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

"But what about the immortal arts taught by True Lord Xiaoyue Zhuyang? Since Your Highness thinks highly of the Liyue Immortals, you should learn the essential immortal arts such as summoning spirits, divination, and using yarrow stalks. After mastering these, you can live a carefree life and avoid misfortune. But I haven't seen you learn any of these." Fa Nan couldn't help but say.

"Since ancient times, the Great Way has been practiced without regard to good or bad fortune, but I don't really believe in that. Besides, can this really lead to immortality?"

"No, not at all."

"Then I won't learn it."

"Although Marshal Tengshe is a soldier, he has many disciples. This is because Fushe is straightforward and has no prejudice against any sect. He can teach any person who possesses the Eye of God, depending on whether they have the fortune to learn it. For example, the techniques of ascending to heaven and riding the clouds, climbing the bow and stepping on the crossbow, and the ability to wave the light of the clouds. Even if you do not rely on the power of the demon god, Your Highness can still live a carefree life in the human world, traveling to the North Sea in the morning and Cangwu in the evening."

She had a lot more to say about Fushefa, and she was secretly proud of her elder brother's abilities.

But Shen Liang still had the same question: "The Yaksha is unparalleled in combat power, but can he achieve immortality?"

Fa Nan shut up unhappily, and Shen Liang knew the answer.

"It's not a long-term solution, so I won't learn it."

“Actually, the question itself is problematic.” Rosalin raised her objection with the rigor of a scholar. “Strictly speaking, immortality is impossible. Even the sea will dry up and the mountains will collapse. Liang’er, what kind of immortality do you want? From the perspective of immortals, compared to mortals, they are already immortal beings.”

"But can the immortality of immortals be replicated in humans through immortal techniques?" Shen Liang asked.

This question stumped Gan Yu and Fa Nan.

Although he didn't understand why everyone around Shen Liang was an immortal being, and he shouldn't have any anxiety about "lifespan," the Liyue Immortal Clan really didn't have any good solutions for the lifespan of mortals.

Among the vast sea of ​​immortal techniques and secret teachings, upon closer examination, it seems there is none that can grant "immortality."

Because the Liyue Asgardians never needed to consider this in the first place.

Gan Yu is a Qilin, a benevolent beast; Fanan is a member of the Yaksha clan; and all the True Lords cultivating in their respective caves are transformed immortal beasts... From the very beginning, the term "immortal" has referred to "a transcendent race that follows the rule of the Rock King Emperor, has made a pact with the Rock King Emperor to protect the common people, and is distinct from mortals."

They were born immortal beings, how could they possibly understand the fleeting and fragile lifespan of mortals?

"Liang Jun, do you have some painful past? Is it because of the different lifespans of people, causing you pain and regret... a friend?" Gan Yu felt that Shen Liang's obsession with "immortality" was probably due to some unresolved issue in his heart. Which mortal friend of his had died young?

"No, I'm not the Eye of the Wind."

"Ok?"

The women were puzzled, then Shen Liang touched the coffin and said, "Actually, Sister Yu Tu isn't completely dead yet. I want to learn some methods related to longevity so that she can come back to life. At least, so that she can leave this coffin."

"What exactly is the relationship between the woman inside the coffin and Liang Jun? Why is Liang Jun so concerned about her?" Gan Yu asked curiously.

"do not know."

"Is he a close friend? Or a blood relative?" Fa Nan had been wondering about this for a long time. Shen Liang always carried the coffin with him, and it was a huge coffin that was taller than him. Shen Liang's strength was only at the level of an ordinary person, yet he walked around it with ease.

Later, I learned that Shen Liang wasn't completely without fatigue; he was just used to taking on responsibilities since childhood. When he couldn't even lift the coffin, Shen Liang spent his days and nights with it. In his eyes, the woman inside was the real person of his best friend, Mistelin Shaniat.

No one in this world can see or sense Misteline. The only thing Shen Liang can rely on to convince them of Misteline's existence is this coffin. He can only carefully protect the coffin, because this body is Shen Liang's only proof to the world that he is not delirious and that Misteline exists.

"I don't know," Shen Liang replied.

