Episode 39: Guili Assembly

Earlier this year we were given a beautiful cutscene during Lantern Rite that gave us a look into the past of the Guili Assembly. Narrated by Cloud Retainer (shown in human form), it highlights some important moments for the group of gods and adepti ruling the area.

Watch on YouTube: Echoes of the Heart

There are five main characters centered around the history of the Guili Assembly. Ruled by gods Morax (Zhongli) and Guizhong with the help of the God of Stoves, Marchosius (Guoba). Two other essential figures in the story are the adepti Cloud Retainer and Streetward Rambler (Madame Ping).

Characters shown in clockwise order with Guoba in the center.

Outside of the newest lore story, much of what we know of the Guili Assembly before the Archon War comes from the book Stone Tablet Compilations: Vol. 1. You can find this book in the Knights of Favonius Headquarters Library in Mondstadt.

There are three main areas of Liyue focused on in the story – Guili Plains, Mt Tianheng and Liyue Harbor. Guili Plains being the largest area shown. We don’t know the exact borders of the area as it was back then, but you can still get a general idea of where the people were living.

The Guizhong Ballista is a mechanical device created by Guizhong herself as a means of protection for her people. It also became the focus of a competition between herself and Cloud Retainer on who was more skilled. While Morax determined it was Guizhong, Cloud Retainer still made finishing touches to the weapon after her friend’s death.

During the Moonlight Merriment event we get a great cutscene about Marchosius, the Stove God. Narrated by Madame Ping, she tells us of his role in the Guili Assembly and his transition to the cute Guoba that follows Xiangling that we know today.

Watch on YouTube: Flavors of the World

We mention one of our favorite parts of the Marchosius cutscene – baby Xiangling. She’s just so adorable!

When Guoba awakens from his long nap, he immediately eats one of his favorite recipes – Chili-Mince Cornbread Bun. Xiangling had placed the dish on the alter while Guoba slept.

We mention a calamity illustration in the Echoes of the Heart cutscene that reminds us a bit of the hands in the Raiden Shogun weekly boss fight. Is this illustrating the cataclysm or is there another calamity we’re not yet aware of?

‘Field Tiller’ is the codename the Khaenri’ahians gave their war machines. More commonly known as Ruin Guards, these mechanisms were really advanced for the time and peaked Guizhong’s interest. She often collected them to study and no-doubt used some of their design in her own machines.

Mentioned briefly in the episode, we talk about the Salt God – Havria. In Zhongli’s Story Quest we learn about the fate of her and her people in the domain of Sal Terrae. If you haven’t already, we highly recommend this quest – it shows another side of Zhongli we don’t often see.

Al brings up the idea that maybe Guizhong might be buried over by the location of the Nine Pillars Quest. Once you make it inside the door, you find a tomb that we’re not able to read. At least not yet. Could this be a memorial for the God of Dust?

Unfortunately we still don’t know when the Genshin anime is going to be released or even which stories it will tell. There are some rumors that the end of 2024 or 2025 is a target, but thats just speculation. Until then we’ll keep watching the trailer with our jaws dropped.

Watch on YouTube: Genshin Impact Long-Term Project Launch: Concept Trailer