Upon returning to Tianyun Pass, Ying discovered that Orobashi had not chosen to flee but remained in place, gazing at her with a resolute expression.
Ying seemed to sense something, her head tilting slightly as she looked in the direction of Seirai Island.
In the air, two bolts of lightning and one golden light streaked towards her.
Soon, Ling Feng and the other two arrived.
"All dealt with?" Ying asked, slightly surprised.
"It was a bit tricky, but it's done," Chiyo said with a smile.
Judging by her joyous demeanor, it was evident she had thoroughly enjoyed the battle.
"Then only he remains." Ying's gaze shifted downwards to the battered and bruised Orobashi.
All the gods in this region were now either dead or had fled.
Of the four large islands, only Seirai Island was left, thus unifying them.
Of course, this was under the assumption that they were unaware of the existence of Watatsumi Island and Tsurumi Island.
"Orobashi, why do you not flee?" Ying asked, retracting her稻光 (Inazuma).
In his current state, Orobashi posed no threat to them.
Among the three gods earlier, Orobashi had been the strongest.
If Orobashi had decided to flee, Ying could not guarantee with one hundred percent certainty that she could stop him.
Crossing the void was not without its limitations.
"Whether I flee or not is irrelevant. Even if Baalzebul were to kill me today, I would have no regrets. I only ask if you could look after my people." Orobashi glanced at the subjects he had protected, his eyes filled with affection.
It was like a mother gazing at her children.
Due to the war of the gods, his people were struggling to stay warm and fed, which caused him great distress, yet there was nothing he could do.
"I can. However, I do not intend to kill you."
"Are you willing to join my ranks? I will allocate a region for you and your people to survive."
Indeed, Ying was proposing to recruit Orobashi as her subordinate.
Orobashi's character earned the respect of everyone present.
He was willing to sacrifice his own life to protect his people.
However, after a moment of deep thought, Orobashi shook his head.
"The victor reigns, the vanquished retreats."
Although he had something to entrust to Ying and the others, as gods, they possessed a certain pride.
His willingness to humble himself and plead with Ying was already a significant concession.
Refusing to join Ying's ranks was his way of preserving his last shred of dignity.
"Very well, I agree."
Although Orobashi had refused her offer, Ying had somewhat anticipated this.
Even if Orobashi hadn't made such a request, she would have ensured Orobashi's people were cared for.
"My kin, I entrust them to your care."
Orobashi bowed his head in gratitude and then began to crawl towards the ocean.
His colossal serpentine body left a long trench as it slid across the ground.
Every so often, Orobashi would look back at his kin, perhaps still not entirely at ease.
It was only then that Ling Feng realized the true extent of Orobashi's length, so long that he couldn't see the serpent's tail.
"Future, perform a scan. Measure Orobashi's length."
Future: Received.
Future: Master, Orobashi's total length is over 660 kilometers.
Over 660 kilometers.
Ling Feng: !!!
Was that still considered a snake? Shouldn't it be called a python?
Ling Feng didn't know much about Orobashi.
The little he knew was that Orobashi had suddenly attacked Yashiori Island.
After killing Sasayuri, Ying had erupted in fury, unleashing the Musou Isshin for the first time, cleaving the Musou Jinrakujou.
But judging by Orobashi's character, if Ying had shown him kindness, he wouldn't be the type to bite the hand that fed him… or rather, the serpent that was fed.
Could it be that a certain event had caused Orobashi to act that way?
Ling Feng had a feeling that this line of reasoning was close to the truth.
However, whatever event could have prompted Orobashi to attack Yashiori Island was likely no trivial matter.
Orobashi must have known he couldn't defeat Ying; he wouldn't have charged in alone to his death, would he?
Wait, to his death?!
The word "death" suddenly made everything seem more plausible.
[Ding! Triggered chained quest 'Truth' Stage One!]
Hearing the system notification and the quest's theme, Ling Feng knew he had likely guessed correctly.
With a thought, the quest panel appeared before him.
[Chained Quest]: Truth
[Current Stage]: Stage One 'Warning'
[Current Difficulty]: Easy
[Quest Duration]: None
[Quest Description]: Remind Orobashi that the deep sea hides things that people of this era should not see. Sometimes, curiosity can be the killer that ends your own life.
[Quest Reward]: 666 Wishful Energy
"As expected, Orobashi attacked for a reason. Did he open Pandora's Box?"
"Information is insufficient for now. I'll follow the system's quest."
