Following the address Ganyu had given him, Lu Lin arrived at Cloud Retainer's new residence — an exquisite and tranquil courtyard.
Though still within Liyue Harbor's bustling city, it was tucked away in a quieter corner, serene and secluded, carrying the feeling of "great seclusion within the city."
The courtyard was filled with flowers and plants, along with several uniquely shaped mechanical constructs. A white-haired immortal beauty was carefully watering the plants, her expression calm and detached, though her movements were meticulous.
"Good morning, Shenhe," Lu Lin greeted.
"Hello." Shenhe nodded. Though still distant in demeanor, it was clear she held a relatively positive attitude toward him.
After all, greeting others properly was one of the basic social customs he had taught her.
"Is Cloud Retainer here?"
"Master is in the backyard."
"Alright, I'll go speak with her."
In the Backyard
A tall and strikingly beautiful woman with a high ponytail was busy at work.
She possessed a graceful and mature aura, with a perfectly sculpted figure that rivaled even Shenhe's. She wore a sleek black dress with a decorative cloud-shoulder shawl whose back flared like wings. A golden ruyi knot adorned her chest, its tassel flowing down between her curves to her waist.
Black-framed glasses added a refined air to her already captivating presence.
The contrast between her scholarly elegance and her alluring figure reminded Lu Lin of a "sexy teacher" archetype from another world — except compared to her, those pale in comparison.
She was crouched on the ground, and the graceful curve of her silhouette made him swallow unconsciously.
Her figure was simply top-tier.
Hearing his footsteps, the mature beauty turned.
"So it is little friend Lu Lin. Are Liyue's affairs settled?"
"With the Qixing overseeing matters, I merely assist here and there. Nothing too busy."
"You do not cling to power. Quite open-minded."
"You flatter me. Please, just call me Lu Lin."
She chuckled lightly. "Then do not call me Cloud Retainer either. I am living incognito in Liyue and prefer not to expose my immortal identity. Call me Xianyun."
"As you wish, Xianyun. What mechanism are you working on?"
The title "Xianyun" caused the thousands-year-old immortal to pause briefly.
For a fleeting moment, she felt something strangely familiar about him.
Suddenly—
[Ding! Random mission triggered: Conquer Xianyun]
[Mission Objective: Xianyun is curious about you. Conquer both her body and mind, and advance her conquest progress to 100% in front of Ganyu.]
[Mission Reward: 1,000,000 Mora, 500 points, 1000 EXP, one random entry trait, one Soul Spirit Pearl.]
Lu Lin inwardly sucked in a breath.
Complete her conquest in front of Ganyu?
Was that even possible?
Before he could dwell on it, Xianyun continued:
"This is called the Featherleaf Moon Device. It can transform into small animal forms to assist with gardening."
"During the sea battle, the Millelith deployed numerous improved Guizhong Ballistae. You claimed credit — I assume you have deep knowledge of mechanism arts?"
"I know a thing or two," Lu Lin replied calmly, confidence evident in his tone.
Xianyun grew more intrigued.
She had personally inspected the modified ballistae. The ingenious design improvements suggested extraordinary mastery.
"Then examine this. See if it can be improved."
She handed him a delicate insect-shaped mechanism. As he took it, his finger lightly brushed her palm.
Her brows faintly furrowed at the subtle boldness, but seeing his focused expression, she dismissed it as accidental.
"Your craftsmanship is already extraordinary. I see little to improve — though I have an extension idea."
"Oh? Let's hear it."
"It excels functionally but lacks entertainment value. In Inazuma, there is a beetle-fighting game. With some modification, it could double as a competitive toy."
Xianyun nodded approvingly.
"Mechanism arts require not only skill but creativity."
She studied him carefully.
"You modified the Guizhong Ballista with many clever ideas. Your mastery must be considerable. Who was your teacher?"
"Guizhong."
"What?!"
Her composure broke instantly.
The name stirred ancient memories.
It had been over a thousand years since she last spoke that name independently.
Had Guizhong left behind a legacy?
Was that why he felt familiar?
Lu Lin explained briefly how he had entered a hidden domain and inherited Guizhong's teachings — omitting certain details.
"You learned her inheritance in such a short time? And improved upon it?" Xianyun was visibly stunned.
Guizhong's knowledge surpassed even hers.
To master it in mere weeks and innovate further—
That was monstrous talent.
She struggled to believe it.
"Come with me."
Inside the Workshop
Her courtyard housed a three-story building that served as her workshop, filled with rare materials and tools.
She handed him a blueprint.
"This is a newly designed mechanism. Can you build it?"
Lu Lin examined it briefly and smiled.
"One day is enough."
Her brow lifted.
Even she required two to three days to construct it.
He dared claim one?
"You seem unconvinced. How about a wager?" he suggested.
"What wager?"
"If I present the completed mechanism tomorrow afternoon, fully functional, you grant me one request. If I fail, I grant you one."
Xianyun's pride in mechanism arts would not allow retreat.
"Very well. I accept."
The wager was sealed.
Just then, lively footsteps echoed from the courtyard.
"Cloud Retainer! Yaoyao came to see you!"
For Early Access of chapters please visit patreon.com/Killua_001