A Soul Made To Return - Chapter 4
>Notes<
Finally an update. I've been drowning in assignments (and decided it'll be a good idea to procrastinate). Anywho, I'll keep this short since I'm at the airport right now, waiting for my flight.
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What Was Left Behind
We set off a little later in the afternoon.
Zhongli walked ahead with a steady pace, and I followed, trying to match his stride while mentally going over everything I remembered.
The vision I saw from the leyline was vague, but familiar. I was almost certain the ruin I saw was from a domain that was tucked away behind some cliffs in the game. Most players skipped it, which was understandable considering there was no teleport waypoint nearby, and no real reason to visit it.
A half-collapsed archway. A cliffside waterfall. A giant stone lodge into a cave wall, hiding the entrance.
“But it's weird how it doesn't appear on the map…” I muttered.
Zhongli glanced back. Pardon?”
“Ah- nothing. Just thinking out loud.” I quickly said.
He didn't press further, only a small nod. His gaze swept the horizon like he already knew where we were going.
The wind quickly picked up slightly as we moved deeper into the forested trail. It wasn't cold, but there was a pressure in the air I couldn't ignore. It felt like I was being watched, but not in a threatening way. More like.. I was being studied.
I stopped walking for a moment, glancing around the trees behind us.
Nothing.
Zhongli had paused as well, waiting patiently. “Is something the matter, Your Grace?”
“No, nevermind. I thought I heard something.” I replied, brushing it off before continuing forward.
Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that the mountains weren't entirely empty today.
As we continued walking, the trees grew thicker and the path was less defined.
Zhongli slowed his steps, glancing around “Are you certain this is the place, Your Grace?” He asked, brow furrowed. “There are no records of any ruins out this far, not even from Liyue's oldest scrolls.”
I nodded, a little hesitant but almost sure “Yeah, I remember this part from when I used to… Uh study the terrain. It's hidden, so you wouldn't find it unless you knew exactly where to look.”
He gave me a long look, probably weighing how I could possibly know something even he didn’t. But he didn't argue.
We finally reached a dead end. A massive boulder sat wedged into the cave, almost like it was meant to hide whatever was behind it.. The ground felt different here, thicker with energy.. My chest felt tight just standing this close.
“This is it.” I said, stepping closer. “The ruin should be right behind that.”
Zhongli examined the boulder. “It appears to have been placed here intentionally.. To keep something out perhaps.”
With a deep breath, he summoned a focused surge of Geo energy. The boulder easily split, crumbling like dry bread. Soon, an opening formed, revealing the entrance of an ancient ruin.
The moment I stepped through the opening, the crystal I carried began to glow brighter than ever. Warm and soft, golden glow poured from it. It lit up the dark hallway ahead revealing walls lined up with cracked stones and overgrown roots.
Dust clung to every surface, but I could make out a few carvings on the walls. I stepped closer, brushing cobwebs aside as the crystal’s light bathed the mural. Lighting up what had long been forgotten.
It was a figure,towering over kneeling mortals, hands raised to the sky. Wings? A crown? I couldn't tell since the shape wasn't clear enough.
Zhongli moved beside me, gaze fixed on the mural. “Your likeness is etched into its foundations.”
“You think that’s me?” I asked quietly.
He gave a slow nod. “You are the Creator, the one worshipped since the earliest days of Teyvat.”
I didn't answer. Because something felt off.
The hallway stretched forward, long and silent. But as I moved deeper in the glow from the crystal gently illuminated the path. I turned my attention to the next mural. It showed the same divine figure, now accompanied by other shapes. Smaller, and more abstract. The Shades, maybe? Or the first elemental beings? I wasn't sure.
But the last mural caught my attention.
The divine figure was still there, but this time, surrounded by cracks. The sky above them looked almost broken. Something was falling. Collapsing. And below, people were running, fleeing.
“What do you think this one means?” I asked.
Before I could hear what Zhongli had to say, the voice suddenly chimed in.
“It was the beginning of the end.”
That was all it said. No further explanation. Just that. Again.
I stared at the carving for a long moment. My thoughts swirled, unease curling in my chest. There was more to this story. More to me. And this ruin was only the beginning.
