Good grief, Ryuga could only describe it as "unbelievable."
"Saved the mom, but the dad died?"
Is that even possible? Could it be Karma? But what kind of Karma is this? Even if the father is dead, it doesn't fill that void.
"Hmm?"
Yixuan, Ju Fufu, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Soukaku, and Pan Yinhu felt their heads spinning. They had finally managed to rescue the mother, but now the father was gone? A ultimate one-for-one trade?
A buzzing sound rang in Hoshimi Miyabi's ears. Her pupils contracted sharply, and her vision momentarily lost focus. Although her relationship with her father was subtle and complex, hearing of his sudden death still made her shoulders tremble violently. Her fingertips curled involuntarily, clenching into small fists.
"Was it because of me?"
Miyabi's mother couldn't help but tremble as well. She raised a hand to cover her crimson lips, her eyes wide with shock. Even though she hadn't met the man yet, the thought that he died because of her filled her with a heavy sense of guilt.
"Um...?"
Belle raised her hand timidly. Seeing everyone's gaze turn toward her, she subconsciously shrunk her neck.
"This is true. Actually, three days have already passed while you were in the Hollow."
"What?"
Everyone was shocked, their faces filled with disbelief. Three days had already passed?
"It's true!"
Tsukishiro Yanagi said as she flipped through the records on her phone.
"The day we entered the Hollow was the 23rd. The news of Lord Hoshimi's assassination was published at 2:00 AM on the 24th. From the early hours of the 24th to the 25th, I received a total of ninety-seven unread messages and thirty-eight missed calls."
As she finished checking the communication logs, Yanagi's voice grew tighter. That great man had actually died? Was this truly Karma?
"I... me too."
Soukaku looked down at her phone. The moment the screen lit up, the notification sounds for over thirty missed calls made her ears ring painfully.
"..."
Hoshimi Miyabi sat on the back of the giant sparrow, her black hair falling to hide her downcast eyes. She remained silent. Only the buzzing sound remained in her ears.
Belle stole a glance at her, her heart aching, unsure of how to offer comfort. Although she didn't know exactly what had happened in the Hollow, she knew that Eos had once lost its connection. It was exactly when Ryuga manipulated time to reverse back to the fall of the Old Capital. After that, Eos lost contact completely. For three whole days, she had tried every method until just recently, when the signal was finally restored. She hadn't even had the chance to tell Hoshimi Miyabi about Hoshimi Souichirou's assassination.
"Let me down first."
Finally, Hoshimi Miyabi spoke. Her voice was cold and sounded exhausted.
"Yanagi, Soukaku, you stay and assist Master Yixuan."
As soon as she finished, Soukaku immediately jumped up.
"Eh? No, no! I want to follow Boss Miyabi!"
"Be quiet."
Tsukishiro Yanagi quickly pressed down on Soukaku's shoulder and shook her head gently.
"Alright, I'll take you to H.A.N.D. Headquarters first."
"But let Yanagi accompany you; she can help you handle some matters. Let Soukaku stay here."
Ryuga pondered for a moment and spoke up. After all, Yanagi was the clerk, the deputy chief, and the "motherly housekeeper" of the entire team.
Tsukishiro Yanagi nodded: "Okay."
"..."
Miyabi's mind was a mess, and she didn't refuse.
"What about me?"
Miyabi's mom looked left and right, then suddenly reached forward and grabbed Ryuga's sleeve, looking slightly panicked and helpless.
"You can't just ignore me. You have to take responsibility for me."
"Besides Miyabi, I probably have no other relatives left in this world, right?"
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
Ryuga was stunned: "Huh?"
Is Ryuga about to become "my dad"?
Hoshimi Miyabi suddenly looked up, her head full of questions: "?"
Yixuan also opened her mouth wide: "?"
The atmosphere instantly turned deathly silent, followed by irrepressible gasps. After saying it, Miyabi's mom realized the ambiguity in her words and quickly raised a small hand to cover her lips, her cheeks instantly flushing crimson. She coughed twice, trying to hide the embarrassment.
