Dawn at Mt. Aozang was serene and suffused with adeptal energy.
The newborn sun's rays pierced through the clouds encircling the mountain's peak, igniting them in a rainbow of colors. The sight resembled celestial silk draped around the abode of the Adepti - beautiful and enchanting.
Jiang Ning stood at the cliff's edge, drinking in the breathtaking scenery. These iridescent cloud seas were a sight impossible to witness from the world below.
Behind him...
The immortal sister who had saved him the previous night was practicing with her polearm. Her movements were swift and precise, her gaze sharp as frost. Dancing in perfect harmony with her ice construct, their deadly duet concealed lethal intent beneath its beauty.
Beautiful, yet deadly.
As she completed her routine, Jiang Ning couldn't help but applaud.
"Amazing... I wish I could be that skilled."
She seemed uncomfortable with having an audience during her training. After executing a final flourish with her weapon, she turned to retreat into the adeptal abode.
"Wait, I still don't know your name."
"You've asked for my name multiple times... Why?"
Her rouge lips parted slightly, her cool voice carrying a hint of confusion.
"Because you're my savior. Isn't it natural to want to know the name of the person who saved your life?"
The young woman hesitated before responding, "We merely crossed paths. Saving your life was a simple matter, not worth dwelling upon. Also... do not come near me."
Jiang Ning froze. Had he said something to offend her? He couldn't think of anything wrong with his words.
"Do not concern yourself. Shenhe was not always thus. The red ropes that bind her emotions make her seem more distant than others."
They both turned to see Cloud Retainer standing at the entrance of the dwelling.
"Red ropes? But... so your name is Shenhe, Sister? I'm Jiang Ning. It's nice to meet you."
Jiang Ning said warmly.
Jiang Ning's question seemed to open Cloud Retainer's conversational floodgates: "Indeed. Shenhe's past is a sorrowful tale, which you shall learn in time. Her warning to keep distance stems from concern - her fate brings calamity, and she wishes you no harm."
"I see..." Jiang Ning said, relieved that his savior didn't dislike him after all.
"Master." Shenhe's tone carried a note of disapproval. Why discuss her matters with an outsider?
Cloud Retainer sighed, "Very well. You and Ganyu both share this tendency. This one shall speak no more of it."
Jiang Ning smiled awkwardly, realizing this Adeptus was quite the conversationalist.
"However, mortal, though we've spoken at length, this one still hasn't heard your name properly."
"I'm Jiang Ning," he hastily replied, though he was certain he'd introduced himself before.
"Jiang Ning... 'River's Tranquility' - a fine name indeed. Saving your life has forged a connection between us, and your knowledge has provided this one with much inspiration," Cloud Retainer mused. "Would you accept this one as your master?"
Even Shenhe seemed surprised by this sudden offer.
Jiang Ning froze momentarily before breaking into a delighted smile. "Of course, Immortal One!"
What fortune - like a gift from the Archons themselves! And the mission completed too...
Cloud Retainer was quite pleased with his reaction, assuming his joy stemmed from recognition of her greatness - completely forgetting that as an outlander, he couldn't possibly know of Cloud Retainer's reputation.
[Ding Task "Become Cloud Retainer's Disciple" completed. Rewards have been deposited in your system inventory, available for collection.]
The System chimed in, though Jiang Ning was too preoccupied to check his rewards just yet.
"Most excellent. This one's heart is gladdened by gaining a new disciple today."
"Immortal One, is this... sufficient for becoming your disciple?" Jiang Ning asked. Weren't there supposed to be formal ceremonies or tea offerings?
Cloud Retainer's tone grew warmer: "Still calling this one 'Immortal One'?"
"Master," Jiang Ning corrected smoothly.
Cloud Retainer was pleased to have another conversation partner, especially one with precious knowledge from another world.
"Though you mention it, traditionally a discipleship offering is required. However, as you're a traveler from beyond, your otherworldly knowledge shall serve as substitute. This one finds such knowledge most intriguing."
Hearing Cloud Retainer mention this repeatedly, Jiang Ning understood the not-so-subtle hint.
He knew there were no free meals in this world. As a stranger receiving such favor, he ought to offer something in return. Besides, it would help repay the debt of saving his life.
