The Next Day.
As usual, Kitsune Saiguu went to work at the Narukami Shrine.
Yu Xie was home alone, with nothing much to do.
He was getting older, and the Okuzumeshuu training no longer required his constant supervision.
Now, Inazuma was at peace, and there were fewer occasions that required the intervention of the Okuzumeshuu.
With time on his hands, Yu Xie planned to take a stroll around Inazuma, hoping to enjoy what was left of the scenery. Just as he was about to head out, Chiyo came to visit.
Miss Chiyo arrived at his door, walking lightly, smiling, and tilting her head.
"Do you have anything planned for today?"
"Not really."
"Then how about we take a trip to Yashiori Island?" she suggested.
"Sure."
And so, Yu Xie and Chiyo made their way to Yashiori Island.
By the time they arrived, it was already nearing noon. The spring sunlight was gentle and warm, not too harsh, and it felt just right on the skin.
They walked through the mountains, enjoying the tranquility of the island.
Unlike Narukami Island, the residents of Yashiori Island were few, and the island was more known for its natural beauty.
The mountain breeze blew gently, and Chiyo appeared to be enjoying the moment. She smiled and occasionally glanced at Yu Xie.
"I've heard that in Liyue, there's a place called Huaguang Stone Forest, where many tall mountains rise, almost like a forest of peaks. The view is said to be breathtaking," Chiyo said, walking and speaking. "Maybe we can go see it together one day?"
"One day...?" Yu Xie hesitated.
"Is something wrong?" Chiyo turned to look at him, and there seemed to be a hint of disappointment in her clear eyes.
"I fear that by then, I might be too old to walk... maybe you'll have to carry me?" Yu Xie joked lightly.
"That's impossible! You're fine now, don't think about such things!" Chiyo said quickly.
"Okay, okay, I won't think about it."
"Then it's settled! We'll go to Huaguang Stone Forest together someday!" Chiyo's face lit up with a smile again.
"…Mm." Yu Xie nodded, but his gaze averted from hers.
If something wasn't possible, it shouldn't be promised. But Yu Xie didn't have the courage to tell her the truth right then.
How could he say it? That he was going to die soon?
That would make Chiyo so sad.
If he didn't tell her, at least for the next 90 days, she would remain happy.
At that moment, a soft rumbling sound came from Chiyo's stomach.
Chiyo blushed slightly, looking down at her belly, and laughed awkwardly.
"I think I'm a little hungry…"
Yu Xie smiled lightly as well and began to reach for some food he had with him.
"Wait a moment. There should be some wild fruits in the forest over there," Chiyo said after thinking for a moment. "I'll go get them, stay here!"
Without waiting for Yu Xie to reply, Chiyo quickly dashed into the nearby forest.
Yu Xie, seeing this, glanced around and decided to sit down in the meantime.
However, his eyes were drawn to a man standing at the edge of a distant cliff, slowly edging toward the very edge.
Yu Xie furrowed his brow and quickly walked over.
"Hello, if you're here to enjoy the view, it's indeed a good spot. But if you're thinking of jumping down, I must say, that's not a very good choice."
The man's footsteps stopped, and some stones slid down from the cliff edge.
He turned to look at Yu Xie, his eyes momentarily stunned, as though surprised, but he quickly regained his composure.
"I'm not planning to jump, sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I just wanted to take a good look at the view," the man said with a gentle smile.
The man then sat down at the edge of the cliff, his feet dangling in the air, gazing at the scenery below. There seemed to be a deep sorrow in his eyes.
Yu Xie pondered for a moment and then walked over to sit at the edge of the cliff as well.
"It looks like you're facing some trouble," Yu Xie remarked.
"Life," the man said with a shrug, "who doesn't run into some problems? Who has a smooth journey all the way?"
"You're right," Yu Xie said with a helpless smile.
"Have you run into trouble too?" the man asked.
"I might have to leave a place I don't want to leave," Yu Xie answered.
"Indeed, there are many things in life that don't go as we wish," the man replied. "Seems like you're no exception."
The man's words caused Yu Xie to pause for a moment. The tone of his speech made it sound like they had known each other before.
"Do we know each other?" Yu Xie asked.
"Let me introduce myself," the man said. "My name is Orobashi. Long time no see, General of the Guili Assembly."
Yu Xie was even more stunned.
Orobashi... General of the Guili Assembly...
"It seems you don't remember me," Orobashi continued, noticing Yu Xie's reaction. "That's normal. Back then, we only exchanged a glance across the battlefield."
Yu Xie stayed silent.
"I see," Orobashi said, "But your name became quite famous. A mere mortal challenging the Gods, nearly every God who fought in that war knows you."
Yu Xie didn't reply.
Orobashi's words gave him a hint of understanding. This might have been part of his previous life, but why was Orobashi, who should have appeared long ago, showing up now? Yu Xie couldn't figure it out.
"A mortal who, through sheer effort, broke the limits of humanity and rewrote his fate," Orobashi said again. "Though in the end, you still couldn't avoid the fate of all mortals, you taught many of the Gods a lesson, myself included."
Orobashi paused before adding, "But why are you here again, a thousand years later?"
Yu Xie didn't answer.
"I see. Everyone has their own secrets. I was being too forward," Orobashi said. "But perhaps it's because of your influence. For the sake of my people, I want to fight against my own fate. Although I haven't come to any conclusions yet."
Yu Xie seemed to understand a little.
He had never expected things to turn out this way. It seemed that, unintentionally, he had changed the trajectory of certain events.
"General of the Guili Assembly, I'm glad to see you again. I wish you all the best. Your friend should be returning soon. Farewell."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Yu Xie turned to look beside him again, but Orobashi was gone.
A flood of emotions surged within him, difficult to describe.
Suddenly, Yu Xie realized that he was an incredibly fortunate person. He had managed to change the endings he wished to alter, but not everyone had that opportunity. Some people might devote their entire lives to trying to change their fate, only to find that fate doesn't budge.
"I also wish you well, and hope that day never comes," Yu Xie muttered.
"Yu Xie—" Chiyo's voice called out, and Yu Xie turned to look.
Chiyo was running back, holding a handful of wild fruits.
"Slow down, be careful not to fall," Yu Xie reminded her.
"Have some fruit," Chiyo said, sitting down beside him at the edge of the cliff.
She picked a pale pink wild fruit, wiped it off, and took a bite.
It was very sour, so sour that Yu Xie's expression couldn't help but twist.
Seeing his reaction, Chiyo also picked up a fruit and took a bite.
Her expression was identical to his.
"It seems like they're not ripe yet..." Chiyo laughed awkwardly.
Time passed, and the sun gradually sank into the western sky, signaling the end of the day.
Yu Xie and Chiyo returned to Narukami Island.
After briefly parting ways with Chiyo, Yu Xie walked along the road toward the General's residence.
However, as he walked, he suddenly changed direction and headed instead toward the residence of Sasayuri.
End of chapter
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