The Way Of The Cloud Knife

The Way of the Cloud Knife

Not beta read

Honkai: Star Rail x Reader

Jing Yuan x Reader

Summary:

You aren't part of the Cloud Knights, nor are you a martial artist.

Yet, The great General of the Cloud Knights, along with other greatly titles, Jing Yuan, took interest in your practice of the *Cloud Knife.

*Cloud Knife is a common tool used in Ear Cleaning (採耳) services.

Tags: Reader is not Trailblazer, fluff, cultural references, one shot, short fic

His hand moved slowly towards the chess board. The holographic chess piece tapped on the surface of the intersecting lines, the relaxed smile never left Jing Yuan's face. Even, when he watched your expression turned, from a slight irritation, to a shock of surprise.

"General," he said.

The moment his chess piece landed inside the "citadel", you could only look up at him, still shocked, and said, "... You lied..."

You were right, he lied.

Jing Yuan, took a sip from his tea and chuckled.

"You said you will go easy on me." you spoke angrily.

"Perhaps, I did get carried away..." Jing Yuan simply replied. His gentle smile did not waver.

The general's carefree and nonchalant attitude triggered your initial gut feeling once more. You knew he was up to no good when he invited you for a game of Weiqi.

"You planned this all along," you accused," you said, you would go easy on me just to have me agree."

A chuckled left Jing Yuan's lips, "How else would you agree to come here?"

You scoffed at his words. Feeling a little embarassed how well the General fooled you.

You had been avoiding his invites for a while now. Whenever you recieve a message from him, it would usually end up in an utter embarrassment in a match of chess. And, whenever Jing Yuan wins, the general would leverage his victory in order to coax you for a 'favour'.

However, you convinced yourself that this time around it would be different. You had hope the General would actually let you easy on the game, as he promised.

"Needless to say, I won. Once, again," Jing Yuan smile. He lifted his hand and pointed his finger at his ear. Signalling you what he really wanted to ask you for.

You sighed. You knew where this was going.

Prompted, you reached for your bag to grab a rectangular box. Opening it, you took out a blunt tool. The Cloud Knife shone with the light, reflecting its long history within the Xianzhou's local culture; in terms of ear cleaning.

"Yanqing told me you developed new techniques of the Cloud Knife," Jing Yuan said, "I didn't know you are working on a new repertoire." he jokingly teased.

You could only rolled your eyes, internally, at Jing Yuan's teasing.

"I hope this won't take too much of my time, I still have work to do," You said.

"Of course," Jing Yuan replied. He smile never left, and it felt brighter when he looked at you.

Moving closer, Jing Yuan slowly laid down. Gently placing his head on your lap, his hair spread over your thighs, and it tickled your skin. Very gently, your fingers brush his locks away revealing his ear.

Taking the blunt knife, in a delicatly gentle fashion, you ran the blunt edge of the blade from the corner of Jing Yuan's forehead down to his mandible. His facade expression slipped at the sensation, althought it was only for a split second.

Next, you used the blunt tip of the knife to lightly pressed against the acupuncture points along the shell of his ear. Repeating the technique a few more times before switching up your stance, and you began to run the tip along the nooks and crannies of his ear.

Jing Yuan took a deep breath. You felt his body began to relax. It never ocurred to you how tense Jing Yuan was.

'There must be a lot on his mind,' you thought to yourself.

Running the blade through the channels of his ears, you brought the blade over to the outer shell. Gently running circles before pausing at the top. Your other hand gently held under it as you began scraping the shell.

Jung Yuan laid still with his eye closed. Enjoying the sensation of the cool piece of metal running along his ear. He paid attention to each of your movements, noticing how fluid you were wielding the knife. He knew you got better with the techniques because Yanqing would not stop talking about it.

You began to twirl the knife, rotating the blade as you ran it all over the surface. In that instance, Jing Yuan lifted his brows. With his eyes still closed, he let out a questioning hum, “this is new…” he commented with a smile.

The technique gave a new feeling to sensation, sending waves of pleasure and relaxation. The nerves and acupuncture points were lighting up like fireworks.

“Just experimenting…” you whispered back. After a few more runs with the Cloud Knife. Your hand pulled away gently placing the knife back into the box.