With that thought, Ling Feng quickly transformed into a golden light and pursued Orobashi.
Ying and the other two looked at Ling Feng's sudden pursuit of Orobashi with confusion and exchanged glances.
However, since Ling Feng hadn't mentioned it to them, it was probably a private matter.
Orobashi, who was nearing the sea, also sensed Ling Feng's presence and stopped, looking up.
Ling Feng zipped past and appeared before Orobashi.
"Are you truly looking for me?" Orobashi asked, astonished.
"No, Orobashi, I am here to give you a warning." Ling Feng shook his head, speaking calmly.
"A warning? What do you mean, esteemed sir?" Orobashi frowned slightly.
"I cannot say too much. I can only offer you one piece of advice."
"The deep sea hides things that people of this era should not see. Sometimes, curiosity can be the killer that ends your own life."
Although Orobashi did not understand the meaning behind Ling Feng's words, he had a premonition that they would be crucial information for his survival.
"Thank you for your warning, esteemed sir. I understand."
Orobashi nodded, then plunged into the sea, heading towards the depths of Enkanomiya.
Enkanomiya, the resting place of the defeated.
Ling Feng waited for a moment, but the system did not respond, indicating that the first stage was not yet complete.
He could see from Orobashi's eyes that the serpent had taken his words to heart.
It was likely that the warning would only be considered truly effective when it had genuinely helped Orobashi.
Never mind, it was just a quest, and there was no obligation to complete it.
Even if Orobashi dismissed his words, it would be his own choice.
As for attacking Yashiori Island?
He could simply tell Sasayuri not to go there.
With that thought, Ling Feng's divine light flew, transforming into a rainbow and rejoining Ying and the others.
Thus, the Inazuma Archon War was largely concluded.
However, since there was no guarantee that some foolish Archon wouldn't come to seize their territory, it could only be considered "largely" concluded.
Ling Feng and Sasayuri instructed the Shogunate army to send personnel to guard Seirai Island and establish a governing body for its unified management.
After taking control of Seirai Island, there were many matters to attend to.
Managing four islands was an internal affair, and Ling Feng could already imagine the Tenshukaku's office overflowing with documents.
A mountain of documents, and just after the war, more work. Ling Feng felt a sudden urge to sneak out and play for a few days.
But then he thought of Ei, who worked so hard every day, and felt a pang of sympathy.
In the end, he dutifully returned to the Tenshukaku.
Tenshukaku.
As soon as Ling Feng pushed open the door, he saw Ei sitting at the main desk, poring over documents.
Just as he had imagined, the entire office area was piled high with scrolls, a sight more terrifying than Ganyu's office.
Ling Feng suddenly regretted his decision. Perhaps he should have gone out to play for a few days.
His back ached.
Just as Ling Feng was about to quietly slip out, a delicate hand reached out and grabbed his right hand.
Before Ling Feng could react, he was pulled into the room.
When Ling Feng regained his senses, he felt a soft object pressing against his chest, and Ei's unique fragrance filled his nostrils once more.
"Ei, as a woman, you should have some decorum. You need to understand the principle of maintaining distance between men and women." Ling Feng said, his face blushing.
Then, Ei looked up, pouting, a hint of grievance in her eyes.
"Ling, were you planning to sneak away just now?"
"Uh… how could I? I was just feeling a bit of back pain and intended to see a doctor." Ling Feng chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head.
"There's no need to see a doctor. I can help massage your back."
Ling Feng looked at Ei's gentle smile and didn't know what to say.
What else could he do? He had to accept his fate and work.
Under the governance of Ling Feng (with Future's assistance) and Ei, Inazuma began to flourish.
On all four islands of Inazuma, all matters proceeded in an orderly fashion.
Although occasionally, Archons who had fled to Enkanomiya or malevolent beings attempting to invade Inazuma would appear.
They were troublesome, but with Inazuma's current strength, Ying easily dealt with them at the head of her troops.
...
Near a stream on Mt. Yougou.
Ling Feng looked up at the clear sky, feeling the gentle breeze on his face, and stretched comfortably.
A place of natural beauty, unmarred by pollution, something he had never experienced in China.
"It's not easy. Everything has finally settled down."
"It's just my back that aches, all thanks to Ei."
Ling Feng rubbed his lower back, casting a complaining glance at Ei, who was smiling mischievously among the five people behind him.
During this time, he had been almost completely drained by Ei, leaving him with sore muscles and a stiff back.
