Chapter 28: There Will Always Be Creatures on the Ground Who Dare to Face the Power of Thunder

A duel before the Shogun.

To ordinary people, a duel before the Shogun might seem like a sacred event.

They would wager everything for a glorious battle.

The winner gains a chance of redemption, while the loser forfeits everything.

Including their life.

In reality, such duels were merely the feudal era's form of entertainment for the Shogun.

A simple promise of honor could make those samurais fight to the death like monkeys before her.

And what she offered was merely a simple promise.

Whether or not she would fulfill it was another matter entirely.

Even if the meaning of duels in Inazuma was different, it didn't change one fact.

This was a brutal farce.

Initially, Bai Luo was attempting to write the second volume of "My Raiden Shogun Can't Be This Cute."

But suddenly, he sensed someone entering his perception range, causing him to pause.

Since arriving in this world, he had marked several individuals.

But the unique aspect of true vision allowed him to identify who this person was.

According to the previous route, he should have reached the vicinity of Nazuchi Beach with Kazuha.

So why was he here?

When Bai Luo sensed the person entering the Tenryou Commission, he understood what was happening.

A Vision holder entering the Tenryou Commission was courting death.

Unless he planned something big.

And that big thing was...

Putting down his pen and paper, Bai Luo called for his subordinate.

"My lord."

The one who entered was the same Fatui agent who had delivered the manuscript.

Since he was efficient, Bai Luo hadn't replaced him.

As for Ah Qi.. he had been taken to the Delusion Factory by Scaramouche.

Even the Mirror Maiden who came with him to Inazuma had gone there.

Now, he was left with some nameless lackeys.

"Go and invite the young wanderer who just came to the Tenryou Commission. Tell him..."

Bai Luo initially wanted to mention his name, but upon reflection, he realized they hadn't exchanged names when they parted.

Hmm... should I go out myself?

"Tell him that a friend from Ritou invites him for a chat."

In the end, Bai Luo didn't go out himself but subtly hinted at their meeting place.

The Fatui subordinate was puzzled and found it strange.

How could the Harbinger know there was a young wanderer outside when he had been inside writing?

But as a subordinate, his job was to carry out the Harbinger's orders without question.

Soon, he returned with a bewildered young wanderer.

The young wanderer had already guessed who was looking for him before entering.

At that time, he only knew Bai Luo's identity as a Fatui, but he hadn't realized Bai Luo held such a high position within the Fatui.

Sitting across from Bai Luo, the young wanderer removed his hat, revealing a shy smile.

The white cat in his arms recognized Bai Luo and had no fondness for the person who appeared and disappeared suddenly.

With its body hiding behind its owner, the cat hissed and pawed at the air, but didn't dare strike Bai Luo directly.

"Long time no see."

Pushing a cup of tea towards the young wanderer, Bai Luo's expression was complicated.

He had initially thought the young wanderer, Kazuha's friend, had challenged Kujou Sara to a duel only after his Vision was confiscated.

Now it seemed... he was willingly walking to his death.

Yes, to his death.

This wasn't a game; this was Teyvat.

Strength wasn't determined by star ratings here.

Even if the young wanderer had the potential of a five-star character, this wasn't a game.

Humans were naturally disadvantaged against youkai.

Kujou Sara, having grown up in a military camp, was far stronger than the average Vision holder.

His actions could only be described as suicidal.

"I thought your words at our parting were mere pleasantries, but I didn't expect..."

The young wanderer glanced at the mask hanging on Bai Luo's waist and couldn't help but sigh.

Given his means, he naturally couldn't uncover Bai Luo's true identity.

But to live near the Tenryou Commission and command such respect from the Fatui, this person's status was likely higher than he had imagined.

"Actually, my offer from last time still stands. If you allow me to intervene, I can help resolve this matter."

If the duel had already begun, Bai Luo would naturally be powerless.

Even La Signora was reduced to ashes by the Raiden Shogun's blade after losing a duel before the Shogun.

How could Bai Luo possibly protect him?

But now was different.

Within his perception range, Kujou Sara was nowhere to be seen.

This meant she hadn't learned about the duel yet.

All he had to do was contact Kujou Takayuki, and it would be easy to cancel the duel before Kujou Sara returned.

Both the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission were in the Fatui's pocket, so resolving this was simple.

The young wanderer initially showed a surprised expression.

Because, after sitting down, he hadn't mentioned the duel.

But considering Bai Luo's ability to sense him nearby and invite him over, he understood.

Perhaps this influential person had some extraordinary abilities.

His gaze fell once more on Bai Luo's Dendro Delusion.

Could this person communicate with plants through the Vision?

Maybe.

Bai Luo's offer was his last chance. If he regretted his decision, he could still back out.

Bai Luo's calm and confident tone showed he could definitely handle it.

However...

"Thank you for your kindness, but I've made my decision and won't change it."

The young wanderer's demeanor had shifted, and he was now displaying respect.

He felt this person deserved his respect.

At least, in his understanding, no one would dare extend a helping hand to him now.

Well... except for Kazuha.

Would he regret it?

After making this decision, he had given himself time to reconsider.

Because he knew that regardless of the duel's outcome, he couldn't escape the Raiden Shogun's blade.

If he lost, he would die.

If he won, even if the Raiden Shogun didn't strike him down in public, she wouldn't let him go easily.

Perhaps the moment he stepped out of Tenshukaku, the Raiden Shogun would strike.

After all, he was trampling on the shogunate's reputation.

No ruler would allow someone like him to live.

After parting ways with Kazuha, he had walked a long way.

And this journey had only strengthened his resolve.

He had witnessed what happened to those whose Visions were confiscated.

Aimless, lifeless, like walking corpses.

Most importantly, they had lost something.

Their wishes.

And their hope.

Even some beautiful things.

At such times, someone had to stand up.

He knew neither his identity nor status could influence the Raiden Shogun's decisions.

But he wanted to show the exalted Narukami Ogosho that there would always be creatures on the ground who dared to face the power of thunder