Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [282]

"Sir, are you saying that you, too, wish to face Musou no Hitotachi?"

"Was I not clear enough in expressing my intent?"

His goal was to get these two out safely. Inevitably, he would have to confront the Shogun, and with the crime of disrupting eternity hanging over him, the chance of her unleashing Musou no Hitotachi was one hundred percent.

What he was doing now was simply flipping the logic on its head slightly, trying to earn a bit of goodwill wherever he could.

The Wind and Thunder duo weren't fools. Reality wasn't like a game where doing daily tasks could magically boost one's reputation. Small gestures like this were the only way to build rapport.

"Hahaha! To be honest, I've finally found someone else interested in this matter!"

His friend laughed heartily. "At last, I'm not the only one!"

The Way is not solitary!

Kazuha felt like he was losing his mind.

Having one friend obsessed with Musou no Hitotachi was dangerous enough. But now, upon arriving in Inazuma, they had encountered someone else with the same idea?

What was going on?

"That strike… it represents the Shogun's ultimate mastery of swordsmanship."

"Exactly, the ultimate strike."

Kazuha fell silent. He suddenly felt the divide between himself and these madmen—and was deeply thankful for his own clarity of mind.

If these two were left to their own devices, they'd probably charge straight into Tenshukaku without a second thought.

And he didn't have the money to fund their funerals. That is, if anything was left to bury after that strike.

If even a few scraps of them remained, it would already be a miracle.

"Alright, whether or not we see that strike is a matter for later. For now, let's focus on preparing properly," Gu Sanqiu said seriously. "You two can handle your business, and I'll work on planning our escape route."

Escape route?

The two were momentarily stunned before nodding in understanding, especially Kazuha.

At least Ryukai Genzawa was calmer than his friend—enough to consider leaving a way out.

"Let's get moving. We don't have much time, and as for training my subordinate, that'll have to wait until we get a chance later."

Arataki Itto's improvement could come afterward. Even if Gu Sanqiu left, the Ironhead Oni, who was slowly learning the ropes of life, would fare better than before.

Besides, once trouble began brewing on his end, someone might deliberately target Arataki Itto. Leaving him some funds before departing was a must.

However, his friend needed closer attention to avoid unnecessary sacrifices. That was non-negotiable.

---

In the shadows of the Komore Teahouse, Gu Sanqiu slipped inside unnoticed. Even Taroumaru only lifted his head, sniffed the air, and tilted it in confusion.

Gu Sanqiu casually approached Taroumaru, dispelled his disguise, and reached out to pat the dog's head gently.

"Woof! Whimper~"

The wariness in Taroumaru's expression melted into a contented whine under Gu Sanqiu's expert petting. The dog even tilted its head back and forth, angling for maximum enjoyment.

"Good dog," Gu Sanqiu chuckled, pulling out a small pill and slipping it into Taroumaru's mouth.

Since he was leaving soon, he no longer saw the need to hide anything. If time permitted, he'd even head to Chinju Forest to toss a gift to that little kitsune.

If he had the time, that is.

"You're not a guest of Komore Teahouse."

A somber voice spoke from behind him. Thoma stood there, gripping a spear in one hand, eyeing the dog-patting Gu Sanqiu warily.

"Who are you?"

"You don't recognize me?"

Gu Sanqiu dropped his disguise and turned around.

"Ryukai Genzawa?"

Thoma's eyes widened in shock, especially as he saw Taroumaru enthusiastically leap into Gu Sanqiu's arms and begin licking him with abandon.

Come on, buddy, read the room before getting so friendly! You're making it really hard for me to attack him right now.

Gu Sanqiu had a hostage. No, a dog-stige!

"Alright, alright, stop covering me in drool," Gu Sanqiu said, lightly pressing his forefinger to Taroumaru's head before setting him on the counter.

"Let's talk somewhere else. I have a matter to discuss with you."

"And how did you know I'd be here?"

"Onmyodo."

Thoma fell silent. His understanding of onmyodo boiled down to "it's a powerful ability," and Gu Sanqiu's dismissive tone didn't help.

"So, are you here to protect Arataki Itto?"

"More or less. Look after that guy for me—or don't. But make sure no one deliberately harms the people around him."

Gu Sanqiu wasn't particularly worried about Itto himself. A man like him, blessed with uncanny fortune, wasn't easy to kill.

But the Arataki Gang was another story.

Ideally, he'd have connected with them officially upon arriving in Inazuma, but fate had other plans.

Since Itto called him "boss," he wouldn't abandon the big lunkhead—just as he hadn't abandoned Barbara when teaching her combat techniques.

Great love knows no bounds. (Cross that out.)

Building affinity points.

Thoma's face twitched as he envisioned Ayaka making him eat something strange at their next meal.

This wasn't just a casual visit. With the tone of someone entrusting a legacy, Gu Sanqiu was clearly about to stir up trouble.

"Sir, to be honest, this is beyond my capabilities. I can't promise anything definitive," Thoma said.

Gu Sanqiu stroked Taroumaru, now resting against his leg. "Then let your lady handle it."

?!

Thoma froze. "I don't understand your meaning."

"Don't play dumb. You're her steward. If your lady isn't in Inazuma City, who are you here with? As far as I know, you're not a direct retainer of Kamisato Ayato."

"Frankly, you're more a representative of the White Heron Princess than the Kamisato estate's housekeeper."

"Pleasure to meet you, Ryukai Genzawa," came a clear voice as Kamisato Ayaka finally stepped forward.

"Pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Kamisato. Now, about what I just mentioned—can you make the call?"

"And why would the Kamisato Clan agree to help you?"

"First, your collaboration with the Tenryou Commission wasn't entirely voluntary, was it? You're likely forced by political circumstances. Helping him shows where you truly stand."

"Second, Arataki Itto isn't ordinary. Protecting him could benefit your family, as his Oni lineage may prove valuable in the future."

"Third, I'll pay."

Gu Sanqiu's tone was calm. "As long as it's reasonable, I'm willing to meet your price."

"Whether for the present or the future, I can offer sufficient compensation. Does that satisfy you?"

"Your bargaining tactics are… quite forceful," Ayaka said with a soft laugh. "But I'll agree. Providing basic protection for Arataki Itto and a few others isn't difficult for the Kamisato Clan."

"Excellent. Here's your payment."

Gu Sanqiu placed an offer on the table. "Five bottles of Liyue elixirs and two complete swordsmanship manuals from an ancient lineage."

"If you're dissatisfied, come to Ryukai's dojo for further negotiations."

Ayaka gestured for Thoma to take the items and smiled at Gu Sanqiu.

"A fine price. But next time we meet, I hope you'll come as yourself, Sir Ryukai."

"The Kamisato Clan finds people like you… very intriguing."

---

T/N: soregy i wont be able to read all the comments anymore!

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