Mt. Aocang.
Almost there...
Looking up at the peak piercing the sky, Kiana knew she was nearing her destination. She had to admit, the scenery here was truly stunning.
However, for ordinary people, the terrain was also incredibly steep. Reaching the summit to gaze down upon the lesser peaks was an extremely difficult feat.
But even so, countless people still came here seeking an audience with the Adepti, hoping to receive guidance from the legendary immortals. But such an audience was hard to come by; the vast majority would never meet an Adeptus in their lifetime, let alone receive their guidance.
Of course, none of this was a problem for Kiana. Let alone the Adepti, even the Prime of the Adepti held no special significance for her.
However, she was currently facing a problem: what was the best way to proceed? She needed to make these Adepti believe she was the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles.
Just shout, "I am the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles"?
Hmm...
That sounds so fake...
And it has zero gravitas...
It would be best... ...if they came to believe I am the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles on their own...
Mulling over the problem, Kiana walked slowly up the mountain.
She could have flown directly to the summit, but since she hadn't decided on a plan yet, she took her time walking. After all, she could ascend at any moment; there was no rush.
Hmm...
Are there really Abyss Mages even here? These Adepti are so lazy...
As she walked, Kiana noticed an Abyss Mage was following her.
She didn't know if it was due to her own abilities or because of the connection to Wendy, but she could conceal her power so well that a mere Abyss Mage dared to trail her for a sneak attack.
Hm?
A sneak attack?
The very thought of a sneak attack brought an amused, mocking voice to Kiana's mind.
And just then, the Abyss Mage behind her launched its attack.
Sigh...
Why must it insist on seeking death?
Sighing internally, Kiana prepared to instantly eliminate the Abyss Mage behind her. She had been planning to ignore it, but since it had chosen to attack, she could no longer be bothered to let it be.
"Watch out!"
Just as Kiana was about to act, she suddenly heard a somewhat familiar voice cry out.
Is that...
BOOM—
Turning around, Kiana looked at the Abyss Mage, now embedded in the mountainside, then at the figure not far away. She knew her guess was correct.
Shenhe!
The strength to lift a cauldron!
No, that's not right...
The strength to lift a stone!
Silently watching Shenhe in the distance, Kiana couldn't help but recall the phrase, "Shenhe carried away the floating stone." She had to admit, the Abyss Mage currently embedded in the mountainside was the best proof of that saying.
"It's getting late. I'll escort you down the mountain. It's dangerous for you to remain here."
Shenhe said this calmly as she walked over.
In her eyes, Kiana was just an ordinary girl.
Perhaps she was seeking an Adeptus like the others, or maybe she was looking for someone—either was possible, but Shenhe didn't care.
It was already dusk; she had to get the girl down the mountain quickly.
However, for some reason, this ordinary girl showed no surprise at what had just happened, which was rather strange.
Hm?
A Talisman of All-Permitting?
As she drew closer to the girl, Shenhe suddenly sensed the aura of a Talisman of All-Permitting, which seemed to explain why the girl was so calm.
"Are you here to see my Mas... an Adeptus?"
Shenhe changed her wording mid-sentence.
She wasn't afraid of revealing her identity, but she was concerned that if the girl learned the Adepti took disciples, she might also want to become one. While it wasn't her decision to make, it could create a pointless obsession, and she didn't want that for the girl.
"...Yes."
Stunned for a moment, Kiana quickly nodded.
She had been trying to think of how to say she wasn't leaving, but Shenhe's sudden change of topic—asking if she was there to see an Adeptus—caught her off guard.
Strange...
Why did Shenhe suddenly ask me that? Weren't you just about to take me down the mountain?
Kiana still hadn't figured out the reason for Shenhe's abrupt shift.
She has a Talisman of All-Permitting...
Never mind...
I'll take her to see Master...
I can bring her back down later...
Because the girl had a Talisman of All-Permitting, Shenhe had no choice but to change her original plan. After all, the Talisman of All-Permitting was a certificate of the pact between the Lord of Geo and his people. She couldn't just turn someone carrying it away; she had to at least let her meet an Adeptus.
"Then follow me."
With those words, Shenhe turned and began to lead the way.
What's going on?
Does she already think I'm the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles?
No, that can't be...
She probably doesn't even know the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles exists, right?
Watching Shenhe's retreating back, Kiana was still completely baffled, with no idea what had just happened.
But despite her confusion, she followed.
They walked in silence.
Shenhe simply led the way, while Kiana trailed behind, trying to figure out the situation.
Are the Adepti of Liyue really this easy to meet nowadays? All you have to do is say the word and a disciple of the Adepti will lead you...
Wait...
The Talisman of All-Permitting?
Suddenly, Kiana remembered something, and she finally understood what was going on.
Honestly, she had almost forgotten she even had such a thing. If not for Shenhe's abrupt change in attitude, she really wouldn't have remembered she possessed a Talisman of All-Permitting.
In that case...
Shenhe now sees me as someone carrying a Talisman of All-Permitting to seek out the Adepti.
...
Having figured out the situation, Kiana began to ponder her next move.
She had been wondering how to appear before that woman, but unexpectedly, Shenhe had coincidentally provided her with a way.
But...
Should I really do it this way?
Kiana hadn't made a decision on the matter yet.
Oh, well...
This is fine...
After thinking it over and failing to come up with a better idea, Kiana decided to just go with it for now. Since she couldn't think of a better approach, she might as well let things unfold naturally.
Huh?
How did Shenhe get so far ahead...
Finished with her thoughts, Kiana realized that Shenhe was already a good distance away, now stopped up ahead and waiting for her.
___
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