Using your thumb and index finger, your began to massage the side of Jing Yuan’s head. Occasional messaging the ear, leading them to flush more in colour. (As Bailu suggested, simulated blood rushes to the ear helps with hearing. Maybe the General needed it, after all doesn't he seem to listens to you very well.)

As your hand press and kneaded, you soon realised how fully relaxed Jing Yuan was. Laying limp on your lap, you watched as he had dozed off into a pleasant dream.

A chuckled left your lips. Indeed, the Jing Yuan lives up to his title, the Dozing General. The routine was over. Fingers brushing through Jing Yuan's fluffy locks, you fixed his hair before tapping on his shoulder, “We’re done, General.”

You expected him to open this eyes and get off. However, Jing Yuan did not budge. Instead, he remain asleep. You thought he was just teasing you and went to tap his shoulder again. This time a little harder.

“General,” you spoke in a calm manner, “It’s time to get up.”

“Hmmm,” Jing Yuan hummed, “Not bad…I can see why Yanqing likes to stop by your office.”

“It’s not good for your ears if you do this too often,” You lectured, “Now get up, I have to get back to work.”

“Do you really want to?” Jing Yuan questioned you with an innocent look. However, you couldn’t help but to feel he saw through you somehow.

“Of course, I still have a lot of work to do. If I haven’t come here to play chess with you, I would have been able to finish work a long time ago.” You said.

“And yet, you still accepted to come over,” Jing Yuan chuckled when he saw you let out a surprised expression. For a moment, your face flushed in colour while trying to think of an excuse, “I only agreed to come here because I thought I can win against you for once. It’s as simple as that, General.”

Jing Yuan let out a laugh at how flustered you become. It was certainly not easy to coax you to join him for a game. Even if the game last only for a minute or two, he enjoy having your company nevertheless.

“Shall we continue?” He pointed to his other ear, "Or do you want that to be determined by another game?"

Swallowing your embarrassment, you nodded taking the Cloud Knife once more.

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Author's notes:

Tbh, IDK why I wrote this but. All I know is I want to write something unconventionally intimate.

In all honesty, this is the most cultural fic I've ever written, I wrote this while I got covid so... I just hope for the best.

(C) Punishing Eden

The Sky Above is Falling Down...

Roland (Flambeau) x Commandant/reader

Pure impulsive writing, not beta read

Summary:

London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down~

The sky above is falling down, my dear 'commmandant' ~

Tags: possible spoilers for ch. 13, character study (Ironic that I haven't done Roland's Backstory), very short fic, possible ooc, impulsive writing, mild mention of gore.

Edit: Added Author's note bc I forgot ;w;

Babylonia is falling.

A sinster smile of amusement was drawn on Roland's lip. He watched as everyone went franatic, desperate to save the 'Eden' from its grim fate.

Conflict.

Chaos.

Disarray.

The undeniable feeling of excitement ran through Roland's veins. Everything was for the Ascendants, for Luna.

He couldn't help but twirl around, reliving the moment of his performances back in the Golden Age. Humming to the music he would often hear so much, as he waltz around the control room. Ignorant, at the screams and shouts coming from the CCTV screens.

Roland held a bright smile and laughter, but he stopped, frowning on a thought. Troubled by a realisation, that you, the Commandant of Grey Raven, were on your way to foil their plan; it was one of the obstacles of this entire operation.

"Oh well~" Roland chimmed,"At this point, nothing can be done." he shrugged leisurely. Luna's plan was running accordingly, and he doubt a mere human like you could do anything to stop it. Humans have underestimated the power of Punishing.

Returning his attention back to the screen, he looked through the different cameras, watching how helpless everyone was. To him, it was like a show. Entertaining and poetic. Smiling, "and~there is our main character of the show~", he said when he spotted you in one of the screens.

Without saying anything more, Roland turned to head for the exit, for he actually felt a little bored from just watching. With a tune in mind he began to sing:

"~London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down~"

"~London bridge is falling down, my fair lady~"

You looked up and saw Roland sitting by railings above you. As he ended his little song, he stood up and bowed.

You could only swallow the lump in your thoart. Your hands slowly travel towards your belt, holding onto your gun.

"Say," Roland spoke, "what a surprise to see you all alone here, 'Commandant`?" he mocked the way your constructs addresses you.

