The organization known as the Throne of Arcana had risen to prominence just half a month ago. Currently, it boasted over a thousand scholars, with three hundred of them hailing from Sumeru alone. It was a clear testament to Su Han's burgeoning influence.
By following him, one could not only increase their strength but also gain access to vast amounts of otherworldly knowledge. Most importantly, the Throne of Arcana placed no limits on learning. As long as you had the talent, everything was within reach: Mora, mansions, and powerful magical artifacts. As for companionship... well, that required mutual attraction.
Compared to the rigid ways of Sumeru, the Throne of Arcana was a breath of fresh air. However, it did have its boundaries. Research into ultra-ancient history and forbidden taboos was strictly off-limits. In the schools of the Throne of Arcana, life was considered a sacred force. One could study the human body to advance medicine, but any desecration of life resulted in immediate expulsion. There was a vital distinction between the study of soul energy and the desecration of the living.
Amber and Collei had been chatting for a long time when the snail-phone in Amber's hand rang.
"Oh no! I almost forgot—I'm supposed to take you to the Jade Chamber! We have to hurry..."
"Haha, I lost track of time too!" Collei stuck out her tongue. Their conversation had been so pleasant that the hours had slipped by.
"By the way... where is the Jade Chamber? I heard it used to be Tianquan Ningguang's residence, but then it disappeared..."
"That... is one of our big secrets! Oh, should we invite your companions to come along? Usually, the Jade Chamber is closed to the public, but since you're my friend, I'll take you for a tour."
"But... is that really okay? Tighnari is with us today too."
"Mhm, no problem at all! Mona mentioned it on the snail-phone earlier!"
With Amber's reassurance, Collei felt at ease. Though Liyue was vast, they had been given temporary snail-phones upon arrival, so staying in touch was easy. However, when they tried to reach Tighnari, he wasn't in Liyue Harbor. He was standing by the coast, gazing at the magnificent World Tree in the distance.
As a botanist, the sight of such a grand tree filled him with a desperate urge to study it. Unfortunately, the area was strictly off-limits without a permit. This was why Tighnari hadn't been present when the earlier commotion occurred in the city.
"My apologies, sir. The World Tree is our national treasure. No one is allowed entry without permission. Any attempt to trespass will be met with overwhelming force."
"Then... may I ask how one obtains a permit?"
"There are two ways," the soldier replied. "First, be a specially appointed scholar or researcher of Liyue, or a family member of one. Second, obtain a permit directly from Lord Su Han."
Many Sumeru citizens wanted to visit the World Tree, but getting close was nearly impossible. Just yesterday, some extremists had tried; they were swatted into fragments by the consort of the Vortex God. Their remains were likely fish food by now.
Just as Tighnari was feeling discouraged, his snail-phone rang.
"Teacher! we're heading to the Jade Chamber. Do you want to come?"
"The Jade Chamber? What is that place?"
"Amber says it's a special secret realm. Ordinarily, people aren't allowed there, but we've been given special permission today. The others want to go, so I wanted to ask your opinion."
"Let's go then," Tighnari replied, his mind racing. Since it was a secret realm of Liyue, he would surely encounter high-ranking officials. If he could meet that man, perhaps he could negotiate a chance to visit the World Tree. Such a wondrous creation was far more impressive than the trees of Sumeru.
Tighnari returned to the harbor, where Collei and the others were waiting.
"How do we get there?"
"Follow me. The entrance is at Yujing Terrace."
Amber led them to a high building within Yujing Terrace, where a mirror-like portal was revealed. As they stepped through the tunnel, the group from Sumeru was struck speechless.
What were they seeing? A paradise?
Before them stood a towering mountain peak shrouded in mist, the air thick with vibrant life energy. Beneath their feet was the Jade Chamber itself. In every direction, there were massive islands, peaks, and palaces floating in the sky.
Tighnari felt the incredibly dense spiritual energy and gasped. "Is this... the secret of Liyue? Incredible... no wonder they have become so powerful."
Though he had seen recordings of Mt. Kunlun and other immortal peaks, no one knew where these wonders were located. Today, he was seeing Su Han's secret. In a place with such abundant spiritual energy, cultivation would be lightning-fast. The life force in the air was so potent that it would be the perfect place to cultivate rare plants.