"Ahem~"
"What I mean is, since he's the one who brought me out, he has to be responsible for my life from now on."
"New Eridu is like another world to me. Where will I live? What will I eat? What job will I do? How will I live in the future? He has to take care of all these things."
Her small face was quite serious and earnest.
Hoshimi Miyabi's brow furrowed, her gaze complex: "???"
How did it get more confusing the more she spoke? Looking at her, Miyabi felt that this young mother seemed a bit more playful. Was this truly the dignified, quiet, talented mother of her memory, a paragon of beauty and wisdom? Well, maybe it was a matter of time. Miyabi silently comforted herself.
Ryuga also broke into a cold sweat and nodded: "That's natural. Since I brought you out, I will be responsible to the end. You can rest assured about that."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt something was off. So he quickly added:
"Before I leave, I will arrange a new life for you."
After all, she was homeless now. Miyabi's mom's family was likely all gone.
"Little Miyabi forgot the names of her uncles and aunts again? Then today's training is to memorize the names of all the clansmen."
Miyabi's mom had made her remember everyone's names, but Hoshimi Miyabi seemed to have cut them all down? Sweat.
On that night of the bloody moon, the Ethereals in the Hoshimi family estate were most likely like Miyabi's mom, corrupted by Ether. And those who could live in the estate, besides some servants, were likely members of the Hoshimi clan. The mountain estate was huge; it couldn't have been just Miyabi's mom and little Miyabi living there. Miyabi's mom's maternal family likely had no one left either.
Well, placing her at Suibian Temple seemed like a good choice. Miyabi's mom was talented, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and could even ride horses and shoot arrows—a versatile talent. Her education of little Miyabi was also well-balanced. She should have management skills, right?
Looking at the story, Master Yixuan wasn't very good at it. As for the food at Suibian Temple, it was all thanks to Pan Yinhu being "tricked." Back then, the cunning Master Yixuan had deceived the panda, saying that Yunkui Summit provided three meals a day. It wasn't until the panda joined Yixuan's sect that he found out the so-called "three meals" only consisted of a meal allowance, and Yunkui Summit had no decent chef at all. Thus, the panda had to painstakingly cultivate his own culinary skills, eventually becoming Yunkui Summit's leading "Culinary Master." Truly tragic. Master Yixuan's method of recruiting disciples could be summarized in one phrase: "deceive and trap."
Miyabi's mom lowered her head, her expression complex. After a moment of hesitation, she looked up and weakly asked Ryuga: "Um, should I go pay my respects?"
Technically, she currently had no relationship with that man. She hadn't even met him. But judging by the situation, it seemed that because Miyabi came to rescue her, she accidentally stumbled upon the Praise Society in Hollow Zero and went on a killing spree. It was because of this that the Praise Society assassinated Hoshimi Souichirou. Otherwise, that assassination would never have happened. She felt a heavy weight on her shoulders, as if she were carrying a life.
"You'd better not go. If you show up, it will only bring more trouble."
"And the current situation is unclear; the Praise Society has many eyes and ears."
"You go with Master Yixuan to Suibian Temple and settle down first. It's quiet and safe there."
Ryuga shook his head decisively and spoke warily. The Praise Society's goals were unclear. But from when Sarah briefly took Tailless in the first season, it was evident that the Praise Society seemed quite interested in weapons forged with ancient technology. Using Tailless, they researched a potion that could maintain the consciousness of "Sacrificial Ghosts" to some extent. And in the second season, their goal might be the Qingming Sword in Yixuan's hands. Additionally, the Qingming Sword can seize the five senses and memories, which seems to be the exact opposite of the Praise Society's research into using Filth to awaken memories. The Praise Society might urgently need the Qingming Sword to further expand their research on Filth, attempting to create the perfect, immortal "Sacrificial Ghost." If they found out about Miyabi's mom's resurrection, who knows what chaos would ensue?
"Okay."
Miyabi's mom followed his advice.
A moment later, outside H.A.N.D. Headquarters.
