Mondstadt's history has always been inseparable from its nobility.
The city has three great aristocratic houses: Gunnhildr, Ragnvindr, and Lawrence.
And the red-haired boy on the new recruits' training ground came from the Ragnvindr family.
Gu Chen's gaze settled on Diluc.
Young, confident, brimming with passion.
Born into a noble house, the boy had been strictly disciplined since childhood. His physique was clearly stronger than his peers'; even from his stance alone, one could tell he had undergone extensive training early on. Given a few more years to reach adulthood, he could likely become an outstanding knight on these merits alone.
"Chief Instructor!"
The moment Gu Chen appeared, the knights immediately noticed him and saluted in unison.
The newly arrived youths were stunned.
Gu Chen looked to be about their age—yet he was the Chief Instructor of the Knights of Favonius?
Diluc looked at Gu Chen approaching, a strange brilliance flashing in his eyes.
He didn't know how Gu Chen had done it. At nearly the same age, he himself had only just passed the entrance exam to become a probationary knight—while the other stood as a revered Chief Instructor.
Gu Chen's gaze rested on Diluc. Diluc subconsciously straightened his back.
"Not bad."
Gu Chen nodded slightly, then swept his eyes across the group.
"The overall quality is higher than last year."
The veteran knight paused.
"Is it? Last year had plenty of good seedlings too."
"I'm talking about him." Gu Chen lifted his chin.
The veteran's gaze fell on Diluc. He raised an eyebrow, then smiled.
"The Chief Instructor thinks highly of him?"
Diluc stood even straighter, his expression solemn.
"I think highly of everyone who has a firm pursuit of their own," Gu Chen said calmly.
The veteran looked thoughtful.
"What stage are you at?" Gu Chen asked.
"We've just finished explaining the Knights' rules," the veteran replied after coming back to his senses.
"Complete the remaining procedures, then begin adaptive training," Gu Chen said.
"Now that they've just joined the Knights, the sooner they start cultivating the body-tempering technique, the sooner they'll catch up to the veterans."
"Yes, sir!"
[Kaeya]: The Sect Leader is only eight and the Grand Master already has him leading recruits. This is clearly grooming his own faction in advance. Does he really not want the Grand Master's seat? 🤔
[Jean]: Going out adventuring is exactly what Grand Master Varka longs for. (wry smile)
[Albedo]: I think Varka has seen countless possibilities in Mr. Gu Chen, which is why he made this decision—and with time, that conviction only grows stronger.
[Heizou]: In this episode, Mr. Gu Chen feels like someone born knowing everything—mature and steady during missions, holding a body-tempering system that lets ordinary people defy fate, plus the Anemo Archon's favor… This is a chosen one, isn't it? If I were Varka, with little desire for power, I'd seat Gu Chen as Grand Master immediately and go adventuring myself. 🤦
[Nilou]: Hehe, even little Mr. Gu Chen is amazing—hehe. (Collei·dreamy)
[Collei]: Even as a little kid, Mr. Gu Chen gives me an overwhelming sense of security! (Klee·yay)
[Kaeya]: Look at young Diluc—standing so respectfully before the Sect Leader. Being favored by him, and he's clearly excited. 😏
[Diluc]: …
[Noelle]: Being noticed by the Chief Instructor must be thrilling for probationary knights! When will I become one too? (expectant)
Knights of Favonius Headquarters.
Varka stood by the window upstairs, overlooking the training ground.
Gu Chen had already taught the recruits the body-tempering technique. Now, under his guidance, they were training in earnest.
At this age, boys worship strength and legends.
And Gu Chen happened to be both.
An eight-year-old Chief Instructor was itself a legend—the perfect idol for these youths.
Especially since, through the veterans, they'd heard stories of Gu Chen's past feats—like killing an Abyss Mage with two strikes.
At the same age, Gu Chen could do that.
As they trained, the boys couldn't help imagining: if one day they mastered this cultivation, could they become just as powerful?
The moment that thought arose, hot blood surged in their chests. Unknowingly, a seed of strength had been planted in their hearts.
Among this batch of recruits, Diluc shone the brightest.
He was far superior to his peers in every respect—thanks to the Ragnvindr family's strict traditions and relentless training.
