Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [280]

"So, this is precisely why the two of us have come to visit you."

Sitting across from Gu Sanqiu, Kazuha and his companion were poised with tea steaming gently between them.

"Lord Ryukai, we hope you can represent a portion of the samurai by delivering our intentions to the Shogunate, perhaps even to Tenshukaku itself!"

Gu Sanqiu gazed at the two men before him, a long-lost sense of suffocation creeping in.

What's the phrase? Search high and low only to find it with no effort at all?

This was it!

They had come to him on their own!

"So, you're basically asking me to charge in first and be the cannon fodder?"

Gu Sanqiu's eyes shifted to Kazuha's friend. This guy's got some nerve—such a devious plan? Really?

"Strictly speaking, based on the intelligence we've gathered since arriving in Inazuma City, your abilities, Lord Ryukai, would make it difficult for you to be mere cannon fodder."

Even cannon fodder requires finesse, doesn't it? When things turn deadly, an experienced warrior like you would probably turn the tables in an instant.

"Then what exactly do you want from me?"

"We need to borrow your reputation as a figurehead," Kazuha explained calmly. "Merely using your name—you wouldn't even need to appear or do anything. This way, there would be no substantive connection."

"If you're borrowing my name, how can there be no connection? That's nonsense."

Gu Sanqiu pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is precisely why powerful figures are so obsessed with cultivating their reputation. It's a tangible resource, you know."

"Fine, fine. Let's talk about compensation."

Kazuha's companion smiled warmly. "If you agree, my friend and I will serve you, becoming your right-hand men. How does that sound?"

?!

Gu Sanqiu mentally scrambled. Did I step out with my left foot first today or my right? This day must be blessed because...

This is a ridiculously good deal!

But…

"You're sure you're willing to work under someone else's command?"

Gu Sanqiu scrutinized the two. They were clearly no ordinary men. The friend was cunning, while Kazuha exuded sharp intellect cloaked in humility. Their seemingly casual words were layered with depth.

They're schemers, through and through.

"One of you wields lightning, the other wind. Are you truly fit to serve under someone else?"

"Freedom of wind, swiftness of lightning—staying in one place and serving someone? That seems far-fetched."

"No, no, Lord Ryukai, you're discriminating against elemental affinities."

The companion smirked and retorted, "By your logic, Hydro users are two-faced, Cryo users are emotionally distant, and Pyro users are hot-headed and prone to mistakes?"

Kazuha quickly chimed in, "And what about the other two? Would Geo users be rigid traditionalists and Anemo users fickle and opportunistic?"

...

"I didn't say that. All those assumptions came from you two. And I don't think I'd use such crude descriptors anyway."

Gu Sanqiu waved it off, at a loss for how to respond.

Admit that Geo users are rigid?

Heavenly Motion! And I'd be dead.

Got it!

"No. The earth supports all life, nurturing countless beings. It is the foundation of all creation—this cannot be disputed."

Kazuha's companion blinked, suddenly looking concerned.

"Lord Ryukai, do you happen to have friends or family with Geo Visions? If so, I'll punch my friend for badmouthing them. How's that?"

He was serious. After all, they had come to Gu Sanqiu for help. If they angered him, where else could they turn?

By simple logic and accessibility, Gu Sanqiu was their best chance.

...

Wow. Only close friends can casually say something so reckless.

"Ahem."

Even Kazuha was briefly stunned by his companion's audacity and silently resolved to stab him the first chance he got after leaving.

"My apologies for his slip of the tongue," Kazuha said, his voice calm but earnest. "Personally, I admire the steadfast nature of Geo Visions. It's just that I've already received an Anemo Vision."

...

Smooth operator, aren't you?

You two should consider stand-up comedy—it'd be a shame not to.

At least Kazuha plays it straight. His friend's just… unhinged.

"I understand your intentions and goals. But are you sure about this? Honestly, it's no small feat."

Gu Sanqiu's tone grew serious. "Even if you raise your banner, many will see you as unreasonable, even hostile."

"Not everyone has vision or foresight. Most are short-sighted—not just because of education but also due to a lack of self-awareness."

"To be frank, I'm not optimistic about your plan."

He shook his head. "This kind of action has no benefits and will only attract hatred. Why should I do this?"

"To awaken those short-sighted people and bear a back full of wounds for their sake?"

"To put it bluntly, I don't believe they're worth saving."

First, this is Inazuma, not Liyue.

Second, not everyone in this world deserves to be saved.

"I understand, Lord Ryukai," Kazuha's friend replied, sitting upright, his demeanor suddenly solemn.

"Before coming here, Kazuha told me there might be something fishy about this policy—perhaps even plans to imprison us and eliminate us once the storm passes."

"For wandering samurai with no ties, they wouldn't even need to hide the cause of death. No one would care where or how we died."

"But I refuse to accept that. Even we have aspirations."

"Even if it costs me my life, I'll shine as brightly as I can to dispel the darkness clouding people's hearts!"

The friend's voice was firm. "Perhaps in times of peace, your belief that some people aren't worth saving might hold true.

"But Inazuma isn't at peace. Many are simply trying to survive.

"Good and evil—those distinctions come after peace is achieved. Right now, Inazuma is barely holding together under the Shogun's suppression, a precarious balance of chaos."

"Good or bad, let's leave that judgment for after the storm has passed. For now, I will wield my blade and thunder to become the first light that cleaves through the chaos!"

Good or bad, to be judged only after peace?

What an intriguing argument. And this man's resolve—fascinating!

Kazuha's friend looked at Gu Sanqiu, his eyes blazing.

"Lord Ryukai, have you ever heard of the Musou no Hitotachi?"

"That strike—unattainable, you think? Perhaps not!"

Gu Sanqiu's mouth twitched.

Here it comes. The classic lofty rhetoric!

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