Jiang Ning had just finished unpacking his luggage and was preparing to rest when someone knocked on the door.
Thinking it was Shenhe, he opened the door saying: "Senior Sister, what... Keqing?!"
"You know me?" Keqing seemed surprised.
Weren't these adeptal disciples supposed to be removed from the mortal world? Why did he seem so familiar with her?
Jiang Ning's gaze was complex.
This was his first five-star character pull, and also his last.
Back then, he had carefully studied all of this character's information. Then... he went to sleep, and after that, he arrived here.
You could say all of Jiang Ning's understanding of Genshin Impact was built on Keqing and Amber's newcomer tutorial.
"The Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing... of course I know you."
Jiang Ning silently recalled Keqing's profile.
Someone who liked to handle things personally, strongly promoted human governance, and even dared to question Rex Lapis at her own Rite of Descension - truly one of a kind.
And the Liyue Qixing - they were Liyue's seven administrators. When Rex Lapis and the adepti weren't present, the Qixing held the highest status.
The young woman before him was Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing.
Initially, Jiang Ning had agreed with some of Keqing's ideas. This should indeed be ruled by humans. However, after living here for two years and learning about the history of Liyue and this world, Jiang Ning felt that Keqing's views were mistaken. Human governance was very difficult.
As information about Keqing flashed through his mind, Jiang Ning continued to ask: "What brings Miss Keqing here?"
"Regarding the matter of the Rock Lawachurl earlier, I heard reports from my subordinates and wanted to come by to thank you personally."
Keqing said. "Oh, it was nothing..." But Keqing was very serious: "This was our negligence to begin with. Now that we had to trouble you for help, it's only right that I come to thank you in person."
"There's no negligence about it, we're all people of Liyue..." Two years had been enough time for Jiang Ning to integrate into this world. "If everyone steps back, who will take responsibility? Besides, with great power comes great responsibility."
As a passionate sixteen-year-old, he had always admired these cool phrases he'd heard in his childhood. Now that he had the chance, of course he had to say it.
Keqing's eyes lit up: "You're absolutely right..."
She was glad she came! This person might be very compatible with her! And he was good-looking too! Keqing's first impression was very positive.
Just as Keqing was about to say something more, Shenhe walked out from the adjacent room: "Little brother... who is she?"
As soon as Shenhe came out and saw Keqing chatting happily with Jiang Ning, she felt somewhat uncomfortable. "Senior sister, this is the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing. She came to thank us for the Rock Lawachurl incident."
"I see..." Shenhe immediately felt relieved. Master had said that official business... didn't count. This shouldn't be considered as watching over her little brother too closely, right?
Keqing nodded: "Hello, White-Haired Adeptus of Jueyun Karst. I've heard much about you. You two must be disciples of Cloud Retainer? It's an honor to meet you." As a member of the Qixing, she naturally had access to more information than ordinary people.
"White-Haired Adeptus?" Jiang Ning was surprised. He didn't know his senior sister had such a title.
"Just some people trying to disturb Master's solitude. I sent them all away." Shenhe said indifferently.
Keqing nodded, expressing some dissatisfaction: "These people, they don't want to work hard or improve themselves. They just dream about seeking immortality and reaching the top in one step. But how could such pie-in-the-sky things exist?"
"As a result, after climbing the mountain, they encountered monsters. Some disappeared and died, while others were saved by you. After returning, your reputation spread far and wide."
"Do I have one too? Do I have any titles?" Jiang Ning asked curiously.
Hearing this, Keqing gave him a strange look: "Would 'The White-Haired Adeptus's Lively Red-Eyed Little Sister' count?"
Jiang Ning's smile instantly froze. Li-Little sister?
Jiang Ning started questioning his life. He was a boy! Sure, he might be young, but he was still clearly a young man. Just because his hair was a bit long and his facial features were a bit soft... His voice was clearly that of a young man!
Shenhe looked at Jiang Ning seriously: "Indeed, from a distance, it's hard to tell if you're male or female."
"Perhaps those people embellished their impressions. Those who like to write literature tend to write fantasies about seeking immortality and then being saved, leading to romantic encounters."
Jiang Ning fell silent. So basically, being saved by a female immortal was more appealing than being saved by a male immortal? How infuriating - he forgot the rest of his thoughts in his anger.
After mentally throwing a few punches, Jiang Ning continued: "Is there anything else, Miss Keqing?" Although Keqing was charming, right now his senior sister was more important.
Keqing said: "I just wanted to express my gratitude. Also, if you two ever come to Liyue Harbor, just mention my name. I'll be sure to host you properly to thank you both. I have other work today, so I'll take my leave now. I won't disturb your rest."
Speaking thus, she cupped her hands in farewell, showing the free-spirited manner of a martial artist. Shenhe remained unmoved, just standing behind Jiang Ning, while Jiang Ning returned the gesture.
Keqing was as efficient as lightning, coming and going quickly. Only then did Jiang Ning have time to look at his senior sister and ask: "What's wrong, Senior Sister?"
"Just... felt uneasy when you weren't by my side..." Shenhe said honestly.
"Is it the cursed energy surfacing again? No, that can't be right, Master said it would take a long time..."
Shenhe raised her hand to her chest: "I don't know, just felt empty here." Then she took Jiang Ning's small hand with her other hand: "Mm, this feels more reassuring..."
Jiang Ning's handsome little face also became somewhat flushed, while his heart was full of joy. It seemed his senior sister had become somewhat dependent on him.
For Jiang Ning, she was the first person he met in this strange world, and also his savior. Along with that otherworldly beauty, that cold appearance under the moonlight that year, Jiang Ning would never forget it.
Two years of companionship, and that unforgettable first meeting. Shenhe's position in Jiang Ning's heart had the devastating power of a pure, untouchable love. Especially when this pure love was entirely focused on him. The impact was overwhelming.
[Ding, mission released: Since she's your pure love, how could you not make her yours? Long-term mission: Possess Senior Sister Shenhe in every sense.]
Jiang Ning suddenly smiled. Very good, the system was quite understanding. This mission, he was very willing to complete.