"It is repayment for your kindness and willingness to help a stranger. No further return is necessary," Runyu points out, even as he comes to the same conclusion regarding his energy levels. It still sits uneasily with him, the idea that this method of cultivation is all that is available to them here. Nonetheless, this is not his realm and to be here means to play by the laws of the land, and so leaning on someone of Lan Xichen's character to grow more accustomed to these ways does not feel a terrible thing. With the gift of his favor, he fully intends to keep in touch with this mortal's life, however fleeting or permanent he proves to be.

It would not be a terrible thing either, for Lan Xichen to attain immortality. But of course, Runyu knows little of the contents of the other man's heart at this early juncture.

"I would be grateful for any instruction on the ways of this world all the same."