Ganyu had agreed to the contract with the Geo Archon, and thus became the secretary of Liyue's Qixing.
For a thousand years, day after day, the same routine continued.
Yet apart from work, Ganyu had no sense of belonging. Sometimes, the more crowded the city around her became, the stronger her loneliness grew. At times, she couldn't help but wonder, someone like her, neither human nor adeptus, did staying in Liyue Harbor truly have any meaning?
Su Han showed a thoughtful expression and only spoke after a long pause. "Actually, there's no real difference between humans and adepti."
"Hm? Why would you say that?"
Ganyu was surprised by his words.
Adepti.
Humans.
How could they not be different? They were two completely different kinds of beings!
But Su Han's answer was completely unexpected. He said, "It's simple. Everyone living on the land of Liyue is a living being. When disaster strikes, both stand together to defend it. Humans and adepti both have flesh and blood, they feel sorrow, they grieve. The only true difference is lifespan."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Of course, I admit adepti live much longer. But human creativity shouldn't be underestimated either. The reason things became this way is because the adepti have stayed away from the mortal world for too long. Their pride also plays a part in the divide.
If one day they could live among the people of Liyue and truly experience life, I believe the mortal world would offer them many wonderful surprises.
Ganyu, you know… I have a dream. One day, I hope the adepti and the people of Liyue can live together. What do you think?"
Such a bold statement, Ganyu had never even imagined it. Even the Qixing only dared to revere the adepti from afar; no one would ever speak of uniting both worlds.
But if things really were as Su Han described… if the adepti truly became part of Liyue Harbor, would she still feel lonely then?
She didn't know why, but the very thought of it left her flustered and uncertain. "But that's impossible, isn't it? For example, my master, Cloud Retainer, she greatly dislikes humans."
Ganyu suddenly recalled all her memories in the mountains. What Su Han said sounded beautiful, but her master, who frequently called mortals "rude," "small," and "ignorant"... was not someone who would ever live among them.
With such disdain, how could they coexist?
Hearing this, Su Han simply shook his head and said, "It's fine. There's a saying, 'where there's a will, there's a way.' My late parents once told me they hoped humans and adepti could live in harmony. Returning to Liyue Harbor was my way of working toward that dream.
In any case, it's a long road ahead.
Maybe those who've spent too long in the mountains have already grown tired of solitude."
After all, he had transmigrated here. His parents back on Earth probably wouldn't blame him for following his dream.
Looking at the confident man before her, Ganyu found herself at a loss for words. Yet there was one thing she couldn't deny, "Mortals may live briefly, but their creativity and vitality truly are unmatched by the adepti."
Thinking this, Ganyu smiled again and encouraged him. "Mm. Then do your best. I really enjoyed today's talk. It's getting late, I should return. Next time, I'll continue guiding your training, and I hope you'll help answer my questions as well."
"No problem."
And thus, a wonderful meeting came to an end.
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
At Jueyun Karst.
A certain crane adeptus was in the middle of her mechanical experiments. After sneezing several times and ruining her research, she lost her temper. "Who is talking about this immortal behind my back? Could it be Ganyu? But that child is always so busy… unlikely."
Cloud Retainer rubbed her beak and was about to resume her work when she noticed a letter from Ganyu.
"Hm? So soon? She's already finished investigating?"
Murmuring as she opened it, she was surprised by what she read. The mortal comic store owner she had ordered Ganyu to investigate turned out to be a human with qilin blood.
Not only that, Ganyu also explained that the comic wasn't slandering the qilin, but that the so-called "Qilin Slayer" was a misunderstood plot element, the qilin killed only to protect the ley lines of the earth. That, indeed, made sense.
Cloud Retainer immediately understood, it was mortals spreading rumors that had twisted the truth, leading to the false label of "demonic beast." She scoffed. "No wonder. Hmph! Such shortsighted mortals! The qilin is an auspicious being. Guarding the ley lines is its sacred duty."
"What a pity… rumors have turned a blessing into a curse. Ridiculous."
"But… since when was there a Fire Qilin? Strange. I'll have to look into that later."
Since the comic was cleared of suspicion and her experiment had failed anyway, Cloud Retainer decided to pick up the comic to pass the time.
She wanted to see for herself what kind of story could attract so many mortals.
The story began with fated prophecies, filled with love, hatred, and fierce battles. To Cloud Retainer, such mortal tales were childish and dull.
Even the martial arts within were crude compared to adeptal arts, until the appearance of the "Heaven-Sundering Sword Twenty-Three."
That finally caught her attention.
"Hm? Using the spirit to control the sword? Remarkably ingenious. Too bad the villain's fate hasn't yet run its course, otherwise, he would already be dead."
There were only four volumes.
But the adeptus found herself surprisingly entertained. Compared to the novels sold in the mortal realm, these colored comics were far more engaging.
When she finished all four volumes, Cloud Retainer even felt a hint of disappointment. "Hmph. Quite interesting, indeed. A pity there's so little of it."
Shaking her head, she felt unsatisfied. "I haven't gone down the mountain for two days anyway… perhaps I'll visit Liyue Harbor tomorrow. I could try some of their cuisine, and see what kind of person this so-called hybrid 'immortal beast' really is."
"Yes, that settles it."
Cloud Retainer hummed a cheerful tune as her mood began to brighten.
...
The next day.
On the streets of Liyue Harbor, groups of children appeared everywhere, each holding stacks of colorful papers with bold letters printed across the top:
[The Wind and Cloud Manhua Has Updated - A New Chapter Begins!]
"Everyone, come see! Wind and Cloud has updated again! Thanks to everyone's support, the shopkeeper has released a new chapter!"
"The newest volume, Bu Jingyun's tears awaken the Peerless Sword, Nie Feng falls into demonic madness!"
"Wind and Cloud is back! Get your copies now!"
The citizens, unaccustomed to such energetic promotion, were momentarily stunned. But as soon as they heard that a new volume had been released, excitement spread through the crowd.
No one expected another update so soon.
Most importantly, the new posters mentioned thrilling developments:
[Nie Feng's Descent into Madness!]
[Bu Jingyun Sharpens the Peerless Sword!]
What?! That peerless divine blade hadn't even been unsheathed yet?
Everyone grew even more eager.
Some skipped their meals to line up at the shop, but by the time they arrived, the streets were already packed.
"Give me the latest two volumes, please, I'm begging you!"
"I want five sets!"
"Ten sets! I'm buying for my friends!"
The scene was chaos, but joyful chaos. The shop's clerks were drenched in sweat, struggling to meet the demand. Not only the new volumes, but older ones were also selling out fast.
"The people in back, hurry! Bring another thousand copies from the warehouse, we're running out!"
"They're here! Make way, everyone!"
As carts full of comics arrived, the crowd erupted again, each person desperate not to miss out.
Upstairs, Zhongli sat by the window, calmly flipping through a comic. Hearing the commotion outside, he smiled faintly. "Brother Su, you truly know how to stir up a crowd. But if the Hall Master saw this frenzy, I doubt she'd forgive you easily."
Su Han took a sip of tea, completely relaxed. "Oh, come on. Her business is unique in all of Liyue Harbor, even without marketing, people would still flock there. My business is a different story. Besides, if Hu Tao's shop ever got too popular, Liyue Harbor might just descend into chaos."
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