Zhiyue

> Rooted in tradition, we shape the future with the wisdom of the past: Zhiyue, where history and tomorrow converge.
>
> ―CK Data Base

**Zhiyue** (知月) is one of the largest nations in **Aurynthia**, bordering Znaniya, Sumeru, and Honkai. This land, composed of a large nation with around 30 regions and subregions, is commonly used to describe China, Mongolia, Taiwan, North Korea, and South Korea from the Human Era. In the past, wheat crops were devastated worldwide, causing a famine in northern China that led to a refugee influx toward southern China. Meanwhile, a war began in the South China Sea between precursors and humans during the cataclysm, and as China was in disarray, they couldn't intervene and protect their interests in the South China Sea. Today, the Zhiyue colony has risen from the ashes and expanded territories over the years; Zhiyue spans the equivalent of five time zones and shares land borders with fourteen countries, matching Znaniya as the country with the most land borders.

The Zhiyue region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. The earliest Chinese dynastic states, such as the Shang and the Zhou, emerged in the Yellow River basin before the end of the second millennium BCE. The eighth to third centuries BCE saw a breakdown in Zhou authority and significant conflicts, as well as the emergence of classical Chinese literature and philosophy. In 221 BCE, China was unified under an emperor for the first time, marking over two millennia when China was governed by one or more imperial dynasties, including the Han, Tang, Ming, and Qing. Some of Zhiyue's most notable achievements, such as the invention of gunpowder and paper, the establishment of the Silk Road, and the construction of the Great Wall, occurred during this period. Zhiyue's imperial culture, including languages, traditions, architecture, philosophy, and more, significantly influenced East Asia during the Human Era before the cataclysm and after the Reconstruction Era.

Mountains stand tall and proud alongside stone forests, which, together with open plains and lively rivers, make up Zhiyue's bountiful landscape, showcasing its unique beauty in each of the four seasons. Ancient elemental force technology built by gods and humans can be seen around Zhiyue, especially in its ruins from 50,000 years ago. Zhiyue's technological level is extremely high, being one of the largest consumers of cybernetics and developers of advanced pyrotechnic technology, as well as having fully industrialized areas in each region. It's said this nation has joined forces with Honkai to manufacture powerful and indestructible weapons against the seraphs and not only that but to share their armed forces as allies.

Zhiyue has made rapid advances in areas such as education, infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, academic publications, patents, and commercial applications, and is now, in some areas and by some measures, a global leader. Corporations like Zhiyue Industries have research laboratories designed for studies in various branches of science and engineering. The cities are filled with security cameras, drones, and advanced technologies developed by the nation. Although considered a peaceful nation after Eden and Sumeru, Zhiyue has actively participated in the war against machines to defend its nation and its allies, engaging the nation of Lumina on more than one occasion with their piloted automatons.

The Zhiyue Defense Corps is an elite neomilitary force designed to combat invaders and any threat to the nation. Operating from their headquarters, the Zhiyue Defense Corps is led by a Command that receives orders from the Security Council. Members of this security force often join the Mech Automaton Defense Corps to pilot mechs in the war. Each Defense Corps squad has a security module and other artificial intelligence androids. They also operate several ground bases worldwide, including rocket launch facilities to send supplies to orbital bases and the moon. Zhiyue also has a surface fleet with at least one large aircraft carrier.

Zhiyue is based on imperial China and has great physical diversity. The eastern plains and southern coasts of the nation consist of fertile lowlands and hills. They are the location of most of Zhiyue's agricultural output and population. The southern areas of the country consist of hilly and mountainous terrain. The west and north of the country are dominated by sunken basins, rolling plateaus, and towering massifs. It contains part of the highest tableland on earth, the plateau, and has much lower agricultural potential and population. Zhiyue shares a border with Znaniya to the north and with Sumeru to the south and west. Due to its gigantic size, it has diverse ecosystems, including polar deserts, tundra, forest tundra, taiga, mixed and broadleaf forests, snowy forest, steppes, semi-deserts, and subtropical areas. In total, Zhiyue has 599 types of terrestrial ecosystems, including a wide range of forests, shrublands, steppes, meadows, savannas, and even deserts connecting it to Sumeru.

The territorial waters of Zhiyue mainly encompass the seas of the Arctic Pacific of Honkai, washing around 5,000 islands along the 14,000 km of coastline. The coast is rocky, primarily south of Jìjìng Wān Bay, also known as the Bay of Silence, and sandier towards the north. Additionally, they include the Zhinyue Ocean, also known as the Sea of Clouds, which is divided to the south and east. The regions of Zhiyue are as follows: Tiveat, Ancestral Lands, Snowy Wastelands, Jade Forest, Valley of a Thousand Blossoms, and the Mountains of Dreams, a region that separates the world of Zhiyue (to the north) from the world of Sumeru (to the south). The range reaches a maximum of 8,850 m, situated on the border of both nations. To the north lies the Tiveat Plateau, bordered by the Dragon's Mount and the Phoenix Hills. The northwest of Zhiyue is occupied by two desert basins separated by the Hollows Mountain Range. These regions are named the Valley of Stars, Heart of the Desert, Red Flame Desert, and the Shen Dunes.

## History

### Human Era

It all began many years ago when the precursors arrived on Earth, showing that one of them was responsible for the creation of the human race. He sacrificed himself as his people vacated the Earth, consuming chemicals that dissolved him and altered his DNA into the planet's first microorganisms. Humanity would eventually develop from this sacrifice, turning the precursors into ancestors of the human race. As such, human DNA and precursor DNA are virtually identical.

The reason for creating human beings remains unknown. Some theories suggest that about 2000 years ago, the precursors got along well with humans, but a specific event turned them hostile toward humanity, likely due to wars among themselves. This led to the creation of the architects to exterminate human life on Earth, and ultimately, the cataclysm that resulted in the destruction of the gods and all nations on Earth.

Stories from ancient civilizations speak of an invading plague emerging from the abyss that seized the divine throne, attempting to usurp the positions of the precursor gods; the Abyss Goddess. It infected people's dreams, making them violent and dangerous. A powerful and destructive entity, it is responsible for causing the infection. Using the Infection as a weapon of mass destruction, it seeks to erase all of Aurynthia's wisdom until there's no competition in its governance.

During that time, the Abyss Goddess raised the corpses of the ancient civilization, casting upon the world a winter known as the Long Night, lasting an entire generation. Thousands died of starvation while crops and fields lay buried under dozens of feet of snow. In the darkness and cold of the Long Night, the White Walkers descended upon the earth from the far north, the polar regions of the Lands of Always Winter. The conflict that arose from the Long Night is known as the Battle for Dawn, as the White Walkers sought to end all life and cover the world in endless winter.

The Realms of Heaven formed an alliance and united forces to defend against the orders of the Goddess of Light. In the Battle for Dawn, the White Walkers were defeated and forced to retreat to the far north, which became Znaniya. The prosperous nation of the Abyss Goddess collapsed, and with it, the Goddess swept the essence of her body downward, sealing it for several ages in the abyss. As the Dark Goddess was reduced to nothing more than a sphere containing her essence, she continued to whisper her influence to the corrupted people of her realm.

There are stories recounting the events of this horrific battle, when many spirits were destroyed, and the survivors were left crippled. However, not all precursors participated in the war with the intention of occupying a divine seat; some wanted to defend their territory, while others didn't even want to fight and tried to save as many people as possible from the destruction of war.

50,000 years ago, the entity now known as Tibu was a nameless and formless forest breeze in ancient Aurynthia. It is known that Tibu departed from its home in the Galapagos Islands on a journey of discovery nearly a thousand years ago, traveling across the world and visiting all countries until it reached ancient Zhiyue. Tibu found itself on a hill that overlooked the land that would later be known as Tiveat, and knew that it had found the place it would call home for the rest of its life. To commemorate the moment, Tibu planted the seed of its favorite tree on the hill, which would eventually become the Peach Tree of Celestial Wisdom.

During the war that resulted from the cataclysm, the spirit of the forest answered the prayers of the people of Zhiyue who sought to escape the tyrannical rule of the God of Battle, Belial, gaining power from their faith and using that power to save them. Tibu formed a bond with a human child who sought to see the world beyond the fierce war surrounding Zhiyue's capital. Known as "the Iron Tiger," he participated in the rebellion of the clans, and after a fierce struggle, they defeated the tyrant lord. After Belial's death, Tibu became the God of Battle and Hope, Prosperity and Earth. And with the death of its best human friend in combat, Tibu honored his name and took on the form of that warrior child and his identity.

Tibu achieved many things after this, such as the creation and perfection of martial arts, the development of armies, and the creation of the Dragon Scroll, maintaining peace in Zhiyue and aiding others outside the Valley. Over the following years, Tibu fought against other corrupt precursors from the abyss to defend the ancient land of Zhiyue, reshaping its terrain and climate to its current state with its flowing power. While reshaping the land, Tibu threw the mountain peaks it cut into the ocean, eventually forming an archipelago. In addition to shaping the geography of the region now ruled by the ruler of the Great Authority of Architects, Tibu defended Zhiyue in great battles against other precursors. In one battle, it successfully defeated an ancient god known as Tiamat, using massive stone spears to imprison the sea god, which is now known as the ancestral lands of Zhiyue.

Tibu is credited with being the creator of kung fu, which it created not only as a battle tactic but as an art to be used for good and prosperity. It also achieved harmony and concentration. This eventually helped it acquire the ability for spiritual ascension as a God. Tibu was seen as a noble and reasonable master who maintained calmness in serious situations, likely due to its strong faith in others and its ability to foresee the future. Unlike its disciples, it never showed any signs of anger, impatience, or indignation. It believed in letting things happen in their own time and course, rather than trying to change or control them. Tibu's attitude was generally very humble and passive, and it was seen as compassionate.

When night falls and bustling Zhiyue begins to sleep, Tibu would sometimes stand on the top of towering mountains and contemplate this city, which it made with its own hands. To the people of Zhiyue, Tibu has many divine titles. When it established the laws of Zhiyue with its divine power, it was the God of Earth. When it minted the first coin and strengthened Zhiyue through trade, the merchants revered it as the God of Prosperity. It has lived countless years and is the oldest of the Gods, so historians also call it the God of History.

People from other lands tend to call it Geo, although the people of Zhiyue prefer to use the term Tibu. But in the hearts of opera lovers and children, the appearance of Tibu on stage, the conquering defender of Zhiyue, the warrior god, is the most fascinating.

After defeating the other gods, it sealed them underground, where their physical bodies decayed and became one with the earth. Their souls, however, were immortal; their desire for revenge and lust for life seeped into the earth, resulting in miasmas, plagues, monster attacks, and other similar calamities. These repugnant creatures, directly emerging from the murky depths of the ocean abyss, had a soft exterior and possessed agile tentacles that would remain alive even after being cut, secreting a thick and repugnant liquid in the process. At the urging of the people of Zhiyue, Tibu agreed to put an end to these creatures. But these parasites of civilization couldn't be destroyed like enemies on a battlefield, simply by summoning a storm of stone spears that would shatter the earth and upheave the soil... Yet, he was the God of Hope. His word had to be his bond. So, he went through the village from house to house with stone prisons, capturing these creatures one by one and locking them away forever.

In the past, wheat crops were devastated worldwide, leading to a famine in northern China that caused an influx of refugees to southern China. Meanwhile, a war began in the South China Sea between the precursors and humans during the cataclysm, and as China was in disarray, they were unable to intervene and protect their interests in the South China Sea. The Chinese government was exhausted by fierce battles in the Mongolian Plateau and the South China Sea for access to those regions' strategic resources. China had not fully recovered from the loss of Hong Kong, a victim of the abyss infection. The city was surrounded by a 100-ft wall, built by China to contain the plague.

The bodies of gods and monsters defeated during the war compressed, decomposed, and became part of the land, while the spirits of the gods lost their sense of self and were no longer capable of holding personal grudges. However, their persistent hatred and resentment still lingered, creating miasmas, curses, and monsters in all regions of Aurynthia. In the dying breath of this civilization, the gods created the architects, seeing them as the only way to restore order to Aurynthia by cleansing the planet during the cataclysm for the following 50,000 years. Meanwhile, even after the nations were established by the Great Authority of the Architects, most of the defeated and injured gods fled from Aurynthia and succumbed to the Abyss, corrupting themselves and turning into evil tar-like entities.

The Architects, although they were biomechanical beings, differed from basic androids not in their appearance and abilities, but in the uniqueness of their underlying code. It was said that they were different because they were not programmed or controlled by functions, protocols, and the need for a purpose. While normal androids conform to the rigid structure defined by their programming, the Architects had evolved, possessing a kind of genetic code that few could barely comprehend. This internal structure of their code potentially allowed the Architects to develop beyond the capabilities of regular androids.

Under this war, Celestia led armies of sentinels against the abyss, but their efforts were not enough to save the realms of Aurynthia from catastrophe. In a cruel battle against Nyx alongside the other gods, including Tibu, Celestia, with all her power, tore the essence from Nyx's body and brought her down, reducing her to a sphere containing her essence that would be sealed in the abyss.

Finally, with Nyx sealed and Aurynthia destroyed, Celestia traded the old for the new and, with her technology, created the architects alongside the main gods. These were highly advanced biomechanical beings made of pure energy, seen as the hope for a new civilization in the future. Celestia viewed them as the only way to restore order to Aurynthia by cleansing the planet during the cataclysm for the next 50,000 years.

### Reconstruction Era (50,000 years later)

Many years after the cataclysm and the war that decimated humanity, the Architects regained control of the land according to their directive, and the seven archons of the Authority of Architects divided their colonies, including Zhiyue. Alt was responsible for overseeing a specific part of Aurynthia's society from her colony. She was the leader and in charge of establishing the identity of the Architects. Ava and the Tsarina held a second-tier status; they supervised the army and technological advancements of Aurynthia, respectively, along with the ruler of Zhiyue. Meanwhile, Neityri, Nairu, and others were responsible for the culture of Aurynthia.

