The Illuminated Beast of the Sea of Clouds

The Illuminated Beast of the Sea of Clouds is the first part of .
==Steps==
# Talk to the Jade Chamber secretaries
# Head near Mt. Aocang to look for Ganyu
# Find and talk to Ganyu
# Head to the site of Ganyu's trial and speak to her
# Complete Cloud Retainer's trial
#* Activate 12 Cryo Totems within the time limit.
# Talk to Ganyu
# Go to Nantianmen and speak with Xiao
# Complete Xiao's trial
#* Protect the Ley Line Monolith from 26 monsters.
# Talk to Xiao
==Gameplay Notes==
* During Step 5 and 8, Ganyu will join the current party as a trial character.
==Trial Character==
==Dialogue==
;(Approach the secretaries)
: Baixiao: It's shocking how much work there is to do, even for the three of us...
: Baishi: And she's been handling it alone all along... The Qixing's secretary clearly isn't an ordinary person. It's so frustrating...
: Baiwen: Huh. You're...
: Paimon: Aren't you Ningguang's servants? How come you're here?
: Baixiao: Ahem... We are Ms. Ningguang's private secretaries, not servants.
: Baiwen: Have you seen Ms. Ganyu, Traveler?
: Baiwen: It has been several days since Ganyu left for Jueyun Karst. She's the General Secretary of the Liyue Qixing. We've only taken over her responsibilities until she gets back...
: What happened?
: Why did she go to Jueyun Karst?
: Baixiao: Ah, even though the Qixing have made peace with the adepti after the latter had denounced Liyue, they still want to pay their respects to the illuminated ones...
: Baixiao: They commissioned Ganyu as their envoy to deliver a letter to Jueyun Karst and bring the adepti the latest news about the crisis.
: Baixiao: Still... Ganyu should have been back to her usual responsibilities by now, but she's disappeared without a trace.
: Paimon: Is that so... Maybe Ganyu just took a little detour? Who can blame her, after working so hard?
: Baiwen: I'm afraid it's not very likely... Ever since we met Ms. Ganyu, she's been nothing but the most conscientious person in all of Liyue.
: Baiwen: Even when it's time for her annual leave, Ms. Ganyu stays on duty at Yuehai Pavilion, saying that "there is still so much to do."
: Baiwen: She couldn't possibly be using her mission as an excuse to slack off.
: Paimon: Oh, Paimon sees how it is... But she's half-adeptus. She wouldn't get in trouble, right? Why do you look so upset...
: Baishi: Well... It's because of this absurd workload of hers!
: Baishi: *sigh* When we first heard the three of us would be taking over for Ms. Ganyu, we thought it would simply be a matter of changing our work environment.
: Baixiao: We couldn't have imagined that Ms. Ganyu's daily workload far exceeds what the three of us are used to doing.
: The adeptus lineage is truly remarkable.
: Shouldn't you get back to work?
:: Baiwen: We don't even know how long we've been working... We feel guilty for taking even a short breather like we are now.
:: Paimon: Looks like you've got a serious emergency on your hands.
: Baiwen: Speaking of Jueyun Karst, Traveler, I've heard that you can go in and out of there as you please.
: Paimon: Of course! We've been there lots of times.
: Baixiao: Ah, that's good news... Could you go to Jueyun Karst and find Ms. Ganyu for us? Preferably before we collapse under this workload...
: Seems like I'm the only one who can do it, indeed...
: I'll do it. Lives are at stake here.
: Baixiao: Phew... We're saved. I remember Ms. Ganyu said that she'd be visiting Cloud Retainer's abode. You might as well start looking for her there.
: Baiwen: It's about time she came back to work, otherwise... *sigh*
: Baishi: No. Perhaps we should go to Lady Ningguang first and bring up our overtime pay again.
;(After cutscene ends)
: Paimon: So, Ganyu left to visit Cloud Retainer. Doesn't she live in Mt. Aocang?
: Paimon: We should hurry up, Paimon hopes we can find her there!
----
;(Approach Ganyu at Mt. Aocang)
: Paimon: Huh, the person standing over there, that's Ganyu! We finally found her!
;(Talk to Ganyu)
: Paimon: Ganyu! Here you are!
: Ganyu: You two... I did not expect to meet you here. Is it official or private affairs that bring you here?
: Ganyu: Ah, I shouldn't... I have left the human world. Please contact the Yuehai Pavilion regarding matters concerning the commercial port.