Damn capitalist exploitation of labor!
He had worked tirelessly for days and nights to complete his tasks, while Ei, on the other hand, slept soundly every night.
It wasn't that he didn't want to leave, but he couldn't. Ei would lie on his lap and sleep every night, and he dared not move.
"Then… how about… a reward for you?" Ei, holding Kitsune Saiguu, cast a seductive glance at Ling Feng, her voice full of allure.
Ling Feng's old face flushed. He suddenly shouted to Sasayuri, who was chuckling to the side, "Doggy, what are you laughing at? Come on, let's go catch some fish, or we won't have lunch!"
Ling Feng grabbed Sasayuri by the scruff of his neck and hurried towards the nearby river.
He was utterly helpless against Ei's advances.
Despite his age, he was still a pure virgin.
Ei, who was so tempting every day, truly wasn't afraid that he might give in to his beastly instincts one day and devour her?!
Regarding Ling Feng's actions, Sasayuri expressed extreme protest.
"Don't call me Doggy! Call me Grand Tengu!"
Hearing this, Ling Feng chuckled. Since Sasayuri had said so, he would naturally oblige.
"Alright, Grand Leash-licker! No problem, Grand Leash-licker?"
Sasayuri: ???
Although Ling Feng was indeed calling him what he asked, for some reason, something felt slightly off.
Upon reaching the stream, Ling Feng waved his hand and produced two fishing rods and some high-grade fish bait he had exchanged with fishermen.
"Doggy, dare you have a competition? Who can catch more fish!"
"Bring it on! What are you afraid of? Do you forget I'm a Tengu!"
As Ling Feng and Sasayuri's gazes met, sparks seemed to fly.
They both sat down simultaneously, cast their lines, and began to wait for a bite.
As for the other four beauties, they had spread out a picnic mat and were seated upon it.
Ei took out some desserts and drinks from the basket and arranged them.
Chiyo and Ei's eyes immediately lit up, and they couldn't resist picking up some and eating them in small bites.
The aura of the Valkyrie had vanished.
Ei and Kitsune Saiguu exchanged knowing smiles.
This kind of life, free from war and bloodshed, was truly wonderful!
They had all come out together to relax.
After some time...
The four beauties were chatting when Chiyo suddenly felt hungry. Although the desserts were delicious, they weren't very filling.
"Aren't Ling and Doggy done yet? I'm so hungry~" Chiyo complained listlessly, lying on the ground.
The other three looked towards the stream and saw Ling Feng and Sasayuri sitting motionlessly like statues.
Kitsune Saiguu curiously got up, wanting to see how many fish they had caught.
Upon reaching their buckets, she looked inside.
Empty.
Still empty.
She was instantly stunned.
"So… after all this time, you two haven't caught a single fish. What exactly were you doing?"
"We don't know either. We've been fishing for ages, and no fish have taken the bait." Ling Feng said, perplexed.
"Could it be that there are no fish in this stream?" Sasayuri offered a hypothesis.
"Then, what is that?" Kitsune Saiguu pointed to the riverbank, her voice filled with confusion.
Ling Feng and Sasayuri looked down and saw that, at some unknown point, a school of fish had gathered and were simply watching them.
Ling Feng: ...
Sasayuri: ...
"Doggy, how about we compete in catching fish instead? Fishing isn't really our forte."
"I agree."
Ling Feng and Sasayuri exchanged knowing smiles and, looking at the fish provoking them in the water, dove in.
The fish, sensing danger, tried to flee, but Ling Feng and Sasayuri were no ordinary mortals. They were incredibly swift.
In a short while, Ling Feng's iron grill was lined with rows of fish, so many that they couldn't all fit.
Fish 1: Damn it, who told us to come and watch the show! Now we're all wiped out! Let's have a feast!
"Here, Chiyo." Ling Feng looked at Chiyo, who was drooling nearby, and shook his head helplessly.
He quickly handed her a grilled fish, sprinkled with cumin, scallions, and other seasonings.
"Thank you, Ling." Chiyo was surprised to be the first to receive a fish and didn't hesitate to take a lavish grilled fish and bite into it.
"Mmm, delicious."
"Everyone, come and eat."
"Hey, hey, hey, don't fight over them! At least leave one for me!"
Ling Feng looked at the iron grill, which had been full of lavish grilled fish just moments ago, now completely empty.
Ling Feng: ...
Is this the power of delicious food?