The owner of Bubu Pharmacy, the finest pharmacy in all of Liyue. He is rarely seen without a white snake named Changsheng coiled around his shoulders. His prescriptions are varied and diverse, and his medical prowess and compassion are known throughout Teyvat.
—Description from the Official Website[1]
Personality[]
The owner of Bubu Pharmacy, who is rarely seen without the white snake named Changsheng. His medicinal knowledge is encyclopedic, and his personal intrigues subtle.
—In-game character attributes and profile page text
Many rumors swirl about Baizhu, though most of them are currently unknown — the only one the player ever hears about is that his traditional herbal medicines are extremely bitter.[2] Despite the poor taste of his medicine, most Liyue citizens have complete faith in his medical skills, such as Keqing, who considers him the right person to visit when someone cannot identify their symptoms and Xinyan,[3] who is grateful for his highly effective voice preserving medicines.[4] One of his patients, a sickly young girl named Hongdou, dislikes his medicine greatly and only agrees to visit Bubu Pharmacy because Baizhu is so kind to her, reasoning that just seeing him would make her feel better.[5] She also believes he is very clever.[6] Baizhu's reputation is so great that even the isolated adeptus Xiao is aware of him,[7] and his employee Herbalist Gui takes great care in his work to avoid sullying the good name of Dr. Baizhu and Bubu Pharmacy.[8] Despite his great medical skill, Baizhu is not regarded as "a man of high caliber or great courage."[9]
After meeting her by chance in the hills, Baizhu took Qiqi in, despite her being a zombie with memory so poor she could barely sort herbs or remember his face.[9][10] His acceptance of Qiqi was tied to his own personal pursuits,[9] and Baizhu has grown increasingly more relentless in his pursuit of eternal life since meeting her.[11] However, it is later revealed that Baizhu sought immortality in order to protect both himself and Changsheng, aware that those who made contracts with her would eventually die young and he does not want to have others suffer the same fate as them, while not wanting her to die either.[8] Despite having some ulterior motives in taking her in, he is able to make Qiqi cancel orders she has given herself by embracing her and speaking words such as "I love you the most." However, the effect is greatly diminished because Baizhu speaks these words very lightly.[12] At the same time, he quickly acquiesces to whatever she may request from him with no worry at all and affectionately refers to her as "my little Qiqi."[13] Qiqi, who is well aware of his intentions, does not mind staying with him because of his concern.[9]
Furthermore, he is very protective of Qiqi. Xingqiu, though interested in Qiqi's story, finds it is impossible to have a conversation with her whenever Baizhu is around.[14] Baizhu has also repeatedly intervened in Hu Tao's attempts to lay Qiqi to rest; something that Qiqi dreads and fears. Even after Hu Tao gave Qiqi an exception, she still holds a grudge towards Baizhu for his desire to live longer.[11]
Despite the genuine efficacy of his medical practices, his business practices tend to be shady. Changsheng remarks he is pleased to have found new people to fleece after the sale of Everlasting Incense to the Traveler and Zhongli, although Baizhu does not appear to mind her warnings.[13] Despite Changsheng's suggestions of Baizhu's own questionable conduct, he has also had dealings with the legal advisor Yanfei about charlatans selling ineffective remedies. To Paimon, his sly attitude during their first two meetings seemed strange, yet Yanfei brushed off her concerns and claimed that Baizhu has always acted that way.[15]
Appearance[]
Baizhu is a tall man with light skin and long green hair, half tied up in a bun and secured with a hairstick. He has golden, snake-like eyes and is always seen wearing a pair of gold, ornate, oval-framed glasses. Before taking on Changsheng's contract, his eyes were dark pink. Baizhu is almost always seen with his pet snake, Changsheng, draped around his neck like a scarf.
Herbalist Gui, another employee of Bubu Pharmacy, remarks that Baizhu suffers from an unknown ailment that makes him rather frail.[8] Qiqi, despite being a zombie who has to regularly exercise in order to stave off rigor mortis, is in better physical condition than he is.[16] However, it is later revealed that his contract with Changsheng was responsible for his frailness, though he is able to recover as long as he does not over-exert her powers.
Official Introduction[]
Dr. Baizhu... Something is bothering him, but he won't tell me anything... He hates death, but he's always researching it... I don't understand... But that's not a problem. I know... that Dr. Baizhu is a good person.
—A page ripped out of Qiqi's notebook by an unknown person
"There's a pharmacy in Liyue called Bubu, and in it is Dr. Baizhu. His skills make all illnesses better, but his medicines are really bitter!"