You didn't say anything, but slowly backed away. The Ascendant hopped off the railings. His boots meet with the metal floor, waving his weapons around.

"What do you want?!" you asked, finally having the courage to speak.

Roland looked back at you and replied, "Me?" he began to approach you.

"What Luna wants, I want," he answered.

"Eden is falling, the sky is falling. All the way down to earth~" he continued, "and this time, there's nothing you could do to stop it. Quite fitting for 'London Bridge'. Heard of it before?“

You didn't reply. "Maybe, I should change the lyrics for this occasion." he added, voice hinted with a cheer.

You backed up further and Roland came up to you, leaning close to your face. The sinster smile was still plastered on his face. A genuine one.

You remained calm, holding on your gun, slowly slipping it out of the carrier.

The sound of gunshot travelled through the room. Lucia lifted her head up in alert.

Seizing the moment, you thought Roland wasn't paying attention, you fired your gun. Although Roland was able to take grasp of your wrist, he held your arm pointing at the other direction. The bullet hit the ground.

The sound rang through the communication chamber. Your constructs were at the other side of the room.

"That must be Commandant!" Lucia exclaimed. Without a moment to heasitate, the Grey Raven came rushing to your side.

Having to see three figures running towards him, Roland's smile disappeared,"Tsk," he clicked his tougne.

How unfortunate that his fun with you were to cut short.

He turned back to you, his smile returned and in a gentleman fashion, he held your jaw, pulling your face close to his, he kissed your cheek.

"And that is my farewell to you, my 'Dear Commandant', ciao~"

Lucia charged forward, she swung her blade at the Ascendant, only for Flambeau to jump back. His movements were agile and he swiftly made his exit, leaving you bewildered.

As you and your team exited the communication chamber back into the plaza, Roland oberseved from afar. Sitting by the balcony of the shopping centre, he began to hum to the tune of 'London Bridge'.

The humming soon turned into singing.

"London bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down~"

"The sky above is falling down~"

Roland chuckled, pausing from his song, he can see how you work with your constructs tackling the ever growing amount of corrupted. The fight was exciting, energetic and full of action.

It is the climax of the show.

He wondered, what's it like to work with a human? How does it feel to share a mind together.

He pondered on that thought, entertained by the idea; if he were to rip the inner device out of your constructs and replace his outdated ones, would it work? Would the connection between you be stronger?

A laughed escaped his lips. Roland began to sing once more. He has taken a liking on this idea.

"...the sky above is falling down, falling down, falling down~ the sky above is falling down, My dear Commandant~"

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Author's note:

Idk what did I do, but I guess pre-playable Roland has always been a coo coo clown in my head?

But, the thought of Roland singing Golden Age songs has been living in my head rent free. So, what better way to have him sing it to Commandant?

Also, I am starting to play Fake Ascension, but got confused with the layout and the paper doors with story scenes. Then the story progress told me my progress is 0???????

Someone please tell me how do I go through this chapter.😭🙏

-Lyeca

(C) Punishing-eden

Hello. I'm sorry if this is sudden but I was wondering if you took story requests and if you do, could you make a platonic Dan heng IL story with the reader being the child of his previous incarnation and with the reader still being quite young and Jing Yuan is the one to tell Dan Heng about them even though he's only met them a couple and doesn't know them personally, but Jing Yuan felt like Dan Heng had the right to know about the reader especially after the reader had an encounter with Blade. (If this is too much or if you don't do requests that's completely understandable and I wish you a good day/afternoon and or night😊)

Author's Notes:

Hi, I haven't done the latest Trailblazer mission yet. But my stupid ass, low-key, accidentally spoiled myself with the whole thing about Blade :') . So, I guess I can give this a go.

Tbh, I am not a lore person when it comes to Hoyoverse. For me, it's too confusing and convoluted. I just pay attention to the details in the story and reread character lines over and over again to get their speech patterns.😅😅😅

I hope for the best.

Also…is this Dad!Dan Heng, or Creator!Dan Heng?

-Punishing Eden

---------------------------------------------------

His Legacy…

Dan Heng x Child!Reader (Ft. Jing Yuan & Bailu)

Summary:

Before Dan Heng leaves, he learns of your existence; his next of kin from his previous incarnate. Despite not harbouring much memories or parental familiarity, Dan Heng wants to see you one last time.

