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Chapter 79 - Is the Gap Between Cultivators and Non-Cultivators Really This Big?

Ningguang returned to her seat, glanced at the gentleman, and said helplessly:

"Forgive me, Sect Master. This disciple's skills are shallow—I've disappointed you."

Jiang Yan chuckled softly and shook his head.

"Disappointed? Hardly. You've cultivated for, what, not even two full days? To show this level of progress is already remarkable."

"Besides, Lisa's strength is at the mid-stage of Refining Essence into Qi."

"She may not practice immortal cultivation, but for you to stand against her this long with your current power—that is already outstanding, nothing to be disappointed about."

"Still, whether it's the Jade Chime, the Tongtian Scroll, or the Mount Shu Sword-Manipulation Art, you should put more effort into them."

"Once you've mastered a few more techniques, defeating non-cultivators will be as easy as surpassing realms."

The truth was simple: the quality of true essence was vastly superior. Cultivators naturally crushed non-cultivators.

But how long had Ningguang and the others been cultivating?

They had only just begun learning spells. To even grasp the basics was commendable—let alone mastery.

In just two days, the progress they had shown was already no small feat.

And Lisa was no weakling. Among the Genshin lineup across all of Teyvat, she ranked near the very top.

Jiang Yan estimated that once Ningguang fully grasped the Ten-Thousand-Li Divine Travel Talisman and the Six Ding Vajra Talisman from the Tongtian Scroll, and gained some proficiency in the Mount Shu Sword-Manipulation Art…

With the Jade Chime in hand, even with only early-stage Refining Essence into Qi cultivation, she could easily suppress mid-stage Refining Essence into Qi beings—like those Archon's kin who had never touched immortal cultivation.

She might even be able to suppress late-stage ones without much trouble.

The superiority of immortal cultivation over other systems lay not only in the strength of true essence but in the mysterious and unpredictable spells.

It was simply unimaginable.

But the time had been too short. Jiang Yan had no intention of demanding too much from them yet.

Beside them, Alice blinked and chuckled:

"Judging by Lisa's state, after Ningguang struck her a few times, she seems to be in better shape than before."

"That is odd."

Jiang Yan shook his head.

"The thunder of the Five Thunders Talisman is condensed from the might of heaven and earth. How could the faint demonic taint lingering on Lisa withstand the majesty of heaven and earth?"

"Of course it was broken apart."

Alice's eyes lit with understanding, and she said earnestly:

"Then we truly must thank Ningguang. Lisa is one of the most promising juniors admired by the elder witches. If she improves, it benefits the Hexenzirkel as a whole."

"In that case, I ought to prepare a gift of gratitude for you."

Ningguang waved her hand quickly.

"No need, Lady Alice. It was just a coincidence."

"But still, the result is good, isn't it?"

Alice smiled playfully at her.

"Is there anything you want? I've traveled across many worlds all these years—I've gathered quite a few treasures."

Ningguang thought for a moment, then asked curiously:

"Do you have any spirit stones?"

Alice froze, then her face turned slightly sour.

"How could I possibly have something like that!"

Ningguang gave a polite smile, then said:

"My apologies, just a casual question. If Lady Alice truly insists on giving something, I don't have particular needs."

"Why not some rare herbs and metals instead?"

"Right now, Mount Shu is in desperate need of rebuilding—we can't let Sect Master shoulder everything alone."

"Our strength is still low, so we can't help much. But Lady Alice, you've traveled other worlds; you must have more insights and spoils."

"If possible, Liyue would also like to purchase a batch from you, to serve as materials for Shu's alchemy and forging."

Jiang Yan gave Ningguang an approving look.

So quickly she was already considering Mount Shu's needs and planning for its future.

She wasn't just fit to be a disciple—perhaps in the future, he could entrust her with some sect affairs as well.

That way, he could focus entirely on cultivation.

Alice thought for a moment and nodded.

Indeed, she had plenty of rare materials—some quite precious.

But compared to immortal cultivation, they were insignificant.

They had come to pay respects to Mount Shu too hastily and hadn't prepared a proper gift.

Sending some extra resources through Ningguang's hand would leave a good impression—and make it easier to get along with the sect later.

Seeing Alice nod in agreement, Ningguang, sensing the gentleman's gaze, felt a surge of joy. She quickly said:

"Sect Master, actually, after last night's meeting, I already ordered people to gather Teyvat's materials and some decent weapons."

"They're meant for Mount Shu's forging needs, though we've not collected much yet, so I hadn't mentioned it."

"Now, if we add Lady Alice's materials, it should be quite a decent offering to Mount Shu."

Jiang Yan gave a small nod.

"Well thought. Once the contribution point system is fully in place, your points will be increased accordingly."

Ningguang's heart leapt with joy.

In one move, she had earned contribution points and the gentleman's favor.

Liyue had spent Mora to gather materials, and in turn earned Mount Shu's goodwill.

Alice repaid a debt of gratitude and also gave her discipleship gift in another form.

Mount Shu received valuable resources, which—even if Jiang Yan did not need—would be essential for Cloud Retainer and the others to practice forging and alchemy.

A four-way win.

Ningguang was very satisfied.

"I recall that Ganyu's strength should be about the same as Lisa's, yes?"

Alice suddenly mused, then looked at the gentleman.

