When they stepped out of the Jade Chamber, everyone immediately spotted the Qingluan.
The magnificent divine bird hovered gracefully beside the Jade Chamber, its vast wings stirring the air. Its eyes alone were larger than Ningguang's entire body.
A hint of warmth flickered in Ningguang's expression as she said softly:
"So it really is the Qingluan. Little one, why have you come? Did Ganyu let you out for some fresh air?"
Keqing chuckled.
"After being confined in the Netherworld for so long, the Qingluan probably doesn't want to shrink down anymore."
"Maybe it wants to take a good look around Teyvat."
The other Liyue Qixing looked nervous.
The creature before them radiated a power far beyond that of the strongest Adepti they had ever seen.
This was unmistakably a spirit beast of the cultivation world.
And judging by its behavior— it was following Ganyu.
Uncle Tian couldn't help but sigh at Ganyu's fortune.
The Qingluan let out a joyful cry, its form shrinking in a flash. At Ganyu's gentle gesture, it landed on the Jade Chamber, returning to its small and elegant size.
It circled Ningguang and Keqing playfully before perching on Ganyu's shoulder.
"Ganyu? I was wondering how you'd dare let the Qingluan wander off on its own."
Ningguang smiled softly, her tone gentle.
"Have you returned because something urgent happened? Don't worry about Yuehai Pavilion— I've already recruited plenty of personnel. You should focus on cultivation."
Ganyu shook her head, her voice calm and clear.
"I'm here to deliver the sect master's decree."
At once, everyone grew solemn. Ningguang and Keqing cupped their hands respectfully.
"Please, deliver the sect master's command."
Ganyu paused briefly, then spoke:
"Mount Shu has now evolved into a self-contained world— its spiritual energy abundant, its resources overflowing."
"The disciples of Mount Shu have entered proper order. In one month's time, the sect master wishes to open the gates in Liyue, to recruit disciples on a grand scale."
"This opening will admit one thousand disciples."
"After Liyue conducts the preliminary selection, candidates will be sent into Mount Shu's world. Those who pass the first level of the Heart-Testing Array will become outer sect disciples. Those who pass three levels will become inner sect disciples."
"Zhongli, First Seat of Longshou Peak will personally oversee this. The Hall of Discipline and disciples of each peak will assist."
"Those who fail, if they still show promise, may remain in Mount Shu Village to practice martial arts— until the next opening."
When she finished, Ningguang, Keqing, and even all the Qixing could not contain their delight.
The long-awaited opening had finally come.
For Ningguang and Keqing, who already had ties to Mount Shu, this was only natural.
But for the other Qixing, it was exhilarating— a chance they had thought forever beyond their reach.
Who wouldn't want to tread the immortal path?
Now, the opportunity had arrived.
The Heart-Testing Array was said to examine one's state of mind, and the Qixing knew well how important inner resolve was for cultivators.
On this front, they actually had confidence.
After a moment, Ningguang cupped her hands and declared firmly:
"Disciple Ningguang, on behalf of Liyue, accepts the sect master's decree. Liyue will give its full support to ensure the opening ceremony proceeds without flaw."
Ganyu nodded, then added gently:
"Ningguang, although the sect master has chosen Liyue as the first site, you must not show too much favoritism toward Liyue's people."
Ningguang smiled faintly.
"Rest assured, I understand. I won't lean too heavily toward Liyue's citizens or the Millelith."
"But I do believe in the people of Liyue. As the sect master once said, we have a natural advantage in understanding cultivation."
At that, Ganyu's lips curved into a gentle smile.
There was a subtle change in her aura, a softness more like that of a woman than an immortal adeptus.
Ningguang's gaze flickered— she seemed to realize something.
Her heart grew complicated, but after a pause, she said softly:
"Congratulations, Ganyu."
Flustered, Ganyu's cheeks reddened. She quickly changed the subject.
"Last night, Mount Shu transformed into a full-fledged world."
"The sect master has ordered the Hall of Merits to expand its operations. Many new beasts and monsters were spawned during the transformation."
"Hall of Merits missions will increase accordingly, and the mining of spirit ore will also be added to its system."
"The sect master also intends to lecture more this month, to raise everyone's strength before the opening."
"In short, many changes are underway. If you have the chance, you should return and see for yourselves. I've delivered the decree— I must go."
Without lingering, she urged the Qingluan to resume its true form and departed swiftly into the skies.
Keqing frowned slightly, glancing at Ningguang.
"What's going on with Ganyu?"
Ningguang only shook her head, hiding her thoughts deep inside.
"Come. We have another council to hold."
Back in the Jade Chamber, the atmosphere grew even more jubilant.
Already elated by recent good news, now with the decree of Mount Shu's opening, the Qixing were overjoyed.
Uncle Tian and the others nearly burst into song.
At last, Liyue would have its chance to enter Mount Shu.
