Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue.

"Indeed, thanks to you, my lord, I've been officially promoted. I'm now responsible for handling communications regarding your affairs."

Takahashi Haruto smiled. "My uncle even took me out for a feast yesterday, saying how wise it was to assign me to this task with you."

"You didn't tell your uncle about our arrangement, did you?"

"No, I kept it to myself. On one hand, I'm thinking of his future, and on the other, I'm considering our own operations. If my uncle were to get involved rashly, it might lead to unnecessary scrutiny or even a breach of confidentiality."

"You've thought this through quite well."

Confidentiality wasn't something Gu Sanqiu was concerned about. After all, even Haruto wasn't privy to his full plans, so the notion of a leak was laughable.

"By the way, there's something I need to discuss with you."

"Please, go ahead, my lord."

Haruto straightened his posture, his expression serious.

"I heard that the Tenryou Commission is currently clearing out the bandits and wanderers in the wilderness. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that's right. They've been conducting these operations for a while now. However, I haven't delved into the details since looking too closely at such matters would only bring trouble upon myself."

"Do you have any acquaintances or connections involved who need a heads-up?"

"No, that won't be necessary."

Gu Sanqiu shook his head. "I just wanted to give you a suggestion. Once you return, propose establishing a registration system for wandering samurai."

"A system to document where they were found and where they're relocated. It should be comprehensive, so that if problems arise later, the records can be reviewed."

"That's an excellent idea."

Haruto's eyes lit up. "They've indeed been recording some information, but it's scattered and inconsistent—nothing like an organized registry."

"The reason I want you to propose this is simple: doing so will likely increase your standing. It'll boost your value in their eyes, leading to better promotions or benefits."

Gu Sanqiu spoke slowly. "And all you need to do is periodically bring me a copy of that list."

"Understood. I'll take care of it."

Haruto didn't ask for specifics—there was no need.

"Go ahead. Don't worry about being suspected for associating with me. This is a perfectly reasonable interaction. As long as you don't expose any flaws, the spies watching you won't raise any alarms."

Haruto felt a chill. "Spies watching me?"

"Of course. Do you think they'd let a newly promoted temp worker monitor me without some precautions? If you were to be turned by me too easily, it could be detrimental to the Tenryou Commission."

Gu Sanqiu added, "But don't worry. At least in this room, those spies wouldn't dare approach. They're also afraid of provoking me while I'm still relatively calm."

"Thank you for the warning, my lord. I'll take my leave now."

"Mm. If there's nothing urgent, don't come looking for me."

"Understood."

Gu Sanqiu sat cross-legged on the floor, taking a deep breath to suppress the inexplicable restlessness bubbling inside him.

Stay calm, stay calm. I'm already in a weak enough position. If I make any mistakes now, there'll be nothing left to salvage.

If things went south, he could reveal his identity and perhaps survive, but Kazuha and his friend wouldn't have a chance.

Getting impatient would do nothing but invite trouble and create openings for mishaps.

"Tsk. Why on earth did I get myself involved in this mess?"

Gu Sanqiu rubbed his chin. For the thrill?

Of course not.

To admire Kazuha's physique?

Nonsense—I'm a man.

Then what was it all for?

"Maybe… just for the fun of it."

A smile spread across his face. "After all, for the one who safeguards eternity with unchanging laws, I find that reclusive woman quite fascinating."

"And besides, my friend's sacrifice of his life to fate allowed Kazuha to block that radiant strike that cleaved the skies. Without that, would Kazuha have been able to explode with such power? I'm very curious about this."

If fate changes but the heart still holds a bond, can you continue forward unyielding, stirring a tempest of freedom on the breeze, to block the supreme blade with raging lightning?

"Or perhaps, if I wanted to stir the pot a bit more, could I even provoke two deities into a fight?"

"Hmm, better not. It's a special time right now, and that kind of move would be inadvisable."

"Boss!"

Arataki Itto leapt over the maze wall, cutting a shortcut straight to the rear of the dojo.

"There's a blonde guy outside looking for you. Says he's from the Yashiro Commission. Should I bring him in?"

"Yashiro Commission?"

Gu Sanqiu frowned. "A blonde guy… fine, let him in."

"You got it!"

"Ryukai-sama," the visitor said as he stepped forward. "Thoma, housekeeper of the Kamisato Clan, greets you."

So it's this guy.

For the Kamisato Clan to send out this Inazuman "fixer," it seemed they were placing significant importance on him.

I wasn't planning to associate with them, yet they've come to me on their own?

"What brings you here, Thoma?"

Gu Sanqiu shot a glance at Itto, who nodded and returned to his post as a makeshift gatekeeper.

"I heard from the Tenryou Commission that you recently acquired a copy of The Essentials of Kamisato Swordsmanship," Thoma said with a cheerful smile. "Our Kamisato Clan has always valued strength, so I've come to present you with some additional notes on Kamisato swordsmanship."

"In Liyue, we have a saying: 'One should not accept rewards without merit.' Please, state your true purpose."

Straightforward. A true samurai's temperament.

Thoma silently assessed Gu Sanqiu's demeanor. For those accustomed to the intricacies of politics, individuals like him were the hardest to approach.

But for someone like Thoma, who specialized in navigating diverse circles, engaging with such personalities was second nature.

"To be direct," Thoma said, "the Yashiro Commission seeks to recruit you, Ryukai-sama. We're willing to offer a generous price."

"Frankly, we value your strength. Since this is our first meeting, there's no personal connection yet. Therefore, we hope to reach an agreement through mutual benefit."

"Notes on swordsmanship? That alone isn't enough. You're aware of the Tenryou Commission's stance toward me. Recruiting me now isn't exactly a wise move."

"You needn't worry about that," Thoma replied with his ever-present smile. "The Yashiro Commission and the Tenryou Commission already have their disagreements. Adding this to the list would be a minor issue."

"As for rewards, beyond the swordsmanship notes, the Kamisato Clan is prepared to grant you access to most of our internal affairs."

"The Kamisato Clan?"

"Indeed."

Thoma produced an intricately crafted folding fan.

"This is a token from Lady Kamisato Ayaka herself. Let this serve as proof of our sincerity."