Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [283]
"Your true form will come here?"
Gu Sanqiu smiled. "There will be a chance."
If he were to use his identity as a Fengxiang Clan member, it would only be for formal exchanges between the two nations—like last time when he visited Mondstadt, ostensibly on official Liyue business, though in reality, it was more of a government-sponsored vacation.
To blatantly confront the Shogun in that capacity, drawing his blade against her, would either be the height of recklessness or utter foolishness.
Though the Shogun could undoubtedly see through his disguise, the pretense of a false identity kept tensions between the two nations from escalating into outright conflict.
And to be honest, Inazuma didn't have the resources to handle friction with Liyue at the moment.
A secure strategy, through and through.
After Gu Sanqiu left, Kamisato Ayaka finally opened the swordsmanship manual he had left behind.
"Well? What do you think, Ayaka? Is it useful?"
"Useful, very much so."
Ayaka smiled. "This is an entirely different system of swordsmanship—a completely unique approach from what we've practiced."
"Completely different?"
Thoma was surprised, then turned his attention to the bottles of elixirs on the table.
"This Ryukai Genzawa... he isn't from Inazuma, is he?"
"Correct. And if I'm not mistaken, he's a descendant of the people who once lived under the rule of an ancient god."
"A Liyue native? What's he doing here in Inazuma? If he had ulterior motives, wouldn't he bring more people with him instead of coming alone?"
Liyue and Inazuma were separated by a vast ocean. Even if Liyue had designs on Inazuma, they wouldn't send just one individual.
"It doesn't make sense. None of it does."
"No, if we consider the two families mentioned in Sumeru scholars' writings, it might start to make sense."
"In the records, they mention the Geo Archon of Liyue ruling far and wide, with two great families acting as earthly intermediaries on his behalf."
"The Fengxiang Clan, masters of rituals and deeply connected to divine power, were said to be unparalleled in their influence. But in recent years, it seems they've faded from prominence—there's little news about them from Liyue."
"The other family, though more recent in history, is said to have pioneered Liyue's funeral rites. The Hu Clan still operates the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor according to merchant rumors and trade reports from Liyue."
"So, Ayaka, you believe Ryukai might be from one of these two families?"
"Yes. And I strongly suspect he's a descendant of the Fengxiang Clan."
Ayaka shook her head. "For ordinary people, standing before a god would be a terrifying experience. But for someone from that family, it might not be."
"According to Sumeru's cultural records, those who followed the Geo Archon during the Archon War see gods differently."
"The relationship between them could even be described as intimate."
"Alright, let's say he truly is from one of these families. Why is he here in Inazuma? Surely not to cause trouble. Does this mean our wager is…"
"Oh? Don't tell me you're trying to back out?"
Thoma flushed. "Haha, I wouldn't call it backing out. But if we could figure out his purpose beforehand, wouldn't that allow the Kamisato Clan to shine in front of so many others? That would certainly benefit Ayato."
"No, it's unnecessary."
"I've received news from my brother. This recruitment order is far from simple. In fact, it's nothing but a ploy to manipulate people's hearts."
Ayaka's expression darkened. "That's one reason I agreed to protect Arataki Itto. When did Inazuma fall so low as to resort to petty tricks in its policies?"
"Wait, does this mean…"
"Yes, Thoma, it's exactly as you think."
---
"Something feels off, Ryukai."
A few days later, Gu Sanqiu's friend and Kazuha returned to his dojo, their expressions grim.
"Sit down. What troubles have you encountered in your work?"
"It's not trouble, but… a strange phenomenon."
"Over the past few days, the number of wandering samurai entering Inazuma City has been increasing. Just yesterday, a full squad of a hundred arrived," Kazuha explained.
"We observed them discreetly. Although they tried to disguise themselves with altered clothing, weapons, and even skin tones, certain details stood out."
"Their formation was immaculate."
"Their weapons—well-maintained, sharp, and clearly cared for with precision."
"Their attire was nondescript, but this guy here noticed one of them accidentally revealed a pendant. That's when things didn't add up."
His friend grinned smugly. "Exactly! I really pulled through this time. The fact that they brazenly brought a hundred-man team into Inazuma City instead of infiltrating in smaller groups means someone high up must know something."
"A hundred-strong unit, with impeccable formation and well-maintained gear?"
Gu Sanqiu frowned. "Are you suggesting that some of these samurai are part of private militias?"
"That's exactly our conclusion—private militias, covertly trained in the wilderness, possibly even death squads," Kazuha replied.
Gu Sanqiu tapped his fingers on the table, his frown deepening.
"In that case, the so-called recruitment order is actually a covert census of privately-trained forces in the wild?"
"A forced census? Oh, that makes sense. With all three Commissions signing off on it, this is definitely mandatory," his friend realized.
"But what's the purpose? What does this recruitment order aim to achieve?"
"Purpose? It's enormous," Gu Sanqiu said thoughtfully. "Let me guess—you've already hit roadblocks in your efforts today?"
"That's right."
Kazuha nodded. "Only a few people agreed with our proposal, and even fewer were willing to join us."
"Most either didn't believe us, thinking wealth and prestige were too good to pass up, or brushed us off with vague answers, clearly unwilling to engage."
"Exactly as expected."
"Expected? What do you mean?"
His friend looked confused.
"This recruitment order primarily targets influential families, forcing them to recall and consolidate their private forces. It makes tracking and investigating them much easier. As I said earlier, it's a compulsory census."
"Before this, the Tenryou Commission had already conducted wilderness sweeps. How many bandits or rogue militias they eliminated is known only to insiders."
Both men understood instantly.
"And now, the recruitment order is essentially a final ultimatum to these powerful families: 'Bring your forces under our control, or watch them be wiped out.'"
"It's both a warning and a threat!"
"Now that you mention it," Kazuha said, his face serious, "we've encountered factions during our travels trying to recruit us. This theory is highly credible."
---
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