"Miss Kokomi," Lumine stepped forward and handed over the Bloodbranch Coral. "The issue in Enkanomiya has been resolved by Akio. Here's the Bloodbranch Coral. Please take a look."
"It's the Bloodbranch Coral! Thank you, Miss Lumine," Sangonomiya Kokomi said gratefully.
"You shouldn't thank me," Lumine shook her head. "It was mainly Akio who resolved the crisis in Enkanomiya, and Sister Himeko who dealt with the monsters guarding the Bloodbranch Coral. I just had the chance to retrieve it."
"Thank you, Great Divine Sovereign, and thank you… Miss Himeko," Kokomi said with sincere eyes.
"Mm, just remember that Watatsumi Island is part of Inazuma. Live peacefully and don't overthink things," Akio said. "You don't need to worry too much."
"Watatsumi Island's political affairs will still be entirely under the control of the Sangonomiya Shrine. You'll continue to manage all matters, including diplomacy. However, I won't allow you to maintain an independent military," Akio said. "Disband the Resistance. I'll allow you to have a security force, but no army."
"We understand," Kokomi nodded with difficulty. No independent military… sigh…
"Lumine, Paimon, what are your plans next?" Akio turned to Lumine and asked. "The Divine Coronation Ceremony is less than a month away. How about continuing your journey after the ceremony?"
"Mm, that's what we were planning," Paimon said. "We'll leave Inazuma after your Divine Coronation Ceremony."
"We're planning to travel around Inazuma before the ceremony," Lumine said. "So we won't be heading to Inazuma City with you for now."
"That's fine. Seeing the scenery along the way will help you understand the meaning of your journey," Akio nodded. "Be safe on the road."
"Alright," Lumine nodded and left with Paimon in another direction.
Akio watched their departing figures and flicked his finger. A trace of spatial energy silently entered Lumine and Paimon's bodies.
"What was that?" Murata Himeko asked curiously.
"Just a bit of my spatial energy. Lumine's quite reckless, so this energy can protect her from danger once. I can also sense her location," Akio explained with a smile.
"You care so much about her. Why not keep her by your side?" Himeko teased.
"Lumine's different. She has her own mission and responsibilities," Akio smiled. "Let's head back to Inazuma, shall I? I'll introduce you to the others."
"Alright," Himeko nodded, looking forward to seeing the sights of a new nation.
Akio nodded, picked up Himeko, and soared into the sky.
Meanwhile, Kokomi stood silently, staring at the Bloodbranch Coral in her hand…
---
In Liyue, the Liyue Qixing were holding a meeting about the Divine Coronation Ceremony of the Great Divine Sovereign of Inazuma. All six nations would be sending delegations to Inazuma.
"Let's decide who will lead the delegation to Inazuma," Ningguang said, looking at the group. Since Rex Lapis and the Adepti no longer appeared in public, the Qixing were the highest authority in Liyue, so one of them would naturally lead the delegation.
"I'll go," Keqing said without hesitation. She missed Akio terribly!
"I think the Yuheng Star is a good choice," Kaiyang nodded. He had heard that Keqing and Akio were friends.
"Agreed!" The other Qixing members nodded in unison.
"Alright," Ningguang nodded, giving Keqing a slightly teasing look. "I'll also go. The matters of diplomacy with Inazuma need to be handled by me."
Keqing glared at Ningguang. She knew this woman just wanted to use this opportunity to get closer to Akio!
"That's fine," the other Qixing members nodded. After all, it was the Divine Coronation Ceremony. Having two Qixing members attend would show their respect.
"Then it's settled. Keqing and I will go," Ningguang nodded.
"Um…" Ganyu, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly spoke up. "Can I go too?"
Ganyu had been feeling out of place in Liyue lately. After the passing of Rex Lapis, she felt that her contract with the Geo Archon and Liyue had… well, she was feeling very lost and wanted to escape for a while.
With the Divine Coronation Ceremony in Inazuma, Ganyu wanted to take a break and visit Yae Miko, whom she hadn't seen in years.
"That's fine. Ganyu can also ensure our safety," Ningguang smiled, noticing Ganyu's recent emotional turmoil. It would be good for her to take a break.
"Next, let's discuss what national gift we should prepare for the Great Divine Sovereign," Ningguang said. "Any ideas?"
"This isn't just ordinary diplomacy. The gift must be of great value," Keqing said. "My suggestion is to offer Mist Veiled Primo Elixir as the primary gift, accompanied by other precious items."
"Mist Veiled Primo Elixir?!" Everyone stared at Keqing in shock.
This was a golden elixir passed down by Rex Lapis himself! It was one of Liyue's most treasured artifacts, with only two in existence. It could be considered a national treasure!
It was said that a single elixir could imbue an ordinary weapon with the power of a divine artifact. Now that Rex Lapis was gone, these elixirs were irreplaceable!
Even during Rex Lapis's time, only two had been created in over 3,000 years of Liyue's history.
Ningguang glanced at Keqing. What a spendthrift! Giving away something like this was outrageous.
However, Ningguang also spoke up. "Although the Mist Veiled Primo Elixir is a national treasure, if it can secure the goodwill of a god, it's well worth it."
Seeing Ningguang agree, the other Qixing members nodded, no longer objecting.
Soon, the Liyue Qixing finalized their plans. They decided to set sail for Inazuma in two days.
After the meeting, Ningguang and Keqing walked side by side. Keqing looked at Ningguang with satisfaction. "You're quite understanding, Ningguang."
Ningguang smiled. "My intentions haven't changed, but I'm not wrong either. A single elixir in exchange for Lord Akio's friendship with Liyue is more than worth it."
"By the way, Keqing, I've recently obtained some unique ores. I plan to give them to Lord Akio privately," Ningguang said.
"Oh? Unique ores?" Keqing asked curiously.
"This," Ningguang took out a beautiful blue-purple ore from her Vision. The ore itself was of extremely high clarity, with a vibrant color. Inside, it seemed to have a light source, presenting a translucent and stunning blue-purple hue, reminiscent of the sky at dusk—deep and radiant.
"It's an extremely rare gem, only occasionally found in the Chasm. I've looked into it, and in the past few hundred years, only about a dozen of this quality have appeared, most of which have been lost," Ningguang explained.
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