The atmosphere in the Jade Chamber was oppressively heavy.
Everyone sat with furrowed brows, silently lost in thought.
Whether it was the gods like the Cryo Archon, who had yet to begin their immortal cultivation, or the already-cultivating disciples like Ningguang and the others—
the true cruelty of the cultivation world had just been laid bare before them.
They finally understood: cultivating immortality did not mean a future paved with light.
The cruelty of the cultivation world far surpassed anything in Teyvat.
And to avoid being swallowed by this cruelty, there was only one way—
to make oneself strong enough.
The world often spoke of cultivation as leading to a carefree life of immortality.
But one had to understand, if a cultivator did not have sufficient strength, they would still live at the mercy of others.
That so-called Demonic Reversal Era, and the blood-soaked numbers that came with it…
In the cultivation world, reckoning was done not by individuals, but by entire worlds.
They could scarcely imagine such a scale of destruction, nor the carnage that came with it.
The most dangerous thing in any world was always human nature, and the cultivation world was no exception.
As for Tartaglia and Lisa, after hearing Jiang Yan's explanation, for the first time they felt genuine resistance toward their own demonic arts.
It wasn't that they feared being hunted down in the cultivation world for practicing demonic techniques—
no matter what, they were Mount Shu disciples now, and Mount Shu would protect them.
What unsettled them was the sheer ruthlessness of true demonic cultivators:
their heinous, inhuman acts committed in pursuit of power.
Tartaglia asked himself honestly—he wasn't exactly someone with a rigid moral compass.
He liked fighting, liked stirring up trouble.
But even he would never stoop so low, to such nauseating depravity, just for strength.
Compared to the deeds of those demonic cultivators, even the Doctor could be called pure and virtuous.
Demonic cultivators were nothing less than devils wearing human skins.
Just being grouped into the same category as such beings made both Tartaglia and Lisa feel resistance in their hearts.
Jiang Yan naturally noticed their discomfort. Smiling faintly, he shook his head:
"Don't be too conflicted. As I said before, Mount Shu does not act like those petty sects that kill indiscriminately.
What Mount Shu values is the bottom line.
As long as you uphold that bottom line firmly, you won't lose your way.
And with that bottom line, why shouldn't you use this power to strike down the demonic path?"
Hearing this, Lisa and Tartaglia finally relaxed, the knot in their chests easing.
Indeed, techniques themselves carried no inherent right or wrong.
Jiang Yan then turned to Zhongli and the others, speaking softly:
"Now, if I ask you to use more vicious methods against demonic cultivators, I trust you will feel no hesitation?"
Zhongli's face remained calm, though fury flickered in his eyes. After a moment, he spoke in a deep voice:
"I'm only thinking of what other torments might be devised for these demonic fiends.
To show them mercy is to be cruel to everyone else."
Jiang Yan gave him an approving nod, but sighed helplessly:
"Truth be told, I hadn't wished for you all to encounter the darker side of the cultivation world so soon.
Since you weren't born into it, you don't fully grasp the venom of demonic cultivators.
Throwing you into this suddenly, I worried it might unsettle your Dao hearts.
But some things simply cannot be avoided—I cannot shield you forever.
The cultivation world has never been about truth, goodness, and beauty.
Whether among the righteous or the demonic, it is filled with slaughter and plunder.
This is human nature—even cultivators cannot escape it.
And with the Xuanyin Minor World now open, sooner or later, you will all step inside.
As time goes on, more and more worlds will open, and you will inevitably encounter these demonic paths."
Pausing, Jiang Yan glanced deliberately at Ganyu and the others, speaking gravely:
"Better I warn you now, so that you instinctively remain wary, than have you walk in blind and fall prey to them.
Don't think that because Lisa and Tartaglia practice demonic arts, all demonic cultivators might be like them.
The vast majority are exactly as I described—vicious, ruthless, devoid of any bottom line.
So if you meet someone who cultivates demonic arts, keep your distance.
Don't assume they're trustworthy just because they seem decent.
In the cultivation world, the only person you can truly trust is yourself.
Sometimes… not even your fellow disciples can be relied on."
Everyone nodded thoughtfully, etching his words deep into their hearts.
"Enough of that," Jiang Yan said at last, his tone lightening.
"There's no need to rush—these matters will be dealt with one at a time."
Casting Zhongli a meaningful glance, he smiled:
"For now, the most important thing is to enjoy this banquet.
Ningguang worked hard to prepare all this food—it would be a shame to waste it."
Everyone agreed. Though the earlier visions of demonic cultivator cruelty had left a sour taste in their mouths,
these were still spirit beast meats of the Refining Essence into Qi stage.
To waste them would be a loss.
Even so, the Cryo Archon and the others seemed distracted, unable to fully focus on eating.
