The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

Seeing her say that, Ying didn't press further and could only stroke her chin and murmur:

"Is that so... Then this battle may be inevitable, because the Shogunate army has already concluded that we have kidnapped General Raiden, but we have no way to hand him over. How can we prove that we did something we didn't do at all?"

"Don't bother explaining, Ying."

Upon hearing this, Kiana gently held her shoulder and spoke frankly in a soft tone.

"We're going to have to fight her soon, so just take care of yourself."

"I will, but you... okay."

Ying originally wanted to show concern for Kiana, but halfway through her sentence, she thought about it and realized that there was no need to worry about the white-haired girl in front of her, who was able to contend with the Thunder General, being defeated.

After all, if Kujo Sara, the shogun, were strong enough to rival her, there would be no need for him to waste words with Goro.

"I propose a duel before the battle." Just as Ying was pondering, Kujo Sara suddenly spoke up and proposed a duel before the battle.

This is a way for both sides to test each other in battle, with the aim of boosting morale. The victorious side will be greatly encouraged by the big win, while the opposing side will be put in a relatively passive position.

After hearing Kujo Sara's suggestion, Goro thought about it for a moment, then looked around at his companions and found that most of them were eager to try.

It's clear that these people are full of anticipation for the pre-battle duel and are eager to have the opportunity to distinguish themselves in front of the shogunate army.

Unfortunately, Goro was well aware of his companion's capabilities.

He hesitated for a moment, then turned his gaze to Kiana: "Hmm... to be on the safe side, why don't we let her give it a try?"

After all, judging from the power she just casually displayed, this girl's strength is extraordinary. If she could fight...

The outcome of the martial arts competition is now a settled matter.

"This...is your name Kiana, right? I hope you can play and help us win. May I ask...?"

Although the rebels were somewhat disappointed that they hadn't been chosen, they all turned their attention to Kiana, hoping that this unique white-haired girl could thwart the arrogance of the shogunate army.

However, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Kiana did not choose to agree.

She slowly raised her head and looked at the setting sun on the horizon, realizing that due to uncontrollable variables, the sky would become pitch black after the martial arts competition ended.

In pitch-black conditions, one could easily fall into someone's trap if not careful.

Thinking of this, Kiana slowly shook her head:

"I'm not interested in the competition."

"This..." Goro, feeling embarrassed and annoyed after being rejected, covered his head.

Seeing this, Ying, who was very worldly-wise, smiled awkwardly, and then asked Kiana:

"Kiana, are you feeling tired?"

"More or less." Although she still had plenty of energy to spare, in order to be able to take charge in the upcoming chaotic battle, she closed her eyes and slowly uttered these words.

Upon hearing that her companion was tired, Ying did not show any disappointment. Instead, she put her hands on her hips with a sense of relief and revealed a cheerful smile.

"Hmph, you get tired too, huh? Leave everything to me. Just stay here and rest."

"Hey? Ying, are you going to help?" Paimon stared at his companion, somewhat worried. "Those Shogunate pursuers look really fierce. Will you be alright? Maybe you shouldn't help?"

"How could that be? Paimon, don't think like that. How could you possibly be no match for them!"

Ying sullenly crossed her arms and glared at Paimon, annoyed that her good travel companion had looked down on her.

Seeing that she was puffing out her cheeks like a child, Kiana couldn't help but reach out and poke her cheek.

"Hey! Kiana, you too..."

Ying covered her face in surprise, her tone revealing a sense of grievance. Of course, she didn't really feel wronged; she was just joking around with her friend.

"Hehe, it's because you're so cute, Ying, that I couldn't help myself..."

"Hmm, I'd feel embarrassed if you praised me like that."

"No, I'm just telling the truth."

"Then...can you say a little more?" Ying said, reaching out to hug Kiana's right hand, acting like a little sister.

Seeing that she was being so proactive, Kiana coughed in surprise, then smiled contentedly and said:

"Okay, Ying is so cute, Ying is so pretty, hee hee."

"Mmm~~~" Ying felt a warm glow inside after being praised by Kiana.

She slowly moved closer to Kiana, feeling her warmth that would never fade, and for a moment she thought that it would be wonderful if things could stay like this forever.

Like a kitten warming itself by a fire... and Kiana is the warmest fire.

However, peaceful times are always short-lived. Before Ying could continue to be affectionate with Kiana, the voice of an uninvited guest came from afar.

"Are you all done? Goro, are you scared?"

"What a joke! Just wait to get beaten to a pulp, Kujo Sara!" Goro said defiantly, then looked at the girls who were still dawdling with some helplessness.

