Genshin Impact: I, the Winter Prince, reign supreme.

Her blood was drawn continuously for five days, and then transfused into His Highness the Prince for those five days.

On the sixth day, the blizzard in the Winter Country suddenly stopped, and a rare sunny day with gentle breezes and sunshine arrived.

Although leaden clouds still shrouded the land in the depths of winter, one could see the sunlight peeking through the gaps in the clouds when looking up. The warm light was as poetic as if it were shining through one's fingers. Along the way, she listened to the children's joyful laughter as they built snowmen, and when she passed a flower shop, she saw the sunflowers blooming brightly at the entrance. Her steps became lighter.

Upon arriving at Winter Palace, she visited the "Descendant" and found that his condition had greatly improved, and his face had finally regained its normal color. He was sitting cross-legged on the hospital bed, lost in thought.

Actually, I wasn't daydreaming; I was staring intently at a painting on the wall. The painting depicted a long-haired woman sitting alone atop a snow-capped mountain, her back to all living beings. Although she was just a blurry silhouette against the wind and snow, the atmosphere created by the long-haired girl and the swirling snow was exquisite.

As fate would have it, the painting was created when Her Majesty the Empress went to the mountain one day to look for her. For hundreds of years, she had silently sung ancient songs that guided all living beings in their dreams. Her heart was as pure as ice and snow, and her will as hard as ice. The Empress was suddenly moved, so she returned to the palace and sketched a draft. Later, she summoned the court painters to refine and perfect the painting, incorporating all that she had seen and thought into it.

It is said that on the day the painting was completed, everyone present seemed to see snowflakes falling and fluttering in the room, like unrestrained spirits in the world.

The court painter, a master of his generation from the Kingdom of Winter, resigned from his post the day after completing the painting, allowing his apprentice to succeed him. The Ice Queen inquired why, and the master replied that he could never paint such a magnificent work again. Moved, the Queen ordered the painting to be meticulously framed and hung in the guest room reserved for distinguished guests. It was later proven that every guest who visited Winter was deeply captivated by the painting.

In the Fontaine Palace, where art flourished, a nobleman of very high status once visited. Before leaving, he offered to exchange a famous castle in Fontaine and a large area of ​​surrounding territory, but the Ice Queen politely declined.

The Queen said that if this painting were hung in someone's private study, it would lose its soul; it should be appreciated by all under heaven.

Seeing the "Descendant" so engrossed in the story, and remembering that he hadn't spoken for the past few days, she put her hands behind her back, leaned forward slightly, and asked him her first question, "Are you mute?"

The "Descendant" didn't look at her, and asked indifferently, "Blind woman?"

Discovering that the other person was also an interesting individual, she smiled and asked in return, "Who says you can't see the outside world if you cover your eyes? Besides, what the eyes see may not be true. It is the eyes of the mind that can easily see through appearances and understand the essence."

The "Descendant" was aggressive and bluntly replied, "Then you have some kind of 'mind' problem, otherwise why would you think that someone who doesn't speak is mute?"

She pouted and said, "You really don't know how to socialize. I thought you were quite interesting just now."

The "Descendant" then stood up, his body still wrapped in several thick white bandages. He took five steps to stand before her, neither bowing nor saluting, but looking her straight in the eye, and said solemnly:

"Thank you for donating blood to me, Miss Columbia. Without your generosity, I could not have recovered so quickly. But you should be grateful to have the same type of rare blood; if you are injured someday, I can help you too."

After saying these words that seemed like an apology but were not quite gratitude, the "Descendant" sat back down by the bed.

She had never seen such an insincere way of expressing gratitude. To even address an executive by his first name was a lack of basic courtesy. Although she didn't know whether he had learned his identity from the physician or from the palace maid who delivered her meals every day, she was just about to let this guy from another world experience the authority of the Winter Executor when she suddenly saw the bloody footprints on the ground. The words "I don't want your help" were swallowed back.

She raised her head and looked at the man in front of her again. There were several bloodstains seeping out from his legs and body.

This guy, whose wound had been stitched up and was not yet fully healed, risked reopening his wound and forced himself to walk five steps, just to express his gratitude in person!

"Is it worth it?" she asked.

