Villain Simulator, GenshinImpact

Lucas sighed, loosening the first button of his collar. "I didn't expect things to escalate this far," he muttered. "But if that's the case, it'd be rude of me to hold back now."

With a sharp ripping sound, the tension in the room skyrocketed. The air grew heavy with anticipation, and Xianyun—Xianyun herself—found her form stiffening. Before she could muster a response, Lucas lunged forward, a move so sudden it left her stunned.

The adeptus felt a chill sweep over her as Lucas approached with unsettling precision. She had intended this as a test, but the current situation was beyond her control. Foot acupoints sealed and her adeptus strength momentarily neutralized, Xianyun's usual composure faltered, and an unfamiliar panic took hold.

Her instincts betrayed her, and before she realized it, she cried out, "H-help!"

Help?

Lucas froze for a moment. Help? he thought, perplexed. Just earlier, she'd said, "Do whatever you think is best." Why the sudden shift in tone?

Ah. Lucas's mind clicked. Roleplay.

A smirk crept onto his face. She's testing me with some kind of playful act, he concluded. Of course, he believed it was Ganyu before him. After all, if Ganyu truly wanted to overpower him, she could easily do so with her adeptal strength.

"Shout all you want!" Lucas grinned devilishly, leaning fully into his role. "The louder you scream, the more fun this gets! Hahaha!"

His over-the-top villainous act was, in his mind, flawless. But just as he reached out, a sudden explosion of white mist filled the room. When it cleared, the figure before him was no longer Ganyu, but a black-haired woman with a stunned expression.

"C-Xianyun?!" Lucas blurted, immediately recognizing the face he'd seen before in simulations.

Before he could piece everything together, the door burst open. In walked two more women: Shenhe and… Ganyu?

The real Ganyu.

Shenhe stormed forward, grabbing Lucas by his collar. Her voice was as cold as her glare. "You beast! How dare you lay a hand on our master?!"

"Wait, hold on!" Lucas stammered, utterly dumbfounded. "She's the master? Why on earth was she pretending to be Ganyu?"

"Shenhe…" Xianyun's voice came through, her tone commanding yet weary. "Release him."

Reluctantly, Shenhe let Lucas go but not without glaring daggers at him. Her protective instincts for her master were in full force.

"Explain yourself!" Shenhe barked, still visibly furious. "You've already tricked my senior sister, but now even our master isn't safe from your grasp?"

"Tricked?" Lucas was beside himself. "She was the one who tricked—never mind. What the hell is going on?"

Xianyun, now regaining her composure, gave a small cough. "Ahem. You've misunderstood. This… was merely a test."

"A test?" Shenhe blinked, realization dawning on her. "Oh, so that's it. I should've known. Master, your acting was exceptional—I even heard the panic in your voice."

"Y-yes, exactly," Xianyun stammered, quickly grasping onto Shenhe's interpretation. "Everything that occurred was part of my meticulous plan. I was assessing Lucas' character."

"But what about that 'help'—" Lucas began, but Xianyun cut him off sharply.

"That was a signal!" she said firmly. "To indicate that the test had ended. Right, Ganyu?"

"Y-yes! That's right!" Ganyu quickly backed her up. "Master said, 'As soon as I call for help, come into the room immediately.' It was… part of the plan."

As Lucas tried to process the bizarre string of events, a sudden growl interrupted them. The source? Xianyun's stomach.

"Ah…" Xianyun's face flushed slightly. She quickly shifted the focus. "It's nearing lunchtime. Lucas, prepare a meal worthy of my esteemed presence."

"Of course," Lucas replied, grateful for the excuse to escape the awkwardness. "I'll head to the kitchen right away."

Xianyun nodded stiffly before turning to Ganyu. "There are some matters I wish to discuss with you."

In the dining room, Ganyu and Xianyun sat at the table while Shenhe busied herself in the kitchen.

"Ganyu," Xianyun began, her tone low and serious. "Let me be clear. I do not approve of this marriage."

"What?" Ganyu's face fell. "Why? Lucas is kind, dependable, and he's never shown ill intentions."

Kind and dependable? Xianyun thought bitterly. You didn't see how he behaved in that room.

Naturally, Xianyun wouldn't admit to the humiliation she'd endured. Instead, she sighed and said, "Being kind and dependable isn't enough. You are a qilin, a direct descendant of the adepti. Your status demands a partner of equal standing."

"So, it's because he's human?" Ganyu asked, her tone accusing.