This nursery rhyme has been widely spread throughout Feiyun Slope, and it has been used by countless parents to warn their children not to get sick... "or else."
However, it seems that the main character of this nursery rhyme is hardly feared by children. Instead, it is with utmost affection that he is called "Mr. Baizhu" by them.
This impression is mostly attributable to Baizhu's gentle and friendly demeanor. Interacting with him is a most refreshing experience. And no matter how anxious the patient may be, his confident smile will never fail to reassure.
Regrettably, Baizhu cannot save all his patients — himself, for example.
Herbalist Gui has mentioned that Baizhu's physical condition is extremely poor, and he often has to go back to his residence to rest after seeing patients. Even so, his smile never falters while in front of people.
When Gui asked him about this, he replied, "If the doctor looks sick himself, how can his patients face their illnesses with confidence?"
Day after day, Baizhu heals his patients. His ever-present smile hides the numerous bitter medicines he takes and the pain he suffers alone.
Character Stories[]
Character Details
Baizhu, the owner of "Bubu Pharmacy," is a master of the medicinal arts. He is benevolent and kind, yet also shrouded in mystery and other contradictions.
Despite having countless admiring physicians begging for his attention, he has insisted on choosing a zombie who can barely sort medicinal ingredients to be his apprentice.
And though only a mortal, a talking snake with powerful spiritual energy is always wrapped around his shoulders.
Maladies major and minor may all be mitigated with his medicine, but the physician seems unable to cure himself.
Such a person does not go unnoticed in Liyue, for the greater a person's capabilities, the greater the calamity they could cause should their heart harbor any evil intent.
Yet both public observation and private investigation have not only found no trace of any hidden wickedness, but have seemed to confirm time and time again that his unimpeachable reputation as a benevolent doctor was, in fact, the unvarnished truth.
As for all those inscrutable secrets, Baizhu simply smiles and laughs:
"Good medicine is so bitter, so it shouldn't be a problem to let a good doctor keep a few secrets, no?"
Character Story 1
Friendship Lv. 2
Though he was widely known by the moniker "Mr. Bai," Baizhu's last name isn't "Bai." The origins of this misnomer can be traced back to his apprentice at Bubu Pharmacy, Qiqi, and her sieve-like memory.
When she first arrived at Bubu, her memory was even worse than it is now, and she would even forget to return to the Pharmacy at night after going out to gather herbs and ingredients during the day.
Fortunately, Baizhu is always patient when dealing with patients, and doubly so when dealing with Qiqi. At first, he attempted to have her stay at the Pharmacy and rest, but Qiqi was always resolute and could not be dissuaded from harvesting materials, saying: "My responsibility." Helpless to stop her, Baizhu would personally go out to find her each and every time, and remind her of the fact she lived with him at Bubu Pharmacy over and over and over and...
With a memory like what Qiqi sported then, remembering anyone's full name was beyond the realm of possibility. So for a long time, the names "Baizhu" and "Changsheng" were simply replaced with "that person" and "that snake."
Ever one to prescribe just the right medicine for the disease, Baizhu prepared a notebook for Qiqi to write in and review whenever she had time. Finally, there came a morning when Qiqi saw Baizhu and did not cock her head and ask who he was, but said:
"Good, morning. Bai... Bai..."
Changsheng was ecstatic, and immediately extended her body outward, even more excited than Baizhu:
"Yes, yes, Bai-what now? And how about me? Don't forget about me—"
"Mr. Bai." Qiqi answered earnestly. "And, long... long, snake."
"—Outrageous! My name isn't 'long snake'—"
"Remembering things is like curing an illness. One cannot be too greedy for progress, but be satisfied with gradual improvement." Baizhu smiled slightly and nodded, as though having accepted the name "Mr. Bai." In the days that followed, the phrases "Mr. Bai said" and "Mr. Bai won't allow it" were never far from her lips, and the endless stream of customers asking after medicine soon brought the name "Mr. Bai" out of Bubu Pharmacy to every corner of Liyue Harbor.
Qiqi's notebook has been filled to bursting and then some, and today she no longer needs to consult it before recalling Baizhu and Changsheng's names.
But "Mr. Bai" had already found its home in the hearts of some, and it was too late to change it.
Character Story 2
Friendship Lv. 3
Baizhu is not only a brilliant physician, but possesses considerable business acumen.
This should not come as a surprise — it would be impossible to operate a such a large pharmacy on the strength of one's medical skills alone.
