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"Daoist Arden, what's happening outside?"
Miyabi asked, worry threading her voice. If the berserk Youkai Blade harmed civilians, both her personal reputation and that of the Miyabi family would plummet, potentially forcing the family out of New Eridu's upper echelons.
Of course, she didn't truly care—she was just disappointed. Losing her position would mean she could no longer contribute to the city's future.
If I can't continue as course leader, I might as well become a disciple at Yunkui Summit.
Miyabi had already considered her fallback. She trusted that Arden wouldn't refuse her, and staying at Yunkui Summit would still allow her to make a difference for New Eridu—which was enough for her.
"Don't worry. I'm here; it won't go out of control."
Arden summoned the Sword of Red Heaven and tossed it to her.
"Catch it. This is the one I promised you."
With Tailless unusable in the current situation, Miyabi needed a weapon she could rely on to face potential dangers.
If only Arden knew what I was thinking… he might have let me fail just a little, forcing me to step down and come to Yunkui Summit as a disciple.
"Thanks!"
Miyabi caught the Sword of Red Heaven and asked, "What's next?"
"Since we're trapped in your inner world, it's likely similar to confronting a Heart Demon. Overcoming something here should let us exit."
"Heart Demon…"
Hearing the words, Miyabi frowned. Just the name alone wasn't comforting.
"Don't worry. Fufu experienced signs of a Heart Demon before. With my help and Master Yixuan's, she broke through just fine and even gained strength."
Miyabi's tension eased slightly at Arden's confident reassurance.
Sensing her change, the surroundings shifted, and the two found themselves in a sunlit corridor resembling an art exhibition.
Portraits lined the walls—each depicting a Kitsune-human ancestor.
Ahead, a graceful woman and her young daughter approached. The lady exuded elegance reminiscent of Arden's own Yixuan Shifu, while the little girl's demeanor mirrored the charm of Ju Fufu. Both had fox ears.
"Uh… this isn't your memory, is it? Should I close my eyes?"
Arden hesitated, not wanting to intrude on someone else's past, even passively.
"No need."
Miyabi waved it off. Arden wasn't an outsider; her memories contained nothing shameful.
Together, they walked deeper into the corridor. Miyabi's eyes traced the portraits: ancestors who had saved humanity, slain dangerous Youkai, rare power users, remnants of old civilizations, and the evils of the new era—each wielding the Youkai Blade, Tailless.
"Mom, when I grow up, I want to be a hero like our ancestors!"
Young Miyabi tugged at her mother's hand, her voice full of determination.
Her mother, though, smiled gently.
"All I hope for is that you grow up safely, make many friends, and live a happy life."
"Friends… a happy life…"
Miyabi repeated her mother's words, memories mingling with a sense of loss.
Scenes shifted like a carousel, replaying her childhood. She grew, mastering martial arts while others played. Despite her mother's reservations about letting her touch blades, claiming it was "for training," she persevered.
Arden realized why Miyabi had always enjoyed unusual training—her mother's influence, a form of remembrance.
All joy ended when the Old Capital fell. The Hoshimi Family was destroyed in flames. Her mother, to save her daughter, entrusted the Youkai Blade, Tailless, to young Miyabi—its spirit ensuring the Ether within it wouldn't harm her.
Arden watched silently. He had seen her PV before, commented on how tragic her past was, but now, witnessing it like this felt almost real.
No wonder the planners always make the strongest heroines suffer…
"I've never forgotten!"
Miyabi grasped Arden's hand tightly, seeking a pillar of support.
"I've never used the blade's true power—only as a sharper weapon."
Her admission surprised Arden. He had thought her Frost Flame abilities came from Tailless, but it wasn't so.
Her power was entirely her own—she became a Void Hunter without relying on any external force. Even without her legendary weapon, she was formidable.
Even now, holding the Sword of Red Heaven, she remained a Void Hunter—a terrifying reality.
Arden shivered slightly at imagining her further amplified by a divine weapon.
Good thing she's on our side.
Smiling at his foresight in befriending Miyabi early, he took pride in his strategy.
"Let's move forward together."
Arden gently led her, and they stepped into the corridor ahead, leaving the past behind. Ahead lay a future full of hope, waiting for them.
"Mm."
Miyabi nodded, ready to face what came next.
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