Genshin Impact: What, the one we need to save is Focalors?

A large Fontaine vessel fearlessly traversed the continuous storm zone, speeding across the surface of the Guyun Stone Forest Sea at an astonishing speed.

It did not sail towards Fontaine, but headed directly for the waters southeast of Guyun Stone Forest.

There, Liyue's most powerful warship – The Crux – was quietly moored.

Approximately two hours later, Furina stood on the deck, gazing into the distance at the solemn and magnificent Crux.

It stood towering and imposing, like a castle on the sea.

The crew of The Crux also noticed their arrival and quickly sent out an inquiry via flag signals, wanting to know the purpose of these visitors.

The crew on the Fontaine vessel immediately responded with flag signals, indicating their arrival was without malice, but that they were here to talk business.

After some consideration, The Crux allowed them to approach, but also did not forget to display its armed strength; the dark muzzles of the ship's cannons silently pointed towards them as a veiled warning.

Soon after, their ship stopped steadily at a position about fifty meters away from The Crux.

Just then, a thick grappling hook was flung from The Crux; it traced an elegant arc in the air, and the iron hook at the front accurately and firmly hooked onto the gunwale of the Fontaine vessel.

Then, a tall woman walked over along the grappling hook; her steps were steady and composed, as if walking on a flat road.

Although the wild sea wind howled past, it could not shake her in the slightest.

After a short while, she walked onto the deck of the Fontaine vessel.

When her gaze fell upon Furina, a trace of deep surprise flashed in her eyes.

Meeting the Hydro Archon of Fontaine here was truly beyond her expectation.

She continued to look around, confirming that a certain person was not present, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief in her heart.

"Your Excellency, the Noble Hydro Archon Furina of Fontaine," she said, placing her hand over her heart and bowing slightly, expressing her respect, "I, on behalf of The Crux, extend my sincere respects to you!"

Furina replied gently, "Captain Beidou, there's no need for such formality. I came to see you this time because I wish to propose a collaboration."

Hearing this, Beidou couldn't help but feel some doubt.

The main area of operation for The Crux is primarily between Liyue and Inazuma, and there is little interaction with Fontaine.

"Lady Furina, please tell me more," she said.

Furina slowly explained, "The West Factory has successfully leased Yashiori Island, making it a Fontaine concession, with a lease term of one hundred years. Currently, we are building a brand new port city there. The previously interrupted trade flow will now gradually return to normal."

When Beidou heard these words, a storm instantly surged within her. An expression of disbelief appeared on her face, and it was quite a while before she could barely calm her agitated feelings.

Although it was spoken of as a lease, in reality, this was no different from an occupation. Only one person in all of Fontaine could carry out such a domineering action.

"Is it Director Yide?" Beidou couldn't help but voice the doubt in her heart.

Furina gently nodded, implicitly confirming her guess.

Beidou then pursued the question, "Then why did you choose to cooperate with The Crux?"

Furina explained, "Because The Crux can freely navigate the Inazuma storm zone; furthermore, you are the uncrowned Dragon King."

Hearing this, a wave of pride couldn't help but surge within her. "Since you regard us so highly," she said, "I, on behalf of The Crux, am willing to join hands in cooperation. However, business is business; if the collaboration doesn't yield the expected benefits, we won't force ourselves to continue."

Furina confidently replied, "Don't worry, we guarantee The Crux will make a massive profit."

Following this, Beidou and Furina discussed and agreed upon the specific details.

After the talks concluded, Furina suddenly asked, "Kaedehara Kazuha is still on The Crux, isn't he?"

Beidou paused slightly, didn't answer directly, but instead cautiously counter-questioned, "Please tell me, what is the urgent matter concerning him?"

Furina replied in a calm tone, "Someone asked me to convey a message to him: that the Musou no Hitotachi is not beyond reach, and the time for change in Inazuma is imminent."

Beidou felt a jolt in her heart after hearing this and nodded solemnly. "I understand."

After saying that, she then turned and left.

After returning to The Crux, Beidou walked across the busy deck, finally finding Kaedehara Kazuha in a quiet corner at the bow of the ship.

At this moment, he was silently looking into the distance, his eyes traversing the vast expanse of the sea, as if searching for something or waiting for something.

A gentle breeze swept by, and the Maple Leaf Sigil tied at his waist danced with the wind, like the turbulence within his heart.

When Kaedehara Kazuha noticed Beidou's arrival, he slowly turned around with a faint smile on his face and asked casually, "Chief Beidou, it seems you've finished talking with those people from Fontaine. What was the result?"

Beidou looked at him intently and said solemnly, "Someone asked me to give you a message: the Musou no Hitotachi is not beyond reach, and the time for change in Inazuma is imminent."

Kaedehara Kazuha's heart, long dormant, was instantly ignited by these words. He asked excitedly, "Who said this?"

Beidou remained calm and slowly spoke a few words: "Yide, the Director of The West Factory."

Kaedehara Kazuha froze; he clearly hadn't expected this name. He asked, utterly confused, "How could it be him? Wasn't he still in the Fortress of Meropide?"

Beidou did not answer his question but instead said, "Not long from now, we will be heading to Yashiori Island. Your doubts will all be answered there."