This time, the "Descendant" no longer wore the cold expression of before. A gentle smile appeared on his sharply defined face. Although he was just a young man, he seemed so profound, as if he had an extraordinary story to tell. He turned to look at the painting on the wall and said:

"Do you believe it, Miss Columbia? I've known you for a long time. I know it's hard for you to understand if I say it like this, so just think of it as me saying that we met in a past life."

"For the past six days, I have been fighting against the curse of the heavens with all my might. To be honest, on the most dangerous night of the third day, I almost thought I wouldn't make it. I even thought of my last words, hoping that my parents wouldn't miss me too much, and that Teyvat, the fairy tale world that holds the most beautiful memories of my youth, could remain as bright and splendid as ever."

"When I felt utterly exhausted and just wanted to close my eyes, I caught a glimpse of a painting on the wall out of the corner of my eye. It depicted your stubborn yet proud back, which rekindled my almost extinguished will to live. Without that painting, it would have been hard to get through that long, dark night. Oh, and that night I also heard wolves howling."

Listening to the "Descendant" speak so much in one breath, her intuition told her that the other person's emotional journey was real and sincere, but there were still some things she didn't understand, so she asked:

"Really? Why does my silhouette ignite your fighting spirit?"

The "Descendant," whose face had turned ashen again from blood loss, especially his chapped lips, answered solemnly:

"I haven't yet enjoyed the snowy scenery of the Winter Kingdom with a girl as beautiful as Miss Columbia, nor have I sat down with the stunningly talented Ice Queen to discuss my life ideals, nor have I shared a drink with the breathtaking beauties from the other six kingdoms."

"Before we've wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Palace and torn a huge hole in the sky, before we've overthrown the throne high above, with the world still unsettled, how dare we sleep soundly and never wake up?"

Chapter 180 You Protect Me Through Winter, I Protect You

Finally, the "Descendant," sitting upright at the head of the bed, arrogantly added a finishing touch, summarizing the conversation: "You helped a savior of Teyvat, of course it's worth it."

After the other person finished speaking with inexplicable confidence, she said angrily:

"You shameless scoundrel, you don't know your place. I won't go to see the snow with you."

She could understand that men's infidelity was not limited to any particular world, but to boast about causing havoc in the Heavenly Palace was like an ordinary person saying they wanted to replace the Ice Queen. It was hard to understand where this mediocre guy got his confidence from. Arrogant people were not worth associating with or pitying.

Confidence is always a good thing, but excessive confidence turns into arrogance.

The "descendant" that had stirred her emotions remained unmoved, instead continuing to admire the painting on the wall with great interest.

She wasn't an art collector, yet she was completely absorbed in the sights. Was she being deliberately mysterious or just trying to annoy people? She then said, "I must explain that what you heard on the third night wasn't a wolf howl; it was an ancient ballad!"

The "Descendants" persisted in their opinion, sarcastically remarking:

"It doesn't sound like a ballad, but more like the wailing of ghosts and wolves. I heard from the people around me that you are an executive officer of the Fools. Since you are not a minor official, you must know who that singer is. Tell her to come to me when she has time and I will teach her a few nursery rhymes from another world. You have done me a favor, so I will not charge you tuition."

She was angry but couldn't show it. The other party had obviously seen through her identity as the singer in the painting and was deliberately picking a fight. Considering that the other party was a distinguished guest whom Her Majesty the Empress had risked her life to save, and that he was seriously injured, she decided not to be petty and let him continue his nonsense.

As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss. Given more time and knowledge about Teyvat's history, this despicable fellow will realize just how naive and childish his boasts were, and coldly remark:

"You should get some rest."

The "Descendant" smiled calmly and said, "Good night."

She glanced at the sunlight outside the window in surprise. "It's daytime now."

The "Descendant" shamelessly explained, "You're not coming to see me tonight, so I'm telling you in advance."

She was completely baffled. She had originally wanted to inquire about the other world, but the guy who had been saved halfway through his life seemed a bit mentally unstable, and said resentfully:

"I will never come to see you again, not just tonight, but ever again."

The "Descendant" completely ignored her and continued to admire the paintings on the wall with its head held high.

This person knew perfectly well that the subject of the painting was right in front of her, yet she kept looking at the painting instead of the real person. She clearly sensed the other party's deliberate neglect and disrespect, and she turned and left.

