The distance between them was extremely close.
He could even feel the other person's breath.
“…”
Seeing the lightning enter Qin Yu’s body, Sakura nodded slightly.
At this moment, rustling sounds fell.
Soil mixed with leaves landed on Qin Yu’s head.
Making him look rather disheveled.
The power of Earth Maiden’s slap was indeed terrifying.
“I…”
Facing the resolute Earth Maiden, Qin Yu was momentarily stunned.
But more than that, he sank his consciousness into his mind.
He hadn't expected to actually draw a five-star character.
Good luck, no wasted pulls.
It was Raiden Shogun, which was somewhat surprising.
This was a combat talent, capable of fighting as soon as it was drawn.
Although it was a temporary trial card.
It was still a good outcome.
Divine Transformation: Eye of the Wicked Star…
[The meaning of "eyes and hands" originally referred to those with great divine abilities.]
[What they see is what they can do.]
[The Thunder God can deploy the malevolent star's eyes and hands, bestowing blessings upon their "vassals" to carry out the punishment of lightning.]
The system’s prompt, for some reason.
Deliberately emphasized the word "vassals"...
[Limited-time trial has begun, will disappear upon expiration.]
…
His consciousness returned to reality.
Qin Yu subconsciously shook his head, brushing away the leaves.
Only then did he look up.
The previously pleasant, subtle fragrance had faded.
Sakura crossed her arms and created distance, looking at him coldly.
A silence fell between their gazes.
Earth Maiden was naturally cold and unwilling to speak.
As for Qin Yu, he was recalling what had just happened.
“…”
Qin Yu’s expression stiffened, and he closed his eyes.
Being pinned against the tree by Earth Maiden was embarrassing.
After a long while, he asked softly:
“Sakura, that lightning just now was…”
His heart gradually calmed, and he pieced things together.
Earth Maiden definitely wouldn't know the meaning of "wall pinning."
He didn't need to overthink it.
Perhaps she simply wanted to slap him.
But she missed and hit the tree trunk instead…
Hearing his question, Sakura lifted her chin and said calmly:
“Consider that lightning as…”
She paused midway through her sentence.
“Consider it as?”
Qin Yu followed her lead and asked.
Sakura looked deeply at Qin Yu.
Should she say it directly?
She suddenly remembered what the fox-eared woman had said.
Humans, sometimes, it’s better to maintain some mystery.
Sakura, who was usually straightforward, hesitated.
After a long pause, Sakura turned away and said coldly:
“Firstly, it’s because you were too weak.”
“There are dangers ahead, yet you insisted on going.”
“Just consider the lightning as a blessing from a shrine maiden for you.”
“…”
The mountain wind was exceptionally sharp.
Qin Yu watched Earth Maiden’s distant, cold back.
Just like when they first met.
He smiled silently.
Sometime, he didn't know when.
That fierce Earth Maiden had finally gained some warmth.
Even her simple, thick braids looked more pleasing.
Kind of cute.
“What are you smiling about!”
It was as if Earth Maiden had eyes in the back of her head.
“I just feel fortunate to know you.”
Qin Yu said with emotion.
Sakura snorted, and the coldness seemed to lessen.
“Are you really a shrine maiden?”
“…”
“Then who is stronger between you and Yae Guuji, the Grand Shrine Maiden?”
“…”
Receiving no response, Qin Yu sighed helplessly.
He waved his hand and walked into the forest.
Next, he had to find the man who was passing intelligence.
“My shrine maiden, danger lies ahead.”
“Hide and protect yourself, I’ll be back.”
Sakura watched Qin Yu’s receding figure.
Until everything fell silent.
After a long while, the corner of her mouth curved into a slight arc.
“Hmph, hide?”
…
Beneath the mountain cliff, a fire glowed.
A group of ronin were warming themselves by the fire.
In the flickering light, they held their swords, their presence chilling.
The Yashiori.
In Inazuma, they were samurai without faith.
To survive, they would take on any dirty job.
They were truly desperate outlaws living on the edge of a blade.
“No, no good!”
Suddenly, a panicked voice rang out.
The next moment, a disheveled figure stumbled out.
It was the man who had fled earlier.
He clutched his shoulder, his face contorted in pain.
Trembling, he released his hand and gasped in pain.
His palm was already stained crimson, dripping slowly.
“Damn it, why didn’t they tell me they were setting new traps earlier!”
The ronin samurai all looked at the man.
Beneath his worn-out straw hat, their eyes gleamed with a scarlet light.
“Wh-what do you want.”
The man’s angry curse died in his throat.
Because a sword was already at his neck.
Bloodstains reflected on the blade, sending a chill down one’s spine.
“I am an envoy of the Tenryou Commission!”
The ronin holding the sword sneered.
“Bullshit Tenryou Commission.”
“I only recognize money!”
“If you don’t have it, your life stays here!”
The man, trembling, handed over a package.
The ronin holding the sword hefted it and whistled.
“Yo, quite the sincerity, enough for us brothers to have a good time.”
He then moved the sword away and patted the man’s face.
The man dared not speak out in anger.
“Alright, we’ll take you to see our boss.”
The Yashiori gathered around the campfire made way.
The man instinctively looked up.
In the darkness, a shadow loomed.
The next moment, a tall samurai strode out.
He wore heavy armor and a sword at his waist.
A mask that obscured his face was terrifyingly grotesque.
A Nobushi.
He looked down at the man.
“Guh…!”
The man’s eyes widened, and he struggled, flailing his limbs.
The Nobushi grabbed him by the neck, lifting him entirely.
He sneered:
“Who is chasing you?”
The man opened his mouth, about to suffocate.
“It’s me.”
A clear voice rang out.
Everyone’s heart leaped, and they subconsciously looked in one direction.
“Good evening.”
Qin Yu stood on a tree, a grin on his face.
He extended his hand.
Metal clanged as they fell.
They were various discarded traps.
The Yashiori quickly drew their swords.
This brat actually destroyed all the traps by himself!
“…”
The Nobushi’s gaze turned icy, and he drew the sword at his waist.
“If you’ve come, you’ll die!”
Qin Yu’s smile turned cold, and he said slowly:
“I just don’t know, who will kill whom.”