Didn't you go to Teyvat to earn money to support me?

"Didn't they say that special privileges are prohibited?" Shen Liang asked, puzzled.

“It’s certainly a pleasure for you to have two pageboys or maids, but it’s different if you have two younger sisters. Everyone can see that these days, apart from acting as bodyguards, your two sisters are of no help to your life at all. You even have to cook extra dishes to feed them,” Rosalyn laughed. “Essentially, you’re the one taking care of them. Leaving them here won’t improve your quality of life in the slightest.”

“But what we value even more is probably the general’s strength,” Gan Yu added. “Initially, Ji Palace thought that Liang Jun was absolutely safe in Liyue, and Ji Palace was even more so. But if the enemy has already managed to infiltrate Ji Palace, and the people of Liyue themselves are not absolutely safe, then perhaps it’s important to give you some self-defense capabilities that belong only to you. After all, you are still the Crown Prince of Inazuma, and it would be too dangerous if something unexpected happened like yesterday.”

Shen Liang thought to himself, "Actually, nothing bad happened to me. If the general hadn't come to save me, I probably wouldn't have died. Would I really die from taking a knife? As long as I don't die, I can activate my Holy Blood to recover at any cost and then kill that guy."

Even so, with one injury not yet healed and another beginning, it's unlikely that two inexperienced little guys can completely solve his holy blood problem.

However, just as Jigong believed, these two silly little girls were indeed of no help except for their strong general strength. They couldn't even do housework, let alone serve as pageboys or maids, grinding ink and adding fragrance to the night.

So it doesn't matter if we leave it for him.

So, the little fox, being a rather weak little demon, had put all her talent into transforming into human form. The fact that she was able to stay was purely due to the general's influence.

It seemed that Yae no Miko had also thought of this, and with some displeasure, she grinned at Shen Liang, who was looking over, revealing a row of neat little white teeth.

----------

Shen Liang absolutely refused to take off his straitjacket.

Upon arriving at the main hall of Mount Aozang, I discovered that both the new and returning students were dressed in neat and well-fitting Jigong academic gowns. The boys wore sharp Zhongshan suits with cross-collar collars, while the girls wore fitted cheongsams that were somewhere between cheongsams and short skirts. Some girls wore long stockings that made their legs look very slender and beautiful. Although they weren't as delicate and smooth as the stockings designed by Shen Liang, they were still much better looking than the clothes usually worn by people from Liyue outside the city.

Although everyone makes some modifications to their school uniforms—which is permitted by the Palace of the Nether—for example, Rosalind's uniform has dark red trim on the hem and the overall style is more like a Mondstadt geisha dress, at first glance, everyone's clothing is basically the same, with both men and women wearing similar styles.

Shen Liang, dressed in an absolutely out-of-place pure white straitjacket, looked completely out of place. With the two little ones, he looked like Gan Yu leading three little sisters to visit relatives at Ji Palace.

"Your school uniform has been issued, why aren't you wearing it?" Gan Yu asked.

Shen Liang remained silent.

"Don't you like it?" Rosalin was also curious. "I remember that they specially tailored our clothes after the start of the semester. The tailors at Jigong are all senior students from previous years, and the style is designed by Iwa Yasha Minu himself. He is a figure who stands at the forefront of fashion in the world."

Shen Liang still did not answer.

Only Yae no Miko chuckled to herself, fully aware of the inside story. Although Shen Liang had grown accustomed to his straitjacket, she wasn't particularly demanding. However, when she received the exceptionally well-fitting cheongsam and black and white girlish bodycon stockings that day, Shen Liang still cursed Ji Gong from the bottom of her heart for two hours.

However, the audience was mostly freshmen, and Gan Yu was even standing in the row of senior students. The auditorium was sparsely populated with hardly any people.

"Because those who can attend military meetings are all from the Department of Combat, but there haven't been any graduates from the Department of Combat for several generations. Even Senior Gan Yu, a student from Jigong who is from countless years ago, has to stand in the old student camp," Rosalin explained.