"It can't be someone Liang'er likes, right? This is bad, Senior Fanan. If Liang'er likes someone this age, you might not be able to touch his heart. But it's Teacher Alice, who is a married woman, who is more dangerous." Rosalin teased Fanan exaggeratedly.

She was now completely certain that Fa Nan truly liked Shen Liang.

Although the general consensus in the entire Ji Palace was this after the kissing incident, Rosalin had a slightly different opinion. After all, she knew that Shen Liang had some issues with his "social sense," and that a kiss, a symbol of intimacy between a man and a woman, might not be taken so seriously by him. However, after the incident, neither Shen Liang nor Fa Nan seemed inclined to offer any explanation. Instead, the two of them became even closer, with Fa Nan even moving into the small building and sharing a bedroom with Gan Yu.

Rosalind finally had to admit that Liyue wasn't exactly a traditional place, and that pretty girls should naturally be involved in yuri (lesbian) relationships... which seemed to be quite prevalent there.

It's worth mentioning that the first floor of this small courtyard has been completely cleaned up. One bedroom is occupied by Gan Yufanan, while the other is the same as before, allocated to the international student, namely the Great Witch Alice.

Although she is one of the visiting professors at the Institute of Gewu, she is also an international student studying at the Liyue Elemental Academy. It is said that she is researching high-density ammunition engineering and explosion technology, which is an advanced major in fire element.

Say Cao Cao and Cao Cao will arrive.

The sound of bare feet clattering on the wooden stairs came from inside. Since everyone started living together, Shen Liang had simply knocked down the first and second floors, abandoning the external staircase and designing an indoor staircase on the first floor that led directly from the living room on the second floor.

In the stairwell, the big witch, dressed only in a nightgown and a cute nightcap, climbed up with a resentful expression. She was wearing only downy winter tights and stomped her feet because the floor was cold, but she still shouted angrily, "You never called me! You never called me! I always get to eat your leftovers!"

“Even a lazy child like Her Highness can get up when she smells food, so Teacher Alice can’t blame anyone else.” Fa Nan laughed. “There’s also some caviar and broth, enough for a meal with sesame cakes. Would you like some?”

Caviar is actually a good thing. You'll find out once you get to Liyue that caviar, a traditional food popular in Mondstadt and Fontaine, was originally a Liyue local custom.

The best caviar in Liyue doesn't come from sea fish, but from rivers. For example, carp roe. Liyue's vast land has many rivers and streams, as well as numerous fishponds. These ponds contain grass carp, crucian carp, silver carp, and bighead carp; you can release some fry and raise them casually, and the following year you'll have a bountiful harvest. The farmers are quite generous; it's not a problem if young people in the village secretly go to the fishponds to catch a few fish to eat, as long as they don't catch the small fish when they're releasing fry.

However, if you go to a big city, like Liyue Harbor, it's hard to find carp or crucian carp. Harbors mostly only have sea fish, which, although boneless and with large chunks of meat, lack the tenderness and freshness of river fish. But this is Jigsaw, nestled among the Jueyun Mountains, where the fish are sourced from nearby villages, resulting in a much better flavor.

Shen Liang thought about what to eat for a while, then saw Alice run over but there was nowhere to sit. He suddenly had a slightly bad feeling and was about to get up to make way when, sure enough, something bad happened. Alice picked him up, grabbed a seat for herself, and then very skillfully pressed him onto her lap.

The dark gray down tights felt incredibly comfortable. Shen Liang was only wearing pajamas and not the straitjacket, so the soft feel of the tights against Alice's thighs immediately registered on her bottom. Shen Liang, who had been teased by Yae no Miko until she woke up that morning, now felt the soft warmth of the great witch behind her and smelled the gunpowder-like scent emanating from Alice's body, and her body regained some of the energy she had before getting out of bed.

The general sat beside him, turning her head to look. Because the pajamas were quite loose, it was... very obvious. The general's expression froze, but sensing that Shen Liang hadn't noticed anything amiss, she couldn't say anything. She could only silently hope that Alice wouldn't touch Shen Liang inappropriately while holding him, just keeping her arm around his waist and not groping him...

"Going back to the previous question, does Liyue have any immortal mortals?" Shen Liang asked.

