The One Who Weeps at Fate's End

|| mostly zhongli + vedrfolnir || for overflow yapping purposes only || reblogs of art still go on main ||

[tofufei]

thinking about zibai changing the whole trajectory of zhongli's life. aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh

guy who was just on teyvat for funsies and wanted to train and become stronger. knows 5000 AncientTM martial art skills and secret techniques. doesn't really care about teyvat and its workings as a world but befriends zibai by chance, who's both an angel and a lunar emissary. she loves humans very very much, something that's programmed into her being and not something he shares. the way the heavenly principles love is indiscriminate, humans as individuals are irrelevant and sacrificing some of them for the greater good is always morally correct. while working with the moons though, she's come to learn to love them individually, so when the HP mandates the destruction of lang-gan, she defies that order and sacrifices herself to save them.

zhongli!!!!! motherfucker!!!!! who made people (me) believe for years is one of the staunchest followers of HPs rules after he took on the job as an archon. who makes you think "ah what a tragic character. he keeps having to sacrifice his friends but he can't even properly mourn that fact because he simply has accepted the duty of Loving Humanity above all, and that always takes priority". guy might genuinely feel very deeply for his friends but in the end he'll always let them go bc that's how his character is constructed, he's the One That Outlives Them All and Has Made Peace With That.

yes this fucking guy! actually has NEVER let go. all the shit he did in the past 4000+ years? was a tribute to her.

after zibai not!dies (thanks to the secret technique he taught her), zhongli embarks on a quest to maybe find a way to save her. or maybe that wasn’t the initial goal bc he doesn’t know how feasible it is. what he does is mourn her, grieve for her and commemorate her. zibai died because of her love for lang-gan's people, so lang-gan's people he will protect in her stead. he might not love them like she did but watching over them lies in his power. guy roams around teyvat and befriends guizhong. (hah! another subject he'll have to Mourn). watches humans struggle and try to survive the big upheaval. maybe starts to care abt humans a little bit.

anyways i bet zibai gossiped to him about teyvat's world order and he's very aware that there's something deeply wrong with teyvat. i am convinced that zhongli actively sought out azhdaha because of his identity (dispossed dragon sovereign, defeated by the HP), he didn't just randomly stumble on that guy and he went to him with a very clear purpose. to ask him if he knows more about the three moons that were destroyed in the war and if there's a way to go to the lunar palace, where a fragment of zibai's soul resides. either way, the contract he offers azhdaha is thus: i will take you to the surface world if you promise not to harm humans. if you do, i will seal you back into darkness. whether zhongli himself loves and cares about humans is debatable at that point, but ultimately irrelevant intially bc he's doing this for zibai. (inclined to think that he does actually care about humans at this point already bc it adds a very nice layer to the narrative structure where love is something that gezs inherited and passed on (from zibai, to zhongli, to azhdaha)

the demon gods (archon) war starts. [insert azhdaha and zhongli positional tension here (ok ive talked abt that before, whatever)] guizhong dies. the place the two of them ruled over is called guili plains in their memory. azhdaha loses his mind and hurts humans, zhongli seals him away.

the archon war is won. zhongli ascends and makes a contract with the HP to protect and love humanity above all. by this point, that's what he's been doing anyways. we don’t talk about the fact that the HP killed zibai 😊 god. he names the nation he founds after the moon in zibai's memory. 璃月 (glazed moon), after 岩间琉璃…云间月… (jade amongst rocks, moon amidst clouds). and he names his constellations after the jade ritual tools that are used to communicate with the lunar palaces.

it is at this point (fast forward 3600+ years) that zhongli gets introduced to the player. when the player first meets Zhongli, he is a consultant at a funeral parlour in liyue harbor. he is elegant, unhurried, and somewhat absurdly knowledgeable about everything. he also has no money. the first proper thing you learn about him, narratively, is that he has chosen to step down from his position as the geo archon and surrender his divine power — that he has decided, after six thousand years, that humanity is ready to stand on its own. it reads initially as a kind of graceful retirement. someone who has fulfilled his duty and knows when to stop.

