"Sigh, this is such a headache..." Kokomi sighed helplessly. "Gorou, come with me to pay a visit to the Immortal Phoenix. I've heard that the adepti of Liyue are skilled in divination. Surely, he will give us a proper explanation."
...
"The celestial phenomenon last night? There's no need to worry about it." Yun Fan flipped his fingers in a few intricate gestures, pondered for a moment, and then smiled as he spoke, under the curious gazes of Gorou and Kokomi.
"Yun Fan, was that the divination technique of the Liyue adepti?" Kokomi asked, her excitement resembling that of a child who had just discovered a beloved toy.
"Indeed." Yun Fan nodded with a light smile. "I performed a quick divination and found that the celestial phenomenon last night was caused by a natural shift in the heavens and earth. That spectacle wasn't limited to Inazuma; it could be seen by everyone across Teyvat. Such changes occur every few thousand years. It's a natural phenomenon, so there's no need to worry excessively."
"Is that so? I understand." Kokomi nodded, her expression one of sudden realization, followed by a long silence.
Yun Fan, meanwhile, calmly sipped his tea, quietly waiting for her response. He had already spent two days on Watatsumi Island and would soon be leaving.
The time for Kokomi to make her decision was running out.
After a long silence, the "ornamental fish" finally spoke. "Gorou, you may leave now." Kokomi waved her hand, signaling for Gorou to step out.
"Yes, Lady Sangonomiya." Knowing what Kokomi was about to do, Gorou clenched his teeth, bowed respectfully, and then left the room.
After Gorou left, Kokomi seemed to relax slightly, turning to the silver-haired young man at the table with a serious expression.
"Mr. Yun Fan, we wish to seek your help. Please assist Watatsumi Island in opposing the Shogunate and the Raiden Shogun." The "ornamental fish" bowed deeply, her posture humble. She was well aware of the immense power of the man before her. Even if all of Watatsumi Island were to rise up in arms, they might not be a match for this Immortal Phoenix. To gain his assistance, she knew she must show the utmost respect.
"So, this is your final decision? I understand." The silver-haired young man nodded indifferently. "In that case, let me see what Watatsumi Island can offer on the other side of the scale."
"Please take a look." Kokomi took out a list from her pocket and respectfully handed it to Yun Fan. He accepted it with a look of surprise, his rough fingers gently brushing over the smooth paper, feeling the residual warmth.
She doesn't look that big, yet she can hide something like this? How fascinating.
"Ahem, Mr. Yun Fan, perhaps you could take a look at this list first?" Kokomi coughed lightly, slightly embarrassed as she noticed Yun Fan's small actions.
"Mm." Yun Fan nodded slightly. He wouldn't let such a trivial matter unsettle him. The "Immortal Phoenix" calmly opened the list, squinting slightly as he carefully read through it.
"Ten thousand coral pearls, secret techniques from Enkanomiya, the sovereignty of Watatsumi Island..." Yun Fan frowned slightly. "Lady Sangonomiya, could you explain to me what this so-called sovereignty entails?"
Here it comes! The "ornamental fish" clenched her stockings, her heart growing tense.
"The so-called sovereignty means that Watatsumi Island would nominally fall under your command, but..." Before Kokomi could finish, Yun Fan interrupted.
"But the actual governance would still remain in your hands, and I would have no authority to intervene. In other words, it's a case of nominal rule without actual control, correct?" Yun Fan said with a faint smile.
"That is correct." Kokomi nodded, her heart pounding as she avoided meeting the silver-haired young man's gaze.
"Forgive my bluntness, Lady Kokomi, but Watatsumi Island's sincerity seems somewhat lacking." Yun Fan casually tossed the list onto the table, shaking his head indifferently.
"I have one more offer..." Kokomi clutched the necklace at her chest, her lips pursed in determination.
"I am willing to offer myself as a bargaining chip. Please protect the people of Watatsumi Island!"
...
"Sister Griseo, where are we going?" Nahida scratched her head, puzzled, as she asked the blue-haired girl walking ahead of her.
"To participate in a competition." Griseo replied calmly, though a flicker of excitement could be seen in her light purple eyes.
"A competition?"
"Yes, the Crux Clash."
"...???"
Nahida was momentarily stunned. A martial arts competition? But she wasn't particularly skilled in combat. If it were a battle against other gods, she might as well give up now. And Sister Griseo herself didn't seem like someone who was particularly adept at fighting either.
Seeing Nahida's expression, Griseo seemed to understand her thoughts. She reached out and gently stroked Nahida's silver hair.
"It's just an ordinary competition among mortals, not a battle between gods."
"That's a relief." Nahida sighed, feeling a hint of anticipation. While she might not be a match for powerful gods, dealing with a few martial artists or Vision holders would be easy. Although she didn't understand why Griseo wanted to participate in such a competition, she trusted her sister. Griseo must have her reasons.
After leaving Liyue Harbor, Nahida and Griseo used their divine powers to quicken their pace. In just half an hour, they arrived at the venue for the Crux Clash.
"Little girls, are you here to watch the competition? Where are your parents?" A woman, seeing Griseo and Nahida looking around, approached with a smile. She was Ginkgo, the ship's doctor of the Crux Fleet and the host of the Crux Clash.
"Hello, sister." Griseo greeted politely.
"Hehe, hello, little one. My name is Ginkgo. You can call me Sister Ginkgo." Ginkgo chuckled, thinking to herself how adorable these two little girls were. She really wanted to take them home and keep them! Of course, if she actually did that, Captain Beidou would probably throw her off the ship.
"Sister Ginkgo, Griseo and I came here on our own. We want to participate in the Crux Clash."
"Huh?"