"Spirit stones? What spirit stones?"
Neuvillette looked at Furina in puzzlement.
Furina, looking a little embarrassed, sneaked a glance at Clorinde, hoping she would explain on her behalf.
Clorinde sighed, then stepped forward:
"Spirit stones are the common currency of the cultivation world, and also essential resources for cultivators. They contain large amounts of pure spiritual energy, which can aid in cultivation."
"They can also be used for formations, refining artifacts, and many other things."
"They have many uses."
"In Mount Shu, one contribution point can be exchanged for one low-grade spirit stone."
"But since Lady Furina and I have only just entered Mount Shu, we don't have many spirit stones for cultivation."
"Within the sect, only the true heirs of the Seven Peaks can claim vast numbers of spirit stones."
"Acting First Seats and inner sect elders also receive a monthly stipend, which is a set amount of spirit stones."
At once, Neuvillette and Focalors understood.
So basically, spirit stones were a currency even more important than mora.
But unlike mora, these were directly tied to cultivation.
Clearly, they were the most important resource for a cultivator.
Giving some to Furina was only natural.
She was working so hard—and she was the one who had brought them into Mount Shu in the first place.
Besides, Furina's talent was outstanding, and her Heavenly Mandate: The God-Sealing Art was unbelievably powerful.
The faster she grew stronger, the better it would be for all of Fontaine.
If Clorinde or Furina really did become a First Seat or elder, they wouldn't need Furina to ask—she'd give them stones herself.
"This won't be an issue. But whether we can become First Seats or elders will still depend on the Sect Leader's will."
"If we're fortunate enough, then yes—we can support you with spirit stones."
Hearing this, Furina instantly lit up with joy.
Grinning from ear to ear, she said:
"It's a deal then! Focalors, you're the best! After all, I pretended to be Hydro Archon for five hundred years for you, and now I'm working so hard as King to fix Fontaine's problems too!"
Focalors couldn't help but laugh.
Just a moment ago, Furina was vowing to get back at her, and now this.
Furina…
She really did still have the heart of a child.
Quite adorable, actually.
The group chatted for a while longer about cultivation. Before long, Neuvillette estimated that Marcelle should be about to arrive under escort.
He was just about to excuse himself to check on the interrogation—
—but before he could speak, Furina suddenly fidgeted and called out to him.
"Um… Neuvillette, I need to ask you something."
He blinked in surprise.
"What is it?"
"It's not… it's not a big thing."
Furina scratched at her cheek, clearly restless.
"Just… some small, social-type… personal questions."
"You've seen more of the world, so you'd know."
Neuvillette gave a slight nod.
"Lady Furina, speak freely. If I know, I'll tell you everything I can."
Furina pursed her lips, her hands twitching with a hundred nervous little gestures—so much so that Focalors couldn't help but get curious.
"It's just that… I have a friend…"
Ah.
At that, Clorinde and the others understood at once.
If she opened with that line, then nine times out of ten, "this friend" was Furina herself.
And given the subject, it was almost certainly something private—in other words, a matter of romance.
A faint smile stirred in Neuvillette's heart as he fixed his gaze on Furina.
Furina's "friend," was it?
In the past five hundred years, who could she possibly have befriended?
That lie didn't even hold up at the start.
But Furina was blissfully unaware, still spinning her clumsy story.
"My friend… she's a really, really good person. Super good. And very pretty. As pretty as me!"
"Of course, I mean my friend."
"Anyway, my friend likes someone… and that someone is also really great—strong, handsome, powerful background, and very gentle."
"But… maybe too perfect. He feels a little out of reach."
"And I think… it's not just my friend. A lot of people like him too…"
"But the person my friend likes is someone of very high rank, carrying heavy responsibilities. My friend feels he has no interest in romance."
"And since he's equally kind to everyone, my friend fears it's just a one-sided crush."
"So… do you think they have a chance?"
Neuvillette's lips tightened.
Furina really wasn't good at lying.
Wasn't this description practically pointing straight at Jiang Yan?
And besides—what did he know of love?
He hadn't courted anyone in five centuries.
Neuvillette shook his head with a sigh.
"I fear I can't help you in this matter, Lady Furina. I have no experience with romance."
"Oh, don't worry about that! Just think about it from a man's perspective. People always say—the one who understands men best is another man."
Furina looked at him with hopeful eyes. After a pause, she added:
"I mean, you're the Chief Justice, a great figure of Fontaine. Surely lots of young women must like you too."
"So, what do you think? If you can help me—uh, my friend—she'll definitely reward you!"
Neuvillette's mouth twitched.
"This isn't comparable, Lady Furina. And though it's said another man knows best…"
"…I don't think I qualify."
Furina's eyes widened in shock.