"I simply want what's best for you," Xianyun replied, her voice softening slightly. "Think of the suitors I've introduced—White Lord, Bi Lingjun. Aren't they perfect matches?"

"They're excellent, I suppose," Ganyu admitted, lowering her gaze. "But I… I simply don't like them."

Xianyun sighed, seeing a familiar stubbornness in her disciple's expression. "You're just like your mother—soft on the outside, but impossibly headstrong."

"Soup's ready!" Shenhe's voice cut through the tension as she entered the room, carrying a steaming pot of chicken soup. "Master, Senior Sister, enjoy."

The tension eased slightly as the aroma filled the air, but Xianyun's disapproval lingered. For now, though, it seemed the discussion was tabled—at least until after lunch.

Xianyun and Ganyu glanced at the chicken soup before them, their expressions turning somewhat peculiar.

In the pot, the soup's portion was notably small, and a large black chicken foot protruded from the surface, its claws raised as though in defiance.

"Tsk, tsk," Xianyun remarked coolly. "Your husband is quite stingy, isn't he? Couldn't even make a full pot of chicken soup?"

"Wait… don't tell me…" Ganyu narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Shenhe. "Did you sneak some?"

Shenhe instinctively averted her gaze. "It was… to test for poison, ensuring Master's safety."

"First of all, Lucas would never poison anyone," Ganyu sighed, rubbing her temples. "Secondly, who tests for poison by drinking half the pot? If it really were poisoned, wouldn't you have already collapsed?"

"Enough, enough," Xianyun intervened, waving her hand dismissively. "Shenhe is still inexperienced; don't be too harsh on her." She reached for a bowl of soup. "Besides, see? It's still drinkable."

It was clear to Ganyu that Xianyun doted on Shenhe, and the sight of the three of them interacting brought a small smile to her face.

Not long ago, this grand house had been eerily quiet, with only Ganyu living within its walls. But now, it was brimming with life, and she felt a warmth in her heart.

"Hmm?"

After taking a sip of the soup, Xianyun's expression shifted slightly.

"What's wrong?" Ganyu asked nervously. "Does it not suit your taste?"

Although Xianyun lived a life of reclusion, she was surprisingly particular about food. She'd even once attempted to invent cooking contraptions for herself—though they ended in failure.

"No, it's delicious," Xianyun said, shaking her head. "It's just… this flavor is nostalgic. It's been a long time since I've tasted something like this. Who made this soup?"

"It was Brother-in-law," Shenhe replied before catching herself. "I mean… he's not officially acknowledged as such yet, right, Master?"

Xianyun nodded, her expression softening slightly. "It seems he's not entirely without merit. Bring on the next dish."

"Next dish?" Shenhe looked confused.

"Of course," Xianyun said, folding her arms. "Surely that man isn't a one-trick pony."

"Shenhe!" Ganyu cut in, noticing a faint tension building. "Go hurry him along."

"Understood!" Shenhe nodded and hurried to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Lucas was busy cooking, his movements fluid and precise. With the Master Chef talent, his culinary skills rivaled, if not surpassed, those of the best chefs in Liyue.

"How's it going?" Lucas asked confidently as Shenhe entered. "Did she like it?"

"It was… passable," Shenhe replied, her tone oddly tinged with something unplaceable. "You really go all out for my senior sister, don't you?"

"What choice do I have?" Lucas replied, focused on the wok in front of him. "If I don't help, Xianyun might force her to meet someone she doesn't even like."

"Hmph… pushover," Shenhe muttered under her breath.

"And you know, if it were you in her shoes," Lucas continued, pouring the stir-fry onto a plate with a smile, "I'd help you just as much."

"I… I don't need you to fake being my husband," Shenhe huffed, rolling her eyes. "Besides, you're already pretending for Senior Sister. You can't use the same trick twice on Master."

"Why not?" Lucas joked, patting her shoulder. "Liyue law doesn't forbid marrying two sisters. I'll just take both—ow!"

Before he could finish, Shenhe had twisted his hand into a painfully awkward position, glaring icily. "Are you serious?"

"I'm kidding!" Lucas yelped, wincing in pain.

Satisfied, Shenhe released him, her expression softening slightly.

"Geez, you're no fun," Lucas muttered, picking up the dishes. "These are the last of them. Let's bring them out together."

As Lucas walked away, Shenhe clenched her fists and muttered under her breath, "Tch… I thought he was serious."