The sky suddenly darkened as a shadow swept over, and a gale rose. A massive figure dived down from the clouds. The giant sparrow's wings spread wide, like dark clouds pressing down on the city. When its sharp claws landed, it kicked up circles of dust, shaking the surrounding guards so much they almost fell.
"Enemy attack?!"
"Sound the alarm!"
H.A.N.D. Headquarters was instantly in chaos, especially upon seeing the giant sparrow that had broken into Hollow Zero three days ago. Guns were drawn, and energy turrets were instantly charged. Until Hoshimi Miyabi and Tsukishiro Yanagi jumped down from the giant sparrow.
"Lord Hoshimi?!"
"Put away your weapons, quickly!"
The alarm stopped abruptly. Everyone froze in place, looking at the massive creature slowly folding its wings, their hearts still pounding with fear. After dropping off Hoshimi Miyabi and Tsukishiro Yanagi, Ryuga made a "call me if anything happens" gesture, and then... the giant sparrow spread its wings again and soared into the sky.
...
Suibian Temple.
"It's so deserted."
Looking at the mottled walls and the tilted incense burner of the temple, Miyabi's mom covered her lips with a small hand, her face full of shock. But she quickly realized her slip of the tongue and explained with a red face, waving her small hands.
"Uh, I didn't mean it that way."
"Aren't you people from Yunkui Summit?"
Turning around, Miyabi's mom blinked curiously at Yixuan, her beautiful eyes turning into little question marks.
"I still know about Yunkui Summit. Back then, I even..."
She stopped halfway, glanced at Yixuan, hesitated as she weighed her seniority, and then explained again.
"I even sought out your previous Sect Master to have my fortune read."
"Yes, it should be the previous one, right?"
"His readings were quite accurate."
"How has it declined so much in just over twenty years? And... your Yunkui Summit's peak isn't here, right?"
Uh, fortune reading? Mentioning fortune reading, Ju Fufu tilted her head, and an unpleasant scene immediately came to mind. Following her master down the mountain for training, the result was... "fortune reading" and "divination" were just forms of deception. Saying things like "follow the trend to succeed." Master must have been fooling her, right?
Ryuga noticed that Yixuan's originally calm eyes narrowed slightly, a very faint but deep, cunning smile passing through them.
"Auntie~."
"The old Sect Master you mentioned is actually my master, the eleventh-generation leader of the eleventh generation... Eleven years ago, when the Old Capital fell, the disciples of Yunkui Summit collectively left the mountain to save people and fight Ethereals. Unfortunately, almost all the twelfth-generation disciples were wiped out in that battle."
"And I am the sole survivor."
Yixuan spoke leisurely and calmly. The wind suddenly stopped. The copper bell under the eaves rang softly, as if whispering a sob.
"As for this Suibian Temple in the Cheng-hui Plain of New Eridu, it's just a branch of Yunkui Summit."
"Forgive the poor hospitality."
Yixuan narrowed her eyes and cupped her hands.
"Ah?! I... I didn't expect such a thing to have happened."
Miyabi's mom was so shocked she covered her mouth, her pupils trembling slightly. She never expected Yunkui Summit to be nearly wiped out. How tragic and heroic that day must have been.
"It's fine. As long as I remain, Yunkui Summit will not perish. And I will surely make Yunkui Summit flourish once again."
A sharp light flashed in Yixuan's eyes, like a sword unsheathed.
"Yes, yes, I believe in Master Yixuan."
"Oh, by the way, as for the title 'Auntie'... teehee~, my current age might not be older than yours."
Miyabi's mom clapped her hands and suddenly chuckled, her gaze mischievous.
"I am Miyabi's friend, you..."
As Yixuan was speaking, the sound of Ye Shiyuan's footsteps came from inside the temple.
"Master, you're back. Hmm, they are...?"
His gaze shifted between Ryuga and Miyabi's mom for a moment. Ye Shiyuan then pushed the glasses on the bridge of his nose, the lenses flashing with a faint light.
