The middle-aged man removed his hat, dusted off imaginary specks, and chuckled, "I'm merely passing through, wanting to help you develop this land."
"When it flourishes, you'll have me to thank."
The village elder stared at him in disbelief, trembling and unable to speak for a long time.
He claimed to help develop the land, but in reality, he was a robber intent on seizing their property. This was an attempt to cut off their lifeline!
The village had considered seeking help from the Tenryou Commission before. But this merchant was skilled at causing trouble from the shadows, leaving no tangible evidence. They even boasted that even if lives were lost, their Fatui status and a bit of Mora could easily settle any issues.
"You're spouting nonsense! Our village is polluted, our income has plummeted, and you're the one sabotaging us from behind the scenes!" A young man in the crowd, unable to bear it any longer, stepped forward and shouted.
Before he could finish, a towering soldier advanced with oppressive force. The soldier was burly, and beneath his heavy, dark blue armor, a gust of wind seemed to churn. The massive devices covering his arms glowed with a blue light, revealing a terrifying and formidable power.
Fatui, Wind Fist.
The youth exclaimed in terror, "Wh-what are you going to do!"
Wind Fist sneered and suddenly extended his hand. "Shut up!"
Wind Fist lifted the youth entirely with one hand. The weight of an adult was like that of a small chicken in his grip. The youth’s face contorted in pain, "Aren't you... afraid of the Tenryou Commission...!"
Several soldiers exchanged glances and burst into laughter. The Tenryou Commission? Compared to the Fatui, whose influence spanned the continent of Teyvat, they were insignificant. If they were so capable, why hadn't they appeared yet?
The middle-aged man calmly observed the pale-faced villagers. With a single glance, Wind Fist sneered and increased the pressure in his hand.
"Help..."
The youth's face lost all color, on the verge of losing consciousness.
"Clang—"
Just then, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air. The soldier's expression changed, a strong sense of danger prompting him to release the youth and dodge. But it was too late.
A flash of sword light sliced through the air. The soldier instinctively raised his arms to shield himself.
"Clang!"
An instant later, a massive force struck, sparks flying. The soldier staggered back several steps and roared, "Who's there!"
The crowd fell silent, instinctively parting to create a path. A handsome young man emerged from the crowd.
"Outside the city of Inazuma, under the command of Lord Shogun, you dare to coerce the people..." Qin Yu held his uchigatana, his gaze sharp as he looked at the stunned middle-aged man. "Who gave you the audacity?"
The middle-aged man, caught in the cold gaze, felt his blood run cold. This kid genuinely intended to bleed them dry! "Quick, quick, apprehend him!" The Fatui soldiers, faces grim, began to surround Qin Yu.
Qin Yu’s gaze was dismissive, "Heh, this is all you've got." Cowards who preyed on the weak.
"Careful, it's a super rookie from the Tenryou Commission!" The Wind Fist, whom Qin Yu had forced back earlier, recovered and said coldly. That was close! If the equipment on his arms hadn't been sufficiently sturdy, that sword strike might have ended his life.
"..." Qin Yu narrowed his eyes. Without looking, he knew his uchigatana had already developed a crack. Damn it, the standard equipment of the Tenryou Commission was truly of poor quality. At a critical moment, it couldn't even cut through the Fatui Wind Fist's armor! The disparity in combat power between Snezhnaya and Inazuma was evident in this small detail. And... these Fatui knew something about him, why? They even revealed his identity as a rookie from the Tenryou Commission.
Qin Yu thought of many things. Could it be because he had thwarted the assassination attempt on Kamisato Ayaka? Inazuma was in turmoil, and with the Sakoku Decree, hidden currents were surging. Although some changes had occurred, the Vision Hunt Decree had not yet been issued. However, within the Tenryou Commission and the Commission for Establishing Affairs, everyone had their own agenda, waiting. Waiting for the opportune moment to fully implement the Vision Hunt Decree. At that time, war would erupt, and the people would be displaced. And the root of all this was inextricably linked to the Fatui.
"Kid, attacking a citizen of Snezhnaya is a capital offense!" The Fatui Wind Fist slammed his fists together, stirring up a violent gust of wind. A weak Tenryou Commission samurai, your weapon cannot break through Fatui armor. Thinking of this, a cruel smile curved his lips as he strode towards Qin Yu.
"You dare lay a hand on a Tenryou Commission samurai!" Just then, Hiiragi Chihiro squeezed through the crowd and pointed at Wind Fist, indignant.
Qin Yu's expression darkened, "What are you doing coming out here, hurry back!" Although he was surprised by this silly girl's courage to step forward, he had to consider the situation. There was no reasoning with these Fatui who threatened civilians and acted lawlessly!
The Fatui soldiers exchanged glances and burst into laughter. "No way, does Inazuma's samurai need a woman to defend them?" "A kid who hasn't even grown body hair, how capable can he be!" "Go back to your mother's arms and drink milk!"
Hiiragi Chihiro's face flushed red, her whole body trembling, "Shameless scoundrels!" Her naturally gentle disposition couldn't stand to see Xiao Yu being slandered. Seeing the Fatui soldiers about to surround Qin Yu again, Hiiragi Chihiro said coldly, "Afajie!"
