"...A pocket realm?"
Granny Ping let out a wry chuckle. Closing her eyes for a moment, she felt out the walls of the space around them, the density of the air, the rhythm of the energies here—then shook her head.
"If this is a 'pocket realm,' then what on earth have I been making all these years?"
"This… this is practically a world unto itself."
Jiang Yan smiled, shaking his head lightly.
"I'm still far from creating an actual world. This is merely… a bit larger, a bit more complete, that's all."
"You are far too modest…" Granny Ping sighed.
"This here is the Mount Shu main gate," Jiang Yan continued. "No matter where you enter this realm from in the future, you'll always arrive here first."
With a wave of his hand, a far-off stretch of sky rippled. From the horizon, a countless flock of white cranes wheeled into formation, their wings flashing in the light as they approached.
"Come," he said. "Let's get you familiar with the lay of the land—especially the routes to the Seven Peaks of Mount Shu. The realm is vast. Once you've begun cultivation, you can ride your flying swords across it freely. For now, you'll need… a bit of help."
At his words, the white cranes descended in a great flurry, their massive wings stirring the air. They tilted their heads, studying the newcomers with bright, intelligent eyes, then gave a few cheerful cries.
"We're… riding these cranes to the Seven Peaks?" Ganyu reached out to smooth the silky feathers of one beside her. She had to admit—it was big. Standing there, it was already taller than she was.
(Somewhere, she thought, the Traveler would probably be calculating how many servings of poultry this was.)
"Of course," Jiang Yan nodded. "Without true essence, you can't yet control a flying sword at will. The best way to move through Mount Shu is by flight—and right now, that means relying on these little fellows. Don't underestimate them; they've been soaking in spiritual energy all night while I cultivated. Carrying you will be no problem."
His tone turned slightly more serious. "They're intelligent. Treat them with respect. Show them malice, and… they might just drop you."
"Call for a white crane, and one will come for you—anytime," he added.
Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper exchanged a look.
These cranes… were about the same size as their own true forms.
And riding them?
The image was… awkward.
Then again, flying around in their own beast forms here might look even stranger.
They both chose to remain wisely silent.
"One more thing," Jiang Yan went on as everyone mounted. "Many creatures here have been strengthened by the spiritual energy. For now they're still weaker than archons, but they're already dangerous to ordinary folk—and they'll only grow stronger. Don't hunt them unless you're sure of victory. And never harm the white cranes. They're our primary means of travel."
Ningguang, seated on her crane, felt a spark of inspiration flicker in her mind.
If the Millelith could raise a trained flock here, let them mature in this realm's environment…
A Liyue Air Corps?
It might just work.
She kept the thought to herself for now.
"Hold on," Jiang Yan called from atop the largest crane.
At once, the flock surged skyward, sweeping over the great Mount Shu gate and out across the rolling seas of cloud. Misty air brushed against their faces, cool and damp, refreshing the spirit. The horizon seemed close enough to touch.
Even Zhongli felt his mood lighten.
Ningguang, for once, forgot about the endless matters of state and allowed herself to savor the rare experience. She smiled—a true smile, the kind that rose unbidden. She wasn't sure if it was because she could see so many bright possibilities for cultivation's future… or for some other reason.
She didn't dwell on it.
It felt like something missing from her childhood was quietly being restored.
With eyes closed and arms outstretched, she welcomed the sky.
Wealth, for the moment, was irrelevant. So long as that dark-clad figure remained ahead, there was no danger she needed to fear.
For someone who hated relying on others, the feeling was strange… but not unwelcome.
After a time, the mountains behind them faded from view.
The cranes suddenly tipped into a steep dive, drawing startled cries. Clouds tore past their cheeks, cool and damp, until they burst through into dazzling green.
Below lay a living ocean of verdure—rolling meadows, winding rivers, cliffs and waterfalls. Far-off peaks rose and fell in gentle rhythm. Across the grasslands, herds of tall, sleek horses galloped, matching pace with the cranes.
They skimmed a mirrored lake, crossed a sea of peach blossoms where lazy boars, rabbits, foxes, and even fungi beasts lounged beneath the trees.
One crane swooped low, scattering a storm of petals into the air; the wind carried them alongside the riders.
Ganyu caught one between her fingers, breathed in its faint fragrance, and tucked it away for a bookmark.
They passed the forest and at last drew near the Seven Peaks. Every wonder of Teyvat—both known and unseen—seemed to unfold along the way.
Eventually, the cranes descended into a quiet little mountain village. There were no people here, only peace. After letting their passengers down, the cranes took wing again, their calls fading into the sky.
The group was still half-dazed when Jiang Yan smiled at them.
"Well? How do you find my Mount Shu scenery?"
"It's beautiful—beyond beautiful!" Ganyu said at once. "I've never seen anything like it in all of Teyvat. No… the entire realm is beautiful!"
Keqing nodded in agreement. "This place is breathtaking. Are you certain it isn't an actual world?"
Jiang Yan gave a helpless smile. "A true world generates its own spiritual energy. This realm still draws it in from outside—that's the key difference."
Not that he'd mind creating a world someday… perhaps with a few proper spiritual veins laid down.
"The effect of spiritual energy is truly astonishing," Ningguang murmured. "Every creature we saw is stronger than its Teyvat counterpart. Even the baby geovishaps had a far more potent aura. Could such a change happen in just one night?"
Jiang Yan didn't answer directly.
It wasn't just the energy. He'd thought the beasts here too weak for a cultivation sect's trials, so last night, he'd given his very first lecture… to them. Even the captured gods had benefited and were now happily helping him "tend the herds."
Simple folk, these gods of this world. Almost made him feel guilty for putting Soul-Locking Curse on them.
"Welcome to Mount Shu Village," he said at last. "Though this isn't our final destination."
"A village?" Ganyu asked curiously. "Did you make this as… student dormitories?"
Jiang Yan chuckled and shook his head. "No. This village is for mortals—those who cannot cultivate."
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