In the reception hall of Sangonomiya Shrine, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense due to Yun Fan and Kokomi's conversation. The four of them sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Time passed slowly, and half an hour went by.
"Ahem, Mr. Yun Fan and Miss Kokomi, if the peace talks are causing you trouble, perhaps Ayaka and I should take our leave," Ayaka suggested lightly, sensing the situation was heading in a bad direction.
She feared that if they stayed any longer, she and Thoma might not be able to leave at all.
"No need," Yun Fan waved his hand, his words surprising the two.
"Mr. Yun Fan, what do you mean?" Ayaka smiled as she took two steps forward, though her nerves were on edge. If Yun Fan really intended to detain them, she would act immediately, taking Kokomi hostage to create an opportunity for escape.
As for why she didn't consider taking Yun Fan hostage, Ayaka knew better. He was an adeptus from Liyue, capable of easily defeating General Kujou Sara of the Tenryou Commission. With his strength, only Lady Yae of the Grand Narukami Shrine could match him. If she tried to take him hostage, she would likely be instantly subdued.
"Haha, Miss Ayaka, there's no need to be nervous. What I mean is, Kokomi and I will attend the peace talks."
"Huh?" Ayaka was momentarily stunned, then her eyes lit up with surprise. She hadn't expected this turn of events.
"No need to be too surprised. I am very interested in witnessing the Raiden Shogun's concept of eternity," Yun Fan said with a seemingly pleased smile, which made Ayaka's heart tighten inexplicably.
'Mr. Yun Fan, are you perhaps planning something... unfavorable?'
That night, under the cover of darkness...
"Damn it, what's with this Crux Clash? How did two such powerful little girls suddenly show up?" A Treasure Hoarder, disguised as a participant, sneaked into the prize storage area of the Crux Fleet. He carefully avoided the sleeping guards and gently picked up the box containing the Vision.
"Is this the Vision? It looks amazing," the man whispered as he opened the box to confirm its contents before tucking it into his robe, preparing to leave unnoticed.
However, just as he took his first step, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Friend, since you're here, why not stay for a while?"
"Ah, no need, I have to get back... huh?" The Treasure Hoarder instinctively replied but quickly realized something was wrong.
This was the territory of the Crux Fleet. Who was talking to him?
The man looked up to see a handsome young samurai standing at the entrance, smiling at him. Even the previously sleeping guards were now awake, glaring at him with fury.
"Uh... I was just passing by. Do you believe me?"
His words were met with silence. Just as he couldn't bear the tension and was about to make a run for it, the young samurai spoke.
"You must be Fei Fei, one of the participants in this tournament. I am Kaedehara Kazuha," Kazuha said, his eyes fixed on the Treasure Hoarder. Although the man had changed his appearance, his aura was unmistakable. Kazuha, sensitive to such things, had recognized him immediately.
"How did you know?!" The Treasure Hoarder's eyes widened in shock. He had thought his disguise was flawless. How had this young man seen through it?
"Appearances can change, but your aura cannot be hidden. The wind told me," Kazuha replied, his Anemo Vision glowing faintly as if to prove his point.
"Wind? What are you talking about..." Fei Fei was confused by Kazuha's cryptic words, but that didn't stop him from making his move.
Compared to the guards, Fei Fei was small and nimble, giving him an advantage in speed and agility.
With a feint, he sidestepped the guard, slipping between his legs and darting out the door.
"Haha, see ya!" Fei Fei's taunting voice echoed in the guard's ears, infuriating him. "Damn it, he got away!"
"No matter," Kazuha shook his head, then walked to the window and leaped out.
"Rise!" With a soft command, a gentle whirlwind lifted Kazuha, carrying him safely to the ground.
Meanwhile...
"Haha, those two were so stupid! The Vision, the Vision, I got it without breaking a sweat!" Fei Fei ran as fast as he could toward the forest by the coast, where his Treasure Hoarder comrades were waiting. Once he reached the woods, even if Beidou herself came after him, she'd return empty-handed.
"Slash!" Suddenly, a sharp command came from behind him, followed by a chilling sensation. Years of experience as a Treasure Hoarder made Fei Fei's skin crawl, and he instinctively rolled to the side.
Boom!
The spot where he had been standing was struck by a green sword beam, sending rocks and sand flying.
"That was close!" Fei Fei wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, his heart pounding.
"What a pity," a soft sigh came from the dust. As it settled, the young samurai reappeared before Fei Fei's eyes.