Chapter 99

On the path of cultivation, he was ahead of everyone in Teyvat.

But that did not mean he could be ahead of everyone in everything.

His current state of mind was linked to his cultivation; as his state of mind improved, his cultivation improved.

Being exposed to more of the classics accumulated by Liyue might be beneficial to his state of mind.

As the nation with the longest history, Liyue's cultural heritage was bound to be profound.

It was a good thing to be exposed to it.

However, Jiang Yan still teased:

"You, if you want me to go to Liyue for a visit, just say so. I am not an ascetic; how could I stay in Shushan forever?"

"It's just that Shushan has only just been established, and many arrays and situations need me to perfect them one by one. I cannot spare the time for now."

"When I have time, I will go to Liyue for a stroll. When that time comes, I will have to rely on you to show me around."

Ningguang's lips curled slightly, and she bowed slightly.

"I would be happy to be of service. If you go to Liyue, I will handle all the arrangements for your itinerary."

"If there are no other questions, Sect Leader, I will take my leave."

Jiang Yan nodded slightly and watched the three of them leave, but before they could step out of the Sect Hall, Jiang Yan suddenly seemed to remember something.

He spoke up:

"You have already used your quota for the Scripture Pavilion this week, but you haven't explored the Nine Nether Secret Realm yet; it shouldn't be wasted."

"After you have familiarized yourselves with cultivation for a while longer and mastered your spells, I can personally take you on a trip to the Nine Nether Secret Realm."

Hearing this, the three were overjoyed. Zhongli hurriedly turned back and bowed:

"Thank you for your trouble, Sect Leader. But... the Nine Nether Secret Realm is a realm for those below the Void Refinement stage. How can you enter?"

Jiang Yan shook his head.

"I will not be entering the secret realm in person, but rather attaching a strand of my divine sense to you."

"However, my divine sense cannot use special powers once inside, but at the very least, it can serve to guide you through your confusion."

"There are many dangers in the secret realm, as well as countless treasures. You are currently unclear about many of these treasures, and it would be easy to miss out on hidden gems."

"This can also be considered your first life-and-death battle with true cultivation spirit beasts. As your Sect Leader, I naturally have to pay attention to your situation."

After saying this, Jiang Yan gave a wry smile in his heart.

If he were a normal Sect Leader, he wouldn't even ask about disciples' training unless they were geniuses.

But Jiang Yan had no choice.

Not only was every disciple a genius, but none of them understood the ins and outs of cultivation.

Most importantly, this trip to the Nine Nether Secret Realm involved all the disciples of Shushan.

Although they would be sent to the exit if they encountered fatal danger, Jiang Yan was afraid that someone would overestimate their abilities and stubbornly insist on continuing to challenge it.

That would truly mean death.

These geniuses were currently the only seedlings of Shushan; Jiang Yan would feel the pain of losing even one.

And...

Jiang Yan had a reason for having to go to the Nine Nether Secret Realm; this matter concerned the secrets of Shushan's past.

Thinking of this, Jiang Yan said:

"Other than that, there is nothing else. If you want to accelerate your cultivation, it is best to urge Lishui."

"Once he succeeds in alchemy, your cultivation speed can be accelerated."

"Furthermore, the spiritual energy in Teyvat is not as rich as in Shushan. You can use some spirit stones to simply set up a Spirit Gathering Array for cultivation."

"Of course, I would recommend that you return to Shushan to cultivate."

Everyone nodded and then took their leave again.

This time, Jiang Yan did not call them back. Only after they had used their tokens to leave Shushan did Jiang Yan sigh softly.

His figure flashed, and he flew to the top of Tongtian Peak, onto the exquisite platform revealed under the moonlight.

This was a broad platform as thin as a cicada's wing, looking like gold and jade; it could only reveal its form under the illumination of moonlight.

Cultivating Yin-attribute techniques here was twice as effective.

Jiang Yan stood alone on the platform, looking up at the bright moon in the sky.

His ink-colored robe fluttered in the wind, and his long hair was not tied up, dancing with the gale.

It carried a sense of loneliness and coldness, yet also a wild and carefree spirit.

Shushan had finally been established.

From now on, as long as he kept the disciples' strength breaking through and accelerated their cultivation speed, the system's rewards would flow in continuously.

His own cultivation would also become smoother and smoother.

Cultivation, cultivation...

It was ultimately about cultivating oneself.

At least Alice was right about one thing: every cultivator is essentially selfish.

Preaching, teaching, and resolving doubts...

All were for more system rewards and a broader path for cultivation.

He needed the disciples to cultivate rapidly and make Shushan prosperous so that he could move toward the path of immortality faster.

The moonlight scattered, covering the mountains in white.

Behind Jiang Yan, there seemed to be countless figures like him demonstrating various wonderful techniques.

Sharp and domineering sword arts, ethereal and otherworldly divine incantations, fierce and murderous thunder techniques...

Every spell demonstrated by the phantoms was an unimaginably powerful technique.

But looking closely, it seemed there were no such phantoms.

It was mysterious and profound.

Jiang Yan had already engraved cultivation into his soul.

Just as he was enjoying the moon alone, Jiang Yan suddenly realized someone was staring at him.

He lowered his head to look and met eyes with Ganyu below.

Ganyu immediately lowered her head in a panic.

66. Records of the Cultivation World in the Scripture Pavilion

Looking at Ganyu, who was cowering like a little rabbit below, Jiang Yan smiled and beckoned with his hand.

A cloud of auspicious light appeared under Ganyu's feet, carrying her as she slowly flew onto the platform.

Ganyu looked very surprised, but then she became a little happy.

Presumably, even a Qilin capable of riding the clouds and mist had never truly ridden the clouds and mist before.

Simply put, Jiang Yan slowed down a little, letting Ganyu fly for a while longer.

Ganyu seemed to have sensed Jiang Yan's intention; she raised her head and looked at Jiang Yan with her watery eyes, her emotions seemingly complex.

Stepping on the white clouds and flying around in the sky, Ganyu was truly very happy for a while.

After a long while, she finally successfully landed on the platform.

She stepped on it cautiously, confirming it wouldn't break, before she felt safe enough to step on it completely.

Jiang Yan couldn't help but find it a little funny.

Not to mention that this platform was condensed by him using the space of the Cave Heaven, Ganyu was currently at the mid-stage of the Essence Refinement stage.

Even if she fell from a height of ten thousand meters, she could save herself with true essence.

Ganyu stood beside Jiang Yan, looked at him timidly, and pursed her lips.

"Jiang... Sect Leader."

At this moment, Ganyu suddenly felt that the Jiang Yan in front of her seemed very distant, so distant that she couldn't even see a shadow.

She lowered her head in disappointment, but the next moment, Jiang Yan suddenly said:

"Ganyu, there is no need to be so polite. Although you have joined Shushan now, we were friends before this."

"When there is no one else around, just call me by my name."

This sentence suddenly pulled Ganyu from a distant place to Jiang Yan's side in an instant.

She looked at Jiang Yan blankly, then suddenly squinted her eyes happily and nodded heavily.

"I know, Yan!"

Jiang Yan smiled, sat cross-legged on the platform, and let Ganyu sit opposite him.