On Ningguang's side, seeing that this matter had been resolved, the last lingering concern in her heart also dissipated.
Now, she could finally start making proper preparations for the expedition into the Nine Nether Secret Realm.
She bid farewell to Zhongli and flew toward Tongtian Peak, planning to see if she could exchange some contribution points for good items at the Hall of Merits.
Meanwhile, Xiao once again left Mount Shu to seek battles with demon gods.
As he grew more adept with the Overlord Spear of Soaring Clouds, Xiao's combat power became increasingly formidable.
By now, he could easily fight against demon gods equivalent to the mid-stage of Core Formation—and even gain the upper hand.
As for Zhongli, Venti, and the others…
It could be said they now swept across Teyvat unhindered.
Soon, only Lisa, Venti, and Zhongli were left behind.
Lisa cast a glance at Venti, who grinned and leaned toward Zhongli.
"Old man, got any tips on creating martial arts manuals? Teach me a thing or two, so I can make some to send back to Mondstadt."
Zhongli shot him a sidelong look and said coolly:
"You really want to know?"
Venti nodded eagerly.
He too could create cultivation techniques now, but his mastery of martial arts was far inferior to Zhongli's. Creating them was not only troublesome but also a waste of time—and patience was something Venti utterly lacked.
"Five thousand contribution points, and I'll do it for you."
Zhongli spoke as if it were the most casual thing in the world.
Venti froze, staring at him in disbelief.
"Five thousand? That's robbery!"
"Ningguang and the others also offered five thousand when commissioning me. That is the rule."
At that, Venti pulled a long face and muttered:
"Where am I supposed to find five thousand points? I haven't even done any missions yet—my contribution points are still zero!"
"No."
Zhongli suddenly cut him off, gazing at him seriously.
"Your contribution points aren't zero. They're negative one thousand eight hundred."
"…"
Venti went silent for a moment, then looked at him, completely broken.
"N-Negative? Why!?"
With a snort, Zhongli said calmly:
"These past few days you've been running wild all over Mount Shu. Though not major incidents, you've nonetheless disturbed its peace."
"Therefore, the corresponding contribution points have been deducted. Also, let me remind you—"
"If you don't make up the deficit before the beginning of next month, the Law Enforcement Hall will report to the sect master."
"Your spirit stone stipend for next month will be gone."
With that, Zhongli clasped his hands behind his back and strolled leisurely back to the Law Enforcement Hall on Dragon Head Peak, without waiting for Venti's reaction.
Venti stood there, dumbstruck, as if he had turned to stone.
There were only seven days left in the month—and with the Nine Nether Secret Realm exploration looming, who knew when he'd be back?
Didn't that mean… there was a very good chance he wouldn't have any spirit stones next month?
Venti felt like his world was collapsing.
Lisa gave him a sympathetic glance, though inwardly she was a little gloating.
This troublemaker finally got a taste of hardship. A while back he'd even caused trouble in the spirit fields, making the Law Enforcement Hall question why she and Lishu hadn't kept better watch.
Now the tables had turned.
Lisa smiled sweetly, bid Venti farewell, and flew out of Mount Shu.
She'd been cooped up cultivating at Great Bamboo Peak these past few days without stepping outside.
Since she had the time today, why not wander around Mount Shu's blessed lands?
It would be a refreshing form of heart cultivation.
On the vast Dragon Head Peak, only Venti remained, standing dazed in the bleak wind.
The sight was rather pitiful.
Inside the Sect's Grand Hall.
Jiang Yan had just finished a lecture for Klee.
The little one truly lived up to the name of a heaven-blessed prodigy.
Though she had never once come into contact with cultivation—not even through novels—she grasped every difficult concept instantly.
At this moment, a faint wisp of Southern Bright Departure Fire flickered at Klee's fingertips.
It looked so weak that a breeze might extinguish it, but only those who knew the true might of that fire understood—
Even this tiny flame could easily burn Mondstadt City to ashes.
The Crimson Emperor's Heaven-Burning Art held a level of fire mastery ordinary cultivators could never comprehend.
"Master, Klee can make a little flame now!"
She snuffed out the fire at her fingertip and looked up at Jiang Yan expectantly.
He smiled and said gently:
"Klee is indeed a peerless prodigy. In less than a week since entering the sect, you've already reached this level."
Klee beamed even brighter, then stood up and stared at him with sparkling eyes.
Jiang Yan chuckled—he knew this routine.
She was asking for a hug.
He spread his arms, and Klee dashed forward on her short legs, throwing herself into his embrace, nuzzling against him.
"Master's arms are so comfy! Klee loves it best!"
Jiang Yan pinched her cheek softly.
"Soon we'll enter the Nine Nether Secret Realm. Master won't be able to protect you personally."
"You must behave, listen to Elder Alice and Senior Zhongli. Don't run off, and don't blow things up recklessly."
