Chapter 17

Since that is the case, it is time to discuss serious matters.

However, before he could even open his mouth, Liuyun interrupted again:

"So, is it because of these things that you... I mean, you don't acknowledge our immortals?"

"You don't acknowledge immortals born of the heavens?"

Jiang Yan hadn't expected Liuyun to be able to smooth things over like this, so he simply went along with it and said softly:

"You could say that... My apologies. Hearing that your immortals and gods were born of the heavens, I was reminded of those Great Luo who were born with the Dao."

"I have unfairly implicated you all."

A purple aura rose in Jiang Yan's eyes as he scanned the immortals present, starting with Liuyun.

Zhongli, Ganyu, Xiao, Lishui...

After a long while, he nodded and said:

"Setting aside cultivation, your own strength is not weak. Especially you, Fellow Daoist Morax; in this world, I consider you to be at the top tier."

"Although it is a blessing from heaven and earth, you are not Great Luo; you were born with the Dao and do not need to cultivate."

"You paid the price in blood and tears for your current strength. My words just now were rash."

Hearing this, Liuyun felt somewhat comforted, more or less.

If an ordinary person had said that, Liuyun would have slapped them without a second thought and asked who they thought they were.

But Jiang Yan was not only a cultivator at the Refinement of Spirit and Return to Void stage, he had also elevated the status of Shushan and himself to such a level.

With him saying this, Liuyun was, more or less, happy.

However, Zhongli gave a bitter smile, shook his head, and said:

"Top tier? That may not be the case, especially now that I have heard of your path of cultivation."

"It is nothing more than Refinement of Qi and Transformation of Spirit. During Shushan's peak, at my age, as a Refinement of Qi and Transformation of Spirit cultivator, I would likely have been the most unremarkable disciple."

Jiang Yan comforted him:

"There is no need to belittle yourself so. As a creature of Teyvat, you must naturally view yourself from the perspective of Teyvat."

"Furthermore, it is merely the world's upper limit that restricts you. If you were in my world, you might have already become an immortal, who knows."

"Your aptitude, placed in the Shushan of its peak, would also be among the very best."

These words made Zhongli and the others feel very comfortable. Liuyun had wanted to ask how it compared to Jiang Yan's own aptitude, but after careful consideration, she decided against it.

Jiang Yan's bone age was no more than twenty-something; everyone could see that clearly.

To ascend to the Refinement of Spirit and Return to Void stage in one's twenties—such aptitude is likely unique in all of Shushan's history.

Otherwise, why would he have been taken as a disciple by such a genius master, and why would the Shushan ancestor have sent him away at the very last moment?

A spark must be the strongest genius.

In all fairness, if Liuyun were to take on a disciple, they would have to have excellent talent; Shenhe is proof of that.

It is better not to ask such uncomfortable questions.

Everyone did not want to talk much about such depressing topics.

It was not entirely because of Jiang Yan's tragic encounter; it was really...

Great Luo, Supreme Unity...

Hearing too many stories about these existences whose high levels are beyond imagination only leads to despair for the future.

Simply put, Zhongli changed the subject.

"So, you came to Teyvat by passing through the turbulence of time and space."

Jiang Yan nodded.

"Having just passed through the turbulence of time and space, my strength has yet to recover. I owe much to the care of Immortal Liuyun, Miss Ganyu, and Miss Shenhe."

"Please, don't call me Immortal anymore."

Liuyun hurriedly interrupted Jiang Yan.

"After hearing what you have said, I am somewhat reluctant to call myself an immortal. Just call me Liuyun."

Jiang Yan did not refuse.

Zhongli continued:

"Then, what are your plans for the future? If you have no place to stay, you might as well settle in my Liyue for a while before considering your next steps."

Zhongli looked at Jiang Yan with some anticipation, and Liuyun and the others beside him were also somewhat excited.

The things Jiang Yan spoke of could not be verified; if they believed it all, they would have lived in vain for so long.

But Jiang Yan's strength was solid and real; everyone had witnessed it with their own eyes.

It was outrageously strong.

Moreover, the key was that he could continue to cultivate and break through, which was absurd.

If Jiang Yan were willing to join Liyue, then Liyue would have found a backer capable of overturning the Heavenly Principles.

Once he reaches the Refinement of Void and Integration of Dao stage, he might be able to take Liyue to new heights.

Such a profitable deal—only a fool would refuse.

Seeing Zhongli extend an olive branch, Jiang Yan shook his head.

"My apologies, but I am, after all, a Shushan disciple. Even if Shushan exists only in name, I cannot abandon this identity."

"If even I abandon it, then Shushan will truly be dead."

Zhongli sipped his tea and said no more, but his intention to get Jiang Yan on board had not ceased in the slightest.

However, it was more appropriate for Ganyu to say the rest.

Ganyu naturally understood Zhongli's intentions and immediately said:

"It is not that we want you to abandon your Shushan identity, Jiang Yan. Even if you are very strong, you still need support in a strange place."

"Our Liyue is the strongest and wealthiest nation in Teyvat. If you are willing to join Liyue, you will still be the Shushan Sect Leader."

"Liyue can provide people and resources to help you rebuild Shushan."

Seeing that Ganyu was about to say more, Jiang Yan raised his hand slightly to stop her.

"I understand your good intentions, but this goes against my beliefs."

"Furthermore, I have already decided what I will do next."

Hearing this, Zhongli and the others immediately became interested.

"What is it?"

Zhongli asked softly.

A brilliant light shone in Jiang Yan's eyes, and a heat never seen before was clear to everyone.

Jiang Yan clenched his fists tightly.

"As long as I am alive, Shushan will not perish!"

"If its glory is gone, then I will reshape the glory of Shushan!"

"I will... reopen the mountain gates and restore Shushan!"

13. A lesson for the people of Teyvat: What is Great Luo?

Listening to Jiang Yan's answer, Zhongli and the others were not surprised; if it were them, they would have had the same thought.

It was just that, more or less, they felt some regret that they couldn't tie Jiang Yan to Liyue's chariot.

A true cultivator who can grow infinitely, and who is already at the Refinement of Spirit and Return to Void stage—a powerhouse capable of beating the Heavenly Principles...

What a pity.

However, Liyue already had a good foundation for a relationship with Jiang Yan, so it would be easy to talk later.

Moreover, Jiang Yan wants to rebuild Shushan; he can't do that alone, right?

Reopening the mountain gates is a must, and when that time comes...

Perhaps they will also be able to experience the abilities of a true cultivator.

Thinking of this, Zhongli felt some anticipation.

"Speaking of which, have you never thought about revenge?"

Suddenly, Liuyun asked an inappropriate question.

Zhongli's face darkened, and he glared at her fiercely.

Jiang Yan was also stunned.

How did Liuyun dare to say such a blunt thing?

Not to mention that he was just making it all up, even if it were really the case.