The killing and ruthlessness system has indeed reached the point of being so short-lived that it has to forcibly recruit people.

But Shen Liang noticed that not only Gan Yu, but all the Yakshas he had seen before were standing to one side. It was clear that Fa Nan and the others had also joined the Department of Combat and had now returned to study at other academies... That made sense. The immortals of Liyue were probably the first generation of students. They had all been on the battlefield and possessed extraordinary martial arts skills. Even someone like Gan Yu, who was now an office worker, how could she not have studied in the Department of Combat and had been on the battlefield?

It is precisely because they themselves are students of the Department of Martial Arts that they may become teachers of the Department of Martial Arts in the future.

In terms of its philosophy, Jigong Palace doesn't actually have real teachers; it's a talent exchange center. If you have talent, you are a teacher. Senior female students can be teachers to junior male students, and junior female students can be teachers to senior male students. There's also no concept of true graduation. For example, Fa Nan can finish his studies in the Department of Slaughtering and Warfare, but if he's interested, he can still go to the Department of Physics to study shipbuilding.

Embrace diversity and learn from the strengths of all schools of thought. Choose what is good and follow it, and correct what is not good.

Shen Liang was still looking at the Yakshas when he suddenly realized that one of them was missing.

Just as he was wondering where Iwayasha Mino had gone, he saw Fushe on the platform give the command: "Calm down!"

The whispers in the auditorium immediately ceased, replaced by an atmosphere of solemnity. Fu She was not only the vice-principal of Ji Gong, but also possessed the authority of a soldier. Most of the students were still young, and in front of a marshal like Fu She, they behaved as obediently as kittens.

Of course, Shen Liang is an exception, but Shen Liang is usually as well-behaved as a cat, so he wouldn't deliberately make any noise.

"classmates."

Fu She glanced at the new and returning students in the auditorium and continued:

"During yesterday's exercise, a Class B dangerous situation occurred. It is commendable that, although you have not yet undergone the baptism of training in combat, you all performed quite well after the situation arose, obeying orders without casualties, demonstrating a high level of execution," Fu She said. "And I would especially like to commend the three freshmen who made outstanding contributions in yesterday's situation. The reason I have gathered everyone in the auditorium today is to commend these three students in front of you and award them military merit medals."

"Harunosuke Yukami, please come up to the podium."

However, Kami Harunosuke seemed to have anticipated this, swallowed hard, and strode onto the podium.

"Harunosuke is quick-witted and resourceful. During the exercise, he noticed the difference in the enemy agents, followed them, and reported the incident to us, preventing the destruction of an important facility." Fushe took out the medal symbolizing third-class military merit and handed it to him.

"Liyue has never been stingy in praising talented people. I hope you will continue to work hard."

Next, Rosalyn was called.

Rosalyn no longer received a military merit medal; instead, she received the "Gold Star Medal for Outstanding Soldier," a consolation medal awarded to foreign friends for their significant contributions. However, Rosalyn didn't mind, as it was still a medal from the Thousand Rock Army, and at the very least, it would earn her a considerable number of academic credits at the Jigsaw Palace.

"I hope that you will continue to contribute to peace among nations in the future."

“Of course, I’ve studied in many countries, and I love them all. I definitely hope for world peace.” Rosalyn bowed happily and left the stage.

"And finally, I think everyone knows who this person is. In yesterday's events, he was calm and quick-witted, the first to notice the conspiracy, took the initiative and stopped the agents from sabotaging the agency, delaying time until we arrived. He was even in a high-risk situation that almost cost him his life." Fu She's gaze swept over everyone and looked at Shen Liang. "Your contribution is even greater than Ji Gong's belated realization. Without you, the losses would have been immeasurable. Please accept this second-class merit medal, Lei Dian Liang."

As expected, everyone knew that Shen Liang had performed a great service yesterday. Although most people didn't quite understand what this great service was, because it involved many secrets of the Liyue military.

