Chapter 8

It seemed that because her old friend never came to visit her, and because Ganyu, whom the master mentioned, also hadn't come to see her, Cloud Retainer was in a bit of a mood.

Having just emerged from seclusion, she was already thinking about going back into isolation again.

As a result, Jiang Ning also suffered the consequences.

Cloud Retainer kept asking if there was any more knowledge from other worlds, wanting to research something new.

So, Jiang Ning had no choice but to squeeze the system once again. In three days, he had the system produce a pile of books.

Then Cloud Retainer went back into seclusion again.

"Little brother, you'll get used to it. Master is like this—she doesn't like going out..." Shenhe said softly.

Jiang Ning grumbled, "Sister, you could just say that Master is a tech-obsessed homebody..."

"Child, you really don't know how to speak properly."

Cloud Retainer's voice echoed from inside the cave dwelling, accompanied by a discarded mechanical part flying straight toward Jiang Ning's head.

Before Jiang Ning could react, Shenhe's gaze sharpened. She deflected the object with her spear, protecting him.

Cloud Retainer snorted, "You've truly grown up... Well, this immortal won't argue with you anymore. You've both learned enough, so you should go down the mountain."

"It's time for you to enter the mortal world and experience life."

Cloud Retainer paused before saying, "Jiang Ning."

"I'm here, Master."

"During this journey into the world, Shenhe doesn't understand how to interact with people or speak properly. Please take care of her."

"Understood, Master. It's my duty as a disciple. I will definitely take good care of Sister."

Jiang Ning said seriously. His senior sister was now the person closest to him, so he would definitely take good care of her.

"Very well. You should head to Liyue Harbor first. You can seek out your senior sister Ganyu there. Also, give Ganyu a message from me—ask her if she still remembers her master, and tell her to come back and visit."

"But Master... aren't you in seclusion?" Shenhe asked, puzzled.

Cloud Retainer fell silent, then continued as if nothing had happened:

"Also, when you go to Liyue Harbor, remember to give my regards to... Mr. Zhongli. With Mr. Zhongli there, and Ganyu's guidance, there shouldn't be any problems."

After saying this, Cloud Retainer fell silent, clearly returning to her seclusion.

"Well then, Sister, shall we go?" Jiang Ning looked at Shenhe, extending his hand in invitation.

"Mm, okay."

Shenhe took Jiang Ning's small hand, following him step by step down the mountain.

As they left the mountaintop, Shenhe instinctively looked back. After all, this had been her home for so many years... Now that they were leaving, she felt a bit reluctant.

...

The path down the mountain was familiar to both of them.

Leaving Mt. Aocang, they followed the main road, crossed the wooden plank bridges connecting the peaks, and arrived at Qingyun Peak. The scenery at Qingyun Peak wasn't as beautiful as Mt. Aocang.

Although Mt. Aocang's scenery was gorgeous, seeing the same view for so long could become visually tiring.

Therefore, the scenery on the plank road didn't slow their steps. They walked straight through Qingyun Peak, following the main road downward. Looking down, they could see large pools of water.

This was the territory of Jueyun Karst.

Reaching this area meant they had officially descended the mountain.

Along the way, they seemed to spot a young man and woman arguing. They appeared to be fellow disciples—more precisely, the woman was throwing a tantrum while the man helplessly tried to persuade her.

But this had nothing to do with them, so after a brief glance, they continued on their way.

Past Jueyun Karst was Cuijue Slope, followed by Guili Plains.

Here, there were finally signs of human habitation, at least some villages.

Along the way, they dealt with some criminals called the Treasure Hoarders. Shenhe demonstrated what it meant for a young woman to come of age with world-shaking strength.

After knocking a few Treasure Hoarders' heads against the ground three times, peace was restored.

The villages showed their gratitude by giving them plenty of travel money and dried food.

"Guili Plains... this place looks more like ruins..." Jiang Ning mumbled, looking at the broken walls and ancient buildings around them.

"Master said that Guili Plains should be considered the predecessor of Liyue Harbor. The original Liyue was established here," Shenhe said softly.

"Is that so... No wonder there are so many Treasure Hoarders here. I guess they're all here to rob tombs or steal things?"

Jiang Ning said. Then their actions against the Treasure Hoarders must count as eliminating evil for the public good.

Shenhe remained silent, simply standing quietly beside Jiang Ning.

With her murderous qi fully absorbed, Shenhe no longer needed the red rope to contain her soul. Her emotions were slowly recovering, though she still didn't know how to express them.

However, Jiang Ning sheepishly admitted that his senior sister looked very nice with the red ropes binding her...

So Shenhe put on an ordinary red rope, binding herself in the usual way.

If little brother liked it, she would definitely maintain it...

Though she didn't know why, seeing little brother happy made Shenhe feel very happy too.

[System: Heh heh heh, host, you're quite perverted... Do you like bondage?]

"Shut up." Jiang Ning's face darkened.

[Friendly reminder, you haven't done many tasks lately.]

"Didn't I exceed the standard performance line?" Jiang Ning said.

[But it's a new month now.]

"So there's no bonus or extra reward for exceeding the quota?"

[Well... there doesn't seem to be such a rule...] The System said awkwardly. Or rather, as a poor student, it didn't have that authority and could only provide the base amount.

Jiang Ning thought disdainfully: "Then I'll just do the minimum requirement each month from now on."

[That works too.] The System went along with whatever Jiang Ning said.

Meanwhile, Shenhe, because Jiang Ning had fallen silent, was staring intently at the white cloth covering her slime...

.....

For some reason, Shenhe felt her heart beating faster, and her face growing warm.

This was a feeling she had never experienced before... What was happening to her? And there was also a sense of... bashfulness.

"Little brother..." Shenhe held her chest, her slender waist making the weight above seem even more unbearable.

Jiang Ning suddenly realized where he had been staring and his face reddened.

"Ahem... Sister, I'm sorry, I was just thinking about something... Say, where should we spend the night? Should we camp here in Guili Plains, or...? I'm not familiar with the area, you decide."

Jiang Ning quickly changed the subject.