Sanwan Buguo Port was naturally crowded because the Geo Archon was there.
Not only could people see the Geo Archon here, but they could also listen to Tian Tiezui tell the story of his next new book with the Geo Archon, which was truly the best of both worlds.
One could only say the pressure was on Tian Tiezui.
The owner of Sanwan Buguo Port was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan; so many people!
So many people were here listening to the story but didn't even buy a cup of tea!
Money! How much money was he losing! Although he wouldn't have earned this money if the Geo Archon wasn't here, since the Geo Archon was here now, this money was rightfully his!
Tian Tiezui didn't know what the owner was thinking; he just didn't want to disappoint the Geo Archon's expectations and told the next story with two hundred percent effort.
The new book was the story of Shenhe, and after a quick read, Tian Tiezui tapped his storytelling block.
"This Shenhe, she was originally from a collateral branch of an exorcist family, and by chance, she became a disciple of the Adepti."
"Nominally, she was a disciple of Cloud Retainer, but because of her excellent bones and comprehension, she also won the favor of several other Adepti."
"She cultivated with several Adepti and eventually, as a human, cultivated a body of Adeptal arts."
"Her temperament was ethereal, and with every gesture, Adeptal energy lingered, truly a transcendent immortal at first glance!"
"However... living in seclusion in the mountains and forests, with only a few Adepti and Seelie spiritual beasts by her side, over time, her personality became increasingly indifferent."
"What was the reason that created a mortal 'True Immortal'? Let me explain it for you!"
Tian Tiezui unfolded his fan, holding the book in one hand and fanning himself with the other.
"It is said that when Shenhe was young, her mother died at the age of five, and her father, deeply devoted to his wife, developed resentment due to his obsession! Alas, this resentment gave rise to a heart demon, causing him to go mad."
"Later, her father left and was gone for a year, not returning until Shenhe was nearly of age."
"At the same time, her father also brought back a mysterious art—'Life for a Life'!"
Hearing this name, the audience below discussed animatedly.
"Life for a Life? Is he going to use this method to revive his wife? Would his wife even agree to that?"
"Exactly, if she came back to life like that, how would she face Shenhe?"
They didn't know yet that Shenhe's father intended to exchange Shenhe's life for his wife's.
With a 'bang,' the storytelling block hit the table, and everyone quieted down.
"This art requires sacrificing a victim to the 'Seelie' summoned by the secret art, in order to reclaim the life of the deceased."
"How could Shenhe understand any of this? She was merely happy about her father's return."
"Her father told her that he had prepared a surprise for her in a cave behind the mountain and wanted to take her to find it."
Tian Tiezui frowned; he realized what was going to happen next.
No one spoke, but they were already cursing in their hearts.
His tone carried a sense of eeriness, and when he spoke the words 'only Shenhe,' he lowered his voice, enunciating each word slowly.
"Inside the cave, there was no surprise, only a terrifying, hideous black 'Seelie'! Its blood-red eyes saw only Shenhe!" His speaking speed quickened.
"No sooner said than done! The evil beast opened its maw, wanting to swallow Shenhe!!"
"The young Shenhe had no time to think; at this moment, she had only one thought in her mind."
"Live! I want to live! I don't want to die!" Tian Tiezui's tone was impassioned.
"She was seen gripping the exorcism dagger her mother had given her, trembling but resolutely facing it!"
"It was not until several days later that an Adeptus, following the aura of evil, came and entered the cave to investigate."
The word 'investigate' was emphasized.
"In that cave lay a little girl who had exhausted all her strength, eaten no food, and was already on the verge of death." Tian Tiezui shook his head.
"The Adeptus took pity on her, and seeing her Talent and Adeptal affinity, brought her back to her abode and imparted knowledge to her."
"Thus, we have the Shenhe of today."
"It truly is 'Father's evil battled the wicked, disturbing the Adepti, From now on, all the world is lost.'"
Tian Tiezui also gave a periodic summary as was his habit.
Everyone now recalled the story of 'Goddess Splitting the Clouds' and finally understood the difference.
It turned out that the 'Goddess' did not draw her sword willingly; she was a victim, forced into it.
This not only did not diminish people's admiration for the 'Goddess's' courage but also added a sense of empathy.
The previous 'Goddess' was too much like a 'God'; Shenhe's story, on the other hand, made them feel more human empathy.
Everyone eagerly awaited the continuation of the story, their eyes fixed on Tian Tiezui.
Tian Tiezui folded his fan and then said, "If you want to know what happens next..."
He hadn't finished speaking when a passerby couldn't help but interrupt.
"Damn it! You should finish what's in the book! Oh, crap, how could I swear in front of the Geo Archon! It's all your fault!"
"Exactly, isn't the rest of the story in the book? Just finish telling it!"
Tian Tiezui scratched his head. Oops, he habitually stopped mid-story, and the story wasn't finished yet.
"Ahem, let's continue with Shenhe's story."
The subsequent story was about Shenhe returning to her hometown and discovering that her worldly ties had long since vanished.
This part of the story was not much different from what was told in Goddess Splitting the Clouds, only more detailed.
Then it spoke of Shenhe's attempts to integrate into the mortal world, but her lack of common sense.
Only after listening to the entire story did everyone nod in satisfaction.
Tian Tiezui's storytelling skills were still very high; he could always evoke the audience's emotions.
Tense when it should be tense, relaxed when it should be relaxed.
What Tian Tiezui said was not exactly the same as what Lin Qiu wrote; Lin Qiu's writing would definitely include more psychological elements and narration.
But when Tian Tiezui told the story, he mostly chose what to say without disrupting the rhythm of his storytelling.
Storytelling is different from novels, so Tian Tiezui had to make choices when he spoke.
Regardless, everyone enjoyed listening and applauded Tian Tiezui.
"Damn it, well said!"
"Uh... ahem, I mean, bravo! Geo Archon, I don't usually swear."
At this moment, Shenhe had just finished her delivery and returned to Wanmin Restaurant, passing by Sanwan Buguo Port, she glanced at the bustling crowd and quietly walked past.
This was a busy market area with many people coming and going, so no one noticed the 'protagonist' of the story walking among the flowing crowd behind them.
Cloud Retainer put away the book. "Shenhe… sigh, this Lin Qiu really writes good stories."
"Speaking of which, it's also his credit that Shenhe can re-enter the mortal world now. This Adeptus should give him some reward..."
Cloud Retainer was troubled; she couldn't think of anything Lin Qiu lacked that she needed to provide.
"Hmph, I'll go ask him then."
As long as I know what he wants, with this Adeptus's invention capabilities, can I not create it?
Besides the people of Liyue, people from other nations also finished reading Shenhe's story, such as Arataki Itto, who was bored in prison.
"That bastard father! This big boss is going to beat him up!" Arataki Itto, fresh out of prison, was furious and wanted to rush out.
"Boss! Calm down!" Kuki Shinobu held Arataki Itto tightly. "That man is already dead, he's become a ghost, how can you beat him?"
"What?! This big boss won't allow him to become an Oni!" Arataki Itto became even more enraged.
It turned out that Arataki Itto had tried to resist the Vision Hunt Decree again, which was why he was caught. He was just reading a book in his cell, a book delivered by the Gang members.
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Character Voice Line · Shenhe: About your story
"My story? Hmm... Are you referring to that book and Goddess Splitting the Clouds? I like them both