The prices at Bubu Pharmacy are generally fair, and the pricing strategy for most products is one of high sales with low margins on each transaction. But there is some merchandise priced at a curious premium — such as the "Everlasting Incense," which was 2,990,000 Mora even after a discount.
Usually, the customers for goods like these aren't picky about price, and only care about the quality and effectiveness.
So why head to the market to haggle and search, when you can get everything you need at Bubu Pharmacy? Even if it's a bit more expensive, the peace of mind provided by Mr. Bai's reputation is worth it.
Naturally, price is not Bubu Pharmacy's only competitive advantage. Many of the customers are businesspeople who have become "partners," bringing Baizhu rare herbs from across the land and exporting the medicines he develops to every corner of the world. As the pockets of Bubu's business partners began to bulge, so too did the Pharmacy's ledgers.
But the objectives of Baizhu's plans do not seem to revolve solely around Mora itself. If they did, why would Bubu Pharmacy take care of someone with no positive impact on income flow like Qiqi? It makes no sense from a business perspective.
When encountering unusual or novel diseases, Baizhu often accepts only a token fee, saying "It is difficult to assess a fee for such a rare ailment."
As this practice has persisted, clients from far beyond Liyue have come to seek treatment at Bubu Pharmacy. Baizhu never refuses a patient, and is very willing to treat people from all walks of life, regardless of the disease that afflicts them. Thus has the good doctor cultivated a reputation as a selfless and benevolent healer who makes money elsewhere, presumably so that he can continue to perform acts of kindness far into the future.
But only Baizhu himself understands the truth: Bubu Pharmacy never engages in unprofitable transactions. Some goals are impossible to even think about without massive financial backing and a reliable network supplying resources from across the world. Even with sufficient wealth, those goals would have little chance of success without the right opportunities and a bit of luck.
As for the chance to research the secret arts of the adepti and strange diseases... these are opportunities no amount of Mora could ever buy.
Character Story 3
Friendship Lv. 4
Baizhu habitually has a pot of water before boiling a pot of tea after waking up early in the morning. There is never a shortage of pastries at the Pharmacy, both sweet and salty, delivered from nearby shops and from around the neighborhood. This routine has never ceased, and is unchanged through all four seasons.
The snacks are divided into three portions, two large and one small. The large plates are for Baizhu and Herbalist Gui, and the small plate is for Qiqi and Changsheng. Whichever of them so desires can take a bite, and this counts as having had breakfast with everyone.
In addition, the doors of the Pharmacy are always lined with fresh supplies when it opens in the morning: vegetables, rice, fresh fish, melons and fruits... there is always an abundance of food at Bubu Pharmacy.
Baizhu has repeatedly attempted to persuade the community not to give him such gifts, as he does not like to take things from others for free. But the public knows that Dr. Baizhu doesn't always charge for his consultations, and offers steep discounts upon already reduced prices to the people. The child of this family, the grandfather of that household... The number of people who have benefited from his care is beyond count. Of course, since cheaper healthcare means more Mora in the pocket, using the savings to give gifts by way of thanks is a perfectly sensible thing to do. Baizhu's attempts to dissuade his well-wishers were defeated by this logic, and his only remaining response was to ask Herbalist Gui to bring all the gifts from the door into the shop.
After breakfast, the clinic opens for consultations. Baizhu remains in the shop to see patients, and Herbalist Gui delivers medicines wrapped and prepared the previous night to elderly patients who have difficulty walking. Each package comes with a detailed note explaining clearly both the frequency and quantity of medicine to be taken for the convenience of the patient.
When patients begin arriving at the clinic, Changsheng takes leave of her perch on Baizhu's body and wanders about the clinic. If she catches Qiqi performing her calisthenics in the courtyard, she will wind about Qiqi's shoulders and help her keep time with a "one two three one two three," and so on. If she runs into Herbalist Gui delivering medicine in the corridor, she will rest on his arm and ask after the latest neighborhood gossip.
After the talking is done, the medicine weighted and packaged, and the tea has cooled, it is time for lunch. At this time, Baizhu is at leisure to personally prepare a nutritious meal and sweet soup that are both healthy and tasty for all who come to call.
Afternoons in Liyue Harbor are a leisurely affair, with studying children, tottering old grandparents, Millelith carrying spears... An endless patter of footfalls. Changsheng and Qiqi lie by the pharmacy door, basking in the sun and watching the flow of people. They idly observe that the one on the left has let their hair grow too long and needs a haircut, while that one on the right has a rash on their face, and might be suffering from an internal imbalance. The sound of their chatter reaches Herbalist Gui's ears, and fearing disturbing others, he brings over a bench and moves Changsheng and Qiqi back inside the pharmacy.
