Qiu Bai curiously examined Kamisato Ayaka as she approached.
With her soft voice, she gave off an impression of elegance and noble character.
"I am indeed Qiu Bai."
"May I ask why you've called out to me, miss?"
Qiu Bai asked the Kamisato Ayaka before him with some confusion.
"I apologize for suddenly stopping you."
"My name is Kamisato Ayaka."
Kamisato Ayaka raised her head, her beautiful eyes looking at Qiu Bai apologetically.
"I... um..."
"Although it may be presumptuous, could I ask Mr. Qiu Bai to visit the Komore Tea House?"
Kamisato Ayaka looked at Qiu Bai, pondering for a moment before asking uncertainly.
"Dad, it's the Shirasagi Princess!"
"It's Lady Kamisato."
The Inazumans passing by all smiled genuinely when they saw Kamisato Ayaka.
"But who is that gentleman she's with?"
"I don't know, but he's so handsome."
A woman in a kimono gazed at Qiu Bai, her face slightly flushed as she murmured.
"Kamisato Ayaka."
Qiu Bai looked at Kamisato Ayaka before him, thinking to himself.
The lady of the Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission, elegant in appearance with noble character.
She usually managed family affairs both internal and external, having more interaction with the common people.
Being more familiar to the people, she gained a reputation even higher than her brother and was elegantly referred to as the Shirasagi Princess.
Kamisato Ayaka was beautiful and virtuous, deeply admired by the public.
"Of course, Lady Kamisato."
"I've heard much about you."
Qiu Bai looked at the gentle and quiet young woman before him and smiled.
"Then, I'll be taking up some of Mr. Qiu Bai time."
"Please follow me."
Kamisato Ayaka nodded with a smile, her manners resembling those of a noble lady, very dignified and elegant.
They then walked toward the Komore Tea House.
"Young Mistress, you've arrived."
The staff standing outside greeted Kamisato Ayaka as she approached.
"I need to entertain an honored guest."
"Please keep watch for us during this time."
Kamisato Ayaka smiled as she spoke to the staff.
"No problem, Young Mistress."
"I'll alert you if anything happens."
The female staff member nodded with a smile.
"Thank you."
Kamisato Ayaka nodded to the staff member and led Qiu Bai inside.
Upon entering, they found a Shiba Inu sitting on the counter and all the ceiling lamps featured cherry blossom patterns.
"Isn't this Taroumaru?"
"The real owner of the Komore Tea House."
Qiu Bai thought with amusement when he saw the cute Shiba Inu.
"Woof~"
Taroumaru barked once when he saw Kamisato Ayaka.
"Taroumaru."
Kamisato Ayaka stepped forward and patted Taroumaru head.
Taroumaru shook his head contentedly.
"Nice decorations."
Qiu Bai surveyed the Komore Tea House, with its cherry blossom patterned cabinets, elegantly decorated rooms, and bright yellow paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling.
"I'm glad Mr. Qiu Bai likes it."
Kamisato Ayaka turned around and smiled at Qiu Bai.
"This place was once land granted to the Yashiro Commission by the Shogun."
"Only the Kamisato family of the Yashiro Commission could plan, build, renovate, and even manage the people entering and leaving."
Kamisato Ayaka explained with her uniquely gentle, soft voice.
"This is due to the special nature of matters governed by the Yashiro Commission; many times, others need to step aside."
"Later, when there were fewer city ceremonies."
"Our ancestors built this tea house that only people related to the Yashiro Commission could freely enter and exit."
Kamisato Ayaka explained with a light smile.
"So, Lady Ayaka, you brought me to such a secluded place."
"What did you want to tell me?"
Qiu Bai smiled and asked.
"Let's go inside to talk."
Kamisato Ayaka walked toward the inner part of the Komore Tea House.
Seeing this, Qiu Bai followed.
"Mr. Qiu Bai."
"Have you heard of the Vision Hunt Decree?"
Kamisato Ayaka turned around to face Qiu Bai after walking for a while.
"I've heard a little."
"The Raiden Shogun, for her so-called eternity, has sealed the people wishes into the statue."
Qiu Bai crossed his arms and spoke slowly.
"Indeed, we've seen the state of those who have had their Visions taken."
"Madness, pain, struggle, heartbreak..."
As Kamisato Ayaka spoke, her tone carried a trace of sadness.
"You are the young lady of the Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission."
"Haven't you tried to formally propose opposition to the Vision Hunt Decree?"
Qiu Bai asked with some confusion.
"Of course we've tried, but every time a proposal to abolish the Vision Hunt Decree is submitted to Tenshukaku."
"It's invalidated due to vetoes from both the Tenryou Commission and the Kanjou Commission."
Kamisato Ayaka explained to the puzzled Qiu Bai.
"They always maintain an attitude of unconditionally supporting the Shogun decisions."
"There's no room for discussion."
Kamisato Ayaka shook her head helplessly.
"Then have you..."
"Figured out how to oppose the Vision Hunt Decree?"
Qiu Bai asked with a light smile, looking at the helpless Kamisato Ayaka.
"To be honest..."
"No."
Kamisato Ayaka lowered her head and said helplessly.
"After all, to oppose the Vision Hunt Decree would be equivalent to opposing a god."
"Just having such resolve is already difficult."
Kamisato Ayaka raised her head and explained helplessly to Qiu Bai.
"Opposing a god?"
Qiu Bai stroked his chin and said with a light smile.
As Ayaka watched Qiu Bai say these words with a slightly smiling expression, her thoughts seemed to become clearer.
"Mr. Qiu Bai, you are a friend of that Traveler."
"Could you... go talk to the Raiden Shogun?"
Ayaka looked at Qiu Bai with a pleading expression.
"Wait, Ayaka."
"I'm just a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Do I look like someone who can fight gods?"
Qiu Bai quickly explained, looking at Ayaka.
The way I look now, I don't seem like someone who's very strong.
Besides, his goal was simply to walk through the seven nations of the mortal world, searching for his own secrets.
"Mr. Qiu Bai, you misunderstand."
"I just heard Paimon say last time..."
Ayaka carefully recalled the scene.
She had been behind a screen at that time, explaining the situation to Paimon and the Traveler, wanting them to help.
Although they ended up helping, during the process, she heard Paimon say something like this:
"That guy Qiu Bai, who knows where he went."
"He might be the only one who can fight gods."
Paimon waved her hand and complained to Lumine beside her.
"Fight... gods?"
Ayaka murmured upon hearing this.
"You misheard, Ayaka."
Seeing this, Lumine covered Paimon mouth and quickly explained.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Now you can read 30 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)