Not long after Idris and Ganyu had left, Shenhe remained behind in the room and continued discussing the matter of destiny alteration with her master.
"Master… do you truly think the World Tree can change one's fate?"
Shenhe asked softly, unease lingering in her voice.
Cloud Retainer answered slowly, her gaze profound.
"Changing destiny has never been a simple matter. But if its principles can be grasped, it may offer hope to those who have none. The Grand Sage does possess such power—though it has never been spoken of beyond this circle."
She sighed faintly.
"That is why I stopped you from making a hasty decision yesterday. Yet now… this seems to be the only path left."
"I'm afraid," Shenhe admitted quietly, "that such a change might bring consequences we cannot foresee."
"Better early than late," Cloud Retainer said with a faint smile.
"One cannot halt their steps forever out of fear. An opportunity, once missed, may never return."
"After all, the worst outcome is merely that the curse remains. It cannot truly become worse than it already is."
Her expression dimmed slightly.
"The Grand Sage noticed our private exchange yesterday and chose not to pursue it today. That restraint alone shows his tolerance. If we continue to hesitate, and he loses patience… regret will come too late. I should not have interfered."
At last, Shenhe made her decision.
"Master… I will go after them now."
She stood abruptly and hurried outside.
At that moment, Idris and Ganyu were already walking along the mountain path of Jueyun Karst, discussing mechanical arts.
"The core of mechanism design lies in understanding force and structure,"
Idris explained calmly.
"Only after mastering these fundamentals can higher creations exist. It is no different from laying foundations before building a tower."
"I see…"
Ganyu nodded slowly, admiration growing in her eyes.
"Grand Sage, you truly are a genius among mortals. You explain such complex ideas so simply."
Idris laughed quietly.
"These are merely basics where I come from."
To this world, however, they were revolutionary.
"The true charm of mechanisms lies in creativity," he added.
"Every construct is a work of art."
"Just like Master's mechanical birds!"
Ganyu said with a bright smile—then quickly fell silent.
A trace of self-doubt rose in her heart.
What kind of person could truly stand beside someone like him?
She was only a secretary.
A worker.
Nothing more.
Just then—
"Grand Sage—please wait!"
Shenhe's voice echoed from behind.
Both stopped.
"Shenhe?" Ganyu turned in surprise.
"I wish to ask the Grand Sage for help,"
Shenhe said without hesitation, meeting Idris's gaze head-on.
"I've decided. I want to use the World Tree to change my destiny. Instead of endless hesitation, I choose a clean cut. As my master said—how much worse can it be?"
Idris regarded her carefully, then nodded.
"This is not something to be done casually. Controlling the three souls and seven spirits is no trivial matter—certainly not here in Jueyun Karst."
He continued evenly.
"If you have truly made up your mind, then follow me back. Only after understanding the process fully should we proceed."
"Alright."
Shenhe's reply was immediate.
The weight in her chest lifted at once.
"Then come with me down the mountain first,"
Idris said with a faint smile.
"I will make preparations. But be warned—this is not without risk."
"Thank you, Grand Sage."
Shenhe bowed slightly, then fell a step behind, careful not to intrude.
Ganyu watched her with quiet admiration.
The three descended together, the mountain winds cool and clean, clouds drifting around their path like misty silk.
As they walked, Shenhe's heart swelled with anticipation.
If successful—
she would no longer be bound by silence and misfortune.
Jueyun Karst unfolded before them, far more magnificent than any depiction could convey.
Then—
Idris suddenly stopped.
"Grand Sage!!"
A familiar, indignant voice rang out.
"You're back this late?! You promised me food—and you even stayed overnight with Ganyu?!"
Nahida's voice was unmistakably furious.
Before Idris could explain, she huffed angrily:
"You big liar! You bad, bad man! New girl already?! I'm never forgiving you—never again! Hmph!"
The mountain winds carried her grievance far and wide.
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