The notification arrived by a formal, wax-sealed letter delivered to the alumni house. The review panel was set. Two days before the Sabzeruz Festival.
"A rather pointed choice of date," Ningguang noted, reading the missive over breakfast. "Close enough to the festival to ensure the city is distracted, but just far enough away that the Akademiya cannot claim holiday closure." She sipped her tea. "They are hoping you will be rushed, perhaps even flustered by the festive atmosphere."
Ren just shrugged, spreading jam on a piece of toast. "It's fine. I'm ready."
He was. He had spent the last week buried in books, cross-referencing his own designs with Sumeru's engineering standards, preparing for every conceivable question. He knew his machines inside and out because he hadn't just built them; he had dreamed them into existence.
That night, the small living room was bathed in the soft blue glow of the communication sigil. It sat on the table, humming gently.
"Master Xianyun," Ren said, his voice steady. "The review is tomorrow."
There was a pause, the static hiss of adeptal energy bridging the thousands of miles between the rainforest and the stone peaks.
"Understood," Xianyun's voice came through, crisp and clear. "You have prepared?"
"Yes, Master. Every diagram, every equation."
"Good." Her voice softened slightly, losing its strict, pedagogical edge. "Listen to me, Ren. Do not concern yourself overly with the verdict of these mortal scholars. Their stamp of approval, their 'patent'… it is a bureaucratic formality. A shield of paper."
Ren could almost see her standing in her workshop, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
"The true worth of your creation does not lie in a legal document," she continued. "It lies in the warmth of a mountain home in Qingce Village. It lies in the fresh food on a family's table in Liyue Harbor. It lies in the smile of a child flying for the first time."
Her voice swelled with a quiet, profound pride. "The technology was created for the benefit of the people. That goal has already been achieved. It is a success that no panel of sages can take away. Whether they grant the patent or not… the knowledge exists. The good has been done. Do not let the stress of their judgment weigh upon you. Knowledge, and its application for the betterment of life… that is the only thing that truly matters."
Ren felt a lump form in his throat. It was exactly what he needed to hear. The pressure of the impending review, the fear of failure… it all evaporated under the weight of her simple, undeniable truth.
"Thank you, Master," he whispered.
"Hmph. Do not thank me. Just do not let them intimidate you. You are my disciple. Act like it."
A moment later, the tone shifted as another voice joined the connection.
"Ren!" Ganyu's voice was warm and filled with eager affection. "Are you eating well? Is the humidity bothering you? Make sure you drink plenty of water!"
Ren laughed. "I'm fine, Big Sister. I'm eating too much, actually. The food here is amazing."
"Good, good," Ganyu sighed happily. "Good luck tomorrow, Ren. I know you'll be wonderful. Just… remember to take deep breaths if you get nervous. And don't let anyone be mean to you! If they are, you tell Lady Ningguang immediately!"
"I will," he promised. "I love you, Big Sister."
"I love you too. Sleep well."
The light of the sigil faded, leaving the room in comfortable darkness. Ren sat there for a moment, letting the warmth of his family's voices settle into his bones. He stood up, stretching.
Ningguang, who had been quietly reading in the corner, looked up. "Ready for bed?"
"Yeah," Ren said. "I think I am."
He walked to his room, his steps light. He climbed into bed, pulling the cool sheets up to his chin. He looked out the window at the glowing city of Sumeru, at the leaves of the Divine Tree swaying gently in the night breeze.
He wasn't scared. He wasn't anxious. He had his knowledge. He had his purpose. And he had a family that believed in him more than anything in the world.
He closed his eyes, and sleep came easily, a deep, restful slumber filled with dreams of flying. Tomorrow, he would face the Sages. And he would win.