Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [279]

Recently, life remained relatively peaceful for the common folk of Inazuma, aside from the sudden implementation and rapid expansion of the conscription and selection order across the region.

But not everyone saw it that way.

For ordinary wandering samurai, the prospect of a life of luxury and comfort was enticing.

For those with Visions, however, the promise of legitimate ownership of their Vision was the real focus.

This decree, even with the Shogunate's notorious unpredictability, seemed unlikely to be rescinded or altered anytime soon.

Most samurai thought simply: Whether it's a life of luxury or the right to keep my Vision, I'll enjoy it for now. When the rules change again, I'll just leave. Worst case, I'll return to my old life and throw back whatever benefits they gave me.

This live-for-today mindset might seem problematic, but it aligned perfectly with the wandering samurai's nature.

As a result, the decree stirred unrest among various factions.

---

"Lady Ayaka, what exactly is the meaning of this conscription order? Is the front line in need of strong warriors for battle?"

"It doesn't seem so."

Kamisato Ayaka shook her head. "The decree explicitly states that as long as they submit and behave, they'll be granted a better life, with no additional conditions."

Thoma frowned. "That's ridiculous. They're only required to change their attitude, and they get a far better life than ordinary people?"

"What will the people of Inazuma think of this?"

"Those concerns were raised by members of both the Kanjou Commission and the Shrine Commission," Ayaka replied. "But the Tenryou Commission dismissed them outright.

"They argued that by accepting this decree, these individuals are offering their martial prowess—their most valuable asset. That's the Tenryou Commission's official stance."

"Absurd. Practicing martial arts isn't about enabling them to wreak havoc. Is the Tenryou Commission conveniently ignoring that point?"

"That's just how it is, Thoma. The decree has already been issued. In the long run, it will benefit the Shogunate's governance of Inazuma."

Ayaka explained, "The Kanjou Commission supports it because they see it as a way to reconnect Inazuma's fragmented trade networks, which could alleviate some of the financial strain."

"As for the Shrine Commission… honestly, I'm not sure what my brother is thinking—or whose approval he's received."

"Lord Ayato… received approval?"

"I don't know," Ayaka said, furrowing her brow. "Under normal circumstances, the Shrine Commission wouldn't have needed to get involved in this decree. But this time, the Tenryou Commission actively brought us into it."

"Clearly, there's something going on behind the scenes. That's why we agreed to cooperate while preparing contingency plans and necessary resources. It's the safest course of action."

Thoma nodded, starting to understand. In a way, the Shrine Commission had been coerced. With the Tenryou Commission spearheading the initiative and the Kanjou Commission poised to benefit, the other two Commissions had already endorsed the decision.

By pulling the Shrine Commission into the mix and presenting the decree for the Shogunate's approval, they ensured no single party could monopolize the benefits if something went wrong.

The Shogunate likely saw this too, fearing a shift in the balance of power, and thus included the Shrine Commission to maintain equilibrium.

"This is all quite amusing," Ayaka mused. "By the way, what's that wandering samurai, Ryukai Genzawa, up to these days?"

"No one knows for sure," Thoma replied. "Since his return from Narukami Shrine, he's secluded himself in his dojo, only allowing a few acquaintances to visit."

"As for Takahashi Haruto, he's officially been recognized as a Vision holder by the authorities. He seems to be undergoing internal training with the Tenryou Commission—likely being groomed for a significant role."

"Oh? In that case, could we bring him to our side?"

"That would be difficult," Thoma said. "The Tenryou Commission surely knows how valuable someone like him is. He's probably under close watch. Besides, I suspect Takahashi Haruto and Ryukai Genzawa have made some sort of agreement."

"If we want Haruto to work with the Shrine Commission, we'd need to deal with Ryukai first. He's an unavoidable obstacle."

"Heh. It seems all these sudden developments trace back to Ryukai's arrival," Ayaka said with a smile, opening her fan.

"What do you think—a powerful samurai suddenly appearing in Inazuma City. What's his true purpose?"

"No idea," Thoma admitted, laughing. "It's not like he's here to disrupt Inazuma's rule. Why would a wandering samurai seeking strength linger in Inazuma City of all places?"

Ayaka paused, then chuckled softly.

"What if? What if your wild guess turns out to be right?"

"Impossible. With the Shogun herself watching, even a fool wouldn't dare cause trouble in Inazuma City. That divine strike from the Musou no Hitotachi is warning enough."

"Oh? Care to make a bet, then?"

Ayaka's playful smile caught Thoma off guard.

"Wait, you're serious, Ayaka?"

His initial confusion quickly turned to enthusiasm at the mention of a wager.

"A hotpot challenge! Loser eats whatever ingredient the winner picks!"

"Deal!"

---

Out in the wild, a certain white-haired swordsman, the one Gu Sanqiu had been searching for, sat on a hillside with his long blade resting beside him.

"Are we really going to Inazuma City? This decree and policy reek of ulterior motives. No need to risk yourself."

Kazuha spoke calmly. "Think about it. When has the Shogunate ever been this benevolent? If they get enough samurai, they might just close the gates and slaughter us all."

"Even with our Visions, escaping against an army would be nearly impossible."

Though a wandering samurai, Kazuha was far from a brute. He could see the malice embedded in the so-called conscription order.

Next to him, a man with a blade of grass in his mouth crossed his arms, gazing at Inazuma City's faint silhouette in the distance.

"You don't get it. Even without this decree, the odds of wandering samurai carving out a future are slim—and dropping fast."

"The front line is almost at a standstill. The Shogunate has more time to deal with internal matters now."

The man let the grass fall into his palm, watching as the wind carried it away.

"In six months, this approach will wipe out nearly all wandering samurai in the wild, save for the occasional criminal.

"Whether the Shogunate wants to recruit some to serve them or eliminate us as threats later, we have to go."

"Those heading there know the risks. They're not just fighting for themselves—they're fighting for freedom."

The man smiled at Kazuha. "Just like your Vision."

"For the freedom of the wind."

---

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