Genshin impact: immortal cultivation in teyvat

Chapter 23: In the Perfect Shushan Cave, How Can One Cultivate Immortality Without the Crane?

It was hard to tell how much time had passed, but eventually, the sun in the cave sky moved to its highest point. Only then did the lingering purple energy gradually dissipate, restoring tranquility to the realm.

Compared to when Jiang Yan had first stepped into this cave, the transformation was astonishing.

Seated cross-legged in the Grand Hall of Tongtian Peak, Jiang Yan gazed upon the vast land he had shaped. Behind him, the massive hall bore a single, profound Dao (道) character, exuding a mysterious aura.

At that moment, Jiang Yan's face was somewhat pale. However, the continuous flow of spiritual energy entering his body rapidly restored his vitality.

Looking down from the highest peak, he took in the breathtaking scenery stretching for thousands of miles across the cave sky. Even with his cultivation, he couldn't help but smile in satisfaction.

The seven most prominent peaks—the Seven Meridians of Shushan—no longer appeared bare or lifeless.

Towering mountains stood proudly, their peaks undulating across the horizon. In addition to the seven tallest peaks, many smaller yet equally striking mountains dotted the landscape.

Lush bamboo forests, golden maple groves, and snow-covered plum blossoms added a variety of natural wonders. Majestic waterfalls cascaded down steep cliffs, strange rock formations stood like ancient sentinels, and the ever-present sea of clouds drifted through the mountain valleys.

Some peaks were shrouded in perpetual snow, while others flourished with verdant greenery, forming a harmonious blend of diverse landscapes.

It was a scene of unparalleled beauty—one that symbolized the vast, inclusive spirit of Shushan.

The Seven Peaks and Their Purpose

The Seven Meridians of Shushan were now clearly defined. Six peaks stood as guardians, encircling Tongtian Peak, the tallest and most upright of them all.

Each peak had its own unique characteristics, both in architecture and atmosphere:

Tongtian Peak – The central peak, home to the Headmaster. Its buildings were grand, symmetrical, and exuded an aura of authority.

Xiaozhu Peak – A place of elegance and tranquility, particularly suited for female disciples. Its structures were delicate, serene, and harmoniously scattered across the landscape.

Longshou Peak – The stronghold of the Law Enforcement Hall, embodying strict discipline. Its towering structures gave off an oppressive aura, reinforcing its role in upholding order.

Fenghui Peak, Dazhu Peak, and Chaoyang Peak – Each peak had its own distinct characteristics, designed to serve different branches of cultivation.

Suspended rainbow bridges connected the peaks, appearing almost ethereal as they merged with the endless sea of clouds. The mist-shrouded pathways, illuminated by celestial light at specific times of the day, created an atmosphere of divine majesty.

The Seven Meridians of Shushan were now Jiang Yan's proudest creation.

A Place for Mortals

About a hundred kilometers from the foot of the mountains, Jiang Yan had also established a secluded village, a peaceful haven designed for mortals.

The village's wooden houses retained a rustic charm, providing a place for mortal relatives of cultivators to reside. Since Shushan did not advocate a path of ruthless detachment, it could not forsake the secular world entirely.

However, with the Seven Peaks towering so high, even those blessed with Visions would struggle to ascend, let alone ordinary mortals.

Thus, at the base of the mountains, Jiang Yan constructed a vast white jade plaza, large enough to accommodate hundreds of thousands of people. This would serve as the site for future disciple recruitment and entrance examinations.

Trials and Training Grounds

Beyond the plaza, the terrain shifted to an eerie sword forest, where thousands of blades stood embedded in the earth.

These were no ordinary weapons—they were artifacts forged by Jiang Yan himself. While they might not yet rival Zhongli's divine weapons, many were already as formidable as renowned blades like the Dragon's Roar.

For now, these weapons would serve as trials for future disciples, but Jiang Yan planned to forge even more powerful artifacts in the future.

Outside the Seven Peaks, the landscape continued to expand—lakes, rivers, rainforests, plains, and snowy mountains. The cave sky now resembled a true miniature world, making all of Jiang Yan's efforts worthwhile.

Refining the Cave and the Challenge of Life

Although satisfied with the structural foundation of Shushan Cave, Jiang Yan knew it was far from complete.

The biggest issue was the lack of life.

Creating the cave itself had drained more of his energy than even his tribulation, but the true challenge was filling it with living beings.

Jiang Yan was not yet powerful enough to enlighten life out of nothing. That was a feat beyond his current cultivation level—something only a true immortal could accomplish.

Additionally, the cave needed formations—not just protective barriers but specialized arrays for training and disciple trials.

For example:

Heart Refining Formation – A test to assess a disciple's willpower.

Individual Sect Arrays – Each peak needed its own unique protective and training formations.

These were major projects that would take considerable time and effort.

Beyond that, Jiang Yan still had to establish key facilities:

The Law Enforcement Hall

The Alchemy Pavilion

Weapon Refining Halls

Libraries for Cultivation Techniques

Then came the most crucial aspect—developing unique cultivation techniques for his disciples.

Although the Five Elements Mantra was a widely accessible foundation, it lacked uniqueness. If Shushan was to establish itself as a prestigious sect, it needed techniques derived from the Huangting Jade Scenery Sutra.

Thankfully, the sutra was all-encompassing, and with minor modifications, Jiang Yan could create powerful cultivation methods.

But refining techniques was just the beginning—alchemy, weapon refinement, training grounds, and much more remained on his to-do list.

At the thought of all this, Jiang Yan sighed.

The Next Step: Bringing Life to Shushan

With a weary expression, he muttered to himself:

"Step by step… let's take it one thing at a time."

Once his true energy recovered, his next task would be to venture across Teyvat to collect animals and fill the cave with life.

"Without creatures, the cave will remain lifeless."

Among all creatures, cranes were the most essential. No immortal sect could be complete without them.

"There should be plenty in Jueyunjian... I just hope Liuyun doesn't get too angry when she finds out."

Closing his eyes, Jiang Yan activated the Huangting Jade Scenery Sutra, drawing spiritual energy into the cave.

To avoid causing a disturbance in Liyue, he channeled energy from the Abyss and the Dark Sea, regions close to the Tree and Sea Universe.

The so-called "Tree and Sea Universe" was just another manifestation of spiritual energy.

For cultivators like Jiang Yan, all energy was usable, regardless of its origin.

As he continued refining the energy, Jiang Yan immersed himself in his first true cultivation session since establishing Shushan.

Meanwhile, far away in Liyue, Zhongli and the Seven Stars had convened a summit of all immortals and rulers, preparing for a historic decision.

The future of Liyue was about to change.