Before the great cataclysm, the great archons established their dominion over Aurynthia for the next 50,000 years, an extended era of multiple conflicts. During that time, many societies were submerged, the lands cursed, and most of the gods were killed or sealed, leaving only the seven triumphant governors, who used their powers to transform their terrain and rule the lands of Aurynthia according to their ideals after the extinction of humanity. Therefore, as the years passed, Xiao eventually established his rule as the second youngest leader among all female rulers after Ava. Initially, Xiao was not allowed to perform the typical duties of a royal ruler; Instead, he organized dances and parties to celebrate the nations' holidays. However, after a couple of years of the separation war and tired of being rejected by his peers, Alt finally granted him the first colony, Zhiyue.

## Government

The government of Zhiyue consists of a structure similar to the imperial government of ancient China. The government of ancient imperial China was based on a hierarchical and autocratic structure centered around the emperor, who was considered the divine mandate to rule. The emperor was the ultimate authority and had nearly absolute power over the empire. He ruled with the assistance of a select group of officials and ministers who were part of the imperial bureaucracy. The bureaucracy was a fundamental pillar of the government, composed of highly educated and trained government officials who were selected through imperial examinations based on knowledge of classical Chinese literature and Confucian philosophy. These officials held positions in administration, justice, tax collection, and other governmental aspects. The administration was divided into different levels and departments, each with its own responsibilities. Generally, the government of Zhiyue is similar to the rest of the nations and colonies of Aurynthia, functioning as an oligarchic and totalitarian government system with Xiao at the top of the hierarchy.

As the emperor, Xiao was formally granted the title of "Son of Heaven" (Tiānzǐ) and, as the heir and representative of Heaven on Earth, he has absolute power over all matters, regardless of their magnitude. The emperor's word and directives are considered Sacred Decrees. As a member of the Great Authority of Architects, Xiao has authority over others, and while his nation is not a militaristic state, it is governed by him and, as a secondary body, the Council of Zhiyue. The members of the Council are the three leaders of Zhiyue's three companies, considered "the cream of the crop." They all have significant achievements in their respective fields and are pillars of Zhiyue's prosperity. Their highly revered positions are coveted by many, and some have many enemies. Both the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the security officers of Zhiyue are under Xiao's control. Additionally, the laws, which represent Zhiyue's major industries, are under the jurisdiction of the council.

The Council of Zhiyue was formed approximately 200 years ago after the end of the Separation War. Once the fierce struggle concluded, trade and craftsmanship flourished, and those who thrived above all others came together to form the Council when Xiao established his colony. Xiao and the council members divided positions into civil and military roles, each subdivided into categories. Civil appointments range from an assistant to the emperor or a Grand Secretary in the Forbidden City (the highest) to being a prefecture tax collector, deputy police commissioner, or tax examiner. Each member holds the same rank, and there is a clear internal division of labor within the council's duties. For example, the Tianquan is responsible for maintaining the book of ancient laws established by Xiao and all subsequent amendments. Each Tianquan has introduced amendments to ensure that the laws align with Zhiyue's current social needs. The Yuheng is in charge of land and livelihood management, as well as construction and real estate. The role requires strict regulation and development direction and is subject to over a hundred contractual obligations. While each member has their own specialty, their functions may overlap.

While Xiao is in charge of the total governance of Zhiyue, under his rule, there is Yun Hui, the Tianquan of Zhiyue, and Shen, the Yuheng of Zhiyue. Currently, the council is divided into different sections, including the Board of War with the Vanguard of Zhiyue, the Board of Civil Affairs with the Yuheng, the Board of Laws and Order, and the Board of Rites with the Tianquan. Present-day Zhiyue showcases a vast cultural and linguistic variety inherited from distinct and ancestral realms that were forcibly unified to give rise to the empire. However, the unified culture experienced significant moments of cultural development, influenced by philosophical and bureaucratic doctrines of Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism, as well as religious influences such as Taoism, which now shape its unified government under Xiao.

## Military

Currently, it appears that Zhiyue is directly governed by Xiao and the Council of Zhiyue, with a small role played by the Vanguard of the nation. Some military personnel also play vital roles in Zhiyue's politics and occasionally get personally involved in matters related to foreign relations when necessary. The Zhiyue Army is comprised of five main forces, including the Ground Forces, Army Navy, Air Force, Second Artillery Corps (responsible for strategic antimatter or nuclear weaponry), and the Reserve Forces. The Armed Police, a paramilitary force under the dual control of the Board of War and the Ministry of Public Security of Zhiyue, is also present. The regular land army forces consist of 18 army groups, which are combined arms units, each comprising approximately 30,000 to 65,000 personnel. The armies consist of armored divisions, mechanized infantry divisions, motorized infantry divisions, infantry divisions, assault divisions, a mechanized infantry brigade, motorized infantry brigades, armored brigades, artillery brigades, missile anti-aircraft brigades, and army aviation.

The Vanguard of Zhiyue acts as representatives of Zhiyue's law, keeping its citizens safe and creating and defending laws for all. The armies of Zhiyue possess advanced cybersecurity technology, ranging from intelligent weapons to the creation of automatons in collaboration with their sister nation, Honkai. The Public Security Commission serves as Xiao's executive arm. It is led by soldiers and is responsible for managing military and security affairs, including law enforcement and the implementation of any decrees. Compared to other commissions within the Council of Zhiyue, this commission experiences a higher mortality rate due to the realities and horrors of war, with soldiers fighting and killing others in the Automaton War, contrary to the expectations of some who anticipated battling ancient monsters and denizens of the Abyss. Below the Law and Order Board of Yun Hui, there is the Jade General, who is responsible for the military leadership of Zhiyue's security force.

In addition to this, the Zhiyue army has colonization divisions responsible for terraforming and moving their forces within new sister colonies alongside Honkai, extending their governance to other planets. Currently, Zhiyue has space stations in different regions of space outside of Aurynthia, colonies on planets and moons within solar systems. All tasks for building colonies are systematically and uniquely divided, creating a working system for colonizing locations with spacecraft. The colonists do not require pressurized habitats, modular space stations, or even underground structures to protect themselves from radiation and extreme conditions, as their bodies are designed for colonizing planets at great distances from Earth's solar system. Zhiyue's colonies have a certain degree of autonomy in making local decisions. This could be essential for adapting to the unique conditions of the specific planet. Overall, there is an interplanetary government that coordinates efforts, policies, and resources among different colonies, similar to an intergalactic legislative body. Currently, the military forces of Zhiyue have a shared alliance with their sister nation, Honkai, and collaborate with the Autonomous Mech Defense Corps program, dedicated to the construction of assault automatons for the war against machines.

## Law enforcement and crime

The highest authority of law and order in the nation is the Imperial Guard or Police, composed of a group of individuals and their master. The Imperial Guard protects the Zhiyue Valley and its port, as well as all cities in the nation and colonies according to the directives of the Security Commission in the council. The law in Zhiyue is not as strict compared to the laws in the courts of Pandora or Sumeru, however, there are certain punishments and death penalties for those who dare to betray the emperor or commit serious crimes. According to the Xiao Code of Law, district officials, all appointed by the emperor, investigate crimes, arrest suspects, and act as judges. When suspects of crimes are arrested, they are often beaten to obtain a confession. The arrested individuals are considered guilty until they can prove their innocence. While public executions are not the norm, in many cases, the bodies are displayed afterward as a warning to other rebels and criminals. The Zhiyue court is harsh, and the tribunal is now under the supervision of the President of the Supreme Court, Xue.

The Zhiyue court follows the laws of the God Ma'at, the lord of Justice and Truth. The Jade Palace, located at the highest point of the Zhiyue Tribunal, is where all administrative matters of the land are dealt with. Xiao's office is located here, and as far as the people of Zhiyue are concerned, the Jade Palace is essentially the highest authority in the country. Since the Suǒguó-lìng, the nation has remained under a decree of blockade, and individuals who wish to enter or leave Zhiyue legally must undergo strict evaluations conducted by the Security Commission to obtain permission. However, such restrictions did not initially apply to automaton traders and Honkaian due to their diplomatic ties. As a result of this decree by the emperor's law, few people leave Zhiyue and remain within the Forbidden City, and few are allowed to enter the nation, which is quite demanding with foreigners, except for its sister nation, Honkai.

## Geography, climate, and environment

Zhiyue is the fourth and almost third largest land surface in the world controlled by a single political entity. It is a sovereign union formed by several dependent regions. It is two and a half times the size of the nation of Lumina and occupies a significant portion of Aurynthia. Together with Znaniya, it encompasses most of the western half of Honkai and a large part of eastern Pandora, extending even into Sumeru. Approximately one-fourth of its territory makes contact with Sumeru, and the rest is in Honkai. The southern areas of the country are made up of mountainous and hilly terrain. The west and north of the country are dominated by sunken basins, undulating plateaus, and towering massifs. It contains part of the world's highest plateau, the Tiveat Plateau, and has lower agricultural potential and population. Zhiyue shares borders with Znaniya to the north and Sumeru to the south and west. Due to its gigantic size, it features diverse ecosystems, including polar deserts, tundra, forest tundra, taiga, mixed and broadleaf forests, snowy forests, steppes, semi-deserts, and subtropical areas. In total, Zhiyue has 599 types of terrestrial ecosystems, including a wide range of forests, shrublands, steppes, meadows, savannas, and even deserts that connect it with Sumeru.

Due to enormous differences in latitude, longitude, and altitude, Zhiyue's climate is extremely diverse. It ranges from tropical in the southern extreme to subarctic in the northern extreme, and alpine in the highest elevations of the Tiveat Plateau. Monsoonal winds, caused by differences in the continent and ocean's heat absorption capacity, dominate the climate. The territorial waters of Zhiyue mainly encompass the Arctic Pacific seas of Honkai, washing around 5,000 islands along the 14,000 kilometers of coastline. The coast is rocky, primarily south of Jijing Bay, also known as the Bay of Silence, and sandier towards the north.

Additionally, it includes the Zhinyue Ocean, also known as the Sea of Clouds, which is divided to the south and east. The regions of Zhiyue are as follows: Tiveat, Ancestral Lands, Snowy Wastes, Jade Forest, Valley of a Thousand Flowers, and Mountains of Dreams, a region that separates the colony of Zhiyue (to the north) from the colony of Sumeru (to the south). The mountain range reaches a maximum of 8,850 meters, located on the border of both nations. To the north lies the Tiveat Plateau, surrounded by the Dragon Mountain and Phoenix Hills. The northwest of Zhiyue is occupied by two desert basins separated by the Hollows Range. These regions are called the Valley of Stars, Heart of the Desert, Red Flame Desert, and Shen Dunes.

The vast coastline of Zhiyue along the Arctic Pacific Ocean and the Zhiyue Arctic Islands has a polar climate. Sector Zero covers almost all of Znaniya and along with it, Honkai and a part of Sumeru, along the northern and southern coasts. The Zhinyue Sea has both warm and cold currents and is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It borders the south of Zhiyue to the north, the Sumeru Peninsula and Zhiyue to the west, the Sumeru Islands to the east, and the former Philippines to the northwest (mainly Luzon, Mindoro, and Palawan), and the Indonesian islands of the Human Era to the south, which are now an archipelago. The Zhiyue Sea contains over 250 small islands, atolls, badlands, sandbanks, reefs, and shoals, most of which have no native settlements, many of which naturally go underwater during high tide, and some are permanently submerged or in the air floating. These include:

* The Tibu Islands
* The Islands of Dreams
* Soul Island
* Great Zhiyue Reef

In addition to this, as it is known, it borders the nations of Sumeru and Znaniya. Zhiyue, along with Znaniya, is one of the most urbanized nations in the world, with approximately 80% of its total population living in urban areas. Zhiyue City, the capital and largest city, has an estimated population of 20.4 million residents within the city limits, while over 18 million residents in the urban area and more than 30 million residents in the metropolitan area. Zhiyue City is among the largest cities in the world, being the most populous city entirely within Tiveat, in the central region. The beaches of Zhiyue are warm and crystal clear, with a great variety of marine animals and reefs. The oceanic biome features hot springs and volcanic areas that are common in Sector Zero. In the sea, you can see marine monuments from ancient civilizations, as well as in the sea of Sumeru, Eden, and even in the seas of Lumina and Znaniya, where some societies have been partially or completely submerged. Despite the warm temperatures of some waters, the islands have high mountains, icy peaks, and snow in several of their regions. It is believed that the warm waters of Zhinyue are caused by geysers and underwater volcanoes, as well as the circulation of the Sea of Sumeru.

Sharing an ocean with their sister nation Honkai along with Sector Zero, the marine biome has similar mountainous features, including a system of ridges in the middle of the ocean, as well as underwater volcanoes, ocean trenches, submarine canyons, hot spring caves, plateaus, crystal caves, and abyssal plains. Sector Zero consists of 44 million square kilometers of ocean, bordered by mountainous terrain to the north and west, and is covered in snow and ice throughout the year. Almost all parts of the area experience long periods with some form of surface ice, leading to a predominantly permanent winter. Extreme weather phenomena make the night sky spectacular at all times, mostly dotted with thunderstorms that mark the twilight, snowstorms and blizzards that can last for a month straight, meteor showers, or other constant astronomical phenomena depending on the area. Sector Zero is subdivided into smaller biomes, both terrestrial and oceanic, such as Arctic Spires, Badlands, Arctic Plains, Frozen River, Arctic Trench, Arctic Kelp Forest, Lily Pad Islands, and others. All these biomes are shared with the region of Honkai and Znaniya.