Tags: Lore (that I only know 10% about), platonic, parental relationship, request, one-shot, potential spoilers, possible ooc, canon divergent, request

It was a risk.

With every decision made, there’s always a risk. And, Jing Yuan knows that, by releasing the Stellaron Hunter; by the name of, “Blade”, was definitely a risk.

“General… are you sure we should do this?” Yanqing had expressed his concern, yet, for the General, Jing Yuan continued to execute his plan. Knowing, if everything is under control, the fruition will worth the risk.

Jing Yuan had given precaution to each step along the way. However, he never anticipated that the Stellaron Hunter would have other plans of his own.

___

“Who are you?”, you asked, looking at a man with a nonchalant, yet, troubled look.

Blade looked at you. The colours of his irises swirled. He didn't answer, as his dark presense towers over you.

Troubled, as if he was baring all the burden on his shoulders. Troubled, as if he held onto the anguish and hatred of the past. Troubled, as if he holding on to a thin line between ‘monster’ and ‘man’; of what is left of his sanity.

___

The guilt weighed on Jing Yuan when he had heard of your encounter with Blade. Were the precautions not enough? We're his predictions not good enough?

The General recalled, how the Master Diviner had given him a warning, prior, to the operation.

“Was it worth, to put so much risk to simply catch the Stellaron Hunter, Kafka?” Fu Xuan asked, she made her disapproval as clear as day.

"Nothing can escape destiny and fate..." Fu Xuan's voice rang in Jing Yuan's ears.

Maybe, despite all the precaution that were made, your encounter with Blade was inevitable. And, maybe it was also fate that brought Dan Heng back to Luofu.

“Dan Feng…” Jing Yuan began, “I see that you have finally returned to Luofu.”

“Dan Feng?” Dan Heng questioned, amused by how Jing Yuan called him by his previous name, “I don’t go by that name anymore… everything is in the past, I see no need to look back.”

Hearing what Dan Heng had said, brought a frown on Jing Yuan’s face. However, the General nodded. He accepted the fact; what had happen centuries ago was of a tragic demise. Done, out of the succumb of “immortality”.

___

“You’re hurt…” you said, trying to grab the man’s bandaged hand, “Lady Bailu can help you.” You offered.

Before you could wrap your tiny fingers around Blade’s hand, he immediately pushed you away. His eyes stared with intensity, seemingly glowing at the sight of his target. His chest heaved, as he felt his throat tensed up at the bubbling emotions of anger emerging.

Looking at the small child getting up from the ground, Blade fixated his gaze on you, as if he was planning to strike his next move. His grip held onto his sword tightly.

___

“Indeed, the past is the past, but…” Jing Yuan said, “ the legacy of your former self, will continue over the centuries to come, Dan Heng.”

He hinted something to Dan Heng.

“Whether you, like it or not…” Jing Yuan added.

Dan Heng’s foot step paused. There was a small weight in his heart. Was it something he did, when he was still Dan Feng? He turned around to look at Jing Yuan, the memories swirled in Dan Heng’s mind, trying to comprehend the muddled and missing pieces of the image of you. An sleeping child, hibernating until it was time for you to be awaken from your birth.

“… [Y/N]…?” He spoke of your name.

___

He lifted his arm up, the cracks on his sword glowed, as he looked down at you with an intense gaze. At that moment, Blade had felt he had snapped. He wasn’t a “man”, but a “monster” blinded my his emotions.

The animalistic growl grumbled from his throat, the anticipation of spilling crimson right before his eyes when he brings his arm down. Yet, his arm remain frozen. Your cries began to alert the guards of Bailu’s estate.

Blade struggled against his mind. Your childish cries was giving him a headache. “…Just…a…small…child…” He mumbled to himself.

“Who’s there?” The guards came running to your direction, “It’s him! The Stellaron Hunter! Quick, alert Lady Bailu!”

“Tsk..”Blade clicked his tongue. Without a word, he fled.

___

“[Y/N].” Dan Heng said.

You looked up at him. Your creator, that you never knew.

Without saying anything, you handed him a cup of tea, before returning to Bailu’s side. Warm light illuminated the living room of Bailu’s house.