His glance drew the attention of his fellow rebels, who also turned to look at the two.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Kiana didn't feel anything, but Ying hurriedly let go of her hand and shyly touched her hair on her forehead.

"Cough cough."

After coughing twice to cover her embarrassment, she took a deep breath and slowly stepped forward amidst the expectant gazes of Paimon and the many rebels.

The competition was divided into three rounds.

With her exceptional skills and combat experience gained from numerous battles against the shogunate's soldiers, Ying, after much effort, successfully led the resistance to victory.

For a time, the morale of the resistance forces was high, and many people cheered excitedly.

Goro, as the commander, stood with his hands on his hips, proudly raising his head to look at Kujo Sara:

"The battle is over! Kujo Sara, now it's time for you to fulfill your promise!"

Kujo Sara did not answer, but simply took out her bow.

As she fell silent, the previously scattered shogunate soldiers began to gather together.

A cold wind swept across the beach, carrying with it the distinctive fishy smell of the sea.

Finally, the setting sun, unable to hold on any longer, slowly sank below the horizon, plunging the once faintly visible earth into complete darkness.

In this dark environment, Kujo Sara shot an arrow imbued with the power of lightning into the sky.

"For the general, let's go!"

The soaring lightning arrows heralded the start of the full-scale battle.

The arrival of shogunate soldiers from all directions finally made Kiana and Hotaru realize why Kujo Sara had been hesitant to start the war.

Actually, they were waiting for the right opportunity!

"Night has fallen... Ying, watch out!"

Kiana suddenly pulled Ying into her arms, protecting her from the lightning strikes cast by Kujo Sara.

"Are you injured?"

"I'm fine, thank you Kiana."

After confirming that Ying was unharmed, Kiana gently shielded her behind her, then turned her gaze to the hordes of Shogunate soldiers rushing towards them.

Suddenly, a flurry of raven feathers, half-real and half-illusory, drifted down...

In an instant, lightning flashed!

"Give me back the general!"

The Song of Flames and Lightning (Genshin Impact Inazuma Main Story): Chapter 64 The Humiliating Capture of the Female General

The falling lightning, though not even a tenth as powerful as the thunder god's might, was still enough to terrify those around it.

"Is this lightning summoned by the Tengu?!"

"horrible..."

"The Shogun is indeed extraordinary; everyone, get away from him!"

As a general of the shogunate, Kujo Sara could not have risen to that position without considerable strength.

She waved her black feather fan, and like the legendary tengu, summoned bursts of thunder to descend from the sky, launching a fierce attack on Kiana and the others.

Such divine might was so overwhelming that even the shogunate soldiers, who were his comrades, had no choice but to retreat.

The rebels on the border kept their distance, fearing they might be accidentally hit by lightning. Only Zheping, upon discovering the danger, did not retreat but instead rushed forward without hesitation, only because his comrades held him back.

He'll be struck by lightning and burned to a crisp.

Just as the cleansing of the heavenly lightning was completely over, Kujo Sara knelt on the ground, sweat soaking through his special battle robe.

It has only been a short time since I woke up from my sickbed and led my troops into the enemy lines.

No matter how strong you are, you will feel powerless.

However, this all-out attack, even if it can't kill them, will at least cause them... a considerable obstacle, right?

However...

"Cough!" Kujo Sara, who was kneeling on the ground, covered her mouth and stared in shock at the unharmed white-haired girl.

With a gentle shake of her cloak, the lightning elements that had been completely isolated by the special material dissipated, as if... they had been annihilated by some terrifying force.

Who exactly are you...?

This scene stirred a sense of despair within Kujo Sara... She had thought that she had inflicted even the slightest damage on Kiana during their initial duel, but judging from her performance just now...

This white-haired girl is not afraid of thunder at all!

"This lightning seems significantly more powerful than before, and the gem has unlocked unexpectedly. Does this mean it's an attack capable of harming me? Heh, it seems your obsession with the General..."

Perhaps it was the belief in protecting that made Kiana think Kujo Sara's attack was quite powerful.

Unfortunately, even with all that, it was ultimately impossible to bridge the gap in strength...

"Kujo Sara, surrender now and retreat with your men, and we can remain at peace. Otherwise... are you ready?"

Kiana instructed Ying to take care of herself and keep an eye on Zayu to prevent her from running around. Then she raised the Blazing King Sword and aimed it at the Shogunate general who was barely getting up from the ground.

Despite having taken a major step that went against the original plot, Kiana was still thinking about whether she could end the battle without bloodshed.