He changed Tiwat

"Flash of the Dark Alley," the most famous "Robin Hood" in Mondstadt history, the sword of the righteous thief Parzival.

According to the bard poems that are still circulating in Mondstadt today, this righteous traitor retired after the overthrow of the royal nobility, and set sail with his beloved woman to live a free and unfettered life. His sword, too, disappeared into history along with his retirement.

But that's not the case.

According to information Rustan obtained from Parsifal's notes, the legend of "Alleyway Flash" ended abruptly—his identity was exposed.

A hero in the dark can never see the light of day. Admittedly, the days of poetry and wine are incredibly youthful and carefree, but once his identity is exposed, it will bring endless trouble to his illustrious family.

As the first in line to the throne, Parzival should have been wielding his sword against the commoners to uphold the rule of the royal family, but instead he stood against the entire noble class and opposed his own family...

Later, this righteous thief's half-brother, Eberhardt, found him.

Clearly, there can be no "night hero" named Parzival in Mondstadt. His brother, Uberhardt, told him bluntly that the family had given him an ultimatum: come back or die.

Parzival chose to leave Mondstadt.

Finally, under the moonlight, he buried the longsword that had accompanied him for many years and fled to the sea.

Buried with that longsword were his unparalleled swordsmanship that had swept through Mondstadt, and the youthful passion that had fueled his life.

"Even if it's just a tiny bit, I want to use my own strength to turn this dark world around."

He entrusted this vow—to his family, to the past and the future, and to this land—to the successor who would be destined to obtain this longsword.

Five hundred years later, two young men traveled to the Wolf's Den in search of treasure, inheriting the oath of this chivalrous thief.

People only know that Erendrin was the strongest human, exceptionally gifted, and unparalleled in his dual-wielding swordsmanship; people also only know that Rustam created the "Westwind Swordsmanship," hailed as the greatest swordsman in the history of the Knights of Favonius, and that no one's swordsmanship has ever reached his level since.

But they weren't born with that knowledge.

No one knew that the two of them had a master who had been dead for five hundred years.

In the candlelight, Han Fulai gently waved the "Dark Alley Flash" a few times.

It feels almost weightless in your hand, as light as the wind. Only the rarest Star Silver Iron Ore from Dragon Ridge Snow Mountain can forge such a light, sharp, and extremely tough longsword.

The moment he gripped the sword, Han Fu naturally unleashed the "West Wind Sword Technique".

Although Rustan's consciousness was no longer present, his body seemed to have the swordsmanship etched into his very bones.

With a few hissing sounds, the candlelight in the room was extinguished by the wind from the sword.

Parzival, the chivalrous thief of yesteryear, roamed Mondstadt, using his swift and powerful sword to enter and leave the palace, taking down countless skilled guards of the noble treasuries and powerful pursuers, including many with the Eye of God.

But from beginning to end, not a drop of blood ever touched his sword – only those whose skills far surpass their opponents can easily subdue them without harming their lives.

Or perhaps, he didn't use the blade of a sword to hurt people, but rather... sword energy.

Parzival's swordsmanship was later incorporated into "West Wind Swordsmanship" by Rustan, becoming synonymous with fast swordsmanship.

Legend has it that Rustam, the "Young Wolf," could use his longsword to cut through the rain without getting a single drop wet. The wind generated by his swordplay could split tree branches several meters away in two and extinguish a blazing torch...

Now it seems the rumors were true.

Han Fulai finally understood why, in the five hundred years since Rustan's death, no one in the Knights of Favonius, a group of powerful warriors, had been able to reach Rustan's level of swordsmanship.

—Because Canria perished five hundred years ago.

The true "Westwind Sword Technique" was thus lost in Mondstadt.

Just as the Gu Hua School gradually declined after Gu Hua disappeared, Rustan's "Western Wind Sword Technique" also failed to leave behind a true "mental method".

Han Fulai had seen this sword technique, which could cut through raindrops and extinguish torches with the wind of the sword, during his journey through the Layered Rock Abyss. He was even fortunate enough to have Jiang Xue teach him a few moves.

—The "True Arts" and "Wind-Slaying Sword" secretly passed down by the Royal Guard of Kanria.

Two thousand six hundred years ago, one of the three founding families of Mondstadt had a clan whose members were all born warriors. Those who possessed the bloodline of this clan, even without a Vision, were far more powerful than ordinary Vision holders.

They were the most warlike and brave, yet short-lived, members of the Imroca clan.

Legend has it that the Imroca clan believes that battles are not for defense, glory, or expansion, but for pleasing the bored gods in the heavens. Whether the attackers are demons or bandits, whether they return to their lovers' arms or not, as long as they fight bloody battles and roar loudly in the midst of carnage, their duty is fulfilled.