: Left the human world?
: You seem different...
: Paimon: Huh, you don't want to be the Qixing's secretary anymore? But they're all waiting for you to come back...
: Ganyu: That's why you're here? You want me to come back? I'm afraid you came here in vain.
: Paimon: What? Did something happen?
: Ganyu: The clouds fold and unfold, the tide ebbs and flows. It was meant to be.
: Ganyu: When the adepti entrusted humans with overseeing Liyue, I knew it was only a matter of time until I had to leave.
: Ganyu: My adepti blood makes me unwelcome in Liyue Harbor.
: Ganyu: I delivered the letter and came back to Liyue Harbor only to discover that I had been replaced by Baiwen, Baixiao, and Baishi...
: Ganyu: Perhaps that mission of mine was just a pretext to remove me. Since the Qixing gave me a chance to leave with dignity, I decided to be tactful, as well.
: I believe there's been a huge misunderstanding.
: Nobody wants to get rid of you...
: Ganyu: I appreciate your kindness but there's no need for your words of comfort.
: Ganyu: After a thousand years away, I came back to Jueyun Karst. Looking at the clouds floating among the mountains brings me peace of mind. I feel better now.
: Paimon: Uh, but...
: Cloud Retainer: Who disturbs the peace of these mountains?
: Paimon: Cloud Retainer? We're terribly sorry, we just...
: Cloud Retainer: Hmph, one merely jests! One felt your presence the moment you set foot upon this land.
: Paimon: Wow, you adepti really are impressive.
: Cloud Retainer: Come here to chat about the old times with Ganyu? It looks like you get along quite well...
: Chat about the old times?
: Get along?
: Ganyu: ...
: Cloud Retainer: Ah... A matter leaves you at an impasse, then?
: Cloud Retainer: Not to worry, one is exceptional at seeking avenues for conversation. One has been one's own companion in idle talk for many a year.
: Cloud Retainer: Ah, yes. Since you are Ganyu's friends, tales from her youth shall one apprise you of, perhaps...
: Ganyu: Cloud Retainer!
: Cloud Retainer: Hahaha... Nothing to be ashamed of! You were so cute as a child, one is most certain that your friends would like to hear of it.
: I'm a bit curious, indeed...
: Now that's a good topic.
: Paimon: Ooh, Paimon wants to hear it!
: Ganyu: Eh...
: Cloud Retainer: Hehe... Little Ganyu loved when the horns on the top of her head were caressed.
: Cloud Retainer: When one was still taking care of her, one was pestered most often to touch her horns. She was else-wise loath to sleep...
: Paimon: Whoa...
: Cloud Retainer: Plump she was, back then! Why, when she stumbled while we ascended the mountain, she would roll down to the bottom like a little ball...
: Paimon: A—haha!
: Cloud Retainer: ...The day Ganyu bumped into a pilgrim was the first time she saw a real human in the flesh.
: Cloud Retainer: So fearful she was that she hid in a rock's cleft for two days and nights. One found her wailing of a monster she had seen...
: Paimon: Hahaha...
: Ganyu: CLOUD RE—TAI—NER!
: Ganyu: *sigh* Forget it. It's about time for my training. I will take my leave!
: I think you upset Ganyu...
: It seems you didn't read the room...
: Cloud Retainer: Ah, one's intention was merely to relieve the awkward tension...
: Paimon: And you did the exact opposite. Impressive.
: Cloud Retainer: Be that so? Huh...
: Cloud Retainer: But returning to Ganyu, most gladdened one is of your arrival.
: Cloud Retainer: One cannot help but feel that remaining in Jueyun Karst shall not be good for her...
: Cloud Retainer: One will tell you more about her, if you should permit it.
:;(A cutscene plays)
::Most benevolent among all adepti are the Qilin
::They drink only spring water and eat only whole grain
::But perhaps the mountainous dwellings of adepti in Jueyun Karst
::Might be too lonely for her human side
::Under moonlight did one see her last
::She stood by the precipice's edge
::And upon the mist-veiled mountains she gazed
::Her thin figure was immersed
::In the vast sea of clouds
::One noticed her loneliness
::And sought to convince her to go back to the human world
::But
::Just then
::She said thus:
::"Liyue Harbor feels"
::"Even lonelier than Jueyun Karst"
::"When I look at the sea of clouds in Jueyun Karst"
::"I merely feel the loneliness of a solitary cloud gazer"
::"When I step into the sea of people in Liyue"
::"I feel the loneliness of an inhuman"
::"That doesn't belong in the human world"
:;(Cutscene ends)
: Cloud Retainer: One did, by chance, hear this much of Ganyu's thoughts.