The commotion reaches Baizhu's clinic, and he listens to their exchange as he writes a prescription. Time is like boiling water in a copper kettle: at once both a turbulent tumult but also sitting quietly beside you.
As night falls, Bubu Pharmacy closes for the day. Herbalist Gui sometimes stays for dinner, and sometimes goes home to eat with his family. Then only Baizhu, Qiqi, and Changsheng remain, and the two people and one snake may eat and drink to their hearts' content, returning to their rooms to rest by the light of the moon.
One cannot call such a day anything out of the ordinary. It is simply a day at Bubu Pharmacy. Though, if Herbalist Gui suddenly had the thought to come back and take a peek before going to bed, more like than not he would happen upon Baizhu teaching Qiqi new exercises in the courtyard to keep her limber.
One-two-three, one-two-three... Morning, noon, and night, spring, summer, and fall — oh, and also winter... Calisthenics and life both have their rhythm.
Character Story 4
Friendship Lv. 5
The storyteller rapped the wooden table, opened his mouth, and began to tell a tale of ghosts and demons. Though the public loves to hear these stories, they get old after too many tellings, and so people asked, "is there anything else? You've told the one about the jewel-seller and the one about the thief, what else is there?"
At that moment, Baizhu came down the stairs, and the audience saw him and thought to themselves: Dr. Baizhu has many stories, surely, but putting them into a book might be far too difficult. Other than discussing his exemplary behavior and medical ethics, if one wishes to say a few words about him over tea or after dinner, the most that can be talked about is the Doctor's private pursuit of the adeptal arts and the like, a matter that Baizhu has never intended to conceal.
There are a multitude of visitors to Bubu Pharmacy, and those with sharp eyes cannot avoid noticing the books Baizhu reads in his spare time. In addition to medical treatises are ancient tomes which record the ways in which the adepti may be sought out. In addition, the medicine chests at Bubu Pharmacy contain a multitude of rare herbs and ingredients which are of no use in treating common illnesses, but are constantly used and replenished in an endless cycle. Though the average patient may not understand the arcane implications, those from families which practice alchemy or thaumaturgical arts can instantly recognize that all of these are ingredients used to refine various "Elixirs of Immortality" spoken of in legend.
For most ordinary people, "immortality" is simply too strange a concept. But there are people whose curiosity will be aroused, and who will seek to know just how Baizhu wishes to attain immortality and how far along the road he has come... But this has proved akin to walking on a tightrope at night — it is difficult to take even a single step.
Eventually, news of Baizhu's quest spread. Once the news was leaked, people formed an opinion. Some coveted his knowledge, some opposed this pursuit, and others didn't particularly care about his goal of immortality, but were concerned about the trouble his methods might cause.
Baizhu himself was in his clinic, but his fingers were on the pulse of the street, and he had anticipated this would happen. In the vast land of Liyue, the concerns of the third group of people would be the most difficult to assuage. He had initially planned to quietly dispel any doubts, but the name "Baizhu" had already appeared on the Ministry of Civil Affairs' persons of special interest list. Fortunately, Baizhu always conducted himself impeccably in his daily life, and is amiable and willing to chat with his patients during their consultations. From these visits, he learned that the Ministry of Civil Affairs was keeping a close eye on him.
He saw through their methods, and turned the ears and mouths of the people to his own ends, letting them spread the word on his behalf that his research and approach had no ill intent and would cause no trouble.
Rumors spread more quickly than the most infectious pathogen, and soon the fact his quest was benign had spread to every corner. This push and pull between Baizhu and Ministry continued for some time, but eventually he was able to avoid unwanted attention and his name avoided appearing in the top secret intelligence reports of the owner of Yanshang Teahouse, Yelan.
As for the aforementioned second group of people, their beliefs are already a known quantity, and set in stone. Many are the descendants of a clan that believes firmly in the principle that some things are divinely ordained, and that the impermanence of life and permanence of death are among those immutable truths. It must be pure coincidence that the representative of this second group lives but a street away at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
As the saying goes, neighbors are like relatives and friends, and Bubu Pharmacy and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor have had many interactions over the years, and both parties greet each other with a smile when their paths cross in the street. As for those questions of life and death, death and life, the opinion of the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor Hu Tao is as follows: If the matter cannot be explained or settled in a couple words, it's better to have Baizhu over for dinner! And as for a sensible person like Baizhu? Of course one should attend the banquet! Season after season, year after year, without going into too much detail, the two households with very different views have spent many a day together, and could be considered close friends, albeit with each keeping their secrets.
