"What a pity. It seems you haven't gained the recognition of the Vision," Kaedehara Kazuha sighed softly, shaking his head in disappointment.
Sneak attacks went against the samurai code, but he had done it anyway. His reason for resorting to such a tactic was to test whether the Treasure Hoarder before him could activate his friend's Vision in a life-or-death situation.
However, based on the current outcome, it seemed to have failed.
"Just who are you?" Fei Fei stood up from the ground, his legs trembling uncontrollably. The suffocating threat he had felt moments ago made him believe he was about to die.
"Who I am isn't important," Kazuha said, then extended his hand toward the Treasure Hoarder. "Since you just helped me with my experiment, I won't make things difficult for you. Hand over the Vision you stole, and you can leave."
"Hah!" Fei Fei snorted disdainfully at Kazuha's words. "I went through a lot of trouble to steal this. You think I'll just hand it over because you said so? Brothers, come out!"
As soon as Fei Fei finished speaking, a series of hurried footsteps echoed from the woods behind him. In just a few moments, dozens of Treasure Hoarder thugs emerged, surrounding Kazuha.
"Brothers, this guy nearly killed me just now. Give him a proper 'welcome'!" Fei Fei said coldly, his eyes filled with malice.
"Ha!" "You made the wrong choice!" "Kill him!" "Die, kid!"
Following Fei Fei's orders, the Treasure Hoarders launched their attacks. Brawlers and Crushers charged at Kazuha with fists and hammers, while Alchemists and Marksmen used elemental potions and crossbows to harass him from a distance.
"Return to nature!" Kazuha's Anemo Vision glowed brightly as a powerful gust of wind erupted around him, sweeping the Treasure Hoarders into a vortex. Kazuha took advantage of the moment, riding the wind to leap into the air and deliver a plunging attack.
"Ah...!" "Ugh...!" "..."
The Treasure Hoarders trapped in the vortex let out cries of pain as the swirling wind cut into their bodies, drawing blood.
"I'll give you one last chance. Hand over the Vision you stole and leave," Kazuha said, a hint of pity in his voice.
"Damn it, brothers! Let's take this guy down! I don't believe he's that powerful!" Fei Fei wiped the blood from his forehead, his anger boiling over.
Hearing this, the Treasure Hoarders grew more aggressive. They threw their weapons to the ground and charged at Kazuha bare-handed.
"If that's the case, I won't hold back," Kazuha said, the pity in his eyes vanishing in an instant.
"Wind and clouds, heed my call!"
---
"Kazuha, you're back! Are you hurt?" The guard watching over the prizes rushed forward, concerned. He carefully inspected Kazuha, worried there might be hidden injuries.
"I'm fine. Here's the Vision," Kazuha shook his head, indicating he was unharmed, then handed the unclaimed Vision to the guard.
"That's a relief. If this prize had gone missing, Captain Beidou would have killed me, haha..." The guard scratched his head with a sheepish grin. Kazuha could only sigh in response. "Try not to be so careless next time."
"By the way, Kazuha, what do you think of this year's Crux Clash?" The guard suddenly called out as Kazuha turned to leave.
"My thoughts... Well, if I had to say, it's been worth the trip," Kazuha replied vaguely, rubbing his chin.
As someone highly sensitive to auras, Kazuha had noticed something unusual about Griseo and Nahida during the first match. If his guess was correct, those two girls were likely on the same level as Lady Yae.
And now, they were heading to Inazuma, along with the hero who saved Liyue—the Traveler, Lumine.
Though he didn't understand why or what in Inazuma was drawing them, Kazuha knew one thing: Inazuma was about to become a lot livelier.
---
"Hmm? They agreed to the peace talks?"
Tenshukaku...
Raiden Ei sat on her throne, listening to Kamisato Ayaka's report. She couldn't help but feel surprised. It seemed Yae Miko had been right—the priestess of Orobashi had indeed accepted the Shogunate's invitation to peace talks.
"In that case, the Tri-Commission will handle the arrangements for the talks," Ei said, then waved her hand, signaling Ayaka to leave.
"Your Excellency, there might be a slight complication," Ayaka frowned, speaking honestly.
"What complication? Speak freely," Ei raised an eyebrow. Unlike the Raiden Shogun puppet, Ei had emotions and was willing to hear Ayaka out.
"Your Excellency, the Immortal Phoenix from Watatsumi Island mentioned that he has some insights into your concept of eternity and wishes to speak with you personally. Of course, he said if you're unavailable, Lady Yae would suffice," Ayaka reported respectfully, though she was sweating nervously.
"Insights into eternity?" The mention of eternity piqued Ei's interest. Ever since the deaths of her friends 500 years ago, she had lived solely for the pursuit of eternity. Hearing that someone had insights into it naturally made her want to meet them.
With that in mind, Ei issued an order: "Kamisato Ayaka, heed my command!"
"Your servant is here."
"Take full responsibility for welcoming the Watatsumi delegation. Once the Immortal Phoenix arrives in Narukami Island, bring him to me as quickly as possible."