: Cloud Retainer: Alone, she will find her predicament hard to conquer. One hopes that you will accompany her...
: Paimon: Oh, Retainer's right! We can't leave Ganyu depressed like that. Besides, Liyue hasn't given up on her, she's got it all wrong...
: Paimon: Anyways, what's that "training" Ganyu was talking about?
: Cloud Retainer: She has sought to reclaim her adeptus side since returning to Jueyun Karst. At her behest, one has organized training for her to achieve that end...
: Cloud Retainer: She should be in the southern part of Mt. Aocang right now, preparing for the trial.
: Paimon: Huh, is that so? Let's go take a look, then!
;(Talk to Cloud Retainer again)
: Cloud Retainer: This trial will test her spirit.
: Cloud Retainer: Even so, one hopes that it shall trouble her little...
----
;(Talk to Ganyu at the southern part of Mt. Aocang)
: Paimon: So here you are, Ganyu!
: Ganyu: Why did you come here?
: We want to keep you company.
:: Ganyu: Ah, I... Humans should not remain in the realm of adepti for too long.
:: Ganyu: Hmm... Considering the kindness you have shown me, I can let you stay for the adeptus training.
:: Paimon: Yay~!
: I'd like to try this adeptus training.
:: Ganyu: Is that so? You really are interested in the ways of adepti.
: Ganyu: This trial was prepared by Cloud Retainer. Its goal is to help me feel like an adeptus again.
: Ganyu: The training is much to her signature style... I hope it won't make it seem like she is too unaware of the abilities of others.
: Paimon: I—Is it difficult?
: Ganyu: No, I'm aware of your strength, Traveler. The power hidden within you is not inferior to mine.
: Ganyu: If you're ready, we shall begin the training.
----
;(During the training)
: Paimon: There's a lot of gliding around. It does feel like something Cloud Retainer would come up with.
: Paimon: Wow, Ganyu's a really awesome shooter.
: Ganyu: If you could see through the eyes of an adeptus, you wouldn't be so surprised.
;(After the training)
: Ganyu: We've completed the task. What do you think?
: Perhaps I'd make a good adeptus.
:: Ganyu: I agree. You possess many qualities similar to those of adepti, despite having none of their blood.
: Being an adeptus is not easy...
:: Ganyu: Hardships are a fact of life, both for the adepti and humans alike.
: Paimon: Ganyu, what were you planning to do once your training was over?
: Ganyu: The training's not over yet. The part prepared by Cloud Retainer is only the first trial.
: Paimon: Huh? So there are more trials, prepared by other adepti?
: Is Mountain Shaper next?
: Is it Moon Carver?
: Ganyu: No. The only adeptus who can unlock my true potential is...
: Paimon: Who is it?
: Ganyu: Conqueror of Demons.
: Paimon: Huh! So it's Xiao! That cold-hearted loner? How come he's prepared a trial for you?
: What a surprise...
: How interesting...
: Ganyu: I found him unapproachable at first, too. But I believe... that being able to face him is an important part of my "homecoming."
: Ganyu: He's already waiting for me. Come along if you're interested.
: Paimon: Of course we are! Let's go, !
----
;(Talk to Xiao at Nantianmen)
: Xiao: You're half an hour late... I see you still haven't abandoned the wrongful ways of humankind.
: Ganyu: I'm sorry, I had a meeting with Cloud Retainer, I...
: Xiao: I don't need your explanations and don't require any mutual understanding between us. I'm just helping you with your training, that's all.
: Paimon: Xiao is such a strict teacher.
: Xiao: You're neither an adeptus, nor a human, always treading the line between the two worlds. It must create a lot of confusion.
: Xiao: Instead of explaining yourself to me, you should face your true self.
: Ganyu: I... I have nothing to hide.
: It seems that Xiao understands Ganyu quite well.
: Xiao might be a good teacher after all.
: Xiao: The body and the mind are one. If something worries your mind, your body can help you find a solution.
: Xiao: The trial I've prepared for you will explore the true potential of your body.
: Ganyu: Yes, I'm ready.
