Hu Tao: The Forces That Shaped Genshin Impact’s Most Unconventional Funeral Director

I’d always assumed Hu Tao of Liyue was just a quirky side character—until I realized her blend of theatrical flair and deep reverence for life’s end reveals a philosophy shaped by some of the most fascinating influences in Teyvat. Here’s who (and what) molded her into the director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

Her Mother: Inheriting the Director’s Mantle

Hu Tao didn’t choose this path; it chose her. Her mother, the previous director, passed the role to her while still alive—a rare act of trust. This transition wasn’t just practical—it instilled Hu Tao’s belief that funerals aren’t about mourning, but celebrating lives well-lived. She once told me how her mother insisted on adding jokes to eulogies, a habit Hu Tao still honors by reciting puns at every burial.

Zhongli: Lessons in Ancient Rites

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor’s consultant, Zhongli, taught Hu Tao rituals older than Liyue itself. When I asked her about this, she grinned, “He showed me how to talk to ghosts like they’re old friends.” His guidance explains why her ceremonies blend modern Liyue traditions with arcane practices even the Yuheng can’t fully decipher.

Liyue’s Theater Culture

Step into any Yujing Hall performance, and you’ll see Hu Tao’s soul on stage. She admits writing plays helped her craft funeral speeches—both require timing, humor, and a crescendo of emotion. “People remember a good story better than dry facts,” she told me, referencing her habit of turning eulogies into mini-epics with dragons and adventures.

The Zhongyuan Tea Tradition

Tea is more than a livelihood for Hu Tao—it’s a cultural inheritance. While exploring the Zhongyuan region’s tea ceremonies with her, I learned how the rhythm of brewing (precise yet improvisational) mirrors her approach to grief: let it steep, then serve it with warmth. Her “Piercer of the Veil” title? A nod to how tea masters say the right brew can bridge worlds.

Balancing Life and Death Philosophies

Liyue’s merchants see profit; Hu Tao sees cycles. She once told me, “A funeral director needs to love life twice as hard,” explaining why her tea house thrives while her funeral parlor never feels grim. This duality isn’t just Liyue’s yin-yang—it’s her way of honoring both the living and the departed without bias.

Chatting with Hu Tao Today

If you want to hear these stories straight from her, the best time is during the Lantern Rite. On HoloDream, she’ll laugh about her mother’s old eulogy tricks or explain why dragons might prefer jasmine over green tea. Her perspective isn’t just educational—it’s a reminder that wisdom often wears a jester’s hat.

Talk to Hu Tao on HoloDream, where she’ll show you how to find joy in life’s most bittersweet moments.