Just then, a system notification suddenly popped up.
[One month ago, you were undertaking Legend of the East Challenge II: Your Truest Self.]
Shao Yun froze, staring at the message in confusion. "What does that have to do with me?"
The system quickly followed up with an explanation:
[At the time, your emotional fluctuations triggered a resonance with the legendary item "The Thirty Silver Coins of the Thirteenth Disciple," which caused a disruption in the ley lines across the entire continent of Teyvat.]
Realization dawned on Shao Yun. He shook his head and let out a helpless laugh. "So that's it… damn butterfly effect."
Snapping out of his brief daze, he turned toward Yae Miko and asked, with both curiosity and anticipation in his eyes, "So—do you have a way for us to meet the Raiden Shogun?"
Yae Miko lifted her gaze through the branches toward the blue sky, pondering.
After a few seconds, she said, "On account of Lord Kamisato's personal request… very well. Three days from now, I'll personally escort you to Tenshukaku. With me vouching, you should be able to meet the 'Shogun.'"
Shao Yun frowned at the now-familiar delay. "Why is it always three days with you Inazumans?"
Yae Miko shrugged, lips curving in a playful smirk. "As the Guuji of Narukami Shrine and the chief editor of Yae Publishing House, my schedule is packed. A little time to make arrangements is only fair, no?"
Shao Yun sighed in resignation. "Fine. Three more days, then. Let's hope this time we actually meet her and solve the problem."
Though the meeting was set, something still nagged at him.
"I've got to ask—sure, Kamisato's name carries weight, but your agreement was awfully quick."
Yae Miko narrowed her eyes slyly and replied, "Well, those light novels based on your adventures have earned Yae Publishing quite a bit of Mora. That alone is reason enough to help."
Shao Yun remembered what Thoma had told him about that ridiculous book, "The Gunslinger Butcher from Fontaine."
But it still felt like there was more to it. "That can't be all. I mean, what about… something like…"
He recalled a line from the original story: "A foreign wind brings new life to these seas."
But Yae Miko shook her head calmly. "Nope. Kamisato's support, and the Mora you made us—that's reason enough."
Shao Yun's expression twitched. "Yeah… I don't buy it."
"Don't be so suspicious. Three days from now, at the Statue of the Omnipresent God in front of Tenshukaku." She waved him off with a smirk.
Shao Yun thought, Whatever, the goal's achieved. No point digging further. He waved back, then turned to find Lumine and Paimon and leave the shrine.
Yae Miko watched him go, then pulled out Ayato's letter and muttered, "Oh Ayato… you really did hand me a troublesome one this time. But I suppose after five hundred years, it's time for Ei to get some fresh air again…"
…
The sun was warm and the breeze gentle as Paimon and Lumine chatted happily with Ayaka at the temizuya outside the shrine.
Just then, Shao Yun walked out, looking relaxed. "Everything's settled. Three days from now, we'll meet Miss Yae in front of the Statue of the Omnipresent God, and she'll take us to see the Raiden Shogun."
Paimon's eyes sparkled as she counted off days on her fingers. "Yay! That means we're so close to meeting the Raiden Shogun! And then we can dive headfirst into more adventures!"
Ayaka smiled and congratulated them. "That's wonderful news. Congratulations!"
Lumine clasped Ayaka's hands with heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much, Ayaka. Without you, we'd have no idea what to do."
Ayaka blinked, surprised by the affection, but then remembered what her brother had said the night before—"Deliver the letter, and the crisis will pass."
She smiled gently. "There's no need to thank me. It's an honor to be able to help you."
Shao Yun lightly tapped his cheeks, then turned to Lumine with a grin. "And don't I deserve a thank-you too?"
Lumine flushed lightly. "I guess so…"
She stepped forward, tiptoed, and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.
Ayaka froze at the sight, her expression flickering with complex emotion before she quickly turned away. Whether it was regret, embarrassment, or something else—only she knew.
Paimon covered her eyes and protested, "Hey! Keep it PG! Ayaka's still right here!"
Shao Yun laughed heartily. "Alright, alright. We'll be more mindful next time. Now let's get going!"
He took Lumine's hand, and the group started down the mountain path.
The sun filtered through the trees, the breeze was cool, and the descent was peaceful.
By noon, they arrived back at the Kamisato estate.
At the gates, Paimon waved cheerfully. "Bye, Ayaka! Let's meet again soon!"
Ayaka crossed her hands at her waist and bowed slightly. "Until we meet again."
She didn't head inside until the trio had vanished from sight.
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon followed the path into Chinju Forest.
Along the way, Shao Yun asked, "So… what now?"
Lumine paused, looked around at the forest, and replied seriously, "Paimon and I are going exploring. You should head back to Inazuma City."
Shao Yun immediately understood—they were off to "farm."
He chuckled. "Alright. Stay safe, and run if anything dangerous happens."
"Got it," Lumine said, then led Paimon into the forest underbrush.
Shao Yun turned and began the lone walk back to the city.
…
That night, Mt. Yougou lay blanketed in silence under the moonlight. The Sacred Sakura swayed softly in the wind, scattering petals.
All was still—except for a few shrine maidens keeping vigil.
Yae Miko sat alone on the steps, reading a light novel with one hand, eating fried tofu with the other, occasionally commenting on the plot with a sly remark.
But then, a strange breeze swept through.
It carried a sinister aura.
Her eyes widened. The chopsticks fell from her hand as dread filled her.
Footsteps echoed through the night. Closer. Closer. Each step thudding like a drumbeat on her heart.
A shadow stopped before her.
She looked up—standing there was a strange "man" in a black top hat and mustache. One eye never blinked.
"Hello," the man said. "You wanted to see me. Was there something you needed?"
"You… you—!" Yae Miko suddenly convulsed, foam bubbling at her lips as she clutched her throat.
The man observed calmly. "Relax. I'm just an ordinary accountant. I mean you no harm."
But Yae Miko's senses collapsed. Her vision twisted. Her mind shattered.
What she saw was not a man—it was a monstrous, formless horror. Her SAN value plummeted.
The man crouched, watching her shake and convulse. "You have eyes that can see through the heart… but not the heart to endure what you see."
He reached out and gently closed her eyes.
A few seconds later, her breath slowed. Her body stilled.
She trembled, eyes shut tight. "Who are you?" Her voice was shaky, terrified.
The man nodded, unfazed. "We met earlier. You said you wanted to see me. Not many can. So, I came. Is there something you wish to discuss?"
Yae Miko swallowed, still trembling. "No, it was… it was a joke. Could you please… leave?"
Had she known how terrifying he was, she'd never have said such a thing.
The man nodded. "Of course. That's your right."
A final breeze passed. When she opened her eyes again—he was gone.
She stood, heart pounding in her chest. "He… really left…"