Not only the Arataki Gang. When word spread that the Raiden Shogun had left Inazuma, along with the light novels from Yae Publishing House, the entire nation of Inazuma was shaken.
At that moment, on Watatsumi Island, the stronghold of the resistance, Gorou led the resistance generals before the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi, and presented her with the light novel from Yae Publishing House.
"Lady Sangonomiya, please look at this light novel. According to the stories in it and recent rumors, the Raiden Shogun has left Inazuma and is currently somewhere in Liyue. This is a perfect opportunity to attack."
Upon hearing this news, every general of the resistance was excited. But Sangonomiya Kokomi remained calm.
"What light novel? Let me see it."
She opened the light novel. She read the story of the Raiden Shogun, the story of the Anemo Archon, and the story of Orobashi, the Great God of Watatsumi. When she read Orobashi's story, even the usually composed Kokomi's eyes reddened, and she nearly wept.
So this was the truth of Orobashi's death. So this was how Watatsumi Island had been created.
Gorou said urgently, "Lady Sangonomiya, please give the order to counterattack the Shogunate forces."
The other generals also spoke up. "Lady Sangonomiya, please order the counterattack."
The generals were full of fervor. Against the powerful Shogunate forces, the soldiers of Watatsumi Island had suffered greatly. Now that the Raiden Shogun had left Inazuma, the entire Shogunate would be thrown into chaos. This was the perfect time for a counterattack.
However, after hearing this, Sangonomiya Kokomi merely clenched her fists. She spoke slowly.
"Order all Watatsumi Island soldiers to hold their positions. Without my command, no one is to launch a counterattack."
Hearing this, both Gorou and the other generals were baffled.
"This is our best chance. If the Raiden Shogun returns to Inazuma, we'll lose it forever."
The generals did not want to give up. But Kokomi had made her decision.
"This is my final word. You are dismissed. Gorou, stay."
The other generals had no choice but to leave. Only Kokomi and Gorou remained in the hall.
Kokomi said slowly, "Gorou, you must be wondering why I won't let you counterattack."
Gorou answered honestly, "Yes. If we want to completely defeat the Shogunate forces, this is our best opportunity."
Kokomi sighed. "You're wrong. From the very beginning, our goal was never to completely defeat the Shogunate forces or to completely overthrow the Raiden Shogun. With our strength, that is impossible. What we must do is continually pressure the Raiden Shogun, forcing her to lift the Vision Hunt Decree."
Kokomi was right. With Watatsumi Island's strength, they already struggled against a portion of the Shogunate forces. Before the Raiden Shogun herself, they were nothing more than ordinary warriors. They could never defeat the Shogun and her forces. Though Kokomi was confident and meticulous, she saw the situation clearly.
If the Raiden Shogun truly wanted to destroy Watatsumi Island, committing the full force of the Shogunate along with her own blade, Watatsumi Island would have no means to resist. The recent string of small victories had made the soldiers overconfident. But as their leader, Kokomi had to remain clear-headed.
If they angered the Raiden Shogun too much, the day she returned to Inazuma would be the end of Watatsumi Island.
After hearing this, Gorou understood. "Lady Sangonomiya, I see now."
...
While Inazuma was in turmoil, at Wangshu Inn in Liyue, Yae Miko, sitting in the corner, told the Raiden Shogun that the light novels had been published in Inazuma.
Hearing this, the Raiden Shogun was slightly annoyed. This fox had done all this without her knowledge.
Yae Miko smiled. "Your Excellency, aren't you worried that the Watatsumi Island resistance will take this opportunity to counterattack? Or even invade Narukami Island? If the Shogunate forces are truly defeated, that would be a real problem."
As she spoke, her mischievous smile never wavered, showing no concern at all.
The Raiden Shogun was equally unconcerned. "The Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island is a clever one. She wouldn't do something so foolish at a time like this."
Yae Miko gave her signature smile. "What if she actually did?"
The Raiden Shogun said calmly, "Then the next strike will fall upon Watatsumi Island."
As she spoke, a faint killing intent emanated from her, sensed by the other gods nearby.
Barbatos jumped. "Your Excellency, who provoked you now? Eh heh, it wasn't this fox, was it?"
For once, Yae Miko was speechless.
Their conversation had been overheard by Makoto. She reminded them, "Watatsumi Island was created by our brother using coral. Before he returns, perhaps we should refrain from acting against Watatsumi Island."
Ei said, "I suppose so."
...
While the audience continued to buzz with discussion, after finishing a story, a system notification sounded in Li Mo's mind.
[Ding! System notification: The story of "Brother Hepuyuan" you told has resonated deeply with the audience.]
[99% of listeners expressed sorrow, 30% shed tears, 10% wept bitterly.]
[System reward: 2000 Storytelling Points.]
[Ding! System notification: Your story has successfully moved the Conqueror of Demons, Xiao, to tears.]
[System reward: Gacha Ticket x1.]
After finishing this life, as with every previous life, he received one gacha ticket.
The next moment, the system prompt sounded in his mind again.
[Use the gacha ticket to draw now?]
Without hesitation, Li Mo said, "Draw now."
The moment he spoke, the familiar giant roulette wheel began to spin. The pointer swept past each precious item.