We walked a little further into the quiet ruin. Just when I thought the place had nothing else to offer, something caught my eye, buried beneath the dust, tucked into an old pedestal.
It looked like a crystal fragment, but shaped deliberately. My fingers brushed over it. It wasn't jagged like the other leyline crystals I'd seen. This one was smooth, polished.
“What is it?” Zhongli asked gently.
I held it up, watching it catch the faint light. “Looks like a key to me.”
Zhongli studied it, then gave a small nod. “Artifacts like these are rare. If it resonates with you, it may serve a greater purpose.”
I tucked it away in my pocket, deciding I'd figure it out later. The place had gone quiet again. No more murals, no more strange feelings pulling me forward. I turned back.
“Let's head out.”
By the time we returned to the temple, the sun had dipped lower, casting a warm glow over the stone steps.
I barely had time to step through the gates when a Millelith guard suddenly approached, clearly waiting for us.
“Your Holiness.” He addressed me, bowing low before lifting his head. “Lady Ningguang and several high officials of Liyue Harbor have requested a formal appearance. The people.. Well, they await your presence.”
I blinked. “Wait- What?”
Zhongli let out the softest breath beside me, something between a sigh and a chuckle.
The guard continued with practiced politeness. “There's been word of your arrival spreading through the city. Many believe a public address would bring them peace and clarity, Your Holiness.”
I looked at Zhongli, silently begging for help. But he only folded his hands calmly behind his back.
“It would be wise to acknowledge them. If only briefly.” He said.
I groaned inwardly. I came back from, apparently, a thousand year nap. Barely remembered anything about myself. Tripped over my own powers, twice. And now I was expected to stand in front of a crowd like some all-knowing divine figure?
“Alright, I'll be there…”
The guard straightened. “Noted, Your Holiness. I will inform Lady Ningguang that you’ll make your appearance shortly.”
With that, the Millelith quickly left.
After he left, I went back inside the temple while Zhongli stayed behind, most likely waiting in the main hall or the throne room or wherever important people were supposed to wait.
Now I was alone again. Great.
Inside the bedchamber, I stared hopelessly at the massive closet built into the wall. The moment I slid it open, I nearly gasped.
It was full.
Rows upon rows of robes and garments, folded silks and hanging pieces in gold and white, and ancient celestial patterns. Some looked so elaborated, I was afraid they'd crumble if I breathed near them. Others were so elegant, they practically screamed divine royalty.
And I had no idea how to wear any of them.
Ignoring how clean the closet was, I picked up one that shimmered faintly in the light. Then another, more tailored one that looked like it belonged on a porcelain statue. I sighed, sitting down in defeat.
“How can I be a divine figure if I don't even know how to dress like one..”
“Lucky for you-” A familiar voice chimed behind me. “I do!”
I turned, nearly jumping out of my skin.
“Hu Tao?! What are you doing here??”
She grinned, holding up something bundled in her arms. “I may have heard there'd be a little ‘public moment’ today. So I brought you something~”
She casually walked in and proudly unfolded the robe she was holding. It was clearly a traditional Liyuen robe, rich red with elegant gold embroidery, a modernized but ceremonial cut that was much more manageable than the closet full of ancient fashion relics.
“Tadaa~ This one's based on Liyue’s ceremonial robes. Fancy, but not too old-school. It even has room to breathe so you don't faint in front of everyone.”
I stared at it for a moment. “How- Or why do you even have this?”
“Just being prepared. You're the Creator. You can't just show up dressed like a confused ghost.”
I stepped behind the ornate folding screen, holding the robe Hu Tao had given me. I looked down at it in my hands, as beautiful as I was, I was beginning to realize how complicated it looked.
I took off my hoodie before starting with one sleeve, then the other. I wasn't even sure which part went where. Was the sash supposed to go under or over this second layer? Why were there so many pieces anyway?
After a solid minute of trying, and failing to make any of it look remotely wearable, I let out a long sigh and stared at the bundle in my arms.
“Is this why royalty always had people dress them?” I muttered under my breath. “Because this is actually impossible.”
I peeked around the edge of the screen, just enough to see Hu Tao casually flipping through the robes in the closet.
She noticed my gaze and looked up at me. “Need a hand, Your Grace?”
