Chapter 72. A Person from a Hundred Years Ago?
Tighnari temporarily departed for Sumeru City in search of the "senior" he had mentioned. As long as she was willing to step forward, then unless the Sages themselves personally intervened, no one else would dare put on airs before her. Whether in terms of scholarship, reputation, or seniority, she stood at the very pinnacle of Sumeru.
For the sake of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, Lesser Lord Kusanali, and Futsu Mitama's plan, Tighnari had originally been unwilling to involve anyone else. Yet he also understood his own limitations.
If he insisted on handling everything alone and Futsu Mitama's group encountered trouble within Sumeru City, there would be little he could do to provide support. Not to mention that, ever since leaving the Akademiya behind, he had become something of an outsider to Sumeru City itself.
Before leaving, Tighnari entrusted several Forest Watchers—individuals whose authority in Gandharva Ville ranked only below his own—with the task of looking after Futsu Mitama and his companions. He specifically instructed them that these travelers were honored guests and must not be neglected in any way.
At the same time, he reminded Collei to properly entertain their guests during his absence and assured her that he would return as soon as possible.
After that, there was little else to discuss.
Futsu Mitama and the others temporarily settled down in Gandharva Ville.
However, despite accepting Tighnari's hospitality, they did not actually reside within Gandharva Ville itself.
Instead, they chose a temporary dwelling outside the settlement and established their base there.
Collei found this rather puzzling. There were perfectly good houses available within Gandharva Ville, so why insist on living outside? While she knew that people of Futsu Mitama's strength had little reason to fear the wilderness, staying within the settlement would clearly be more convenient.
Futsu Mitama simply smiled and explained that there were too many people within Gandharva Ville.
Living there might indeed be convenient, but convenience also brought risks. If Fatui informants or Akademiya agents happened to be hidden among the residents, then their identities could easily be exposed.
Until Tighnari returned with reliable information, maintaining a low profile was the safest choice.
Faced with such reasoning, Collei could only nod in understanding. In the end, she promised that she would bring daily necessities over every day and visit them whenever she had time.
Thus, Futsu Mitama and the others temporarily took up residence outside Gandharva Ville, with only a handful of people even aware of their existence.
Inside a cave located not far from the settlement, the group began making preparations for their stay.
The caves scattered throughout Sumeru possessed a rather unique history.
Many of them had been excavated by scholars of previous generations and intentionally converted into secluded residences. They served as places where Akademiya scholars could meditate, conduct research, or pursue enlightenment away from worldly distractions.
Ever since Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's passing five hundred years ago, Sumeru's pursuit of "wisdom" had gradually entered an increasingly awkward state.
On the surface, the nation still appeared prosperous and flourishing. Yet over those five centuries, many fields of knowledge had quietly stagnated.
As a result, countless scholars chose to isolate themselves from society.
Some sought breakthroughs in their research.
Some attempted to seek revelations from Irminsul itself.
Others devoted their lives to trying to communicate with gods who had long since passed away.
Haypasia was far from the only example.
The cave Futsu Mitama and the others discovered had once clearly been inhabited. Numerous daily necessities remained inside. While many had already deteriorated beyond use, some were still serviceable.
The usable items were kept.
The unusable ones were discarded.
Soon, everyone enthusiastically threw themselves into cleaning and organizing the place.
Within only three or four hours, the originally abandoned cave had undergone a complete transformation.
Among everyone present, Futsu Mitama undoubtedly contributed the most.
The combined powers of the Geo Archon's Inheritance and the Dendro Archon's Inheritance proved extraordinarily effective for such work.
The original cave had only been large enough for two or three people at most.
Yet their group consisted of six people, five of whom were women.
In such cramped conditions, even simple daily activities such as washing, changing clothes, or resting would become inconvenient, as everyone would constantly need to avoid Futsu Mitama.
As such, Futsu Mitama proposed expanding the cave.
Tighnari's journey to and from Sumeru City would likely take several days. Even traveling at full speed as a Vision holder, he would need at least three and a half days. If circumstances slowed him down, four or even five days would not be surprising.
Since they would be staying here for some time, having adequate living space was necessary.
Everyone agreed without objection.
After understanding the situation, Shenhe gave a serious nod.
Then she attached a strength-enhancing talisman to herself and punched the cave wall without a word.
The result was nearly disastrous.
With her terrifying physical strength, she almost brought the entire cave crashing down.
Fortunately, Futsu Mitama immediately mobilized the power of the Geo. Dense Geo elemental energy surged through the surrounding rock formations, reinforcing the structure before the collapse could spread any further.
Only then did everyone begin using their abilities more freely.
Additional rooms were carved out.
Private spaces were created.
The cramped cave gradually transformed into a surprisingly comfortable residence.
After sufficient space had been secured, Futsu Mitama switched to utilizing the Dendro element.