then you get into the erosion stuff (him acknowledging that further following this path laid out by the HP where he has to sacrifice his friends for humanity) and about the tsarista contract stuff and hopefully after reading this word vomit, the first chapter of teyvat is thoroughly reframed in your mind ❤❤❤

[fate-severed]

zhongli's priorities

[fate-severed]

It is truly not understandable how there's not a good edit of Zhongli to 浮光... This is the most Zl coded blorbo song to ever blorbo. Wish I had the video editing skills😔

Like come on, look at these lines

你的眼眸装满了时间 / 你的身后拥故事成篇 / 此生如梦愿细数流年 / 与你同写 沧海桑田

Time / fills your eyes

Countless stories become complete / in your wake

This dream-like life / I wish to recount all the years past

With you, I write / [The way time] has carved these landscapes from deep seas into mulberry fields

浮光掠影 重山彩云间 / 你的伏线 穿越千百年 / 人生不过恍惚三万天 / 漫漫人间 留恋流连

[Time passes like] flickering lights and shadows / between mountain ridges and rosy clouds

The plans you laid / span a great many millenia

Human life is only / a fleeting thirty thousand days

The mortal world is endless / Full of nostalgia, hard to part with

你说那月光 照过同样城墙 / 永恒的刹那的 此刻沉默无话 / 想问你这星空 是否不曾变 / 是啊 是啊 我们望着它

You say, that moonlight / once shone on these same city walls

The eternal, the instant / are both silent right now

I want to ask you if this starry sky / truly has never changed?

It is so, it is so / We gaze at it

[fate-severed]

Some of this years fanworks on bilibili for Zhongli's birthday

Fananimatic

【钟离生贺手书】永生的野花

Fansongs:

【原神｜钟离原创生贺曲】因铭记而生

【钟离生贺】回马枪——“余生归来此处是帝乡”记钟离/璃月群像（原神填词翻唱）

Edits:

【钟离&璃月中心】「谪仙」“称谪仙瑶宫难留 去凡间红楼斗酒”

【2025钟离生贺/璃月群像】你在天涯角落 也在人间烟火

Obligatory DPS Zhongli Abyss clear

【百变帝君】即使我能打出百般样的伤害，但我还是希望下一年的钟离能成为真正的武神丨生日快乐钟离

[fate-severed]

On Sigils/符箓

One of the three arts that Zhongli taught adepti, alongside alchemy/elixir making and sub-space creation.

At their very basic "adepti can store their powers in the form of symbols".

Known uses for it are:

- in battle and requires oral commands to activate

- acting as a conductor of sorts for adepti art/仙法

- can absorb inauspicious energy in someone's stead and protect them from harm

An exemplar of a sigil is the one we were given by Childe during the Liyue AQ, the Sigil of Permission/百无禁忌箓 or lit. Nothing is Taboo Sigil

This one could

- aid humans in battle

- in large quantities undo the seal on Osial that Zhongli made

- purge demons

It was also exported to Inazuma where Harunosume combined the techniques of sigils with yougou art and created shikigami (paper cutouts with power) and shikifuda (paper seals. Kairagi are enemies that use them to imbue their weapons with elemental energy, and can wield that despite not having a vision.

[fate-severed]

Quick Zhongli answer me why you know how the world looked at its inception.

Small TL notes: Instead of "embody", the CN used here is 模拟/imitate, simulate. Another part that was left out of the translation is the 重现=reappearance/remaking of the world.

[fate-severed]

On Three Eyes/三眼

Short addendum (to this post)

The 仙人/adepti themselves are called 三眼五显仙人/Three Eyes and Five Manifestations Adeptus in full but it is rendered as some variation of illuminated/illustrious and similar in translation.

