Twenty years after the Archon War.
Guizhong, together with the Adepti, finally succeeded in expanding the Guizhong Machines to cover all of Liyue. Now, Guizhong only needed to focus on managing the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
Over those twenty years, she had hired many helpers and established both the necessary Mora for funeral services and several special rituals—such as joyous funerals. Meanwhile, after completing the Guizhong Machines, the Adepti, having little else to do, returned to their old home at Jueyun Karst.
Ganyu and the Yaksha also found their workload easing. In the early days of the Liyue Qixing, their help had been indispensable, but with stability restored, they were no longer as busy. As for Azhdaha, he had already returned to his ancestral dwelling in The Chasm shortly after the Archon War. Morax, on the other hand, had become a true hands-off ruler—taking on human form and setting out to wander the world.
...
Sixty years after the Archon War.
Having traveled across the entirety of Teyvat, Morax finally returned to Liyue and extended an invitation to Guizhong. He wanted to take her to see the world—to visit interesting places, rather than spend every day confined to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
That very night, Guizhong dreamed. In her dream, the Lord told her that she could leave if she wished—but someone had to continue running the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and not a single rule could be neglected. Otherwise, she would not be permitted to go.
The next day, after understanding the Lord's meaning, Guizhong spent three days in contemplation before deciding to entrust the position of Hall Master to a subordinate named Hu Linhao. Hu Linhao had worked at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for over twelve years and was familiar with every detail of its operations.
He was reliable, gentle, and well-liked, fond of children and known for his calm, steady nature. Among the people of Guili Plains, everyone affectionately called him "Old Hu." He had a happy family, with one son and one daughter, and was now in his forties.
When Hu Linhao learned of Guizhong's decision, he was both flattered and alarmed, confessing that he might not be able to shoulder such a great responsibility. After all, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor handled every funeral in Guili. If something went wrong and its reputation suffered, that would be a disaster. He feared ruining what Guizhong had built with her own hands.
But Guizhong reassured him and insisted that he try.
Over the next five days, all funeral matters were managed by Hu Linhao while Guizhong merely observed. Only the first service had minor issues due to his nervousness, but he quickly recovered, and everything proceeded smoothly thereafter. The subsequent funerals were flawlessly conducted, every step and ceremony executed to perfection.
On the fifth night, Guizhong reported the results to the Lord in her dream. With His approval, she officially retired.
Though more than seventy years old by then, Guizhong's appearance had not changed—she remained the same fair-skinned, beautiful young woman she had always been. This was because of the Vision she had received, born from her powerful desire to protect Liyue. Morax had also shared a portion of his divine power with her.
In a broader sense, Guizhong now counted as one of Morax's chosen.
Upon hearing that Guizhong had stepped down, the Adepti hurried to see her. Finally free from responsibility, Guizhong spent a long time enjoying Liyue with everyone. Together, they celebrated that year's Lantern Rite in laughter and joy.
The next day, Morax and Guizhong set out from Liyue alone—Morax was taking her to see the world.
...
Seventy years after the Archon War.
Guizhong and Morax returned to Liyue, bringing with them joyful news—they had married during their travels.
There had been no ceremony, no witnesses, and no words of blessing. Only the stars and the sea bore witness to their love. They swore to protect each other forever.
When the Adepti and Yaksha heard the news, they were stunned, left speechless. Bosacius immediately proposed hosting the grandest wedding banquet in all of Teyvat! The idea was met with unanimous approval.
But Morax and Guizhong merely smiled at each other.
"Happiness doesn't need the world's acknowledgment," they said. "We've decided—the banquet will be held here, on Mount Tianheng, where it all began."
The others exchanged glances, and though surprised, they followed Morax and Guizhong's wishes.
That long-delayed wedding banquet included not only the Adepti, the Yaksha, Ganyu, and Azhdaha, but also the other six Archons, whom Morax had invited personally. No one else was present.
These six were deities he had reconnected with during his travels—brothers-in-arms who had once shared life-and-death struggles. They still remembered that one from Celestia who had crushed all seven of them to the ground for seven days and nights.
Had Morax chosen to make the wedding public, it would have become the grandest celebration in all of Teyvat. After all, he knew every god across the land.
But neither he nor Guizhong wanted such extravagance. Among familiar friends, they could laugh freely without restraint. If it were a public affair, even the smallest misstep would have been magnified. With so many eyes watching, no imperfection could escape notice.
...
Time passed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, thousands of years went by. Perhaps due to the unforeseen incident with Xiuyuan, the Traveler never set foot on Teyvat. Even Snezhnaya dared not harbor any rebellious thoughts.
All nations behaved dutifully and peacefully. Since technological research was forbidden, each country instead refined its natural beauty and culture—turning tourism into its pride.
Morax staged his own abdication from godhood and, in doing so, attended his own farewell banquet. He and Guizhong adopted new appearances and once again walked among humans in Liyue.
By now, merchants and travelers filled the land. More and more people took up the trade of journeying across nations, eager to witness the splendor of the Seven Nations. It was a time of harmony and prosperity.
Though elemental creatures and Hilichurls still appeared, new professions like "bodyguards" arose to protect travelers and merchants alike. All in all, this millennium marked the most peaceful and harmonious era in Teyvat's history.
...
Meanwhile, deep within the Sea of Quanta...
In that pitch-black abyss devoid of even a single ray of light, a pool of scarlet blood churned. At its center lay a human corpse—rotted and deformed beyond recognition.
Not a single part of his body remained intact. His entire frame was composed of blood-red muscle, with exposed bones and nerves, as though his skin had been stripped away. The flesh and bone beneath would vanish and reappear in endless cycles.
Blood flowed ceaselessly, forming a vast crimson pool around him.
He drifted there like a corpse, lifeless in that lightless ocean—for thousands of years.