Just as Lucas had predicted, his cooking proved to be a resounding success. Xianyun, usually discerning and critical, seemed genuinely impressed, and even Ganyu—who was notoriously particular about food—ate heartily.

She hadn't realized Lucas possessed such remarkable culinary talent.

"This is the final dish," Lucas said, placing an ornate iron box before Xianyun. "I created this one especially for you."

"Oh?" Xianyun's interest was piqued as she opened the box. Inside was a bowl of noodles, strikingly presented in three distinct colors interwoven beautifully.

"What is this dish called?" she asked.

"It's called 'Three Immortals in One Bowl,'" Lucas explained. "The noodles are made from buckwheat, potato starch, and fish meat. Combined with this tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce I call 'Overlord Shreds,' it's ready to serve."

Xianyun took a bite, savoring the unique combination of the buckwheat noodles' chewiness, the potato noodles' softness, and the fish noodles' delicate texture. Her expression softened as she let out a satisfied "Mm!"

The dish not only tasted extraordinary but also carried a thoughtful name that resonated with adeptal tradition. Lucas' performance had earned him some unspoken approval.

"The flavor is indeed remarkable," Xianyun said, setting down her chopsticks. "Tell me, Lucas, what is your occupation? Are you… a chef by trade?"

While Xianyun had little interest in worldly titles, she couldn't accept her beloved Ganyu marrying someone without ambition or accomplishment.

Lucas hesitated for a moment before starting, "I work for the Liyue Qixing as a—"

But before he could finish, Ganyu cut him off abruptly.

"He's a candidate for Liyue Qixing's Tianshu!" Ganyu interjected hastily.

If humans are involved, only the title of "Liyue Qixing" could barely meet Xianyun's standards.

However, Ganyu's quick response surprised not just Xianyun but also Lucas himself.

After all, he was merely a participant in the Tianshu election. The word "candidate," however, carried a somewhat preordained implication.

"Tianshu… candidate?" Xianyun furrowed her brow. "So, are you the next Tianshu?"

"Technically, I'm only eligible to compete for the position," Lucas replied. "The current Tianshu intends to retire and has organized an election to find a worthy successor."

"So, you're merely one of the candidates," Xianyun remarked, shaking her head. "You aren't the actual Tianshu."

"No, it's not like that!" Ganyu clenched her fists tightly. "With Lucas' abilities, he's sure to become the next Tianshu!"

She had to say this, as it might be her last bargaining chip to win Xianyun's approval for their marriage.

"How interesting," Xianyun said with a nod. "So, you chose him because you see this potential?"

"No, I chose him…" Ganyu shook her head gently. "Because he is who he is."

Ganyu…

Hearing this, Lucas felt a surge of emotion.

Indeed, in Ganyu's eyes, he wasn't a Tianshu candidate or a hero who had saved Mondstadt—he was simply the somewhat clumsy messenger she had come to know.

"You truly are like your mother," Xianyun remarked with a faint smile. "Very well, I'll be frank. Lucas?"

"Yes?" Lucas straightened his posture instantly.

Typically, when an elder calls you by your full name, it rarely bodes well.

"Ganyu and Shenhe are both incredibly important to me," Xianyun said solemnly. "So I respect Ganyu's choice. But I also want to see your determination. If you can truly become the next Tianshu, I'll approve of this marriage."

Lucas fell silent for a moment before nodding firmly. "I'll… do my best."

Hearing this, Ganyu couldn't help but feel touched.

"But the Tianshu election is such a major event," Xianyun said, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "Why haven't I heard a single word about it? Ganyu, who are the other candidates?"

"The candidates fall into two groups," Ganyu explained earnestly. "The first consists of individuals evaluated by Yuehai Pavilion and the Ministry of Civil Affairs for their merits or capabilities. They are issued direct invitations. The second group consists of those recommended by key figures in Liyue."

Lucas nodded. "In my case, I was recommended by Yuheng, Miss Keqing."

Xianyun raised an eyebrow. "Ganyu, do you think… I count as a key figure in Liyue?"

Ganyu hesitated briefly before nodding. "As a Three-Eyed and Five-Manifests adeptus, you are undeniably an important figure in Liyue."

"Then," Xianyun said with a sly smile, pointing to Shenhe, "I, too, have the right to recommend someone. And I'll recommend Shenhe for the Tianshu election."

