Evening at the Shrine Kitchen
By dinner time, Xia Zhi had made his way to the shrine's kitchen.
"Master, you're here!" Xiangling called out cheerfully from behind a sizzling pan.
The other cooks turned to stare in awe.
The master of the Culinary Grandmaster herself!
Xia Zhi nodded. "You have a stone mill here?"
"Of course! Right this way!" one cook replied quickly.
"Master, are you making tofu?"
"Mm."
Instead of using the ordinary soybeans soaked in the kitchen, Xia Zhi pulled out a handful of thigh-grade beans from the [Shop].
Grind. Filter. Curdle. Press.
Every motion flowed with effortless grace, leaving the surrounding chefs watching in reverent silence.
Even blind, he worked with divine precision.
Once the tofu was ready, he began frying fried tofu pouches.
Another chef immediately vacated his station, eager to observe and learn.
Xia Zhi didn't hide his process—he explained each step as he worked, pointing out the small details that made all the difference.
The shrine cooks practically glowed with inspiration.
After all, everyone knew Yae Miko's favorite food was fried tofu.
If they could master this recipe... promotions and praise were practically guaranteed.
---
When dinner began, Yae Miko hadn't even entered yet before her nose twitched.
That aroma—that golden, savory fragrance—Tonight's fried tofu smelled divine.
She picked up a piece, tasted it, and..
Her expression melted into bliss.
Delicious! Absolutely divine!
The flavor danced across her tongue like a blessing from the gods.
Covering her mouth with her hand, a faint blush rose to her cheeks.
"This... this is the best fried tofu I've ever had!"
Recovering, she turned toward Xiangling. "Miss Xiangling, your fried tofu is exquisite."
Xiangling quickly waved her hands. "Oh no, I didn't make it."
Miko blinked. "Then who did? None of the shrine's cooks have ever achieved this flavor."
Xiangling grinned. "My master did."
Yae Miko's gaze slid to Xia Zhi, surprise lighting her eyes. "You mean you made this, Mr. Xia?"
He nodded. "Yes. If Lady Yae enjoys it, then please—have as much as you like."
Her platinum progress bar ticked upward noticeably.
A slow, sultry smile curved her lips. "I told you yesterday—just call me Miko, Mr. Xia."
Yesterday, she'd said it out of courtesy, to be polite in front of Makoto.
But now... she meant it.
Anyone who could make fried tofu this divine? That was a friend worth keeping.
"Mr. Xia, why is it so delicious tonight?"
"I used special beans."
"I see... Mr. Xia, do you have any more of those beans? I'd like to buy some."
He waved a hand. "No need for that. I'll send some your way later."
"Then thank you, Mr. Xia."
As Miko continued eating, her platinum progress bar skyrocketed—a pink-haired fox, utterly lost in culinary bliss.
Within moments, the bar maxed out.
A Platinum Treasure Chest appeared in Xia Zhi's inventory.
---
After night fell, Xia Zhi stepped out of the shrine. Fischl and Qiqi were already waiting for him.
"Mr. Xia."
"Master."
Earlier that day, Xia Zhi had told them he'd be joining their legendary commission tonight. Both Fischl and Qiqi had welcomed the idea.
He nodded with a small smile. "Mm."
Fischl tugged lightly at the hem of his clothes, her tone hesitant. "Mr. Xia, my transformation device isn't fully charged yet…"
Xia Zhi lowered his head and said softly, "That's fine."
He reached out and brushed his fingers over Fischl's black eyepatch. Instantly, the device that hadn't been fully charged filled up to maximum capacity.
Fischl's face lit up. "Then let's go!"
But Xia Zhi didn't move. "Hold on. There's someone else coming with us."
Fischl blinked obediently. "Oh—okay!"
Moments later, Xia Ci and Xia Zhen came out of the shrine, with Yae Miko following behind.
Xia Zhi raised a brow. "You're coming too, Miko?"
Yae Miko nodded seriously. "Please, Mr. Xia. This involves Lady Kitsune Saiguu. I have to go!"
Seems this pink-haired foodie fox has some personal ties to that fox predecessor too, Xia Zhi thought, indifferent. "Alright. Let's go."
With three gods accompanying them, this was an absurdly overpowered lineup. Forget a standard purification quest— even a boss-level dungeon on Abyss difficulty would probably be a breeze.
Following Fischl and Qiqi, they headed toward the marked location from the client's map—where they found a masked shrine maiden waiting for them: Hanachirusato.
From Xia Zhi's perspective, a golden progress bar hung over her head.
Seeing the two adventurers from yesterday now arrive with four extra people, Hanachirusato looked momentarily stunned.
Fischl explained smoothly, "I felt some pressure from this legendary commission, so I brought a few companions along. Seems reasonable, right?"
Hanachirusato glanced at Xia Zhen, feeling she looked familiar—someone she should recognize—but the memory wouldn't quite surface. Her gaze then shifted to Yae Miko, sensing the faint trace of divine fox blood. It was the same aura she'd felt lingering at the Grand Narukami Shrine.
She likely already guessed who Yae Miko was, but didn't say it aloud. She simply nodded. "That's reasonable. Purification rituals do require more hands. Then, let's begin tonight's cleansing."
Ten minutes later, the Thunder Sakura Tree was purified.
Hanachirusato froze. Wait—what? Where did all the filth go? What about the hordes of corrupted youkai? How did everything just… vanish?
Fischl said cheerfully, "We still have plenty of time left. Why don't we purify tomorrow's target too?"
