Following Mingyun, Ren Kai entered a restaurant. Mingyun enthusiastically ordered a full table of dishes, and the two of them began eating at a relaxed pace. Gradually, Mingyun regained the confidence of a seasoned merchant.
"Mr. Ban, may I address you that way?"
Mingyun wore a confident smile.
Since this man was about to become an advisor to his guild, that meant he was one of their own. With his keen observation, Mingyun felt that although Uchiha Madara appeared cold on the surface, he didn't resemble the kind of ronin who lived only to rob and plunder.
"That's fine."
Ren Kai set down his chopsticks when he spoke, maintaining proper table manners.
Although he was starving, he couldn't embarrass Madara's image. Besides, the food here was incredibly delicious—far better than the takeout he used to eat.
"As for your salary, I'd like to witness your strength first before deciding."
"However, I can promise that the escort fee for this shipment will not be less than two hundred thousand Mora."
Mingyun spoke after careful thought.
Internally, he planned to assess the situation first. If this Mr Ban was merely putting on a show, it could endanger the entire guild—especially with the current risks.
"That's only natural. My strength will certainly satisfy you. Rest assured."
Ren Kai's tone softened slightly. It was no longer as icy as before.
After all, the man in front of him was the sponsor.
Two hundred thousand Mora was no small amount.
And after such a wonderful meal, Ren Kai's heart had already been won over.
Not to mention… this was practically Xingqiu's ancestor.
For the sake of the "second young master," he had to keep the man safe.
"Haha, your confidence puts me at ease, Mr. Ban."
"I'll use tea in place of wine and toast to you."
Mingyun raised his teacup with a smile.
"You're too kind, Young Master Mingyun. I look forward to working together."
Ren Kai lifted his wine cup in return.
Merchants who loved business rarely loved alcohol—it seemed that tradition still held true.
Then, under Mingyun's astonished gaze, Ren Kai finished every dish on the table.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Young Master Mingyun."
"May I ask when we plan to depart?"
Ren Kai had eaten a bit too much and felt slightly embarrassed, so he quickly changed the subject.
"I'll settle the bill first."
"After that, we'll head to the guild's ship."
"Before departure, I'd like you to spar with my guard captain, Mr. Ban. What do you think?"
Mingyun analyzed the situation carefully.
If Mr. Ban truly possessed enough strength to escort the goods safely, they could depart early and return to Liyue.
"That's acceptable."
Ren Kai nodded.
It was a perfectly reasonable arrangement.
Soon, Mingyun led Ren Kai out of the restaurant and toward the bustling harbor.
More than a dozen merchant ships were docked there, while hundreds of workers transported cargo back and forth.
Around the perimeter, dozens of members from the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission were busy supervising operations.
"Hm? Why is Young Master Mingyun walking with a ronin?"
A middle-aged man directing workers paused and looked toward the dock, falling into deep thought.
Meanwhile, the Tenryou Commission guards at the harbor also noticed Ren Kai and Mingyun.
They immediately grew vigilant.
Madara's overwhelming presence was intimidating to anyone who saw him. Although they didn't raise their weapons, their expressions made it clear they regarded him like a potential criminal.
Just as Mingyun was about to explain—
"Do not obstruct this samurai."
"He is a friend of Lady Kitsune Saiguu."
The captain Ren Kai had encountered earlier rushed over.
After Ren Kai left, the captain had carefully considered the matter and decided to report it to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
He had worried that the sword might have been stolen.
However, the response he received from Kitsune Saiguu was brief:
"This is a friend of mine. Do not offend him."
So the captain had hurried straight to the harbor.
"Understood."
"Please proceed, samurai."
The guards immediately stepped aside.
"…."
Ren Kai was speechless.
Were samurai really that disliked?
He had to rely on a sword just to get basic respect.
Mingyun, however, was a worldly man.
Although shocked, he hid it well and carefully studied the man beside him.
"Mr. Ban, you actually know Lady Kitsune Saiguu?"
"She is the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine and the Raiden Shogun's right-hand aide."
Once they entered the harbor, Mingyun couldn't hold back his curiosity.
"We've only met once."
Ren Kai had no interest in fame.
Fortunately, he would soon be leaving for Liyue. Staying in Inazuma under Kitsune Saiguu's watchful eyes made him extremely uncomfortable.
"Mr. Ban is far too modest."
"In that case, please treat my earlier suggestion about sparring as a joke. I hope you won't take offense."
Mingyun now firmly believed Mr Ban was no ordinary warrior.
He must be some hidden master living in seclusion.
What incredible luck for the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
"Just follow your arrangements, Young Master Mingyun."
"I'm your guest, after all."
Ren Kai hadn't expected that a simple misunderstanding would earn him Mingyun's trust.
It seemed knowing famous people really helped when integrating into Teyvat.
Back when he played as the Traveler, he had relied on many identities to roam the world freely:
The Honorary Knight of Mondstadt.
The Hero of Liyue.
The "Swordfish II Captain" of Inazuma.
And later, the youngest Sage in Sumeru.
Now, Uchiha Madara had gained his first identity in this world—
A friend of Kitsune Saiguu.
He couldn't help feeling excited.
There were still many nations in Teyvat that hadn't even opened yet.
Now he could explore them freely.
Together, Mingyun and Ren Kai walked toward the Feiyun Commerce Guild's merchant ship.
Less than three minutes later, Mingyun's expression turned puzzled as they arrived before a vessel.
No one was standing on the dock below.
From their angle, they couldn't see what was happening on the deck.
Before Mingyun could call out—
A figure suddenly lunged at Ren Kai with a sword.
"Stop!"
Mingyun recognized the attacker instantly.
It was his own guard captain.
Clearly… they had misunderstood the situation.
"The only person who can successfully ambush Uchiha Madara is Senju Hashirama."
"You're still too green."
In an instant, Ren Kai used the Body Flicker Technique and appeared behind the attacker.
He kicked the man hard.
The guard captain flew straight into the water.
At that moment, several men jumped down from the ship with weapons drawn, quickly positioning themselves in front of Mingyun.
"Don't even think about taking our young master hostage!"
The middle-aged man and several guards stared fiercely at Ren Kai.
Ren Kai rubbed his forehead helplessly.
Where did this group of paranoia patients come from?
Couldn't they see he had been chatting happily with their young master?
"Uncle Fu, please put your weapons down."
"This samurai is the advisor I personally invited."
Mingyun hurried forward and pushed Uncle Fu's weapon aside.
Inside, he was almost collapsing.
If Ren Kai truly intended to take him hostage… none of them would even have time to react.
"But he's a ronin, young master!"
Uncle Fu looked utterly confused.
This man clearly looked like a wandering samurai.
Why would the young master hire someone like that as an advisor?
Had he been deceived?
After all, more than half of the guild's guards had been severely injured by ronin attacks during this journey.
Two of them had even died.
That grudge couldn't simply be forgotten.
The other guards also glared at Ren Kai angrily.
"Ahem…!"
At that moment, the guard captain finally climbed out of the water.
After swallowing several mouthfuls of seawater, he coughed violently the moment he reached the shore.