This bewildered bloodline made them accustomed to burning their lives, throwing themselves into endless battles, and ultimately disappearing into history.

Parsifal, the legendary rogue of Mondstadt, formerly known as Imloka.

Han Fulai jumped out of the window when he left the dormitory.

The reason he didn't follow the usual path was mainly because his attire prevented his colleagues in the knight order from seeing him—a black cloak covering his entire body made him look nothing like a good person.

Even Rustam himself would question someone dressed like that during the day...

This is also why Rustan likes this dormitory; it is secluded enough, with high cliffs and the Fruit Wine Lake right outside the window, so he won't be seen by others when he comes and goes, making it perfect for secret operations.

Amber's experience of having him jump around on the rooftops of Mondstadt came in handy this time. Han Fulai, like the chivalrous knight from five hundred years ago, traveled through rooftops and dark alleys, finally arriving at "Angel's Gift" before nine o'clock at night.

He didn't go through the main entrance, but rather the back kitchen.

Han Fulai knocked on the back door of the bar, following the code he remembered: three long knocks followed by one short knock.

A deep voice came from behind the door, like a drunkard singing incoherently:

If someone pulls out your tongue

You can still sing with your eyes;

If someone blinds you,

You can still use your ears to look around;

This is also a code used by the organization to verify identity.

Han Fulai continued the second half without hesitation:

"If anyone attempts to reveal future events,

Let's invite him to raise a glass together!

Even if tomorrow never comes

The song sung at this moment will also lead to eternity.

With a creak, the kitchen door was pulled open, and Han Fulai slipped inside.

Chapter 316: Revealing Ancient Things (9)

The bald chef silently led him into the bar's staff lounge and then closed the door behind him.

The "employee-only passage," which is difficult for outsiders to access, was already packed with people; a rough count revealed at least a dozen.

Everyone was dressed in black cloaks as if they were in uniform, and even here they did not take off their hoods that covered their faces, which really made them look like a secret organization.

Han Fulai also did not reveal his true face.

Upon entering, he immediately pulled out a eagle feather-shaped brooch from his pocket, with a shield pattern engraved on it.

That is the emblem of the organization, which has been passed down for five hundred years – the "Guardian Emblem".

Upon seeing the emblem, everyone present stood up solemnly and bowed to him.

The "Guardian Emblem" he held in his hand was the seal that belonged exclusively to the leader of this organization.

This emblem usually appears on the wax seal of letters, and when the leader issues a call to action, he will send letters bearing the eagle emblem to the members of the organization.

The organization's members are scattered throughout the Northern Continent, including Mondstadt, Winterbreak, and Liyue. Normally, they might be soldiers, scholars, merchants, cooks, adventurers, nuns… but upon receiving a call, the vast majority of members will unhesitatingly abandon everything to answer the call and fight for a common goal.

Only the leader of the organization knows the true identity and contact information of each member.

The organization’s personnel, name, and form have changed over time, but its core has remained unchanged for five hundred years, and it will likely remain so for another five hundred years.

Their philosophy is singular: "To safeguard peace."

Han Fulai did not return the greeting, but simply asked in a low voice, "Is everyone here?"

Someone next to him immediately replied, "Reporting to the sect leader, the 'Dark Alley Flash' action team has assembled fifteen people, twelve of whom are present. One is acting as an inside agent, and two others are keeping watch at the target location."

The voice sounded like that of a teenage girl.

However, Han Fulai knew her true identity—Mirai Akari, one of the "Crown of Thorns" of the West Wind Church, whose job was to listen to the confessions of believers in the confessional.

Although she claims to be fifteen years old within the organization, her actual age is so old that even Rustan should call her "auntie."

However, if she were to clear her throat and say she was fifteen, people would actually believe her... Well, if she just sat in the confessional without showing her face and only making noise, she could probably become a Mondstadt VTuber...

Among the group of people in front of him, Aunt Mira was the only one who knew his true identity and was also his deputy in this operation.

Another voice rang out beside Mira, this time from a genuine young woman: "Sect Leader, when shall we make our move?"

Sister Cleaire, 19, is an orphan and a member of the Church of the West Wind, serving as the prayer pastor in the choir.

She usually takes care of the poor, orphans, and heals the injured near the church. She is the most beloved and gentle older sister in the church. But few people know that this nun's hands are often stained with blood at night.

Although Sister Claire is young, she has been a member of the organization for four years, making her a true veteran "Guardian," and she has also set a record of never missing a single operation call-up in the past four years. Beneath her gentle exterior lies a determination as firm as iron.