While most people's first glimpse of cultivation was its promise of immortality, freedom, and power,
their first impression had been the treachery, the scheming, the slaughter.
At least… it was unforgettable.
It took them a long while to digest both the food and what they had learned.
And then, another thought struck: they were here, dining alongside Mount Shu's inner sect disciples, two chief elders, and one grand elder.
At the center sat none other than the Sect Master of Mount Shu himself.
This was the perfect chance to seek apprenticeship!
The thought left them excited, but with everyone focused on the meal, none dared break the silence.
Meanwhile, Jiang Yan chatted warmly with the group.
It was rare for him to leave the mountain—though Teyvat's spiritual energy was poor, and he could not absorb much,
it mattered little. A pause in cultivation was a rest in itself.
As expected, most of the disciples' questions centered on cultivation, and Jiang Yan answered them patiently.
It was, in effect, a lesson, and a great privilege for the inner sect disciples present.
All in all, the meal ended joyfully.
Even Paimon, the bottomless eater, was so full she lay sprawled on Lumine's lap, groaning in contentment.
"Since the Sect Master has come all this way, you won't be leaving right away, will you?"
Ningguang rose to help clear the table, gazing at Jiang Yan with anticipation.
He smiled and nodded:
"Cultivation must have balance. Having come out to relax, I should relax properly.
I've no plans to return to Mount Shu just yet. I'll stay until the Rite of Descension is concluded, then go back."
As he spoke, he glanced meaningfully at Zhongli and the Cryo Archon.
Zhongli's expression did not change, but the Cryo Archon visibly exhaled in relief.
She already knew Zhongli intended to have her release Osial during the rite—and if Jiang Yan was not concerned, then there was no reason to worry.
Ningguang, missing the subtlety of his look, smiled brightly and stepped closer to Jiang Yan.
"Since you won't be returning immediately, why not stay here in the Jade Chamber for these few days?
Though it may not compare to your cave-dwelling, surely from a mortal's view, it is comfortable enough.
What does the Sect Master think?"
Before Jiang Yan could answer, Ganyu puffed up her cheeks and glared at Ningguang:
"The Sect Master could stay with me instead!"
Ningguang was unmoved, replying smoothly:
"But Ganyu, your home has been empty for ages. And aren't you living with Cloud Retainer now?
It can't be very spacious—hardly convenient for the Sect Master."
"Here in the Jade Chamber, there are many rooms for him to choose from, and he could enjoy the finest view of Liyue as he wished."
Ganyu seethed silently. She understood—Ningguang was just like Yae Miko, trying to steal the house.
But she had no good rebuttal.
If Jiang Yan stayed in Liyue Harbor, the inner sect disciples would surely remain as well.
Then Cloud Retainer would have to host some of them.
Ganyu herself had never been picky about lodgings—before, she often worked through the night without even going home.
But inviting the Sect Master to stay in her little place now truly would be inconvenient.
"Since you've extended the invitation, Ningguang, I'll stay here at the Jade Chamber for the time being."
Jiang Yan himself didn't mind.
In fact, staying in the Jade Chamber suited him well—it kept him away from unnecessary worldly entanglements.
Hearing this, Ningguang's lips curled in satisfaction, her eyes flashing with triumph.
With Jiang Yan living here, she would have him close at hand.
But before she could bask in victory, Yae Miko smiled sweetly and interjected:
"Such lovely scenery, so many rooms… surely you wouldn't mind if I stayed here as well?
After all, I have nowhere else to go in Liyue."
Ningguang froze, displeasure flashing in her eyes. She opened her mouth, but Miko cut her off, her tone playfully edged with warning:
"And you know, with my Heavenly Allure Physique, if I walked about Liyue Harbor openly, I'd cause quite a stir.
Surely you wouldn't want to trouble an already-busy city with such chaos, hm?"
Ningguang fell silent.
With Miko's beauty alone, paired with that body of natural enchantment,
just her appearance in Liyue Harbor would drive the city to frenzy.
At such a critical time, this could not be allowed.
After a long pause, Ningguang forced a smile through clenched teeth:
"Of course, Miko. If you wish to stay in the Jade Chamber… it would be my honor."
"Why, thank you~"
Miko's smile widened, and she cast Ganyu a quick, knowing look.
Relieved, Ganyu relaxed as well.
If Miko was here, she would serve as a guard against Ningguang's schemes.
Ningguang took a slow, deep breath, choosing to ignore Miko entirely.
Turning back to Jiang Yan, she spoke softly:
"Sect Master, shall we move to the sitting room? I've already had tea prepared.
Besides… if I'm not mistaken…"
Her eyes flicked toward Furina, who was watching Jiang Yan with eager expectation.
Ningguang smiled faintly:
"It seems our junior sister Furina has something she wishes to discuss with you."
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