Amber nodded repeatedly, taking out a notebook to write down the questions she planned to ask later. She had no idea that at that very moment, the great Anemo Archon was working part-time for a businessman.
...
Liyue Streets.
Venti strummed his lyre as he promoted a comic book.
"Want to know how mortals can cultivate into immortals?"
"Curious about how mysterious Adepti cultivate and live?"
"Everything you want to know is right here!"
"Boss Su's brand-new comic, a cultivation story centered on mortal cultivators! If you want to understand the Adepti better, come and buy a copy!"
Passersby were instantly intrigued. Mortals who could become immortals?
And those legendary Adepti, mysterious and powerful. Though Liyue already had exorcist families, the secrets of cultivation were far beyond the reach of ordinary people.
Now, they finally had a chance to glimpse that mysterious world of cultivation. Who wouldn't be excited?
Watching the growing crowd of buyers, Venti nodded in satisfaction. "Looks like my task is complete. I hope Boss Su keeps his promise."
By evening, as night fell, the bard's day of promotion came to a perfect end.
When he went to find Su Han, his reward wasn't just two new comic books, but also a jar of fifty-year-old Bamboo Leaf Green wine.
Venti, master of slacking off, had two great loves in life: joining in the fun and drinking.
To suddenly receive a jar of fifty-year-aged wine, he was overjoyed.
"Thank you, Boss Su! Not bad, not bad at all. Didn't expect to get such a bonus just for promoting all day. Totally worth it! Unlike someone whose friend travels all this way to visit and doesn't even offer a drink or a snack."
Hearing Venti's teasing tone, Zhongli didn't even look up as he said, "Hmph. Clearly, it was a certain drunkard who couldn't get enough of reading comics and came here under the pretext of 'dropping by.' As for this so-called visit, I'm not the one who should feel honored."
He added coolly, "Besides, in Liyue, visiting someone also requires bringing gifts."
Seeing Zhongli's stern expression, Venti quickly backpedaled. "Next time for sure! I suddenly remembered something urgent, I'll head back now. Brother Su, when you come to Mondstadt, I'll treat you to a drink!"
If he stayed any longer, he feared a stone spear might come flying his way, and that was something even he couldn't withstand. Seriously, this old man still had no sense of humor.
Watching the bard run off, Su Han stood up and smiled. "It's getting late. I'll head back too. When the Hall Master returns, let's sit down together for a drink."
"Mm, take care, Brother Su," Zhongli replied with a faint smile.
If Venti had heard that tone, he would've been furious, a friendship of a thousand years treated worse than Su Han, whom Zhongli had known for barely three months. Truly, comparisons could kill.
The lanterns along the street were already lit. Though Liyue had no electricity, there were still streetlights — probably powered by alchemy.
Su Han didn't understand much about that, but as he approached his shop, the selling scene was still lively. Even at night, customers were flowing in and out nonstop.
"Buy all you want! The more you buy, the faster I update!"
Seeing how busy the shop was, Su Han's mood lifted even more. By his count, he was nearly ready for the second lottery draw from the new comic's release, how wonderful! He was curious to see what treasure he might get next.
From the Under One Person world, there were plenty of powerful items to hope for. Even without the Eight Miraculous Skills, something like the Golden Light Spell or the Reverse Life Triple Layer would be incredible.
Just getting one of them could greatly enhance his strength.
Humming a tune, he climbed up to the third floor.
But as soon as he opened the door, Su Han froze, there was a beautiful crane in the room!
It was resting peacefully, its plumage a blend of pale blue and white, its beak a muted brownish-yellow, and a faint red tinge near its eyes. Though it was in bird form, its presence radiated divine aura.
"Hm? So you are Su Han?"
Sensing his arrival, the crane slowly opened its eyes.
They looked at each other. Su Han was baffled, what was Cloud Retainer, Ganyu's master, doing here?
Could she have come because of the comic too?
Seeing his silence, Cloud Retainer assumed he didn't recognize her. Clearing her throat, she introduced herself, "This immortal's name is Cloud Retainer, Ganyu's teacher. There is no need to fear. I have merely come regarding a small matter.
Wait a moment, the comic in your hand, it's different from the ones in the shop!
Is that Volume Three and Four??"
The crane had been pacing calmly around the room, as was her habit. But when she noticed the comic in Su Han's hand, one she hadn't seen before, she instantly lost her composure. Her pale blue eyes burned with excitement.
Su Han nodded. "Yes. They were freshly printed this evening, not yet for sale. Would you like to take a look, Cloud Retainer?"
Of course she wanted to! Why else would she have come down the mountain?
But being asked so directly, Cloud Retainer suddenly felt awkward. Having little contact with others for so long, she didn't quite know how to respond, and unconsciously put on a dignified air.
The room fell silent, the air growing tense and awkward.
Then, catching the eager look in her eyes, Su Han remembered, Ganyu once said her master had a "cheerful yet introverted" personality.
Classic case of a soft heart behind a proud face.
Su Han's eyes lit up as he cleared his throat. "Ahem… I often hear Ganyu mention your keen insight into new things, so I wanted to ask your opinion on the art style of the comic. And, well, I also have a small favor to ask."
Cloud Retainer's beak curved upward slightly. Indeed, this young man is as polite as Madame Ping said.
Given a graceful way to save face, her mood brightened at once. Her voice even softened as she replied, "Since you are of Ganyu's kin, you may be regarded as a junior of this immortal. I don't mind giving you my opinion. What else is it you wish to ask?"
The key to dealing with immortals, Su Han knew, was not to treat them as deities, but as ordinary friends.
The more reverent you acted, the greater the distance. By contrast, his casual, friendly approach worked far better.
"It's like this," Su Han began. "I received a commission from Zhongli, to help foster understanding between the Adepti and the people of Liyue. That's how this comic came about. It contains some elements of cultivation, yes, but nothing beyond what exorcist families already know.
However, to broaden its impact, I want to add a line on the opening page."
"What line?" Cloud Retainer asked curiously.
"I'd like to write: 'This comic has been approved by the Adepti.' It may look like just a sentence, but it carries great influence. And I'm not doing this to encourage mortals to rush out and buy it.
I simply hope that through this comic, they'll better understand the truth, that cultivation is unimaginably difficult. Once they truly grasp that, they'll learn that living well as mortals is already admirable.
And besides, with such awareness spreading, Jueyun Karst might finally find some peace, fewer mortals climbing the mountains and disturbing you all."
Those words came straight from Su Han's heart.
Throughout history, even on Earth, countless emperors had sought immortality, how much more so in Liyue, where immortals truly existed?
Cloud Retainer nodded repeatedly, thinking to herself, This young man is indeed remarkable. Even before meeting us, he's already working to help. Far more useful than those Liyue Qixing officials.
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