I hesitated. “No….. Well, yes. Maybe..”
She grinned, clearly expecting that answer all along. “You could've just asked. Even the mighty Creator is allowed to get stuck in a tangle of fabric.”
I gave her a weak smile as she stepped behind the screen with me.
“Don't worry.” She said, gently taking the robe from me. “I've helped grannies into burial silks before. This is nothing.”
“..How comforting.”
She giggled, and soon, with her guiding hands, the robe finally came together. The folds sat neatly, the layers aligned, and the sash actually looked like it was supposed to be there.
“There.” She said, adjusting the final knot. “Now you look like a proper divine figure.”
“Thanks, Hu Tao.”
“Anytime. Now sit, Your Grace. I've got some Liyue glam to add.”
With Hu Tao's help, my makeup and hair wear was done in no time. I had no idea how she managed to turn a face that had been confused and dirt-smudged yesterday into something that actually looked… Refined.
By the time we returned to the main hall of the temple, I spotted Zhongli standing near the steps, hands clasped behind his back as usual.
He looked up when he heard our footsteps, and then froze.
His golden eyes slightly widened. He said nothing, but I caught the brief pause, the flicker in his expression before he composed himself again.
Hu Tao, naturally, noticed it too.
“Oooooh~” She whispered near my ear. “Mr Zhongli’s so stunned, you'd think he saw the Geo Archon’s ghost.”
“I did not.” He said calmly, but the faintest curve of a smile gave him away. “You look.. Radiant, Your Grace.”
I tried not to sink into my robe. “Thanks. I had help.”
Hu Tao grinned proudly.
As they prepared to escort me to the city gates. Y’know, for the formal entrance and all. I stared at the long walk ahead and sighed.
“..Do I really have to walk the whole way?”
Zhongli raised a brow. “It is tradition, Your Grace. The people are expecting-”
“Yeah, yeah.” I waved a hand dismissively, then a thought came to mind. “Or… I could just teleport there.”
“...Pardon?”
Turning on my heel, I jogged down the temple path, robe slightly swishing around my ankles, until I stopped in front of a teleport waypoint near the temple.
Once both Hu Tao and Zhongli caught up to me, I grabbed Hu Tao's wrist and reached for Zhongli’s sleeve. He blinked, clearly unsure what I was about to do, but obligingly stepped closer and rested his hand lightly on my arm.
I placed my hand on the waypoint, focusing on Liyue Harbor. Somewhere open, but not too far from the crowd. The waypoint’s energy responded in an instant, humming beneath my skin.
Flash.
The world snapped.
And we reappeared right in the middle of Liyue Harbor.
Gasps rippled through the plaza.
Someone dropped a tray. A merchant stumbled backward. The Millelith, who had clearly been preparing for a majestic ceremonial entrance, looked like their souls left their bodies.
“Her Holiness just appeared?!”
“I thought there was gonna be a parade or something...”
“..Was that in the schedule?”
Hu Tao doubled over with laughter.
I blinked at the stunned crowd, cheeks warming slightly by the sudden attention. “..Maybe I should've picked a quieter spot.”
Zhongli let out a long, suffering breath beside me. “Your Grace.. You continue to defy expectations.”
“Thanks, I try.”
Eventually, the Millelith regained their footing, mentally and physically.
The moment they realized what had happened, they rushed forward, forming a tight perimeter around us before the crowd could fully swarm. It didn't stop the hushed murmurs and awestruck gazes, but at least it gave me room to breathe.
“We should move quickly.” One of the guards said, voice low but urgent. “Before word spreads and the crowd doubles.”
Zhongli nodded. “Lead the way.”
Flanked by the Millelith, I was quickly escorted away from the plaza. Hu Tao gave the lingering crowd a playful wave, while I tried not to trip over my own robe.
Zhongli and Hu Tao walked a step behind me as the Millelith escorted us toward the Yujing Terrace. I kept my head high, even if my stomach was doing backflips. My heels clicked steadily against the stone. If I looked confident, maybe I would start feeling it too.
The Qixing were already waiting when I entered.
Ningguang stood in the center, flawless as always. Keqing was off to the side, arms folded, eyes sharp. Ganyu looked like she wanted to smile but wasn't sure if now was the right time. The tension was obvious.