When two parties do not align closely, they merely speak of etiquette. But when they align, one may speak of duty. For Bubu Pharmacy is in the business of healing the sick, and in the course of business it is inevitable that there will be those beyond saving or at the end of their lives. Those with good fortune are cared for by their family, but those less lucky will breathe their last in Bubu Pharmacy. When this happens, Bubu Pharmacy and Wangsheng Funeral Parlor will jointly ensure their final rest is peaceful.
The last rites and journey of the deceased is of great importance, and Director Hu Tao entrusts this to her most dependable consultant, Zhongli. For Bubu Pharmacy, Baizhu cares greatly for those patients who pass away under his care, and personally sees to their arrangements. The two parties hold a ceremony in a secluded thatched cottage in the dead of night. Baizhu sends the deceased there, and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor consultant holds the ceremony and performs the final rites, carrying out each step in an orderly manner. Even if it is simply going through the motions, the departed may rest in peace.
It is a pity that though the soul has passed on, no living soul will ever thank Bubu Pharmacy or Wangsheng Funeral Parlor on the deceased's behalf. But the heavens wheel ever onward, and so too does the cycle of life and death continue unceasingly. Doctor and Funeral Director and consultant are neighbors by coincidence, friends over the dinner table, but only truly meet heart-to-heart when conducting the solemn duty of seeing off the souls of the deceased. Once they walk out of that thatched cottage, they return to their former selves. As for the aforementioned first type of people, those who covet the secret of immortality, though they are many in number, their methods are crude, and they are easy to deal with.
Bandits are common in the wilderness and in the mountains, and a few particularly stupid and shortsighted ones once ran into Baizhu alone on a mountain road. Baizhu was refining medicine, and the bandits, having heard rumors of Baizhu's quest, came to the conclusion that he had made something of value here in this remote location. They struck, expecting to plunder the secret medicine Baizhu had created. A few hours later, the Millelith arrived at the scene of the crime, having received a report. It was difficult to tell who was the real victim, with the ruffians laid out upon the ground and Baizhu standing beside them with a smile.
"The facts of the case come first, so forgive me for asking," the Millelith soldier began hesitantly, "but did you really come to place this remote just to make cold medicine?"
"If I was refining some special medicine..." Baizhu laughed and shook his head. "Would they ever have found me?"
These stories traveled round and round, eventually returning to the ears of the storyteller. He thought for a moment, then shook his head and sighed: "Forget it. At the end of the day, Dr. Baizhu is just a doctor. What fascinating tales could there be?"
Character Story 5
Friendship Lv. 6
Every time the weather turns cold, the threshold of Bubu Pharmacy is crowded with patients seeking a consultation. But today, Baizhu's silhouette was nowhere to be seen. Only his assistant Herbalist Gui was at the counter, prescribing medicine and dispensing medicine. Those with recurring illnesses who visited frequently knew what this meant. It was "one of those days" again, and so they took the medicine carefully wrapped by Herbalist Gui. They offered their best wishes, such as "Please tell Dr. Baizhu to care of himself," and shuffled out the door.
At that moment, Qiqi came in from the doorway and bumped into an old man's calf. Holding her hat tight, she nodded and hurried to the back room with her stiff steps as quickly as she could.
"It's one of those days" isn't a particular time or place, but rather is shorthand for an oft-used statement: The Doctor is ill, and cannot see patients today, so we are sorry you came all the way here for nothing, please come back some other time.
It is hard for physicians to cure themselves, and this is true for Baizhu as well. Baizhu claims that it is simply a chill, but he knows that he has a weak constitution, and all of his internal organs are diseased. Though his life is not in imminent danger, nine out of ten doctors would be dumbstruck, only able to gape in wonder at the nature of this rare and incurable disease. Therefore, whenever his symptoms flare up, all Herbalist Gui and Qiqi can do is bring him hot water, cloth towels, and plates of fruit to show their concern. Baizhu does not wish others to worry on his behalf, and insists on being alone in his room with only Changsheng for company.
With the curtains pulled over the tightly closed windows, the room was dark and gloomy. Baizhu lay down, tormented by the chills and following hot flashes, occasional breathing problems, and intermittent yet intense full-body pains that often came whenever his symptoms flared up. After a bout of agony, he joked to Changsheng, "If I don't make it one of these days, it'll be a giant hassle, won't it?"