“If one is immortal, one can no longer be called a mortal, right? Generally speaking, only extraordinary races can live forever. Mortals need to metabolize, so their lifespan is inevitably limited. Immortals are immortal because we can control our metabolism. We can grow old whenever we want, and we can stay young whenever we want,” said Fa Nan.

"The idea that Liang Jun wants mortals to achieve immortality is truly unheard of..." Gan Yu thought for a moment, then suddenly paused, "No, that's not necessarily true?"

"Sister Gan Yu?" Fa Nan was also taken aback.

"If we define it by human standards, then no one is truly immortal. But if we define it by 'having once been human,' then that's not necessarily true. For example, in Liyue, there's a special type of immortal called 'zombie.' These are immortals who, after death, cannot be reborn, their bodies do not decay, and they remain lifelike, eventually ascending to immortality and achieving a truly immortal body." Gan Yu's expression was serious. "This is originally a path of ghost immortals, but since they are, after all, living dead, mortals fear them, hence the evil name 'zombie.' To be precise, zombies aren't that scary. The one I know is also one of the immortals of Liyue."

"A zombie!" Rosalyn covered her shoulder in fear, but couldn't help but ask, "Could one of our teachers be a zombie?"

“I told you there’s no need to be so afraid…” Gan Yu said helplessly. “That immortal is called the True Lord of Salvation from Suffering and Calamity, also known as the Child of Resurrection from the Dead. Because she is still young and is a zombie, she will probably remain young forever. Therefore, she will not have much contact with you. She is currently sealed in the amber of the True Lord of Water and Mountain.”

"Self-proclaimed?" Shen Liang keenly sensed the peculiarity of this word. He was about to jump down to ask Gan Yu when Alice grabbed him, his head hitting Alice's chin. He could only cover his head and continue, "Zombies have always had a bad reputation, it can't be without reason. And this True Lord wants to self-proclaim himself in Amber... So, Sister Gan Yu, is there a problem with the zombies you're talking about?"

But as soon as he finished speaking, Shen Liang suddenly felt the breathing of the young woman behind him quicken for a few seconds. He looked up, puzzled, and saw Alice staring intently at his lower body. When she saw him looking over, she immediately looked away.

He followed Alice's gaze to himself, realized what was happening, blinked, and then looked up at Alice with a smile. Then he took Alice's hand, lifted the hem of her pajamas, and let her cool little hand press against his warm waist.

Alice's brain was about to explode!

She was almost too shocked to react. Looking at the bright and handsome young man in her arms, who still had an innocent smile on his face, coupled with his seductive behavior... this completely unguarded attitude towards her, this signal that was almost an "invitation" for her to take the initiative!

Waaaaaah!

How can he be so amazing! Every move he makes is incredible! Is he inviting me? Is he inviting me to continue?! Does this little male cat really know what he's doing to an adult woman?!

You're playing with fire, do you know that?!

Honey, you're so skilled at this...

【Hmm?】

Shen Liang was naturally used to it. In fact, almost every mature woman who had hugged him could sense his lack of defenses. The "demon lord," who had long been raised by the likes of Kosai-gumi Torachiyo, naturally accepted all comers. During those days and nights in the castle tower, the great demons used various gentle gestures to prove to him the correctness of logic such as "big sister doesn't need to be on guard" and "everyone will be happier if you take the initiative."

To some extent, everyone's bodies have been trained to conform to daily habits and be very honest with each other. For example, when Ling Shanfang was walking with him on Hanamizaka, he suddenly stopped and squatted down behind him, hugging his waist and refusing to continue walking. Shen Liang would then simply stretch out his arms and let Da Tengu pick him up until their eyes were level.

Then the Great Tengu would use his wings to wrap the two of them together, blocking everyone's view. After the impromptu passionate kiss, he would open his wings again and continue his leisurely stroll.

Yes, we've already become that familiar with each other.

The general looked at Alice, who was trying hard to control her expression and swallow hard so that Gan Yu and the others wouldn't notice her joy in her eyes. Then he looked at Alice's left hand, which was already trapped in Shen Liang's loose pajamas.

She looked up and saw her brother still completely unfazed, even continuing his serious conversation with Gan Yu, his beautiful face seemingly unaffected by anything.

