Exactly three minutes later.
The dense sigils covering Kuesu Jingūji's hands suddenly trembled before rapidly expanding outward like a black deluge, flooding into the surrounding sky, earth and lake.
With a distinctive 'pop' - like the sound of a carbonated drink being opened - the environment underwent a remarkable transformation.
When the changes finally settled, Luo Shu found himself gazing at a Japanese-style castle that resembled a tower.
The entire structure was enveloped in massive blue ripples. Through the semi-transparent barrier, Luo Shu could see various fish species swimming through what appeared to be the sky.
"Eh? This place feels... kinda like my home?" Sun Seto blurted out in surprise.
"Your home? The Seto Group?" Luo Shu shot her a glance before dryly remarking, "An underwater castle? How very mermaid-like."
"Still..."
Luo Shu narrowed his eyes as he studied the Japanese castle before them:
"I'm somewhat surprised to find an underwater castle beneath the Celestial Maiden's seal."
"It's not just a castle."
Kuesu Jingūji's violet eyes remained fixed on the castle's main gates as she observed:
"The entire castle bears traces of technique modifications—a complete magical fortress, though by Eastern standards, perhaps it should be called a 'grotto-heaven'?"
Hearing this, Senhime Rin Getsu narrowed her eyes slightly as she observed the castle before them:
"Traces of Yin-Yang Arts? Quite an extravagant feat."
"It nearly rivals my Cloudtop Celestial City."
At the latter remark, Luo Shu's expression twisted awkwardly, and he shot Senhime Rin Getsu a deadpan look:
"That last part was entirely unnecessary."
With that, he turned back to face the castle and remarked:
"Anyway, is this so-called Celestial Maiden sealed within this castle?"
Kuesu Jingūji shook her head and corrected him:
"You're mistaken. She isn't sealed inside the castle—rather, she's sealed beneath this lake."
"Though the specifics are unclear, it seems the castle itself is sustaining the seal's power."
Frowning in puzzlement, Kuesu Jingūji scrutinised the techniques inscribed on the submerged castle. Tiny runes flickered deep within her violet irises:
"It appears the castle's master encountered some mishap and actively used the castle's power to seal it beneath the lake. Yet, at the same time, an identical force is directing the castle to break the seal."
"The one who cast the seal and the one trying to undo it... seem to be the same person."
Hearing this, Sun Seto blinked rapidly and asked:
"Could it be that the castle's master has a split personality?"
At this, both Luo Shu and Kuesu Jingūji turned to stare at her.
Noticing their gazes, Sun Seto tilted her head in confusion. "Did I say something wrong?"
Kuesu Jingūji shook her head, then replied with a furrowed brow:
"No, you're not wrong. It's entirely possible they suffer from a dissociative disorder."
Meanwhile, Luo Shu interjected with a question:
"Regardless of whether the castle's master has a split personality, I just want to confirm—is this person truly So'unga's target?"
At this, Kuesu Jingūji swiftly manipulated her tarot cards, conducting a rapid divination. After cutting the deck, she studied the nine drawn cards and narrowed her eyes:
"If the divination isn't mistaken, So'unga's target should be the Celestial Maiden's soul."
"Oh?"
Luo Shu gave her a surprised look, not expecting her answer to be so precise:
"So, if we take the Celestial Maiden away, those lurking rats will crawl out of their holes once their plan fails?"
Kuesu Jingūji smiled in response. "According to the divination, that's indeed the case."
Hearing this, Luo Shu couldn't help but scratch his head in frustration:
"Breaking into a fortress crafted by a Celestial Maiden skilled in Yin-Yang Arts... Honestly, why does this feel like it's getting more and more troublesome?"
"That does seem to be the case."
Sun Seto nodded in agreement, her delicate nose twitching slightly as she added:
"And judging by the scent, there's a very powerful treasure over there."
The moment she said this, Luo Shu, Kuesu Jingūji, and even Senhime Rin Getsu all turned to stare at her in unison.
Noticing their reactions, Sun Seto blinked in bewilderment. "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"
At this, Luo Shu tentatively asked:
"You said you could 'judge by the scent,' right?"
"You can smell treasures?"
"Sure." Sun Seto admitted without any guile: "Both my dad and I can smell them. They say it's an innate talent of dragonkind."
'A treasure-hunting mouse... no, a treasure-hunting mermaid?'
Luo Shu eyed Sun Seto with keen interest:
"Miss Sun, would you be interested in taking on a part-time role with the SDS?"
"Eh?" Sun Seto tilted her head in confusion.
"Would you sell your saliva? If not, hair would suffice." Kuesu Jingūji produced a chequebook and said enthusiastically, "You can name any figure under a billion US dollars."
Clearly, both Luo Shu and Kuesu Jingūji were highly intrigued by this treasure-hunting ability.
The difference was that Luo Shu wanted to recruit the person along with her talent, while Kuesu Jingūji sought to study the mechanics of the ability for technological replication.
Seeing their fervent expressions, Sun Seto quietly positioned herself behind Senhime Rin Getsu.
Senhime Rin Getsu glanced at Sun Seto behind her, then at the other two, and sighed:
"You two should really tone it down a bit."
"This isn't exactly the safest place."
As Senhime Rin Getsu's words faded, the creaking sound of a door opening echoed through the air.
They all turned simultaneously to see the castle tower's massive gates slowly swinging open.
Witnessing this, Luo Shu raised an eyebrow in surprise:
"It seems the Celestial Maiden inside wishes to have a word with us."
"Shall we enter?" Kuesu Jingūji inquired.
"Enter? Of course, we'll enter."
Luo Shu smiled amiably as he said:
"Though before we do, we should make some slight preparations. After all, when visiting someone in Japan, one must bring a gifts, no?"