"I'm going to start!"
Under Jiang Ning's own expectant gaze and the curious looks of Shenhe and Cloud Retainer.
Jiang Ning once again followed the mental method to use immortal arts, attempting to construct the talisman pattern.
The next moment, a talisman pattern appeared in Jiang Ning's palm.
Although it was just the simplest one, used to open the door of Cloud Retainer's immortal abode, it was still a huge improvement.
"Master, did you see that!"
The young man cheered, jumping with joy.
Cloud Retainer, though surprised, was also gratified: "Indeed I did. Worthy of being this immortal's disciple."
"This immortal's teaching methods are excellent, allowing Jiang Ning to grasp the basics in just three days."
Jiang Ning and Shenhe exchanged glances, feeling quite awkward.
This kind of master who gives themselves undue credit, how to put it... is quite interesting.
"From now on, continue practicing immortal arts with Shenhe. Shenhe, teach Jiang Ning according to how this immortal taught you. This immortal has gained some insights lately and must begin closed cultivation."
Cloud Retainer said.
Shenhe nodded: "Yes, Master."
But in her heart, she decided to teach her little junior brother in her own way.
"Oh right, before entering seclusion, there's one more thing..." Cloud Retainer, who was about to leave, suddenly remembered something. "Later, some old friends of this immortal might come seeking this immortal. At that time, they can look at Jiang Ning's constellation and birth time to see this immortal's disciple's fortune."
Speaking thus, Cloud Retainer directly entered the depths of the cave dwelling to begin closed cultivation.
Jiang Ning doubted his life choices.
Just letting them be like this?
Isn't this a bit unreliable?
Moreover, shouldn't this be the time to ask how he suddenly became able to use Cryo element? And why he could absorb Senior Sister Shenhe's Cryo element?
[Perhaps it's because the knowledge books I organized for you, Host, were very attractive to Cloud Retainer?]
The system bubbled up.
"I can only comfort myself this way..." Jiang Ning muttered.
Shenhe said: "Little Junior Brother, you'll have to get used to it. Master is just like this."
"I understand, Senior Sister." Jiang Ning nodded.
"Then, let's begin our training."
"Master's closed cultivation this time will probably take quite a while."
...
The sunrise and sunset in the mountains, with their stunning scenery, seemed to make one forget time. Two years passed in the blink of an eye.
During Cloud Retainer's period of closed cultivation.
Shenhe and Jiang Ning, this pair of senior sister and junior brother, relied on each other to survive. Jiang Ning also discovered that his senior sister was truly an otherworldly immortal.
The food she ate consisted only of celestial herbs and wild fruits, or some plants to fill her stomach.
When he curiously asked about it, his senior sister's response was that cultivators must endure loneliness and desire, and cannot be tempted by such external things.
But Jiang Ning couldn't stand it. Moreover, this wasn't cultivation, this was torture, and hadn't their master eaten food too?
Previously, when he had sent food to his master's place, the master would eat everything clean.
The next day, only empty bowls would remain.
So, under Jiang Ning's temptation and reasonable arguments, Shenhe gradually became accustomed to eating and cultivating together with Jiang Ning.
Over these two years, the relationship between Shenhe and Jiang Ning had grown much closer.
Moreover, during this time, a young man who looked like a noble gentleman but gave off an ancient and profound feeling came to sit at master's stone table and drink tea in reminiscence.
This young man had amber-colored vertical pupils, handsome features, and a tall, well-proportioned yet powerful build.
Shenhe didn't know who he was, only that he was master's old friend. Jiang Ning also guessed that he must be an adeptus.
He called himself Zhongli, so Jiang Ning generally addressed him as Mr. Zhongli.
This Mr. Zhongli was also an amazing person, giving him many good things for cultivation, and moreover, Jiang Ning's spear was also given by Mr. Zhongli.
This spear was clearly no ordinary item; it was called the Lithic Spear.
Moreover, upon learning that he was Cloud Retainer's new disciple, Mr. Zhongli even did a brief divination for him.
The result showed that he had no constellation, and his birth time could not be divined.
In short, befitting a visitor from beyond Teyvat, it seemed that none of Teyvat's laws could affect him.
After leaving the words "Those who remember are born for remembrance," he departed gracefully.
Zhongli also told Shenhe not to worry about her ill-fated constitution harming her little junior brother, as her condition had no effect on him.
Thus, Shenhe, feeling the care from Jiang Ning and having someone she could safely become close to, became somewhat unstoppable in her attachment.
This led to their rapidly progressing closeness.
During these two years, with the help of Shenhe and Mr. Zhongli, Jiang Ning had grown much stronger. However, Jiang Ning didn't have the leisure to randomly absorb various elements.
He only had Mr. Zhongli's Geo element and his senior sister's Cryo element.