The others remained silent, but a few slightly rapid breaths betrayed the participants' tension. Because the emergency call to arms had been issued three days prior, manpower was insufficient; only those within Mondstadt were participating. Their target and their guards and servants numbered over a hundred.

Rustam, or rather Han Fulai, didn't spend any extra effort on any mobilization or oath-taking ceremony. Those who were summoned to carry out this mission were all seasoned warriors, none of them were novices.

He simply gave the instructions according to the pre-arranged plan that Rustan had already prepared:

"The mission objective is the 'Pink Rose Manor,' located ten miles outside the city. The old noble faction is gathering at this manor tonight, plotting to seize power from the Knights while the Grand Master is away on campaign. Our task is to nip these signs of unrest in the bud."

"The mission is as follows: 1. Cutting, 2. Slashing, 3. Piercing, and then, start cutting again from the beginning... until justice is served and the target no longer moves."

"Also, I will participate in the operation."

That last sentence was more effective than any encouragement, and many people present showed a hint of eagerness in their eyes—many of them were carrying out a mission with this mysterious sect leader for the first time.

Many people have long admired this sect leader. To be honest, seeing the sect leader take action is probably even more exciting than the mission itself.

"Set off."

After issuing the order, Han Fulai was the first to walk out the door.

Actually, the one who's really nervous is him.

Anyone here has more blood on their hands than him.

Although this was a killing that took place in a dream, Han Fulai had to admit that he was very unsuitable for such a role... In addition, the "Pink Rose Manor" they were going to was the manor of Roland, the disciple of Rustan and the "Pure White Knight".

This afternoon, Rustan met with Roland and even admonished him. But tonight, while Roland is on duty in the city, he plans to go to Roland's hometown, kill his father, and then set fire to his home.

According to Rustan, this is called "always being prepared for both possibilities."

Rustan's organization was founded five hundred years ago during the reign of the Mondstadt royal family. Its founder was Kliuszlied Lawrence, the "rebellious son" who joined the "wandering band" in the Lawrence family.

The image of that "Guardian Emblem" is taken from the "Bell Sword" that Kryuzrid loved to use as a shield.

The reason why the Knights of Favonius used the "West Wind Eagle" as their symbol, besides the wicked taste of a certain green bard, is actually closely related to Kryuzrid.

The "Wandering Orchestra" rose up against the old aristocracy but failed, the orchestra was destroyed, and all members were killed by the powerful Lawrence family. Only Kliuszrid's whereabouts are unknown - in fact, after being demoted by his family, he went into hiding in the folk church of the wind god.

Carrying in the spirit of his fallen comrades, Kryuzirid, under the guise of religion, established an underground organization dedicated to overthrowing the nobility and provided strong support for the uprising of gladiator slaves from the distant West.

Back then, it was those letters bearing the eagle emblem that forged alliances among the old nobility, caused generals under their command to defect in battle, and led priests and nuns in the church to take up bows and spears... And the original Knights of Favonius mostly came from the underground organization of Kryuzrid.

The organization's eagle banner eventually became the symbol of the Knights of Favonius, but the organization still exists.

For the next thousand years, this organization silently helped the Knights of Favonius do things that knights should not do in order to protect Mondstadt—such as tonight's killings.

Chapter 317: Revealing Ancient Things (10)

The biggest lesson Krüzrid learned from the failure of the "Wandering Band" was organization.

Although the wandering musicians raised the banner of rebellion against the nobility and used their music to convey their voice of resistance, the unorganized rebels were just a disorganized mob and were easily suppressed by the old nobility.

An army needs a general to command it. Without a commander, even the bravest soldiers are just scattered rabble. With a skilled commander, even peasants equipped only with pitchforks and hunting bows can defeat a noble army.

At the same time, with the organization as a backing, the insurgents who went to the battlefield had no worries about their families, so they could fight more bravely and desperately.

"Our strength comes from the organization, and the organization can multiply our strength." - This is what Kryuzrid said at the beginning of the underground organization.

Kryuzrid's organization was originally nameless, but it later acquired many aliases over the course of history, such as the "Wind Flower" of the Knights, the "Free Men" of the Church, and the "Observer" who saved Diluc from the Fatui Executors.

In Rustan's hands, this organization is called "The Guardians".

The ticking of the clock, the candlelight, the case files... the shadows under the moonlight, the swords and the black cloak... these things are the companions that Rustan, the lonely guardian, always has.

But no matter how far he went, time was never enough for him.

Guardians are those who do not look back on the past.

He only has the present and the future in his eyes.

For him, the occurrence of the "dark calamity" was both a crisis and an opportunity.

With an organization, many things that one person cannot do can now be easily accomplished... For example, making a tenant farmer's son the vice-commander of the Knights, or taking this opportunity to return the power that should belong to every Mondstadt citizen to them.