In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar

Simply put, those who practice immortal talismans have the support of emperors and immortals, making it faster, more convenient, and more effective.

However, with advantages come disadvantages.

“However, this is also the drawback.” Zhong Li put down his teacup, his voice slightly deep, “The power of the celestial register is ultimately limited by the authority of the immortals or gods invoked.”

"No matter how powerful a talisman is, it is difficult to surpass the limits of the laws that an emperor or a corresponding immortal can control."

"If one wishes to use talismans to achieve things that touch upon the fundamental nature, such as 'returning to the origin' or 'reversing life and death'... then celestial talismans are beyond one's reach."

"Furthermore, if the immortals or deities you invoked have perished, their positions have vanished, or they refuse to respond to your request, the talisman will become an empty document, and its power will be greatly reduced or even completely disappear."

Wang Yan pondered, "So, although the Liyue sorcerer families have passed down their magic techniques from generation to generation, they rarely innovate beyond the realm of immortals and gods? Yet, some people in other countries can achieve feats on the path of the extraordinary that amaze even the gods?"

“Exactly.” Zhongli nodded. “A rigid system can easily become a shackle. But this is also the choice of the people of Liyue themselves—exchanging trust and contracts for a thousand years of peace. The essence of the Celestial Register can also be seen as a protective law woven together by ‘humans’ and ‘celestials’.”

After explaining the differences between the Celestial Runes and other extraordinary rune systems, he dipped his finger in tea and sketched rune shapes on the stone table, explaining them in detail:

"The head of the talisman is like a crown, determining rank and status; the gall bladder is like the heart, containing the source of the prayer; the feet are like the foundation, determining the time and space of its efficacy; the belly is like the blood vessels and muscles, detailing the principles and context of the matter. The seal is a token, and the incantation is the call. When all these are complete and the seal is formed, its power will be unleashed."

He gave a simple example:

"For example, the most basic 'house protection talisman' has 'the decree of the Rock Lord' written at the top, 'peace and safety for the house' written in the inner part, 'three months' specified at the bottom, and the location and names of the household described in the middle. Then, the talisman is stamped with the seal of a Taoist priest and the incantation 'the rock is firm and guarded, evil spirits cannot invade' is recited. In this way, one can borrow a trace of the Rock God's remaining power to protect the house and keep it peaceful."

He kept referring to Rock Lord and Rock God, and it didn't seem out of place at all.

Wang Yan nodded slightly, made a note of it, and then asked curiously, "Your Majesty, if the person who draws the talisman is not from Liyue, and does not know Your Majesty or any of the immortals, can the talisman still be used?"

“Yes, it’s possible.” Zhong Li nodded. “The Immortal Register is a complete system. Even if the learner is unfamiliar with the Emperor and the immortals, as long as they are focused, they can master it!”

“Heart blinks, handsome man, moonlit night, dryness, hesitation.”

“Heart is with you!” Bian R replied.

Wang Yan frowned, but he had a certain understanding in his heart.

The word "wish," or rather the concept, is indeed a very important element in Teyvat.

Whether it's willpower, aspirations, or visions, they can all be connected to extraordinary elements.

Although we still don't know what human desires represent in terms of the laws of nature, it is certain that desires are very important.

Now, Zhongli says that Liyue's Celestial Register system is also related to the concept of "Wish".

Perhaps it can be seen that the user's wishes resonate with the Emperor or other immortals through the talisman, thus triggering the power of the Emperor or immortals.

And after the Emperor or immortals lend out this power, they may also gain some benefit from the user's wish.

Thinking of this, Wang Yan asked, "Your Majesty, is it possible for the entity that lends power to benefit from this system?"

"Hmm? Why do you ask that?" Zhong Li looked at Wang Yan with a hint of amusement in his eyes.

“Because it’s unfair,” Wang Yan said directly. “The Emperor values ​​contracts, and for a contract to be valid, it must at least be fair and agreed upon by both parties.”

"If mortals practice immortal talismans, they can borrow the status and power of the emperor and immortals. Then, the immortals will surely receive something in return."

"At first, I thought the immortals were receiving offerings from Liyue, but upon closer reflection, Liyue's offerings to the immortals are because the immortals follow the Emperor to protect Liyue, which has little to do with the matter of the Immortal Register."