Changsheng slithered up the head of the bed and looked down at Baizhu's sweat-soaked visage with human-like pupils. "Oh you, oh you, you may lie, but you may not die. Who is it that wishes to live forever? You are not yet old, and haven't yet experienced a full life."
A man and a snake, the snake with human eyes and the man with snake eyes. A strange phenomenon indeed. Few know the truth behind such an enigmatic anomaly. In fact, the pupils in their eyes are proof of their greatest secret — the contract between them. The result of this contract is the Baizhu of today — practicing medicine to save lives and alleviate the pains and aches of humanity, but also embedding illness deep into his own bones, where they reside forever with no hope of relief.
And in the land of Rex Lapis, God of Contracts, the law is supreme and contracts must be abided by. Liyue is an ancient country with a multitude of spiritual beings and magic, and the contents and types of contracts are equally varied. But Baizhu and Changsheng never discuss the contents of their own contract, and always share the same response: Contract? It's just an agreement, you could say it's just a secret technique with a couple of restrictions on how it can be passed down. Those too old or young, those who are insincere of heart, the inhuman, all of these cannot inherit this technique... What else is there? Oh, yes. "Those not fated to cannot inherit it!"
Qiqi put down the tea tray and hot water, closing the door behind her as she left. Baizhu watched her leave before let out a long sigh, as though he had a thousand worries caught in his throat, but was unable to give voice to a single one. All he could do was shift the conversation to a distant rumor—
In ancient times, there was once a Mt. Yaojun, and the master of the mountain and their tea-loving friend once made a pact to wait until the tea trees on the mountain had grown, then hold a tea banquet, inviting all the adepti to partake of their tea. What a beautiful thing that might have been! But alas, of the two Adepti who made the agreement, one sank into the water like the residual remnants of tea leaves, and the other lost all ten of their fingers for picking tea, and even their memories of the past faded and were forgotten.
Changsheng hissed an impatient reply: "What's so strange about that? The adepti are gone, but don't their tea trees remain? The tree and tea leaves will remember their ancient agreement in their stead. You should worry more about yourself, for if you and I leave, only Herbalist Gui, Qiqi, and the wood of the house and bricks on the floor will remember the two of us."
The name of the contract with Changsheng is known as "Way of the Dragon-Dragging Jade Snake." Only the name of contract is known, and not even Changsheng can explain the details, only that she learned it long ago. If you ask who she learned it from, she cannot recall even a bit of tangential information. Talking about the distant past with Changsheng is often like this. Baizhu is used to listening to her advice, though, and understands she has good intentions. Thus did he vomit up the blood stuck in his throat before sitting up straight against the head of the bed.
Changsheng glanced over: "What're you looking at me for? I don't have hands to support you with."
Cradling the soup made for him by Herbalist Gui and Qiqi, Baizhu slowly drank it. He got through it one spoonful at a time, his eyes never leaving the soup for a moment, as though there was an entrancing scene of spring flowers and autumn leaves at the bottom of the bowl.
The small things, one at a time. The basic essentials of daily life. Life is like soup, boiling and cooking.
Bubu
Friendship Lv. 4
In Liyue, a form of divination is often used to predict fortune and peril or ask the gods for guidance. The people of Liyue call their particular art "Zhanbu."
It is said that in ancient times, medicine and "Zhanbu" were tightly linked and often confused. With no scientific understanding of birth, old age, sickness, or death, the ancestors could do naught but pray to the gods for wellness and take medicinal herbs for comfort.
Over time, countless generations experiencing sickness and recovering upon taking different herbs were able to distill their knowledge into a set of rules, making breakthroughs in their understanding of medicine. Thus was medicine born, with trained physicians curing the sick.
After becoming an heir to this medical tradition, Baizhu brought Changsheng to Liyue Harbor to open a pharmacy and practice medicine in the bustling port city. At that time, the following story took place:
According to the traditions of Liyue, new businesses must divine an auspicious time for their grand opening using the art of "Zhanbu." By sticking to the preordained opening day, the business will prosper and enjoy fame and fortune.
But Baizhu did not wait until the day of good fortune. One night, a mother brought her fever-stricken daughter to the door of the pharmacy, frantically pounding on the door.
...
Early the next morning, the neighbors were shocked to discover that the pharmacy had opened several days early, with no fanfare or celebration.
"Aren't you afraid of going bankrupt and losing everything?" Changsheng's voice was full of regret. "All you did was treat an emergency case last night, why would you need to open up shop early?"
