Mount Aocang. From the elevated height right beneath the clouds, far as the eye can see, there lies the stone forests which paint the landscape of Liyue. Far from human civilization and residence to the adepti, preserved in all its hallowed awe. The wafting current that weaves through the mountains smells of geosmin and petrichor, a pleasantly earthy and musty aroma. On the ascended plateau lies a picturesque scene of a shimmering lake framed with saffron vegetation and karst formations. The stone table with its three seats, an ancient relic of a time long ago. Nestled within these towering rock formations is the inconspicuous abode of Cloud Retainer.
The lofty adepti oh so above, the one who stows away from the affairs of mortals while tinkering on convoluted artifacts? Deep beneath, despite thinking of herself as austere and private, she yearns for someone to at the very least, be graced by her company in her homestead, even if transient. Alas, her pride prefers not to voice it aloud. It is not as if the thought could somehow spontaneously emerge in them to consider coming to Mount Aocang. Her retainers that left the nest, Ganyu and Shenhe, thankfully pay her visits, even if only twice a year and more like felt obligations for their master. Still, uninterrupted solitary is to be cherished as well.
A visitor’s presence is detected, her subconscious prayers have been answered. Will this impromptu guest be a blessing or a curse? Regardless or not, at least they will be at least a fleeting distraction. She emerged to discern a first impression on those who dare tread these treacherous peaks.
