The next day, Jiang Ning realized that his master truly had no idea how to teach disciples.
She had spoken at length, but Jiang Ning barely understood any of it.
Frustrated, Cloud Retainer declared that "a rotten wood cannot be carved" and stormed off to sulk.
However, Shenhe quietly whispered to Jiang Ning: "Don't worry about it. Master is always like this. Her teaching skills aren't very good, but she loves calling others foolish..."
Jiang Ning asked curiously: "Then Senior Sister, how did you manage to achieve your current level of skill?"
Shenhe replied: "Self-study, and by studying the books of adeptal arts in Master's library."
Jiang Ning said: "Senior Sister, you've had it tough."
Shenhe sighed helplessly - what could she do about having such a master...
To be honest, if she hadn't been able to learn on her own, she would have long since fled to Liyue Harbor to find her Senior Sister.
Jiang Ning asked: "Then, would it be possible for Senior Sister to teach me?"
Shenhe hesitated: "But my adeptal arts are based on having a Vision. I'm not sure if you can..."
"Speaking of which, Senior Sister, what exactly is a Vision?"
Jiang Ning had only completed the tutorial back then, and vaguely knew that Visions were external organs for channeling magical power that allowed people to use elemental forces, but as for the specifics... he wasn't very clear.
Shenhe asked: "You don't know what a Vision is?"
"Senior Sister, I am a traveler from another world..." Jiang Ning said.
Shenhe nodded: "Oh... A Vision, simply put, is an external magical organ that allows one to use one of the elements."
"That's it?" Jiang Ning was dumbfounded.
Shenhe nodded seriously: "That's it."
Jiang Ning fell silent. What should he do if his senior sister was this unreliable?
Shenhe took out her Vision - an exquisitely carved frame with a glass-like sphere in the middle, crystal clear and radiating an icy blue light, even emanating a hint of coldness.
Shenhe said: "This is my Vision, a Cryo Vision... There are seven different elements for Visions: Anemo, Geo, Electro, Dendro, Hydro, Pyro, and Cryo."
"How does one obtain a Vision?"
"It's said to be granted by the gods' gaze," Shenhe answered honestly.
Jiang Ning was completely confused. It all seemed very complicated.
If he had known he would transmigrate, he would have played the game earlier... Maybe he could have even acted as a prophet knowing the plot.
Jiang Ning thought silently.
Seeing that Jiang Ning had fallen quiet, Shenhe, not being skilled at making conversation, quietly began to meditate on her cushion.
"Senior Sister, what are you doing?"
"Cultivating..."
...
After a few days, Shenhe let Cloud Retainer know that it wasn't that Jiang Ning was foolish. In fact, after being enhanced by the system, Jiang Ning's comprehension ability was quite remarkable.
After Shenhe taught him some theoretical knowledge, Jiang Ning could even draw inferences and offer his own insights and improvements.
However, one could only say that the Cloud Retainer wasn't very good at teaching students.
If Jiang Ning hadn't organized everything early on and sent it to the Cloud Retainer, causing Cloud Retainer to become immersed in the sea of knowledge...
It was estimated that Cloud Retainer would have been quite dejected.
Today, Jiang Ning was about to graduate from theoretical knowledge. Both Shenhe and Cloud Retainer were outside the immortal's cave dwelling, watching Jiang Ning's practical operation.
"Without a Vision, you temporarily cannot utilize elemental power. This immortal is not very certain whether you can use my immortal arts."
"This immortal is known as Cloud Retainer, one of the Three Eyes Five Manifestations Adepti who follow Rex Lapis. I was born with the ability to use elemental power. Shenhe, that child, has a Vision and can also use elemental power, but you..."
"Master, let me try," Jiang Ning said eagerly.
Cloud Retainer said: "Very well. If you can use it, that would be wonderful. If not, you'll either have to study the cultivation methods of mortal exorcist families - though you won't be able to continue on the immortal path, at least you'll have the power to protect yourself."
"If all else fails, this immortal will swallow my pride and beseech Rex Lapis on your behalf, asking him to bestow upon you an empty Vision shell."
Cloud Retainer rambled on, but Jiang Ning felt warmth in his heart.
He had never had someone who would ramble on like this to him since childhood. Having someone like this now made him very happy.
However, thinking about having to betray his master in the future... hmm, Jiang Ning felt he still needed some mental preparation.
But over these few days, Jiang Ning had also learned who the Rex Lapis his master spoke of was.
The Rex Lapis of Liyue, the ruler of this nation, the Geo Archon, Morax.
The victor of the Archon War, said to have slain demons with a single spear, revered by the people of Liyue as the Martial God.
In short, he was incredibly powerful.