This meeting fell far short of expectations.

The "Descendant" made a show of mystery by saying that the two had known each other for a long time. She racked her brains but couldn't remember ever meeting this person before. She also mocked the singer's song as being unpleasant. Finally, she seemed quite certain that they would meet again.

And whether it was just my imagination or not, the "Descendant's" tone and expression were clearly meant to provoke someone. I've seen this kind of silly trick before. Some of the pampered young men in Winterfell deliberately cause trouble to get her attention. The "Descendant" was just like them, but what was his motive? Perhaps he was just like any other man, blinded by beauty.

The next day, she received a royal decree from Her Majesty the Queen to meet the "Descendant." Upon arriving, she found the "Descendant" chatting and laughing with Her Majesty the Queen.

If the reporters outside who follow palace news all day long knew about this scene, they could write several scandalous articles. Fortunately, Her Majesty the Queen never cared about such gossip.

Some officials have demanded that Her Majesty's private life be forbidden from being discussed outside the court, and various rumors have even affected the Empress's image.

Take, for example, two recent rumors that have been circulating widely. One rumor claims that Her Majesty the Queen was once engaged to the Geo Archon of Liyue, but later rejected him, and the two never spoke to each other again. This is said to explain why the Kingdom of Winter raised the banner of rebellion against the laws of nature, while Liyue, the second strongest of the seven kingdoms, chose to stand by and watch.

Another rumor was even more outrageous: Her Majesty the Queen summoned a group of male prostitutes from outside the palace late at night, claiming that she was promiscuous and disgraced the dignity of the nation. Her Majesty the Queen laughed and said, "They just can't stand women in power. Let them grit their teeth and slander me, cursing me for being immoral. I love seeing their pitiful state of hating me but being helpless against me."

What surprised her most was that the "Descendants" were on equal footing with the Ice Queen, and did not have to treat each other with the etiquette of a ruler and his subjects.

Seemingly noticing her confusion, Her Majesty the Queen smiled and said, "Columbia, congratulations today. The third executor of the Fools now has another world-renowned elemental combat skill."

Following the Queen's gaze, she looked at the painting on the wall with great confusion.

She was still the same woman, alone in the swirling snow, singing ancient songs with her back to all living beings; nothing seemed to have changed significantly.

If there is any change, it is that there is a figure on the snow that is hard to distinguish without careful observation. It was obviously added last night and the ink has not yet completely dried. It blends into the artistic conception of the whole painting and is a perfect whole.

As she watched, her heart skipped a beat.

The painting originally depicted only a solitary singer. The addition of a figure holding a sword on the snow greatly expanded the painting's imaginative scope. Ordinary art enthusiasts might wonder about the identity of the shadowy figure and its connection to the singer. Those with higher levels of elemental power cultivation would gain a sense of security from the shadow, while those at the Executor level would perceive a vast and majestic power within it, a sharp edge capable of cutting through the blizzard.

As Her Majesty the Queen said, this painting contains a terrifying elemental combat technique. Any master in the country who can comprehend it will surely soar to great heights and become famous throughout the world.

But she couldn't figure out where this overwhelming sword intent came from. It wasn't a Teyvat elemental combat technique, but a unique style completely different from the known sword system. It was ethereal yet imposing. Only the "Descendants" who had just arrived in Winter could possess such skill.

I initially thought the "Descendant" was using his special status to summon people through Her Majesty the Queen, but it turns out he relied on his own abilities. So I said:

"You are very capable. You created this painting after only one night of viewing it. This painting can now be called a masterpiece. I am the main character in the painting, but I am not the creator of the true essence of swordsmanship. Your Majesty, the one you should congratulate is him."

The Ice Queen, who had anticipated her remark, looked at the painting with renewed admiration and exclaimed:

"The mission of the Celestial Spirit Clan was once to guide the gods. Now, you in the painting are for the sake of all living beings. The wonder lies in the addition of this sword-wielding figure, who silently protects you, the guardian of the Winter Kingdom."

"That figure wielding a sword has no specific identity. It could be one of your other ten executive colleagues, a student you once taught, a citizen you once protected, me, or him. If we broaden our perspective further, isn't the person wielding the sword also the entire Winter Solstice Kingdom?"