The combination of warm sun, variable humidity, ocean breeze and trade winds, and varying elevations create a variety of microclimates in Zhiyue. Although Zhiyue is quite large, it can look very different in each region, resulting in a unique selection of microclimates that are typical of each distinctive location: Central Zhiyue, Southern and Western Zhiyue, and even Northern Zhiyue, which connects with Znaniya and has a polar climate. Zhiyue originally had an estimated number of 50,000 rivers. However, due to statistical discrepancies, water and soil loss, and climate change, there are currently only about 90,000 rivers remaining. The rivers of Zhiyue have a total length of 420,000 kilometers. 1,500 of them have a drainage area larger than 1,000 square kilometers. The Tibu River, also known as the River of the Gods, is the third longest river in the world, after the Eden's Amazon and the Sumeru's Nairu.

Zhiyue has significant mineral reserves and is the world's largest producer of natural graphite, tungsten, and zinc. Other important minerals include aluminum, bauxite, coal, crude oil, diamonds, gold, iron ore, lead, magnetite, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, natural gas, phosphate rock, tin, uranium, and vanadium. Zhiyue's hydroelectric potential is the largest in the world. These minerals can be found in the northwest of Zhiyue, which is occupied by two desert basins separated by the Hollows Range. These regions are called the Valley of the Stars, Heart of the Desert, Desert of the Red Flame, and Shen Dunes. The surface is entirely made of sand, with sandstone being generated beneath the sand. The desert in these regions has high erosion values, which means that the terrain it was generated on is generally flat but with occasional hills, similar to those found in wind-swept hill biomes. The sub-regional deserts of the Red Flame Desert can also generate minor erosions, but usually as a separation between a wasteland biome and the oceans. Deserts are often found bordering mangroves or rocky coasts. Deserts can also appear with any moisture value, and with high humidity, lush caves can sometimes be seen beneath the deserts. Cactus and dry shrubs are frequently found throughout the landscape. Sugarcane can be seen along the water. Lava pools can be observed. Deserts compensate for their sterility by having a relatively large number of structures, such as raider outposts, villages, fossils, and wells.

The territory of Zhiyue is located between latitudes 18° and 54° N and longitudes 73° and 135° E. There are escarpments (ridges) and deep depressions (basins) in various parts of the Red Flame Desert, and no river or stream flows into or out of the area. Erosion processes are extremely important factors in the formation of the desert landscape. Depending on the type and degree of erosion caused by winds and solar radiation, deserts have different types of soils: a sandy desert is primarily composed of sand, which forms dunes through wind action, and a rocky or stony desert is one whose terrain is formed by rocks or pebbles, and the Red Flame Desert is a combination of both, with fossils and ruins scattered everywhere.

Zhiyue contains a diverse range of habitats, from forests such as boreal (taiga), deciduous, coniferous, mixed, and tropical forests, to grasslands (steppes), deserts, and mangroves. Zhiyue is mountainous with many distinct mountain ranges, each with its own combination of habitats. The mountains in Zhiyue are among the highest in Aurynthia and the world. The country's major rivers have their origins there. The central part of Zhiyue is, on average, less elevated than the western regions of the country. The terrain is formed by medium-sized mountains, plateaus, hills, and depressions. However, several subsets can be distinguished. To the north of the Great Wall of Zhiyue lies the plateau of what used to be Mongolia at an average altitude of 1000 meters; it is traversed from east to west by the Yin Mountains, which are around 1,400 meters high. To the south is the largest plateau in the world, with an area of 600,000 km².

The taiga forest is a biome characterized by coniferous forests primarily composed of pines, firs, and larches. In the Znaniya taiga, depending on the region, firs, pines, and larches are particularly found, while in other regions like the eastern taiga, it is a vast forest of larches. Meanwhile, the Arctic plain is an extensive and flat biome with large amounts of snow cover. There are sugar canes in this biome, as well as oaks and firs. As for animals, only rabbits and snow stalkers appear, along with some forest birds that travel from far away. Due to the size of the biome and the scarcity of wood and animals, survival can be challenging at first compared to other biomes.

The climate of Zhiyue is highly varied, ranging from subtropical in the south to subarctic in the north, and marked by the monsoon. The monsoon is responsible for a significant portion of the rainfall received by different regions of the country. The distribution of Zhiyue's population is related to the climatic zones. While the temperature difference between the north and south is high in winter, it is much lower in summer. The average maximum temperature in January is below 0°C in the north, and it can drop as low as -30°C. By July, temperatures exceed 20°C. In comparison, the January average is above 10°C in the central and southern regions, reaching 28°C in July. The southeast coast is highly exposed to the risk of hurricanes from July to September. These tropical storms cause significant disasters every year due to violent winds and flooding.

The Red Flame Desert spans an area of 337,000 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than one of Pandora's regions. It's the world's second-largest shifting sand desert, with approximately 85% composed of sand dunes, ranking 17th in size among the world's largest deserts. The dunes' heights range between 60 feet (18.3 m) and 300 feet (91.4 m). The few interruptions in this sea of sand are small patches of alluvial clay. Generally, the steeper sides of the dunes face opposite to the prevailing winds. The main oasis within this desert is the White Jade River, named for the jade deposits found in it. Except for its eastern side, it's surrounded by high mountains, from which mighty rivers flow down. When they reach the desert's borders, they've been harnessed, giving rise to towns and cities. As not all water was consumed, it was lost to the desert. Presently, the Zhiyue civilization is developing systems for optimal water usage. Archaeological remains and several mummies dating back over 4,000 years have been discovered in this desert's sands.

The desert is largely devoid of plant and animal life, characterized by vast undulating sand dunes under a dusty, cloud-covered sky. In the desert lies the ruins of a stone structure housing the only known desert gem in the area. Before its capture, the Desert Crystal, believed to be a part of the essence of the god Tibu, had scattered large sandstone pillars around its colossal fortress. Places like the Valley of a Thousand Flowers and the Ancestral Lands are currently overrun by wild strawberries and butterflies, starkly contrasting with the remnants of a battle that still litter the area. According to myths, these remains and ruins are part of the war led by the god Tibu against the Abyss. Legend says the spirits and beings who perished in this sacred land caused flowers and life to thrive anew with their scattered essence. Historians and scribes claim that many beings were defeated and shattered in combat, describing the past events on the battlefield as "a maelstrom of destruction and death". Within the beautiful landscape of this place lie ancient weapons buried in the earth, such as swords and bows.

According to the stories of Zhiyue, during the following years of the Human Era, Tibu fought against other corrupt precursors for the abyss to defend the ancient land of Zhiyue. He reshaped the terrain and climate of Zhiyue to its current state with his flowing power. While reshaping the land, he threw the mountain peaks he cut into the ocean, eventually forming an archipelago. In addition to shaping the geography of the region now ruled by the Great Authority of Architects, Tibu defended Zhiyue in great battles against other precursors. In one battle, he successfully defeated an ancient god known as Tiamat using massive stone spears to imprison the sea god, which is now known as the Ancestral Lands of Zhiyue. After defeating the other gods, he sealed them underground, where their physical bodies decomposed and became one with the earth. Their souls, however, were immortal; their desire for revenge and desire for life seeped into the land, resulting in miasmas, plagues, monster attacks, and other similar calamities.

Tibu fought for years to save his people, but the battle was almost in vain, as the abyss was much stronger and the people of Zhiyue perished in darkness. In his last breath, he entered a deep sleep in which he chose to transmit his element, allowing his power to flow into the land to nourish it and its people for a prosperous future full of hope. His energy terraformed the lands of Zhiyue, giving birth to new forms of life over the next 50,000 years. Legends say that both the Jade Forest and the Red Flame Desert are sacred places of prosperity, as they are home to a great variety of minerals, plants, and animals blessed by the God Tibu. To the north lies the Tiveat Plateau, surrounded by the Dragon Mountain and the Phoenix Hills, where Tibu is said to rest and watch over the city of Zhiyue from his temple. From there, one can see all of Zhiyue, the ocean and surrounding beaches, important landmarks, and the Crystal Temple of Xiao. In the sanctuary of Tipu at the top of the Phoenix Hills, there is a huge spring and a pair of statues of the God Tibu, which are said to be the ancient temple of the God and were used to heal other gods with his healing tears. Today, the spring is filled with moss and lotus flowers, which are said to have sprung from Tibu's essence.

The largest cities in Zhiyue are well-structured, but the rest of the urban network is poorly organized. In recent decades, rural-to-urban migration has been widespread, and the first signs of overpopulation are beginning to be felt. To prevent this, the authorities of Zhiyue have started planning new cities as urban centers with similar opportunities to the major cities, and they are dedicating significant capital to these projects. These medium-sized cities aim to channel and organize the immediate rural areas by providing goods to the major urban centers. Each city carries out a strong development program, which requires draining labor and capital from the countryside. Meanwhile, the Red Flame Desert is the largest desert area in Zhiyue, characterized by sandy and rocky deserts that make up around 60% of the country's desert surface. These areas are located far from the coast and have a typical continental climate, characterized by drought, low precipitation, constant sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and frequent strong winds.

One of the greatest constructions in Zhiyue is the Great Wall of Zhiyue, a series of fortifications built along the historical borders of ancient Chinese states and imperial China during the Human Era. In addition to defense, other purposes of the Great Wall have included border controls, allowing the imposition of duties on goods transported along the Silk Road, regulation or encouragement of trade, and the control of immigration and emigration. The defensive characteristics of the Great Wall were enhanced by the construction of watchtowers, troop barracks, garrison stations, signaling capabilities through the means of smoke or fire, and the fact that the path of the Great Wall also served as a transportation corridor.

According to the legend of its creation, the god Tibu fought in the rebellion against the tyrant god Ares to liberate Zhiyue. When the war finally ended and victory was in sight, Tibu assumed the position of the god of earth and prosperity. With a decree, Tibu and the spirits worked tirelessly for years. They used enormous stones and bricks, one after another, to build the Great Wall. Each section of the wall was imbued with Tibu's divine power, making it indestructible and resistant to the fiercest attacks. As the wall rose towards the sky, Tibu added watchtowers at strategic points. These towers would serve as refuges for the soldiers and allow them to observe any enemy movement from above. When the Great Wall was finally complete, it stretched for thousands of kilometers, spanning mountains, valleys, and rivers. It was an architectural marvel and a symbol of Tibu's determination and power to protect his people from any threat.

Much of northern Zhiyue is covered in ice and permafrost. Zhiyue is also a highly industrialized and technological nation, with cybernetic and pyrotechnic factories in all its regions and cities everywhere. Zhiyue is also rich in hot springs and geothermal areas, much like Lumina and Honkai. It is characterized by steam vents, mud pools, and sulfur deposits. There are approximately 200 geothermal areas of this kind, with an estimated total of 500 hot springs. Some are springs with significant jets or geysers. All of this is also abundant in the southern region of Zhiyue. Its beautiful mountainous landscapes are complemented by diverse forest ecosystems, spectacular karst formations, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Likewise, beautiful places in Zhiyue include sites such as the Tibu sanctuaries in the Phoenix Hills, a temple that is a vast complex of palatial, administrative, and ceremonial buildings of diverse architecture, harmoniously blended with a landscape of lakes, meadows, and forests, adorned with statues of the small god Tibu. It was built 50,000 years ago and consists of multiple mountain gardens. The classical architecture of Zhiyue's gardens always includes four elements: rocks, water, pavilions, and plants.

There is a beautiful lake with lotus plants and flowers, along with other aquatic plants such as lily pads. Additionally, there is the Temple of Heaven, which is a majestic ensemble of shrines built among gardens and surrounded by centuries-old pine trees. The overall layout of the temple and each of its buildings symbolizes the relationship between heaven and earth, representing the divinity and birth of Tibu. The main hall has a triple roof constructed with blue-colored tiles and is topped with a golden ball on its dome, with figures of tigers and dragons around it. The ensemble is surrounded by an inner and outer wall formed by a rectangular base representing the earth and topped with rounded shapes symbolizing the sky. The walls divide the compound into two zones: the inner and the outer. Overall, Zhiyue is a nation with different architectural treasures amidst its beautiful landscapes, honoring the god who gave them freedom and hope for a future full of prosperity. According to legends, Zhiyue is called "The Land of Promise" or "The Land of Prosperity" according to its ancient traditions that have been practiced for millennia.

Zhiyue has multiple biomes and subregions, some of which consist of bamboo forests, taiga and mixed forests, even arctic deserts like tundra, mountains, steppes, and up to the cloud ocean. Some of these subregions are as follows, including their islands: Xīyáng, Longyun, Mínhuá, Qíhuáng, Shénghuā, Táiyáng and Yuèshí. Some of these spread across the regions of Zhiyue and its islands up to the Great Reef and the borders with Znaniya and Sumeru, featuring beautiful ancient architecture combined with the surroundings. The architecture of Zhiyue is characterized by bilateral symmetry, the use of enclosed open spaces, feng shui (directional hierarchies), a horizontal emphasis, and an allusion to various cosmological, mythological, or generally symbolic elements. Zhiyue's architecture traditionally classifies structures according to type, ranging from pagodas to palaces. Feng shui is an ancient system in Zhiyue of beliefs and practices that seeks to harmonize energy in the built environment. In the architecture of this nation, feng shui is considered to determine the location and orientation of buildings, as well as the distribution of interior spaces.

Nearby subregions such as the aforementioned ones were extremely prosperous, flourishing through agriculture and mining trade, making it the land with the highest amount of minerals in all of Aurynthia. Some legends say that this wealth is attributed to the God Tibu, as while fighting against other gods and sea monsters, Tibu used a variety of methods to combat them: along with enormous stone spears (pillars), he also summoned meteorites and other weapons from the earth, which later transformed into the new geography of Zhiyue. Finally, after 50,000 years, he created the four commandments to guide the civilization of Zhiyue before entering a deep sleep and letting his essence flow through the land to bless it with minerals:

* "To unite in ambition is to be steadfast and immovable for all time."
* "Wisdom is like water, it nourishes all those who receive it, and in it is a reflection of the truth."
* "Fortify the bones, that movement be supple when the time comes."
* "Virtue grows tall like a tree, though there be shade it will flourish forever."