But when Shen Liang turned around on stage and looked at the audience below, he realized that winning the medal was not actually that convincing.

Everyone knows he is the son of General Raiden and Crown Prince Inazuma. Even those unfamiliar with him have become aware of his power after so many days of exposure. He is said to have the destiny of a minor emperor, even possessing a title; how could he be considered an ordinary person?

From the perspective of a demon god, this achievement is nothing; he'd be embarrassed to accept it.

Some people might even be thinking... How dare you compete for honor with mortals?

You are a demon god! Even a young demon god is still a demon god, the most powerful race on this continent!

In other words, even a second-class merit or a first-class merit is meaningless. You have to compare it to the Seven Regents. What kind of achievements did the Seven Regents have? Not to mention creating the world, they swept across the six directions and conquered the eight wastelands. They were divine, literary, martial and all-powerful, and admired by all.

Shen Liang suddenly felt it was meaningless, and after receiving the medal, he didn't really listen to the applause that erupted from the audience.

Although he achieved military merit with almost "mortal" abilities, but... thinking about it carefully, was he really a mortal, the one whom Mistelin assisted?

After Fushe finished his speech and announced the disbandment, Yingda jumped up and announced that the teachers of the Killing and Martial Arts Department would take a break today, and all the new students of the Killing and Martial Arts Department would temporarily receive martial arts training at the Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun Cave.

Chapter Sixty-Eight: Liang'er, Isolated by Her Classmates

[There's a problem.] Shen Liang and Mistelin communicated in their minds.

【The True Lord of Borrowing Clouds and Wind… just from the name, he must be a veteran immortal. Sending you freshmen from the combat department to an immortal's cave at this time, don't you think the timing is just right?】

Most importantly, according to common sense, even if the teacher training those who practice killing techniques is an immortal, they should be from the Yaksha clan, who are most skilled in combat. It's not normal for them to suddenly be transferred to the hands of other True Lords.

Perhaps the teaching methods of the Yakshas aren't suitable for starting right away?

Shen Liang thought it made sense. Before leaving, he looked back and found that Gan Yu had stayed in the auditorium.

The four yakshas remained in the hall, showing no intention of leaving. He was slightly curious about what the immortals were planning to do, but the flow of people was moving forward, so he could only move towards the exit.

The main entrance to the auditorium was then closed.

After confirming that all the students had left, Fu She rubbed his face, which had been tense for a long time, and said in a low voice, "The karmic burden on Mi Nu has been handed over to Wang Sheng. Your Majesty... what are your orders?"

"His Majesty is aware of the situation, and hopes that everyone will accept this with composure," Gan Yu said. "However, the problem is becoming increasingly serious. Even the most carefree Rock Yaksha is unable to overcome his karmic obstacles, and His Majesty is very worried..."

"Are you worried that we won't be able to control ourselves?" Fushe sat down cross-legged, his gaze sweeping over his brothers and sisters. "Our day has finally come. We've been waiting for this day for over two thousand years."

Yingda, Xiao, and Fanan remained silent.

"Your Majesty need not worry. We are different from Minu. Now that we know the big day is approaching... we will be more careful and... will not affect others." Fushe looked at his youngest sister, Fanan, rubbed her head, and gave a forced smile. "Don't be pained by killing your brother, Fanan. The Yakshas are a race that has no clothes but no reeds. To die in battle is an honor. It is better to die at the hands of your brothers and sisters than to do something irreversible and then be killed in disgrace. Even after Minu dies, he will never blame you for stopping his madness. On the contrary, he will be most grateful to you."

“I know everything.” Fa Nan lowered his head and gritted his teeth. “Brother Fu She, you don’t need to comfort me. I just… can’t get over it right now.”

“You are the youngest among us, and you spend most of your time at sea, so you have the least karmic burden. Perhaps you will be the last to die, so… perhaps you will have to endure more separations than any of us. You have the highest probability of surviving, and I hope you can live well.” Fushe patted her. “How should I put it… haven’t we long since become indifferent to life and death? Over the years, we’ve lost countless brothers, and the Yaksha clan has almost completely declined. But… at least until Liyue is completely at peace, it needs living Yakshas to protect it. Live as long as you can, fight to the death.”