“Do you know how tiring it is to look after this child, General?” she complained, “how long will you be keeping this child with me?”

Jing Yuan chuckled, “I understand, Lady Bailu. You have ‘just’ been through a rebirth, and I am certain that having a child under your care while still being…quite young…is tiresome.” The general took a sip of the tea, avoiding certain words, “But, please bare with this arrangement for a little longer. Until the time is right, you will be free of such services.”

Bailu was a little surprised, “W-wait!? What does that mean?!”

“Why do you sound like I want to get rid of this child?” Bailu accused.

”Oh?” Jing Yuan held a surprised look, “Was that not what you ask for?”

“I mean…yes, it will be less of a burden to have this child under my care... But, I have taught a few things about medicine to this child…” the dragon girl said, thinking of a excuse, “…so it will be a loss of my effort if the child leaves so soon. How are you going to compensate that?! ” She crossed her arms.

Dan Heng continued to look at you. You were at a corner playing by yourself. The way you look, the expression and features, were a reflection of him. Dan Feng, your creator, your father.

He let out a heavy sigh. There was a part of him, that wants to engage with you. There were so many things he wanted to say, to do, and to ask of you. Yet, the lack of familiarity and parental feelings for you, made him hesitate.

“…well, it will be quite some time before further arrangements can be made on the child’s welfare…” Jing Yuan grabbed his chin, a mock gesture to convince Bailu to fall through his plan.

“As I thought, General,” Bailu scoffed, “Now, if you are not asking for prescriptions or diagnosis, leave.”

“Yes, of course. Are you alright with that?” Jing Yuan looked at Dan Heng, who’s eyes were fixed on you.

He snapped out of it and replied, “…Yes, I am ready to go. The Astral Express will be leaving soon.”

“We’ll see you both out… [Y/N], the guest are leaving.” Bailu hopped off her chair. She gently took your hand and walked Jing Yuan and Dan Heng to the door.

Both men looked back as they walked out. Dan Heng gave you one last look. You were waving goodbye at him. With Bailu, the Elder High of the Vidyadhara, as your guardian. He knew you are in good hands.

The front gates closed. The image of you disappeared behind the structure with along with Bailu.

That was the last time, Dan Heng saw of you.

(C) Punishing Eden

The Ghost at the Funeral Parlor...

Not Beta read, but edited.

Genshin Impact fanfic rewrite

❄️Chong Yun and Zhongli🌠

Summary :

Having sense a presence at the Wang Sheng funeral parlour, Chong Yun was determined to excorise the the spirit residing there. Yet what he didn't expect, was facing something dark and sinster.

Tags: Platonic, mention and cameos of other characters, cultural references, Traveler is Lumine, rewrite, wip of some sorts that will never be finished

"... Errrr... Maybe you want to speak with Director Hutao?"

The receptionist wore an awkward expression. Standing by the doorway, Chong Yun, the young exorcist held a mildly confused expression when the receptionist mentions Hutao.

Seeing it was a situtation where he had embarrassed himself in someway, Chong Yun quickly spoke up," oh no, no! I am not here for funerary business," he swayed bashfully, " it's just... I received intel about spirits haunting within this area."

The receptionist gave a skeptical nod.

"And, you are...?", She asked.

The reception area was once again shrouded with an awkward silence. Chong Yun sighed. He began to wonder if this situation was just like the "Test of Courage" at Wu huang Hill, or that, the intel that Xingqiu gave him was a nothing, but a joke.

Despite so, his gut instinct was twisting and aching for him to continue on the investigation. His sixth sense, an inheritance that is so proudly pass down among generations, gave him a stubborn determination to investigate this place. The feeling was firing up his spirit, but he told himself to calm down.

"Oh, I am an exorcist, Madame, so rest assure," he replied. Hoping the woman would consider letting him through.

"I am sorry but, if you want to speak with Director Hutao, you need to make an appointment, also, please stop saying things that could scare the customers away."

"but…," Chong Yun protested, he felt his yang energy was simmering, "but there's a presence here! I can feel it. I promise it's not going to take too long. Once I exorcise the-"

"I am sorry. Look, if you don't leave, we might have to call the Milileth to escort you." the woman explained. She was getting a little impatient.