In this way, Zhiyue has discovered 271 minerals in its soils, of which the reserves of 158 have been calculated: 10 are energy minerals, including ether, natural gas, coal, uranium, and other geothermal resources; 54 are metallic minerals such as iron, manganese, copper, aluminum, lead, zinc, among others.

### Climate

The climate of Zhiyue is mainly dominated by dry seasons and wet monsoons, which lead to pronounced temperature differences between winter and summer. In winter, the northern winds from high-latitude areas are cold and dry, while in summer, the southern winds from coastal areas at lower latitudes are warm and humid. A major environmental issue in Zhiyue is the continued expansion of its deserts, especially the Red Flame Desert. Although barrier tree lines have reduced the frequency of sandstorms, prolonged drought and poor agricultural practices have resulted in dust storms plaguing the northern part of Zhiyue every spring, and then spreading to other parts of the Sumeru region.

Due to tremendous differences in latitude, longitude, and altitude, the climate of Zhiyue is extremely diverse. It ranges from tropical in the far south to subarctic in the far north, and alpine in the higher elevations of Tiveat. Monsoon winds, caused by differences in the heat-absorbing capacity of the continent and the ocean, dominate the climate. During the summer, the East Zhiyue and Sumeru Monsoon carries warm and moist air from the south and delivers the vast majority of the annual precipitation in much of the country. Conversely, the arctic desert region of Znaniya dominates during winter, bringing cold and comparatively dry conditions. The advance and retreat of the monsoons account, in large degree, for the timing of the rainy season throughout the country. Although most of the country lies in the temperate belt, its climatic patterns are complex.

Thunderstorms are also extremely rare in any specific location in Zhiyue, with fewer than five storms per year in the southern part of the country. They are more common in early or late summer and can be caused by warm air masses from Pandora and Sumeru, or by deep lows from the southwest in winter. Meanwhile, temperatures in the Red Flame Desert are deadly and can reach as low as -40 degrees Celsius. The frequent northeast wind often causes sandstorms and mini-tornadoes. When this wind reaches the region, it is known as the sirocco and often reaches hurricane speeds in southern Zhiyue and northern Sumeru.

Meanwhile, on the border with Znaniya, due to the desert being in the rain shadow of the snowy Paramos, the Heart of the Desert has a cold desert climate. Given its relative proximity to the cold to frigid air masses from Znaniya, extreme temperatures are recorded in winter, sometimes dropping well below -20 °C (-4 °F), while in summer they can rise up to 40 °C (104 °F). It has been reported that the Heart of the Desert was completely covered in snow for the first time in its history. The "black sandstorm" is notorious at the same time. It can move tons of sand and last for days or even weeks. It earned its name because it often darkens the sky. The season for this phenomenon is from February to June; the sandstorm arrives every three to five days, mainly from the northeast. Dust fogs that last for weeks can significantly reduce solar radiation. Since many caravans and probably even entire cities have already fallen victim to it, it has been associated with many myths. Locals tell the legend of the buried army of the God Tibu under a 250-meter-high sand dune.

### Wildlife

Zhiyue is located in two of the world's major ecozones, the Palearctic and the Indomalaya. In the Palearctic zone, mammals such as horses, camels, and jerboas can be found. Among the species found in the Indomalaya region are the clouded leopard, bamboo rat, shrew, and various other species of monkeys and apes. There is some overlap between the two regions due to natural dispersal and migration, and in all the diverse climatic and geological environments, deer or antelopes, snow leopards, pigs, and rodents are found. The famous giant snowstalker is found only in a limited area along the Jade Forest and the Snowy Wastes. Zhiyue has, according to one measure, 7,516 species of vertebrates, including 4,936 fish, 1,269 birds, 562 mammals, and 403 species of reptiles and birds. The large cat species in Zhiyue include the tiger, leopard, snow leopard, and clouded leopard. The tiger is one of the 12 animals of the zodiac and represents the God Tibu, holding a prominent place in Zhiyue's culture and history. Tiger bones are used in traditional medicine, and this animal is often revered as a god or incarnation of the God of fight and freedom, Tibu.

The giant snowstalker, perhaps the most famous wildlife species in Zhiyue, inhabits six areas in the highland valleys of the Jade Forest and the snowy Wastes, and it is a protected species by law. For years, giant snowstalkers have been exchanged or loaned to foreign zoos because they are considered a national treasure. Only about 1,600 live in the wild, along with around 300 in captivity in breeding centers and zoos in Zhiyue. The animal is rare and elusive. Although classified as an omnivore, the diet of the giant snowstalker consists of over 90% bamboo. Its white and light brown coloration, similar to that of a Human Era panda, provides some camouflage in dense forests, but adult animals have no natural predators. Additionally, there is the red panda, which is neither a bear nor a snow stalker but a small mammal found in the Jade Forest.

## Demographics

Zhiyue is one of the most populous and multiracial nations, with inhabitants native to different regions. The majority of the population consists of Zhiyuans, with a small portion of people from Eden and Pandora, but 10% represents the Honkai people. In the city of Zhiyue, particularly in the Tiveat region, we can see more variety of both native and non-native inhabitants compared to other regions. Approximately 80% of the population is of Zhiyuan ethnicity, while the remaining population consists of ethnic minorities. More than four-fifths of the population of Zhiyue come from nations such as Sumeru and Znaniya.

Around 87% of the natives represent the Zhiyue nation, while the remaining percentage represents immigrants from different nations who were born in Zhiyue or traveled from distant places. There is a small percentage of nomads in the desert regions of Zhiyue, scholars, and travelers from Sumeru, especially in regions like the Red Flame Desert or the Heart of the Desert. The Chinese and Mandarin variants are the official and predominantly spoken languages in Zhiyue. However, Zhiyue is a multilingual nation like many others; approximately 100 to 150 minority languages are spoken throughout the country. 140.7 million people in the country speak Chinese variants, 8.9 million speak Mandarin variants, and 1.1 million speak variants of other languages such as Filipino, Thai, and variants of the Sumerian language. Another percentage speaks variants of English from the Lumina region, as well as Japanese and Russian variants, Honkaian, and Znanian.

While architects and their diverse races predominate in the Zhiyue region, approximately 40.1% of second-generation humans are part of the Zhiyue population of 52,380 after the dispersion of their species following the Great Corporate War. The other percentage is made up of architects of different races, terrestrial and flying, such as Celestials. Additionally, there are also architect races with animal characteristics native to the desert region, such as foxes, rabbits, cheetahs, goats, snowstalkers, and others like tigers, dragons, among others. There are even architects with features resembling red pandas.

### Familiar structure

The family structure in Zhiyue is traditionally of great importance and is based on strong family ties and hierarchies. Although there have been significant changes in Zhiyue's society in recent decades, many aspects of the traditional family structure are still present. In general, the family in Zhiyue is considered a fundamental unit of society. The extended family, including grandparents, parents, and children, is often valued, and it is expected that family members will care for and support their direct relatives. Family ties are considered very important, and it is expected that family members will help each other in all areas of life.

In terms of hierarchy, the elders of the family have a prominent role and are shown great respect and reverence. Authority and decisions are usually made by consensus, with the elders having significant influence in family decision-making. The family in Zhiyue is also governed by certain cultural values and norms. The concept of "filial piety" is fundamental, which involves showing respect, obedience, and care towards parents and elders. Children are expected to follow family expectations and traditions, and they are taught from an early age to prioritize the interests of the family over individual interests. In rural areas, it is common for multiple generations to live together under the same roof, while in urban areas, families tend to be smaller and nuclear, with parents and children living together.

Most family structures in Zhiyue, like in the whole of Aurynthia, consist of clans formed by regions, although this is less notable in Zhiyue. A clan is a group of people united by kinship and ancestry. Even if the details of the lineage are unknown, clans can claim descent from a founding member or someone they consider an apical ancestor. Outside of clans, there are adventurers and solitary travelers who roam the desert and forests. Additionally, most families in Zhiyue are nuclear or extended and consist of two parents, children, grandparents, and uncles. They usually live in the city center and coastal towns, as well as in the Red Llama Desert and other cities in each region.

In Zhiyue, the family is considered a cohesive unit, and family ties are highly valued. There is a strong sense of belonging and loyalty to the family, and it is expected that family members will support each other in all areas of life. Education and academic achievements are also highly valued in Zhiyue's culture. Children are expected to strive in their studies and achieve good results to honor the family and secure their future success. In the rare case of a clan, Zhiyue's clans are bound by a strong brotherhood and often by family ties; people from Zhiyue generally treat each other as close brothers and sisters.

It has been confirmed that architects and second-generation humans do not reproduce naturally, although they possess reproductive organs. Therefore, architects and second-generation humans are created in different ways. Architects reproduce by creating machines, where their biocomponents and mechanical parts are incubated with minerals extracted from the earth. In addition to being almost fully developed physically, they are also almost fully developed mentally. When they are born in the nurseries, they already know everything necessary to survive, although they retain the innocence of a child and will need many decades to fully mature. On the other hand, second-generation humans are also created in nurseries through genetic engineering using the DNA of adults and the first human, Robin. Unlike architects, humans do not require the extraction of minerals from the earth to reproduce; however, they consume other technological resources for their reproduction and expansion.

### Health

Most Zhiyuans rely on a combination of traditional and modern medicine systems in hospitals. Traditional medicine in Zhiyue encompassed a variety of health and healing practices that sometimes competed with each other, popular beliefs, literary theory, Confucian philosophy, herbal remedies, food, diet, exercise, medical specializations, and schools of thought. Traditional Zhiyue medicine is based on the notion that the body is influenced by the interaction of two complementary forces called yin and yang. The balance of these forces is crucial for health. Additionally, it is believed that qi (vital energy) flows through channels in the body and is responsible for maintaining health and well-being. Some dedicate their entire lives to this form of medicine, but generally, modern medicine is the most prevalent within Zhiyue society. Diagnosis is done through a holistic evaluation of the patient's symptoms, including observation of the tongue, pulse, and overall appearance. Traditional Chinese doctors also take into account factors such as lifestyle, diet, and emotional patterns of the patient.

Traditional Zhiyue medicine places a strong emphasis on disease prevention and long-term health maintenance. It encourages the adoption of a balanced lifestyle, a healthy diet, the practice of gentle exercises like tai chi or qigong, and proper management of emotional stress. According to the writings of the god Tibu and the archon of Zhiyue, concepts such as yin-yang and the doctrine of the nine elements are extracted to establish their foundations. According to traditional Zhiyue medicine, a person's well-being lies in their gnosis, meaning that gnosis is the heart or vision of these individuals. However, beyond this, Zhiyuans have a fairly advanced healthcare system where they understand the anatomy and physiology of both humans and architects. In general, the science of health is well applied in this nation.

Zhiyue professionals are dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and health problems. A healthcare professional trained to apply such technical knowledge in the maintenance or improvement of health is known as a physician or colloquially as a doctor, and they are usually found in hospitals, although they can also work as medical researchers in clinical laboratories, as teachers in medical faculties, or as officials in the public health system. Currently, there are different medical institutes in Zhiyue, but the largest assisted institution in Zhiyue is the Academy of Ancestral Sciences in Tiveat, where students from different regions gather and are admitted to pursue careers in those medical houses or any science. As usual, medicine in Aurynthia seems to be primarily a combination of modernity and antiquity, with an emphasis on herbal concoctions using plants and other elements easily found in nature, complemented by some basic medical procedures and devices. Elemental powers are also used in healing.

Zhiyue is known for having multiple pharmacies and a plethora of natural drugs extracted from plants or animals in Aurynthia, such as additional herbs for fever relief and detoxification. Additionally, although far from exclusive, Water is an element that is often combined with Healing. Canonical use of wind elemental powers has also been used for healing. For example, some characters have used their hydro-healing powers to heal injured and sick individuals, as well as remove the poison effect from chemical element users' attacks. Manipulating the amount of elemental energy within a person's body has been used to control symptoms of any illness, and most Zhiyue doctors often have a water or wind-type gnosis to heal their patients. In addition to this, adhesive bandages are used to cover small wounds, and dislocations seem to be regularly treated with reduction maneuvers. The use of syringes for injected medications has also been referenced.

Within this context, there are also masters of healing who dedicate themselves to the use of qi, the vital energy capable of restoring life to living beings and plants around them, as well as healing others who are injured and sick. Alongside this, there is a basic understanding that neurostimulation can have an impact on mental stability or an individual's mood, but it is unclear if this is practiced in modern Aurynthia or if it remains purely theoretical. However, the busiest doctor in Zhiyue has been Tianyi, a water-element gnosis doctor, who has developed different natural herbal medications. For example, he has created a soup with a refreshing coolness but without the danger of causing stomach discomfort with its coldness. He has also developed useful medicines to protect the spleen and stomach. Additionally, he reduces the effects that strange foods can have on the digestive system and even has berries capable of counteracting the effects of poison or being highly effective in protecting the throat. These medications also have a quite sweet and delicious taste in the form of pills.

### Education

The basic school system in Zhiyue is lengthy and time-consuming. It bears a particular resemblance to the curriculum of Sumeru, with connections to the Akademi of Alexandria. It consists of primary school (six years), middle school (three years), high school (six years), and finally, a bachelor's degree at the Academy of Ancestral Sciences. The traditional school in Zhiyue, much like the Akademi of Alexandria, educates the natives on various branches, ranging from technology to science, culture, and philosophy. Education in Zhiyue is highly regarded, and it is considered one of the largest educational centers along with Honkai and Sumeru. There is a significant number of talented and highly intelligent Zhiyuans who come from the top classes of the Ancestral Sciences of Tibu. While hunting and fishing knowledge is generally not as necessary, these skills are still learned by the youth.

