Chapter 67. Sumeru's Not-So-Optimistic Situation
After wasting so much time, Futsu Mitama finally embarked on the journey toward Sumeru.
Accompanying him this time were:
Aila, Black Aila, Shinobu, Kokomi, and Shenhe.
Those heading to Sumeru this time could all be considered elites.
Although their numbers were small, if they encountered unexpected situations, they generally possessed sufficient means to protect themselves and retreat safely.
Aila and Black Aila were now already regarded as existences standing at the very peak beneath the Demon Gods.
Possessing complete Demon Gods Authority, although they had not yet truly stepped into the Demon God Realm, they were already considered half-step Demon Gods-level beings.
Shenhe went without saying.
Her spear arts were exceptional, her Talisman Arts were profound, and most terrifying of all—was her utterly unreasonable physical strength.
Finally, there was Sangonomiya Kokomi.
As the Divine Priestess of Watatsumi Island, the bloodline of the Orobashi flowed within her body. Through certain secret arts, she could even temporarily wield Demon Gods Authority.
As for Kuki Shinobu—
That was fine as well.
After training under Yae Miko for a period of time, although her direct combat ability could not compare to the others present, her escape techniques had already reached a new level.
Therefore, this small group could truly be described as extraordinarily formidable.
After leaving Liyue Harbor, Futsu Mitama and the others began discussing how to enter Sumeru discreetly while traveling along the road.
Keeping a low profile itself was not difficult.
With the current strength of Futsu Mitama's group, as long as they did not directly encounter an Archon-level existence, it would generally be impossible for ordinary people to detect them.
The true problem lay elsewhere.
Where should they establish their first foothold in Sumeru?
How should they connect with Cyno afterward?
And what exactly was the current internal situation within Sumeru?
All of these were questions requiring answers.
Thus, while traveling, Futsu Mitama entered the Chat Group and directly asked Cyno and Maha Rukkhadevata whether they had any suitable suggestions.
[Futsu Mitama: "Departure! Sumeru!"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Good!"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Clap clap clap clap clap!"]
[Futsu Mitama: "@Maha Rukkhadevata @Cyno, we're already on the road to Sumeru. Do you have any good suggestions?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "We've already discussed it. We plan to infiltrate Sumeru discreetly under the identity of Mondstadt merchants."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Yes. After entering Sumeru, we'll see if we can purchase several pack beasts from traveling merchant caravans."]
[Venti: "Wait a second. Mondstadt merchants? Do any of you even look like Mondstadters?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "I possess Anemo Archon Authority and the Anemo Gnosis. Doesn't that count as half a Mondstadter?"]
[Venti: "That's way too forced! Why not just inherit the position of Anemo Archon directly? Then you'd become a genuine Mondstadter!"]
[Azhdaha: "I can hear the sound of the abacus from here."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Even within the Plane of Euthymia, I heard it clearly."]
[Zhongli: "Merchant identities are merely superficial disguises. No one will pay too much attention to such details. The more important issue is your next course of action and where your investigation should begin."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Mr. Zhongli is correct. Whether Mondstadt merchants or Liyue merchants, such identities are merely cover stories. The important matter is how you intend to investigate, and… what exactly the Fatui Harbingers and the Akademiya are currently doing."]
[Cyno: "Approximately how long until all of you reach Sumeru?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "If nothing unexpected occurs, we should reach the Sumeru border within two days."]
[Aila: "We can move faster if necessary, but first we need a stable foothold. None of us are particularly familiar with Sumeru."]
[Cyno: "Hm~ regarding a foothold, you can head to Gandharva Ville within Avidya Forest and find a Forest Ranger named Tighnari. Although there are informants from the Akademiya there, if you establish contact with Tighnari and explain the situation clearly, he will help guide you."]
[Paimon: "Guide the situation? Wait, weren't you supposed to personally come meet Futsu Mitama?"]
[Lumine: "Cyno probably has matters he can't leave behind. Didn't he say previously that he was investigating something within the desert region?"]
[Aila: "Yes. He mentioned investigating matters related to the Akademiya within the desert. I'm honestly rather curious now. What exactly is happening within the Akademiya?"]
[Aila: "Young Master rarely enters another nation this cautiously."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Ahem. What do you mean cautiously? This is called prudence. No matter how strong we currently are, there are still existences stronger than us. Remaining careful is never wrong."]
[Zhongli: "Futsu Mitama's words are correct. There is always someone stronger. Acting cautiously is never a mistake."]
[Cyno: "I'm sorry, but even I cannot fully explain the current situation in Sumeru. During all this time investigating within the desert, I still haven't found the answers I was looking for."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Then there is no longer any need to continue hiding it. You may tell everyone directly what the current Sumeru is like. At this point, there is no reason for this intelligence to remain concealed."]
