In fact, when that person almost fell next to Bai Luo, Bai Luo had already noticed something was off.
It wasn't just because Bai Luo was steady on his feet, but more so because of the small movements of that person.
When interacting with Beidou, the bold female captain had subconsciously glanced at his reverse-blade sword several times.
This suggested that the people of Liyue might have some misconceptions about his reverse-blade sword.
Therefore, the way that person reached for his reverse-blade sword when they stumbled was quite intriguing.
So, afterward, Bai Luo secretly arranged for a Pyro Debt Collector to tail that guy and set up a series of traps.
As for why he sensed that Ningguang was behind this, it was quite simple.
Bai Luo knew Beidou well enough. Although she was more meticulous than she appeared, she wouldn't have chosen this moment to test him. The sea was her domain, and she could test him as much as she wanted out there. She definitely wouldn't risk alerting him at this stage.
If it wasn't her, then there was only one other possibility—Ningguang.
From there, things became straightforward. If Ningguang was as cautious as she was reputed to be, she wouldn't let that spy stay in Liyue for long.
With his understanding of the situation, Bai Luo knew that Ningguang wouldn't let the spy leave so easily. She would definitely have a backup plan.
But what she didn't expect was that Bai Luo was even more cautious than her, and he had anticipated her moves. After all, the one who understands a schemer best is someone even more scheming.
Like Bai Luo.
He specifically instructed the investigator that if the spy had any tokens or letters on them, they should be transferred to an abandoned stronghold in the southern part of the city.
When the time was right, he could use his Heart of the Earth to destroy both the copied letter and the abandoned stronghold.
After that, Bai Luo's role in this would be over.
He was confident that with Ningguang's intelligence, she would be able to "piece together" the entire sequence of events.
And then... she would direct all the blame toward Tartaglia.
And Tartaglia, because of the Heart of the Earth that had once screwed him over, would pin the entire blame on Ningguang.
The real mastermind, Bai Luo, could then completely remove himself from this entire scheme.
Yes, this was his plan.
It wasn't that he wanted to screw over Tartaglia. He just wanted to remind his colleague that the Tianquan, who seemed to only care about business, was actually far more formidable than he imagined.
During his time in Liyue, Bai Luo had noticed that Tartaglia didn't seem to pay much attention to the Liyue Qixing. Instead, he focused more on Morax and himself.
If he wasn't careful, he could easily be manipulated. Women, especially those with a strong desire for control, could be terrifying.
What? Cause trouble for Tartaglia so he wouldn't have time to bother Bai Luo?
Was Bai Luo that kind of person?
Of course he was.
Ahem... but more importantly, it was for the greater good.
This was simply killing multiple birds with one stone.
Regardless, Bai Luo had already stirred the pot, and the whirlpool was now directed at Tartaglia and Ningguang.
All he needed to do was stay on the Crux Fleet's ship, quietly enjoying the show as a spectator. He just hoped Tartaglia would be competent enough to understand his well-intentioned warning.
...
In the night sky, the stars seemed to move in a certain pattern. Below the sky, people were fast asleep. The waves gently rocked the slumbering ship, creaking softly.
The sailors were long accustomed to this noise. Some even found it hard to sleep on land without the sound, proving that habits could also be a double-edged sword.
After returning to the Crux Fleet's ship, Beidou headed straight to Bai Luo's quarters.
The person assigned to keep watch emerged from the shadows upon seeing her.
"Captain Beidou."
"How's the situation?"
"Mr. Himura has been sleeping in his cabin the whole time. He hasn't left."
The watchman spoke with certainty.
The sound of snoring had been consistent, and the room Beidou had arranged for him was carefully chosen. Aside from the main door, there was no other exit, not even a proper window—just a small vent.
So he was absolutely sure about this.
"Good work. I'll have someone relieve you shortly."
Beidou nodded in satisfaction, arranged for the next shift, and then walked toward Bai Luo's quarters with her wine jug in hand.
Standing outside the door, Beidou listened carefully for a moment.
There was indeed the faint sound of snoring coming from inside. Himura Kenshin should be in there.
Knock knock knock.
After three knocks on the door, the snoring inside abruptly stopped.
This was followed by the sound of someone getting dressed.
Soon, the door opened.
Himura Kenshin was still dressed in his red robe, with his reverse-blade sword cradled in his arms. There was no sign that he had gone out at all.
"Ah, Captain Beidou. Is the banquet over?"
Compared to his demeanor during the day, Bai Luo's voice now sounded more lively. It really did seem like someone who had been on the run for a long time and had finally gotten a good night's sleep.
"I just wanted to let you know that the host has agreed to set sail within three days. We'll rest tomorrow and depart for Inazuma early the day after."
Beidou had prepared her excuse for knocking on Bai Luo's door.
"That's great news. I must thank you, Captain Beidou. Once we reach Inazuma... I'll make sure to bring some fine wine to properly thank you."
Just as Beidou had expected.
Upon hearing this news, Himura Kenshin's entire demeanor brightened. The genuine happiness radiating from him was palpable even to Beidou.
"No need for thanks. If there's anything else you need to take care of, try to get it done tomorrow. We're only staying for one day."
Hearing him mention wine, Beidou took another sip from her jug.
Spending so much time at sea, relying solely on brute strength wasn't enough to achieve great things.
From daily work arrangements to food selection—whether big or small—Beidou handled almost everything herself. If it weren't for this jug of wine, she wasn't sure she could keep going.
She did this not because she didn't trust her crew. On the contrary, it was precisely because she wanted to take responsibility for her crew that she was so meticulous.
Otherwise, the Crux Fleet wouldn't have gained such a renowned reputation on the seas.
"There is actually something I'd like to ask of you, Captain Beidou."
"Oh? What is it? Go ahead."
Beidou was more than happy to hear Bai Luo ask for her help. She wouldn't refuse—in fact, she wished he would involve her in everything, as it would make it easier for her to keep an eye on him.
"I noticed that you have a few crates of sunsettias on board. I'd like to buy one. Would you be willing to part with it?"
"Sunsettias?"
Beidou was momentarily taken aback.
She did have sunsettias on board, but they weren't cargo. They were part of the crew's daily food supply. These fruits were sweet, could quench thirst, fill stomachs, and were easy to store. Most importantly, they were cheap.
What did he want them for?