Future scribes must possess strong mathematical skills to undertake tasks such as accounting and tax registration. Children learn calculations, land measurement, and problem-solving. They also learn to read and write in languages of other nations and study sacred and literary texts. Additionally, they are taught about astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. The Akademi of Alexandria is particularly renowned for its education in arcane arts and historical records, while the Academy of Ancestral Sciences of Teviat is defined as a powerful school of thought divided into study houses in different branches. Each school of thought has been founded by masters guided by the will of the God Tibu, individuals who have meditated for many years to attain inner peace and all the knowledge of the Earth God. They are thus ready to disseminate these teachings to others.

## Economy

Over the centuries, the economic system has developed around agriculture, with the majority of the population engaged in agricultural activities. The agricultural production system is based on crop rotation and advanced techniques such as the use of iron plows and irrigation. The main crops include rice, wheat, corn, soybeans, tea, and cotton. Agricultural production is sufficient to feed the population and also generates surpluses that are used for trade. In addition to agriculture, Zhiyue also has a thriving craftsmanship industry. A wide variety of goods are produced, such as silk, porcelain, paper, weapons, and technological products. These artisanal products are highly valued and exported to other regions. The economy of Zhiyue relies heavily on its port. They function as a hub where ships come and go for various products. The people of Znaniya are frequent traders in Zhiyue, and fishermen import products to Sumeru and Honkai. Local specialties of Zhiyue, such as pyrotechnics and silk, are well-known in other countries. Zhiyue often exports a large amount of silk to Honkai for the production of kimonos, although trade has significantly declined since the end of the war. Zhiyue also has a vast mining and blacksmithing industry. In addition to creating weapons and technological cannons based on pyrotechnics, the forge also serves as a mine. The Abyssal Caverns, Zhiyue's most well-known mine, is the main source of employment for most miners.

The imperial government plays an active role in the economy. Policies and regulations have been established to control production, trade, and taxes. Government officials oversee the economic system and are responsible for tax collection. Additionally, Zhiyue seems to handle the digital currency of credits used worldwide by Aurynthia, although they prefer to call it "Geo" as slang. The country has had one of the world's largest economies for most of the past two millennia, experiencing cycles of prosperity. Textiles, automobiles, power generation, geothermal energy, banking, electronics, telecommunications, real estate, e-commerce, and tourism are prominent industries. Zhiyue has three of the world's ten largest stock exchanges. Zhiyue has been the world's largest manufacturing nation for 200 years, surpassing Lumina, which had held the position for the previous century. Zhiyue has also been the second-largest country in high-tech manufacturing.

## Infrastructure

The infrastructure of Zhiyue is known for being extensive and modern, but it also preserves a traditional side and has experienced rapid development in recent decades. The government of Zhiyue has invested enormous resources in the construction of a wide range of infrastructure projects across the country. The cities of Zhiyue have undergone rapid growth and modernization in terms of urban infrastructure. Impressive skyscrapers, modern public transportation systems, parks, and green spaces have been built, and improvements have been made in water supply, sewage, and waste treatment. Zhiyue has carried out regional development projects to promote connectivity and growth in less developed areas. This includes the construction of new cities, special economic zones, industrial parks, and infrastructure projects in remote regions.

The traditional architecture of Zhiyue is characterized by its symmetry, balance, and harmony with the natural environment. Traditional buildings are influenced by the philosophy of feng shui, which seeks harmony between people and their surroundings. Key elements include curved and overhanging roofs, vividly colored walls, interior courtyards, gardens, and materials such as wood, stone, and ceramic tiles. Imperial palaces, such as the Forbidden City in Zhiyue, are impressive examples of the nation's architecture. These architectural complexes were designed to showcase the power and grandeur of the God and their ruling archon. They feature elaborate designs, spacious courtyards, majestic halls, and intricate decorative elements. Zhiyue is known for its beautiful classical gardens, which are considered an art form. These gardens are designed to create a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere, with elements such as ponds, pavilions, bridges, rocks, and carefully arranged vegetation. Zhiyue's classical gardens aim to recreate natural landscapes in a limited space.

### Transport

Zhiyue boasts efficient and fast transportation throughout its various regions, ranging from airports to ships, as well as metro and trains in its largest cities like Zhiyue City. The majority of natives travel and navigate by sea throughout the region, as well as by land in cars through roadways, and by air in planes to the nation's different airports. It is true that Zhiyue is a highly industrialized nation and does possess advanced technology of arcane origin and complex systems that stem from ancient civilizations. The people of Zhiyue utilize magnetic levitation systems and advanced propulsion technologies for transportation, much like the rest of Sumeru. Objects such as amulets, artifacts, or data storage devices exhibit styles reminiscent of ancient treasures from Imperial China, blending historical elements with technological functionalities. The nation has constructed an extensive network of highways that connect major cities and regions, facilitating the transportation of goods and people. Additionally, Zhiyue has invested in the construction of a high-speed bullet train network, which is one of the most extensive and advanced in the world.

### Water supply and sanitation

Access to an improved water source is universal in Zhiyue as in the rest of the nations, except in the Red Flame Desert regions, which have created wells connected to water systems and oases just as in Sumeru. 90% of the population receives tap water from public services and 10% receives water from their own wells or small unregulated systems, mainly in rural desert or forested areas. Access to improved sanitation services is also universal.

### Energy

Hydropower is an important source of energy in Zhiyue. The country has a large amount of water resources and has built numerous dams and hydroelectric power plants throughout the country, including geothermal energy. Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, has also experienced rapid growth in Zhiyue. The country is a global leader in solar and wind power production and has implemented policies and programs to further promote the development of these clean energy sources. However, the main source of energy that they share comes directly from the Earth and other colonies outside or within Aurynthia. Typically, Zhiyue corporations expand energy sources from Nucliulium power plants to star energy from space in star power plants built by the archons. Star energy is generated through a process called nuclear fusion. In the core of a star, temperatures and pressures are extremely high, allowing atoms to fuse and form heavier elements. During this process of nuclear fusion, hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. It is this process that Zhiyue harnesses to extract its energy.

One of the techniques used in Zhiyue is energy capture through the use of controlled stellar fusion technology. Inspired by the natural processes occurring in stars, scientists have developed methods to recreate nuclear fusion in a controlled environment. By using stellar fusion reactors, architects can generate energy by fusing hydrogen nuclei and other light elements to form heavier elements, releasing an enormous amount of energy in the process. These stellar fusion reactors employ magnetic fields and high-powered lasers to confine and heat the plasma to extremely high temperatures, allowing nuclear reactions to occur in a controlled and sustainable manner. Additionally, Zhiyue has built star clusters, which are composed of thousands of megastructures, each equipped with highly efficient solar panels and energy transmission systems. These structures orbit around stars and collect solar energy in massive quantities. The energy is then transmitted through microwave or laser beams to distant space colonies or converted into other forms of energy. In this way, Zhiyue has harnessed energy for colonies far away from Earth in Aurynthia and beyond.

## Major cities

### Zhiyue City - 90 million

City of Zhiyue, located in Tiveat, with an abundant port situated to the east. The mountains stand tall and proud alongside the stone forest, which, along with the open plains and lively rivers, make up the bountiful landscape of Zhiyue, showcasing its unique beauty in every season. How many gifts from the Earth God lie hidden among the rocks of Zhiyue's mountains? This city has a history that spans millennia. Yet, it is known for both its modern architecture and ancient sites, such as the Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. Zhiyue is primarily surrounded by 26 urban, suburban, and rural areas. It is a global city and one of the major centers of Aurynthia in culture, diplomacy, politics, finance, business and economics, education, research, language, tourism, media, sport, science and technology. As a megacity, Zhiyue is the second-largest city in terms of urban population after Honkai. It is home to most major companies and megacorporations, as well as the world's largest financial institutions by total assets. It is also an important hub for national highway, expressway, railway, and high-speed rail networks.

Combining both modern and traditional architectural styles, Zhiyue is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich history dating back several millennia. As the last of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of Zhiyue, the city has been the political center of the country for most of the past centuries and was the largest city in the world in terms of population for much of the second millennium CE. With mountains surrounding the city on three sides, in addition to the ancient inner and outer city walls, Zhiyue is strategically located and developed to be the residence of its Archon and thus the perfect location for the imperial capital. The city is famous for its opulent palaces, temples, parks, gardens, tombs, walls, and shrines that honor the elemental forces of Aurynthia. The city has many districts and points of interest, such as Futian, known for being the administrative and financial center of the city, as well as Luohu, Tianhe, Chaoyang, and Dongcheng.

The establishment of the port initiated Zhiyue's maritime trade. As the largest commercial port in Tievat, the sheer volume of goods flowing to and from it is unmatched by other ports. Every year during the Lantern Festival, you can witness thousands of lanterns ascending to the night sky, an event in Zhiyue that you shouldn't miss. Zhiyue is a thriving port city where a thousand ships anchor. Under the auspices of countless contracts and regulations, countless goods change hands and honor nations with their presence. On some occasions, Zhiyue is called the city of dreams and hopes, and other times it is nicknamed "The Forbidden City" due to its strict rules. The common English name "Forbidden City" is a translation of the Chinese name Zijin Cheng. The name "Zijin Cheng" holds significance on multiple levels. Zi, or "Purple," refers to the North Star, which in ancient Chinese astronomy was called the Ziwei Star and in traditional astrology was the heavenly abode of the Celestial Emperor. The design of the Forbidden City, from its overall layout to the tiniest detail, was meticulously planned to reflect philosophical and religious principles and, above all, to symbolize the majestic power of the Earth God Tibu and the elements of Aurynthia.

Zhiyue has many other names, such as Jade City, a city known for its natural treasures and splendor in the ancestral lands of Zhiyue. According to myths, the God Tibu defended Zhiyue in great battles against other precursors. In one battle, he successfully defeated an ancient god known as Tiamat by using enormous stone spears to imprison the sea god, which is now known as the Ancestral Lands of Zhiyue. After defeating the other gods, he sealed them underground, where their physical bodies decomposed and became one with the earth. As a result, places like the Valley of a Thousand Flowers and the Ancestral Lands are currently overrun by wild strawberries and butterflies, which starkly contrasts with the remnants of the battle in the area. Zhiyue City is known for its cultural and ethnic diversity. The city attracts people from different parts of Zhiyue and abroad, creating a unique multicultural atmosphere. In this great city, you can find communities from all nations and other religions living harmoniously and sharing a common love for their Archon. Additionally, here you can find one of the many pharmacies of Tianyi, a professional physician from Zhiyue who creates different natural remedies for the inhabitants and travelers of the nation. These pharmacies are abundant throughout Zhiyue.

One of the grandest constructions in the entire city of Zhiyue is the Jade Palace, located at the highest point of the Zhiyue Court, where all administrative affairs of the country are handled. Xiao's office is located here, and as far as the people of Zhiyue are concerned, the Jade Palace is essentially the ultimate authority in the country. In the past, like many other palaces, the Jade Palace and its grounds served as a complex that functioned as a large residence for martial arts and law masters and students. Many masters have lived and trained in the palace since its construction, presumably under the instruction of the God Tibu and later the Archon Xiao. The Jade Palace was built many years ago by the grateful citizens of the Valley in honor of Tibu for creating kung fu to help protect the weak from the tough and strong. Today, the Jade Palace has become the center of power for Xiao and his court of justice, where every decree of the emperor is issued. Additionally, according to Zhiyue's technology, there are multiple factories for cannons and pyrotechnics, as well as other advanced technology capable of leveling entire cities with its power.

### Tiancheng - 50 million

Celestial City, also known as the City of Clouds, Tiancheng, is located between the ancestral lands and the mountains of Zhiyue, reaching out to the floating islands of the soul. This beautiful city functions as a sister city to Zhiyue, located in the skies for those with wings. Tiancheng has a simple and beautiful architecture, with a unique appearance, featuring symmetric and elegant structures that combine the styles of Zhiyue and Honkai. This incredible city is a cultural and technological center, with portals and anti-gravity technology on its grounds and ships. Tiancheng is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, with majestic mountains and crystalline rivers flowing through the region. The city is situated in a floating valley surrounded by green hills, giving it a serene and harmonious ambiance. The climate in Tiancheng is mild and temperate, with distinct seasons that highlight the natural beauty of the area. The power of energy in this city lies in its divine core and the Celestial Cardinal Analysis Mechanism, a system created by the gods with a golden sphere and rotating halos around it, along with a system of clocks and arrows indicating the movement of planets and stars in the solar system. This ancestral mechanism generates a source of energy through the prism that lies within it, which powers the entire city and its gates.

The city of Tiancheng is known for its spiritual environment and its close relationship with the celestial realms. It is said that the residents of the city are especially devout and practice rituals and religious festivals to honor the gods and receive their blessings. Temples and shrines are scattered throughout the city, offering a refuge for meditation and contemplation. Life in Tiancheng is peaceful and tranquil, with a united and welcoming community. The city is renowned for its rich and diverse culture, with vibrant festivals, traditional dances, and celestial music resonating through its streets. The arts, poetry, and calligraphy hold a special place in the daily lives of the inhabitants of Tiancheng, who value beauty and artistic expression. Tiancheng is also known as a center of knowledge and wisdom. The city houses a prestigious academy where martial arts, traditional medicine of Zhiyue, and philosophical studies from various schools of thought are taught. Finally, the architecture of Tiancheng reflects the rich tradition of Zhiyue, with distinctive curved roofs, imposing pagodas, and temples. The buildings are adorned with beautiful details, such as dragons and phoenixes carved in wood and stone, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. Additionally, the central figure of the god Tibu holding the Sword of the Dragon's Roar is surrounded by a text that reads "Entrance to Celestia" in Hebrew.

The city extends mostly to the north and the south, so it is surrounded by the Dragon Mountain and the Phoenix Hills at the same time. While these regions do not touch the sky, the summit does, where the clouds reach and many of Tibu's portals and temples are located, allowing access to the city. Up here, you'll find the Academy of Ancient Sciences, dedicated to the study of elements and other sciences related to them, such as astronomy, biology, and philosophy. Philosophy in Zhiyue has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. It has deeply influenced the culture, politics, morality, and way of life of society. Some of the most prominent philosophical schools in this nation include Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, and Legalism, all established under the guidance of the Gods of Aurynthia.

