Ever since Fu Ning confessed his love to Fu Fu over four years ago—and Fu Fu accepted—their relationship had progressed rapidly.
Although the two never admitted it publicly and were even a bit shy about it, the people of Fontaine were already discussing it behind the scenes.
Especially the famous Fontaine duo, Clorinde and Neuvillette, often made playful remarks about the pair.
Neuvillette: "Hmm, is it really okay for you to gossip about your master behind his back?"
Clorinde: "What are you afraid of? Master would probably love for the whole world to know about his relationship with Lady Furina."
"What's more, everyone's already calling her 'Fu Fu' in private."
Neuvillette: "Oh~ is that so? That pretentious Fu Ning is actually… that adorable?"
Clorinde: "I'll remember what you said. I'll let Master know when he comes back."
Clorinde was bold enough to even ask Neuvillette for his opinion on the matter.
Neuvillette: "Lady Furina is the Hydro Archon of Fontaine, and Mr. Fu Ning is the highest guard of Fontaine. If their relationship deepens, doesn't that mean Fontaine itself is flourishing?"
***
Elsewhere…
"My dear Harbinger, Fu Ning appears to have received a divine mission from the God of Water. He's headed to Liyue."
"In about two weeks, Liyue will host the annual Rite of Descension. Perhaps that's why Fu Ning is going."
The Fourth Fatui Harbinger, The Knave—Arlecchino—sat in her chair, her red-crossed eyes narrowed in contemplation.
"So… Fu Ning has finally left Fontaine?"
At the mention of his name, a flicker of deep unease passed through her eyes.
She had long suspected that Fu Ning was more dangerous than even Wriothesley or Furina.
"He's known as Fontaine's strongest warrior. His relationship with Furina isn't that of god and follower—it's more like a couple. As long as Fu Ning is around, no plan against Furina can ever succeed."
"…This is a rare opportunity."
"Let me see your true face, Furina."
She turned toward the masked agents beside her.
"Prepare. Keep an eye on Furina's movements over the next few nights."
"Yes, Lady Arlecchino." The Fatui agent bowed and slowly left.
***
Liyue Harbor.
This was Fu Ning's second time being so far from Furina.
The first had been to escort Barbatos, the Anemo Archon.
And the second… was at Furina's request.
She had given him a mission: go to Liyue, seek out the Geo Archon, Morax, and investigate the so-called "Prophecy of Fontaine."
It was something Furina had always wanted to do—but never had the chance.
Fu Ning had, of course, heard the prophecy.
"All Fontainians are born with sin. No matter how just Fontaine's judgments may be, the sins can never be erased."
"One day, the sea will rise, and the sinful shall be swallowed by it. All shall dissolve in the waters, leaving only the Hydro Archon herself weeping on her throne. Only then will the sins of Fontaine be washed away."
Fu Ning didn't believe in prophecies.
But… Furina clearly did.
She had taken this one so seriously, she'd asked him to go to Liyue personally.
Seeing her uncharacteristically solemn expression had affected him.
"If this is a prophecy of doom… then let's break it."
"I won't let Fu Fu cry alone on that throne," Fu Ning vowed silently.
***
Qunyu Pavilion, suspended high in the skies of Liyue.
This was the seat of Tianquan Ningguang, one of Liyue's Seven Stars. Constructed at great expense, it served as both her residence and her office.
Today, a special guest arrived at the floating palace.
"I wonder what brings the highest guard of Fontaine to our Liyue?" Ningguang asked cautiously, pouring a cup of tea for Fu Ning.
Fu Ning was not only known as Fontaine's most powerful warrior—on paper, he was one of its top three figures.
Hydro Archon Furina's personal guard.
Master of the Forbidden Demon God.
The strongest duelist of the current era.
These identities combined made him a person of explosive significance, and Ningguang could not afford to speak carelessly.
But Fu Ning, it seemed, didn't care much for formality.
He took a sip of the tea, smacked his lips, and muttered, "I still prefer sweets."
Then he casually raised his left hand, summoning a swirling black vortex. Ningguang tensed, alert.
But all he did was retrieve a bag of milk from the black hole and start drinking it.
"Is… this a show of power?" Ningguang wondered, masking her alarm.
"Drop the interrogative tone. I don't like it," Fu Ning said flatly, meeting her gaze.
"Let's keep it simple. I heard your annual Rite of Descension is happening soon."
As he opened the milk and took another sip, Ningguang's pupils shrank.
"Yes… it's in seven days. What interest do you have in it?"
"I said drop the attitude," Fu Ning snapped.
"I'm looking for your god—Morax. Unlike Master Furina, whom I see every day, your Archon vanishes without a trace."
"The Rite is the only time he's guaranteed to show up. So I came."
Fu Ning finished the milk, tossed the empty bag aside, and leaned back in his chair, utterly unmoved by etiquette.
"Please sit up straight, Mr. Fu Ning. I…" Ningguang began, frowning.
Fu Ning narrowed his eyes.
"You what? I came to find Morax, not you."
A wave of pressure rolled off him. As Ningguang rose, she was forced back into her seat.
His eyes glinted dangerously.
"Who told you to summon me here suddenly without even speaking of the main issue?"
"It's always the weaker who seek out the stronger. That's the way of the world."
"Are you pretending otherwise just because you fear my strength?"
"Do you really think being one of the Seven Stars puts you on equal footing with me?"
He slammed the table.
A shockwave rippled across the entire Qunyu Pavilion—yet the table itself remained perfectly intact.
Ningguang was silently stunned. The sheer precision of power control… was terrifying.
"I am Fontaine's highest guard. I've no intention of causing trouble for Liyue."
Fu Ning stood, waved his sleeve, and turned to leave.
"Remember—I'm in a good mood today, and I had time to indulge you."
"Next time, if you try something similar, you may not be so lucky."
Ningguang sat frozen, breathing heavily.
Fu Ning may have the same rank as her on paper—but in truth, their status was not equal.
He was not only the highest guard of Fontaine, but a demon god.
In all of Liyue, only Morax himself could speak to Fu Ning as an equal.
The true root of inequality… was power.
Even the Adepti of legend could not rival a demon god.
And this one—this Dark Demon—was likely among the strongest of them all.
(Why is bro crashing out 😭🙏)