Xiao's character stories posit the vision to be the third eye, but this doesn't hold as 1) Zhongli was already teaching adeptal arts to adepti before the Archon War so there were no visions to give out, 2) Qiqi's character stories have the Moon Carver and co acknowledge her vision as a legitimate third eye, meaning except for Qiqi they have a third eye sans Vision, and 3) Xianyun's character stories corroborate that adepti were for the majority elemental beings that already could wield elemental power innately. So it simply is referring to the fact that adepti can use elemental energy.

It is unclear what exactly following the adeptal path all means, but one part of it consisted of passing the trial of heaven and earth. This trial was explicitly sanctioned by Zhongli.

The Trial of Heaven was taking place in an abode that Xianyun created, and the Trial of Earth in Taishan Mansion.

EN translation fail here, it should more read something along the lines of "Here stood the Taishan Mansion built under divine decree. ... Yet the Geo Lord had the intentions to return the power to the people of Li. As such, all traces to the adeptal path were vanquished from the mortal realm."

In the context of the Liyue AQ, what this is saying is that humans should govern themselves and not rely on archons and adepti, though I don't quite see how sealing off the adeptal path helps.* After the Archon war, some select people gained the ability to wield elemental powers if they were bestowed a vision.

This is unsubstantiated speculation but what is interesting is that again and again there are bits and pieces that claim that humans were able to cultivate themselves and walk the adeptal path, which in turn implies that after they attained enlightment, they too should have the powers of "three eyes and five manifestation" of an adeptus aka being able to use elemental energy *without* a vision. Even without the power to wield elemental power though, being a human adeptus should entail being able to use three of the arts that Zhongli taught at the very least. The art of sigil-making has partially been inherited through multiple human generations.

*Since it's much fairer if everyone had the chance through cultivation to become an adeptus rather than relying on the god's favor to receive a vision but this is neither here nor there. And elemental beings can already control elemental power innately so what does sealing this off do? Alsoalso wasn’t there the other crane in Xianyun's SQ that was still on the path of cultivation despite this supposed sealing. She failed, yes, but not bc the path was sealed off. But this is neither here nor there.

[tofufei]

the thing about zhongli is that he takes his duty to love and guide humanity soso seriously. yes, that is the purpose of gods and what they were created for. but no archon other than zhongli fully embraces that curse.

the heavenly principles and the world order they're trying to uphold keep taking and taking from him, but he very willingly makes these sacrifices. are they sacrifices at all to him if humanity takes precedence over everything he holds dear as an individual?

in a war mandated by the heavens, he buries companion after companion. he kills gods he holds no enmity towards, and friends he cares about. he watches his loved ones lose their minds because that too is mandated by the divine laws and then he seals them away.

does he feel anger, does he feel resentment? he can't because he loves humans, and he loves them not only in his capacity as a god, but as himself too. but 6000 years are a long time, and maybe...he has fulfilled his duty now.

[tofufei]

otoh this makes the "wrath of the rock" thing 1000x funnier than it was anyways. zhongli is like, if you make a promise and break it, i WILL take that personally and i'll manifest before you and bombard you with FACTS only, which is enough to guilt trip you into never breaking a promise again. because of how bad it made you feel. noone likes feeling guilty, right. we're all lawful adults here who follow the rules we've set

[tofufei]

the jury is still out abt him possibly being one of the few beings not actually programmed to do this but voluntarily doing so bc he made a contract with phanes

[tofufei]

....watch me lose my mind over historia antiqua quest titles

anyways!! zhongli on if he'd kill his friends for humanity

tldr the answer is he'd try everything in his power to save them but should that fail (which it will!) then yes, he would

[tofufei]

the appeal of zhongli ofc is that he is very distinctly not human and clearly does not see the world as humans do nor feels as they do. and that he very much believes in doing right to his duty even if it does make him go through experiences that very much would've shaken someone's conviction. instead he just doubles down

[tofufei]

i need to make pjc fanart... i keep thinking about the post that goes "i was originally captivated by its beautiful green glow and sharp elegant blade" so true bestie

[tofufei]

LOOK AT IT. beautiful design, sad zhongli lore (oughhhh weapon you slay your friends with <333). best or second weapons on 97% of sword users what can my girl not do.