"But...but..."

"Please, you are going to scare our clients away with all the ghost talk," the receptionist said, and tried to usher Chong Yun out of the Funeral parlor.

The commotion drew attention to the reception, a sudden deep voice spoke behind the counter.

"Is there a problem here?"

Both Chong Yun and the receptionist turned their head, and saw Zhongli standing with his arms folded.

"Mister Zhongli!" the receptionist greeted, and said, "this young man kept on insisting that there is a ghost or evil spirit in the parlor. I tried escort him away but-"

"A ghost you say...?" Zhongli interrupted and was in deep thought. He looked at Chong Yun, raising a brow he asked, "And, you are...?"

"I am an exorcist. I have gathered intel that your funeral parlour has sightings of ghost, abnormal occurrences , and many more. If I may, I can ease these place, after that I will be on my way. That's all I ask." Chong Yun piped up. He hoped his speech was sincere enough for Zhongli to consider the proposal.

The young lad had heard about Zhongli before, but it was just a name that was brought up by a few. All he knew about the man in front of him was, he likes talking about rocks (minerals) and some times, treat the Traveller and her companion at the nearby Kisok.

"Hmmm…you are an interesting young man. I can sense that you are no ordinary guest. Your energy seems to be rather...powerful," Zhongli said.

For this older gentlemen to take notice of his energy, Chong Yun took note to pay more attention about the Consultant. Certainly, Chong Yun can feel Zhong Li isn't a simple man as he seems.

His knowledge about almost everything in Liyue is something to be awed at. How can a simple man gained so much knowledge than an expert who would spend years of their lifetime studying one field.

However, the young exorcist knows better to make rather rude judgements, especially about somebody such as Zhongli.

"Now if you would please leave?" the receptionist said, gesturing towards the huge double doors.

"Actually...", Zhongli cutted her off, "I think we do have something for the exorcist."

The receptionists had a huge look of surprise, she looked at Zhongli, "Mister Zhongli, you don't mean..."

"This is a funeral parlour after all. Don't take it to heart about it. It would be nice to have someone around to make sure things don't get around once in a while. Quite like a pest exterminator, I suppose.” Zhongli said.

The woman, gave a mixed look, but her emotions soon calmed and finally gave a nod." I guess, you are right, Mister Zhongli. I shall leave this matter to you then," she gave a small bow and exited the parlour for some fresh air.

"Now," Zhongli spoke with a rather brighter tone, "may I know of your name, and perhaps a bit of your back ground?"

Chong Yun stood up straight, facing the much taller man he gave a greeting bow and said, "The name's Chong Yun. My family have been protecting Liyue from evil spirits and demons for generations, so I do know a fair share of demon expelling knowledge... Also, I don't charge exterminating fees."

Zhongli raised a brow at the latter sentence. He gave a small hum and nodded. It was interesting indeed, and rare to know there are still people in Liyue who doesn’t talk about Mora.

"Very well, please come this way, " the consultant offered.

Chong Yun eagerly followed as they both pass by each funeral hall. Some were decorated, waiting for the client to arrive. Some were empty and just like the one that Zhongli escorted Chong Yun, the Funeral hall was lay bare with. However, it smelled.

It doesn't smell unpleasant, but rather, a strong presence of insence lingered in the hall. As Chong Yun would have guess, the hall has been recently used to hail a funeral.

Zhongli stood by the doorway and, "This is the funeral hall that seems to be the place you wish to inspect."

Chong Yun walked into the hall. His sixth senses were alert, as he felt a tingling sensation tickling down his arm. Looking around, he has yet to see the ghost's presences. He began to wonder if his Yang energy had already ward it off. However, he still felt the lingering presence of it.

The young exorcist looked around, he turned to doorway. That’s when he saw a apparition.

"...Spirit Blade!" Chong Yun, with the power of Cryo, summoned his spirit blades to anchor down the spirit that suddenly appeared in the door way. However it seems by the split second, the ghostly being escaped just in time. It flew towards Chong Yun, it's arms reached out and pushed him down on the floor before vanishing through thin air. Its shilled scream rang though Chong Yun’s ears.