The Yakshas nodded emphatically.

"Karmic hindrance... what kind of curse is it?" Gan Yu couldn't help but ask. "After all these years, even the Emperor can't do anything about it?"

“Even the Emperor’s power has its limits, just as even the heaviest boulder cannot disperse the mist. Karma is the lingering resentment of the dead demon gods, and countless demon gods have fallen to our hands on this land. After all, Liyue was the most bustling battlefield during the Demon God Wars.” Fushe smiled. “The lingering resentment of these demon gods cannot be eradicated. The reason why other countries were able to resolve this is simply because they had too few demon gods who died in their own lands.”

“When Brother Mi Nu was alive, I accompanied him to many medicine huts in the mortal world, but even the most skilled doctors couldn’t do anything about karmic obstacles. They said that this was not actually a disease, but a retribution, a kind of retribution for killing in past lives…” Fanan said. “The immortals were even more helpless. How could all the magic of the immortals compare to the lingering resentment of the demon gods?”

"What about the other deities?"

The Yakshas remained silent until Yingda finally spoke: "The gods each guard their own seven kingdoms for hundreds or thousands of years. How can they possibly meet? If there were a god who could resolve this matter, why would he bother with the troubles of mere Yakshas? Do you think the Emperor would rush to the Winter Kingdom to treat those fools whose lives are short?"

Naturally, Gan Yu had no way to refute it.

But Gan Yu vaguely felt that there was still a chance. She and Shui Huo Yacha were close friends, and she couldn't bear it. She frowned and thought about the points she had overlooked.

Then she suddenly remembered Shen Liang, who had displayed "unconditional healing ability" on the ship. She subconsciously looked up and saw that Fa Nan also seemed to remember something.

The two looked at each other.

------------

Two hours later, Shen Liang and the other freshmen climbed to the top of Mount Aozang.

Among the countless mountains nestled in the clouds, Mount Aozang is exceptionally beautiful. At its summit lies a tranquil lake, lush with fragrant grasses and swaying willow branches—a truly delightful scene.

The Liuyun Borrowing Wind Cave Heaven is built against the mountain, in a cave by the lake, with a barrier on the door to prevent disturbance. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that the True Lord Liuyun Borrowing Wind is also a member of the Jigong system, most people who come to seek immortality would never be able to find this place. The barriers that the immortals set up on the mountain would trap most seekers in a "ghost wall"-like predicament, and they would always inexplicably descend the mountain in the end.

Even those who can ascend the mountain and see the immortal's abode will be unable to enter due to the talismanic restrictions. Immortals who choose to remain in the Absolute Cloud Realm are almost all those who cherish tranquility and seclusion; it's normal for them to stay indoors for several years. If you're so capable, just wait and see; it's highly unlikely that someone in this world could wait for ten or eight years.

Unfortunately, there are indeed people in this world who are willing to wait until they meet the immortals.

Therefore, those who desperately want to meet immortals are often the ones who pique the immortals' interest, learn a trick or two of immortal techniques, and thus become the legendary figures of Liyue. But few people know that if you really want to meet immortals, as long as your grades are good enough, you can get into the Jigsaw Palace and choose the right major, and you can even become an apprentice under some immortals who take a liking to you.

The fastest way is to avoid shortcuts.

While the freshmen were admiring the scenery, Rosalyn quietly tugged at his hand, "Liang'er, you need to make some friends, otherwise you'll be very embarrassed during the combat training later."

"Why am I so embarrassed?"

"Because you've now received a second-class military merit medal, and the combat training is divided into teams. You're now envied and considered a privileged class, and you're seen as very powerful by others... so you might not be able to find an opponent."

Shen Liang stroked the little fox wrapped around his neck, putting on an indifferent expression.