Genshin Impact: I am the Great General of Liyue

The "Dust-Cleansing Bell" is a creation of Hargentus, the god of dust, who is also known as Guizhong. It is used whenever an immortal passes away. It has witnessed the departure of many immortals, and it has also witnessed the friendship between Guizhong and the "True Lord of Song Dust Wave City".

Gui Zhong and Kagami Nagashiki Shinjun once argued endlessly about music.

Gui Zhong believed that although mechanical art could not completely replace human composition, its finished products were comparable to simple compositions.

Kagura Ryouichi Shinjun, however, believed that music is the sound of the soul, something that arises from feeling, and could never be spontaneously generated by a mechanism.

The two argued incessantly, so Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun asked the Emperor to intervene and mediate. The Emperor took away the bell and used it for various ceremonies.

From then on, the two often met in the mountains to discuss elegant music, mechanical arts, and various aspects of human life. But their peaceful time was short-lived, as a war between demons and gods suddenly broke out. The flames of war raged across Guili Plain, and Gui was ultimately no match for the invaders, passing away in the battle.

When the other immortals arrived, only the remains of the God of Destiny remained amidst the ruins.

Afterwards, at the request of True Lord Gechenlang City, Emperor Yanwang entrusted the Cleansing Bell to her for safekeeping. True Lord Gechenlang City returned many times to the place where she had met with Guizhong to play the music, but the music no longer had that unique flavor.

Song Chenlang City True Lord could no longer recapture the state of mind she once felt, nor could she recreate the soul of her music. It wasn't that her skill had diminished, nor that she was too old to play. It was simply... that most important accompaniment was missing—by her side, or rather, in her heart...

From then on, Ge Chenlang City changed her ways, no longer playing the music she was so proud of. She adopted the alias Granny Ping and wandered the world...

This is why "San'in Brocade Cluster," representing a wealthy heiress, resembles the True Lord of Kagura Ryōichi more. Kagura Ryōichi, who now appears as the elderly Granny Ping, actually loved playing music in his youth, just like a wealthy heiress...

After arriving at the ceremony to send off the immortals with the Cleansing Bell, the group handed it over to Zhongli.

"Indeed, this is the 'Dust-Cleansing Bell'... Hmm, it's been preserved quite well. Let's also put away the perfume we made earlier."

Ying recalled what Grandma Ping had said and couldn't help but wonder about Zhong Li's true identity.

"Are you an immortal too?"

"Immortal..."

After Zhongli uttered the word "immortal," he fell silent.

Paimon looked at Zhongli suspiciously.

"Hmm...there are many suspicious points! But if you don't want to talk about it, we won't press you for now. By the way, that old woman asked us to pass on a message to you: 'If you have time, you can come over for tea. This old woman doesn't have much wealth, but I do have a teapot.'"

Paimon imitated Grandma Ping's tone and said those words, which greatly soothed Zhongli's worn-out mood.

"Hahaha, that tone doesn't suit you very well. However, her teapot is indeed very nice, perfect for brewing tea. When the time is right, I will naturally bring some good tea... to see her."

Seeing Zhong Li's disapproving expression, Paimon didn't dwell on the matter of their identities.

"What should be the next step in the preparations for the ceremony?"

"Okay, next... let's go buy a kite."

Paimon got excited when he heard the word "kite".

"Kite! Is Zhongli taking us kite flying? Is this... a break?"

That's just how Paimon is; he beams with joy whenever the topic of play comes up. And when it comes to food, all his grudges vanish.

"Haha, that's not it. Although kites are children's toys, they also have other symbolic meanings in various rituals in Liyue. I'll explain it to you, but let's go and rest first. The kite I ordered will also take some time to be made."

"Hmm...okay...I'm totally confused..."

...

After saying goodbye to Zhongli, Huiyuan took Ying and Paimon to her small mansion in Liyue Harbor and slept there for the night.

The next day, everyone gathered to retrieve the kite.

When the toy stall owner, Granny Ashan, saw Zhongli approaching, she greeted him.

"Guests, you've arrived? The seven kites you ordered have all been prepared. Would you like to pick them up now?"

"Yes, it's hard work."

"These days, it's rare to find customers willing to buy this kind of kite. Back in the day, though, some people from all walks of life would use them..."

Paimon nodded in agreement.

"Well, this Mr. Zhongli is a guest elder of the Hall of Rebirth, so he probably understands the rules of the game among all sorts of people. However, the things I chatted with Zhongli about during this trip went far beyond that..."

"Zhongli knows a lot of things."

Huiyuan nodded.

"Hmm... he seems to be able to pick up on the finance and politics topics that Liyue people love most, but he prefers to talk about those rather 'useless' pieces of knowledge."

"Haha...because I'd rather share these funny stories with you guys."

After Zhongli finished speaking, Granny Ashan picked up the conversation.

"Oh dear, children's toys are just so much fun. But... although I also enjoy seeing children laugh, there's something else I miss. Intricately crafted toys always appeal to children. But that 'intricacy' is the result of over a thousand years of refinement, and behind it all lies 'meaning.' I've been making kites for forty years, and I know the designs passed down from my ancestors inside and out. The seven kites this customer ordered have a special significance."

At this point, Grandma Ashan started explaining things to Zhongli.

"That's right. These are ornaments used in the 'Sending Off the Immortals Ritual,' seven kites... symbolizing the seven gods."

"Hahaha... For the pattern offered to the Wind God, I deliberately let the colors 'freely' extend beyond the lines. As for the one offered to the Rock God, you'll have to draw it properly according to the 'contract.' This pattern is very ancient; you can even find it in the 'Golden House.'"

"The lightning patterns on this kite... hmm, the sense of rotation is captured very well, just like the 'eternity' that Thor desired. The grass and leaf patterns, a tribute to 'wisdom,' and the silver wood rings... are cleverly integrated into the kite's frame, truly admirable. The 'justice' balanced like the surface of water, the 'war' burning like fire, and even the Ice God's past... hmm, the details are very well done."

"Hehehe, it's a pleasure to occasionally hear some compliments from knowledgeable customers."

"Well then, Grandma Shan, I'll pick up this order first. As for the remaining payment..."

Just as Paimon and Ying sensed something was wrong, a familiar voice came from behind them.

"As for the remaining balance... I'll pay it."

The newcomer was none other than the young master. Ying instinctively put her hands on her hips and looked at him warily.

"You've been lying in ambush on us?"

"Haha, just passing by."

The young master's visit this time wasn't to help pay, but to gather information. The reason for this sudden visit was that he discovered the lady had arrived in Liyue without his knowledge. He didn't want her to obtain the Heart of God before him.