Since it was related to machinery, Tartaglia was deeply interested. After all, if he ever had to face a large number of mechanical enemies, perhaps he could gain some inspiration from the manga.
At the very least, he had indeed gained a lot from reading Wind and Cloud.
Unfortunately, though the opening of Volume Six was filled with large-scale battles, each one ended abruptly, the fight scenes were all skipped.
"Damn it!!" Tartaglia gnashed his teeth in frustration and cursed, "Now I finally understand why those fans curse that shop owner every day! Because right now, I feel the same way! Tell me, why the hell did you skip all the fight scenes?!"
Of course, skipping some battle panels in a manga was understandable for pacing reasons, but skipping all of them was too much.
At least show a little!
For example, what did Wang Zhenqiu's so-called god-related move look like?
And that bespectacled old man shrouded in black aura... what kind of power did he possess? The man facing him looked utterly miserable, his eyes bulging in pain.
And that crazed monk, Xiao Zizai, Tartaglia was also curious about his battle!
But none of it was shown. How could he not be angry?
It was already good that he hadn't gone berserk.
Outside the door, the Fatui agents stationed as guards heard the curses from inside and couldn't help but laugh quietly, after all, they felt the same whenever they caught up on manga.
They strongly supported their lord personally urging the author to update faster. That way, they too could read more manga.
Though furious, Tartaglia eventually calmed down and continued reading.
In the later part of the story...
The long-missing Wang Ye appeared once more. Because he was worried about Zhuge Qing, he came with him to Biyou Village.
The manga even explained why he had decided to fight.
But what was truly interesting came afterward.
While Wang Ye and Zhuge Qing were talking, a mere mortal suddenly attacked them. Of course, the result was predictable, the man was defeated in an instant.
If not for Zhuge Qing's quick reaction, the mortal might have died or been gravely injured.
Afterward, the mortal told his story, full of hardship and growth. Tartaglia's eyes lit up as he smiled. "I knew it. The manga shop owner isn't an ordinary person."
Many people in the city now believed that as long as they found a cultivation method, they could practice it.
But the truth was, without talent, one could only remain an ordinary human.
The character Liu Dang in the manga was the perfect example.
He had immense strength but lacked the aptitude for cultivation.
"First, he hints that cultivation techniques in the manga can truly be practiced. Then, he warns that without talent, one shouldn't force it. This manga really is something."
At last, Tartaglia understood Su Han's intent. His desire to fight that man grew even stronger.
He was now nearly certain.
That manga shop owner was no ordinary person.
In fact, Tartaglia was convinced that anyone with half a brain who finished reading this volume would gain some insight.
"Remarkable… using manga to guide the people. I thought he was merely deceiving them for Mora, but now I see how shallow I was.
These stories enlighten the readers and teach them how to improve themselves."
After finishing Volume Six, Tartaglia sighed with emotion.
Though he wasn't from Liyue and didn't understand the tales of Tripitaka and the Monkey King, he could still grasp the story's message easily.
Su Han wanted to teach through his manga that to live well, one must strengthen the body and fortify the mind.
...
Inside the bamboo courtyard of Yujing Terrace.
Two immortals sat together, sipping tea and chatting leisurely.
"At first, I wanted to see what kind of trouble Su Han's antics would cause," said Cloud Retainer, setting down the manga she had just finished. "But it seems I was the shallow one. I never expected this."
Her eyes were filled with satisfaction, the manga's message was excellent, faintly carrying the intent of moral teaching.
Most importantly, Su Han wasn't forcing any kind of instruction; he was simply telling a story. What the readers understood depended entirely on their own perception.
Granny Ping, who was brewing tea, smiled and nodded. "Indeed. When I finished reading it just now, I was surprised as well. The practice of stillness is the cultivation of one's mind.
And Liu Dang's story serves as a warning, those without talent should not obsess over cultivation. As for the final short story on inner reflection, it was the perfect finishing touch.
Strengthen the body, fortify the mind.
Anyone who truly grasps those four words will find life smooth even without cultivation."
There was, however, something Granny Ping didn't mention aloud...
Since Su Han had opened his shop, her old friend Cloud Retainer had been visiting far more frequently. Maybe not daily, but every other day at least, which was quite astonishing.
At this rate, Cloud Retainer might as well move to Liyue permanently.
Hearing her old friend's praise, Cloud Retainer suddenly recalled something and sighed. "Indeed. Mortals are often swayed by their emotions, just like Shenhe's father, who fell into madness because of it.
I'm considering something, Ping. Tell me, since there exists the Golden Light Spell, could Su Han's father's inheritance contain a method to help Shenhe overcome her inner demons?
That child's life has been so tragic. Each time I see her awakened by that evil aura in pain, my heart aches for her."
Shenhe, unlike Ganyu, was merely a human with cultivation.
She was destined to return to Liyue Harbor someday.
But the problem was that Shenhe was far too withdrawn, she couldn't even communicate normally with people. How could she ever find peace like that?
Granny Ping was momentarily taken aback, then thoughtful. From what she knew, Su Han did possess certain mysterious techniques.
But purifying innate evil energy wouldn't be simple.
Still, not wanting to sadden her friend, she smiled and comforted her. "Perhaps it's possible. I once heard Su Han mention that the more his manga sells, the more of his father's inheritance he can unlock.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have invited you to manifest before, right?
But Cloud Retainer, I think you should let go of this matter for now. As for Shenhe's corruption... why not let her go down the mountain for a while?
She'll have to get used to life among mortals eventually."
"You're right, Ping," Cloud Retainer nodded in agreement. "I've been so focused on her condition that I forgot what she truly needs is time."
The corruption wouldn't vanish in a day or two. Rather than staying isolated in the mountains, it would be better for Shenhe to go out more.
After all, she was destined to return to Liyue Harbor.
The two chatted for a long time.
Before parting, Cloud Retainer suddenly remembered that Granny Ping had mentioned a disciple who was supposed to return today, yet she hadn't seen her all morning.
"Ping, where's Yaoyao? Did she go out to play?"
Among Granny Ping's several disciples, her favorite was the youngest, Yaoyao. Not only was the girl talented and adorable, but she was also diligent in cultivation. Every immortal loved her.
Most importantly, despite her young age, Yaoyao was very thoughtful and caring.
Even Cloud Retainer herself had once received Yaoyao's help while visiting Liyue Harbor.
After all, immortals didn't understand mortal life well and were reluctant to seek help from humans. Having such a considerate little girl spared them much awkwardness.
Granny Ping smiled and pointed toward the neighboring courtyard. "She went to see Su Han. The moment she heard he often visits to deliver gifts, she wanted to pay a visit in return.
She hasn't come back yet, so I suppose she's having a great time there."
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