Sangonomiya, this place may not be called the most beautiful in Teyvat, but it can absolutely be called the most dreamlike.
According to the Sangonomiya Chronicles written by the famous shogunate historian and renowned minister, Kujou Michizane, one of the "Three Great Pens of the Kujou Clan": Sangonomiya was originally a sea abyss, until a great serpent crossed over, coiled and raised the whirlpools, shaping coral into an island.
Just as the book describes, Sangonomiya is entirely composed of coral and giant seashells, with a pinkish-purple hue.
Compared to the Raiden Shogun's Tenshukaku, this place lacks a bit of solemnity but carries an added air of mystery.
Coupled with the bubbles rising from the coral and the peculiar elemental creatures floating in the air like jellyfish, it creates an illusion of being deep underwater—truly a wonderful sightseeing destination.
Sangonomiya Kokomi understands people well. She knows exactly what the seafaring men desire.
So that very night, the Watatsumi forces stationed on Watatsumi Island held a bonfire party in Mouun Village to entertain these sailors who had traveled from afar.
As for Captain Beidou, her senior crew members, and the merchants who had come from Liyue to do business, they were naturally invited to Sangonomiya.
This place was quieter and offered strong confidentiality, making it ideal for discussing more sensitive matters without fear of eavesdroppers.
"Plain tea and simple fare—our hospitality is lacking. Still, this is the best Watatsumi Island can offer. We hope you will forgive its shortcomings."
After the shrine maidens brought out the banquet dishes, Sangonomiya Kokomi gave a slight bow and spoke apologetically.
As she said, compared to the cuisine of Liyue and Inazuma City, Watatsumi Island's offerings were truly... how should one put it?
In one word: like Hu Tao—barren.
Still, the chefs did their best, managing to make these ordinary ingredients look like delicacies beyond reach.
After serving the dishes, the shrine maidens withdrew from the banquet.
They had only been summoned temporarily by Sangonomiya Kokomi. Because this banquet was important, Kokomi did not trust others and thus arranged for these confidantes to attend.
"Lady Sangonomiya, you jest. For rough folk like us who drift at sea, it's common to go hungry one meal and feast the next. Just having something to eat is already a blessing—how could we dare to be picky?"
Beidou returned the courtesy with a hearty laugh.
For her, as long as there was wine and meat, she could enjoy herself even if seated in the middle of nowhere.
After Beidou spoke, the merchants present quickly chimed in.
No matter how young Sangonomiya Kokomi might be, she was still the leader of Watatsumi Island—far from someone mere merchants could afford to offend.
Only Bai Luo, staring at the caviar before him, fell into deep contemplation.
"This is caviar, made from fresh fish roe. It was a technique taught by a Snezhnayan friend before the Shogun's Sakoku Decree. Nowadays, in all of Inazuma, only Watatsumi Island has authentic caviar."
Caviar
Noticing Bai Luo's scrutiny of the caviar, Sangonomiya Kokomi enthusiastically introduced this unique delicacy to him.
"Thank you for the explanation, Lady Sangonomiya. It's just that... never mind."
Caviar—it wasn't as if Bai Luo had never eaten it before.
Back in Snezhnaya, it was a delicacy popular among nobles. But seeing it here in Watatsumi Island felt somewhat... peculiar.
Those who know, know.
"Now, everyone, today's banquet is to welcome and celebrate your arrival. Let us not discuss politics or business—simply enjoy the feast."
Once the banquet began, ignoring the meaningful glances from the Watatsumi Island officials beside her, Sangonomiya Kokomi properly raised her cup and spoke with confidence and composure.
She appeared rather carefree, but to Bai Luo... she was probably just running low on energy, afraid that engaging in negotiations with the Liyue merchants would drain her completely, causing her to disappear tomorrow.
She really was in a tough spot.
Kokomi's words also left the attending Watatsumi officials exchanging puzzled looks.
This wasn't part of the plan, was it?
A few of them even began subtly exchanging coded signals.
For example, the one who casually touched his foot meant: Should we step out and discuss a plan?
The one who seemed meticulous, neatly aligning his chopsticks, responded: Better wait and see.
But one person disagreed.
The seemingly elderly Watatsumi official lightly stroked his graying beard, clearly replying to the first man: How about the two of us step out for a talk?
Sure, let's talk.
And so...
Three people simultaneously stood up from the banquet, discreetly excusing themselves before quietly leaving the scene and exiting Sangonomiya.
And one of them... was Bai Luo.
As for the coded signals these three used, Bai Luo was all too familiar with them—because he had helped devise this very cipher.
That's right, it was a code developed by the Fatui intelligence network.
And those exchanging signals... their identities were self-evident.
"Gentlemen, answering nature's call? Let's go together."
"Battousai... Battousai-sama is also going?"
Seeing Bai Luo follow them out, the two Fatui spies grew visibly nervous.
Judging by Bai Luo's timing, this was purely coincidental.
But the two of them had stepped out solely to discuss urgent matters—not to relieve themselves.
Yet at this point, even if they didn't feel the urge, they had no choice but to play along.
At worst, they could use weak kidneys as an excuse and linger a little longer.
If necessary... they could always find another chance to slip out later.
They absolutely dared not attack Battousai on a whim. Everyone knew this was a ruthless man capable of wounding even a god—let alone having slain a follower of a demonic god on his way here. There was no way they could easily take him down.
"How long have the two of you been in Sangonomiya?"
Holding his reverse-blade sword, Bai Luo asked softly.
He was the only one besides Captain Beidou permitted to carry a weapon into Sangonomiya.
Since he had wounded the exalted deity with just a reverse-blade, onlookers figured even a pair of chopsticks in his hands could become a deadly weapon. So they might as well be generous and let him bring it in.
"This old one has lived on Watatsumi Island since childhood, a native of these lands."
The elderly man with the graying beard bowed slightly as he answered.
Inazuma was a nation where strength commanded respect. Thus, even though this elder seemed senior in age, he still had to bow to Bai Luo.
"I, like Battousai-sama, was once a wanderer. I've settled in Sangonomiya for some time now."
The younger spy replied this way.
These details weren't secrets—anyone could learn them with a little inquiry—so they saw no need to hide them.
And with just this sentence, Bai Luo deduced which of the two was a spy and which was a traitor.
So...
He subtly rolled up his sleeve, showing the younger spy a glimpse, then slightly lifted his mask behind the elder's back.
"Guess who I am?"