In truth, Gorou didn't want this.
But yesterday, his accidental actions led to the Watatsumi Island stalls being flooded with customers. Even their limited products sold out instantly. When he faced Sangonomiya Kokomi's praise that night, the poor little dog finally succumbed.
He secretly sought out Venti early this morning, asking for the transformation spell again.
Venti, who happened to be short-handed, naturally wouldn't miss such a good opportunity. He agreed to restore Gorou's "Miss Hina" identity on the condition that Gorou worked for him.
What could Gorou say? For the future of Watatsumi Island, he was willing to sacrifice his dignity.
Ultimately, Lumine and Paimon couldn't get a straight answer out of him.
The festival continued.
When they arrived near Kitsune's Forest, they heard deafening fireworks.
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
Although it was already afternoon, many people were gathered.
A loud voice boomed from the sky. "Everyone, the celebration is about to enter its liveliest day! Starting at six tonight, fireworks will be released in various places... Also, the Amakumo Peak will be open to everyone..."
"The welfare lottery. The Hanafuda Card competition. The Grand Prayer Ceremony for Lovers... all will slowly open..."
Paimon looked at Lumine. "I understand the lottery... and Hanafuda. What is this Grand Prayer Ceremony for Lovers?"
"I don't know either! I've never heard of it," Lumine said, confused.
A passing couple smiled and explained, "The Grand Prayer Ceremony for Lovers is a ritual hosted by Lady Guuji Yae, who oversees the Narukami Shrine. The meaning is to give all lovers in the world a blessing. Wishing them a destiny for three lifetimes. And there are even couple's bracelets! They are all blessed with magic... I wish I could get one!"
The woman looked expectant. She clearly yearned for that symbolically beautiful bracelet. The man beside her held her hand and smiled. "Don't worry, I will line up to buy it for you."
Paimon sighed, watching the happy couple. "I think I understand... this must be another one of Su Han's schemes. Heavens... I don't know how many couples will be taken for a ride tonight!"
Lumine shook her head. "No... perhaps this comfort is what couples need most! It's about finding belief in each other through the tokens..."
When spending money is a form of enjoyment, then the cost is worth it. Su Han was simply capitalizing on this emotion to make a huge profit. Nothing was easier to earn than a couple's money.
The time moved to night.
Amakumo Peak was crowded with couples. Yae Miko's subordinates were selling Three-Lifetime Stones and Heart-Knot Bracelets! They were all blessed and were selling like hotcakes.
At 7:30 PM, when the sun completely disappeared, Yae Miko made her grand entrance with a burst of fireworks.
"Ask what love is in this world, that it makes people vow life and death..."
A simple opening line instantly moved countless couples.
Yae Miko covered her mouth and smiled, looking at the excited couples. "Our Adeptus Fox clan loves human lovers the most. May your destinies be sealed for three lifetimes..."
As her voice faded, countless streaks of light fell from the sky. They were petals from the Sacred Sakura, falling amidst the lovers. The petals transformed into beautiful beaded strings!
"Heavens... we struck gold! It's a personal gift from Lady Guuji Yae..."
"Wuwuwu, we will definitely be together for three lifetimes..."
Seeing the ecstatic couples, Yae Miko's staff immediately stepped forward and started promoting the regular bracelets. They were sold for only nine hundred and ninety-nine Mora.
Very "cheap."
In a short while, over a thousand were sold. The shrine was making a killing!
...
Meanwhile, inside Tenshukaku.
Su Han was guiding everyone in cultivating the Soul Runes.
He condensed a Soul Eye and sent it into Kamisato Ayaka's body.
A moment later, Yae Miko quietly landed at the window. "How is it? Can she cultivate it?"
"Yes," Mona said. "But the training time for others is short. I can only last for half an hour. The fastest is Hu Tao. She's still cultivating now..."
Kamisato Ayaka, having received the Soul Eye, also began her cultivation.
Su Han turned to Yae Miko. "Come on... your turn!"
"Alright." The sly fox sat down and was planted with a Soul Eye. Due to her Adeptus Fox lineage, Yae Miko lasted a long time, showing no signs of waking up even after an hour.
Suddenly, a loud, proud laugh echoed through the room. "Hahahaha... I, Hu Tao, am going to rise now! This technique is perfect for me!"
A terrifying cluster of fire violently ignited in the room.
Hu Tao's soul stood in the room, her body surrounded by soul fire. Her physical body sat cross-legged behind her.
Shenhe was shocked. "You've achieved Soul Out-of-Body again?"
"Of course! I could do it before, but Su Han restricted me. But after cultivating the Soul Runes, I feel incredibly powerful! Want to spar?" Hu Tao challenged.
"Fine," Shenhe nodded. "I want to test my current strength too!"
The two immediately went to the Serenitea Pot.
Shenhe stood ready. "Do you need a weapon?"
"You can use one, but I don't need it," Hu Tao said with absolute confidence.
The battle began.
BOOM!
The air exploded. Shenhe didn't even see Hu Tao move before she was sent flying. If she hadn't had Armament Haki for protection, she would have been injured.
Jean witnessed the scene. "So fast!"
Even with her considerable Observation Haki, she could only see Hu Tao's afterimage.
"The spirit body has no speed limitations! So, Hu Tao's speed... will continue to increase!" Su Han explained lightly.
Hu Tao's speed indeed continued to soar. Countless afterimages enveloped Shenhe. The fire attacks erupted like a storm.
Kujou Sara watched, her scalp tingling. If she faced this attack, she likely wouldn't be able to block it.
Shenhe, realizing she couldn't hit Hu Tao, launched a large-scale attack. But Hu Tao was ready.
As Shenhe landed, Hu Tao rushed in with an even more terrifying speed. She made a taunting face and laughed. "You can't catch me! Na na na..."
Shenhe tried to counter, but her body was forced backward. The battle was over. She had failed!
Extreme speed had crushed the Adeptus Disciple. Shenhe was defeated before she could even use her full strength.
This scene shocked everyone.
Ganyu frowned. "How is this possible? Her speed is too fast! How did she do it?"
Su Han smiled. "She used her Soul Fire to summon multiple fire souls, launching herself like a slingshot. That's why her speed is so hard to track."
Hu Tao's greatest advantage was a body free from restrictions. Using herself as a cannonball was a childish idea, but incredibly effective. Her strength was stunning.
The others were stimulated and began cultivating. However, this required talent. Ganyu and the two Witches (Lisa and Rosalyne) could last an hour, but ordinary people were limited to about an hour.
Su Han quickly comforted his wife. "Don't rush. Soul cultivation is gradual. It can't be rushed. Once your soul is strong, you can cultivate longer."
He wasn't lying. The more condensed the soul, the longer one could cultivate.
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