Yae Miko observed Guizhong, sensing her current state, and was utterly astonished.
There wasn't the slightest trace of an Archon's aura left.
Moreover, this form resembled a soul, yet it possessed a physical body.
Is this how resurrection manifests?
Countless thoughts raced through Yae Miko's mind as she quickly greeted the group.
"Welcome, everyone."
"Please follow me—I've already arranged a banquet in your honor."
After exchanging pleasantries, Yae Miko invited them into the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Jiang Chen and the others had no objections.
And so, the group began ascending the mountain.
The little turtle (likely referring to a character or familiar) also approached Lumine to chat.
Yae Miko walked beside Jiang Chen and Guizhong.
As they climbed, she couldn't help but ask:
"Mr. Jiang Chen, do the catalysts… have any specific requirements?"
She wanted to clarify this matter.
After all, she hadn't actually obtained a true catalyst yet.
Based on what Ganyu had mentioned, her first thought was of the "Musou Isshin."
But that was in Ei's possession—getting her hands on it would be difficult.
If something like an oil-paper umbrella could also work, that would be ideal.
"Personal belongings—something that represents her."
"Even a bowl she once used would suffice."
"Preferably something she used alone."
"Or her clothing."
Jiang Chen listed out the requirements.
Hearing this, Yae Miko's eyes brightened.
"Good, I understand."
Now that she had clarity, things would be much simpler.
An oil-paper umbrella would work too.
With that in mind, she made up her mind—tomorrow, she would retrieve the item.
"You can take your time finding the catalyst. I'll be staying in Inazuma for the next few days."
"Besides, we should probably discuss the matter of payment."
Jiang Chen grinned at Yae Miko.
Did she really think this was free?
Not only was Jiang Chen going to charge her—he also planned to take someone away with him!
Hearing this, Yae Miko paused for a moment before nodding.
"Name your price."
"As long as it's within my power, I'll do it!"
If it meant resurrecting Makoto and Lady Saiguu, then anything was worth it.
"Then give me the Gnosis."
Better for him to have it than to let Scaramouche get his hands on it.
Jiang Chen had no intention of handing it over to the Balladeer anyway.
Holding onto it would also allow him to negotiate with the Tsaritsa in the future.
After considering all possibilities, Jiang Chen decided to demand the Gnosis.
"The Gnosis?" Yae Miko blinked in surprise.
The next moment, she pulled out a chess piece.
"This?"
"If you want this, I can give it to you right now."
That easy?
Perfect! This couldn't be better.
She was fully prepared to hand it over immediately.
After all, Ei no longer needed it, and neither did she.
She had been treating it as a toy anyway.
If Jiang Chen wanted it, she could part with it right then and there.
With that thought, Yae Miko extended it toward him without hesitation.
Seeing the offered item, Jiang Chen didn't hold back—he took it without ceremony.
"Deal!"
"I'll keep this. You go find the catalyst."
"When the time comes, I'll help you resurrect them."
Once they're revived, they'll obey me.
Jiang Chen kept that part to himself.
If he said it out loud, this cunning fox might back out.
Better to wait until after the resurrection.
Would it really be strange for Makoto and Lady Saiguu to go to Liyue afterward?
"Liyue is thriving—I'll go study their methods and bring the knowledge back."
Inazuma already has one Electro Archon. Ei, you can keep doing your thing.
And if you want to come along, just hand the nation over to someone else.
There were plenty of ways to handle it.
If Makoto followed Jiang Chen, the Shadow (Ei) would likely chase after her.
Add Lady Saiguu to the mix…
At that point, the sly fox would probably throw a tantrum.
Thinking of this, Jiang Chen's lips curled into a smirk.
Yae Miko noticed his expression and felt a flicker of suspicion.
But she didn't dwell on it.
She assumed Jiang Chen was simply pleased about obtaining the Gnosis.
Little did she know…
The group made their way up the path to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
They naturally didn't need to circle the entire mountain.
There was, in fact, a shortcut that allowed them to ascend easily.
Yae Miko led them along this route.
The only downside was that they couldn't enjoy the cherry blossoms along the way.
Had they taken the main path, they would have been greeted by a breathtaking snowfall of pink petals.
The Sacred Sakura bloomed year-round, blessing Mt. Yougou with its ethereal beauty.
In the past, countless travelers visiting Inazuma would come here to pray—and to admire the sakura.
This place was, after all, one of Inazuma's most famous scenic spots!
Before long, they arrived at the Grand Narukami Shrine.
The banquet was already prepared, and Yae Miko, alongside Kamisato Ayaka, warmly welcomed their guests.
The feast was held directly beneath the Sacred Sakura.
Though night had fallen, the shrine remained as bright as day under the glow of various enchantments.
They could still see the cherry blossoms drifting through the air.
Jiang Chen studied the Sacred Sakura, stroking his chin before remarking:
"Actually, we could probably use this Sacred Sakura to summon the Electro Archon too."
The tree was deeply connected to Makoto, after all.
Wouldn't it be possible to treat the Sacred Sakura itself as a Noble Phantasm?
Or even a Reality Marble?
If so, there might not even be a need for a separate catalyst.
Yae Miko froze at his words.
"Huh?"
"That works too?"
She was utterly baffled.
Was this for real?
If so, they could perform the summoning anytime.
"Of course!"
"So there's no need to search for a catalyst. Tomorrow, we'll just try it with this."
Jiang Chen settled the matter decisively.
This would be much more convenient.
They'd simply draw the summoning circle beneath the Sacred Sakura—effectively using the tree itself as the catalyst.
"Alright!"
Yae Miko had no reason to refuse.
If Jiang Chen said it could be done, then so be it.
She would defer to his expertise.
After all, he was the professional here.
Jiang Chen gazed at the Sacred Sakura, then added thoughtfully:
"The only slight complication is… if we summon Makoto, the current Electro Archon will sense it immediately, won't she?"
"And then she'll come charging over?"
After all, Makoto's lingering soul still resided within the Musou Isshin, waiting to reunite with Ei.
When summoning a Heroic Spirit, that remnant would undoubtedly be activated.
At that point, Ei would likely rush out without hesitation.
"Wouldn't that be a good thing?"
"We can explain Inazuma's current situation to Makoto directly."
Yae Miko's lips curled into a sly smile.
She could already imagine how Makoto would reprimand Ei.
Truly, the work of a mischievous fox.
Jiang Chen gave her a strange look.
Damn, you want the sisters to fight, don't you?
Or rather, the older sister disciplining the younger one.
Not like the younger one would dare fight back.
After all, if her sister came back to life, what's a little scolding?