Hanachirusato hesitated, but seeing that everyone was completely unharmed, she nodded. "Alright, the next one is…"
Ten minutes later, another Thunder Sakura Tree was purified.
Hanachirusato fell silent. She felt like a newbie tagging along with a full party of max-level veterans speedrunning the dungeon.
Fischl piped up again. "How about we clear the one planned for the day after tomorrow while we're at it?"
This time Hanachirusato didn't even hesitate. "Sure, follow me…"
Eight minutes later, the next Thunder Sakura Tree was purified.
Before Fischl could even suggest it, Hanachirusato was already leading the way. "There's just one more—it's over there…"
Five minutes later, the final Thunder Sakura Tree was purified.
Fischl clapped her hands together. "Mission complete! Time to head back to the Adventurers' Guild and collect our rewards. Let's go, let's go."
Hanachirusato instinctively grabbed Fischl's sleeve.
"Hm? What's wrong?" Fischl asked, puzzled.
Hanachirusato hesitated. "Um…"
Fischl narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me it's not over yet?"
Hanachirusato nodded. "Indeed. As expected of the one who dispelled five barriers so easily—your eyes see through things like moonlight piercing clouds."
"Enough flattery," Fischl said dryly. "What else do we need to do?"
(You can't even hide the smile tugging at your lips.)
Hanachirusato explained, "There's still one last step to the Purification Ritual: dispelling the barrier around the Sacred Sakura's roots and purifying the miasma accumulated over the years."
Fischl frowned. "But the Sacred Sakura is in the Grand Narukami Shrine, right? If we start purging evil there, it'll cause a huge commotion."
Hanachirusato shook her head. "You needn't worry. The Sakura's roots lie deep beneath Mt. Yougou, sealed far from the shrine itself."
Seeing Fischl still uncertain, she added, "Please rest assured—it won't affect the shrine in any way."
"Alright," Fischl finally agreed.
They followed her to a deep fissure beneath Mt. Yougou. A faintly glowing barrier pulsed before them, sealing away an endless darkness below.
Xia Ci frowned. "Don't tell me we're supposed to go in there to purify it?"
Hanachirusato nodded. "Yes."
Xia Ci crossed her arms. "That's not what we agreed to. We don't even know what's down there—it's too dangerous. Everyone here is precious to me. I'm not throwing them into some pit of unknown danger."
Hanachirusato asked carefully, "Then… what are you suggesting?"
Xia Ci raised a finger. "You'll have to pay extra."
Hanachirusato sighed. "Don't worry, I'll double the final reward."
Xia Zhen shook her head. "Not enough."
"Triple?"
"Still not enough," Xia Zhen replied calmly. "It's not just about money. After the Ritual is complete, I want you to tell me everything about yourself, Hanachirusato."
Hanachirusato stiffened, clearly surprised by the request.
After a few seconds, she nodded slowly. "Alright. I agree."
"Then please keep your word," Xia Zhen said evenly.
"I will. Now… I'll begin lifting the seal."
She began to chant, her voice carrying a strange, melodic rhythm—like a fox softly singing.
Yae Miko's long, narrow eyes half-closed, a trace of sultry charm flickering in their depths.
As the final words fell, the barrier began to tremble—and then vanished entirely.
Hanachirusato turned back to the group. "Though it looks deep, you may simply jump down. The Sacred Sakura's roots are steeped in corruption, but they recognize those who carry the aura of the Great Purification. You'll land safely, and it'll protect you as you cleanse the final miasma. I promise—"
Everyone just smiled, then leapt in together.
Hanachirusato clasped her hands over her chest and began to pray silently.
Not even a full minute later—before her prayer was finished—she felt the overwhelming joy radiating up from the Sacred Sakura.
That could only mean one thing: it was over.
The pain the Sacred Sakura had endured was finally gone.
Wait… that's it? The Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual is done?
Hanachirusato stood frozen, struggling to believe it.
She'd expected this to be an excruciating, near-impossible task—one no one would even take.
But here they were, finishing everything by the second day.
Was this what legendary adventurers were like now?
Not only so young—but terrifyingly competent.
As the familiar figures reappeared before her, Hanachirusato noticed that none of their clothes even had a speck of dust on them.
Just what kind of monsters are these people…?
Xia Zhen stepped forward. "Now, it's time for you to keep your promise."
Hanachirusato met her eyes. "I… What do you want to know?"
"Are you a retainer of Kitsune Saiguu?"
Hanachirusato shook her head. "No. In fact, it's quite the opposite."
Xia Zhen frowned slightly. "Opposite? Then how do you know about the [Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual]?"
"Because I inherited Kitsune Saiguu's memories," Hanachirusato said softly.
A realization flashed in Xia Zhen's eyes. "You mean…?"
Hanachirusato's tone grew calm. "Yes. Kitsune Saiguu fought the dark calamity to protect Narukami Island and was ultimately consumed by it. The calamity that devoured her was destroyed, but her thoughts and memories returned to the land of Narukami—until, for certain reasons, they leaked out once again…"
The others now understood, their expressions mirroring her solemnity.
"You're right," Hanachirusato continued quietly. "I—Hanachirusato—am the taint formed from Kitsune Saiguu's lingering thoughts and memories."
In Teyvat, the world has its own laws.
When a living being dies, their memories and emotions—their soul—return to the ley lines.
But when those memories are corrupted by the Abyss, they can manifest again in physical form, though incomplete—just like Hanachirusato.
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