It was said that Geo Visions were granted by this Martial God Rex Lapis... at least that's what his master had said.
Jiang Ning said: "Master, what if I succeed? Don't worry, let me try..."
Speaking thus, he followed Shenhe's instructions, held his breath to concentrate, and attempted to trace the talisman pattern in his mind with his spirit.
But obviously, it failed. If everyone could really do it just by imagination, wouldn't anyone who memorized talisman patterns be able to use immortal arts?
Cloud Retainer said: "As expected. This immortal's arts are based on elemental power. It's normal that you cannot use them. Don't worry, you are this immortal's disciple. This immortal will find you the cultivation methods of exorcist families, or seek out Rex Lapis."
Jiang Ning pondered for a moment, suddenly remembering his "absorption" skill.
The instruction manual... had been lost by the embarrassing system, but Jiang Ning had an idea.
"Senior Sister, could you gather some elemental power?"
Though puzzled, Shenhe still extended her jade-white hand, condensing a ball of Cryo energy in her palm.
"Little Junior Brother, what do you want to do?"
Cloud Retainer was also curious.
"It's a hypothesis, and I have a feeling..."
Jiang Ning suddenly remembered that in the game, when he chose Lumine as the protagonist, she could touch the Statues of The Seven to obtain Anemo power.
So, could he use absorption to obtain different elements?
Jiang Ning thought it was worth a try.
He stared at the Cryo element in Shenhe's hand and reached out to touch it.
"What are you trying to do?"
Shenhe frowned, stepping back, not letting Jiang Ning succeed in touching it.
Cloud Retainer also spoke earnestly:
"Even if you cannot use this immortal's arts, there's no need for such self-destruction. Has your mind been affected by the shock? You're already preparing to harm yourself? This immortal already said..."
Jiang Ning, with a black line over his head, interrupted his master: "Master, no, I'm very clear-headed... I just have a feeling that I can touch and use elemental power..."
He now understood why some nagging masters who truly cared for you weren't well-received by Senior Sister Shenhe.
There was a reason.
It's good that you're concerned about me being affected by shock, but you directly saying my mind is damaged...
"Are travelers from beyond the sky this powerful?" Shenhe muttered.
Cloud Retainer was also very curious: "Really? Don't force yourself."
Jiang Ning said: "Don't worry, Master. I have this feeling, and... aren't you and Senior Sister here? With you present, I definitely won't get hurt."
This subtle flattery made Cloud Retainer very pleased.
The adeptus slightly nodded and said:
"Then try it. With this immortal present, nothing will go wrong."
Shenhe hesitated but still followed her master's words.
Jiang Ning also took a deep breath and reached out toward Shenhe's Cryo element.
Gritting his teeth and closing his eyes, Jiang Ning put his hand into the ball of Cryo energy.
A cool sensation filled his palm, but there was no discomfort.
Instead, it felt like... entering an air-conditioned room on a summer day?
"Little Junior Brother, are you alright?"
Shenhe asked.
There was hidden worry in her gaze, afraid of hurting her little junior brother.
Cloud Retainer also stared intently at Jiang Ning, ready to intervene at the slightest problem, but seeing that Jiang Ning showed no signs of discomfort, finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Phew, that's good...
If Jiang Ning had really gotten hurt again, Shenhe would probably withdraw into herself again, believing her "fate brings misfortune to those around her."
These past few days of interaction with Jiang Ning had somewhat improved her solitary, taciturn nature.
However, travelers really are amazing.
Cloud Retainer said: "Alright, Shenhe, no need to panic. Jiang Ning, what do you feel?"
Jiang Ning felt for a moment and said: "It's cool and icy, does that count?"
"This immortal is asking if you can sense the elemental power!"
Cloud Retainer scolded.
Jiang Ning quickly said: "Wait..."
Then he silently recited in his mind: "System, activate absorption skill."
[Received! Host, the absorption skill is now activated. In the future, you can use it directly without going through me.]
The system's cheerful voice rang out once again.
The next moment, Jiang Ning felt as if something inside his body had been ignited, but it was an ice-cold sensation.
Moreover, he clearly felt that he had become somewhat stronger.
[Ding, host has absorbed Cryo element, currently unlocked: Cryo element...]
Meanwhile, in the outside world, the Cryo element in Shenhe's hand gradually disappeared, finally being completely absorbed by Jiang Ning.
"He really can absorb it... What principle is this?"
Cloud Retainer was surprised.
Shenhe also looked at her little junior brother with curiosity.
Jiang Ning slowly opened his eyes, his expression full of excitement.
"Master, I want to try your immortal arts again!"
Jiang Ning said excitedly, his eyes dancing with joy.