Baizhu replied as he wrote a prescription: "Every day delayed is another day the patients must wait for their consultation. Besides, what pharmacy wants business to boom? We aren't hoping for more people to get sick, are we?"
"That doesn't mean you should just throw open the doors without even thinking of a name for our shop! And what about a celebratory message for the grand opening?"
"A name and a message... Then let us send the message that no matter the fortunes of this shop, or the diseases afflicting our patients..." Baizhu picked up the prescription note and faced the rising sun framed through the door. "...Or our fates, we don't need to ask the gods or use divination any longer."
In the language of Liyue, "Zhanbu" is divination, but "bu" can also be the word for a refusal or negation. Thus, he chose a name that enshrined his beliefs.
The rays of sunlight were shining through the door and the thin paper in his hand, with the words written by his hand clear and confident—
"Bubu Pharmacy, Baizhu."
Vision
Friendship Lv. 6
When Baizhu was young, his hometown was struck by a horrific plague.
Fortunately, his master was practicing medicine there, and was able to contain the spread.
But no miracle could bring back the lives that had already been lost. Having lost both his parents, Baizhu began to follow in the footsteps of his master, learning the physician's art.
The world is full of strange and complicated diseases, but Baizhu's master was always able to provide treatment. Studying with his master, Baizhu learned a simple truth: Disease is dangerous, but it can ultimately be overcome with human intellect.
...Until the day finally came that Baizhu's master was completely exhausted by the maladies brought on by a contract, and could hold on no longer.
Though Baizhu had learned much in those years, he was still unable to do anything in the face of such a complicated and serious affliction.
That most intractable disease in the world, the one with no cure or answer — death — had finally come for his master.
Was there really no escape from sickness and death for mortals?
The memories of his parents coughing blood from his youth had grown hazier over the years, but the scene of the cold tombstone of his master was crystal clear before his eyes.
Standing before his master's grave, Changsheng's normally playful words were tinged with an imperceptible sense of melancholy.
"Who knows how many more people will take on this contract..."
Baizhu did not want to see yet another precious life slip away before his eyes.
"No. This contract will end with me."
When he next opened his eyes, they shone with a golden light, as though they were unquenchable candles. The first thing reflected in his now vertical pupils was a Vision, appearing briefly like a firefly on his master's tombstone.
The Vision was like the gaze of a god who had witness to everything, but it was also like those of his master, gentle and full of expectation.
Namecard[]
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Obtain: Reward for reaching Friendship Level 10 with Baizhu Description: Sincerity begets longevity. |
Constellation[]
| Lagenaria | |
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 | Story Chapter: Lagenaria Meaning: Calabash |
Quests and Events[]
Archon Quests
Story Quests
World Quests
Events
Web Events
Character Trials[]
Quests
Quest Domains
- Entanglement of Past Dreams — The Formula for a Miracle in Baizhu's Story Quest, Lagenaria Chapter: Act I - The Heart of Healing
Events
Test Run Events
- Baizhu, Ganyu, Kaveh, Candace, Fischl — 2023-05-02
- Furina, Baizhu, Charlotte, Beidou — 2023-11-08
- Wanderer, Baizhu, Layla, Faruzan, Beidou — 2024-05-14
Character Mentions[]
Character Stories
| Character | Stories |
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Character Voice-Overs
| Character | Voice-Overs |
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Mails
| Sender | Mails |
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Mail[]
Trivia[]
- On Baizhu's release as a playable character in Version 3.6, his character model was given a new design featuring various minor changes.
- Baizhu is the second Catalyst character to use melee-focused attacks, after Shikanoin Heizou.
- According to Herbalist Gui, the pharmacist NPC located at Bubu Pharmacy, Baizhu has a weak constitution. Qiqi claims that even as a corpse, she's in better physical shape than Baizhu.[16] Because of this, he assigns Qiqi to handle herb-picking, and Herbalist Gui to assemble the medicines.
- Baizhu has a message on the Feiyun Slope Bulletin Board, where he tells people not to be afraid of Qiqi. After Hu Tao leaves a response, telling him to bring her to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor so she can be put to rest, Baizhu replies "Please, Director Hu, no more jokes."
- Baizhu is the doctor who gives Anthony the prescriptions in the Mondstadt Commission Miracle Medicine to cure Anna's illness.[17] After completing three versions of the commission, Anna will actually recover.
- Baizhu and Changsheng may be inspired from the Chinese Legend of the White Snake, in which a snake immortal helps a struggling herbalist by curing his patients using his divine power.