"This child may one day become Gu Chen's right-hand man," Varka nodded to himself.
Days passed.
It turned out that adolescence—the growth phase—was perfect for cultivating the body-tempering technique.
In just three months, the boys grew noticeably taller, and their physical qualities improved dramatically. The veterans leading the squads couldn't help but feel envious.
Catching the body-tempering technique right in the middle of a growth spurt—what fortune.
"How many have cultivated qi and blood?" Gu Chen asked.
"About a dozen," the veteran replied.
"Other than Diluc, the rest are all over ten. One of them is even sixteen."
Cultivating qi and blood had a threshold.
Only with sufficient physical strength could one succeed; the frail struggled greatly.
Though the boys' physiques were improving, most still hadn't reached that point.
Diluc was an exception.
Not because he was extraordinarily gifted, but because he had trained his body since childhood—far beyond his peers.
Opportunity favors the prepared.
Gu Chen nodded.
"Another three months of training, and they can become full knights."
"Understood!"
The veteran nodded, hesitated, then added,
"This year's recruit camp has been consuming a lot more food. There seem to be… differing opinions within the Knights."
"Differing opinions?" Gu Chen said calmly.
"Tell them to say it to my face."
The veteran froze, then suddenly laughed.
"They wouldn't dare."
"Then have them shut their mouths. From now on, the recruit camp's rations will be increased. This is for the future of the Knights," Gu Chen said decisively.
"Understood!"
Leading a recruit squad personally, the veteran knew well that better food laid a stronger physical foundation—especially at this age.
In past years, rations weren't low, but there was no body-tempering technique then.
Cultivation accelerated the digestion and conversion of food into nourishment for the body, greatly increasing the demand for meat.
Varka had long been aware of this.
The more the recruits consumed, the faster they were growing.
"To raise a probationary knight into an elite usually takes three to five years. Now, that time is shrinking," Varka said, growing more cheerful as he spoke.
"Perhaps with just one year of training, their physical qualities alone could rival elite knights! And if they also have qi and blood, and solid swordsmanship—then three to five elite knights wouldn't be their match!"
The old man circled back to an earlier point.
"Those kids who've cultivated qi and blood—you've got to give a few to our Reconnaissance Squad!"
"Other squads are asking too," Varka said with a laugh.
"Then give us Diluc—just one will do," the old man bargained.
"No chance," Varka shook his head.
"That child is destined for the Cavalry."
The old man smacked his lips.
"Then at least give me two qi-and-blood cultivators!"
"You can fight the other captains for them later," Varka grinned.
The old man sighed, resigned.
After watching the recruits train for a while, he said slowly,
"Internal pressure isn't small, is it? I heard even the Church has opinions."
Varka merely smiled.
When a power grows large enough, factions inevitably arise.
Even the Knights weren't perfectly pure.
But such pressure was trivial to Varka—unable to shake his position, much less Gu Chen's.
No one targeted Gu Chen now—not just because of the Anemo Archon's favor, but because of public sentiment within the Knights. Countless elite knights stood firmly on Gu Chen's side.
"How do you plan to handle the Church?" the old man asked, gloating slightly.
"A group that sings praises of the Anemo Archon using stories they wrote themselves," Varka said dismissively.
"If that got out, it might hurt your reputation," the old man laughed.
Varka didn't care.
"In short, the Church can't meddle in Knights' affairs. If they have objections—or want to target Gu Chen—then they'd better ask the Anemo Archon first."
During this time, Gu Chen's deeds had spread throughout Mondstadt, especially the tale of receiving the Anemo Archon's favor.
The Anemo Archon had shown no miracles for ages. Now, everything about Gu Chen proved the Archon was watching Mondstadt once more.
With divine favor manifest, anyone seeking to move against Gu Chen had to consider the Archon.
Even if those shadowy arrows couldn't threaten Varka or Gu Chen, having that shield certainly made life easier.
[Barbara]: "People who sing praises of the Archon using stories they wrote themselves"… I feel attacked. 😲
[Kaeya]: The Grand Master exaggerated a bit, but the Church has indeed done that before. 😂
[Azhdaha]: Adding luster to one's own god, huh? 😏
[Dvalin]: Called out.
