Chapter 56

"Dornman Port? That's in Mondstadt, if I remember correctly..." 

Jiang Ning pondered.

Yanfei said: "Yes, a merchant guild asked me to accompany them as their legal advisor... I'm leaving soon."

"Be careful on the road, and check if you've packed everything before departing," Grandma Ping said.

"I know, I know... Well, it's about time. I should go now. And little junior brother, this meeting was a bit rushed, but Senior Sister will treat you to a meal when I return."

Yanfei waved and hurried away as energetically as she had arrived.

"Slow down, slow down... This child." 

Grandma Ping shook her head and said to Jiang Ning: "Sorry you had to see that. She's always like this, so impetuous."

Jiang Ning just smiled.

"Well, young people's time is precious. This old lady won't take up any more of your time. When you're tired, come rest here – I can at least offer you a cup of tea."

Grandma Ping waved her hand.

"Yes, thank you, Grandma," Jiang Ning said.

...

At night, Jiang Ning practiced his spear techniques in the courtyard, his gaze fierce.

He had to work during the day, so nighttime was when he familiarized himself with the Skyward Spine.

Zhongli stood quietly to the side, offering guidance.

For some reason, Zhongli always came when his senior sister wasn't around, though perhaps it was just coincidence.

After completing a set of spear techniques, Zhongli finally nodded:

"You've mastered these techniques, but remember: although the moves you practice daily have patterns, in actual combat, you must learn to apply them flexibly. Don't simply copy them."

"Yes, I understand, Master Zhongli."

Jiang Ning nodded.

"Good, your senior sister is back. If there's nothing else, practice diligently on your own. If you have any questions, come find me at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Also, Mondstadt is different from Liyue – if anything comes up there, wait until you return to discuss it."

After these instructions, Zhongli hurriedly left.

"Always coming and going so quickly..." Jiang Ning said, watching Zhongli's departing figure.

Shenhe said: "Perhaps Mr. Zhongli has his own concerns."

"Little junior brother, I'm back," Ganyu said, "And Shenhe, I'm back."

"Welcome back, Senior Sister," Jiang Ning said.

"Have you gotten familiar with the Skyward Spine?"

Ganyu asked.

"Yes, I'll be taking the Skyward Spine with me on this trip," Jiang Ning said, weighing the Skyward Spine in his hands, very satisfied.

A divine weapon truly lived up to its name – it could even adjust its length according to his needs, finally achieving a size suitable for him.

"That's good."

Ganyu was also very happy.

Now, all three of them in their martial family had divine weapons.

Her Amos' Bow, Shenhe's Calamity Queller, and her junior brother's Skyward Spine.

"By the way, little junior brother, the time for going to Mondstadt has been set – one week from now. Go to Yuehua Hall then, and the Tianquan will give you a letter of introduction. It's an official document, so don't lose it."

Ganyu reminded him.

"Yes, I understand," Jiang Ning nodded.

"Good, let's eat. Shenhe, what did you make today?"

"Qingxin flowers..."

...

In three days, Jiang Ning completed Xiao's commission and finished all the other work Ganyu had assigned.

In the evenings, he went to Wuwang Hill with Hu Tao for feasts.

Those souls were all very nourishing.

He even secretly consumed some souls that could be given last rites.

While helping with performance metrics, he strengthened himself, and most importantly, it wouldn't be discovered.

This highlighted the capabilities of the Death Archon's powers, filling in some of what could be achieved.

Nurturing, nurturing resentful spirits – Jiang Ning only used a small portion of his abilities to turn some souls that still had consciousness into resentful spirits, then consumed them.

In just a few days, Jiang Ning's strength showed visible growth.

Jiang Ning realized that what he had received from the system was actually useful; he had thought it useless before because he had been too hasty.

"System, was this all part of your calculations?"

Jiang Ning admired.

An indestructible body and the ability to absorb skills – wasn't that all about eating?

The system's voice suddenly rose, though it seemed somewhat guilty: [Of-of course! Everything was within my calculations!]

Meanwhile, Hu Tao came over carrying her spear: "How strange, why are there so many resentful spirits lately?"

Jiang Ning maintained his composure: "Maybe it's because of the Fatui? Perhaps they did something back then?"

Hu Tao didn't doubt him and said angrily: "Those awful Fatui."

"Mm-hmm, awful Fatui." Jiang Ning agreed.

"By the way, your spear techniques – they seem newly learned? They still look a bit rough?" Jiang Ning quickly changed the subject.

Hu Tao said: "Yeah, these past few days, that consultant, for some reason, suddenly became generous and said he'd teach me a set of spear techniques. They're really useful though – even though I'm not familiar with them yet, this Director's work has become much easier."

Jiang Ning nodded. Taught by Master Zhongli...

However, for some reason, during today's cooperation, when they fought together, there was always a feeling that the two spear techniques complemented each other.

As if this set of techniques was meant to be used together, dancing in unison.

Must be his imagination.

Jiang Ning pondered.

"Alright, work's done, let's go home~"

Hu Tao pulled Jiang Ning down the mountain.

During this time, their relationship had progressed rapidly.

They had gone from new acquaintances to close friends who could talk about anything.

It started when Jiang Ning had the system compile a comprehensive guide to funeral practices from his original world for Hu Tao.

At that time, Hu Tao's eyes had grown round and bright, and she had almost made him the Deputy Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor on the spot.

In particular, Hu Tao was very curious about the burial method called "Ghanaian coffin dance."

Especially since this burial method was very festive.

Hu Tao thought she could promote it for celebratory funerals in Liyue.

On the way down the mountain, Hu Tao turned her head:

"When you get to Mondstadt, remember to ask if the Knights of Favonius are interested in cooperation. This Director plans to expand the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"Sure, sure..." Jiang Ning wiped nonexistent cold sweat.

If you try to discuss this with the Knights of Favonius, you'll probably be shown the door, even as Liyue's special envoy...

The two seemed tired and didn't talk much on the way back to the city.

Hu Tao looked at Jiang Ning's profile, which appeared particularly charming in the moonlight.

Hu Tao's face reddened, and she withdrew her gaze.

Damn, why does a guy need to look so good, and that skin... I'm jealous just looking at it.

Hu Tao thought fiercely.