Genshin Impact: The Sharpshooter of Teyvat

At that moment, the last trace of orange-red on the horizon was about to be swallowed by the night.

Suddenly, a searing pain exploded in Shao Yun's head—indescribable, like countless needles stabbing into his nerves all at once.

The agony surged like a tidal wave. Shao Yun clenched his eyes shut, gripping his head tightly, trying to fend off the sudden assault.

In his mind, a harsh conversation began to emerge, each word cutting like a razor across his heart.

…

"I have no money!" It was a voice steeped in desperation, full of helplessness and sorrow.

"Then sell your house!" The reply was cold and merciless, as if spoken from a tomb of ice.

"Even if I sell my house, I still can't repay the debt!" The desperate voice came again, choked with despair.

"Then sell your (static) 'daughter'! Or your son! Or anyone else! Don't think our (static) 'Pearl Galley' is some kind of charity!" The voice was brutally callous.

…

With the dialogue's end, a sharp burst of static echoed through Shao Yun's head—like countless devils whispering into his ears.

He snapped his eyes open and let out a chilling scream, one filled with rage and anguish, like a vengeful ghost roaring from the depths of hell.

Luoxia, startled by the sudden outcry, trembled uncontrollably. She dared not look up at him, only hugged herself tightly in search of some sliver of warmth.

Shao Yun clutched his head and doubled over in pain, tears streaming down his face.

He didn't know why he heard that conversation. He didn't know why it made him so furious, so distraught. But he knew one thing—he had to do something.

Thirteen minutes passed.

Shao Yun slowly straightened up and wiped away the tears at the corners of his eyes.

He grabbed the bottle of snake oil from the table and downed it in one gulp, as if it could purge the torment and fury within him.

Then he said calmly, "At first, I just wanted to learn something about Miss Nianhua's past from you… so I could tell her children and make the two siblings a little happier. But now I'm really, really pissed off."

Luoxia's pupils widened in alarm. She felt the air tighten around her, an invisible pressure wrapping her like a vice.

She looked up abruptly, and in her gaze was reflected the cold, black muzzle of a gun—pointed squarely at her forehead.

Shao Yun's voice, carried by the sea breeze, sounded especially grim.

"I'm an outlaw. I'm not here to argue right or wrong… but I do want to keep at least a sliver of principle." His voice was laced with unwavering finality.

Luoxia understood—death was right in front of her.

Still, she tried one last plea, voice shaking.

"No, please… I told you everything I know. Where there's light, there's shadow. It's an iron rule of this world—it can't be changed!"

But Shao Yun had already made up his mind.

Without hesitation, he cocked the hammer and asked coldly, "Do you know Jeremiah Compson?"

Luoxia opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word—a gunshot tore through the silence of the night.

The bullet pierced her skull. Blood spattered. Her body crumpled to the ground, lifeless.

Just then, a system notification popped up in Shao Yun's mind.

[Honor points in Liyue region increased. Your action has been acknowledged by an unnamed "entity."]

Even demons can't stomach this. Sure, they might twist words and manipulate meanings—but at least they don't make things up. And they do give you something.

Shao Yun looked skyward, his eyes burning with fury and grief.

He gritted his teeth and muttered under his breath.

"This filthy, rotten place… I can't stand it anymore!"

His voice spread across the deck of the Pearl Galley, thick with pain and righteous rage.

…

Night had fallen.

The last twilight shimmered like a candle flickering in the wind, slowly dimming over the opulent vessel named Pearl Galley.

Once a stage for scholars and merchants to share verse and wealth, it had become a living hell.

As night deepened, the former merriment aboard the ship had long been replaced by terrified screams and hopeless sobs.

Guests, workers, courtesans, and performers alike had been herded onto the deck by Shao Yun—the cold-blooded killer.

The sea breeze cut like knives across trembling bodies, each heart filled with dread. All feared Shao Yun's merciless revolver.

Within the ship, Shao Yun was like a beast on a rampage, slaughtering the guilty without mercy. Wherever he went, none steeped in sin survived.

He didn't kill the innocent—only those whose deaths didn't reduce his honor value. And every time someone fell, his honor score rose.

At last, the cabin fell silent.

Shao Yun, drenched in blood, pushed open the doors of the Pearl Galley and stepped out.

His eyes were cold, his expression resolute.

He cast a brief glance at the crowd on the deck, but didn't linger. Killing them meant nothing to him.

Kill who must be killed. Save who must be saved. The rest… let fate decide.

He leapt aboard the boat moored nearby and disappeared into the night—bound for Liyue Harbor.

Behind him, the Pearl Galley was left in lifeless stillness. Those who survived would carry the scars forever.

…

Nightfall draped over Liyue. Lanterns on Yujing Terrace swayed gently in the breeze, adding an air of mystique to the quiet night.

In a certain office, lamplight spilled from a half-open door onto the hallway, casting mottled shadows on the floor.

Footsteps echoed down the empty corridor.