[Nilou]: That aside, Mr. Gu Chen's positive impact is obvious. Why are there still so many objections? (confused)
[Keqing]: This is power struggle. Even knowing Mr. Gu Chen brings benefits, they'll try to restrain him—likely because their interests are being harmed.
[Tartaglia]: Based on my experience with the Fatui, is it possible they're stirring things up behind the scenes? 🤔
[Venti]: Sounds like you really understand the Fatui. 😏
[Diluc]: Hmph. At that time, some people did collude with the Fatui.
[Kaeya]: In the video, those real-world incidents probably won't appear. With the Sect Leader's current standing, he's hard to shake—unless the Anemo Archon personally intervenes, or Varka withdraws support. 😏
[Tighnari]: Honestly, unless Mr. Gu Chen makes a mistake, even if Varka stopped supporting him, his position wouldn't be affected. Not only do elite knights stand with him—these recruits are becoming his foundation as well.
[Sangonomiya Kokomi]: This batch of recruits has trained for half a year. Once they're sent out to earn achievements, they'll quickly secure their footing. At that point, Mr. Gu Chen's position will be even harder to challenge.
[Diluc]: Keep in mind—during the Traveler's time in Mondstadt, Signora was present, and before that, Dottore also came.
[Heizou]: The Fatui's Second Harbinger… I wonder if the Gu Chen in the video can match him. (worried)
[Tartaglia]: Uh, forgive me for being blunt. Based on Mr. Gu Chen's current strength in the video… I could defeat him in three moves. Dottore is on another level—he even aims to create gods. 🌊
[Azhdaha]: Saying that only proves you don't understand the Sect Leader well enough. He's eight! Eight is prime growth age. With extreme body-tempering… Have you imagined how strong he'll be in two years? 😏
[Venti]: Chief Instructor Gu: Dottore? You won't leave Mondstadt in one piece! 😏
[Zhongli]: By common logic, the Sect Leader is growing with time. At least, I cannot see the endpoint of this episode yet… There is time. Let us watch. ☕
[Gu Chen]: Do you know what a talent fighter is? In one sentence: give me a little time, and I'll be your equal. Give me a little more, and I'll surpass you.
[Furina]: Truly worthy of the Sect Leader. 🎉
[Dehya]: Geniuses are common—but someone like Mr. Gu Chen should be called a monster. 🌹
[Albedo]: Talent so strong it doesn't feel human. Uncertain. Let's observe further. 😈
[Kaeya]: Come on, analyze this episode's Sect Leader. Feels like we can uncover something.
[Heizou]: No exception this time—still from another world. When Varka found him, he should've been an infant. Gradual growth… an infant, a fully formed body-tempering system… Was Mr. Gu Chen born knowing, or reborn? 🤨
[Azhdaha]: You know, now that you mention it—I never noticed this. If an adult Sect Leader carried memories, that's normal. But an infant… What, did he go against the heavens from day one? Photographic memory? 😲
[Furina]: There's only one truth! Reincarnation!
[Xingqiu]: Could it be that Mr. Gu Chen was once a great being, died unexpectedly, reincarnated as an infant, then wandered into Teyvat and was picked up by Grand Master Varka? 🤔
[Yae Miko]: Such a classic light-novel opening—but oddly convincing when you think about it. 😏
[Lyney]: If we follow that logic, it does explain a lot.
[Furina]: Then… are you the reincarnation of the Martial Emperor? 😏
[Gu Chen]: Since you ask so sincerely, I'll graciously tell you—I am indeed the Martial Emperor reborn. Kneel at once! 😏
[Tartaglia]: Boss Gu! Lord Gu! Please tell me—just how strong was the Martial Emperor?! 🙏
[Gu Chen]: I don't even have the memories. How would I know? 🤷
[Venti]: The Sect Leader is still trying very hard to maintain his "I know nothing" persona. 😏
[Azhdaha]: Brother, that's on you. At times like this, you should play along—or the Martial Emperor might punch you! ☝️
[Osial]: So even the Sect Leader doesn't know! (realization)
[Venti]: What a pity—he doesn't know after all!!! 😆
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