As the villagers worshipped and flattered Makoto, Cloud Retainer, standing atop the high mountain, fell into deep thought.
Her original plan was to personally descend and protect the villagers, but she never expected Makoto to enter the fray before her.
Not only that, but Makoto also single-handedly blocked the Ancient Geovishap's attack.
This greatly surprised Cloud Retainer.
Because she knew how terrifying the destructive power of the Primeval Spurt was.
Cloud Retainer had personally witnessed an Ancient Geovishap's spurt easily flatten a mountain peak.
Therefore, even Immortals would not easily choose to put themselves in danger when facing the Ancient Geovishap's spurt.
However, Makoto did something that greatly surprised Cloud Retainer.
Makoto used his body to block the Ancient Geovishap's spurt.
Not only did he block it, but he also did so without a scratch.
This made Cloud Retainer find it incredibly unbelievable, so most of the time, Cloud Retainer's gaze was fixed on the Yu Zhang Shield in front of Makoto.
That Yu Zhang Shield was too powerful.
It gave Cloud Retainer the feeling that the energy contained within it was comparable to an Immortal's spell.
No, that Yu Zhang Shield had already surpassed an Immortal's spell!
Why would Makoto possess power that surpassed an Immortal's?
In her astonishment, Cloud Retainer also sensed a familiar aura from the shield.
That aura was actually somewhat similar to Lord of Geo's!
So much so that for a moment, Cloud Retainer's expression was somewhat dazed, mistaking Makoto's back for the presence of Lord of Geo himself!
Could it be that this young man named Makoto has some kind of connection or even a contract with Lord of Geo?
Cloud Retainer's heart was filled with indescribable awe.
Of course, what Cloud Retainer found most unbelievable was that Makoto had even successfully killed the Ancient Geovishap!
Cloud Retainer, after all, was an Immortal who had lived for thousands of years, and she had a certain understanding of the strength of these monsters in Liyue.
She knew that the Ancient Geovishap was covered in thick scales, with astonishing DEF.
Ordinary swords and spears had no effect on it whatsoever; only an Immortal's spell could suppress this monster.
But now, Cloud Retainer witnessed with her own eyes that Makoto killed the Ancient Geovishap with just one spear strike!
It's no exaggeration to say that the spear strike Makoto unleashed was comparable to the ultimate dragon-slaying technique!
Even though Cloud Retainer stood on a distant mountain peak, she could still feel the overwhelming pressure.
As an Immortal, Cloud Retainer, having experienced thousands of years of time, had long forgotten what the feeling of oppression was like.
But after seeing Makoto unleash that ultimate spear strike, a long-lost sensation actually arose in her heart.
Cloud Retainer's original intention was to observe Makoto's character, but everything that happened tonight brought her an unexpected gain.
At the very least, Cloud Retainer knew that Makoto's strength was not to be underestimated.
No wonder those villagers treated Makoto as an Immortal, because Makoto's spear strike indeed had the demeanor of an Immortal.
If there was any flaw, it was that the spear Makoto held was too ordinary.
What Immortal would use such useless scrap metal?
It seems it's time to gift Makoto a weapon.
Cloud Retainer's idea had both public and private reasons.
From a public perspective, Makoto's timely protection of Liyue residents today was meritorious, and he deserved a gift from the Immortals.
From a private perspective, Cloud Retainer considered that if Makoto and Ganyu were to be together in the future, it would be unseemly if he didn't even have a suitable weapon.
...
Meanwhile, with Makoto.
Looking at the villagers kneeling on the ground with expressions of sincere reverence, Makoto spoke, "You should all get up quickly. I am not an Immortal, there's no need for such a grand gesture."
However, the villagers remained kneeling, not daring to rise.
"The Immortal not only protected us just now but also dealt with that monster. Possessing such great power, he is undoubtedly an Immortal."
"That's right, please don't mind, Immortal. This is our way of expressing gratitude!"
Upon hearing this, Makoto helplessly rubbed his forehead.
He finally understood why Ningguang was so stubborn; it turned out the entire village adhered to its own principles.
And these principles were unshakeable.
At this moment, Ningguang reached out and tugged at her mother's clothes, softly introducing, "Mom, this is the Mr. Fang I told you about."
"Mr. Fang is very kind to Ningguang."
"He not only got Ningguang new clothes but also lent Ningguang money to buy a house, and that Vision was also given to Ningguang by Mr. Fang to keep."
Ningguang habitually recounted the day's events to her mother.
Whenever she spoke of Mr. Fang, the little girl's tender, pretty face would unconsciously break into a sweet smile.
The happiness in her sparkling eyes was almost overflowing.
Ningguang's mother had indeed noticed that her daughter had changed into a beautiful dress when she came home tonight.
She had been a bit surprised at the time, but now, hearing Ningguang's words, she understood everything.
"In that case, Mr. Fang is truly very good to you."
Upon hearing this, Ningguang's mother's eyes welled up slightly, and when she looked at Makoto again, her expression was filled with indescribable gratitude.
Originally, Ningguang's mother had felt quite guilty because their family was impoverished, and she had never been able to give Ningguang a happy childhood.
But now, with Makoto's arrival, Ningguang's mother could clearly feel that her daughter was much more cheerful than before.
For this alone, Ningguang's mother was very grateful to Makoto.
"Mm-hmm! Mr. Fang said Ningguang will definitely become an excellent secretary in the future."
"Ningguang needs to grow up quickly and then help Mr. Fang share his burdens!"
The little girl's face was full of seriousness, and she was full of longing for her future life.
Ningguang's mother gently stroked Ningguang's head, her gaze tender: "Yes, Mr. Fang has helped our family so much."
"If there's a chance, we definitely have to repay him…"
"Mm-hmm, Ningguang wants to repay Mr. Fang~"
The little girl's voice was so tender, yet so serious.