For centuries, Liyue had transitioned toward human governance. The adepti, like Rex Lapis, had become revered figures of tradition, rarely intervening in administrative affairs. Moreover, while it wasn't explicitly stated, the Liyue Qixing had always been composed of humans, making it unusual for an adeptus to endorse a candidate.

"Recommending Shenhe?" Ganyu looked alarmed. "But that seems… against protocol."

"Oh?" Xianyun arched an eyebrow. "Are you saying my qualifications aren't sufficient?"

Ganyu knew full well that Xianyun valued her reputation highly, even if she claimed otherwise. If this endeavor failed, it would undoubtedly bruise her pride.

Several centuries ago, she had locked herself away for nearly 80 years after being ridiculed by Mountain Shaper for a failed mechanism she had designed.

To avoid a similar incident, Ganyu reluctantly said, "Of course not! If the recommendation comes from you, they'll undoubtedly accept it without question."

"That's more like it," Xianyun said, satisfied. "Shenhe, listen closely."

"Yes, Master," Shenhe replied, bowing her head respectfully. "What are your orders?"

"I command you to participate in the Tianshu election," Xianyun declared with a smile. "Consider it a trial. Give it your all."

"As you wish!" Shenhe nodded. "But doesn't this mean I'll be competing against Brother-in-law—"

"Precisely. I doubt the mortals of Liyue Port have anyone who can match your abilities," Xianyun said with pride. "Without you, this election would be far too easy for him."

Of course, her motives weren't entirely selfless. If her disciple became Tianshu, it would give her ample material to boast about to the other adepti.

"With this, I can rest assured," Xianyun said, rising from her seat. "Now, I—"

"Are you leaving?" Ganyu interrupted quickly. "Let me see you off."

Normally, Ganyu would insist on Xianyun staying longer. But given her and Lucas' sham marriage, the longer Xianyun stayed, the greater the risk of their ruse being discovered. Hence, she wanted to send her away as soon as possible.

Xianyun abruptly placed a hand on Ganyu's head, stopping her mid-motion. "Who said I was leaving? I just feel like taking a stroll. I've decided—I'll be staying here until the Tianshu election concludes."

With that, Xianyun strode out of the room with a lighthearted gait, leaving the three remaining occupants to exchange uncertain glances, none of them knowing quite what to say.

Finally, Shenhe broke the silence. "Senior Sister, I…"

"It's fine," Ganyu replied with a resigned smile. "Since it's Master's decree, you should give it your all."

In truth, Ganyu wasn't overly worried about Shenhe posing a serious threat to Lucas in the Tianshu election.

If the election were a simple martial arts tournament, Shenhe would undoubtedly be a strong contender. However, the selection process was bound to be far more complex. With Shenhe's straightforward and inexperienced nature, she might very well get eliminated in the first round.

The only real challenge was ensuring Shenhe secured eligibility to participate.

It seemed Ganyu would have to use her own authority to recommend her.

As an emissary of the Liyue Qixing, Ganyu had the right to make recommendations. However, due to her reclusive nature, she had never found a suitable candidate and had simply forfeited the opportunity.

Now, though it felt a bit like nepotism, she had no choice but to pull strings to appease Xianyun.

"Lucas," Ganyu suddenly said, her tone unusually serious. "Things have changed. It might be asking too much, but I hope you'll do your best in the election."

Ganyu didn't fully understand Lucas' true capabilities, so she didn't expect him to actually become the Tianshu. All she could hope for was that he would perform as well as he could.

"Don't worry!" Lucas thumped his chest with confidence. "This was my mission all along."

"Although I'm unsure of the election's exact format, there's a good chance it will involve combat," Ganyu said, clenching her fists. "In the meantime, I'll personally train you."

"Wait a second, isn't that unfair?" Shenhe interjected, frowning. "I want Senior Sister's training too."

"Shenhe, your abilities are already strong enough," Ganyu reassured her. "Your brother-in-law isn't as capable as you, so he needs my training more."

"That's so harsh…" Lucas muttered under his breath. "I did help defeat the Stormterror, you know."

"You mean the Anemo Archon's subordinate?" Ganyu's expression became slightly amused. "Honestly, even Shenhe could likely handle it."

From her morning sparring session with Shenhe, Ganyu had gauged her strength. Although human, Shenhe's natural talent and adepti training meant that she could deal with ordinary archon-level subordinates without issue.

"Let's not waste time," Ganyu said, grabbing Lucas by the wrist. "Follow me."