"Sect Master Jiang, in a duel between the two…"

She had originally wanted to ask who would win.

But remembering that Ganyu had already begun cultivating, and after seeing how difficult Lisa found it against Ningguang—how could Ganyu, of equal strength before, fare any better?

So she changed her words:

"Sect Master Jiang, how many moves do you think Ganyu would need to defeat Lisa?"

At that, Jiang Yan's eyes lingered on Ganyu for a long moment. Then he said softly:

"One strike."

"One?"

Alice's eyes widened. Even with immortal cultivation, could the difference be that big?

But Jiang Yan only smiled and didn't elaborate.

Among all these disciples, the one with the deepest grasp of her own techniques…

Was not Zhongli, but Ganyu.

Just last night, Jiang Yan had given her special instruction. Combined with her natural talent…

She was already on the verge of mastery in the Great Sun Archery.

And in the Sword Forest, she had found an extraordinary magical weapon—the Sunset Bow.

If even one strike wasn't enough to decide a fight, then what was the point of cultivation?

At present, Ganyu was the only disciple capable of, with mid-stage Refining Essence into Qi cultivation, easily slaying a foe at the very peak of that realm—an Archon's kin.

The Great Sun Archery was simply perfect for her.

Lisa could feel it too.

From the instant Ganyu stepped onto the stage, an overwhelming sense of crisis welled up in her chest.

As if…

At any moment, Ganyu could effortlessly kill her.

And yet, their strengths should not be far apart.

Was the gap between cultivators and non-cultivators really so vast?

Lisa couldn't understand. But she raised her full vigilance, eyes locked on Ganyu.

After a moment's thought, Ganyu drew out a bow—delicate, ornate, made entirely of wood.

Unlike her previous metal bow, this one didn't even have a string.

Were it not for its shape, anyone would have mistaken it for a stick.

In truth, subduing it had taken her little effort.

She had simply stepped on it by accident, and upon releasing a hint of her Great Sun Archery's aura, the bow refused to leave.

Only later, after fully binding it, did she realize—it was an extraordinary artifact, one of the strongest in the entire Sword Forest.

"Miss Lisa, since beginning cultivation, I've yet to fight anyone. I may not know my own strength."

"My apologies."

Ganyu's voice was soft and gentle as she raised the bow, aiming at Lisa.

Her hand pulled back against an invisible string.

A shimmering blue bowstring appeared.

On it, an arrow of blazing light, like fire incarnate, began to form.

Across from her, Lisa suddenly felt as if heaven and earth had locked onto her.

There was no escape.

Only to meet it head-on.

Her heart sank. All her elemental power surged forth. Even her forbidden strength erupted in full.

Dark thunderclouds swallowed the sky. A searing white bolt of lightning condensed in her hand.

But Ganyu remained unhurried, calmly aiming.

And then Lisa hurled her lightning.

"Falling Rainbow Draws the Azure."

Ganyu whispered softly.

The next instant—the arrow flew.

It tore through the sky like a spear piercing heaven itself, crashing down toward Lisa.

Her lightning, her strongest blow, couldn't even slow it.

Her pupils shrank. In the blink of an eye, the arrow was before her—

—and then the formation's barrier flung her off the stage.

When she turned, the arrow had sunk into the ground where she had stood.

No great explosion followed.

Only silence.

But for miles around, all was erased.

As if the sea had evaporated.

Silent. Cold. Terrifying.

Lisa, in that moment, witnessed the true power of an immortal cultivator.

Cloud Retainer let out a sigh of admiration.

"If it were me, five hundred years ago, faced with that arrow—I fear I too would be helpless!"

Madame Ping nodded solemnly in agreement.

Ganyu's mastery of the Great Sun Archery had shaken them to the core.

Even Zhongli could only nod repeatedly, eyes filled with praise.

"Not even one arrow could be blocked?"

Lisa sighed helplessly. She had guessed this outcome, but to truly see it unfold left her feeling bitter.

Yes—cultivation and non-cultivation truly were worlds apart.

She knew, too, that had Ningguang grasped immortal combat more fully earlier, even that match would've left her little chance.

In the end—immortality must be pursued.

Lisa sighed again, then looked at Jiang Yan with bright, expectant eyes.

But Jiang Yan paid her no mind. He only turned to Ganyu, nodded, and smiled.

"Ganyu truly has talent—to have brought the Great Sun Archery to such heights already."

Ganyu smiled sweetly.

"Thank you for your guidance, Sect Master."

Only the two of them knew what those words really meant.

"Eheh~! Then it's my turn next."

Watching the battles, even the usually fight-averse Venti was stirred.

He wanted to see just how strong Zhongli was now.

The stronger Zhongli was, the less turmoil Teyvat would face.

That mattered.

Zhongli cast Venti a glance and said softly:

"Xiao. You go first."

"What, old man? Not planning to take the stage yourself?"

Venti grinned, pulling out his lyre.

"In that case, don't mind me—time to stretch a little."

Xiao glared at him, annoyed.

Their gap was enormous—especially since Xiao had yet to fully comprehend the Flying Cloud Tyrant Spear.

With just true essence, he couldn't possibly be Venti's match.

But did Venti have to say it so bluntly, in front of everyone?

Zhongli, seeing Xiao's expression, chuckled.

"Enjoy this battle while you can. For once I act, you will have no chance to."

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