Zhongli witnessed everything, and went towards the young exorcist to help. The pain of Chong Yun's backside throbbed as he slowly got up with Zhongli's aid.

Chong Yun could never believe a spirit could actually, physically, push him down to the ground, hard. He place a hand on his chest, the part where the spirit had touched him, it burns.

"Young exorcist, are you alright?" Zhongli asked.

However, Chong Yun hissed at the burn on his chest and replied, "I... think that... it just burned me...this is bad..." he can feel his Yang energy surging up from heat of the burn. His head began to spin and soon passed out.

*************

The dreadful sound of rocks gnawing at each other, annoyed him to no end. Slowly, Chong Yun opened his eyes. Blinking, he tried to register where he was. A sudden deep voice spoke by his said, "ah, young exorcist, you’re awake."

Chong Yun turned his head, and saw Zhongli sitting on the visitor seat while having a cup of tea. Quickly, the youth sprang up, he finally remember what had happened, and said, "I apologise!" and bowed his head. Apologising for his failure, to capture the spirit.

Zhongli only chuckle and said, "not to worry, young exorcist, I should be the one to apologise. I have never thought the spirit would have such power to knock you out."

Chong Yun sighed, he felt a little disappointed by the incident.

He looked down and saw that there were burns on his chest. There were two faint hand prints on his chest, and the recollection flashed into his mind again. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

QiQi entered, and in her monotone voice she said, "QiQi has medicine... For the burns..."

"Ah, QiQi, thank you for your hard work," Zhongli said as the little girl place the tray of medicine on the bed and climbed her way up. She had crushed the herbs and mint into paste and applied them on Chong Yun's chest before stuffing in the dried Mist Flower petals. She then wrapped gaze around Chong Yun's chest and continued, "keep this on for 24 hours and don't get it wet."

"24 hours?! Does it take that long to heal a burn?" Chong Yun exclaimed.

"These are no ordinary burns, you must understand, young exorcist," Zhongli placed his cup down as QiQi climbed back down and exited the room.

Zhongli stood up and said, "this spirit is no ordinary ghost. If it were to be an ordinary ghost that refuse to move on, then the Wang Sheng Funaral parlour would have a scandal on their hands. And, that child- I mean Director Hutao, would have used all that is necessary to help the lost soul find its way to the next life... Though, unfortunately she's currently away for other matters..." Zhongli gave an unsatisfied grumbled at the last sentence.

"Our next best option was to get an exorcist for help. Although, I never how this one is able to be this powerful."

"Do you know what that spirit is?" Chong Yun asked. He looked at the Funeral consultant. There was something in Zhongli's eyes that told Chong Yun, the man sitting before him is much more informed than anyone would imagine. In fact, too informed.

Zhongli gave it a good thought before facing the young exorcist, and said, "Though, I have a general idea what that spirit is, I am no better to deal with it than an exorcist such as yourself. My guess could only be that the spirit was cursed, or it habours too much wraith, and it simply could not move on."

Analysing what Zhongli had said, the young exorcist recalled the notes and books he had study in the past. He was sure that the old masters and his family had taught him about those spirits before.

Though, he lacks the experience, he wanted to give it a go. It would be too shameful to call himself an exorcist and to turn down a case. If anything, unlike the vigilant Yashka, whose methods were to use brutal force to eleveate the evil, Chong Yun knew his duty, and his family's duty, is to eleveate the evil through the most humanitarian way. Both swift and merciful, to purge the darkest core, purifying the evil and suffering so balance can be retained.

Zhongli waited for Chong Yun's answer. He watched as the yound lad went to grab his shirt and put it on. From his satchel, Chong Yun took out his icicle. He felt his determination was bubbling and he need to surpress his passion.

"Mister Zhongli, may I come back to the parlour tomorrow?"

(To be Continue...)

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Author's notes:

This story has been on my mind since the beginning of time. I was inspired by my co-opt gameplay with my sister. Whenever we beat the geo hypostasis, I would use Chong Yun, and she uses Zhongli.

Almost made it to the Komore tea house but never seen the day of light.

(C) Punishing Eden

A Rant about the Wuwa storyline at 3am:

((Sorry, I just couldn't hold it in anymore, long rant, and I genuinely think there is a misunderstanding.))

I am going to get flame or hate for this but... Oh well.