- Qiqi calling Changsheng "long snake" is a pun in Chinese (长长的，蛇 chángcháng de, shé, "the long, long, snake").
- Before Version 3.0, he was the only individually identifiable character in the game to possess a Dendro Vision.
- The Statue of the Omnipresent God was shown with a Dendro Vision embedded in it since its release in Version 2.0, and it lit up during a cutscene in the Archon Quest The Omnipresent God in Chapter II: Act III - Omnipresence Over Mortals, which was released in Version 2.1. Unfortunately, this only indicated that its owner was a member of the Watatsumi Army.
- Baizhu is originally from Chenyu Vale,[Note 1] and practiced medicine there before moving to Liyue Harbor. As such, several aspects of his kit and marketing are tied to Chenyu Vale:
- The landscape depicted in Baizhu's Elemental Burst Holistic Revivification resembles artwork of Chenyu Vale, especially the cinematic in The Formula for a Miracle.
- The leitmotif used in his character teaser's soundtrack Whisper of Verdure and his Story Quest's soundtrack Pulse of Spring also plays in the Chenyu Vale soundtracks When the Herb Fades and Distant Gleam of Lingshu.
Etymology[]
- Baizhu's name (白术) is the name of the root of the Atractylodes macrocephala plant, which is used as an herb in traditional Chinese medicine.
- His constellation, Lagenaria, is the name of a genus of gourd that includes the calabash or "bottle gourd." This is likely in reference to Li Tieguai (Chinese: 李鐵拐), one of the Eight Immortals, who had a calabash gourd that contained a medicine that could cure any illness, also called the "elixir of immortality." Like Baizhu, Li Tieguai was known to travel the land and cure the sick.
- The fact that "Changsheng" (长生) translates to "longevity" may be a reference to Baizhu's pursuit of eternal life.
Notes[]
- ↑ In The Search for a Physician in Baizhu's Story Quest, Lagenaria Chapter: Act I - The Heart of Healing, Hu Tao mentions that her great-uncle, Baizhu's master, stayed in Chenyu Vale to practice medicine, and in Baizhu's Vision story, Baizhu's master was practicing medicine in Baizhu's hometown.
Other Languages[]
Character Title: Beyond Mortality[]
| Language | Official Name | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Beyond Mortality | — |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 遵生合和 Zūnshēng Héhé | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 遵生合和 Zūnshēng Héhé | |
| Japanese | 遵生合和 Junsei Gouwa | |
| Korean | 양생의 도 Yangsaeng-ui Do | Master of Health Care |
| Spanish | El Trasgresor de lo Mortal | The Transgressor of Mortality[• 1] |
| French | Transcendant la mortalité | Transcending Mortality |
| Russian | Преодоление бренности Preodoleniye brennosti | Overcoming of Mortality |
| Thai | หลอมจิตรวมชีพ | |
| Vietnamese | Sinh Tử Giao Hòa | Reconciliation of Life and Death |
| German | Jenseits der Sterblichkeit | Beyond Mortality |
| Indonesian | Beyond Mortality | — |
| Portuguese | Além da Mortalidade | Beyond Mortality |
| Turkish | Ölümsüzlüğün Ötesi | |
| Italian | Mortalità trascesa | Trascended Mortality |
- ↑ Spanish: While trasgresor commonly means "one who violates a rule or moral law," in this context it instead means "one who goes beyond a boundary."
References[]
- ↑ Official Genshin Impact Website: Baizhu
- ↑ Xiangling's Voice-Over: About Baizhu
- ↑ Keqing's Voice-Over: About Baizhu
- ↑ Xinyan's Voice-Over: About Baizhu
- ↑ NPC Dialogue: Hongdou
- ↑ Commission: Good Medicine Tastes Bitter
- ↑ Xiao's Voice-Over: About Baizhu
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 NPC Dialogue: Herbalist Gui
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Qiqi's Character Story: Character Story 5
- ↑ Qiqi's Voice-Over: About Baizhu
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Hu Tao's Character Story: Character Story 4
- ↑ Qiqi's Character Story: Character Story 3
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Archon Quest, Chapter I, Act II - Farewell, Archaic Lord, Part 6: Guizhong
- ↑ Xingqiu's Voice-Over: About Qiqi
- ↑ World Quest: A Teapot to Call Home: Part I
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Qiqi's Voice-Over: Something to Share
- ↑ YouTube: Character Teaser - "Baizhu: An Elusive Curative"
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