Half an hour later, Kokomi, her face flushed, left the secluded cabin with Byakuya.
They each headed to the hot springs to soothe the fatigue of their bodies and minds.
"Dinner! Dinner! Guoba, you go over there..."
Byakuya and the others, who were soaking in the hot springs with their eyes closed, suddenly heard Xiangling's call from outside not long after.
The next second, Guoba, holding a cup of some unknown beverage, walked into the men's bath area, drinking with great relish. He waved his free hand non-stop, urging the few of them to hurry and eat, as today's feast was delicious!
When everyone rushed over to see, they almost dropped their jaws. Xiangling had prepared over twenty dishes in just one morning, as if she had used a shadow clone. And each dish was a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.
After tasting them, Byakuya and the others applauded enthusiastically.
Byakuya, who had been tasting Xiangling's cooking, knew that her culinary skills had improved significantly, taking another big step towards revolutionizing Liyue's culinary world.
Ei and Kamisato Ayaka, who were trying Liyue-style dishes for the first time, immediately had their eyes light up. They quietly approached Xiangling and asked if they could learn a few tricks, planning to cook for Byakuya in the future.
Facing the two eager learners, Xiangling readily agreed, planning to teach them some simple and easy-to-learn Liyue dishes later.
At this moment, seeing everyone engrossed in the delicious food, Xiangling was filled with pride and joy, completely unaware of how difficult the task she had agreed to was.
After the banquet, everyone gathered in small groups, either drinking tea, chatting, doing handicrafts, or learning Liyue cuisine...
Under the clear blue sky, white clouds drifted leisurely, the grass was lush and green, and a gentle breeze blew. There were no noisy sounds to disturb their ears, nor official documents to wear them down.
Yuanbao, Klee, Qiqi, and Sayu, the four little ones, chased a flock of plump rabbits across the grassland.
Albedo took out his sketching tools and vividly depicted the joyful scene.
...
As evening approached, the party ended. Although this hot spring party didn't have any particularly exciting activities, it was characterized by its comfort and leisure.
Most of the people present were not ordinary individuals and had busy schedules. It was rare for them to take time off to relax without any worries.
Considering this, Byakuya had temporarily canceled the remaining activities, allowing everyone to enjoy this rare moment of tranquility without pressure.
Judging by everyone's reactions, Byakuya's choice was correct. Everyone loved this unrestrained and pressure-free lifestyle.
After they dispersed, Byakuya accompanied Kokomi to Watatsumi Island to investigate the matter of "Sanctification."
To better understand the chain of events, Kokomi chose to go to the library to find some notes on "Sanctification" recorded by her ancestors. During this time, Kokomi suggested that Byakuya find a shrine maiden named Riko to get a brief understanding of the current situation.
"Captain Byakuya, hello, my name is Riko, and I am a shrine maiden of Sangonomiya. Are you here to help?"
On a cliff edge, Byakuya found Riko, the shrine maiden, gazing at the scenery below.
"Hmm? How did you know?"
Byakuya was stunned. He had only decided today to help Watatsumi Island solve the "Sanctification" crisis. Only Kokomi and Gorou knew about it, and he definitely hadn't told anyone else. So how did this shrine maiden Riko know?
"Haha, I made a wish before. According to the fortune slip, the troubles and worries that plague me will surely be resolved with someone's help. It seems, Captain Byakuya, that you are my destined benefactor?"
Shrine maiden Riko chuckled. She knew that with such a major issue happening on Watatsumi Island, Captain Byakuya would definitely not stand idly by.
As for the fortune slip, she made it up on the spot.
After all, being a shrine maiden, being eloquent was the most basic professional skill.
"Whether I am a benefactor or not, I don't know, but I am indeed here to help. Tell me about Watatsumi Island's 'Sanctification' matter?"
This Riko is something else, Byakuya nodded and admitted that he was here to help.
"Alright, Captain Byakuya, look. The deep abyss directly opposite Sangonomiya is the entrance to the 'Enkanomiya,' which is also said to be the origin of the people of Watatsumi. In ancient times, there was a saying about 'Watatsumi beauties,' and it was said that the people of Watatsumi had delicate skin that could make seven kinds of blemishes less noticeable. The origin of this saying is because our ancestors did not receive sunlight in Enkanomiya..."
"Ahem, Riko, I'm not here to ask you for beauty tips. Let's talk about important matters!"
Byakuya sighed. This Riko's path was too wild, almost leading him astray.
"Ah, I apologize. In the past, during peaceful times, I often served as a guide, introducing travelers to the customs and traditions of Watatsumi Island. I accidentally got carried away... Ahem, let's get to the point. To commemorate the Great God of Watatsumi and our ancestors, we traditionally sink offerings into Enkanomiya."
"Our ancestors originated from the 'Kingdom of the Sunken Moon,' surviving precariously under the sharp claws of the Primordial Serpent with the meager light recorded in ancient texts. Until thousands of years ago, the Great God of Watatsumi descended, defeated the Primordial Serpent, and finally led us back to the surface to establish Sangonomiya, with Watatsumi Island beneath our feet as our new homeland. The 'Kingdom of the Sunken Moon' beneath the sea was henceforth called 'Enkanomiya,' corresponding to the Sangonomiya above the sea..."
"Of course, legends are just legends. Just as the Archon Conquest Theory of the Narukami people is to the Shogunate army, the theme of sacrifice and remembrance is also one of our weapons for self-defense... Ahem, sorry, I'm off track again. Nowadays, the problem of 'Sanctification' on Watatsumi Island is becoming increasingly severe..."
Riko apologized as she noticed Captain Byakuya yawn. She had inadvertently rambled on again.
"Just as the human heart and water always flow downwards, the 'spirit' of Watatsumi Island is attracted to the depths of Enkanomiya, so the land gradually turns white, which is 'Sanctification.' If this continues, Watatsumi Island will one day become a pale desert like the moonlight..."
"According to traditional teachings, every few hundred years, when the spiritual脉 flows appropriately, the barrier that separates Enkanomiya and Sangonomiya must be removed. We must infiltrate Enkanomiya and retrieve a coral branch left by the Great God to suppress the Primordial Serpent. By using the jade branch to perform the Watatsumi Imperial Spirit Festival, the sunken 'spirit' can be returned, and the erosion of sanctification can be curbed..."
"Many years have passed since the last Watatsumi Imperial Spirit Festival. None of us in this generation know what dangers lie hidden below. There are very few reliable records, most of them are vague and of little reference value ancient texts."
"Sangonomiya-sama needs to coordinate and command the overall situation and cannot rashly venture into danger. Lord Gorou is responsible for dealing with the monsters attracted by the spiritual energy after the barrier is opened. As for the captains of the remaining detachments, in my opinion, their abilities have more or less shortcomings, and they cannot act alone. Only Captain Byakuya's strength can bring peace of mind..."