Although the residence the Akademiya arranged for the Inazuma Delegation was somewhat unappetizing, it was at least passable. After all, protecting foreign diplomatic delegations is one of the Akademiya's responsibilities. However, the Akademiya was using the guise of protection to actually conduct surveillance.
Moreover, the Guards of the Thirty Personal Guards were only monitoring; they did not restrict the freedom of movement for any member of the Inazuma Delegation. In such circumstances, Miyashiro couldn't very well break ties with the Akademiya over this matter.
Besides, if one were to disregard the drawback of the mansion being located next to the House of Daena, this luxurious residence in a prime location was indeed very much to Miyashiro's liking.
After completing the superficial formalities of welcoming the Inazuma Delegation, the Akademiya's attitude towards them underwent a 180-degree change. They were no longer as enthusiastic as before, as if rushing the Inazuma Delegation into Sumeru City was the most important step.
Not only did they not prepare a so-called welcome banquet, but they merely had the guide, Setaria, inform Miyashiro that diplomatic matters between the two nations would be discussed at 9 AM tomorrow on the second floor of the Akademiya.
Because of this, the time from this afternoon until tomorrow morning was left open.
Since the members of the Inazuma Delegation had rested well and washed away the fatigue of their long journey in Vimara Village two days prior, their spirits were now high. Thus, Miyashiro waved his hand, allowing everyone to move freely and thoroughly explore this city of wisdom.
This action naturally received cheers from everyone. So, the members of the Inazuma Delegation, in groups of three or five, began their free exploration and sightseeing in Sumeru City, experiencing the local customs and traditions.
Unfortunately, every group that went out was always followed by two Guards wearing green headscarves, which was quite annoying.
At the same time, Setaria, upon returning to the Akademiya, immediately went to Azar's office to report on the situation.
After listening to Setaria's report, Azar asked, "Setaria, have all the Akasha Terminals of the Inazuma Delegation members been activated?"
Setaria: "Yes, Grand Sage!"
Hearing this reply, Azar excitedly slapped the table and said, "Good! Setaria, starting today, you are to record the daily routes of everyone in the Inazuma Delegation. I need to know where they have been and who they have met.
Additionally, you must record every question the Inazuma Delegation asks the Akasha during this period, especially focusing on the three main and deputy envoys of the Inazuma Delegation. Their status is the highest, and the information they know will certainly be more accurate and valuable. Do you understand?"
As the Grand Sage of the Akademiya and the highest ruler of Sumeru, although his Akasha Terminal had the highest authority, this did not mean he would personally be responsible for monitoring the Inazuma Delegation. Such a task would be beneath the Grand Sage.
Furthermore, with the experiment in its critical stages, he didn't have much time to focus on the Inazuma Delegation. His assistant, Setaria, was clearly the most suitable person for the job.
Setaria did not hesitate, stating with conviction, "Yes, Grand Sage!"
Azar was very satisfied with Setaria's reaction and answer, and he waved his hand, signaling that she could leave.
The moment Setaria turned around, a subtle curve appeared at the corner of her mouth, and the three tomoe in her pupils flashed and disappeared as she slowly departed in the elevator.
As the leader of the Inazuma Delegation, Miyashiro would naturally receive extensive attention from the Guards of the Thirty Personal Guards. Unfortunately, they were unaware that Miyashiro could use transformation jutsu to change his appearance, use a shadow clone wearing an Akasha Terminal, not to mention Miyashiro's unique secret technique—Kamui, which allowed him to teleport anywhere, anytime.
Therefore, trying to monitor him through both online and offline methods was simply impossible.
Thus, Miyashiro split off a clone to continue wearing the Akasha Terminal and confuse the people of the Akademiya. Meanwhile, he transformed into a merchant from Liyue and aimlessly wandered through the streets and alleys of Sumeru City.
Sumeru City is a city built upon a giant tree. This great tree, which supports the entire Sumeru City, is respectfully called the Sacred Tree by the people of Sumeru.
At the very top of the Sacred Tree, it is said, is the Sanctuary of Surasthana where the Lesser Lord Kusanali resides, and below that is the Akademiya.
When Miyashiro touched the branches of the Sacred Tree, he could feel the immense life force contained within it, something no other tree could compare to.
But this did not mean that he had no control over this so-called Sacred Tree.
Now, with his mastery of Wood Release, coupled with the vast amount of Chakra contained within his sage Body, Miyashiro felt that he was now more qualified to contend for the Dendro Archon's divine seat.
If he wished, he could completely drain the life force from this Sacred Tree within minutes. A Sacred Tree that had lost its life force would no longer be able to support the weight of the entire Sumeru City.
There would be only one outcome: Sumeru City would completely fall apart.
Thinking of this, Miyashiro was unconsciously startled by the terrifying thought in his mind and quickly withdrew his arm, muttering a few words of apology.
This thought was too terrifying. He merely disliked the Akademiya; there was no need to involve the entire Sumeru City.
Just as Miyashiro was lost in thought, the small Archon in the Sanctuary of Surasthana suddenly shivered, startling her awake from her sleep, and she opened her bright, pitiful big eyes.
Nahida frowned, lowering her head in thought. The melancholic and serious expression she wore while contemplating created a strong contrast with her petite figure.
Nahida: "That malice just now… why did it make my heart palpitate? Who has come to Sumeru City?"
Meanwhile, Lumine and Paimon, who had gone ahead to Sumeru City to inquire about how to meet the Dendro Archon, had asked Rohawi, recommended by Tighnari, and Asfand, an advisor to the Thirty Personal Guards. They even made a trip to Port Ormos and met an Akademiya Scribe who claimed to be a frail scholar.
Unfortunately, even insiders of the Akademiya had no clue how to meet the Lesser Lord Kusanali.
The Lesser Lord Kusanali seemed to be outside of Sumeru's governance system, and her presence was barely felt at all. Coupled with the Akademiya's possession of the Akasha, which symbolized divine wisdom, scholars had no reason to interact with the Archon herself.
At this point, combining this with the events that occurred during the Aranyaka, Lumine seemed to understand some of the things Miyashiro had told her before and noticed some strange aspects of this city.
She had a premonition that there seemed to be a disharmonious relationship between the Lesser Lord Kusanali and the Akademiya. Perhaps, just as Kokomi had said, she either had to venture into the Sanctuary of Surasthana to investigate or could only meet the Lesser Lord Kusanali through the introduction of the Akademiya sages.
Counting the time, Miyashiro and his group should have entered the city by now, right? She hoped he would have good news.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"