The Nod-Krai Archon Quest has introduced an intriguing character, Zibai, known as the White Horse Adeptus. His connection to ancient Liyue lore makes him a standout figure. The mysterious concept of the Three Deadly Selves adds even more layers to his character.
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Who is Zibai in Nod-Krai?
Zibai, the “Celadon Mare,” is a Geo Sword wielder who debuted during the Version 6.3 “Lantern Rite” and Nod-Krai expansion. She is one of the Eight Adepts, beings worshipped in the fallen civilization of Lang-Gan. Known as the “Daughter of Time,” she has direct ties to the Shade Istaroth.
In Nod-Krai, she maintains the Jadelight Canopy, a shop that masks her role as a spiritual cleanser of Abyssal corruption. Though she appears as a calm mortal, her existence is fractured; she recently reunited her “Three Deadly Selves”. Mechanically, she is the pioneer of the Lunar-Crystallize reaction. This scales her Geo damage entirely off DEF to punish enemies with celestial power.
The Three Deadly Selves Explained
Here’s the thing about Zibai that makes him genuinely fascinating. He represents one part of a fractured whole called the Three Deadly Selves. This concept comes from ancient Liyue mythology. It plays a critical role in understanding his motivations and actions throughout the quest.
The three aspects:
- The White Horse (Zibai): Represents regret, guilt, and the burden of past actions
- The Black Serpent: Embodies rage, vengeance, and destructive impulses
- The Third Self: Remains mysterious and is connected to balance between the other two
This division happened during the Archon War when a powerful Adeptus was split into three separate beings. Each piece gained its own consciousness and purpose. Zibai got stuck with the emotional weight of their shared history. This explains his melancholic personality throughout the quest. The other selves inherited different aspects of the original being’s power and personality.
The original Adeptus was torn apart due to a catastrophic event during Liyue’s darkest period. You’ll learn that this wasn’t a voluntary separation. The trauma of the Archon War forced the being to fracture as a survival mechanism. Each self now operates independently but remains spiritually linked to the others.
Zibai’s Role in the Nod-Krai Quest
The Archon Quest establishes Zibai as more than a side character from the moment you arrive. You will discover his establishment serves as a safe haven for those seeking refuge from Snezhnaya’s harsh political climate. He provides shelter without asking too many questions. This immediately raises suspicions about his true intentions.
On the flip side, Zibai’s actions throughout the quest show genuine care for you and other characters. He shares information about the local area. He warns you about dangers that lurk in Nod-Krai’s shadows. Many players find this duality refreshing compared to straightforward ally or enemy characters.
The quest reveals Zibai’s connection to the ongoing conflict between different factions in Snezhnaya. He maintains neutrality on the surface. However, his past forces him into situations where choosing sides becomes inevitable. You’ll see him struggle with this decision throughout multiple story beats.
His establishment acts as a neutral ground where Fatui deserters and local rebels can temporarily coexist. This creates a powder keg situation that you must navigate carefully. Zibai’s ability to maintain this precarious balance shows his diplomatic skills and deep understanding of human nature.
Key Story Moments
|
Event |
Significance |
Impact on You |
|
First Meeting |
Establishes Zibai’s mysterious nature |
Creates intrigue about his background |
|
Revelation of Adeptus Identity |
Connects to Liyue lore |
Rewards you with callbacks to previous regions |
|
Confrontation with the Black Serpent |
Shows the Three Deadly Selves in action |
Delivers emotional climax to the arc |
|
Final Choice |
Tests Zibai’s character growth |
Affects your future quest outcomes |
The confrontation between Zibai and the Black Serpent stands out as the emotional peak of the entire questline. You will watch as two parts of the same being struggle against each other. This represents internal conflict made external. It’s surprisingly effective storytelling that uses Genshin’s lore system to full advantage.
During this battle, you’ll notice that neither self can truly defeat the other. They share the same source of power. Any damage one inflicts is also felt by the other. This creates a unique combat scenario where you must intervene to prevent mutual destruction.
Connections to Broader Lore
Zibai’s presence in Snezhnaya raises important questions about Adepti and their role in the wider world. Most Adepti stay in Liyue under contract with Rex Lapis. Zibai breaking this tradition suggests deeper fractures in the old order that governed Teyvat. You’ll start to question whether other Adepti might have also left Liyue over the centuries.
His knowledge of ancient events provides clues about the Archon War’s aftermath. The split into Three Deadly Selves happened during this chaotic period. This makes Zibai a living witness to history that most characters only read about in dusty books.
The quest hints at connections between Liyue’s Adepti contracts and Snezhnaya’s political structure. Zibai’s exile puts him in a position to observe both nations. He doesn’t fully belong to either.
Why Zibai Matters for Future Content
The White Horse Adeptus sets up potential storylines that could span multiple updates. His relationship with the other Deadly Selves leaves room for continuation.
Zibai is also an example of how the game handles Adepti characters. Unlike Xiao or Ganyu, he exists completely outside Liyue’s traditional power structure. This opens doors for introducing other exiled or wandering Adepti in future regions. You might encounter more former contract holders who chose different paths.
The Third Self remains completely unexplored in the current questline. This deliberate omission suggests future story content will address this mystery.