[Cyno: "..."]
At this moment, Cyno, who was currently traveling alone through the desert, quietly stared at Maha Rukkhadevata's message.
His eyes dimmed slightly.
His grip on the weapon in his hand unconsciously tightened. For a moment, he did not know how he should respond.
Because—what exactly was the current Sumeru like?
How could he possibly explain to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata that the Sages of the Akademiya were secretly carrying out some enormous plan behind the scenes?
Through the information gathered from the Chat Group over this period of time, Cyno could already basically confirm one thing:
The Sages of the Akademiya were almost certainly collaborating with the Fatui Harbingers.
Although Cyno still did not know the exact contents of their cooperation, judging from the attitudes displayed by the Sages, this matter was unquestionably enormous.
Very enormous.
And from the current situation, there were almost no trustworthy individuals remaining within the Akademiya.
Ever since the death of Greater Lord Rukkhadevata five hundred years ago, Sumeru welcomed back the new Dendro Archon, Lesser Lord Kusanali.
Yet afterward—Lesser Lord Kusanali gradually disappeared from public sight.
Some people claimed that although Lesser Lord Kusanali was the second Dendro Archon, she was far inferior to Greater Lord Rukkhadevata and lacked the wisdom required to govern Sumeru.
Therefore, she had always remained "protected" by the Sages within the Sanctuary of Surasthana.
There were even rumors claiming that Lesser Lord Kusanali possessed the intelligence of a child and was simply unqualified to become the God of Wisdom.
These countless remarks made Cyno feel increasingly suffocated.
Because he could clearly sense it—Greater Lord Rukkhadevata carried enormous expectations for her successor.
She genuinely wished to know how the current Dendro Archon was living within Sumeru.
"In the end… there's no avoiding it."
Cyno let out a quiet sigh.
He realized there was no longer any point in concealing the truth. Thus, he directly shared everything he currently knew within the Chat Group.
Although exposing these matters felt somewhat uncomfortable, reality was reality.
And when everyone learned about Sumeru's current state through Cyno's explanation, the atmosphere within the Chat Group immediately became extremely subtle.
Because according to Cyno's account—the current Sumeru could no longer simply be described as "bad."
It could only be described as exceedingly abnormal.
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "So my successor is currently being 'protected' by the Sages?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Protected? You call that protection? There hasn't been any public appearance from her in five hundred years."]
[Azhdaha: "That sounds more like imprisonment."]
[Venti: "I truly never expected this generation's Dendro Archon to be imprisoned by her own people. Is her power too weak? Or is she simply unwilling to harm her own citizens?"]
[Raiden Ei: "To be imprisoned by one's own people for five hundred years—"]
[Raiden Ei: "How tragic."]
[Zhongli: "If this is truly the situation, then Sumeru is likely already being ruled almost entirely by 'humans.'"]
[Guizhong: "Ruled by humans? But this situation… feels somewhat different from what I imagined."]
[Yae Miko: "If humans are the dominant force, then the current situation is actually quite understandable. After all, when a certain SHOGUN secluded herself within the Plane of Euthymia instead of governing properly—"]
[Yae Miko: "Didn't Inazuma also descend into chaos under the hands of 'humans'?"]
[Raiden Ei: "..."]
[Eula: "Mondstadt experienced something similar in the past as well."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Looking at it this way, I finally understand why Futsu Mitama only dared to come to Sumeru after reaching the Demon God Realm."]
[Aila: "I also understand Young Master's intentions now."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Because the enemies we may face this time are likely not limited to the Fatui alone."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "The Akademiya's forces themselves may also become our enemies. In other words… the entirety of Sumeru may stand against us."]
[Cyno: "I'm sorry, but based on the current situation… that does indeed seem to be the case."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "..."]
[Futsu Mitama: "It's not a major problem. The important issue right now is determining the attitudes of the Akademiya's upper echelon, especially the other Sages besides the Great Sage."]
At this moment, the atmosphere within the Chat Group had become somewhat heavy.
The current situation in Sumeru was clearly far more troublesome than anyone had imagined. Compared to Mondstadt's freedom, Liyue's contracts, or even Inazuma's previous isolation, Sumeru's problem was fundamentally different.
Its God still existed. Yet that God had been completely silenced.
[Futsu Mitama: "If it truly comes down to it, then as long as we confirm Lesser Lord Kusanali's location, Aila and I can force our way in and rescue her."]
[Albedo: "Refuse negotiations and attack directly?"]
[Zhongli: "This plan is feasible."]