"Columbia, the profound meaning of the 'Descendants' transforming this painting lies in this: you are no longer fighting alone. Each of us could be a swordsman in the painting, standing by your side to shield you from the wind and snow, and becoming your strongest support. The true essence of the swordsmanship in the painting is called protection."

"'The Descendant' was inspired by your snowy night chanting painting, so the honor of this newly created sword elemental combat technique belongs primarily to you. Have you thought of a name? This painting has been perfectly sublimated, so it's not appropriate to hang it here. I will find a more suitable place to store it."

Hearing this, she was deeply moved and looked at the painting on the wall again, and everything she hadn't understood before suddenly became clear and understandable.

When she finished the painting, she felt that it lacked a certain charm, realizing that there was a deeper meaning hidden within it.

Countless geniuses and artists of the past have seen this painting, yet none have grasped its deeper meaning. Only the "Descendant" has unearthed this profound significance. While the reason can be attributed to the "Descendant's" otherworldly origins and extraordinary vision and abilities, the fact that he could see the woman in the painting as unprotected is tantamount to seeing through her heart, or rather, truly understanding her from the painting. After some thought, he said:

"Since the true essence of swordsmanship is protection, it shall be called the 'Sword of Protection'."

The Ice Queen nodded.

The "Descendant" sipped her tea quietly, detached and seemingly unrelated to the whole affair. The sword intent that was about to become famous throughout the world appeared as a casual, effortless creation. Only after she said "thank you" did she put down her teacup and calmly smile:

“Your blood flows in my veins. You have been kind to me, and Winter has been kind to me. It is only right that I repay you, and there is no need for thanks. I told you last night that you helped a savior of Teyvat.”

Hearing the "Descendant" say those words again stirred a strange ripple in her heart. A premonition arose within her: this guy might bring many changes to the fate of the Winter Kingdom, and also meant countless possibilities. If previously, uniting with the other six kingdoms to resist the laws of nature was Winter Kingdom's only national policy, then with the appearance of the "Descendant," Winter Kingdom might have other options.

However, the "Descendant" then became unserious again, smiling and saying:

"It's not as grand as you think. The swordsman in the painting is me. Miss Columbia, if I stay in Winter for one more day, the fire of my spirit and will will burn brightly. I don't ask to illuminate the long, dark night, but only to guide you home when you are lost. From now on, you will protect Winter, and I will protect you, okay?"

Faced with words that sounded almost like a confession, her thoughts were in turmoil, no longer as calm as usual. "Why...why are you so good to me?"

The "Descendant" pondered, "If I can't even protect those around me, how can I protect the world?"

She pondered it carefully, then said, "I said that the mind can always see more than the eyes. You weren't telling the truth."

The "Descendant" retorted without further ado, "I've said it before, we've known each other for a long time."

She, of course, didn't know that the "long-standing acquaintance" the "descendant" referred to was their meeting in the mobile game. Unable to determine whether the other party was still not telling the truth, she half-jokingly said:

"These days, young men in the city don't even use phrases like 'We seem to have met somewhere before' when they're trying to pick up girls. It's so outdated, like an old, neglected palace wall covered in moss."

The Descendant asked, "Would you like to accompany me to admire the snowscape of Winterland?"

Seeing the pleading look in her eyes, Her Majesty the Queen said meaningfully, "Columbia, the choice is yours."

She really didn't know what was so interesting about the snowscape of Winterfell. The snow-covered landscape, the howling winds, and the wild beasts and elemental creatures of Teyvat would never want to stay in such a place, yet this guy insisted on going to see the snowscape.

After thinking for a moment, she made a decision: "I'm sorry, I don't have time. Besides, your health is still poor, and you'll catch a cold if you stay outside for too long."

Upon hearing this, the "Descendant" showed no sign of being downcast; instead, he jumped out of bed and brewed a pot of hot tea.

Her Majesty the Queen said, "Columbia, wait for me outside."

About six months later, on the night the "Descendant" was promoted to Winter Prince, Her Majesty the Empress told her about the conversation that day.

Inside the room, the Ice Queen cut to the chase: "Are you confessing your feelings? Confessing like this will scare the girl away. You can't force matters of the heart. I hope you don't mind; she's always been this way."