"The power of a Vision... Could it be that visitor from Hanamizaka?"
In this world, many people's clothing and appearance have a certain connection to their elemental attributes.
It seems that man dressed as Battousai also possesses a Pyro Vision.
Recalling his subordinates' reports—that "sawing wood" performance completely oblivious to others—it indeed matched the temperament of a Pyro Vision bearer.
If only they had searched him earlier.
Unlike the panicked Shogunate forces on shore, many aboard the ship cheered.
Even if they couldn't clearly see what happened, the towering pillar of flames and the exploding Electro after Bai Luo raised his hand were unmistakable in the night.
But Bai Luo, who had just destroyed a Divine Kamujima Cannon, knew better than anyone—there was more than one of these things.
BOOM—
Deafening thunder shook the night sky as a deep purple Electro orb streaked toward them.
Had Bai Luo not been vigilant and intercepted it in time, the ship would've—
The cheers died instantly. The refugees froze mid-celebration, their faces now a mix of shock, disbelief, despair, and fury.
"Damn the Shogunate! Can't you leave us a way out?!"
"Hounds of the Tenryou Commission! I'll haunt you even as a ghost!"
Someone started it. The refugees grabbed anything within reach.
Like venting their rage, they hurled objects toward Tatarasuna.
Their mouths spewed every Shogunate curse imaginable.
The splashes of heavy objects hitting water were endless.
But it was futile. Even if they picked up the dead soldiers' weapons, those blades that once brought them security were useless against the Divine Kamujima Cannons.
A shimmer of light—Tatyana appeared beside Bai Luo in a prayer stance.
The hydro barrier she summoned could even deflect the thunderstorms surrounding Inazuma. It should withstand a few cannon shots.
Yes, just a few.
Compared to Inazuma's perpetual storms, these cannons sacrificed range for sheer penetrating force.
They were siege weapons designed to sink ships.
At first, the refugees thought this water screen was another Shogunate trick. But realizing it protected them, hope reignited in their eyes.
"Lord Battousai! Save us!"
Some even knelt toward Bai Luo and the now-revealed Tatyana, hands clasped in prayer.
They didn't know if this Battousai impersonator was the legendary god-wounding swordsman, but he was their only hope.
Once Heart of the Earth cooled down, Bai Luo didn't hesitate to aim at another cannon.
Learning from last time, he timed his magma burst during their charging phase.
BOOM—
Pyro and Electro collided violently. The forced knockback from Heart of the Earth and the Overloaded reaction disabled another cannon.
Seeing this, the officer ashore tightened his grip on his sword.
Divine Kamujima Cannons were priceless. If this continued, even he couldn't bear the consequences.
"Order all cannons to focus fire! I'll explain to General Masahito myself!"
The order to sink this refugee ship came directly from Clan Head Kujou Takayuki, bypassing frontline commander Kujou Masahito.
He knew his eldest son wasn't wholly honorable, but even Masahito wouldn't shell civilians.
Now, they had to sink this ship at all costs—or face unimaginable repercussions.
Clank-clank-clank...
Cannons originally aimed at Yashiori Island and Nazuchi Beach swiveled toward the sea.
No explanation was needed—that hydro-shielded ferry shone like a beacon.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
The remaining five cannons fired simultaneously. Though the hydro barrier held, Tatyana's praying hands trembled visibly.
Anyone could see—a few more volleys would shatter it completely.
"Young man, flee."
The old musician had appeared beside Bai Luo unnoticed.
He looked at Bai Luo's right hand—once pale while holding the erhu, now charred black from deflecting Electro orbs.
Cracked wounds oozed blood.
This youth who seemed capable of slashing divine wrath wasn't as untouchable as he appeared.
"Flee?"
Bai Luo was cautious, even cowardly—no one valued survival more.
But... if there was even a sliver of hope, he wouldn't run.
Sigh.
The old man studied his back, swallowing the request to preserve his instruments.
Another barrage came. This time, Tatyana's barrier flickered—then shattered under the refugees' despairing gazes.
Had Bai Luo not caught her, she would've collapsed.
BOOM—
Without the hydro shield, the cannons' fury finally reached the refugee ship.
Bai Luo intercepted two projectiles—but that was his limit.
CRREEAK—
The deck splintered open under the impact, tilting the hull.
Nearby refugees turned to charcoal in the Electro blaze.
The crackling energy slithered like a venomous serpent through the crowd—
Until a reverse blade severed it.
Violet lightning coiled around Bai Luo's sword before he flung it into the sea.
Normally, such a direct hit would bring Shogunate cheers.
But tonight, the shore was dead silent.
The cannon operators mechanically adjusted, charged, and fired.
Aboard, screams and wails mingled.
People clutched belongings, trapped with nowhere to run. The released madmen swung hammers, chisels, and axes at anyone nearby.
The old musician leaned calmly against the mast. This time, he didn't take out his shamisen—but a shakuhachi.
This bamboo flute, also from Liyue, had always been his favorite.
At the end, he'd play once more.
The flute's desolate melody cut through madmen's whispers and refugees' wails—achingly lonely.
Making the lone figure facing the cannons seem even smaller.