Without waiting for a response, she pulled him toward their shared bedroom.

"Wait, I thought this was combat training?" Lucas asked, bewildered. "Why are we going in here?"

Could it be that kind of training?

As his imagination ran wild, Lucas couldn't help but picture Ganyu lying on the bed, beckoning him seductively. His heart raced at the thought.

But Ganyu merely smiled faintly. She pressed a hidden mechanism beneath the bed, and with a sound of wood scraping against wood, a trapdoor opened in the floor.

"Whoa… isn't this a bit much?"

Descending the staircase revealed a massive circular underground chamber. The space was nearly as large as Ganyu's entire residence.

The chamber housed various training equipment and an arena. Along the walls were display cases filled with an impressive array of weapons—everything from bows and crossbows to swords, spears, and exotic armaments like flails and halberds.

Although Ganyu had told Shenhe earlier that she had no time to train, this facility suggested otherwise. As Rex Lapis' chosen guardian of Liyue, she clearly took her duties seriously, though it seemed the facility had recently seen more use for fitness than combat training.

"Don't just stand there," Ganyu called from behind. "I'm ready."

Lucas turned to see her and froze. "What… what are you wearing?"

Ganyu had shed her usual attire, revealing a sleek black bodysuit that clung to her every curve. The snug fit left little to the imagination, accentuating her figure in ways that felt far more provocative than bare skin.

"This is my training outfit," Ganyu explained, her cheeks slightly pink. "It was designed by Master."

Thank goodness it was just for training. If this had been a combat outfit, the mere sight would probably incapacitate half the enemies on the battlefield.

"We'll start with basic hand-to-hand combat," Ganyu said, assuming a fighting stance. "Fair warning—my training is very rigorous."

"No problem!" Lucas said eagerly, cracking his knuckles. "I'll do my best."

Hand-to-hand combat?

That would mean physical contact during the training. Rather than training, it sounded more like a free pass to close proximity. Lucas couldn't believe his luck.

Ganyu swiftly dispelled Lucas's illusions.

Though he had always acknowledged her strength, Lucas was unprepared for the sheer precision and skill she displayed. Any hopes of getting close to her were effortlessly dashed—his punches missed their mark, and every move he made was countered with ease.

All the techniques he had honed before crossing into this world seemed insignificant against her mastery. It was undeniable: while Lucas had made remarkable progress with the help of his simulator rewards, Ganyu's centuries of dedicated training placed her in a league far beyond his reach.

Hours Later

In the courtyard, Shenhe sat cross-legged in silent meditation, her hands resting on her knees as she drew in the surrounding energy.

"Hmm? Why are you out here alone?" Xianyun's voice interrupted her tranquility. She had returned from her walk, her gaze scanning the courtyard. "Where are your Senior Sister and Brother-in-law?"

Though Xianyun had yet to formally acknowledge Lucas as her "son-in-law," she had no qualms about using the term casually.

After all, whether or not this relationship materialized, she would be relying on Lucas to prepare meals during her stay. As the old saying goes: never offend your cook.

"Senior Sister is concerned that Brother-in-law lacks the strength to perform well in the Tianshu election, so she's training him," Shenhe said with a slight frown. "But with her gentle demeanor, can she really produce results?"

Being highly skilled didn't necessarily make one a good teacher. Shenhe's own extraordinary cultivation at a young age was largely thanks to Cloud Retainer's strict guidance over the years.

"You've known Ganyu for too short a time to truly understand her nature," Xianyun said with a knowing smile. "As a teacher, she's far stricter than I am."

BANG!

At that moment, a loud crash sounded from Ganyu's quarters. The door flew open, and Lucas stumbled out, his face bruised and battered, his clothes in tatters.

But before he could get far, an icy blue whip extended from the room, curling around his waist and immobilizing him. He struggled in vain against its pull.

The whip was formed entirely of ice, a feat that required immense elemental control. While creating weapons with ice wasn't uncommon, crafting a flexible and resilient whip out of such a rigid element was far beyond what Shenhe herself could achieve.

Holding the icy whip, Ganyu emerged from the room. Her usual gentle and sweet smile was gone, replaced by an intense, almost manic expression. "Husband," she said with a chilling edge to her voice, "the training has only just begun."

Ganyu effortlessly reeled him back toward the room.

"Ganyu," Xianyun called out nonchalantly, "do be mindful of your limits. At least don't break his hands—otherwise, we won't have anyone to cook for us."