For them— whose talents fell short of Ningguang and Keqing— this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
They had heard too many wonders of cultivation: immortality, the ability to pluck stars and seize the moon.
Even without considering the ancient Adepti or Rex Lapis, Ningguang and Keqing themselves now rivaled those immortal legends.
Ningguang alone, with her mastery over the Heavenly Scripture and the Tianxin Bell, could contend against a demon god if needed.
Her lifespan now exceeded five hundred years.
Why settle for martial arts when the immortal path beckoned?
With this opening, how could they not try?
Miss it, and given cultivators' vast lifespans, they might not live to see another.
Ningguang read their thoughts at a glance and reassured them with a smile.
"Colleagues, don't worry. Your talents aren't poor, and your willpower is steady. I believe you stand a fair chance."
Yaoguang shook her head with a wry smile.
"You can't compare us to yourself. We're just mortals— we can't be judged by the same standard as you cultivators, Tianquan."
"You're gifted, but you don't understand our nerves."
Ningguang chuckled softly.
"Baizhu of Bubu Pharmacy passed nine levels of the Heart-Testing Array. The sect master himself praised his Dao-seeking heart as rare in all ages."
"He's now my junior brother. Before leaving, he left us an account of his experience in the array."
"It may not apply to everyone, but it can offer some insight. I'll share it with you later."
"But keep it to yourselves. The Heart-Testing Array is a high secret. If word spreads too far, even Zhongli, First Seat of Longshou Peak might personally intervene."
The Qixing nodded eagerly, encouraged.
But Ningguang and Keqing exchanged knowing, wry smiles.
Baizhu himself had said the array erased all memory of Mount Shu during the trial.
His so-called "experience" was little more than comfort.
Still, Ningguang believed the Qixing had the will to succeed.
If all seven could enter Mount Shu, Liyue's future strength would be unimaginable.
Even if that made Liyue a de facto vassal of Mount Shu, it hardly mattered.
Mount Shu stood above worldly politics, the great righteous sect of the cultivation world.
Countless nations had once begged to be its vassals.
That Liyue had this chance was fortunate indeed.
And with Zhongli and the Adepti already disciples of Mount Shu, Liyue was in truth already bound to it.
"Enough. Let's discuss the opening ceremony itself."
Ningguang clapped her hands, her tone firm.
"This is the first great matter Mount Shu has entrusted to Liyue, and the first major event of its revival. We must host it flawlessly."
"If the sect master is displeased, even Zhongli, First Seat of Longshou Peak will be in an awkward position."
Uncle Tian's face grew serious.
"Of course. For now, everything else must wait. Liyue's highest priority is ensuring the ceremony succeeds."
"All expenses will be borne by Liyue. This is also our chance to display strength."
"But… the Rite of Descension, one month from now…"
Ningguang frowned in thought, then said quietly:
"Zhongli, First Seat of Longshou Peak will be overseeing the ceremony. He won't have time to host the Rite."
"Since he hasn't sent word, it must mean the opening takes precedence."
"We can delay the Rite of Descension. Once the ceremony ends, Liyue will already have new cultivators."
"With a stronger Liyue, Rex Lapis will only be more at ease when he sees it."
The others agreed readily.
The Rite comes every year. Mount Shu's opening might come once in a while.
"As for the preliminary selection," Ningguang continued, "as Ganyu said, it falls to Liyue. But since this is Mount Shu's matter, we can't show blatant favoritism."
"Still, the sect master's intention is clear— the thousand disciples will be chosen within Liyue."
"Not only because others may doubt us, but also because a month's time isn't enough to send word across nations and have people arrive."
"So, this time, we'll spread the message across all of Liyue. Anyone within Liyue, whether native or foreigner, may join the selection."
"That should be fair enough."
The council pondered, then nodded in agreement.
"In the end, Liyue still holds the advantage," Keqing remarked with a smile.
"The cultivation wave has already swept our land. We've seen it ourselves, flying over Liyue these days."
"Our people already understand cultivation— and we're closest to Mount Shu. We have the edge."
Everyone exchanged knowing smiles.
Uncle Tian asked again:
"Then how will we screen the first candidates? What will the standards be?"
Ningguang fell silent for a moment before answering solemnly:
"I'll summon Yelan back. With her network, we can examine each applicant."
"Mount Shu disciples cannot be criminals. The sect's will is to slay demons and uphold righteousness."
"Anyone meeting that basic standard may attempt the Heart-Testing Array."
Uncle Tian frowned slightly.
"But that's too broad. What if too many slip through?"
"Our role is only preliminary. The true selection lies with the sect master."
Ningguang shook her head.
"This is the only workable approach."
Hearing this, the council voiced no further objection.
With the core matters settled, discussion shifted to the finer details of the opening ceremony.
As time passed, their plans for Liyue's preliminary selection and the spread of announcements gradually took shape.
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