The Snezhnayan merchant's face changed, "How do you know my name?" Hiiragi Chihiro took a deep breath, "I've seen your application at the Commission for Establishing Affairs." "I also clearly remember that your factory application has not yet been approved." "You are currently trading land, which is a violation of the laws set by Her Excellency the Shogun!" "Do you want to be blacklisted by Inazuma!"
These few words completely stunned the Fatui. Who was this woman? Qin Yu was surprised in his heart, not expecting this usually gentle girl to step forward. And to say such words, which directly intimidated the merchant.
"Wait a moment, this woman... is the Eldest Daughter of the Commission for Establishing Affairs." Afajie's forehead beaded with cold sweat. If he were blacklisted by the Commission for Establishing Affairs, he would be finished. There were plenty of competing merchants in Snezhnaya who would gladly see him kicked out of Inazuma.
Hiiragi Chihiro pursed her lips, her heart pounding. She recalled the disdain her family had for her. And Xiao Yu's words. "The weaker you are, the more the wicked will escalate." "So, when you encounter injustice, you must learn to slap them on the spot!" Hiiragi Chihiro calmed herself and delivered another blow. "Also, Xiao Yu is a Tenryou Commission Constable, fully qualified to deal with you."
The Fatui soldiers showed a moment of hesitation. They hadn't expected Qin Yu to already be a 'Constable'. Sukka, when did this happen! The informants on the street could relay the results of assassination attempts but couldn't promptly deliver news from within the Commission. Wind Fist's expression was uncertain, and the raised giant arm was about to be lowered. The situation had instantly reversed. He glanced at the Fatui Musket nearby. He was the true captain of this squad. The Musket's eyes flickered, a cold smile forming on his lips. This rising genius of a young man must be eliminated.
Afajie's intention to retreat was evident, and he said guiltily, "A misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding!" Qin Yu felt a slight relief, thinking the situation wouldn't escalate into armed conflict... The next moment, a sense of danger surged.
"Swish—" Without a second thought, Qin Yu turned his head. The fiery projectile whizzed past, a stinging heat grazing his cheek. A moment's hesitation would have meant a shot to the head.
"Murder! Murder!" The surrounding villagers, having never witnessed elemental power, instantly panicked and fled. The musket barrel, still imbued with pyro energy, was aimed at Qin Yu, and the Fatui Musket sneered. "Will you be able to dodge next time?" He had long observed the cracked uchigatana in Qin Yu's hand. Without his sword, what chance did he have of turning the tables?! In terms of equipment, the Fatui army was the best in the world.
Afajie was stunned. "What are you doing, I told you to stop!" "Slap!" A soldier gave him a resounding slap. "Do you really think a mere merchant can give orders? Know your place." Wind Fist growled and then charged at Qin Yu like a storm.
Qin Yu's eyes sharpened, his intent to fight evident. "Heh, it seems you don't intend to let this go." The standard uchigatana was already sheathed; its mediocre quality made it unsuitable for fighting the Fatui's armor. Perhaps only... "High-temperature sterilization!" A dazzling burst of fire arrived instantly as the Musket fired again. Qin Yu was about to dodge, but his movement faltered.
"You can't escape!" Wind Fist unleashed his Anemo power, hindering his movement.
"Boom—" The projectile instantly passed through Qin Yu's body and ignited him. Flames rose and began to spread under the Anemo effect. Wind Fist, grinning, lunged at Qin Yu. He swung a straight punch!
"No! Xiao Yu!" Hiiragi Chihiro rushed towards Qin Yu with all her might, about to shield him. Her usually gentle nature had led her to bravely step forward this time. Facing such a fierce punch, she knew the consequences. She was just an ordinary woman. No one in her family cared about her. The warmth that belonged to her was only Xiao Yu. Even if it only bought him a moment, she wouldn't regret it!
Hiiragi Chihiro thought of many things until she heard a soft sigh by her ear. "Silly girl, you're still like this, ever since you were little." "So foolish, it's almost cute." Qin Yu embraced her slender waist, pulling her protectively behind him. Scorched by the spreading flames, Qin Yu's face was smudged with ash, but his features remained handsome. Facing the approaching storm, Qin Yu raised his right fist. Within the calm lay a turbulent power.
[Character Elemental Skill: Reluctant Sword.] [When a transformative reaction is triggered on the field, gain 1 stack of Accumulation, which can trigger at most once every 0.1 seconds.] Qin Yu had intentionally taken the hit from the Musket earlier. And using the transformative reaction, he had achieved maximum stacks.
[Talent: Fist of Reckoning.] [When possessing maximum Accumulation stacks, it will generate the 'Justification' effect, further increasing damage dealt and expanding its area of effect.] Qin Yu's lips curved into a similarly cruel arc. Competing in fist strength? You've never seen a dark hand!
Wind Fist sneered, "Foolish. Do you think your bare fists can contend with my mighty arms?" Even swords couldn't cut him, what can one punch of yours do!
The next moment—
"Boom!" A terrifying shockwave erupted with a deafening roar, and a dark silhouette was sent flying. Everyone's eyes instinctively followed, only to see Wind Fist contorted and embedded in a deep pit, his fate unknown. Looking at Wind Fist's proud, sturdy armor that even swords couldn't pierce, it had long since shattered into pieces! With a single punch, Qin Yu had incapacitated Wind Fist. The Fatui cried out in disbelief, "This is impossible!"
As the dust settled, the composed young man appeared. "Fatui, is this all you've got?"