;(Talk to Xiao again)
: Xiao: Focus on the trial. I'm not here for idle chatter.
----
;(Upon starting the training)
: Paimon: Th—The trial's begun! Paimon can feel it in the air... even the weather's changed!
----
;(Talk to Xiao)
: Ganyu: I've completed your trial.
: Xiao: You don't have to report back to me. Seeking other people's validation won't benefit your training.
: Xiao: Only you can evaluate the result of this trial. You'll progress faster that way.
: Ganyu: Um... Understood.
: Paimon: Xiao always has such strong opinions.
: He could be nicer while sharing them.
: That lone wolf is truly admirable.
: Xiao: From tomorrow on, I'll start raising the difficulty of your training, so you'll have to...
: Xiao: ...
: Paimon: Have to do what?
: Xiao: Huh... Another one of those pesky visitors...
: Xiao: I'll leave him to you, Ganyu. It's also a part of your training.
: Paimon: Pesky visitor? So even here there are those that Xiao can't deal with?
: Xin Cheng: Oh—Oh heavens! Blessed be Rex Lapis, I've finally come upon the adepti!
: Xin Cheng: Are all of you the adepti of this mountain?
: Xin Cheng: Great! My name's Xin Cheng. I came to ask for your merciful blessings, O adepti! I beg of you, please grant me luck, wealth, and a good career!
: Paimon: Oh, so it's a pilgrim.
: Such a materialist...
: I can see why Xiao finds his type troublesome.
:: Paimon: Eh, he can handle any battle, but talking to strange humans is a different story, huh...
: Ganyu: I... am also one of the adepti. You can say that I'm an adeptus in training.
: Xin Cheng: Perfect! I didn't come in vain then. Although you sound a bit half-hearted, eh... doesn't matter.
: Xin Cheng: What blessings can you grant me?
: Paimon: Wow, straight to the point, huh?
: Ganyu: Dear... pilgrim, you shouldn't jump to conclusions. Adepti don't help every pilgrim for free.
: Xin Cheng: For free? Do you mean that you charge people for the blessings of the adepti?
: Ganyu: Ah, that's not what I meant. What I'm trying to say is that everything should be earned through hard work and earnest living...
: Ganyu: It would be unfair to other people if you got everything you wanted for no reason.
: Xin Cheng: Hold on, hold on, I've heard this all before. You're just like my old man, always nagging me...
: Ganyu: Your father must've experienced it firsthand. The lives of the common folk are riddled with hardships but are also full of joy.
: Ganyu: A person of your age should focus on work and family, instead of chasing after fairytales.
: Xin Cheng: Are you a real adeptus? Why do you speak and behave like us city folk?
: Xin Cheng: You sure you're not one of those swindlers who pose as an adeptus to cheat people out of their money?
: He just can't take criticism.
: Show some respect!
:: Xin Cheng: Ugh... How dare you reprove me! I bet you came here looking for the adepti yourself!
:: Paimon: Hmm, he might sorta have a point. We did come here looking for Ganyu, after all.
: Xin Cheng: Eh, enough. Doesn't matter if you're a real adeptus or not, you're useless. I'm leaving.
: Paimon: Hmph! Nobody's stopping you!
: Ganyu: Eh...
: Paimon: Ganyu, don't let that guy ruin your mood...
: Ganyu: I—It's not his behavior. The things he said... He was right.
: Ganyu: I thought that coming back to Jueyun Karst and devoting myself to training would make me feel like an adeptus again.
: Ganyu: But being questioned by him made me realize that I...
: Go back to Liyue Harbor with us.
: You're better off sticking to your human side.
: Ganyu: But... I'm unwelcome in Liyue Harbor. As an adeptus, I...
: We told you it was a misunderstanding!
: Can you believe a human like me just this once?
: Paimon: It's true! Just believe us!
: Ganyu: Eh...
: Ganyu: Alright, I'll go with you to Liyue Harbor. That said, I still trust my initial judgment.
: Ganyu: If I'm proven right, I'll return to Jueyun Karst once again.
: Paimon: It's a step in the right direction. Let's go!
==Cutscene==
Genshin Impact - Ganyu Cutscene - The Lonely Qilin And Her Growing Sadness
==Soundtracks==
==Other Languages==
==Change History==
es:La bestia iluminada del Mar de Nubes
fr:La bête sacrée de la mer de nuages
pt-br:A Besta Iluminada do Mar de Nuvens