[tofufei]

Description:

由纯净的翠玉精琢细雕而成的仪礼宝剑，挥舞时剑风中似有叹息之声。

A ceremonial sword delicately and masterfully carved from pure jadeite. As it is swung, the sound of a sigh can almost be heard in the wind.

Story:

据说在璃月初兴时，帝君曾执翠玉琢成之剑行走大地。 在年岁不停的磨砺下，血洗的碧绿剑锋仍旧闪亮如新， 鲜血随千年雨水而去，凝结的思念与怨恨却难以涤除。

They say that when Liyue was first established, Rex Lapis once walked the earth with a sword carved from jadeite.

Despite the unrelenting grind of time and the unceasing battles sharpening it, the blood-soaked dark green blade shone with a luster as if new.

The red blood has long been washed away with the rains of millenia, but it was difficult to rid it of hatred and obsessions.

「结绿拥有碧水的魂灵与柔情，自能清洗残留于其上的宿怨」

「但以美玉之身被塑成杀戮之器的伤痛，又有谁能抚平呢？」

"Jielü possesses the spirit and gentlessness of the Bishui River, and so it can cleanse itself of the remnant grudges,

But who can ease the agony of fine jade being made into an instrument of slaughter?"

淡忘了名字的故友曾如是嗟怨，如是叹息，

但无可阻遏的命途终于淹没了恻隐的言语。

An old friend--whose name has faded from his memory--once grieved, heavily sighing thus,

But nothing could stop the course of fate and so these words of sympathy were drowned out in the end.

在过于悠久的年月里，浴血死斗的仇敌也曾言欢同乐，

终将反目的挚友、仇恨消弭的死敌也会相约举杯一醉。

这柄宝剑也是在那时，作为赠予某人的贵礼雕琢而成，

名为「结绿」的翠玉，身受削凿本是为了和平与华贵。

The passage of many long years would see those who once made merry become bitter enemies fighting to the death,

And those mortal enemies overflowing with hatred too could agree to meet to share a drink.

It was also back then, that this precious sword was carved as an exquisite present to a certain someone,

The jadeite known as "jielü" originally suffering chisel and hammer for an era of peace and prosperity.

当酒器被血水溢满，温情被冷酷的欲望撕碎，化作尘埃飞散，

未能送出的赠礼，未能诉说的友谊，亦成了斩向旧友的利刃。

When wine cups were filled with blood instead, when compassion was torn into pieces by callous ambition,

This gift ungiven, this friendship unoffered too would become a sharp blade with which to slay a former friend.

[tofufei]

sorry wdym vedrfolnir was blind. he just keeps getting hotter with every thing i learn about him. they gouged out his eyes for giving a prophecy??? oughhhhh some people couldn't stand him for speaking the truth of a future they refused to believe will come true

[tofufei]

also dain i know you cared about your brother very much and it all the more felt unforgivable to you that he'd forsake your kingdom but i'm on vedrfolnir's side here. it might have seemed like he betrayed you for power but have you seen what that power did to him? who would prefer rotting flesh and fading memories over becoming a disembodied voice sealed in a purple crystal that gives out prophecies and undoes curses of beings on a higher plane of existence on sons of future cult leaders. like. he's infinitely cooler than you pretending to be mysterious, dropping lore crumbs once a year and fucking off. even if the lore crumbs are about your hot evil(?) brother.

besides lbr, vedrfolnir already did more tangible good by prophesizing fontaine's destruction which allowed focalors to actually start scheming than you wandering the earth for 500 years being tormented and chasing after your ex. i mean. the crown princess

[tofufei]

i will never be over jielü, ceremonial sword lovingly chiseled out of jade and made as a peace offering to an old friend turned foe. but the negotiations go awry so instead she becomes a weapon with which zhongli slays his friend, and with which he keeps killing gods later on.

but her blade stays sharp and she remains untouched by resentment no matter how bloodsoaked she becomes because waughhhh she's made out of the lovliest, gentlest jade

[tofufei]

her🥺

(source)

[tofufei]

Moonchase festival 2.1:

钟离 : 旅行者，逐月一词，你认为如何？

Zhongli: Traveler, what do you make of the word "Moonchase"?