“Your Grace.” Ningguang greeted with a respectful dip of her head. “Thank you for coming.”
I nodded. “Of course.”
Keqing tilted her head slightly. “You arrived.. Rather abruptly.”
“I like efficiency.” I said, totally bluffing. “Why waste time with grand stairs?”
Hu Tao barely held in a snort behind me.
Zhongli cleared his throat.
Ningguang offered a faint smile. “In that case, I hope you don't mind a brief meeting before your appearance. We'd like to… Align expectations.”
I blinked. “Expectations?”
“You are a figure of immense importance now.” Keqing added, her tone still carefully neutral. “Even if you don't wish to involve yourself in politics, your presence alone will shift the balance of power. The people look to you. They will hang on your words.”
“Also, there have been.. Conversations since your return.” Ningguang continued. “Some are hopeful. And some are skeptical."
Keqing cut in. “And some are calling you a false god.”
My lips twitched, not in offence, but amusement. “Good. That means they're thinking for themselves.”
That threw them off for a second. Ganyu blinked. Keqing raised an eyebrow.
“I didn't come here expecting blind devotion.” I continued. “If people have doubts, let them. It won't change who I am.”
Zhongli, bless him, remained quiet but firm beside me, like a shadow that dared anyone to challenge me.
Ganyu’s stance shifted slightly. “Still, people expect something from you, Your Grace.”
“People always do.” I said.
Ningguang's expression finally cracked into something more thoughtful. “Clarity is all we ask. Even the illusion of certainty can be a powerful stabilizer.”
“Then consider this.” I said, taking a step forward. “I'm not here to fix everything overnight. I'm not here to play god. I'm here to make sure the world doesn't fall apart. That’s all you need to know.”
The room was quiet again, less tense now. It was more.. Considering.
Behind me, Hu Tao let out a quiet, “Oho~ Very commanding today, Your Grace.”
Maybe I didn't know what I was doing, but I was going to look like I did.
The square was packed.
From the moment we stepped outside, the energy in the air shifted, thick with expectations. I could hear whispers ripple through the crowd like wind brushing across water.
“There she is…”
“She really does look like the statues…”
“She doesn't seem that powerful.”
“Quiet! Show some respect to Her Holiness.”
Zhongli was on one side of me, composed as ever. Hu Tao on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement. I stood on the stone steps overlooking Liyue Harbor. My heart thudding under my ribs. So many eyes, so many expectations.
I took a deep breath and stepped forward. My voice was calm, but my palms were already starting to sweat.
“It's true I've returned after a long time.” I said, careful not to say how long, because even I didn't know.
“Things have changed and there's much I need to relearn about this world.”
‘And myself.’
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but I kept going.
“But rest assured, I haven't forgotten my purpose here.”
The murmurs died down as I looked over the gathered crowd. I wasn't used to attention, much less worship, but the way they looked at me. Hopeful, reverent, desperate. Reminded me that even if I didn't feel like a god to them, I already was.
“The path ahead may be unclear, but I've already taken the first step. And I promised to restore what was lost.”
I gave a nod and stepped back. Confident enough to hold their hope, honest enough to be true to myself.
As soon as I stepped back from the platform, I let out a quiet breath I hadn't realized I was holding. The weight of hundreds of eyes faded from my shoulders, replaced by a dull buzz of relief and exhaustion.
The murmuring crowd hadn't erupted into cheers or panic. Just quiet awe and curiosity, that was good enough for me.
Keqing stepped forward next, her voice sharp and clear as she addressed the people.
“The Creator's presence is a sign of new balance in Liyue.” She started. “While many questions remain unanswered for now, the Qixing will ensure that all necessary support is given. Both to Her Holiness and to the people.
Ganyu stepped up beside her, her tone was soft but no less firm.
“Let today mark the beginning of a new chapter. May Liyue continue to thrive under the guidance of Her Holiness.”
The Millelith saluted in unison. The crowd bowed again.
I stood quietly to the side, Hu Tao playfully nudging me with a grin. Zhongli didn't say anything, but I could feel the warm glance he sent my way.
I didn't feel powerful. But maybe, I didn't have to. Not right away.