Absorbing while cultivating, his strength increased by leaps and bounds.
Today, Jiang Ning was still bravely practicing spear techniques while Zhongli stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching.
Those amber eyes seemed to see through everything in the world.
After finishing a set of spear techniques, Jiang Ning caught his breath, then regulated his breathing and stood up.
"Your progress is remarkable. Now, even though you don't have a Vision, ordinary Vision bearers are no match for you."
The steady and slow voice came from Zhongli's mouth, his expression showing admiration for Jiang Ning.
Over these two years, whether in terms of diligence, comprehension, rate of progress, or character, Zhongli was very satisfied with Jiang Ning.
Although Cloud Retainer's mouth was somewhat regrettable, and their teaching methods weren't very reliable, they still had an eye for people.
Zhongli looked at Jiang Ning, his gaze calm, lost in thought.
After Jiang Ning finished regulating his breathing, he turned and said: "Mr. Zhongli, I'm still far behind. Senior Sister is much stronger than me."
And what was most regrettable was that although he was already sixteen after these two years and considered an adult in this world, he just wouldn't grow taller, still maintaining his harmless young appearance.
Zhongli shook his head slightly: "You needn't belittle yourself. To grow so strong in two years is already considered a world-shocking talent... Moreover, your senior sister, although ill-fated, this has become one of the factors in her becoming stronger. She is special."
Zhongli gently waved his hand, and Jiang Ning only felt his vision blur before somehow finding himself sitting at the table with Zhongli.
Although it wasn't the first time, Jiang Ning still privately marveled at Zhongli's power. As expected of an adeptus, right?
He hadn't even had time to react before being brought here.
[As a villain, how can you be so easily controlled? You now have a path to death. Mission issued: Kill the person before you by any means. Random reward will be given. Time limit: three years. Failure to complete within three years will be considered automatic abandonment. Punishment: None.]
The system bubbled up again.
Jiang Ning directly ignored this system that had been occasionally bubbling up these two years, and respectfully said to Zhongli: "Thank you for everything during this time, Mr. Zhongli."
"It's nothing. You are Cloud Retainer's disciple, which makes you my junior. However, if you wish to thank me, I am very interested in what you previously mentioned about your original world, the world without gods. Why don't you tell me about... that world's history."
Zhongli poured himself a cup of tea, then poured one for Jiang Ning, speaking slowly.
Jiang Ning drank the tea in one gulp, feeling his spirit lift as a warm current flowed from his abdomen to his limbs, relieving his body's fatigue.
No matter how many times he drank it, this tea was clearly no ordinary brew.
Jiang Ning coughed a few times, moistened his throat, then slowly said: "My original world, its history was roughly like this..."
As for the mission... since there was no punishment, why complete it? When the three-year limit was up, he would automatically abandon it.
Moreover, he still had the mission of betraying his master hanging over him.
Over these two years, Jiang Ning had completed many tasks, big and small, from trampling flowers and grass as a villain should, or harming the fish his master raised in the lotus pond.
To bigger tasks like beating up and driving away those seeking immortal cultivation, cutting off their immortal destiny...
Anyway, Jiang Ning felt he was quite malicious.
This talk lasted the entire morning.
After listening, Zhongli furrowed his brows, seeming somewhat hesitant.
"A world without gods, is it really so unbearable? Wars breaking out at the slightest thing, with the majority of history spent in warfare..."
"Yes, even trees have their roots corrupted by time, let alone humans..." Jiang Ning took another gulp of tea. "So it's best to have a deterrent force above. Look at how well the gods do it - no one dares to start wars with gods pressing down on them. Even in the original world, only after getting weapons of mutual destruction did people stop daring to wage war, fearing they would perish along with heaven."
Zhongli pondered: "Is that so... Indeed, this requires careful consideration..."
"Consider what?" Jiang Ning was stunned.
Zhongli suddenly looked at Jiang Ning: "Nothing... Your master is about to emerge from seclusion, so I shall take my leave."
After all, Cloud Retainer couldn't keep their mouth shut. If they said something they shouldn't, it wouldn't be good.
"Oh, then take care, Mr. Zhongli."
Jiang Ning said.
Zhongli nodded, stood up, turned around, and disappeared from the spot.
Along with him disappeared the two teacups and teapot on the stone table.
Always leaving so mysteriously...
Jiang Ning scratched his head.
Today, his senior sister had gone down the mountain to clear out monsters. Calculating the time, she should be returning for lunch soon.
Jiang Ning stood up, stretched, and his joints made popping sounds.
Better hurry back to cook. When Senior Sister returns, she can eat hot food.
Speaking thus, Jiang Ning skillfully lit the fire and set up the pot.
It must be said that Mr. Zhongli's Geo element was really useful - setting up the cooking pot was just a thought away...