Kaedes Village, this secluded small mountain village, seemed to be as it always was.
But visibly, the villagers no longer seemed anxious; instead, their hearts were filled with longing and pursuit of a beautiful future.
Inside the shrine, the heart of the village.
At this moment, a golden-haired beauty holding a parasol looked solemn, observing the Great Miko, Kikyo, who was kneeling alone in the main hall of the shrine before a solemn statue.
"Ever since the Divine Descent Ceremony, this Great Miko… no, this Demon-Slaying Star Lord, has become increasingly unfathomable!"
Yakumo Yukari narrowed her eyes. Combining this with the occasional glances she had felt during this period, the Youkai Sage, who was always cunning—no, wise as the sea—couldn't help but feel a bit lost.
The clear, cold moonlight streamed through the windowpanes, quietly flowing over her body.
A brilliant great star in the sky subtly echoed it.
The Nine Heavens Bright Morning Emperor-Lord of Penglai, who was fiercely contending with Nightmoon God, the former sovereign of the moon, had already seized a certain degree of lunar authority.
The moonlight, like water, constantly ebbed and flowed with the Demon-Slaying Star Lord's even and faint breaths.
This caused the Demon-Slaying Star Lord's power to rise ceaselessly.
And the Demon-Slaying Star Lord's demon-breaking arrows occasionally shot down some fanatics under the moonlight who violated the Primeval Heavenly Rules!
"Yakumo Yukari!"
Just as the golden-haired beauty was deep in thought, Kikyo's clear, cold voice suddenly rang out.
"The Demon-Slaying Star Lord summoned me; what is the matter?"
Yakumo Yukari nodded slightly and asked.
"This is the Great Heavenly Venerable's decree, telling you not to do anything unnecessary during this period."
On Kikyo's increasingly beautiful and cold face, there was no hint of abnormality. With Star Power at her fingertips, she transmitted the received information to the golden-haired youkai before her.
"So, during this time, it was researching my Power of Boundaries…"
Upon receiving the information, the golden-haired beauty's face grew increasingly dark.
Well, then!
Before, it was just observation and data collection.
Now, it even wants me to cooperate by striking eight hundred poses for the research, is that it?
I, Yakumo Yukari, am I a timid person?
For such an excessive request, I must display an indomitable spirit!
Otherwise, who knows if there will be even more excessive demands in the future?
Recalling her contracted shikigami, Yakumo Ran, the nine-tailed fox known as the "Snow-Clad Celestial Fox," the golden-haired beauty couldn't help but strengthen her resolve!
Even if I jump from here and die, I will absolutely not compromise with such an evil force!
"The Great Heavenly Venerable said that as long as you cooperate, it will pay you a salary, and each time you can receive approximately this amount of [Merit]."
Just as the golden-haired beauty was trying to show her steadfast and unyielding attitude, Kikyo extended her palm, made a gesture indicating a number, and then calmly uttered these words.
"Really? Oh, my, the Great Heavenly Venerable has commanded it, and your humble servant will naturally obey. But is the Merit settled in real-time?"
Blinking her eyes, the golden-haired beauty's face broke into a sickly sweet smile, then she replied, "Besides what's listed above, do I need to cooperate with any other actions?"
"For example…"
So good!
The Boundary Youkai King swore to die unyielding, never to surrender, unless… there was Merit to claim!
There was no other way; in this new era, to get by, even a Boundary Youkai needed to eat!
The entire Yakumo family depended on her to provide!
...Lumine: "@Hermes, you truly are a man burdened with deep sins!"
Lumine: "Look, how long has it been, and you've already trained the Youkai Sage, who was once mysterious and elegant, cunning like a mastermind, into this state."
Lumine, who was very interested in how Yakumo Yukari was being "researched" and made to strike "poses," had Kikyo set up a live broadcast early on.
As a result, the renowned Yakumo Yukari, one of the Great Hachis of Gensokyo, felt her persona had changed...
Aozaki Touko: "It feels like the changes on Kikyo's side are huge!"
Aozaki Touko's eyes shimmered with a peculiar light.
She had a faint urge.
However, as a Grand Magician, Aozaki Touko still suppressed this impulse.
Her talent was undeniable; while clinging to a powerful figure was an option, she currently preferred to strive and work hard on her own.
Glancing at the group chat interface, Hermes went offline directly.
At this moment.
A soft sound of footsteps accompanied by the figure of fiery crimson hair appeared.
Himeko was wearing a simple white gown today, with faint ripples of Trailblaze lingering around her.
Coming to Hermes's side, her golden eyes brimmed with joy as she looked at the busy man before her, a gentle smile on her face.
"Congratulations, Hermes."
"Star Crown Court, the place favored by the stars, I am delighted to see you create such a beautiful world that inspires longing."
Himeko's voice carried unconcealed joy.
Although the man before her was going further and deeper on his path, becoming more and more perfect, seemingly out of reach… Himeko felt a hint of loss in her heart.
If it were an ordinary person, they wouldn't even have the courage to stand beside this man.
Yet, she was genuinely delighted by Hermes's achievements.
She was Himeko, the navigator of the Astral Express, a Trailblazer who truly practiced Trailblaze; she had never lacked the spirit of courage from beginning to end!
"Hahahaha, a few days ago, Himeko complained to me for a long time, saying she hadn't closed her eyes for several consecutive days and wished she could split into a thousand or eight hundred clones to share the work."
Hermes put down the things in his hand, gently led Himeko to sit beside him, and then told Himeko about the interesting things that had happened these past few days.
Upon hearing this, Himeko's face showed a gentle expression.
Every time she was with Himeko, there was always a wonderful feeling.
The two were like two branches forking from the same great tree.
Each time they were together, there were endless wonderful anecdotes, almost like biological sisters from different fathers, different mothers, and different worlds.
"Oh, right, Himeko, keep this [Key of Boundaries] safe."
The [Key of Boundaries] was the product of Hermes's initial research on Yakumo Yukari.
In the universe, there are many places where, once entered, it is difficult to communicate with the outside world.
For example… Amphoreus!
Perfect.
The [Key of Boundaries] is a product of the Power of Boundaries; to cut off its connection, one would have to hack Hermes's perception of it.
Otherwise… once the Astral Express enters Amphoreus, it will never be able to escape!
"The Eternal Land: Amphoreus, you mean?"
Himeko heard this and thoughtfully put the item away.
She didn't inquire further; sometimes, delving too deeply into a genius's grand plan is not a good thing.
However, while the two enjoyed a rare moment of leisure in the Star Crown Court, on the other side of the starry sky, a black cat was almost going crazy at this moment…
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