"No matter what, I should report this to Ningguang first."
Keqing stood in place, dazed for a long while, unable to make sense of what she had just seen.
Liyue could not function without Ganyu. For a thousand years, it was thanks to her tireless efforts day after day that Liyue Harbor had become what it was today. If Ganyu truly had found a companion and wished to retreat into the mountains, that would be a tremendous loss for Liyue.
Back at the Jade Chamber, Keqing relayed everything to Ningguang. After hearing it, Ningguang was also momentarily stunned.
"You're saying… Ganyu left the city with a man, chatting and smiling?"
"Yes," Keqing said, taking a deep breath as she recalled the scene. "I also went to Yujing Terrace afterward. The staff there said Ganyu went out to investigate the earlier cloud phenomenon."
That explanation aligned with the timing perfectly.
Ningguang nodded lightly. "I see. In that case, it's not good for us to jump to conclusions. Let's wait until Ganyu returns and ask her directly."
"But…" Keqing looked troubled. "You know how shy Ganyu is. Wouldn't it be awkward to ask her that outright?"
Ganyu was famous for her workaholic nature, but equally famous for her bashfulness.
Ningguang rubbed her temple, then suddenly thought of something. "That man, did you find out who he is?"
Everyone in the Liyue Qixing knew that Ganyu was a celestial beast. With her noble status, how could an ordinary man possibly attract her attention?
Keqing blinked. Apparently, she had been so shocked at the time that she hadn't even looked carefully.
Seeing her friend's speechless expression, Ningguang sighed. "You really do let your imagination run wild. What if he's an adeptus in disguise? The adepti often walk among mortals in other forms. Still, for someone to make Ganyu leave work willingly, that alone proves he's no ordinary person. How about this, Keqing: I'll speak with Ganyu privately later. You can go back to your duties for now."
"Understood."
Keqing turned to leave, though as she walked, she couldn't shake the feeling that the man's back looked strangely familiar, definitely not like that of an adeptus.
Outside the city.
Once they were free of public sight, Su Han activated the movement technique that came with his Cloud-Dissipating Palm, Phantom Steps Amid Clouds. His body turned ghostly and mist-like as he darted swiftly into the distance.
He wasn't exactly flying, but the technique gave the illusion of soaring through clouds.
Ganyu, however, was far more graceful. With a light step, she leapt several kilometers ahead, her sky-blue hair streaming behind her like a celestial bird gliding through the mountains.
The two sped onward.
In less than half an hour, they arrived near Cuijue Slope.
Landing, Su Han exhaled slowly, regulating his breathing.
Seeing this, Ganyu approached gently. "Was that too fast for you? Your movement looked a bit stiff earlier. There's no need to rush."
"It's just that I'm not quite used to it yet. Oh right, there should be some monsters around here. Why don't you watch while I clear them out? You can give me some pointers."
"Alright," Ganyu replied softly, her voice sweet and soothing to the ear.
Su Han spread his senses. He detected several monsters nearby and, after a brief scan, locked onto one target.
"You'll do."
His figure turned into mist and vanished, reappearing a hundred meters away in front of a Hilichurl Berserker.
"Roar!!"
The ferocious creature raised its shield at the sudden intruder, but before it could attack, a surge of mist obscured its vision completely.
At that moment, Su Han's figure flashed behind it.
"Parting Clouds, Wearing the Moon!"
With a heavy strike, his palm slammed into the monster's back, sending it flying uncontrollably.
He had used seventy percent of his strength in that strike. The Hilichurl wasn't dead but was gravely wounded. Before it hit the ground, Su Han followed up with a flurry of blows, his palms crashing down like a tidal wave.
Boom.
Boom.
Boom.
The violent energy pounded the creature relentlessly.
By the time it hit the ground, the monster was completely lifeless.
Su Han turned back with a grin. "Well?"
Ganyu smiled approvingly. "Impressive! Your technique flows as smoothly as drifting clouds and flowing water."
His palm technique was exquisite, his movements precise.
In truth, Su Han's current ability already surpassed most human martial arts sects.
However, as Ganyu praised him, she suddenly frowned slightly, her gaze turning curious. "Wait a moment… that move just now looked awfully familiar. Could it be the Cloud-Dissipating Palm?"
She had felt something strange since they left the city, his movements seemed familiar, though she couldn't place why. Now she realized, the technique he used came straight out of the Storm and Cloud comic.
But Su Han had already prepared an answer.
"Oh, that? It's actually a family art passed down from my ancestors. I just hadn't practiced it much before."
"I see. So the comic was based on that, then?"
"Exactly. By the way, did you notice any flaws in my performance?"
In front of a celestial beast like Ganyu, Su Han didn't dare act proud. He humbly sought advice, knowing her experience and strength far outclassed his own.
Thinking back on his moves, Ganyu evaluated softly, "Overall, it's already excellent. You shouldn't belittle yourself. If I had to point out one flaw, it's that you didn't harness elemental power. With elemental energy, a weak monster like that could be slain with a single blow."
"…"
Su Han's face twisted awkwardly. He wanted to use elemental attacks too... but without a Vision, what could he do?
Then his expression froze.
Wait, that meant…?
Noticing his confusion, Ganyu smiled warmly. "You've realized it, haven't you? We Qilin are naturally attuned to elemental energy. I sensed the power of flame within you that day, proof you're a Fire Qilin. As for how to draw it out… that depends on your own effort."
"To be honest, your martial arts have already reached the level of a master. But to rise even higher, outside guidance won't help much. Only by mastering your elemental energy can you reach the essence of strength."
In Teyvat, everything followed the law of elements. To become stronger, one had to learn how to wield that elemental force more effectively.
Even as a transmigrant, Su Han was bound by that rule.
Unless he obtained some overwhelming treasure.
Hearing Ganyu's advice, Su Han clearly saw his own shortcomings. He nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Ganyu."
"You're welcome. Let's continue."
"Alright."
They resumed their sparring. Su Han kept battling monsters while Ganyu stood by, offering her observations. After an hour of practice, Su Han felt his combat sense had greatly improved.
His understanding of the Cloud-Dissipating Palm deepened further.
Ganyu's teachings weren't limited to combat; she also shared breathing techniques and strategies for handling different elemental foe, precisely the areas where Su Han was lacking.
During a rest, Su Han lay exhausted atop a large boulder, drenched in sweat.
Ganyu took the opportunity to ask the questions that had long lingered in her mind.
She asked about the differences between life in the city and the wilderness.
Others had answered her before, but none of them could understand, because none shared her nature.
But Su Han was different. To Ganyu, he was someone who, like her, carried both human and beast blood. His answer, she believed, could finally resonate with her heart.
For a thousand years, how many could truly understand the loneliness of one who was neither human nor adeptus?
It was Ganyu's long-held affliction, a question even the immortals could not answer.
Seeing the sorrow in her eyes, Su Han's expression softened. "Ganyu, have you always felt you could never truly belong in Liyue?"
"Yes. Through the ages, as mountains and seas have changed, my sense of loneliness has only grown stronger. That's why I wanted to hear your answer."
At that moment, Ganyu's gaze was filled with fragile hope, she longed to hear Su Han's reply.
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