Chaos of War: The Battle of Chenyu Vale
In the fantastical and magnificent land of Teyvat lies Chenyu Vale in Liyue, where towering peaks and strange rock formations pierce the sky, and a mysterious aura shrouds the entire valley. Deep within stands an ancient ruin, said to hold immense power that has drawn the covetous eyes of countless factions. Yet this peaceful valley is about to be engulfed in a cataclysmic war.
Yuan Shao, a hero born into the prestigious Yuan clan—four generations holding the highest offices of the empire—boasted countless advisors and fierce warriors under his command, with a mighty army at his back and his power at its peak. Upon hearing the legends of Chenyu Vale, he craved the hidden power for himself, eager to strengthen his bid for supremacy over the realm. He personally led a massive army toward Inazuma, planning to seize the nation first before turning to conquer Chenyu Vale.
Yuan Shao's army advanced triumphantly, leaving dust and chaos in its wake. Though Inazuma's forces fought valiantly, they were forced to retreat again and again before the ferocious onslaught. As the battle in Inazuma turned into a stalemate, Fontaine in the far west saw Chenyu Vale's weakened defenses as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Long coveting Liyue's territory, Fontaine sought to occupy Chenyu Vale and extend its influence deeper into Liyue. It quickly mobilized its forces and marched toward the valley.
Fontaine's soldiers wore elaborate, exquisite armor and wielded advanced weaponry, advancing in perfect formation under their commanders' orders. Their steps firm and their eyes burning with ambition for victory, they pressed onward. Among them stood Charlotte Navarre — Navia — a prominent Fontaine general, riding a sturdy steed at the forefront, her presence heroic and commanding. A peerless warrior and brilliant strategist, she was the backbone of Fontaine's army.
Yet for all his full-scale attack on Inazuma, Yuan Shao was a shrewd schemer who understood Chenyu Vale's importance all too well. He left behind two elite generals, Qu Yi and Han Meng, to guard the valley with a crack force. Qu Yi mastered the warfare techniques of the Qiang tribes, a seasoned and fearsome fighter leading only the finest of Yuan Shao's troops. Han Meng, too, was a renowned warrior, bold and fearless in combat.
When Fontaine's army arrived at Chenyu Vale, Qu Yi and Han Meng were already prepared and waiting. Standing atop the valley entrance, Qu Yi glanced at the distant dust clouds and curled his lip in disdain. "Hmph. These Fontaine fools think they can strike while our main force is away? Pure fantasy." Han Meng clenched his fists beside him, roaring: "Brother, waste no words on them. When they arrive, we'll wipe them out to the last man!"
Fontaine's forces soon reached the valley gates. Seeing the enemy standing ready, Navia felt a faint twist of unease—but she did not flinch. Drawing her sword, she shouted: "Soldiers! Chenyu Vale is before us. Seize it, and we shall carve new lands for Fontaine! Charge!"
At her command, Fontaine's troops roared and charged the valley entrance.
Unfazed, Qu Yi waved his command flag. Yuan Shao's soldiers instantly formed an impenetrable defensive line: shieldbearers at the front, spearmen behind, archers nocking arrows and ready to strike. As Fontaine's forces closed in, the archers loosed a hail of arrows that darkened the sky. Fontaine's soldiers raised their shields, but many still fell, screams echoing through the air.
Enraged, Navia led an elite detachment to flank the enemy lines, attempting to break through from the side. Qu Yi spotted her maneuver at once and sent a cavalry unit to intercept. The two forces clashed in the valley, and a brutal melee erupted.
Blades flashed and war cries thundered across the battlefield. Navia swung her sword, cutting through enemy soldiers with sharp, precise strikes. But Qu Yi's cavalry was well-drilled, working in tight formation to encircle her troops. For all her ferocity, Navia began to tire against the overwhelming numbers.
Then Han Meng charged into the fray with an infantry unit. Wielding a massive battle-axe, he rampaged through Fontaine's ranks like a furious beast, cutting down all in his path and throwing the enemy into disarray. Seeing him approach, Navia tensed—she knew his reputation well and dared not face him head-on, fighting only to retreat.
Under Yuan Shao's relentless assault, Fontaine's army buckled and began to rout. Desperate, Navia tried to rally her men for a counterattack, but it was too late. Yuan Shao's forces pressed the advantage, surging forward like a tidal wave.
In the chaos, Navia was separated from her army and surrounded alone. Spotting her, Han Meng grinned and charged, axe raised high. Navia's expression hardened. She gripped her sword tightly, bracing for the attack.
Han Meng swung his axe without hesitation. Navia blocked with her sword — a deafening clang, sparks exploding outward. The force numbed her arms and sent her stumbling back. He gave her no respite, raining blow after merciless blow. Though she fought desperately, Navia could not hold out against his overwhelming strength.
At last, a careless move left her exposed. Han Meng's axe struck her down, and she collapsed into a pool of blood.
With their general dead, Fontaine's army lost all morale and collapsed completely. They threw down their weapons and fled for their lives, Yuan Shao's men hunting them down and slaughtering them to the last.
The Battle of Chenyu Vale ended in a crushing defeat for Fontaine. Through brilliant command and ferocious fighting, Qu Yi and Han Meng successfully defended the valley and foiled Fontaine's plot to encroach upon Liyue.
When Yuan Shao received news of the victory, his heart soared. His resolve to conquer the world burned brighter than ever. He continued his brutal campaign in Inazuma, and across Teyvat, a greater storm quietly gathered…