Compared to the others, whose placement into the Seven Peaks required some deliberation, the paths for Keqing and Shenhe were already obvious.
"Keqing," The gentleman said, "you possess the rare Sword Body physique. Would you be willing to enter the ranks of Tongtian Peak, to cultivate the Sword Dao of Mount Shu?"
Keqing had long anticipated this outcome—and truthfully, she looked forward to it.
The art of riding a flying sword, of slaying demons with a thought… such mighty abilities made her heart race with yearning.
Without hesitation, she nodded.
"Keqing obeys the Sect Master's decree."
That left only Shenhe. Jiang Yan exhaled slowly.
"Shenhe, you bear the Innate Yin Body—an ancestral constitution passed down through the lineage of Qinghui within Xiaozhu Peak. I intend for Master Shuiyue to take you as her disciple. From this day forth, you shall be the true inheritor of Xiaozhu Peak. Are you willing?"
Her gaze was calm, without the slightest ripple of emotion, as if nothing in the world could stir her heart. Yet, she clearly heard him. After a pause, she rose and saluted.
"This disciple obeys the Sect Master's decree."
Jiang Yan couldn't help but chuckle—it was the first time someone had addressed him perfectly according to formal etiquette. He passed her a jade-and-violet token before rising to his feet, surveying the hall with a quiet smile.
"Good! Today, Mount Shu has accepted so many outstanding disciples—this is my fortune, and the fortune of Mount Shu itself. From this day forth, the gates of Mount Shu stand open once more, and the path to our revival begins anew.
I wish you all success in your pursuit of immortality, and the fulfillment of your hearts' desires."
As he waved his hand, beams of golden light cascaded from the dome above the hall.
The others thought this was just a ceremonial display—until Jiang Yan's eyes narrowed. This was not his own power. It came from a higher realm… and carried a deep, benevolent warmth. Perhaps even… pride?
The golden light condensed into a drifting mist, within which countless indistinct figures took form.
One man reclined upon an ancient sword, wine gourd in hand, laughing freely.
Another rode a qilin and a phoenix, coiling dragons swirling about him.
A third was wreathed in crackling thunder, his presence commanding awe despite his blurred face.
A moon-cold beauty held ten thousand talismans between her slender fingers.
One bore aloft a great cauldron, refining the myriad laws of Heaven and Earth…
Countless cultivator phantoms appeared above the hall. Though each was unique, their gazes were filled with kindness.
At last, one figure stepped to the fore—an indistinct man riding a sword, standing before all others, his eyes soft as he looked upon Jiang Yan.
In that moment, understanding dawned. Jiang Yan stepped forward, cupped his fists, and bowed deeply.
"The current Sect Master of Mount Shu greets Master, and greets the honored Elders!
Today, Mount Shu reopens its gates in the world of Teyvat, gathering many proud and gifted disciples.
Know this—Mount Shu shall never fall!
I report to Heaven and Earth, I announce to the ancestors: on behalf of the Seven Peaks, the disciple recruitment is complete!
May Mount Shu endure for all ages, existing alongside the Dao!"
The phantoms seemed to laugh, a soundless yet joyful resonance that filled the hall.
Zhongli and the others sensed many eyes sweeping over them—most keenly from the man lounging on his sword. That man raised his wine gourd in a toast to Zhongli, his carefree spirit flowing like a river.
In that instant, Zhongli felt another great portion of his "wear" dissolve away. Bowing solemnly, he called out:
"Mount Shu disciple Zhongli, respectfully sees Master off!"
And then, in every mind came a chorus of voices, warm, stern, or carefree:
"The heavens resound; my Dao shall ever prosper!"
Jiang Yan straightened, eyes alight with confidence. His voice rang out to join theirs:
"The heavens resound; my Dao shall ever prosper!"
The mood was infectious—everyone present saluted, their chorus of voices thundering skyward, ten voices sounding like ten thousand.
Jiang Yan allowed himself a faint smile. With a thought, he spoke inwardly:
"System, claim the reward."
The system seemed to understand the importance of appearances. The sky above Mount Shu's pocket realm burst with golden light, dazzling even the Millelith stationed outside.
The ancestral projections faded, leaving only the echo of resolute cries—as if the heavens themselves had heard a rebellious challenge.
Just as the group was steeped in reverence, the entire realm began to quake.
"Do not be alarmed," Jiang Yan reassured them, his eyes flashing with swordlight sharp enough that few dared meet his gaze. "This is the gift left by our forebears. Disciples—come with me."
He strode out like a dragon, his sword intent briefly flaring before being sheathed once more. The rewards—the Eight Great Divine Mantras and the complete preface to the Mount Shu Sword Canon—were already in his possession. Even so, the Huangting Jade View Classic's vastness quickly steadied his mind.
As they emerged, the Millelith hurried forward, only for Jiang Yan to raise a hand and look skyward.
"They're here."
Before anyone could ask, the condensed golden light exploded outward. Tongtian Peak shook violently—yet not a single peach blossom fell.
"Se—Sect Master?" Ganyu swayed, instinctively clutching his arm. He steadied her, and with a gesture summoned countless flying swords to lift everyone into the air.
"There—look!" Xiao's sharp eyes widened. "Something is… growing from the mountainside!"
The word "growing" was strange—but when they turned to see, all were stunned.
A magnificent, ancient structure was indeed rising from the earth at Tongtian Peak's waist. Redwood pillars, golden frames, carvings of dragons and phoenixes—yet not a speck of dust touched it.
"There too!" Zhongli called, pointing toward Great Bamboo Peak. A thousand acres of land had been cleared as if by divine hand, the soil black-gold and brimming with life-force that could be felt even from afar.
"Longshou Peak as well…" Ningguang's eyes locked on a white jade gate taking form on the mountainside, its center a swirling vortex of void that drew the gaze inward.
None panicked now. They remembered the might and kindness in the eyes of the ancestral phantoms—these were blessings, not curses.
At last, the tremors ceased. Far-off demon gods breathed relief and returned to their herding.
Upon Tongtian Peak stood a five-story pavilion, steeped in endless Dao intent. Upon its plaque were three golden characters: "Scripture Pavilion."
The newly-cleared land at Great Bamboo Peak was already enclosed in a shimmering barrier, and the white jade gate on Longshou Peak now bore its name: "Nine Nether Secret Realm."
A jade seal of pure gold descended into Jiang Yan's hands—the sect's spiritual vein.
Without hesitation, he opened a deep chasm atop Tongtian Peak and dropped the seal within. The gorge closed… and the mountain breathed.
Beasts roared to the skies, their bodies transforming before the disciples' eyes.
A tiger grew to monstrous size, twin bulges rising from its back.
A monkey's brow split to reveal a closed third eye.
A python sprouted sharp horns.
Even a hare spat blades of wind.
The peach and bamboo groves flourished as never before. Breathing here made one's cultivation surge.
"The spiritual vein is in place—Mount Shu's fortune soars!" Jiang Yan laughed, raising his hands to the sky.
"My thanks to the ancestors for their generosity!"
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