Just offering my opinion and 2 cents... Tldr; at the end.

I know the topic about the storyline in the Wuthering Waves beta has set debates, and even some animosity with the CN side.

I have heard about the CN and global comments. Hence, I actually got curious, and went ahead to watch all the cut scenes, both from Global and CN.

After watch both versions, I have some thoughts:

Firstly, I do agree that having characters that are not immediately in love/ infactuated with the MC quickly, is definitely refreshing. I am also tired of the harem tropes.

I do like the aspects as to how the MC is going to nagivate their way through all sorts of people, and their interaction with the characters of different personalities.

In the beginning, I also thought the CN side was too sensitive and whinny.

However, after watching the cut scenes on both ends, I will say that the CN's criticism about the "Harsh" treatment is not invalid.

I think there is a misunderstanding of what the Global side thinks the CN side is referring too. I also find the use of the word, "Harsh" is incorrect.

I think there are a number of factors that contributed to the unsatisfactory of the characterisations and the story as a whole. To simply put everything under the word "Harsh" and call it a day, I don't think it's fair.

I see a lot of people in global referring the "Harsh" treatment as Chixia holding her gun at Rover, and not being buddies to Rover, unlike Yang Yang.

It not so much about being suspected as a threat or not being able to get off from the waifu fantasy. (I will not deny that there are some ppl who wants that.)

More so, it's the character dialogue and the story writing in itself. Edit: Don't get me started on the cheesy cutscenes and dialogue.

There are moments where Chixia's dialogue is incredibly rude in Chinese, but the English translation didn't hold the same interpretation. Hence, the Global ver sounded less harsh, and the insults didn't hold as much weight as it would in Chinese.

For example, the scene where Rover returns the Resonance Terminal that Chixia dropped. She got irritated/annoyed, and snatched it away.

Her dialogue to Rover: 「... 怎麼偏偏被你撿到... 」

If I were to translate this, it would be more along the lines of, "Tsk, It just has to be you out of everyone [to pick it up]"

This line was actually quite rude in Chinese. Even I was taken back. The usage of 'just has to be' really hits hard since it emphasis whatever was said and implied directly at the receiver. Pair it with her attitude, she comes off being insufferable.

The same dialogue in Global ver: "... Why does it have to be you..."

It lacks the weight of how the CN ver come across.

If Localised, "Of course it's you, couldn't be more better." in a sarcastic tone. ((This is the best I can come up with, if English speakers know a more appropriate phrase that holds the same meaning, please tell me. I really want to know.))

Also, I find the constant switch of Chixia's lines between some friendly/neutral moments, and straight insults/rude wordings are quite annoying and abusive at times.

Yeah, we get it you don't like Rover, we got the point. But, the extra rudeness felt unnesscary at some point in the story (Not that the story is well written in the first place anyway. It's beta.)

The fact that Rover just takes the abuse was just... 😬😬 annoying. Which, some CN players expresses that as well. The story didn't give Rover any agency at all. They didn't fight back or trying to prove their innocence or do anything about it. They just stay quiet, and does the next task people tell them to after being insulted.

I think a lot of people were fed up with this over all treatment of the Rover.

I am not saying there shouldn't be any rude characters. But I think there is a threshold as to how much abuse of the MC that the players can take in the story.

It's 3am, idk will this make sense, maybe not. But need to get this off my chest because of this constant animosity between global and CN in regards of story.

Might delete this.

Tldr; CN's critisms about the "Harsh" characters are not invalid. I believe there is a misunderstanding of the CN side of the critisms, as it is reduce to be "They only want harem waifu, that's why they can't handle characters being unfriendly."

I watched both CN and global versions of beta, just to really see what is going on. Turns out, there were a number of factors at play with the story telling, character dialogue and how the Global translation kinda lost the weight of the rude dialogue being thrown at Rover constantly.

It was a combination of these things that lead CN players feel dissatisfied by the story.

Thanks for listening to my Ted talk.

Happy Valentines! 😘💕

"Hm? This chocolate is for me? Thank you. Gray Raven and Strike Hawk already gave me some earlier, so I was wondering if you will give me one too. Let's eat the chocolate together, shall we? They say the chocolate would be sweeter if we shared it with the person we cherish the most."