Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [281]

"Musou no Hitotachi, the pinnacle of the Shogun's swordsmanship, is said to only appear when divine punishment descends upon the world."

Gu Sanqiu spoke slowly, "Aside from the people in Tenshukaku, perhaps this is one of those 'anyone who sees it doesn't live to tell the tale' situations. Do you really think that strike is within reach?"

"Setting aside the energy involved, what aspect do you think might be attainable?"

"Is it the technique, or the will imbued into the weapon?"

In the near future, during a pivotal moment in the story, Kazuha's resolve will allow him to block Musou no Hitotachi. It is sheer strength of will that makes it possible.

Or rather, it is the power of humanity's most exalted wish—one that shines with such brilliance it can even awaken a Vision not originally its own.

"I feel compelled to remind you," Gu Sanqiu continued, "that the sword techniques we practice today are all descended from the Shogun's naginata techniques. Surpassing the Shogun in skill alone is a near-impossible task."

How many people in the world learn strictly from textbooks?

How many surpass the framework of the material and the knowledge it conveys—or even exceed the skill level of the one who wrote it?

Not to mention the insurmountable gap in strength between them, akin to heaven and earth.

In terms of willpower, that may be the easiest area to overcome.

The Shogun's eternity is like a stagnant turtle shell—unchanging. If one is reckless enough, there is a slim chance to withstand Musou no Hitotachi. That said, the probability is almost laughably small.

Honestly, when my friend told Kazuha that the strike was beyond reach, I suspected he harbored a deep self-destructive tendency.

Or perhaps an unshakeable courage to seek the truth through death.

"To hear the Way in the morning, and be ready to die by evening."

"No, I understand fully. Facing that strike with just one aspect is nearly impossible."

"Both skill and willpower are indispensable. And the courage to face the Shogun herself, the supreme guardian of Inazuma—to draw your blade and confront her—is the most basic requirement."

"As for technique, it's easier to explain. In the Shogun's eyes, our so-called advanced swordsmanship is akin to the babbling of children."

"What we can do is return to the fundamentals of sword training. When the Shogun delivers that strike from a certain angle, we must figure out the stance and blade position that would reduce our burden as much as possible."

My friend was extremely confident. The method to block that strike had been rehearsed countless times in his mind, the logic behind it crystal clear.

"Hmm, a well-thought-out approach. It seems this isn't the first time you've pondered this method," Gu Sanqiu observed, glancing at Kazuha. "Have you ever considered taking your friend to see a doctor?"

Kazuha immediately understood and nodded.

"When I first heard him speak this way, I did think about it. But over time, I realized his brain wasn't malfunctioning."

"It broke down entirely about eight centuries ago."

"Hey, Kazuha! Is that the kind of thing a close friend says?"

"Which one of us was just about to beat me up moments ago?"

Gu Sanqiu massaged his temples. "I mean, before you escalate to an actual fight, can we address the real issue here?"

As for who brought up this topic?

It definitely wasn't me.

"What issue?"

"Are you not worried that by telling me all of this, I might report you to the Tenryou Commission?"

My friend and Kazuha exchanged a knowing smile.

Kazuha replied, "Before coming to visit you, we already gathered information about you from multiple sources. We concluded it was worth a try."

"Worth a try, but not complete trust? I must say, Kazuha, your choice of words is remarkably precise for a wandering samurai."

"It's nothing special. I occasionally read miscellaneous books, and they provide some insight into martial arts."

"Fine. You can use my name to do whatever you need to. I'll agree to that much," Gu Sanqiu said. "However, you'll need to officially register under my dojo, which means we're advancing our transaction. I'll need to see some upfront payment."

"A dojo? As far as I know, you don't have any disciples. Even if we register, what would there be for us to do?"

My friend, eager to contribute, asked, "Do you have anything you want or tasks you need accomplished? Perhaps we could take care of it for you to demonstrate our combat ability."

"I want the intimate garments of every beautiful girl in Inazuma. Can you get them for me?"

!!!

Both my friend and Kazuha were stunned.

The former was purely shocked by the statement itself. Was this really the rumored "martial arts fanatic" speaking?

Kazuha's reaction was simpler—he started to doubt Ryukai Genzawa's true nature.

Perhaps it was instinct, or maybe it was the kind of mutual understanding forged from years of traveling with my friend.

But somehow, Kazuha felt like this Ryukai Genzawa's brain might not be entirely normal either.

Feeling their gazes, Gu Sanqiu's expression didn't change in the slightest.

Was this enough to startle them?

Fine, it seems their wit isn't even on par with Xingqiu.

Oh wait, perhaps not even Chongyun.

These days, Xingqiu has to resort to using live demonstrations to tease Chongyun, as mere words fail to provoke him unless they're particularly suggestive.

In truth, under the "corruption" of Gu Sanqiu and Xingqiu—two ultimate bad influences—Chongyun has miraculously emerged with a tempered resolve.

Normally, one would expect someone exposed to such influences to succumb and go along with them...

Ahem. "Let's get back on topic. It was just an example. I wasn't seriously asking you to do something inappropriate. Understood?"

My friend forced an awkward smile. "Although you might not like this, I feel compelled to say it: no normal person would use intimate garments as an example."

"What, would you prefer I use men's undergarments instead?"

Gu Sanqiu gave him a sidelong glance. "Wouldn't that be even more perverted?"

"That… makes sense…"

Kazuha sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Alright, Ryukai-sama only mentioned it as an example. What my friend means is that the tasks you mentioned don't seem to have much purpose, making them unnecessary missions."

"However, if we register under your dojo, won't it implicate us further when things escalate?"

"Having you in my dojo serves two purposes," Gu Sanqiu explained. "First, I need you to spar with one of my subordinates to help him improve his skills. Second, it gives you a place to stay."

"My subordinate still fights purely on instinct. From that perspective, your experience will be invaluable to him."

"Also…"

"Who said I intend to distance myself from you?"

Gu Sanqiu's smile widened. "To be honest, after years of training in the wild, the improvements I've made are dwindling."

"I'm just as curious about that divine strike as you are!"

My friend's eyes sparkled with excitement, while Kazuha buried his head in his hands, propping his elbows on the table.

Now, he was certain—this was yet another madman!

---

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