Anger made the peaks of Xianyun's chest rise and fall rapidly, but when she heard Lu Lin's words, she froze.
"What is your request? Say it! Let me be clear—if it violates my principles or attempts to coerce me, I will not agree!"
"Relax. I'm not as shameless as you think," Lu Lin said without the slightest blush.
"I came here to learn mechanical arts. If you want me gone, it should at least be after I've achieved something. My request is simple—I want one opportunity to test what I've learned."
"What do you mean?"
"I will spend five days designing a new and practical mechanism using everything I've learned. You, Retainer Cloud, will personally conduct practical testing and evaluate it in terms of technical skill, usability, and innovation.
"If you judge it qualified, that means I've completed my training, and I will no longer come to disturb you. If you judge it unqualified, then I'll remain to continue learning.
"Of course, I will give it my all—no intentional sandbagging. And you must judge fairly and objectively. How about it?"
Xianyun hadn't expected such a straightforward request.
Not only was it simple—it actually favored her. In fact, it seemed disadvantageous to Lu Lin.
With his talent and current level, designing something innovative and practical within five days wouldn't be difficult—unless he deliberately held back.
"You're certain you won't hold back and will present your true level?" she asked cautiously.
"Of course. We can establish a contract," Lu Lin replied, spreading his hands.
"Very well. Then as you say—you will have your opportunity. We'll let the final result decide."
Unable to detect any hidden trap, Xianyun agreed readily. The fact that he hadn't used the wager to make improper demands made her regard him slightly more favorably.
"Then the contract is formed—" Lu Lin raised his hand.
Clap!
Her slender palm struck his.
"Those who break their word shall suffer the punishment of stone."
"For these five days, I have other important matters to attend to, so I won't be coming. Find an excuse to explain it to Shenhe. It'll help her adapt in advance."
With that, Lu Lin turned and left.
Once outside the courtyard, the anger on his face vanished, replaced by a meaningful smile.
If he dared tease an immortal, of course he had anticipated various possible outcomes—and prepared contingencies.
Xianyun's sudden decision to push him away? He had anticipated that too.
Everything was proceeding according to plan.
…
Xianyun, meanwhile, felt lighthearted.
Finally, she would be rid of that morally questionable fellow.
Truthfully, she admired Lu Lin's talent and intelligence. In almost every aspect, he was outstanding—except for his character.
And even that flaw seemed limited to his flirtatious and overly romantic nature. In other areas, he was surprisingly reliable.
But even so, that alone was enough reason to keep him away from herself and Shenhe.
In high spirits, she left early to pick up her disciple from work.
"Master, why did you come earlier than usual today?" Shenhe asked as they walked home side by side.
"My blueprint for the Mechanical Culinary Device was completed today. I was in good spirits, so I came out earlier."
"Congratulations, Master! Where is Lu Lin? He didn't come?" Shenhe asked.
Over the past few days, Lu Lin had accompanied Xianyun each time to pick her up. His absence caught her attention.
Her change was evident—previously, she wouldn't have asked.
"I have already taught him everything I can. He will not be coming for a while."
"Not coming?" Shenhe's beautiful eyes flickered faintly.
"This is normal. I have lived in Jueyun Karst for thousands of years. Many seekers have come to request teachings. Once they receive what they desire, they leave—and rarely return. Lu Lin is merely one of many."
Xianyun deliberately framed him as an ordinary seeker, hoping to lessen his significance in Shenhe's heart.
She believed that even with her recent changes, Shenhe wouldn't dwell on it. After a few days, she would adapt.
Besides, Shenhe now had friends—Ying, Xiangling, even Yaoyao. Losing one Lu Lin shouldn't matter much.
"So it was only for mechanical arts…" Shenhe murmured softly, saying no more.
Under the dim streetlights, their shadows stretched long behind them.
For some reason, Shenhe's shadow seemed faintly lonely.
…
Elsewhere, Lu Lin was in quite a good mood, humming as he walked through the streets toward Yujing Terrace to pick up Ganyu and Ningguang from work.
Though they could return to the Serenitea Pot with a mere thought, they preferred him to fetch them—it felt more ceremonial.
But today brought a small surprise.
As he walked, two young girls approached from the direction of Bubu Pharmacy.
One wore green with twin bells atop her head, carrying a small basket on her back. She held the hand of another girl dressed in blue-purple robes with talismans affixed to her—an adorably dazed-looking figure.
"Brother Lu Lin, hello~!" Yaoyao called from afar.
She often visited Xianyun's place recently and had grown familiar with him.
"Hello, Yaoyao. It's quite late—where are you two headed?"
"Qiqi and I are going to gather herbs! This is Qiqi!" Yaoyao lifted Qiqi's hand enthusiastically.
"H-hello… I'm Qiqi. I'm… a zombie… Ah, what else was I supposed to say?" The little zombie's responses were always half a beat slow.
"Hello, Qiqi~" Lu Lin's voice softened unconsciously.
Then the system notification chimed.
[Ding! Random Quest Triggered: Herb Gathering on the Mountain]
Quest Objective: Accompany Yaoyao and Qiqi to gather herbs and safely escort them back to Bubu Pharmacy.
Rewards: 1,000,000 Mora, 200 Points, 200 EXP, 1 Random Resident Trait.
Since a quest had been triggered, Lu Lin had no reason to decline.
"It's so late—where are you planning to gather herbs?"
"We're heading to Jueyun Karst! We urgently need Violetgrass and Qingxin, so we're setting out overnight!"
"To Jueyun Karst? That's quite far, and traveling at night isn't safe. How about I accompany you?"
"Mm~ Qiqi and I can handle night travel, but it would be wonderful if Brother Lu Lin comes along. It won't delay your important matters, will it?"
Yaoyao truly was a considerate little angel—even worried about inconveniencing him.
"Don't worry. I don't have any urgent matters lately. But come with me to Yujing Terrace first—I need to inform Ganyu."
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