"Ahh… nothing beats being home."
Back from Liyue's heart to his own dwelling, Taro flopped straight onto the sofa, twisting and turning until he found the most comfortable position.
"Sensei~ like this feels the best."
Huoliya's eyes gleamed playfully. She moved closer and placed Taro's head gently upon her soft, pale thighs.
"Mhm. Not bad at all."
Taro gave a satisfied nod.
Softer than a pillow, and carrying a faint, pleasant fragrance.
"..."
Yingda clenched her teeth, refusing to lose ground. She shuffled over and chose the only space left—his legs.
She had her own technique.
Her delicate fingers pressed lightly into the acupoints along his thigh.
"Sensei, is the pressure good?"
"Mhm… feels nice."
Taro sighed contentedly. Yingda's massage skill was improving fast.
"..."
E'nan blinked in confusion.
Head, occupied. Legs, occupied.
What could she do?
Shouldn't someone, at least, be serving tea or snacks right now?
"Big sister, why don't you brew some tea?" Yingda winked at her.
"Bottom drawer, second box—that's Sensei's favorite blend."
"Got it~"
E'nan smiled knowingly and went to prepare it.
"Sensei, what do you want for dinner?"
Huoliya asked, glancing down. From her view, only half his face was visible, resting lazily on her lap.
"I'm not picky."
Taro turned his head—and his sight was immediately filled with the curve of her chest.
Ahem. Not safe territory.
"Understood."
Huoliya smiled lightly. "But, boss, there's something I don't quite understand. May I ask?"
"What is it?"
Taro half-opened his eyes.
"It's about those soldiers." Her voice softened. "Their condition, their souls… I've never seen anything like that. How are you planning to handle them?"
"No rush."
Taro slapped his thigh, earning a side glance from Huoliya.
"We'll move once their states stabilize.
"Though incense and faith exist in this world, a full Incense Divinity System doesn't—yet. Zanmaran's cultivation of divine bodies isn't fast either. We'll have to wait."
He leaned back, thinking aloud.
"The system I'll build merges national fate and soul essence. Once it's done, the heroic souls will gain vessels of their own."
"Vessels?"
Yingda tilted her head. "Sensei, do you mean giving those soldiers bodies again?"
"Wouldn't that be the same as resurrection?"
"Not exactly."
Taro shook his head slightly. "The vessels I want to forge differ from mortal flesh. Think of them as golden bodies—spiritual forms that carry faith and national power."
"If it works…" his tone deepened, "the more prosperous Liyue becomes, the stronger those souls grow. Their existence will intertwine with the nation's destiny. Eventually, they could even surpass the gods."
Huoliya and Yingda's jaws dropped.
Such a concept was unheard of.
"The heroic souls will live alongside Liyue's fate," Taro continued calmly.
"As long as the nation stands, they exist. Immortal, undying, empowered by the strength of the land itself."
He smiled faintly. "Their privileges will extend only within Liyue's borders—but as Liyue expands, so too does their dominion."
Nation and soul as one.
When the nation thrives, so do they.
Unending life, endless battle.
If the country grows strong enough, its spirits could rival even Archons.
E'nan returned with tea, only to see the others staring in shock.
"Sensei, what's wrong with them?"
"They're just stunned," Taro replied casually.
"Huh?"
Yingda snapped back to reality, puffing her cheeks and pounding his leg with a light fist.
"..."
Huoliya shook her head with a soft chuckle. Some thoughts were unnecessary. She was content simply living beside her boss.
"Boss, it's getting late. I'll wash off the dust and head to the market after."
"Alright, go ahead."
Taro waved. "E'nan, you take over then."
"M-me?"
E'nan's ears turned pink. She'd never done anything this intimate before.
"I'll handle it!"
Yingda jumped in, pushing Huoliya aside.
"You go buy your groceries. If you're late, the stalls will close!"
"Fine, fine~ I'll leave her to you then."
Huoliya raised a brow and smiled knowingly as she left.
"Hmm~ let's see…"
Watching her go, Yingda puffed her cheeks.
We'll see who wins next time. Just wait till Sensei calls me 'big sister.'
"Sensei, is this comfortable?"
"Mhm. A bit firm, but springy."
"Sensei, you're so mean…"
Yingda's expression dropped—was that a jab at her?
She scowled inwardly.
That hoofed demon girl had the advantage. Her skin was soft and smooth.
But she, Yingda, was a Yaksha—a warrior race born for battle. Her body was toned, her muscles springy.
Soft? Maybe not. But resilient—absolutely.
Who needs soft? she thought fiercely. I've got elasticity.
"Haah~"
E'nan couldn't help giggling as she watched her sister's silent rivalry.
"Big sister, why don't you try too?" Yingda challenged, raising an eyebrow.
"You're gentle and graceful—you must be softer."
E'nan froze, darting a glance at her.
What kind of sister sets up her own sibling like this?
Smack.
"Alright."
Taro patted his thigh, the sound crisp.
"Your sister's a good girl, just shy. Don't tease her."
That only deepened E'nan's blush, painting her cheeks a rosy hue that made her all the more charming.
"Hmph. Sensei's biased."
Yingda huffed. "The moment big sister comes around, you stop liking me."
"So you are jealous, huh?"
Taro chuckled.
"Who's jealous?"
Yingda mumbled, smiling despite herself.
"I—I'll tidy up the room."
E'nan, flustered, stood abruptly and hurried off before her face could get any redder.
If she stayed any longer, her head might start steaming.
(End of Chapter)
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