Shenhe rarely spoke.
When she spent time with Ellin, she often found herself puzzled by what Ellin did.
But she was not the sort to immediately say whatever was on her mind.
She would quietly collect her questions, then sort them out and decide exactly what she wanted to ask before speaking to Ellin.
After the incidents at Wanmin Restaurant and the academy, she already knew that everything Ellin took her to do had a deeper meaning, something Ellin wanted to teach her.
She enjoyed this journey through the mortal world, immersing herself in it and experiencing the world with her whole being.
She was in no hurry to ask questions, which was also what Ellin hoped for: that Shenhe would think through certain things on her own.
Thus, whenever Shenhe spoke up, she asked about what troubled her most.
In response to her question, Ellin smiled faintly once again.
She said, "This is the third lesson I want to teach you."
"Sometimes, when it comes to something you cherish, you don't need anything in return!"
She sat atop High Mountain, overlooking the countless lights glowing in Liyue Harbor, a peaceful, contented smile on her face.
"I love this land, and I love the people here."
"So I don't need them to repay me for protecting them."
"Or rather, if this land can remain peaceful forever, and its people can live happily, that would be the best reward I could ask for."
"Whenever I see the lights shining across this land and hear the bustle of its people, I feel joy from the bottom of my heart."
"Shenhe, you possess power beyond that of ordinary people. Without something to restrain it, that power will lead you astray sooner or later."
"Life is a long journey. Sooner or later, you'll find