[Raiden Makoto: "However, if things develop to that extent, the Akademiya's prestige would likely collapse completely, which would not benefit Sumeru."]
[Guizhong: "Hmm~ In Inazuma, even though problems existed within the Kanjou Commission and Tenryou Commission, as long as the Archon remained stable, the nation itself would not truly descend into chaos."]
[Keqing: "But Sumeru is different."]
[Keqing: "Lesser Lord Kusanali's influence is far too weak. The mainstream belief throughout Sumeru still centers around Greater Lord Rukkhadevata."]
[Aila: "Which means the situation becomes extremely delicate. Although Lesser Lord Kusanali is the second-generation Dendro Archon, her authority among the people is almost nonexistent. Even if we successfully rescue her, the people of Sumeru may still reject her existence."]
[Klee: "Wow… Klee doesn't really understand… but it sounds very troublesome."]
[Venti: "Actually, the solution is very simple~ Just let Rukkhadevata appear personally."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Barbatos, what you said is equivalent to saying nothing at all. If she could simply appear directly, then Futsu Mitama wouldn't even need to make this journey to Sumeru in the first place."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Alas. In the end, this was the problem I left behind. Had I not departed in such haste back then, perhaps Sumeru would not have become what it is today."]
[Cyno: "Greater Lord Rukkhadevata, please do not blame yourself. The fault lies with those who occupied positions of authority for too long and gradually forgot their place. In the name of the General Mahamatra, I will absolutely bring those people to justice!"]
At this moment, Cyno's anger had already reached its limit.
Even through the Chat Group, he could still sense the helplessness and sorrow hidden within Greater Lord Rukkhadevata's words.
The wise and benevolent God had likely once believed that her successor would gradually grow alongside the sages and eventually guide Sumeru toward a brighter future.
Yet reality had become the complete opposite.
The sages of the Akademiya had long since forgotten the teachings she left behind.
Or perhaps…they had chosen to forget them.
"I will personally resolve all of this."
Cyno's gaze gradually sharpened.
Walking alone through the desert, he tightened his grip on the weapon in his hand as he continued searching for traces connected to the Akademiya.
Recently, he had already discovered several suspicious clues.
As long as he was given enough time, he believed he would eventually uncover the Akademiya's weakness.
And when that moment arrived—
In the name of the Dendro Archon, he would pass judgment upon them.
While Cyno continued his investigation in the desert, Futsu Mitama's group also officially began their infiltration into Sumeru.
The group made slight disguises for themselves before purchasing several pack beasts from passing Sumeru merchants. Under the guise of Mondstadt traders, they steadily advanced toward Gandharva Ville.
Futsu Mitama looked at the pack beasts with an unusually subtle expression.
Because these creatures were… astonishingly docile.
Extremely docile.
Completely unlike the creatures in certain rumors that would explode into rage after the slightest provocation.
According to the Sumeru merchant who sold them the beasts, as long as one did not threaten their lives by stabbing them wildly with blades, they would barely react even if struck with sticks or fists.
Naturally, Futsu Mitama tested this claim himself.
He casually picked up a branch and lightly smacked the pack beast several times.
The creature merely blinked slowly and continued chewing leaves as though nothing had happened.
"Convenient indeed."
Kuki Shinobu calmly loaded pots, pans, supplies, and daily necessities onto the pack beasts.
She only needed to hold the reins lightly, and the beasts would obediently follow behind the group in a neat line.
"Good child."
Sangonomiya Kokomi gently stroked the pack beast's head, her eyes filled with curiosity.
This was the first time she had seen such a creature in reality.
Previously, she had only read descriptions of them within books from Watatsumi Island.
Now that she was personally traveling alongside Futsu Mitama, she increasingly felt that this journey had been the correct choice.
Only by leaving Watatsumi Island could she truly witness the countless strange and fascinating things that existed across Teyvat.
Shenhe, meanwhile, remained as calm as ever.
Although she had rarely descended from Mt. Aocang, Cloud Retainer had taught her extensively about the various creatures and customs throughout the nations.
Thus, Shenhe did not seem particularly surprised.
"Let us continue."
Aila lowered her gaze toward the Sumeru map in her hand and spoke in her usual composed tone.
"According to our current route, if nothing unexpected occurs, we should arrive at the village Cyno mentioned after approximately one day and one night."
"However, if unforeseen circumstances arise midway, our travel time will likely increase."
Aila disliked variables.
She disliked accidents even more.
Fortunately, nobody objected.
The sooner they reached Gandharva Ville, the better.
After all, following Cyno's explanation, everyone now clearly understood one thing—
Sumeru was fundamentally different from every nation they had visited before.
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