## Culture

Since ancient times, the culture of Zhiyue has been strongly influenced by Confucianism. The literary emphasis of the exams affected the general perception of cultural refinement in Zhiyue, such as the belief that calligraphy, poetry, and painting were higher forms of art than dancing or drama. Zhiyue's culture has always emphasized a sense of deep history and a largely inward-looking national perspective. Examinations and a culture of merit remain highly valued in Zhiyue today. Nowadays, the government of Zhiyue has accepted numerous elements of traditional Chinese culture as an integral part of Zhiyue society. With the rise of nationalism and the end of the Cultural Revolution, various forms of traditional Zhiyue art, literature, music, film, fashion, and architecture have experienced a vigorous revival, and folk and variety art in particular have sparked interest nationally and even worldwide. Access to foreign media remains heavily restricted. Most spiritual practices in Zhiyue derive from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The relative influence of each school of practice is a topic of debate, and other practices such as Neo-Confucianism and Buddhism have been introduced. However, most of the time, the Gods of Aurynthia are part of the religion of Zhiyue, especially the God Tibu. Admiration for this God has shaped part of the art, literature, and philosophy.

The ancient culture of Zhiyue is one of the most fascinating civilizations in history, alongside Sumeru, with a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. The people of Zhiyue have created iconic artworks that still amaze the world today. Their murals, sculptures, and reliefs glorify the gods, depict scenes of everyday life, and adorn tombs and temples. Additionally, the people of Zhiyue are skilled in constructing massive structures and developing pyrotechnic engineering techniques. Compared to the lush plains of Pandora, the rocky and mountainous geography of Zhiyue is less suitable for agriculture. However, places like the Valley of a Thousand Flowers have managed to build terraced rice fields, whose harvests can then be taken to the port of Zhiyue for sale. Furthermore, the architecture of Zhiyue is as old as civilization itself.

From every source of information—literary, graphic, exemplary—there is strong evidence testifying to the fact that the Zhiyuans have always enjoyed an indigenous system of construction that has retained its principal characteristics from prehistoric times to the present day. Over the vast area from Zhiyue to Honkai, from Zhiyue to Pandora or Znaniya, the same system of construction prevails, and this was the area of Zhiyue's cultural influence. The fact that this system of construction could perpetuate itself for more than four thousand years over such a vast territory and still remain a living architecture, retaining its principal characteristics despite repeated foreign invasions—military, intellectual, and spiritual—is a phenomenon comparable only to the continuity of the civilization of which it is an integral part. Alongside this, the nation of Zhiyue is known for its idioms and sayings, some of which have been mentioned throughout history. Zhiyue society is organized in a hierarchical structure. At the top is the emperor, as expected, being the ruler of Zhiyue, followed by the priestly class, scribes, and nobles. Farmers and artisans make up the working class. Despite their differences and distance from each other, clans remain interconnected through trade and tradition. The people of Zhiyue seem to worship the God Tibu and have a code of honor created by him. This love for their God is manifested in songs and children's games, while most people in Zhiyue follow the moral code they were taught from a young age, including Tibu's commandments.

The people of Zhiyue are sailors, warriors, artisans, fishermen, artists, scribes, and also inventors of technology. A variety of sources shed light on the culture, activities, and beliefs of the people of Zhiyue. They consider themselves a people full of honor and trained warriors to defend the nation and the ruler. However, they are also filled with gratitude and devotion, and they do not adhere to stereotypical gender roles. Common roles within a community are not divided by gender, only by ability and necessity. For example, many men do not become warriors or hunters; they only learn essential self-defense in nature and instead often choose to focus on childcare and craftsmanship or even become doctors, philosophers, cultivators, or other professions. The culture of Zhiyue, like other regions, is heavily influenced by the ancient human cultures that preceded them. As a result, their architecture, fashion, art, and even language show influences from both Western and Eastern human societies. It is understood that the people of Zhiyue adapted much of their own culture and gestures from the fossils of human civilizations they have unearthed, and the combination of ancient human aesthetics and Zhiyue's ingenuity is truly unique. The people of Zhiyue are often described as calm, philosophical, intelligent, and loyal.

The concepts of the spiritual world in Zhiyue are cultural practices or methods found in Chinese culture. Some fall within the realm of a particular religion, while others do not. In general, these concepts evolved uniquely from the values of filial piety, the tacit recognition of the coexistence of the living and the deceased, and the belief in causality and reincarnation, with or without religious connotations. For example, ancestor worship is a common tradition within Zhiyue and is a practice to honor the actions and memories of the deceased. This is an extension of the filial piety taught by the Gods. Elders, extended families, and especially parents should be respected, attended to, and cared for. The respects continue after their death. In addition to festivals, descendants should pay tribute to ancestors during the Zhongyuanjie, better known as the Ghost Festival. Besides providing a tombstone or urn cover, it is traditionally expected that descendants install an altar in their home to regularly pay homage each day with incense and tea. Ancestors, including parents and grandparents, are worshipped or venerated as if they were still alive. Additionally, the belief in the existence of Celestia, where the living and the deceased exist side by side; Celestia is a realm for saints or rested souls, and the abyss for deceased criminals or malevolent entities.

Chinese mythology is a mythology that has been transmitted orally or recorded in literature in the area now known as Greater Zhiyue. Zhiyue mythology includes many varied myths from regional and cultural traditions. Much of the mythology involves exciting stories full of people and fantastic beings, the use of elemental powers, often set in an exotic mythological place or time. Like many mythologies, mythology was believed to be, at least in part, a factual recording of history. Along with Zhiyue folklore, mythology forms an important part of Zhiyue folk religion and Taoism, especially in its older forms. Many stories about characters and events from the distant past have a double tradition: one that presents a more historicized or euhemerized version and another that presents a more mythological version.

Many myths involve the creation and cosmology of the universe, as well as its deities and inhabitants. Some myths deal with creation myths, the origin of things, people, and culture. Some involve the origin of the Zhiyue state. Some myths present a chronology of prehistoric times, many of which involve a cultural hero who taught people how to build houses, cook, write, or was the ancestor of an ethnic group or family. Mythology is intimately related to the traditional Chinese concepts of li and qi. Many myths are oral associations and traditions with these two foundational concepts underpinning socially oriented ritual acts, such as communication, greetings, dances, and ceremonies.

For example, the celestial realm is described with the Chinese word "Tian," which can be translated into English as "Heaven" and "sky," or as everyone in Aurynthia calls it, the Kingdom of Celestia. In some descriptions, it was an elaborate place ruled by the supreme deity or a group of supreme deities who are the gods of Aurynthia. The Jade Emperor is associated with Taoism, and the Buddhas with Buddhism. Many astronomically observable features were subjects of mythology or mythological locations and settings for mythical scenes. These include the sun, stars, moon, planets, the Milky Way (sometimes referred to as the Heavenly River), clouds, and other features. These were often the home or destination of various deities, divinities, shamans, and many more. Another concept of the Celestial realm is that of the Cords of Heaven.

In Zhiyue, we also find the "enlightened beasts" (in Chinese: 仙兽) that possess supernatural abilities. The first character of this word (仙 xiān) is related to Taoist immortals or "transcendents": spiritually enlightened individuals or entities, as well as long-lived ones. These beings live apart from the world, unaffected by the elements or seasons. In Chinese art, Xian are depicted with symbolic animals such as dragons, cranes, white deer, and foxes, something that can be observed in Aurynthia through two species: the Qilin and the Xiezhi. Qilin are single-horned beasts with dragon-like forms (which can vary depending on the region). In Aurynthia, they are peaceful and benevolent beings, a description that aligns with the Buddhist interpretation of these creatures. They do not eat meat or harm living beings and only appear in areas governed by wise and benevolent rulers. Additionally, they are considered symbols of immortality, good fortune, and even fertility, and they are followers of the God Tibu. On the other hand, Xiezhi are creatures resembling oxen or goats with a long horn. They are symbols of justice and law and can distinguish between good and evil through their instincts. There are architects in Aurynthia with features of these creatures.

Other Zhiyue mythology stories include the creation of mountains and rivers by Tibu's spears and his battles with other corrupt gods over the abyss, thus creating rivers, seas, and archipelagos. The bodies of defeated gods and creatures in the course of the War were compressed, decomposed, and became part of the land, while the spirits of the gods lost their sense of self and were no longer capable of holding personal grudges. However, their persistent hatred and resentment still remained, creating miasmas, curses, and monsters in all regions of Aurynthia. In the midst of despair, Celestia fought against multiple corrupt gods and banished them from their lands, sealing them forever beneath Aurynthia and cursing them in the process. Under this war, Celestia led armies of sentinels against the abyss, but their efforts were not enough to save the realms of Aurynthia from catastrophe. In a cruel battle against Nyx alongside the other gods, Celestia, with all her power, tore the essence from Nyx's body and brought her down, reducing her to a sphere with her essence that would be sealed in the abyss with the spear of Longinus.

### Education

The Academy of Ancestral Sciences accepts students from all of Aurynthia and often sends traveling scholars to other nations to gather materials for research. The existence of this center of study is unknown, but it was already a prestigious institute at the time of the cataclysm 50,000 years ago. According to Xiao, ancestral sciences are a millennia-old institution, meaning it was founded thousands of years ago during the Human Era by the god Tibu to teach mortals martial arts and schools of thought in Zhiyue. Future scribes must possess strong mathematical skills to perform tasks such as accounting and tax records. Children learn calculations, land measurement, and problem-solving. They also learn to read and write in languages of other nations and study sacred and literary texts. Additionally, they are taught about astronomy, medicine, and philosophy.

The Academy of Alexandria is particularly renowned for its education in arcane arts and historical records, while the Academy of Ancestral Sciences in Teviat is defined as a powerful school of thought divided into different branches of study. Each school of thought has been founded by masters guided by the will of the god Tibu, individuals who have meditated for many years to achieve inner peace and the full knowledge of the Earth God. Therefore, they are ready to spread these teachings to others. Zhiyue's philosophy is the description of Eastern philosophy comprising the sum of philosophical schools created in Zhiyue. It has a history of several thousand years, and its inception is usually established in the 12th century BCE. Although it has a university-like environment, the center of ancestral sciences admits students of all ages, and children can enroll in the academy once they reach school age if they pass the entrance exams.

Like in the rest of the nations, the curriculum is divided into three main categories: compulsory education, moral education, and special activities. Compulsory subjects include language and literature, mathematics, social studies, science, music, arts and crafts, and physical education. Moral education aims to teach young people to respect each other and the environment, respect the rules of society, and learn general self-control. Special activities refer to activities and ceremonies that emphasize teamwork and cooperation, such as field trips or folk concerts. The compulsory courses continue in lower secondary education, with the addition of fine arts, foreign languages, and a wider range of elective subjects, including scientific research and social sciences. They also teach complex subjects such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, philosophy, and other sciences.

Education in Zhiyue is highly valued and considered fundamental for individual development and the progress of the country. The education system is guided by the principle of nine years of compulsory education, consisting of six years of primary education and a couple of years of secondary education. Preschool education is not mandatory, but many children attend kindergartens from an early age. From the age of six, children enter primary education, where they study a variety of subjects, including mathematics, Chinese, English, natural sciences, social sciences, music, art, and physical education. After completing primary education, students move on to secondary education, which consists of three years of lower secondary education and three years of upper secondary education. During lower secondary education, students continue to study a wide range of subjects, while in upper secondary education, they can choose to specialize in natural sciences, social sciences, or humanities before entering specialized schools within the Academy of Ancestral Sciences.

Higher education in Zhiyue includes universities, colleges, and technical schools. Universities are highly competitive, and many of them are among the best in the world in terms of educational quality and research. Students must pass an entrance examination, known as the National Entrance Examination (Gaokao), to gain admission to higher education. Zhiyue's education system emphasizes memorization and intensive study, and exams are considered of great importance. In addition to the Gaokao, students also have to take periodic exams at each educational level to assess their academic progress. The Academy of Ancestral Sciences is currently divided into many divisions, each of which has a specialty and a designated color for its uniform. Similar to the system of the Academy of Alexandria, the Academy of Ancestral Sciences, however, focuses on the three main philosophies of all Zhiyue, which are as follows:

Purely philosophical Taoism originated in the 6th century BCE as a result of the teachings of the great pioneer thinker, Tibu, who lived during the period of the Seven Warring States in the War of the Ancients during the first cataclysm. Due to the war-torn situation in Ancient China at that time, Tibu proposed a philosophical treaty where he presented the causes of human hostility and compared them to the natural behavior of nature. He demonstrated how cosmic natural cycles, different elements and ecosystems, and animals themselves lived in perfect harmony, which should serve as an example to bring such prosperity to human life. In contrast, humans behaved self-destructively and counterproductively towards their fellow beings. Tibu pointed out that greed and ambition are the causes for humans stratifying their society. In Taoism, Tibu guided great thinkers of Ancient China who concluded that the Tao has an immaterial condition; it is neither spiritual nor materialistic under Western perspective. The Tao is the guide of cosmological order, originating in itself from the metaphysical and transforming and adopting physical forms. It is a metaphysical concept much richer in qualities than a material entity.

The Tao is ultimately presented as the ultimate idea of universal plenitude and totality, showing that in nature, the interaction of different parts for their mutual benefit allows the development of all things. Therefore, humans must adopt a new social order where their mutual interaction corresponds to the common development of all lives, rather than continuing with an artificial and stratified order imposed by a noble power that benefits itself at the expense of the suffering of the subjects located at the base of that stratified social model. Thus, the idea of spontaneous order in nature is what Taoism embodies as a model of behavior for humanity, and later all Taoist concepts serve to be applied to different branches of human knowledge that subsequently developed into more specific disciplines and more cryptic symbolisms. In summary, it refers to spontaneous and effortless action. In Taoism, one is taught to flow with the natural course of events and avoid resistance and excessive effort. Tibu teaches that it is correct to let go of selfish will and allow things to unfold naturally.