Ganyu smiled, still dragging Lucas. "Don't worry. Even if I break them, I'll make sure to heal him."

With that, the door slammed shut behind them.

Xianyun appeared unfazed, but Shenhe's expression showed rare surprise. "Senior Sister… why is she like this?"

"During the Archon War, your Senior Sister was a renowned cold-blooded general under Rex Lapis," Xianyun said, her voice tinged with pride. "She even trained a fierce and highly disciplined battalion. Whenever she trains someone, her demeanor completely changes. If her standards aren't met… well, the consequences can be severe."

Shenhe felt a chill run down her spine.

It was fortunate she hadn't insisted on undergoing Ganyu's training earlier; otherwise, she might have been suffering alongside Lucas right now.

Later That Night - Northland Bank, VIP Lounge

Despite being a Snezhnayan enterprise, the Northland Bank had embraced Liyue's aesthetic. The lounge was adorned with classic Liyue-style decor, including an intricately designed folding screen.

Andrei, who had exuded arrogance while collecting debts earlier that day, now sat trembling. Sweat beaded on his brow as he kept his gaze lowered, his demeanor utterly subservient.

Seated across from him was a man who appeared to be in his early thirties. His refined and scholarly aura was complemented by his perpetually smiling face. The thin-framed glasses resting on his nose hid the sharp intelligence in his slightly narrowed eyes.

Stacked before the man was a year's worth of Northland Bank's ledgers—piles nearly half a meter high. Yet, he had reviewed them all in just ten minutes.

"No need to be so nervous, Andrei," the man said with a calm smile. "It seems that under your management, Northland Bank has been doing quite well in Liyue."

"All thanks to your guidance, Lord Pantalone!" Andrei stammered, his voice trembling. "I'm nothing more than an unworthy servant."

Indeed, the man was none other than Pantalone, the ninth Harbinger of the Fatui, also known as "The Regrator." As the founder of Northland Bank and the mastermind behind Snezhnaya's economic prowess, he was a figure both feared and respected.

"You are unworthy," Pantalone said flatly, his tone unchanged. "You couldn't even manage to acquire Wanmin Restaurant. And you wasted one of the ice parasites I brought all the way from Snezhnaya."

Though his words were biting, his tone remained calm and his expression neutral, making his rebuke all the more unnerving.

Andrei broke out in a cold sweat. "A man suddenly appeared and paid off the debt in full," he stammered. "It was beyond my control…"

"I'm not interested in excuses," Pantalone replied dismissively. "I hire you to resolve problems, not explain them. If everything could proceed smoothly without you, I might as well replace you with Katheryne."

"It won't happen again!" Andrei quickly fell to his knees, his voice trembling. "I accept any punishment, but please don't dismiss me!"

"Relax. I'm not an unreasonable employer," Pantalone said, his smile widening. "I'll dock three months of your pay. Let that serve as your punishment."

"Thank you, Lord Pantalone!" Andrei bowed repeatedly, relieved that he had escaped with such a light penalty.

"Oh, one more thing," Pantalone added, steepling his fingers. "Gather information on the man who disrupted our acquisition. Anyone who interferes with the Fatui's plans cannot be allowed to go unpunished. You're dismissed."

"Yes, my lord!" Andrei quickly exited the room.

As soon as the door closed, a voice came from behind the folding screen. A young man wearing a hat and glasses stepped forward, adjusting the frames with a thoughtful expression. "If I may speak freely, Lord Pantalone, using such aggressive acquisition tactics won't win control of Liyue's economy."

"Of course I'm aware of that," Pantalone replied with a chuckle. "That's precisely why I spent a decade cultivating someone like you as my agent."

The man adjusted his glasses again, his gaze sharp.

"Zhiyi," Pantalone said, leaning back in his chair. "I've been preparing for the Tianshu election for quite some time now. Don't disappoint me."

"Mr. Pantalone, I've made sacrifices no less significant than yours," Zhiyi said with a faint frown. "To ensure Tianshu's resignation, I even modified the poison you provided and personally slipped it into my master's fish soup."

"In Liyue, there's a saying: 'Great deeds require small compromises,'" Pantalone replied with a serene smile. "For the sake of realizing one's dreams, such sacrifices are necessary and justified. I called you here to ask if you require further support from the Fatui."

"For the past ten years, I've been studying Tianshu's every move," Zhiyi said, his tone brimming with confidence. "I've compiled a list of all potential competition topics and prepared accordingly. For this exam, I not only know the questions but also the answers."