The general suddenly doubted that his expression management skills were not as good as his brother's, who was so calm and composed, "with a thunderous heart but a calm face".

“Liang Jun discovered it. Indeed, the reason why zombies have such a bad reputation is that not all of this race are good children like Qi Qi—Qi Qi is the True Lord of Salvation and Calamity mentioned earlier—but in fact, zombies have always had some obvious flaws, which is why their numbers are so small.” Gan Yu said, “The original zombies needed a lot of essence to maintain their sanity and cultivate into immortals.”

Chapter 74 Do you know what essence is?

"Absorbing life essence... that doesn't sound like a good thing." Shen Liang thought for a moment, "Is this what immortals are like?"

“If a zombie doesn’t have vital essence to nourish it, it’s best to seal itself away and absorb energy from the outside world, which is basically the spiritual energy of heaven and earth and the essence of the sun and moon,” Gan Yu explained. “But if it wants to maintain its sanity under the sunlight, it must be nourished with vital essence. Without it, it will go berserk, lose its humanity, and start attacking the creatures around it indiscriminately. Only when a zombie has cultivated itself to perfection and can control its own talismans with its own sanity will it truly be enlightened and become a true immortal.”

"That's why everyone in the world is afraid of zombies. Who isn't afraid of a monster that might suddenly go crazy and bite your neck?" Rosalyn was too afraid to listen to this kind of conversation.

"Are there zombies in foreign countries too?" Shen Liang asked curiously.

“No, but there must be similar creatures, like vampires and mummies, they're all pretty much the same.” Rosalind looked at Alice, “Teacher Alice, have you heard these stories in the Witch's Club?”

"Ah...ah?" Alice looked up in alarm, completely unaware of what had happened. She hadn't listened to their conversation at all; her mind was entirely focused on Shen Liang.

"Sorry, I was daydreaming! I...you...this...this fried fish doesn't have any shrimp oil in it, I'm not paying for it after I finish eating it." Alice herself didn't know what she was saying.

"It's like we've been eating for free all these meals and when have we ever paid for them..." Rosalyn muttered.

“Teacher Alice can actually eat on the second floor for every meal. It’s just a matter of having an extra pair of chopsticks, and it’ll be more lively with everyone together,” Gan Yu said with a gentle smile.

Her smile held a deeper meaning, because the small wooden coffee table in the living room could only seat five people. Including the Yae no Kami, who often ate his fill first and then turned into a fox to slip away, there were six people in the small building.

There weren't enough seats for six people, so one of them had to be "held in someone's arms." Although the general looked the youngest, her aloof and elegant demeanor meant that few people dared to hold her while eating. So, Shen Liang was often the one who was forced to sit on the girl's lap.

As long as Alice joins the dinner party, the little prince will inevitably have to sit in a girl's arms every mealtime. This can be considered as giving Fanan a helping hand. Although it's obvious to everyone that Fanan is willing, the boy is even more shy than her. Holding Shen Liang and other things that even slightly familiar girls can do, Fanan is still a little embarrassed.

There has to be a reason. If it's something he has to do, then he'll eventually accept it.

At the very least, seeing other girls hugging and cuddling without any restraint, she should at least have some reaction, right?

—Yes, that's the reason. It's not because I didn't expect Ryo-kun to be even cuter as an adult than when he was little. I really want to hold him in my arms and rub him like I did when he was little!

Alice felt relieved that she had gotten away with it, and glanced at the well-behaved boy sitting obediently in her arms. The handsome young man still wore his usual smile, completely unmoved. Alice really admired Shen Liang's acting skills. Her hand was aching from holding a grudge, but the boy remained so calm that no one could tell.

After chatting for a while about the cultivation methods of zombies, it was time for morning classes. The others went back to their rooms to attend to their own affairs. Shen Liang looked up and smiled at Alice, who, not daring to meet his innocent gaze, turned her head away. Then Shen Liang jumped off her lap and went to school with light steps.

For a moment, only Alice and the general remained in the living room, staring at each other in bewilderment.

"Your brother..." Alice knew that this kind of thing couldn't be hidden from the divinely created puppet, so she hesitated before speaking.

The general lowered his eyes. "It's just my brother's habit."