Xiao stood in the Jade Chamber, the cool evening breeze flowing through the open windows and rustling the elegant silk curtains. The scent of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air, yet his mind was elsewhere, consumed by the encounter he had with the cloaked figure. He could still feel the heat of her flames and the echo of her bitter laughter that rang like a taunt in his ears. The encounter lingered in his thoughts like a dark shadow.
“Xiao,” Ningguang’s voice cut through his reverie, drawing him back to the present. She stood by the large window, looking out over Liyue Harbor as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sky. “You mentioned a cloaked figure who sought to avenge the Qiong Qi. What did you discover about her?”
He turned to face her, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. “Her motives are shrouded in mystery,” he replied, his voice low and steady. “She spoke of vengeance for the Qiong Qi, yet I do not understand why anyone would want to avenge them for something they brought upon themselves.”
Ningguang’s brow furrowed as she considered his words. “It is a curious thing. We only know what history tells us, yet history is often written by those in power. Perhaps the truth lies deeper than we realize.”
Xiao nodded, absorbing her insight. It was true, while being alive in the time the Qiong Qi roamed the lands, he barely knew anything about them. He simply listened to the tales told by the people of Liyue. But now doubt began to fester in his mind like an uninvited guest. “She seemed to care for them, to feel their loss,” he admitted, glancing out at the harbor. “Perhaps her rage is rooted in something more personal.”
Ningguang straightened. “We must uncover more about this. I’ll contact Yanfei, her expertise in Liyue’s laws and history may shed light on this enigma.”
Xiao remained silent, staring out into the distance.
---
Later that evening, Yanfei arrived at the Jade Chamber, her demeanor bright and eager as always. “Lady Ningguang! Xiao!” she greeted them with a warm smile, though she quickly sensed the tension in the room. “What’s going on? You both look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Ningguang motioned for her to sit as they filled her in on Xiao's encounters with the cloaked figure and the implications of their words. Yanfei listened intently, her brow furrowing as she processed the information.
“A desire for vengeance is a powerful motivator,” she mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “But there’s a deeper history here. The Qiong Qi were demonized further after their extinction, and it appears that every little misfortune or problem was pinned on them. From natural disasters to food shortages, even minor incidents were attributed to their presence.”
Xiao’s gaze sharpened at her words. “What do you mean to say?”
Yanfei leaned forward, her expression serious. “There are records showing that when crops failed, it was said to be the Qiong Qi’s doing. When storms ravaged the coast, blame was directed toward them. Even the simplest of disputes between villagers became fodder for stories that painted them as monstrous beings, hell-bent on chaos. It’s as if the Qiong Qi were the scapegoats for all of Liyue’s problems, regardless of the truth.”
Ningguang raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you suggest we do?”
“I can start by reviewing the ancient documents regarding the Qiong Qi. I’ll dig into the archives and see what I can find,” Yanfei replied, her eyes sparkling with determination. “I might uncover something that reveals the truth about the Qiong Qi and their relationship with Liyue.”
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cursed wings of grief | genshin impact x f.reader
Fanfiction"..i guess we really aren't that different, you and i." when the time was right, she would remind them of the power they had dismissed. she would make them remember the qiong qi. and she would watch them burn. __ -this is a xiao x reader published...