"If danger comes, what should you do?"
Klee raised her hand immediately.
"Klee knows! If there's danger, Klee will throw out the jade talisman and follow Mommy and the others to retreat!"
"Once inside, Klee won't take off the clothes Master gave, and won't touch any strange plants or flowers."
"Klee memorized everything! Master, Klee is very obedient!"
Satisfied, Jiang Yan nodded and patted her gently.
"Good. That's all for today's cultivation. You can go play now."
Her eyes lit up instantly.
"Master, can Klee go down the mountain to blow up fishies? Klee's fish are super tasty—Klee will catch a big one for Master!"
Jiang Yan's heart softened. He rubbed her head.
"Go, but be careful. When flying on your sword, you must not—"
"Must not drop bombs while flying! Klee knows!"
She swung her little backpack onto her shoulders, shouted a cheerful "Heave-ho!" and ran out.
"Master! Klee's going! Bye-bye Master!"
Her crisp little voice faded from the hall, leaving Jiang Yan shaking his head with a helpless smile.
Her childlike innocence truly was well-suited for cultivation.
Her future achievements would likely be extraordinary.
He lifted his hand and conjured a water mirror, displaying every corner of Mount Shu's blessed land.
He saw Liuyun scolding while repairing a furnace, with Lishu bowing his head in apology after another alchemy explosion.
Lisa leisurely flying her sword outside the Seven Peaks.
Shenhe utterly immersed in the Seven Killing Order of Ghosts and Gods.
And Venti on Dragon Head Peak, steeped in despair.
Surveying them, Jiang Yan felt that compared to when they had first entered the sect, they had indeed begun to grasp the true combat methods of cultivators.
They could now properly wield their true essence.
Even Lisa, though progressing slowly due to the nature of her Hellfire Soulburning Art, had at least mastered the Sword-Riding Technique.
And once she condensed hellfire, it would already be devastating against living beings.
All in all, they finally possessed the strength a cultivator should have.
Judging by the time, tomorrow marked the end of their first week in the sect.
Therefore, the Nine Nether Secret Realm exploration could not be delayed.
After some thought, Jiang Yan gathered his true essence into sound and transmitted it to all disciples:
"All disciples, hear my command. Tomorrow at noon, the first exploration of the Nine Nether Secret Realm will begin."
"Prepare yourselves thoroughly. Face the secret realm with utmost caution."
Silence fell briefly across Mount Shu before voices rose in response.
Lisa, who had been traveling outside, and Venti, still sulking on Dragon Head Peak, also snapped back to attention.
Tomorrow was the first secret realm expedition.
Unlike the harmonious Teyvat, this place was filled with dangers and countless demonic beasts.
To be safe, they had to use this final day to consolidate their strength.
Ningguang, upon hearing Jiang Yan's voice, immediately began channeling true essence to draw talismans.
Tomorrow they would enter the Nine Nether Secret Realm—a perilous place. Jiang Yan himself could not go in.
Even if he projected his divine sense onto them, at best he could provide information.
In battle, they would be on their own.
The secret realm teemed with beasts as strong as Core Formation, even some at the peak of Nascent Soul.
Given their origins and ties to Mount Shu, meeting them would surely mean a fight to the death.
Better to prepare now while things were still calm.
So the entire sect busied itself, anxiety mingling with excitement—because the potential treasures outweighed the risks.
But Keqing, who had already left Mount Shu, could not return for now, though her disciple token conveyed the message.
She needed to hurry back to deliver the new techniques to the Liyue Qixing, and explain the martial path to them.
With that thought, her pace quickened.
A sword-light tore through the clouds above Jueyun Karst, vanishing into the horizon.
The Millelith below noticed but only watched enviously before resuming their duties.
They did not notice the figure hiding on a distant hill.
Eyes fixed on Keqing's vanishing trail, filled with burning battle intent.
"So the rumors were true!"
"Liyue really is changing drastically. That sword light—must be the sword immortal of legend!"
"Haha… what a place! Liyue is truly wonderful!"
"To encounter such a strong foe so soon after arriving—it's hard to stay calm!"
"Such strength… fighting her would be exhilarating!"
"And there are other Liyue immortals too. So many strong foes—what a happy problem to have."
"Well then… let's start with this sword immortal!"
The young man with orange hair hiding there was none other than Tartaglia, newly arrived in Liyue.
A few days ago, before reaching the city, he had seen that sky-covering lightning.
Though a battle maniac, even he felt fear before such a sight.
But afterward, he only grew more eager to reach Liyue.
Not just out of concern for the Tsaritsa's plans—
His instincts told him that everything he desired awaited here.
Greater power, stronger foes, endless battles.
All of it, in Liyue.
After rushing tirelessly, he finally arrived this morning.
But the moment he set foot in the Northland Bank, Liyue taught him a harsh lesson…
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