“Heh…” Zhong Li nodded slightly, “You’re right. [Wish] is indeed beneficial to the Emperor and the immortals.”

“Every time people borrow power from the Emperor and the immortals, it is an anchoring to the Emperor and the immortals.”

"Anchoring?"

"Young friend, do you know what wear and tear is?"

Wang Yan almost lost his composure.

The word "wear and tear" is so deeply intertwined with Zhongli and Nagarjuna.

These two oldest beings in the rock system are probably beyond the reach of anything, which is why the concept of wear and tear came into being.

Zhongli said to himself, "Emperors and immortals are mostly long-lived, and it is difficult for their physical forms to disappear even after thousands or tens of thousands of years, but the wear and tear on their souls and memories is difficult to resist."

"Human desires are insignificant, but countless insignificant desires can be gathered together to transform into a powerful force. This force is enough to help the Emperor and the Immortals anchor their true selves."

"This is the benefit of lending out power."

After saying that, Zhong Li continued, "Alright, it's still early. Let me tell you some details about drawing talismans."

"…it is good."

Chapter 125 Ying: Paimon, call me senior

That night.

Wang Yan followed Zhong Li out of the Dust Song Pot, looking somewhat dazed.

It's unclear whether Zhong Li took advantage of Wang Yan's apology before, or if she did it on purpose.

In short, the Liyue God of the Celestial Register was explained to Wang Yan in detail.

He explained it while demonstrating it himself.

Wang Yan absorbed too much knowledge in a short period of time, feeling his head was swollen, but also experiencing a sense of pleasure from being filled with knowledge.

If he had a panel system or something, he probably would have a skill display for "Immortal Talismans (Mastery)" by now.

"Young friend, are you returning to Sumeru after the Lantern Festival?"

Zhong Li suddenly spoke up.

Wang Yan was taken aback, his consciousness returning from the vast sea of ​​runes, and he subconsciously nodded: "Yes, I still need to continue my studies."

"Hmm... Liyue is beautiful, with stunning scenery, especially the magnificent Shenyu Valley. After the Lantern Festival, young friend, why not spend more time exploring Liyue?" Zhongli said with a light laugh.

Wang Yan nodded, not thinking much of it, assuming the other person was just recommending local customs.

"It won't be too late for me to travel after I graduate from the Order of the Church."

“Hmm…I see. The environment in Nordkal is special, and it seems to be somewhat related to the blessing you have. Perhaps you could go and take a look,” Zhong Li added.

Ok?

You're not only ruining the scenery of Liyue, you're a god of Liyue.

Why are you still pushing for Nordkal? Do you have private contact with Colombia?

Wang Yan found it a bit strange, but still said, "I'll go when I have time."

Zhong Li nodded lightly: "...Very well, it's getting late, please make yourself at home."

"Goodbye, Your Majesty; goodbye, Granny." Wang Yan said goodbye and turned to leave Granny Ping's tea stall.

After descending from the Jade Capital Terrace, Wang Yan's figure quickly disappeared from sight.

Grandma Ping then looked at Zhong Li: "The Emperor seems very reluctant for this child to return to Xumi?"

“The Sumeru veins are a bit strange, perhaps something big is about to happen. I was just guiding it a little…” Zhongli shook his head slightly, “But everyone has their own destiny, and we can’t force it.”

Grandma Ping nodded: "The Emperor is benevolent."

“Ha… there’s no mercy involved.” Zhong Li shook his head and changed the subject. “After the Lantern Festival, let’s get together with some old friends.”

"Alright."

...

On the other side.

When Wang Yan returned to the White Horse Inn, the night was already deep, and even the bustling night market in Crimson Cloud Slope was much quieter.

Xiuhua had returned to the front desk. Upon seeing Wang Yan's return, she immediately stood up to greet him: "Welcome back, distinguished guest."

"Good evening, Xiuhua, just like yesterday," Wang Yan greeted her.

Xiuhua nodded: "Okay, I'll send it up to you in a bit."

Wang Yan nodded and went upstairs.

Back in my room, the traces left from last night and this morning had been cleaned up, and the bedding had been changed to clean ones.

Wang Yan glanced over his luggage and suitcase, then stepped forward to check them. The rune markings he had left behind had not been triggered, indicating that no one had touched his belongings.