"Please grant this disciple a few days to organize and document the knowledge for Master's perusal."
"Most excellent."
Cloud Retainer was satisfied with his quick understanding.
Shenhe remained puzzled - she couldn't recall any such offering during her own discipleship. If anything, her Master and the other Adepti had given her gifts... like her polearm, Calamity Queller.
But if Master said so, she would accept it.
Taking advantage of the moment, Jiang Ning mentally claimed his reward.
[Congratulations on obtaining the "Same-Faction Affinity" passive skill.]
"Could this be the legendary charm increase? Am I becoming some kind of walking enchanter?" Jiang Ning wondered, thinking of certain questionable literature.
The System seemed confused: [What are you thinking? How could it be something like that? That would be no different from corruption or brainwashing! It completely defies reason.]
"But I'm supposed to be a villain, aren't you a villain system?" Jiang Ning thought.
[You can be a villain without compromising your principles.]
The System began its moral education.
"That's rich coming from one who assigned me to betray my master..."
"Anyway, what does this affinity skill actually do?"
[As the name suggests, once someone is confirmed to be in your faction, they'll feel slightly more familiar with you. It's a small boost in friendliness that only works once per person.]
[It just makes people view you more favorably - turning strangers into casual acquaintances. Nothing more.]
"Isn't that rather useless?" Jiang Ning was disappointed.
[Well, you got it for free, and I got it free from the program. Better than nothing.]
"I suppose..."
The mental conversation took only a minute, during which Cloud Retainer felt a subtle increase in fondness for Jiang Ning. Perhaps it was simply the natural result of accepting him as a disciple?
"As you are now this one's disciple, come meet your senior sister."
Cloud Retainer gestured.
Jiang Ning turned to look at the white-haired adeptus, so ethereally distant from the mortal world.
She was truly a breathtaking sight to behold.
"Greetings, Senior Sister." Jiang Ning said respectfully.
Shenhe nodded slightly but said nothing more.
"This is Shenhe's nature - somewhat distant. She will warm up once you become better acquainted."
Cloud Retainer explained.
"I don't mind," Jiang Ning replied.
Shenhe finally spoke: "As my junior brother, you should know - my fate brings calamity and harm to those close to me. It would be best to keep your distance..."
"Child..." Cloud Retainer clicked her tongue disapprovingly before continuing.
"The original intent was for you to try living among mortals. Now with a junior brother as intermediary, you tell him to stay away..."
Shenhe pressed her lips together silently. She was only trying to protect those around her.
"Master, I understand. I'll look after Senior Sister," Jiang Ning quickly said.
Cloud Retainer gave him a look that, despite her avian features, clearly conveyed skepticism.
"Master, please don't judge me by my size. I'm quite mature and independent."
"You barely reach Shenhe's chest height. Who will be looking after whom remains to be seen."
Jiang Ning pressed his lips together. Height was indeed his weakness, with no way to remedy it now. (Tragic.)
Time would have to prove his worth.
Hmph, his senior sister clearly needed someone to look after her, as did his master.
Jiang Ning felt the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders.
[You're supposed to be a villain, not a caretaker.]
"Shut up."
[Yes, sir!]
"Rest well today. Tomorrow, this one shall begin teaching you the arts of Adepti and other essential skills. As this one's disciple, you cannot remain without abilities."
"Thank you, Master."
"Shenhe, watch over this child for now. This one has matters to attend to."
With that, Cloud Retainer spread her wings and departed from the dwelling.
Leaving Jiang Ning and Shenhe staring at each other awkwardly.
Unable to handle the situation, Shenhe turned and walked deeper into the dwelling.
"Wait, Senior Sister!" Jiang Ning called out hurriedly.
"What is it?"
Shenhe turned her head.
"How... how do I enter the dwelling? Master didn't tell me..."
Shenhe paused, then said: "Follow me. Once you learn Master's arts, you'll understand how to enter."
Jiang Ning nodded and quickly followed Shenhe's steps.
Shenhe formed a hand seal, conjuring a talisman of pure ice. Then she spoke coldly:
"Open."
The barrier concealing the dwelling's entrance gradually disappeared. Shenhe turned back to Jiang Ning:
"Enter."
"Yes, Senior Sister."