"Sometimes knowing the answers is easy; implementing them is another story," Pantalone remarked cryptically. "Your name—Zhiyi, 'Knowing is Easy, Doing is Hard'—reminds us that you, of all people, should understand this truth."

Zhiyi pondered for a moment before nodding. "You're correct. My plan does have vulnerabilities. Though unlikely, if the competition includes a test of martial prowess, I'll be at a disadvantage."

"Indeed. Like me, you're not one of the chosen by the gods," Pantalone said, producing an ominous-looking gem from his sleeve. He handed it to Zhiyi. "Take this—it's a small gift I've prepared for you."

"A Delusion?" Zhiyi's expression turned complicated. "Using this could raise suspicion."

"I trust that someone as clever as you will find a way to manage that," Pantalone replied with a wave of his hand. "And remember, everything you have today comes from me."

As Zhiyi exited the room, he glanced down at the square-shaped Delusion in his hand, a cold smirk forming on his lips.

"Just wait…" he muttered under his breath. "One day, I'll make you all look up to me."

In the Underground Training Arena

"Iron Mountain Crash!"

With a sharp shout, Lucas was sent flying across the arena like a kite with its string cut, landing heavily on the ground.

"Get up," Ganyu commanded, still holding her shoulder-charging stance. She motioned for him to rise with a flick of her fingers. "You're not done yet."

Despite Lucas' rapid progress, Ganyu couldn't help but push harder, determined to test his limits. Her training methods became increasingly rigorous.

"I can't… I just can't beat you," Lucas groaned, spitting out a bit of blood as he clambered back to his feet, panting. "How am I supposed to improve if I keep fighting someone I can't possibly defeat?"

"You have a point," Ganyu admitted, nodding thoughtfully. "Alright then, I'll fight you using only one hand. How about that?"

If anyone else had made such an offer, Lucas would've been offended. But with Ganyu, it felt like a small mercy.

"You say one hand, but how do I know you won't use both in the heat of the moment?" Lucas asked warily, his eyes narrowing.

"What do you suggest then?" Ganyu replied, raising an eyebrow. "Should I tie my right arm with a rope?"

Lucas shook his head. "Forget a rope; even if we used iron chains, you'd probably break free without any trouble."

"Fine, I know what to do," Ganyu said, her cheeks turning slightly pink. "Turn around."

Lucas hesitated but complied. He heard the faint sound of fabric rustling against skin.

"Alright, you can turn back now," Ganyu said.

When Lucas turned, his eyes widened in shock. Ganyu had removed the top half of her training suit and was covering her chest with her right arm. Her expression was a mix of shyness and determination. "This way, I can't use my right hand," she explained.

You've got to be kidding me, Lucas thought, feeling both exasperated and impressed.

"This time, I'll lower the difficulty," Ganyu continued, her blush deepening. "If you can touch me within ten minutes, you win."

Lucas swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus on her face rather than… other areas. "Fine, not like winning gets me anything."

"Anything?" Ganyu tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Lucas replied. "A student needs some kind of reward to stay motivated."

"I see…" Ganyu looked pensive before biting her lip and murmuring, "If you win… I'll give you five minutes."

"Five minutes?" Lucas asked, confused. "To rest?"

"You'll have five minutes to… do whatever you want," Ganyu said softly, her voice barely audible. "I won't resist."

"Whatever I want?" Lucas gulped.

"Anything but 'that,'" Ganyu clarified, her face aflame. "Everything else is fine."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Lucas suddenly stood tall, shaking off his exhaustion. His stance sharpened, and his eyes glinted with determination. "Ganyu, I'm coming for you!"

Such intensity!

The abrupt shift in Lucas' demeanor left Ganyu momentarily stunned.

Could her offer of a reward have motivated him to this extent?

Unbeknownst to Ganyu, her challenge and offer had tapped into Lucas' untapped potential. He'd been holding back during training to avoid escalating the difficulty too quickly. But now, with such a tantalizing reward, he was fully committed.

"Come on then…" Ganyu barely finished speaking before Lucas darted forward like a bolt of lightning.

So fast!

His speed was far greater than before. Ganyu was startled. Could he have been holding back this entire time?

She wasn't entirely wrong. Lucas had indeed been pacing himself during previous sessions. But the other factor was the sheer allure of her offer—enough to push any man to reach his limits.