"This is..."
The soldiers watched in amazement as their wounds healed before their eyes. They kept touching the spots where their injuries had been, confirming that they were completely healed, and their sorrow turned to joy.
"The Immortal Phoenix is merciful!" "Thank you, Immortal Phoenix!" "Immortal Phoenix..."
Yun Fan responded to their gratitude with a sincere smile. Being worshipped like this wasn't so bad after all.
'That power just now didn't seem like the healing power Lady Sangonomiya possesses. What was it? Some unique adeptal art from Liyue?' Gorou rubbed his chin, deep in thought. He was certain that the power Yun Fan had used wasn't ordinary elemental energy.
'The power of the Path of Causality is indeed useful, but the consumption is a bit too high,' Yun Fan clenched his fist, feeling the depletion of his energy. After a while, he shook his head regretfully.
He had just used the power of causality to erase Scaramouche's attack. Without the 'cause' of the attack, there could be no 'effect' of injury, which was why the soldiers' bodies had returned to their pre-battle state.
However, that single act had consumed nearly one-twentieth of Yun Fan's energy. Altering causality was indeed a taboo. He had only erased the cause of Scaramouche's attack and the injuries of some ordinary soldiers. Currently, Yun Fan's strength was at the level of a divine familiar, yet he was on par with the Heavenly Principles. The gap between them was immense.
If he were to try to erase the causality of a god-level being, it might drain him completely.
"The consumption is truly terrifying..."
As Yun Fan pondered this, Sangonomiya Kokomi, who had just parted ways with him, suddenly returned and approached him.
"Yun Fan, the Shogunate has sent envoys. You'll need to meet with them," Kokomi whispered in Yun Fan's ear, her warm breath making his heart flutter slightly.
"They're here already? It seems the Shogunate's efficiency isn't as bad as the rumors say," Yun Fan's lips curled into a smile, and he waved his hand. "Let's go, my dear Kokomi maid."
"Um, could you not call me that in public? It's a bit embarrassing..." Kokomi's cheeks flushed slightly. She felt shy recalling how she had offered herself as collateral, and Yun Fan had taken her in as a maid.
At first, the reclusive strategist had struggled with her new role, often making mistakes. But none of that mattered as long as she was pleasing to the eye and kept Yun Fan in a good mood.
"Of course, I'll only call you that in private. Now, stop being shy and take me to meet the Shogunate's delegation."
...
In the reception hall of Sangonomiya Shrine...
Tap, tap, tap...
The sound of wooden sandals clacking against the floor echoed incessantly, sometimes fast, sometimes slow.
On the left side of the reception hall, Thoma, the number one housekeeper of Inazuma, sat expressionlessly, watching the beautiful girl pacing back and forth in front of him. His eyes were filled with helplessness.
"Sigh, my lady, why don't you take a seat and rest? Pacing around like this won't achieve anything," Thoma sighed. His lady had always been known for her grace and composure, but today, she seemed like a completely different person, restless and uneasy.
Thoma knew the risks of this mission, but what was destined to happen would happen. Since they were already here, they should accept it calmly and think of a solution. Pacing around aimlessly wouldn't help.
"Thoma, do you know? I wasn't supposed to be the one to invite the Immortal Phoenix and the Divine Priestess to Watatsumi Island. Lady Yae specifically requested that I come," Ayaka opened her fan, hiding her bitter smile.
"Why is that?" Thoma frowned. As far as he knew, neither his lady nor the head of the Kamisato Clan had offended Lady Yae. Why would she specifically ask his lady to undertake such a dangerous task?
As the saying goes, envoys are not killed during wartime, but this was the resistance army. They couldn't be judged by normal standards. Moreover, there was the enigmatic Immortal Phoenix. If the other party decided to act dishonorably and detain the Shogunate's envoys, they might become prisoners of war.
And his lady was so beautiful, renowned throughout Inazuma as the Shirasagi Himegimi. What if... No, he couldn't bear to think about it.
"My lady, perhaps we should just..."
"Hey, isn't that Brother Thoma?" Just as Thoma was about to suggest something, a familiar voice reached his and Ayaka's ears.
"That voice..." Thoma narrowed his eyes slightly, then turned toward the source of the sound. Ayaka also turned her head, following Thoma's gaze.
What they saw was a handsome silver-haired youth dressed in traditional Liyue attire. His long, flowing silver hair was tied up high, cascading down his back.
He was smiling warmly at them, his expression as bright as the sun.
"Brother Yun Fan?! Haha, I never expected to see you here!" Thoma exclaimed in delight, quickly stepping forward to shake Yun Fan's hand vigorously.
Honestly, he hadn't expected to run into Yun Fan here. This Liyue merchant was truly extraordinary! To have business dealings on Watatsumi Island and even appear here meant he must have gained considerable influence.
Of course, brotherhood aside, Thoma hadn't forgotten about his lady. He pulled Yun Fan forward a few steps, bringing him to Ayaka.
"Brother Yun Fan, let me introduce you. This is..."