The innkeepers were law-abiding; I had instructed them not to touch the luggage, and it was reasonable that they didn't.

But...the secret agents from the General Affairs Department who were monitoring me this morning, didn't they make a move either?

Moreover, those gazes disappeared after I left Qunyu Pavilion in the afternoon... Does this mean Ningguang is reassured about me?

After thinking for a moment, Wang Yan shook his head. Oh well, who cares? Anyway, he had already gotten what he wanted, and even received guidance from Zhong Li.

Now all we need to do is wait until after the Lantern Festival, when Zibai is resurrected, and then have Zhongli help introduce him so we can clarify the issues.

As for the remaining time before the Lantern Festival…

"I really need to try some of Liyue's delicious food!"

The thought of spending every night at the inn eating noodles for the past two days since arriving in Liyue made Wang Yan feel uneasy.

"Tomorrow at noon, Wanmin Hall; in the evening, Xinyue Pavilion. The day after tomorrow, at noon, Wanmin Hall; in the evening, Liuli Pavilion. In your free time, go listen to storytelling or watch plays, or browse the various shops in Liyue."

"Let's spend another day at the night market during the Lantern Festival!"

"After seeing Zibai after the Lantern Festival, I'll return to Sumeru!"

Wang Yan arranged her upcoming schedule.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

Just like last night, Xiuhua brought noodles and hot water for washing up.

Since things have come to this, let's eat noodles first.

...

The next day.

When Wang Yan pushed open the wooden door of the inn, it was just getting light.

With no work to do today, Wang Yan felt carefree and didn't order breakfast from the hotel, so he left early.

The morning market at the North Wharf has come alive again, steam rising in small hills, white vapor mixed with the aroma of oil wafting towards you; the sizzling sound of fried dough sticks, the slurping sound of soy milk being scooped up, and the vendors' energetic shouts weave together a warm and bustling atmosphere.

North Wharf is located below Scarlet Cloud Slope. The morning market here, along with the morning market at Tiger Rock, are located at opposite ends of Liyue Harbor and are places where Liyue residents gather in the morning.

Wang Yan felt like he was strolling through an early morning market before he traveled back in time.

In his hometown, he used to enjoy strolling through the morning market every day, trying all sorts of breakfast options. After a stroll, he would be quite full.

With a touch of nostalgia, Wang Yan plunged into the crowd.

Before long, Wang Yan had a bowl of salted soy milk, two fluffy fried sugar cakes, and a piece of baked flatbread in his mouth.

You know what, when he was in Sumeru, he was content with just being full, but after returning to Liyue, he decided to try everything since he was already there.

While eating, Wang Yan suddenly saw two familiar figures.

Blonde Nara and white floating objects.

"Hey, Wang Yan, it's you! You're here to browse the morning market too?" Paimon saw Wang Yan and waved with a smile.

She's always been a bit outgoing, and even though they'd only met once, she already considered Wang Yan a friend.

After all, he's someone who appeared with Zhong Li, so he's definitely trustworthy.

You're right, Dadalia.

"Good morning, you two. Shall we go for a walk together?" Wang Yan swallowed the flatbread in his mouth and greeted them in return.

"Okay, okay." Without Ying saying a word, Paimon agreed. She flew closer to Wang Yan and asked, "Zhong Li said you were a scholar from the Academy of Teachings. Wang Yan, which school of thought do you belong to?"

Wang Yan looked at Paimon and then remembered that Paimon was also a student at the Order of the Order.

As everyone probably knows, Paimon joined the Scholastic school of thought at the recommendation of Al-Hysen.

Thanks to the advantage of traveling with travelers and gaining extensive knowledge, Paimon is now studying for his Delilah degree after completing correspondence courses.

In other words, if Wang Yan hadn't met Nasita and had been directly granted the degree of "Tosita" by her, he might have to call Paimon "senior sister" now that he's met her.

'Thank goodness...'

Wang Yan felt secretly relieved.

If he were to actually call Paimon "senior sister," wouldn't readers laugh themselves to death if word got out?

“I am an epistemologist, the same school as Elhesen,” Wang Yan said, looking at Paimon. “However, I am a Tosado, and my academic degree is not as high as his.”