旅行者：意境甚美，时节又佳。

Traveler: It evokes a beautiful atmosphere and is fitting for the season.

钟离 : 举头望明月，万般感怀皆在其中。此情此景，犹如天星照我，愿逐月华。

Zhongli: As one raises their gaze and beholds the moon, all sorts of emotions well up. The situation I find myself in right now [looking at the moon] is just as if the heavely star shone upon me, spurring me to chase the moonlight.

钟离 : 感故人之恩，承旧友之情，追千古之意，环千秋之城。以上种种，谓之「逐月」。

Zhongli: To be grateful for the favors of the departed, to bear the wishes of old friends, to pursue the meaning of ages past, to encircle the thousand years old city.

钟离 : 以上种种，谓之「逐月」。

Zhongli: All of the above and more, that is the meaning of "Moonchase".

WHICH COULD MEAN NOTHING!!!!!!!!

CBT weapon dreams of dragonfell

Zhongli to Azhdaha: If we ride on your back and cross these mountains, we can reach the palace on the moon, right?

WHICH COULD MEAN NOTHING!!!!

[tofufei]

While the traveler chapters have been the most interesting chapters by far in early genshin writing, I just couldn't seem to care half as much about Khaenri'ah as most ppl did. I never rly understood the appeal bc we were getting dripfed near zero information. But now I see that there was a common thread in those chapters and that the most interesting subject in all of them have always been the same, namely it all being a result of Vedrfolnir desperately struggling against fate and masterminding a way to break free of it behind the scenes. It took me 4 years to but now I care about Khaenri'ah bc Vedrfolnir cares🥰

[tofufei]

Everyone talking about dragons and moon goddesses and angels and the Heavenly Principles fighting the original inhabitants of the planet and whatnot. I mean it's not a red herring, but a story about space colonisation (and perhaps reparations) is not actually what Genshin is about. What it really is about is the struggle of this single guy who has seen the predetermined future and recognizes that he is trapped in a story of tragedy written by the most perverse guy ever and himself being a product of his writing having near no chances to save anyone he cares about.

And if he first has to betray his homeland and his brother and lead his friends to madness to be able to save them in a different version of reality, so be it bc the current one is unsalvage. but do not think that he abandoned it.

[tofufei]

the most ridiculous thing about zhongli is that he tells us nothing* abt himself. even venti has been forthcoming with his connection to istaroth by now but all we can piece together abt zhongli is in stupid* pseudo-historical records and artifact readables as well as the names of his skills and constellations

*ok he tells us plenty abt the pre-archon war to present time self but nothing of everything before. he also doesn't even tell us anything about the future and his deal with the tsaritsa, i'm gonna kill him

*records of jueyun and vermillion hereafter beloved i don't mean to slander you BUT WHERE ARE FIRST HAND ACCOUNTS. preferably from the man himself

[tofufei]

honestly though what was phanes on. no wonder the voyager was outraged and horrified. who looks for a planet, decides to kill off their original inhabitants and use their remains as the basis to "create life" by making bodies out of dragon sludge for "humans" and traps quasi-conscious beings who don't have free will in them and have them exist in a simulacra of the real world where they have act out the same story of the rise and fall of countless nations again and again </3 who hurt her

[tofufei]

AND SHE'S NOT EVEN AWAKE FOR IT

[tofufei]

so...what happened to the PO's original home world that she's inflicting so much suffering upon ppl just so they keep re-enacting the past

and then falls asleep </3

[tofufei]

it has been brought to my attention that phanes might not be human. in which case. head in hands. i'd forgive phanes