rex Lapis had faked his death and even helped the Fatui conduct their test. 

Combined with the panic from Rex Lapis's "death," this allowed the Fatui's "plan" - actually Zhongli's test - to proceed smoothly.

Otherwise, did they think Liyue's intelligence network and the Qixing were pushovers?

"If Snezhnaya dares reach for the Gnosis, I'll cut off their hands..." Ningguang's phoenix eyes narrowed.

"We should plan carefully. We absolutely can't underestimate Harbingers Signora and Childe. Also, we can't rule out other Harbingers sneaking in undetected. We must be cautious," Ganyu said.

"Don't worry about Liyue Harbor with Master and Moon-Carver True Lord here. Just maintain regular patrols. The outskirts are more important."

In Liyue Harbor, if Childe or Signora dared cause any trouble, Harbinger or not, those who offend Liyue would not leave alive!

Keqing pondered for a moment: "For the outskirts, I'll increase patrols, but it still doesn't feel enough."

Ningguang suddenly said: "Don't worry, I'll recall Yelan."

"That should help put minds at ease, even if it's not completely foolproof."

Ganyu nodded in approval.

"Let's leave it at that for now. We can discuss any new ideas later."

"Agreed."

...

During the Lantern Rite, Jiang Ning and Shenhe accompanied their master around Liyue Harbor.

Xianyun couldn't help but marvel at how Liyue Harbor changed with each passing day, though she remained somewhat stubborn in admitting it.

Still, she approved of the Qixing's governance.

As everyone knows, adepti are stubborn. Even while satisfied, Xianyun still snorted and declared:

"They still need to work harder. This adeptus will keep watching the Qixing..."

Jiang Ning couldn't help but comment: "Honestly, that's Senior Sister's job. Master, please take it easy."

"Are you saying I'm not steady enough?"

Xianyun frowned.

Jiang Ning said: "No, no, I mean you should relax. Master has worried about Liyue for so many years. It's time to rest and let others worry."

"Hmm, I like that."

Xianyun was very satisfied, lifting her tea cup and taking a sip. The tea's fragrance filled the air.

"This is Qiaoing Estate tea, right? Not bad. This opera troupe knows quality."

Xianyun was quite pleased.

"Of course! Master Zhongli comes here often, and his taste is excellent. Any place he frequents must be good," Jiang Ning said.

Though he couldn't tell tea quality himself, following Master Zhongli's taste was never wrong.

"And the troupe's star performer, Yun Jin, right? Master Zhongli praises her endlessly."

"Oh? Then I must see what kind of person this Yun Jin is."

Xianyun grew serious. Someone who earned such praise from Rex Lapis must be extraordinary.

Ganyu smiled and said: "Yes, though young, Yun Jin has earned the titles of 'Master' and 'Expert.' You could say Yun-Han Opera Troupe maintains its position as Liyue's premier opera company through Yun Jin alone."

Why was Yun-Han Opera Troupe number one in Liyue? Because of the Yun family. Each generation produced opera masters, especially this generation's Yun Jin, who was renowned far and wide.

Moreover, this generation's head had caught Rex Lapis's attention and received a Geo Vision.

To Liyue's people, a Geo Vision meant recognition from Rex Lapis himself.

As the lights dimmed, a person in opera costume with flags on their back and theatrical makeup stepped out.

Though the makeup concealed much, it couldn't hide her delicate, flawless face.

Though small in stature, her singing and movements were impeccable.

While Jiang Ning just enjoyed the atmosphere, Xianyun became increasingly engrossed.

Only after the performance ended did Xianyun say with satisfaction:

"This Yun Jin is truly remarkable. Her fundamentals are solid, and she's added her own innovative thoughts. This segment was about Rex Lapis conquering the Dream God, right? Well adapted."

"Dream God?" Jiang Ning asked curiously.

"Yes, an god who could control people's dreams. Though not particularly strong among gods, they were very dangerous to ordinary people and lesser beings."

"They could even control them. The current General Xiao, once a yaksha, was rescued by Rex Lapis from that god."

Xianyun explained at length.

Jiang Ning listened with great interest.

He also realized that many current adepti were former enemies who had been either subdued or rescued, leading to their loyal service to Rex Lapis.

Shenhe quietly drank tea beside them, listening silently. For her, just being near her junior brother was enough.

"By the way, Jiang Ning, how's your progress with the Death God's authority?" 

Xianyun had heard from Rex Lapis about Jiang Ning absorbing part of an god's authority, so she was concerned.

"Well, recently I helped Hu Tao deal with spirits at Wuwang Hill, and absorbed them while using the soul-pacifying technique. I've gradually completed more of the authority... I feel I'll eventually fully master the Death God's power."

Jiang Ning wondered how best to use this authority. He really didn't like creating zombies - they were too disgusting.

Though being villainous and even laughing evilly was fine, he truly disliked ugly things.

Currently, he was satisfied with creating cute slime creatures, and was considering if he could develop something like Edo Tensei...

"That's good..."

Xianyun was very satisfied. Though she had nothing to do with Jiang Ning's acquisition or completion of the authority, she was his master after all.

Hah, Ping, look how my disciple is far more impressive than yours.

Xianyun paused, then continued: "However, even with the authority, and even after completing it, don't be careless. Even with authority, without an god's body, the power will be greatly reduced."

