Hu Tao

Lore & Background

In Liyue, death is not merely an end but a transition that requires careful management. Hu Tao inherited the responsibility of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor at a young age, becoming its seventy-seventh director. While some might view her youthful demeanor as inappropriate for such a serious role, her actions prove she understands the weight of her duty better than most. She ensures that spirits pass on peacefully and that the living do not burden themselves with unresolved grief or lingering ghosts. Her relationship with Liyue's leadership is nuanced; she respects the Qixing but often operates independently to maintain the sanctity of funeral customs. Despite her jokes and poems, Hu Tao remains a steadfast guardian of the boundary between worlds. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: life should be lived fully, but death must be respected. She does not fear spirits, nor does she encourage them to haunt the living unnecessarily. Instead, she uses her unique talents to soothe restless souls, ensuring that the natural order remains intact for all of Teyvat.

In Their Own Story

The lanterns flickered low as night settled over Liyue Harbor. Hu Tao adjusted her hat, the feathers casting long shadows against the stone walls of the parlor. A faint wisp of smoke curled from a candle on the desk where she was writing verses in hurried strokes. She paused, listening to the silence that usually filled the room after dusk. A soft knock echoed from the courtyard gate. Not human, but something lighter. Hu Tao smiled, not with fear, but with professional curiosity. She grabbed her polearm, resting it on her shoulder as she walked toward the entrance. Tonight was another chance to help a lost soul find its way home, even if it meant skipping breakfast tomorrow.

Reader's Guide

Hu Tao serves as the seventy-seventh director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Liyue Harbor, a position she inherited with youthful energy and unconventional methods. Though she often appears mischievous or eccentric to outsiders, her dedication to guiding spirits is profound. She balances the weight of death with a vibrant personality, ensuring the living respect their ancestors while preventing restless souls from lingering too long. In combat, she wields a polearm infused with Pyro energy, utilizing techniques that summon ethereal flames and phoenixes to aid her attacks. Her abilities reflect her connection to the boundary between life and afterlife, allowing her to mark enemies for increased damage before unleashing devastating bursts of fire. This playfulness masks a deep understanding of Liyue’s traditions. Her personal narrative explores themes of responsibility and heritage. While she jokes frequently, Hu Tao holds immense respect for the deceased and the rituals surrounding them. She navigates complex relationships with local figures, including the Qixing and wandering adepti, proving that even a young director can uphold ancient customs with modern flair. Her journey highlights how one can honor the past while embracing the present.

Did You Know?

• She is known to write poems in her spare time, sometimes using them during funeral services.
• Hu Tao possesses a unique ability to communicate with spirits without fear or hesitation.
• Despite her playful nature, she is deeply committed to her duties at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, and she is fully aware that Zhongli—a consultant she inherited from her predecessor—is actually Rex Lapis.