Genshin impact: immortal cultivation in teyvat

17. Shen He Joins Shushan!

Zhongli's Tianlingen earlier hadn't been enough to make Jiang Yan eager to recruit a disciple, but now, Shen He's special physique had completely changed his attitude.

Zhongli and the others had finally grasped the significance of unique physiques in cultivation.

However, when it came to the matter of Shen He's apprenticeship… now didn't seem like the right time.

Zhongli cast a subtle glance at Liu Yun, who immediately understood and spoke gently:

"Jiang Yan, we still know very little about immortal cultivation. Why don't we take some time to consider this?"

Jiang Yan realized that he had been too hasty. He nodded and replied:

"You're right. I got ahead of myself. After all, this is an entirely new and different cultivation system for you. It makes sense that you'd want time to think it through."

"Besides, Shushan hasn't been rebuilt yet."

"However, if you decide, Shen He can join Shushan at any time."

"The same goes for all of you—your talents are extraordinary. It would be a shame not to cultivate immortality."

To be honest, Jiang Yan appreciated spiritual roots and other innate talents, but they were only part of the equation.

Any true top-tier genius in the world of cultivation also possessed a special physique.

These days, if someone didn't have a special physique, they'd be embarrassed to call themselves a genius!

Shen He's Prime Yin Body had truly astonished Jiang Yan.

Teyvat was beyond extraordinary—other places might produce a handful of geniuses, but Teyvat? It was practically a genius assembly line.

So far, every person Jiang Yan had met—Zhongli, Shen He, Gan Yu, and the others—had been outstanding talents in the path of cultivation.

How could they not become immortals?

Jiang Yan wasn't worried that they'd reject the idea.

After all, just the ability to remove karmic erosion and achieve resurrection was enough to convince them.

They simply needed time to adjust.

Fortunately, during this period, he could focus on rebuilding Shushan.

As for how to build it…

Though he had lost most of his cultivation resources, Jiang Yan was still a Refining Void cultivator.

Creating an entire small world was impossible for him at the moment, but constructing a grand sect, forming mountains, and crafting a vast training ground?

That was easy.

---

A Parting Gift

Having absorbed a great deal of information, Zhongli and the others felt it was time to conclude their discussion.

Zhongli stood and spoke:

"Today has been an eye-opening experience. The mysteries of immortal cultivation are truly fascinating."

"But for now, we should leave it here. You have just passed your tribulation and need time to rest."

"Regarding the reopening of Shushan, I have already promised you that you may choose any location in Liyue."

"However, this is a significant matter, and I must consult with the Qixing."

"We will give you a definitive answer by tomorrow at the latest."

"Rest assured, we fully support Shushan's revival."

Jiang Yan smiled and nodded.

"Take your time. Cultivators of immortality have an abundance of time, after all."

"You've all been through a lot today—it's best to rest and process everything."

"I will remain in Jueyun Karst for now. I hope I won't be a bother to you, Liu Yun."

Liu Yun chuckled lightly and waved a hand.

"There's never been anyone in Jueyun Karst to disturb. The land is vast—do as you please. After all, you've already been living in my cave for quite a while. A little longer won't make a difference."

As the group was about to leave, Jiang Yan suddenly turned to Xiao.

Golden light shimmered in his palm as he chanted softly:

"The mysterious path of heaven and earth, rooted in all things. After countless eons of cultivation, let my divine powers be proven."

The golden light flowed into Xiao's body, spreading through him in gentle waves, while faint star-like flecks of light extended toward Zhongli and the others.

Xiao hesitated for a moment but ultimately did not resist.

Given Jiang Yan's strength, resisting would have been futile anyway.

Besides, the conversation had been amicable—there was no reason for Jiang Yan to harm them.

A moment later, Xiao's eyes widened in shock.

A weight he hadn't even realized he was carrying had suddenly lifted.

Jiang Yan nodded at his reaction.

"I have yet to regain all of my treasures, and Shushan's secret techniques are currently inaccessible."

"So I cannot offer you grand gifts for our meeting."

"However, I could sense that the Great Sage Conquering Demons had long suffered from inner demons."

"This golden light incantation is a supreme method for suppressing such demons."

"I used it to purify the darkness within him—and as a bonus, it alleviated some of the karmic erosion affecting your Dao Hearts."

"I hope it brings you some relief."

Zhongli immediately examined Xiao's energy and was stunned.

The bone-chilling karma that had tormented Xiao for centuries was gone.

For the first time in ages, he could experience clarity of mind.

The erosion had significantly weakened.

Even memories long clouded by suffering had become clear again.

Zhongli turned to Jiang Yan with deep gratitude and sincerity.

"Thank you."

"It may have been a simple act for you, but for us, this is an immeasurable kindness."

Jiang Yan waved his hand dismissively.

"No need to thank me. I only wished to help."

"If you truly want to show gratitude, then when Shushan reopens, consider joining the sect. Your talents are invaluable to Shushan's future."

Zhongli chuckled.

"Rest assured, we will seriously consider it."

"With benefits like these, I doubt anyone could refuse the path of immortality."

Jiang Yan smiled as they exchanged farewells.

With that, Zhongli and the others departed in streaks of golden light, leaving Jiang Yan alone atop the mountain, sipping his tea.

A single brown leaf drifted onto his shoulder.

Jiang Yan glanced at it, then suddenly laughed to himself.

"With this… everything is falling into place."

---

Discussing the Future

Outside Liyue Harbor, Zhongli used his authority over the earth veins to transport everyone to Mt. Tianheng.

A stone table materialized with a flick of his hand, and he gestured for everyone to sit.

He sighed, rubbing his temples.

"Everyone, feel free to speak your minds. What do you think?"

However, the group exchanged glances and remained silent.

They all had the same concern—Jiang Yan's immense strength made them hesitate to speak openly.

If he wanted to listen in on their discussion, he likely could.

Zhongli, sensing their apprehension, reassured them:

"Don't worry. I don't believe Jiang Yan is the type to eavesdrop."

"With his temperament, he wouldn't resort to such tactics."

Seeing no one else speak, Zhongli continued:

"Then let me begin—how credible do you all think Jiang Yan's words are?"

Gan Yu immediately opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but Zhongli raised a hand to stop her.

He understood that Gan Yu's judgment of Jiang Yan was clouded by her personal feelings.

She was no longer thinking from Liyue's perspective but from a much more subjective one.

That wasn't a flaw—it was simply the nature of emotions.

Still, as Liyue's guardian, Zhongli had to consider everything.

He turned instead to Liu Yun.

"Liu Yun, you've spent the most time with Jiang Yan. What do you think?"

Under Zhongli's sharp gaze, Liu Yun took a deep breath, carefully recalling her time with Jiang Yan.

After a long moment, she finally answered:

"Eighty percent."