"On this point, you should discuss more with Shenhe. Ganyu follows the qilin bloodline and martial arts path, while Shenhe focuses purely on adeptal arts and energy..."

Simply put, one cultivated qi, the other trained the body.

Jiang Ning said: "Yes, Master, I understand."

Now his frequent "exchanges" with Senior Sister helped him absorb her constitution while strengthening his own, and his life essence nourished her in return.

Shenhe's adeptal arts were becoming more proficient too.

This mysterious "dual cultivation" ability he'd developed let both him and Shenhe advance rapidly on the adeptal path.

After discussing Jiang Ning and Shenhe, Xianyun naturally wouldn't let Ganyu off.

Seeing Ganyu spacing out, she spoke with exasperation:

"Ganyu, child, you must work harder! Don't let Shenhe and Jiang Ning give me great-grandchildren while you're still unmarried. Your mother would surely blame me for raising you into an old maid..."

"Master!"

Ganyu's eyes widened - how could she discuss such things in front of everyone?

Jiang Ning strategically drank tea, pretending not to hear.

Shenhe seemed thoughtful.

Little brother's constitution was becoming more extraordinary; she was having trouble keeping up. Perhaps it was time to find someone to share the burden.

Just as the atmosphere grew awkward, with Xianyun about to pull out ancient books on educating daughters, someone knocked.

"Excuse me, is Miss Ganyu inside? I'm Yun Jin. Sorry for the intrusion."

Ganyu seized the chance, quickly rising to open the door and pulling Yun Jin inside with unexpected enthusiasm that startled the opera performer.

She'd never seen Miss Ganyu so enthusiastic before.

But she entered the private box anyway.

As the troupe's lead performer, she needed to maintain proper courtesy when visiting the Qixing's secretary.

Inside, she found not just Ganyu, but an ethereal mature beauty with remarkable eyes, a cold celestial maiden, and a handsome young man.

Even Yun Jin's eyes lit up upon seeing Jiang Ning.

"Your opera was excellent, young lady. No wonder Ganyu praised you endlessly," Xianyun said.

"Really? Thank you, Miss Ganyu, and this lady," Yun Jin was overwhelmed.

Xianyun said: "Just call me Xianyun."

"Alright, nice to meet you, Miss Xianyun..."

Yun Jin smiled warmly, though confused.

Had she misheard earlier? It seemed Miss Xianyun had called Miss Ganyu... child?

Ganyu asked: "You've already reopened during Lantern Rite?"

Ganyu knew Yun Jin's usual practice of visiting important friends and Qixing-level guests after performances.

Yun Jin said: "Yes, Lantern Rite is when families can enjoy time together, and when people most enjoy watching opera. It's a good opportunity to help people understand and appreciate Liyue's opera."

"How did you find this new performance? It's my latest work."

Ganyu nodded: "I thought it was excellent. Junior brother, junior sister, what did you think?"

Shenhe remained silent, while Jiang Ning was somewhat embarrassed:

"Well, I thought it was amazing, but I don't really understand opera..."

"That's fine, understanding isn't necessary - enjoying it is enough." Yun Jin's beautiful eyes curved into crescents, looking quite charming.

"What about Master?" Ganyu asked instinctively, then saw Yun Jin's stunned expression and quickly covered her mouth.

Jiang Ning's mouth twitched. Though he knew Master's identity would be revealed eventually, he hadn't expected it so soon, especially not by the usually diplomatic Ganyu.

Yun Jin knew Secretary Ganyu wasn't just the Qixing's secretary but also an adeptus.

But because she appeared often in public and was familiar with Yun Jin, it didn't feel particularly special.

But her master... that would be a true reclusive adeptus.

"Ah, honorable adeptus, I..." Yun Jin stammered.

Xianyun said: "It's fine. In Liyue Harbor, I'm just an ordinary person. Be casual."

Despite these words, Yun Jin remained nervous, though receiving an adeptus's approval and praise made her one of the most fortunate in Yun-Han Opera Troupe.

"Perfect timing - this is my junior brother, Jiang Ning, who often mentions you and regretted not seeing your performance. Now he finally has. And this is my junior sister, Shenhe."

Ganyu introduced.

"Hello, my surname is Yun, given name Jin. Pleased to meet you."

Yun Jin appeared quite happy, considering it fortunate to have such a young man as an audience member.

Seeing Yun Jin's manner, with her attention mostly on Jiang Ning, even ignoring Xianyun beside them...

Xianyun showed great satisfaction.

Ganyu wore an "as expected" expression.

"Since you'll all be friends from now on, you young people should spend more time together. Feel free to visit us anytime."

Xianyun offered support.

"Really?" Yun Jin's face lit up.

"Of course. Jiang Ning, Shenhe, you two have too few friends your age - I shouldn't need to arrange this for you."

"Uh, thanks, Master," Jiang Ning said.

Shenhe nodded: "Yes, thank you, Master..."

"Jiang Ning is fine since he works with Ganyu now, but what about you, Shenhe? I asked you to integrate into Liyue, but you just stay at home?"

Xianyun couldn't help starting again.

"Ganyu, find Shenhe a job. Don't let her spend all day cultivating like she did in the mountains."

Ganyu could only say: "Yes, Master..."

Yun Jin found it quite interesting - it seemed even adepti elders worried like ordinary parents...

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