Batch after batch of fruits and vegetables rapidly matured under his influence.
Fresh produce soon filled the cave.
"Phew! Done!"
Futsu Mitama wiped away a bead of sweat and let out a long breath.
Today had genuinely exhausted him.
The last time he remembered being this tired was when he had fought Scaramouche through three hundred exchanges without pause.
"What incredible power. It truly deserves to be called an Archon's Inheritance."
Kuki Shinobu plucked a freshly matured Violetgrass, her eyes filled with genuine admiration.
She had always known that Archon Inheritances were extraordinary.
Whether it was the Electro Archon's Inheritance or the Geo Archon's Inheritance, both had already brought astonishing improvements to Futsu Mitama.
Yet the Dendro Archon's Inheritance, which he had only recently begun studying, possessed equally miraculous abilities.
That was truly remarkable.
"It is the Dendro Archon's Inheritance, after all."
Sangonomiya Kokomi was far less surprised. To her, such miracles were entirely reasonable. No matter what, this was an inheritance left behind by an Archon.
Aila and Black Aila quietly stepped forward.
Each produced a handkerchief almost simultaneously.
One wiped the sweat from Futsu Mitama's forehead. The other wiped the sweat from his cheek. As they worked, they continuously praised how hard their Young Master had worked and how amazing he was.
To them, such things were only natural.
Nearby, Shenhe picked up a freshly ripened fruit. A strange emotion flickered through her eyes.
Life.
This was the power of life.
When she had previously merged with her master, she had experienced a similar feeling.
That sensation of life itself ascending to a higher level remained unforgettable even now.
"Indeed." Futsu Mitama nodded thoughtfully. "The Dendro Archon's Inheritance is truly fascinating."
"If the Electro Archon's Inheritance represents overwhelming offense with almost no concern for defense, and the Geo Archon's Inheritance focused on both offense and defense—"
"Then the Dendro Archon's Inheritance is different. In direct combat, it is comparatively weaker. But its true domain lies in life and the soul."
Since leaving Inazuma, Futsu Mitama had devoted most of his attention to studying the Dendro Archon's Inheritance and the Geo Archon's Inheritance.
Of the two, the majority of his effort had gone toward the former.
The latter had already reached a bottleneck.
The deeper portions of the Geo Archon's Inheritance required mastery of spear techniques, sealing arts, and an extremely profound understanding of the Geo element itself.
It was similar to the Musou no Hitotachi.
To fully unleash that technique's potential, one needed mastery over countless mysteries, unparalleled swordsmanship, and a deep comprehension of Electro.
Back in Inazuma, Futsu Mitama had spent six entire months learning those things under Raiden Ei's personal guidance.
Only then had he reached his current level of mastery.
As such, there was no urgent need to continue forcing progress with the Geo Archon's Inheritance.
The newly acquired Dendro Archon's Inheritance, on the other hand, still contained countless mysteries waiting to be explored.
Even after stepping into the Demon God Realm, the insights it provided continued to benefit him greatly.
Once their living quarters were complete, everyone rested briefly before becoming busy once more.
Because Sumeru was not safe.
Even Tighnari and Cyno—two natives who understood the nation better than anyone present—had repeatedly emphasized this point.
As a result, Shenhe, Aila, and Kuki Shinobu worked together to establish multiple layers of barriers around their temporary residence.
If anyone approached, they would know immediately.
For the time being, Kokomi and Black Aila continued organizing the interior of the cave.
As for Futsu Mitama, the moment he confirmed that everything was proceeding smoothly, he decisively dove into the Chat Group and began openly slacking off.
After all, he had genuinely been busy the entire day. Taking a short break now could hardly be considered excessive.
[Futsu Mitama: "Ah I'm exhausted~~"]
[Raiden Makoto: "What happened?"]
[Raiden Ei: "That tired? Did you fight someone?"]
[Keqing: "Would you like something to eat? Wanmin Restaurant sent over quite a bit of food. I can pack some and send it to you."]
[Paimon: "Ah?! Food from Wanmin Restaurant?! Wait for us, Keqing! Traveler and I are coming back right now!"]
[Lumine: "The work isn't finished yet, Paimon."]
[Paimon: "I know, but I'm hungry! Can't I go back and eat first?~"]
[Keqing: "Don't worry. Chef Mao prepared plenty. You can take your time."]
[Venti: "Me! Me! Me! Me! I want gourmet food too! Is there any wine?!"]
[Eula: "Lord Barbatos, excessive drinking is bad for your health."]
[Venti: "But I'm a god. My health won't suffer, so don't worry~"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Have you arrived at Gandharva Ville already?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "We have. We've met Tighnari and finished discussing everything with him. Although we're not staying inside Gandharva Ville at the moment. We're currently resting in a nearby cave."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Aila and Shinobu are setting up barriers and organizing the place while I'm chatting here."]