"Wait—you mean… Neuvillette, you…"
The look she gave him—everybody saw it—was the kind of look one gave when considering whether he liked men.
"It is said in legends, isn't it? That the Dragon King is androgynous…"
Neuvillette's face darkened. His tone was grim:
"Allow me to correct you, Lady Furina. While I may have phrased myself poorly, I am male."
"My meaning is that since birth, I've had no interest in romance. You must understand—for many great figures, matters of love are insignificant compared to duty and mission."
"Especially for someone on the level of Mount Shu's Sect Leader. Romance is not something such a person is likely to care about."
The words had barely left his mouth before Furina stiffened like a struck nerve. She jumped to her feet, cheeks puffed, glaring at Neuvillette.
"Who said it was the Sect Leader! Don't talk nonsense!"
Neuvillette rolled his eyes inwardly. Did Furina really think she was good at hiding things?
Self-deception, plain and simple.
"In any case…" Neuvillette continued.
"By your own description—Mount Shu has been rebuilt, and its Sect Leader now bears the weight of restoring it. And he is the last surviving cultivator of the sect."
"Not only that, but he already stands at the peak of Void-Returning, soon to break through into the Dao-Merging stage."
"Such a man may well have no interest in romance."
"First, his responsibilities are far too heavy—responsibilities that come before love."
"Second, his lifespan is unimaginably long. Even now, he has lived hundreds of thousands of years. When he reaches Dao-Merging, it will be counted in millions."
"With his talent, ascension is inevitable. At that time, he will live as long as the heavens themselves."
"And if ascension takes him to the Immortal Realm, he may one day leave Teyvat entirely."
"So…"
Neuvillette didn't finish, but the implication was clear.
He didn't oppose Jiang Yan as a man—but the gulf between him and Furina was too vast.
Even if she chased with all her heart, she could never keep up with his steps.
He was destined for godhood.
Furina, though talented, could not rely on talent alone. Opportunity was just as vital.
In truth, the gap between them was nearly that of two different species.
So frankly, Neuvillette didn't see hope.
And by Furina's own admission, Jiang Yan himself hardly seemed interested in love.
The odds were overwhelmingly against her.
Hearing this, Furina lowered her head, clearly crestfallen.
Her sorrowful expression tugged at Focalors's heart.
But honestly—she agreed with Neuvillette.
For Furina, this love might be the most important thing in her life. But for Jiang Yan?
If she couldn't keep up with him, it would only ever be a fond memory.
Better never to start than to be broken later.
Furina bowed her head lower, lost in thought. Her mind replayed that moment when Jiang Yan had gently ruffled her hair, telling her she had worked hard for five hundred years.
That heavy warmth of safety and belonging had only grown deeper with time.
It wasn't something she could forget.
After a moment of silence, her eyes suddenly lit up, as if recalling something.
"I heard… the Sect Leader and Senior Sister Ganyu—"
"Ahem!"
Clorinde suddenly coughed, cutting her off. She cast Furina a sharp look and said in a low voice:
"Lady Furina, it's best not to casually gossip about the Sect Leader's private matters. The Hall of Enforcement strictly forbids it."
Furina pouted, then turned expectantly to Neuvillette again.
"In short, the person my friend likes isn't necessarily uninterested in romance. Don't you think so, Neuvillette?"
Neuvillette nearly rolled his eyes.
Even Mount Shu disciples didn't dare say such things—yet Furina wanted him to?
Was she trying to get him killed faster?
Still, seeing the firmness in her gaze, Neuvillette faltered.
In five hundred years, he had never seen her this determined about anything—except Fontaine.
If that was the case…
He sighed softly and said:
"Lady Furina, love is another's private affair. No one else may interfere. But if your friend is truly prepared…"
"…then we will give her our blessing."
Furina giggled, clearly pleased, and said happily:
"Blessings, huh? Don't worry—I'll pass them on for you!"
"Anyway, the most important thing now is that you help me—uh, my friend—come up with ideas!"
Neuvillette could only shake his head helplessly.
"As I said, I don't understand romance. But if you truly need it, Lady Furina, I can ask some of Fontaine's citizens for their perspectives."
"My friend!" Furina corrected quickly, still stubborn. Then she added:
"Then it's settled! I'll be in Fontaine for three more days, so do your best. After that, I'll take you all to Liyue first."
Finally, Focalors seized her chance to interject, asking curiously:
"To Liyue? Shouldn't you return to Mount Shu first?"
"Not yet. There's still business in Liyue. First Seat Zhongli wants us to be there to witness it."
Furina waved her hand carelessly. At this, Focalors perked up in interest.
"Witness what?"
Furina arched her brows with a mischievous grin.
"Why, his abdication, of course!"
"???"
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