A mysterious secretary from Yuehai Pavilion burst into the room.

She peered through the door at a woman seated with her back turned.

The woman, seated in a large leather chair, remained silent. No lights were on. Her face remained hidden in darkness, as if she were gazing out at the dazzling cityscape—or perhaps lost in thought.

"Report—something happened at the Pearl Galley," the secretary said, her voice breaking the silence.

The woman turned slightly, a faint, lazy smile on her lips. She seemed unbothered by the news.

"Someone caused trouble?" she asked casually.

The secretary shook her head. "No. It was that man—Shao Yun. He wiped out the Pearl Galley. Killed most of the staff. But the innocent—courtesans, red-card girls, guests—he spared them all."

The woman paused for a moment, then sighed.

"Understood. Leave it be. He's done us a favor. Liyue's dark corners… do need a bit of cleansing."

The secretary hesitated. She frowned slightly. "But the Pearl Galley brought in major profits every year. And the rich—"

The woman cut her off, her voice heavy with implication.

"Some money's not worth earning. And people… need both the 'life' to make money, and the 'life' to spend it. Can you stop that madman?"

The secretary fell silent, then nodded. "I'll arrange for the Millelith to clean the scene."

The woman waved a hand.

"No. I'll go myself."

Moonlight poured across her face.

She had black hair with a bluish tint, styled with a slanted fringe. Her eyes were green, her lips tinted violet. Beautiful, seductive, and enigmatic.

She stood tall, clad in a blue-and-white leather outfit that matched her hair, with a white fur cloak made from some exotic beast—radiating cold elegance and regal poise.

…

Night deepened, stars glittering faintly. Shao Yun returned to the harbor.

The sea breeze carried a salty chill. He crouched to scoop a handful of seawater, rinsing away the blood that stained his clothes.

He flicked water from his hands, then took out a fresh mint leaf from his pack and chewed it slowly.

The cooling flavor spread through his mouth, masking the scent of cigars.

Then, Shao Yun arrived at the home of Yi Xuan and Yi Zhu. He gently knocked on the door.

Moments later, the door opened to reveal Yi Zhu's young face, alight with joy.

"Big Brother, you're back," he said politely.

Shao Yun looked at the boy's innocent expression, a warmth rising in his chest. He feigned failure, lowering his gaze.

"I'm sorry…" he said, his voice laced with regret and helplessness.

But Yi Zhu didn't mind.

He knew Shao Yun had done everything he could. Gently patting his shoulder, the boy comforted him.

"It's okay, Big Brother. You did your best."

His voice brimmed with gratitude and trust.

Shao Yun was briefly stunned—then grinned.

He pulled out the elegant hairpin and held it out.

"Sorry… This was all I could find."

Yi Zhu took it carefully, his face lighting up with a pure, grateful smile.

"Thank you, Big Brother! Hu Tao said you're kind and always help others. I guess she was right!"

Shao Yun blinked in surprise, then shook his head slightly, muttering to himself with a touch of self-deprecation.

"If only I really were that kind of person…"

Yi Zhu heard the mutter and looked puzzled. "Huh? What did you say, Big Brother?"

Shao Yun smiled and waved it off.

"Nothing. Take care of your sister. I'm leaving."

Just as he turned to go, Yi Zhu suddenly called out to him.

He pulled a few Mora from his pocket and held them out with both hands.

"Wait, Big Brother! You helped me so much—thank you!"

Shao Yun looked at the pitifully small sum. A soft gleam flickered in his eyes.

He gently pushed the boy's hands back and smiled.

"Kid… I don't take every kind of money. Keep it. Take good care of your sister."

Yi Zhu lowered his head, then whispered, "Please wait a moment, Big Brother."

He turned and went back inside, leaving Shao Yun waiting quietly at the door.

Minutes passed—each one stretched long.

Finally, the door opened again. Yi Zhu stepped out, holding a yellowed piece of paper.

Despite its age, the childlike drawing on it remained vivid—Yi Zhu, Yi Xuan, and their mother playing together in a sunlit field.

Their smiles were bright as the sun, as if the whole world was filled with light.

Yi Zhu held it out, eyes shining.

"Brother Shao Yun, you have to accept this. Mom used to tell us—when someone helps you, you must give something in return. I want to share my happiest memory with you."

Shao Yun took the drawing and studied it carefully.

[Yi Zhu's drawing at age six: A unique item.]

He could picture the young boy's tiny hands drawing that idyllic scene from his heart.

He nodded, tucking the artwork carefully into his pack, then looked at Yi Zhu with sincere gratitude.

"Thank you. I'll treasure this gift."

Yi Zhu beamed. He waved cheerfully.

"Goodbye, Big Brother! I hope we meet again!"

Shao Yun returned the smile and tipped his hat in salute.

"Farewell, Yi Zhu. May your future be filled with sunlight."

What Shao Yun didn't know then—was that this very drawing… would one day save his life.