"Oh, let me introduce you."
"This is the Senior Disciple of Yunkui Summit, Ye Shiyuan. These two are Mr. Ryuga, the Demon God, and..."
Yixuan introduced them with a smile. When she reached Miyabi's mom, she suddenly stopped, her brow furrowing imperceptibly. After all, her identity was too sensitive. Everyone knew Hoshimi Miyabi's mother had long since passed away; being too conspicuous now might cause unnecessary trouble.
Miyabi's mom also understood. She looked sideways at Ryuga: "Since you're the one who brought me out, let the names of the past... stay in the past. How about my good son-in-law, you give me a name?"
As she spoke, she playfully winked at Ryuga.
Ye Shiyuan was full of questions: What the heck? What is a Demon God? A son-in-law naming his mother-in-law, what the heck is that? And you look like you're only in your early 20s; you have a daughter already? Even if you had a daughter, she'd be a little kid, right? Son-in-law? Ye Shiyuan felt his mind couldn't wrap around it.
Ryuga was also a bit stunned; indeed, a new name was needed. Mainly, he didn't know Miyabi's mom's name either. He couldn't keep calling her mother-in-law, right?
"Well~ in our place, in ancient times, the Fox clan had four major surnames: Qingqiu, Tushan, Yousu, and Chunhu."
"Forget Chunhu; the reputation isn't great."
"Which of the other three do you like?"
Ryuga thought for a moment and asked. Thanks to Su Daji, the Yousu clan is widely known. And because "Little Fox Matchmaker" was popular for a while, Tushan is also rising. Qingqiu is a bit weaker, mostly seen in immortal cultivation and mythology TV dramas like "Eternal Love." As for Chunhu, unless you're a specialist, you probably haven't heard of it.
"Qingqiu, Tushan, Yousu?"
Miyabi's mom murmured, her fingertip lightly touching her lip. After a moment of thought, her eyes suddenly lit up.
"Your surname is Su, then I... will choose 'Yousu'."
"From now on, I'll be called 'You Suya'."
She spoke with a radiant smile, incredibly beautiful.
Ryuga was stunned: "That's good."
This name could be considered a kind of metaphor. After all, You Suya's current "relatives" were only Ryuga and Hoshimi Miyabi. You Suya (You Suya), has Su (Ryuga); has Miyabi (Hoshimi Miyabi).
Ye Shiyuan reported on the Filth matter. It turns out that when he wasn't seen three days ago, he had gone to investigate the Praise Society. He looked every bit the honest and loyal senior brother. Afterward, Yixuan took You Suya to tour Suibian Temple.
"This is A-Shuo, the master of Suibian Temple. Don't look at him being lazy; he is the 'pillar' of Suibian Temple, proficient in divination and can glimpse a sliver of heavenly secrets."
Everyone stood in front of a divination table, looking at the black dog wearing glasses.
"Eh? Such an amazing dog?"
You Suya's eyes lit up.
"Yes. He was once corrupted by an Ethereal, and there were some problems with his soul, but because of that, he is exceptionally sensitive to Ether and fate, often able to predict disasters."
After Yixuan finished explaining, she pointed to the Bangboo that looked like a stone lion across from them.
"This is Shiye, the exclusive Bangboo of Yunkui Summit."
After touring around, You Suya's gaze passed over Ye Shiyuan's back. She suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of discord and whispered: "I always feel he's a bit strange?"
"Oh, how so?"
Yixuan turned her head.
"I can't say for sure, but his face feels very strange."
You Suya shook her head, her brow slightly furrowed.
Ryuga smiled: Kabuto Yakushi, Aizen Sosuke, right? That guy looked like an "undercover agent" and always spoke well of TOPS. And whenever you thought he had a problem, the next second he would suddenly become very upright, which felt... very subtle. How should he put it? Ye Shiyuan always gave Ryuga the illusion that he would crush his glasses at any moment and change his hairstyle. Glasses off, slick back the hair, open the domain. It's you, Aizen!
To be continued…