Collei and the others were still dazed.
"You soldiers there... take our friends from Sumeru on a tour. But remember, certain areas are strictly off-limits."
"Yes, sir!"
The guards led Collei's companions away to explore. Without a guide, wandering aimlessly could be fatal, as many areas were protected by terrifying defensive arrays.
"Alright, let's find Big Brother Su Han. We've delayed long enough; he's probably waiting."
"Will we really see that gentleman?"
"Yes, he wanted to see Collei specifically."
Amber explained what had happened earlier. Hearing that Su Han wanted to see his student, Tighnari frowned. "Why does he want to see her?"
"It's likely to deal with the demon god residue inside her. I heard Big Brother Su Han mention it before. If it can be completely resolved, Collei won't have to worry every day."
"But those remnants are extremely dangerous," Tighnari said, his voice laced with concern. "When we sealed it, it took many people to suppress the will of the Black-Flame Serpent. If something goes wrong, Collei will be hurt."
When it came to his student's safety, Tighnari had to be cautious. He didn't want this girl to suffer any more pain.
Collei felt a warmth in her heart at her teacher's concern. "Don't worry, Teacher. If it's Lord Su Han, I believe it will be fine." This was a man who had suppressed the Vortex God himself. A mere remnant of a demon god would surely be no match for him.
Tighnari realized his mistake and smiled. "I'm overthinking it. I almost forgot—Lord Su Han's wife is the Electro Archon of Inazuma."
The three of them walked into the heart of the Jade Chamber. When they reached the back gardens, Collei saw Su Han telling stories to a few small children. The one sitting in his lap had hair very similar in color to Collei's.
"Alright, that's all for today's story. Next time, I'll tell you more about Nezha. I have to get to work now."
"Mhm!"
"Go do your work, Big Brother!"
The children nodded obediently and ran off to play. Su Han walked over to Collei and the others, smiling. "Follow me. This isn't the right place to deal with the Black-Flame Serpent."
"May I ask... how do you intend to resolve the issue inside her?" Tighnari couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.
"It's quite simple. I'll just destroy the consciousness. Once the will of the Black-Flame Serpent is eradicated, the power of the black flames will become Collei's own. I didn't have a reliable way to do it before, which is why I didn't have Amber contact you. Consider this a favor for the child during the Moonchase Festival."
It sounded simple, but if a demon god's consciousness were that easy to destroy, they would have done it long ago.
Su Han led Collei to the Moonlight Grove. As they entered the silver forest, the sunlight vanished, replaced by a cold, pale moonlight. Concentrated lunar energy floated in the air like dust.
"This is..."
"The Lunar Maple Tree... a treasure that releases moonlight and lunar essence. I heard you're a botanist; would you like to stay and study our creations sometime?"
"Uh... I'll have to think about it. Things in Sumeru are quite busy..."
Tighnari's words were half-hearted. Amber noticed that his eyes hadn't left the Lunar Maple Tree for a second.
Hehe, Amber thought, it looks like Tighnari is going to join our side too. Su Han's recruitment was always an open invitation—one that no one could refuse when faced with his treasures.
"Well, I was going to suggest you communicate with the World Tree as well," Su Han said nonchalantly, "but since you're so busy, maybe next time. Collei, sit here. Amber, since Mr. Tighnari is so busy, why don't you take him somewhere else to play?"
"Wait, wait!" Tighnari's composure broke. "I said I'm busy sometimes, but I have plenty of time right now! Ahem... our two nations are so close, and with the trains running... if you have any difficulties, you can come to me directly."
Seeing his sudden change in attitude, Tighnari stopped pretending. He could have lingered here to see how Su Han handled the Black-Flame Serpent, but he hadn't expected to be kicked out so quickly. And the World Tree—the place he dreamed of visiting most—was now on the table.
Seeing that Tighnari was no longer being stubborn, Su Han smiled. "Oh, is that so? Then stay a while. I have a few new products; I'll show Tighnari around later."
"Hehe, sure thing, Big Brother Su Han!" Amber chirped.
The two of them smiled like old foxes, while Tighnari looked utterly defeated. He had been completely played.
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