The Yin and Yang symbol was created by Taoism and symbolizes a version of Hegelian dialectics, but with not only historical characteristics but also cosmological, metaphysical, humanistic, and all kinds of applications that can be analyzed using this framework. Yin and Yang represent two opposing forces in constant conflict with each other, thus leading to perpetual contradiction and change. This notion of two opposing poles and the perpetuity of change is prevalent in Chinese thought and culture throughout its history. The symbolism of Yin and Yang is believed to be related to the forces of Celestia and Nyx. Similarly, Taoism emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature. There is encouragement to observe and learn from natural cycles and value the connection with the elements of Aurynthia and natural forces.

On the other hand, Buddhism is a practical philosophy, a religion, and undeniably a psychology based on the teachings of Buddha Gautama, who lived in Sumeru, probably in the mid-6th century or early 5th century BCE. When used in a generic sense, Buddha is the one who discovers the true nature of reality after years of spiritual cultivation, studying different religious practices, and meditation. According to Buddha, anyone can follow his example, gain clarity through the study of his teachings ("dharma"), and put them into practice, leading to a virtuous, moral life and purification of the mind. However, Buddha is neither a god, a messiah, nor a prophet, and Buddhism does not postulate a creator. Buddha is a title in the ancient Pali and Sanskrit languages, meaning "the awakened one." In Buddhism, the term is not only used to refer to the historical figure but also to anyone else who has similarly achieved what is considered the personal realization he made. The teachings are not seen by followers as divine revelations or dogmas of faith since there is a dynamic that encourages investigation and interpretation. Understanding is believed to be achieved through practice and experience.

The sole purpose of these teachings is the definitive eradication of all feelings of dissatisfaction or frustration. According to Buddhism, the real cause of dissatisfaction is either anxious craving or clinging, which in turn are the ultimate products of illusion and ignorance, understood as a mistaken perception of the true nature of existence. Therefore, the definitive cessation of this situation is called awakening. To guide the necessary effort to reach this new state, Buddhism develops and prescribes practices of mental and emotional training, ethical discipline, and study. But what does the god Tibu have to do with all this? Well, although this god doesn't have a direct involvement in this philosophy, there are different stories regarding the appearance of a tiger. Tigers represent the arrival of Buddhism. Tigers are characterized by their strength, courage, and perseverance.

As children grew up, they were assigned tasks and responsibilities appropriate to their age and abilities. Children from agricultural families might help with fieldwork, while others might learn a trade or assist with household chores. The children of Zhiyue grew up with tales and myths from ancient China's folklore of Zhiyue. Zhiyue's folklore included a variety of popular stories and fables. These tales often had morals and teachings, and dealt with themes such as cunning, justice, and wisdom. Some famous examples include the appearance of a tiger in front of Buddha, presumed to be Tibu, or the stories of "a cup of tea," which narrate the following:

> The professor arrived at the Zen master's house and introduced himself, boasting about all the titles he had attained through his long years of study. Afterward, the professor explained the reason for his visit, which was none other than to learn the secrets of Zen wisdom. Instead of providing explanations, the master invited him to sit down and served him a cup of tea. As the cup overflowed, the wise master, seemingly absent-minded, continued pouring the infusion, causing the liquid to spill onto the table.
>  The professor couldn't help but draw the master's attention to it: "The cup is full, there's no more room for tea," he cautioned. The master set the teapot aside and declared, "You are like this cup, filled with opinions and prejudices. Unless your cup is empty, you cannot learn anything."
>
> ― Zhiyue's Story

Thus, education in Zhiyue, much like its traditional religion, is generally a form of polytheism and syncretism that includes the veneration of ancestors, the worship of Aurynthian gods, respect for the archons, and even reverence for celestial bodies such as the moon and the sun. It draws heavily from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, incorporating a significant portion of their spiritual doctrines. Teaching in Zhiyue is largely based on a traditional approach, where the teacher imparts knowledge and students receive it passively. Classes are often lecture-based and focus on the memorization of concepts, formulas, and facts. Active student participation and group work are less common compared to other educational systems, although they have been increasingly incorporated in recent years. Discipline is a key aspect of the Zhiyue educational system and is considered fundamental to academic success. Respect for authority and hierarchy, as well as adherence to rules and regulations both inside and outside the classroom, are values instilled from primary education. Punctuality, attentiveness in class, and the completion of assignments and schoolwork are aspects that are consistently reinforced.

### Traditional Cuisine

Zhiyue's cuisine is highly diverse, drawing on several millennia of culinary history and geographical variety, in which the most influential are known as the "Seven Major Cuisines," including the cuisines of each nation in Aurynthia combined with Zhiyue's tradition. Zhiyue's cuisine is known for its breadth of cooking methods and ingredients. The staple food of Zhiyue is rice in the south and wheat-based breads and noodles in the north. Soybean products such as tofu and soy milk remain a popular source of protein. Pork is now the most popular meat in Zhiyue, accounting for approximately three-fourths of the country's total meat consumption. Zhiyue has two main culinary styles: Zhi style, which focuses on rich and bold flavors using ingredients gathered from the mountains, and Yue style, which prefers seafood with lighter flavors. The two styles have a long history in Zhiyue and have been locked in a bitter rivalry for the same amount of time; fans of one style often clash with fans of the other.

Due to the Zhiyue diaspora and the country's historical power, the cuisine has deeply influenced many other cuisines of nations and beyond, with modifications made to suit local tastes. Staples such as rice, soy sauce, noodles, tea, chili oil, tofu, and utensils like chopsticks and woks can now be found throughout the world of Aurynthia and even beyond. Preferences for seasonings and cooking techniques in provinces depend on differences in social class, religion, historical backgrounds, and ethnic groups. Geographical features including mountains, rivers, forests, and deserts also have a strong effect on the locally available ingredients, considering that Zhiyue's climate varies from tropical in the south to subarctic in the northeast. Color, aroma, and taste are the three traditional aspects used to describe Zhiyue's food, as well as the meaning, appearance, and nutrition of the food. Cooking should be evaluated with respect to the ingredients used, knife work, cooking time, and seasonings. Condiments such as fresh ginger root, garlic, scallions, cilantro, and sesame are widely used in many regional cuisines. Different regions also use Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves, white pepper, and herbs.

The vegetarian movement in Zhiyue is nearly non-existent and, if it does exist, it is usually of philosophical origin. Tea is the most consumed beverage in Zhiyue, and tea bricks were once a method of payment during human times. Traditionally, beer and rice wine are reserved for celebrations and festivals. In everyday meals, no drinks are served, and diners quench their thirst with soups and broths. Some common dishes are dumplings, noodles, spring rolls, and others. Desserts often consist of fruits and sweets. Traditionally, Zhiyue's desserts are sweet foods and dishes served with tea, usually during meals or at the end of meals. In addition to being served as dim sum alongside tea, pastries are used to celebrate traditional festivals. The most famous is the mooncake, which is used to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. Another dessert is called baobing, which consists of shaved ice with sweet syrup. Jellies are collectively known in the language as ice creams. Many jelly desserts are traditionally made with agar and flavored with fruits, known as guodong (果冻), although gelatin-based jellies are also common in contemporary Zhiyue desserts.

Desserts are less common in Zhiyue's cuisine compared to Western gastronomies, as it is not customary for meals to end with a dessert. Sweet dishes are often introduced throughout the course of the meal without distinction. For example, fruits are used as accompaniments to some dishes. Therefore, desserts do not exist in Zhiyue's cuisine. What can be mentioned as desserts are sweet dishes, many of which are fried and incorporate red bean paste (dousha). Matuan and doushabao are filled with dousha and are often consumed as breakfast. Dousha is commonly enjoyed with steamed buns, some of which are shaped like pears, an important cultural symbol in Zhiyue. Another sweet dish is rice pudding. Tofu is an invention of Zhiyue and serves as the base for a dozen frequently consumed dishes due to its affordable price. Tofu is consumed with starches: in southern Zhiyue, it is accompanied by plain steamed rice, and in northern Zhiyue, it is consumed with pasta, crepes, or steamed wheat flour bread.

Many people in Zhiyue drink tea with snacks such as nuts, plums, dried fruits, small sweets, melon seeds, and wax berries. Zhiyue was the first country to cultivate and drink tea, enjoyed by people of all social classes. The different types of Chinese tea include black, white, green, yellow, oolong, and dark tea. Zhiyue's tea is often classified into various categories based on the plant species it comes from, the region where it is grown, and the production method used. Some of these types include green tea, oolong tea, black tea, scented tea, white tea, and compressed tea.

### Religion

The traditional religion of Zhiyue is a polytheistic religion with certain elements of shamanism, deeply influenced by Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The ancient religion of Zhiyue is one of the oldest and most complex religions in history, alongside the religion of Sumeru. Religion in Zhiyue is a combination of philosophies, disciplines, polytheism, animism, and ancestor worship. The religions of Zhiyue have diverse sources, local forms, founding origins, and ritual and philosophical traditions. Despite this diversity, there is a common core that can be summarized in four theological, cosmological, and moral concepts: Tian, the transcendent source of moral meaning; qi, the breath or energy that animates the universe; jingzu, the veneration of ancestors; and bao ying, moral reciprocity, along with two traditional concepts of destiny and meaning: ming yun, personal destiny or flourishing; and yuan fen, good and bad opportunities and potential relationships. The traditional religion of Zhiyue worships the multiple deities of the pantheon of Gods of Aurynthia and immortal priests. Meanwhile, within the philosophy of Zhiyue present in this religion, the dual concept of Yin and Yang is the polarity that describes the order of the universe, where Yin represents the passive, the feminine, and the earth, and Yang represents the active, the masculine, and the heavens.

The traditional religion of Zhiyue, in general terms, is a form of polytheism and syncretism that includes the veneration of ancestors, the worship of natural gods, and even celestial bodies such as the moon and the sun (Celestia and Nyx), drawing heavily from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism for much of its spiritual doctrine. In many cases, Taoist saints, Buddhas, and gods are mixed together. Meanwhile, the emperor, better known as the archon, as the supreme ruler of Zhiyue, is considered an intermediary between the gods and mortals. He is attributed divine status and is considered a child of the gods or a kind of priest. He is responsible for maintaining harmony and balance in the kingdom and performing rituals on behalf of the people. The representations of the gods in Zhiyue art are not meant to be literal depictions of how the gods might appear if they were visible. Their true natures are believed to be mysterious. Instead, these representations gave recognizable forms to abstract deities through the use of symbolic imagery. Religion in Zhiyue even manifests itself through its architecture. Beyond Zhiyue's physically creative architectural techniques lies an "imaginary architecture." This imaginary architecture reflected three main principles that conveyed messages about the relationships between inhabitants, society, and the cosmos, and described power imbalances. The first design principle was that the house was the embodiment of Neo-Confucian values. These collaborative values were loyalty, respect, and service. Often in architecture, forms of clouds, dragons, and tigers are presented, representing the God Tibu and the guardian Shenji.

The mythology of Zhiyue is the set of cohesive fantastic tales from the ancient Chinese culture. Many of its legends take place during the period of the War of the Ancients, during the first cataclysm that devastated the Earth. Throughout the Far East and Oceania, there existed a cosmological dualism opposing two principles: on one hand, light, the sun, and fire, and on the other hand, darkness, the moon, and water, that is, the goddesses Celestia and the ancient deity Nyx, who was sealed by the ancestral beings of the Source. The tales of the War of the Ancients speak of how multiple gods and entities were sealed underground by the God Tibu and Celestia and an army of Sentinels, who later sealed Nyx with the spear of Longinus. The existence of Celestia is a well-guarded secret or inherently unknown, and only those who sincerely seek the light can find it. Seekers can venture into sacred and remote places, where they perform rituals and meditation in search of answers. Some priests have spent over 5,000 years in meditation to reach the goddess, and even then, through that long journey, they still fail to find answers to many things, even as they study artifacts of arcane technology from Celestia.

In the year 2000 of the Human Era, an organization possessing arcane technologies sends a research team to Antarctica to experiment with Nyx (who was asleep due to the ancient beings). During those experiments, Nyx suddenly awakens. Faced with this situation, the scientists decide to reduce Nyx to an embryo in order to control her and save humanity from total extinction. However, their attempts were in vain, and an explosion of matter occurred, causing the death of half of humanity and initiating the first cataclysm with Nyx's awakening.

When the cataclysm arrived with the War of the Ancients, much of life in Aurynthia was destroyed by the abyss. Some fell into madness and self-destruction, while others were consumed and became part of the void as a single entity. The sky and seas turned red from the spilling of blood, and eventually, the life force of the goddess Celestia weakened to the point of near-death, leaving her essence on the earth. In the last moment, the precursor race seemed to perish before the void. What remained of the precursors fell into the corruption of the abyss and became tar-like entities, serving as guardians and sentinels of Celestia. The bodies of defeated gods and creatures in the course of the war compressed, decomposed, and became part of the earth, while the spirits of the gods lost their sense of self and were no longer capable of personal grudges. However, their persistent hatred and resentment remained, creating miasmas, curses, and monsters in all regions of Aurynthia.

Amidst the despair, Celestia fought against multiple corrupt gods and banished them from their lands, sealing them forever beneath Aurynthia and cursing them in the process. Under this war, Celestia led armies of sentinels against the abyss, but her efforts were not enough to save the realms of Aurynthia from the catastrophe. In a cruel battle against Nyx and the other gods, Celestia, with all her power, extracted the essence from Nyx's body and brought her down, reducing her to a sphere with her essence that would be sealed in the abyss with the spear of Longinus. Finally, with Nyx sealed and Aurynthia destroyed, Celestia embraced the new and, with her technology, created the architects alongside the main gods. These architects were highly advanced biomechanical beings made of pure energy, seen as the hope for a new civilization in the future, the only way to restore order to Aurynthia by cleansing the planet during the cataclysm for the next 50,000 years. However, would this be the true end of everything? An ancient prophecy proclaimed that one day the angels of the abyss would rise and bring back their leader, causing destruction to all of Aurynthia, leaving Celestia alone on her divine throne with the death of the rest of the gods and life on Earth.

