After the chaos of washing up, the two headed together to the main cave where Cloud Retainer usually cultivated.
When Cloud Retainer saw the two arrive side by side—and noticed that Shenhe seemed to be staying unusually close to Yi Chen—her gaze flickered subtly. However, she didn't ask any questions. She merely cleared her throat and began the day's lesson.
"Today, I shall teach you the fundamentals of talisman techniques."
She spread her wings as adeptal power flowed, sketching the outlines of several basic runes in midair.
"Talismans are a medium for communicating with heaven and earth, borrowing the laws of nature. They require adeptal or elemental power as a foundation, structured through specific rune formations…"
Her explanation was meticulous, her demonstrations precise.
But as Yi Chen listened, he gradually realized he didn't really understand—so he opened his Mangekyō.
Under the Sharingan's extreme perception and copying ability, every stroke of Cloud Retainer's runes, every subtle rhythm of elemental power injection, was fully analyzed—etched into his mind like perfectly labeled blueprints.
"…This is the most basic Exorcism Talisman. Watch closely—adeptal power must circulate like this…"
Cloud Retainer finished demonstrating and was just about to have Yi Chen try it himself—
When Yi Chen blinked, raised a finger, gathered wind element at his fingertips, and—
Not just copied it, but reproduced it perfectly in midair.
The rune shimmered with light, stable and complete. Infused with his pure wind element, it even looked more agile and refined.
Cloud Retainer: "...?"
Granted, it was a basic talisman—but this level of talent…
She steadied herself and moved on to a slightly more complex Dust-Repelling Talisman.
Yi Chen watched once. Sharingan flashed. Done.
Condense Water Talisman? One look—mastered.
Ignition Talisman? One look—again.
Lightness Talisman? One look—not only learned, he slapped it onto himself and nearly floated into the cave ceiling.
Cloud Retainer went from surprise… to numbness… to utter mental exhaustion.
She felt like she wasn't teaching at all—just performing a nonstop talisman exhibition.
Each rune was copied flawlessly before she could even catch her breath.
Even the tiny stylistic habits she unconsciously added—he replicated those too.
This teaching experience was utterly devoid of accomplishment.
It even made her question the path she'd studied for thousands of years.
"…Is talisman theory… actually easy?"
Finally, after dozens of basic talismans—and with Yi Chen still staring at her expectantly—Cloud Retainer abruptly folded her wings.
Her wing tips trembled slightly, drained both physically and spiritually.
She weakly waved a wing, her voice tinged with fatigue and existential despair.
"Enough… enough… that will be all for today…"
"These basic talismans—you… you may go familiarize yourself with them on your own…"
She muttered quietly:
"If I teach any longer… this adeptal body of mine… may truly be drained dry…"
She needed to meditate immediately—restore her energy and her shattered confidence.
This disciple… was too damaging to teach.
Seeing his master in full "burnout mode," Yi Chen finally closed his Sharingan, still unsatisfied. With energy to spare, he immediately bounced off to find Shenhe.
"Senior Sister! Senior Sister! What are you doing?"
He spotted her practicing spear techniques on a nearby platform. Calamity Queller flashed cold light as baleful energy and adeptal power intertwined in a sharp, deadly beauty.
Hearing his voice, Shenhe immediately stopped and turned.
"You're finished? How was the talisman instruction? Was it difficult? Did you manage to learn them?"
She knew how profound Cloud Retainer's teachings could be and worried he might be discouraged.
Yi Chen puffed out his chest, hands on hips, chin lifted.
"Of course I learned them! Who do you think I am? I'm a cultivation genius! Master taught it once and I got it—no difficulty at all!"
If Cloud Retainer had heard this while recovering inside, she might've combusted.
Shenhe watched him—radiant, confident—and felt a quiet sense of relief.
She asked, "Since you've learned them, shall you practice further?"
"No need!"
To prove it, Yi Chen casually traced the air with his fingers. Wind element flowed like obedient ink, instantly forming multiple talismans.
Exorcism. Dust-repelling. Water. Fire.
Each rune shone steadily, flawless and natural.
"See? I told you!"
He let them spin proudly before dispersing them into green light.
Shenhe felt genuine happiness watching him. Her junior brother truly was brilliant.
But beneath that happiness, a colder undercurrent surfaced—loss, guilt.
He was so gifted. So pure. A gem already shining without polish. His future on the immortal path was limitless.
And yet—
Such a flawless path had been stained… because of her.
Because she had ruined his purity.
The thought pierced her heart like ice.
Her guilt didn't lessen—it deepened.
She had tainted a treasure beyond compare.
Shenhe lowered her gaze, hiding the turmoil, and replied softly:
"…Yes. Junior Brother truly has extraordinary talent."
Her tone was calm—but her resolve hardened.
Such talent must be protected.
Since the fault is mine, then I must bear the responsibility—to guard his path, without regret.
I will marry him. This resolve will not waver.
Seeing Shenhe fall silent, Yi Chen leaned closer, almost face-to-face, blinking curiously.
"Senior Sister, you zoned out again—what are you thinking about?"
She startled, leaning back slightly.
"…Nothing."
After a brief pause, she casually redirected the topic—toward what she really wanted to know.
"I realized… I've never properly asked about your family."
Her voice sounded neutral—but internally, plans raced.
What steps are required for a proposal?
Do I need to visit elders?
Does he have family?
Will they agree…?
Yi Chen relaxed immediately.
"Oh, that? My family?"
He pulled her over to sit on a stone bench, clearly ready for a long chat.
"It's just me. I live alone.
My house in Mondstadt's still being renovated.
Oh! My best friend there is Eula—she's amazing, just likes saying 'I'll remember this grudge.'
Jean's taken great care of me too.
And Kaeya—he's a one-eyed guy…"
He rambled happily about friends, casually glossing over the key phrase:
"It's just me."
Shenhe caught it instantly.
So… no elders to consult?
That meant… only his consent mattered?
This simplified things greatly.
At the same time, a deeper tenderness surfaced.
So he's alone too…
No wonder he's so independent.
In her mind, this became "lonely and drifting without support."
Her resolve strengthened further.
She silently noted the names: Eula, Jean, Kaeya.
Important people. Gifts would be needed when visiting Mondstadt.
As for Yi Chen—
She looked at his bright smile.
If no one else would decide for him—
Then she would.
This responsibility, she would shoulder to the end.
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