Mu Yang first opened the drawing platform that the system had sent him earlier.
Damn, his inbox was practically exploding.
Pinned at the top was, of course, the part-time artist Dango, who produced her own fan content.
"Big boss, the artwork is done. Please take a look."
'Mu Yang x Lumine.JPG'
Mu Yang downloaded the image and took a look.
He couldn't help but exclaim, "Holy shit."
"System, I gotta give you props. How did you even find a website like this and such a treasure of an artist?"
System: "Is that genuine praise or sarcasm? You're not still holding a grudge, are you? Though I did initially plan to use these images to mess with you a bit..."
Mu Yang: "Genuine praise! Look at Lumine's figure, the lines, that utterly seductive expression..."
System: "Stop, stop, stop! Aren't you embarrassed? I'm out. Don't bother me even if you need something. ╭(╯^╰)╮"
Mu Yang sent a reply to Dango.
"Perfect score! You can post it on the main page now."
Mu Yang realized Dango had misunderstood.
I didn't commission this artwork just for myself.
If you don't post it, how am I supposed to earn popularity points?
Dango replied almost instantly.
"Ohhh, I thought the big boss commissioned it for personal viewing."
"Let me finish the Genshin Impact storyline first, then I'll sketch some new stuff."
"Seems like everyone in the group chat is obsessed with Mu Yang now."
Mu Yang replied with an "OK," telling her to focus on the Genshin Impact storyline first.
Next, Mu Yang began reviewing the works of other artists he had previously commissioned.
Gotta say, the website the system gave him was seriously impressive.
The talent here was truly next-level.
Though everyone's art style was different, the chemistry between Mu Yang and Lumine in the drawings was off the charts.
Aside from Dango's ultra-seductive piece (which shouldn't be described in too much detail), Mu Yang's favorite was this youthful school-themed artwork.
In it, Mu Yang and Lumine weren't in Teyvat but on a school campus in Earth.
Dressed in school uniforms, the two strolled along the running track.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long.
They weren't standing too close, but the adoration in Mu Yang's eyes for Lumine was unmistakable.
This piece also resonated deeply with many players.
[Darkness Phobia, Scared of Old Farts]: Dis is love!
[She Said She Was Jogging]: Once, I also had such innocent romance...
[The Sun-Chasing Never Stays Up Late]: Bro above, please pair your story with your ID.
[Afraid of Heights, Can't Use Wind Glider]: Mu Yang's gaze is so doting, holy shit—when will I ever meet a guy like this?!
[Darknight Hero]: These two have insane chemistry. The artist nailed the distance, too. Just did the story today, and Mu Yang really is the type who isn't clingy but treats you incredibly well.
[Can You Act Normal?]: I'M FUCKING SHIPPING THEM SO HARD AAAAAAAAA
...
After browsing the artworks, Mu Yang opened the miHoYo forum.
The hottest post immediately caught his eye.
Looks like there were still some sharp minds out there.
All his careful planning along the way hadn't gone to waste.
He'd considered writing such a post himself if no one else did.
But thankfully, someone had kept up with his train of thought.
Mu Yang clicked into the post and began reading.
——————
[Liyue Story Analysis: Mu Yang—The Assassin Who Killed the Geo Archon, the Final Boss of the Liyue Arc]
Author: Honest Truthseeker
I'm a closed beta player, a lore enthusiast, and a researcher.
Today, I'll be making some predictions about the upcoming Liyue storyline.
As you all know, after the official launch, the devs added the character "Mu Yang," who didn't exist in the closed beta storyline.
There's recorded footage as proof. (Footage link here.)
From the existing official materials, we can also see how much favor the devs have for this character.
Calling him their "golden child" wouldn't be an exaggeration.
Right after the "Footprints PV," they immediately dropped his official artwork.
On top of that, he's the one who introduced players to major factions like the Abyss Order and the Fatui Harbingers.
And let's not forget his incredibly powerful in-story performances.
If you think this character isn't important, you're dead wrong.
(Regarding the theory that Mu Yang follows the Dark Path like the Abyss Twin, I disagree. I'll make a separate post about that.)
(The most direct evidence is that he can't traverse the Void.)
Despite being such a crucial character, his role in the Mondstadt arc was minimal.
He only made a brief appearance at the Fatui stronghold, and his later fights were shown through flashbacks.
So, we can boldly speculate that Mu Yang's major moments will unfold in the Liyue storyline.
My conclusion? He's a key player in the plot to assassinate the Geo Archon.
In other words, he's the one who carries out the killing.
This conclusion stems primarily from the "Footprints PV," where Mu Yang's official artwork appears alongside a specific line.
The implication is way too obvious.
As for the rest of the evidence, let me break it down.
First, Mu Yang's profession.
Judging by his attire, his design is inspired by ancient Earth swordsmen.
In ancient times, assassins dressed like this, too.
And Mu Yang's words and actions in the story confirm that he's in the assassination business.
Take money, eliminate targets.
Second, Mu Yang's strength.
This should be obvious to everyone.
What we've seen firsthand:
Effortlessly killing Fatui Agents.
Easily repelling a horde of Hilichurls.
His own claims (unverified):
Slaying dragons.
The 8th Harbinger "La Signora" isn't worthy.
Call the 1st Harbinger "The Captain" instead.
Based on his displayed combat prowess, he probably isn't lying.
Third, his self-introduction.
Every time Mu Yang introduces himself, he says, "Mu Yang, of Chenyu Vale."
Not "Mu Yang, of Liyue."
If you go to another country and say you're from Guangdong, would they understand?
You'd say you're from China, right?
So, Mu Yang might have some friction with Liyue.
Finally, his skill effects.
Take the dragon in "Azure Dragon's Lunge," for example.
This ties back to the third point.
The Geo Archon of Liyue also takes the form of a dragon.
Naturally, there'd be friction, right?
In summary, here's my take:
The Liyue storyline will likely go like this:
The Fatui orchestrate an assassination plot against the Geo Archon.
Their goal is the Gnosis.
They hire Mu Yang for a hefty sum to do the deed.
After all, Mu Yang already has his own reasons.
Our protagonist just happens to be at the scene and becomes a suspect.
Then, we'll have to find ways to prove our innocence to another character from the "Footprints PV"—Ningguang.
Clear our name, defeat Mu Yang, and help Liyue survive the crisis.
——————
As Mu Yang read Honest Truthseeker's analysis, he couldn't help but think:
You know what?
It wasn't entirely accurate.
In fact, it wasn't accurate at all.
But you couldn't blame him.
This was exactly the effect Mu Yang had been aiming for.
That's why he had to "attend the Geo Archon's funeral."
Let Dainsleif take the fall—simple as that.
Right now, the game had stalled the main story progression due to level and quest locks.
With nothing else to do, everyone was just hanging out in the forums.
This lore analysis had become the top pinned post, with veteran players and theorists gathering to discuss it.
Some agreed, some disagreed.
Honest Truthseeker even made a bold declaration in the comments:
If Mu Yang isn't the assassin who kills the Geo Archon, he'd top up Constellations for everyone in the comments!