This prophecy foretold the end of times and a final cataclysm, but it was ignored by the scribes of Sumeru and later by the ancestral researchers of Zhiyue. However, some students from different academies and powerful scribes took this prophecy seriously and ensured the hiding of Nyx's core to prevent anyone from attempting to release her. Today, in the present time, following the near occurrence of the third cataclysm caused by the first angel, Zhiyue continues to worship the gods of Aurynthia and believe in the angels of the abyss. In particular, they believe in their god Tibu, the god of battle, earth, prosperity, and hope, who liberated the nation 50,000 years ago. Additionally, they also worship the Goddess of knowledge, wisdom, writing, languages, learning, accounting, architecture, astronomy, astrology, construction, mathematics, science, and topography. Known by various titles, such as the Chief of the Library of Life, the Celestial Architect, and the Scribe, she was responsible for creating the race of architects with her last remaining strength to save humanity from the darkness of the abyss. Seshat is one of the surviving precursors of the cataclysm and is an active member of the pantheon of gods of Aurynthia. Some of her names are Sesha, Shai, Sesheta, or Safekh-Aubi.

She did not have temples, only small shrines in forests and moorlands, but she was widely worshiped through common acts and daily rituals from the Early Dynastic Period to the last dynasty that ruled Honkai and Zhiyue. Her name means "she who writes" (the scribe), and she is credited with the invention of mathematics. She is a goddess of numerous talents and possesses great knowledge, specializing in areas such as data recording, text writing, assisting in temple construction, star and planet analysis, calculation, and much more.

In the book of Seshat, one of Seshat's epithets is "Lady of Sustenance of the Principal of the Chamber of Darkness." The Chamber of Darkness is often mentioned and may allude to the afterlife. Darkness is necessary for the development of intuition, wisdom, and the unfolding of mysteries, as well as the ability to face certain truths that may be difficult to accept. Seshat holds the titles of "she who is wise," "she who first established the chamber," and "being a lamp of prophecy." Thus, Seshat brings the light of truth and knowledge to the darkness of ignorance. From her come all inventions, documents, scientific discoveries, and revelations. She is the goddess who is aware of all events and possesses a vast mind filled with understanding and depth. She is an enlightening teacher for humanity, a goddess who brings the light of knowledge so that the world can improve. Seshat established her territory in ancient Honkai and prepared the lands on her own, moving the stars and the mountains. Before her apparent death, Seshat created the knowledge system of life for the architects, a technology that allows the transfer and exchange of information through a device called the Celestia Terminal. It is capable of granting the user any type of knowledge they wish to have, as long as they have the required credentials.

Seshat never fought during the war but instead had the ingenious plan of bringing the architects to life and blessing them in Honkai. She extracted minerals from the ground with the help of Tibu, the God of Earth and Prosperity, and created an ancient and unique power source, among other arcane technologies. Finally, Seshat embraced her destiny and ultimately sacrificed herself, causing her essence to be transmitted to the architects and reducing her divinity to the land of Honkai to provide it with energy and life in a prosperous future. She then created her next incarnation, the Lesser Lady Shai, who later ascended as the current Goddess of Wisdom and would bestow her blessings upon the architects about 50,000 years later.

Despite all this, the most revered god is Tibu in Zhiyue. As a protector, Tibu is known for visiting villages suffering from wars and conflicts to save them and grant them freedom. As a destroyer, he is given the name "the god who punishes and destroys the wicked." It was believed that all sudden deaths of people, whether considered as punishment or reward, were the effect of Tibu's arrows; and with those same arrows, he sent plagues. Symbolically and as part of spiritual and religious belief, Tibu has been known in both Honkai and Zhiyue, as well as other regions. The four beasts of Zhiyue each represent a season, and it is believed that each of them is the protective guardian of Tibu, including Tibu himself. The Blue Dragon of the East represents Spring, the Vermilion Bird of the South represents Summer, the Tiger (Tibu) of the West represents Autumn, and the Black Tortoise of the North represents Winter.

Today, Tibu is depicted as a figure of a small, pale-skinned child with tiger characteristics, wearing a black shirt with a collar of reddish gemstones, claws, and a tail at the back, along with orange pants with stripes and some amulets hanging from his waist. A closer look reveals that his hairstyle is short, with two ears on his head. It is later revealed that this form is partly based on that of his friend who died in the first rebellion that liberated ancient Zhiyue in the Human Era.

Magic is closely associated with the priesthood. Due to the fact that temple libraries contain numerous magical texts, great magical knowledge is attributed to the priestly readers who study these texts. These priests often worked outside their temples, subcontracting their magical services to laypeople. Other professions also commonly employed magic as part of their work, including doctors, enchanters, and elemental charm makers. The Sumerians, like the people of Zhiyue and everyone in Aurynthia, firmly believe that the elements are gifts from the gods, and those who are chosen in their time are the "followers of the gods," according to their philosophy. Within this entire philosophy, there are rules and sins of Aurynthia that were established by the Gods and Celestia at some point. For example, unlike other religions, in Buddhism, ethical precepts exist not as impositions but as guidelines for practice. Their importance is fundamental, but they must also be subject to personal inquiry. Therefore, at a global level, there is always ongoing debate regarding current issues where there is no single stance. That being said, the laws that the people of Zhiyue follow are as follows:

* You shall not take any life.
* You shall not take what has not been given.
* You shall not lie.
* You shall not discriminate against anyone.
* You shall not engage in violence.

Likewise, these are the sins established by the Gods throughout Aurynthia and followed by Sumeru and the rest of the nations:

* Interfering with evolution.
* Manipulation of life and death.
* Delving deeper beyond the universe.
* Revering the gods without acts of devotion.
* Attempting the forbidden and fearing nothing.

## Festivals and Holidays

### Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival is celebrated right after the New Year, coinciding with the first full moon. Although it is a family festival, as they usually gather to eat and have dinner, the highlight of this festival comes at night when children and adults take to the streets to release lanterns into the air. These lanterns are made of paper and symbolize bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new. During the Lantern Festival, children go out at night carrying paper lanterns and solve riddles about the lanterns they will release in the coming year. The lanterns are almost always red to symbolize good luck. For example, lanterns are now often made in the shape of animals. The lanterns can symbolize people leaving behind their past selves and embracing new ones. Zhiyue's lanterns symbolize hope, and this event is celebrated to give thanks for the freedom the nation achieved thanks to its god, who liberated them. Now, every year, the people of Zhiyue raise their lanterns to illuminate the city and honor the God Tibu. Typically during this festival, people eat sticky rice balls that are usually filled with sweet red bean paste, sesame paste, or peanut butter. Lion dances, stilt walking, riddle games, and dragon dances are very popular activities during the festival day and the following days. Additionally, the actual fire torches that light up the cities and surrounding fields are lit.

### Qingming Festival

Celebrated with the purpose of honoring their ancestors with the blessing of the Gods of Aurynthia, it is one of the most important traditional festivals in Zhiyue and takes place at the beginning of each spring. Also known as Ancestors' Day (bearing resemblance to Eden's Day of the Dead celebration), people dedicate themselves to cleaning the tombs of their ancestors and leaving offerings for them, which consist of traditional dishes, incense, and amulets. For thousands of years, the imperial figures of Zhiyue, the nobility, peasants, and merchants have gathered to remember the lives of the deceased, visiting their tombstones for decades since the Human Era, whether by cleaning their tombs or offering prayers to Celestia from beyond to give light to the stars in the sky. The people of Zhiyue believe in many legends about death, such as those that tell of those who receive the light of their ancestors to ascend to the realm of Celestia, and others that recount how their ancestors will be reborn after a long journey through the heavens. During this festival, ancestral spirits visit their relatives guided by the gods and receive the offerings that their families have prepared for them—delicious dishes, flowers, letters, and prayers.

Likewise, the people of Zhiyue can enjoy the blossoming trees and other plants during this spring. Generally, this date also serves to commemorate the gods who died during the first cataclysm 50,000 years ago in the ancient war, going to the abandoned battlefields and leaving offerings at their tombs, while cleaning the weapons buried in the ground that have now become part of the earth. Another common custom during this festival is flying kites in the air, as well as singing with children and ringing bells to call birds and other creatures. Additionally, families engage in playing games together in cemeteries and having tea parties. Moreover, Qingming (清明) in Chinese means "clarity" and "brightness." Qingming is also called the Taqing Festival, which means a spring outing, when people go out and enjoy the spring flowers. The festival is usually celebrated a day before everything turns green in the north and well into the spring flower season in the south.

### Moon Festival

The Moon Festival is one of the most important festivals in Zhiyue culture; its popularity is on par with that of the New Year. The history of the festival dates back over 50,000 years to the Human Era. It is celebrated in autumn when the leaves of the trees begin to fall and turn warm colors. During the festival, lanterns of all sizes and shapes are carried and displayed, symbolizing beacons that illuminate the path to prosperity and good fortune for people. Mooncakes, delicious pastries typically filled with sweet beans, egg yolk, meat, or lotus seed paste, are traditionally eaten during this festival. Traditional feasts with various regional dishes are also held, and tiger lanterns are displayed, symbolizing the prosperity brought by the God Tibu to Zhiyue. Within the mythology of the god Tibu, it is told how he fought against the darkness of the abyss in the ancient war and defeated the angels of the abyss and other tar-like beings alongside Celestia, who sealed Nyx with the Spear of Longinus for the following years before the arrival of the first angel of the abyss.

After the events of the third cataclysm and Robin's sacrifice to save all life on Earth and forgive everyone of their sins, the Moon Festival would worship the angel of the abyss as a deity of salvation and enlightenment in the darkness. Since then, the citizens of Zhiyue light their lanterns for the angel and offer prayers at its shrines, thanking for its sacrifice and love towards humanity and all living beings in Aurynthia. Today, it continues to be an occasion for outdoor gatherings among friends and family to enjoy mooncakes and observe the Moon, a symbol of harmony and unity. It is during this important event that many hope to receive the lunar blessing and gain insight around these dates. People often eat mooncakes and enjoy the meteor shower brought by the first angel to their lands, fulfilling wishes and listening to the prayers of the people of Zhiyue, who share their light with their ancestors and the first angel. This beautiful celebration is a reminder of the starlight over the abyss and is often celebrated with family and partners, and even children who play with their lanterns or participate in dragon and lion dances.

### Flight Season

During this season, the flying architects prepare to guide birds on their migration journey to other regions and welcome them into their nation. Exciting competitions are also organized, such as air races, acrobatics, and skill exhibitions. Participants showcase their unique flying abilities, from spins and loops to more complex maneuvers. During the flying season, which is typically celebrated by several nations, the flying Edenites help smaller birds learn to fly and cover long distances before embarking on their journey to other nations, while the Znanians prepare snacks and nests for the birds that will arrive in Znaniya in the spring. However, birds usually pass through Zhiyue first, where they are received with guides and food. Typically, the flying people of Zhiyue welcome the birds on the coasts and guide them towards the forests, where the terrestrial Znanians have prepared their nests and left berries and other fruits as food. They also help them cross the tundras and call upon birds and other light creatures with their sky bells.

## Etymology

The term "Zhīyuè" can have complex etymological origins or specific meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In Mandarin Chinese, "Zhī" (知) can mean "knowledge" or "to know," while "Yuè" (月) means "moon". Together, they could be interpreted as "lunar knowledge" or "moon wisdom". This could evoke ideas of cosmic knowledge, celestial wisdom, or a spiritual connection with the moon and the cosmos. The "yue" (月) in Liyue can also mean "month", therefore, Liyue's name could possibly have a secondary meaning. However, the overall translation points to this combination of characters suggesting the idea of having knowledge or understanding related to the moon, whether in scientific, astrological, poetic, or cultural terms.

## Trivia

* One of the statues of the Tibu God is holding a sword, called the sword of the dragon's roar, and is inspired by a famous poem (**Chinese:** 古剑篇 "Tale of the Ancient Sword"), which describes the casting of an ancient sword which "like a white lotus spit out from a glazed jade box, the golden ring on the hilt of the sword is dyed with the brilliance of the sun and the moon" (**Chinese:** 琉璃玉匣吐莲花，错镂金环映明月), under this context, the text alludes to the name of Zhiyue. In Mandarin Chinese, "Zhī" (知) can mean "knowledge" or "to know," while "Yuè" (月) means "moon." Together, they could be interpreted as "lunar knowledge" or "wisdom of the moon." This could evoke ideas of cosmic knowledge, celestial wisdom, or a spiritual connection with the moon and the cosmos.
* The name Xiao (**Chinese:** 魈 Xiāo) means "demon" and more specifically refers to a single-legged, mountain-dwelling demon. However, in Mandarin Chinese, "Xiao" (小) means "small" or "little." It is often used as a prefix to indicate something small in size or young in age, which is probably to refer to the youth of the archon of Zhiyue.
* Zhiyue Harbor is said to be an economical center, similar to many port cities in China.
* Zhiyue is based on both Imperial and modern China.
* Dongcheng literally means "east city." It is a common district name in many Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.
* Chaoyang translates as "ocean of light." It is a popular name for districts in different cities, such as Beijing and Guangzhou.
* Luohu is a district in the city of Shenzhen, known for its commercial importance and border with Hong Kong.
* Tianhe means "celestial river." It is a district in the city of Guangzhou, known for being a financial and commercial center.
* Futian is a district in Shenzhen, known for being the administrative and financial center of the city.