[Venti: "Ehe~ Looks like you've already mastered the Wind God's Inheritance."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Huh?"]
[Klee: "Wind God's Inheritance?"]
[Eula: "..."]
[Albedo: "Since when did slacking off become the Wind God's Inheritance?"]
[Aila: "Allow me to clarify something. Young Master is not slacking off."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "That's right."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "He's already done more than enough work today. Resting now is perfectly reasonable."]
[Shenhe: "The barrier is finished. We'll be back shortly."]
[Futsu Mitama: "That quickly? You were only gone for a little while."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "It's only an early-warning barrier. The setup wasn't particularly difficult."]
[Cyno: "How did things go? Did Tighnari agree?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "He did. I explained part of the situation to him, and he chose to trust us without asking too many questions. Honestly, I was already prepared to drag him into the Chat Group if negotiations failed. I didn't expect him to believe me immediately and even offer assistance."]
[Futsu Mitama: "He's genuinely a good person."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Then...How do you plan on entering Sumeru City now?"]
[Azhdaha: "As expected. The moment we reached Sumeru, Maha Rukkhadevata suddenly became much more talkative."]
[Raiden Makoto: "That's perfectly normal. It's just like when Futsu Mitama first arrived in Liyue and someone wanted daily livestream updates."]
[Zhongli: "Compared to that matter, I'd rather hear Futsu Mitama's report first. I'm quite interested in Sumeru's current situation as well."]
[Venti: "+1. I've already prepared my treasured wine. Aged for a full eight hours."]
[Raiden Ei: "I've prepared desserts as well."]
[Futsu Mitama: "What are you all doing? Listening to a storyteller?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Well, never mind."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Before arriving at Gandharva Ville, we happened to meet Collei. Through her, we found Tighnari."]
[Futsu Mitama: "@Eula, you should remember her."]
[Albedo: "Collei? I remember."]
[Eula: "Is she the girl who caused a disturbance in Mondstadt because of the Fatui incident and was later rescued by Amber?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "That's her. By the way, if you happen to see Amber, you can tell her that if she wants to write to Collei, she can hand the letter to you. You can send it to me through the group function."]
[Eula: "You're using me as a courier. I'll remember this grudge."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Back to the topic. After meeting Tighnari, he suggested that we disguise ourselves as Eremites and enter Sumeru City. Most importantly, we must avoid wearing Akasha Terminals. Once we wear them, there's a high probability we'll be monitored."]
[Futsu Mitama: "That would completely contradict our plan of operating secretly."]
[Aila: "Which raises another issue. If the people of Sumeru insist on making us wear Akasha Terminals, what should we do?"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Regarding the Akasha—that concern is reasonable. However, Futsu Mitama himself doesn't actually need to worry about being monitored."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Really?"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Yes. Because the core of the Akasha System is ultimately a Gnosis. A Gnosis can amplify a god's abilities to a certain extent, but it cannot directly interfere with another god."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Then I'm not afraid anymore!"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Exactly. You currently carry the Anemo Gnosis. The authority possessed by a Gnosis exists on the same level. Therefore, the Dendro Gnosis cannot directly influence you."]
[Cyno: "Tighnari probably already thought about this issue."]
[Futsu Mitama: "He did after Black Aila raised it. As the Forest Watcher of Gandharva Ville, he's somewhat removed from the affairs of Sumeru City."]
[Futsu Mitama: "But not completely. He still has many connections there. After hearing about this concern, he immediately left for Sumeru City to seek help from a respected elder."]
[Futsu Mitama: "According to him, as long as this elder is willing to step forward, then unless the Great Sage personally issues an order, nobody can interfere with her."]
[Cyno: "An elder? Someone whom even the Great Sage wouldn't casually offend? Could it be her?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Who?"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Do you know her?"]
[Aila: "What kind of person is she?"]
[Cyno: "I'm not entirely certain. But she does fit the description. She has a good relationship with Tighnari. Actually, anyone who truly knows Tighnari tends to get along well with him. More importantly— She's someone from over a hundred years ago."]
[Cyno: "Even the current Sages must address her respectfully as a senior."]
[Paimon: "One hundred years ago?! What kind of joke is that?! Is she even human?!"]
[Cyno: "She is. From what I've heard, she was trapped in a certain place for a very long time. The environment there possessed a mysterious power that prevented the passage of time from leaving any marks on her body."]
[Cyno: "As a result, her situation is rather unique. On one hand, she's a living legend from a century ago. On the other hand, some of the knowledge she possesses is already outdated after a hundred years of change."]
[Cyno: "Because of that—She occupies a rather special position within the Akademiya."]
[Cyno: "Neither a Sage nor beneath them. An existence whose standing is second only to the Sages themselves."]
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