Chapter 288: Chapter 288: Kitsune Saiguu Meets Yae Miko

A bird flew over Yae Miko’s head.

She instantly stepped aside—Dodging the bird’s dropping.

"...Strange. Why do I feel the aura of my own kind?"

Sensing traces of fox magic lingering nearby, Yae Miko became slightly alert.

Logically speaking, there shouldn’t be any other fox spirits left in Inazuma.

Even if there were—

They would only be weak, inexperienced juniors.

But how would those juniors dare attack her?

"If you’re here, why not show yourself? Or are you afraid of this Guuji?"

Having served many years as the Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine, Yae Miko carried herself with immense confidence.

She was no longer the timid, curious little fox she once was.

Suddenly—

Foxfire flickered through the air.

It shot toward Yae Miko.

"Cheap tricks! How dare you show off such petty skills before me!"

She didn’t mind demonstrating her own techniques.

After all—

She needed to teach this presumptuous junior that there is always someone stronger.

Just because someone had studied for a few years didn’t mean they could challenge a great yokai like her.

And so—

One fox in the light and another hidden in the shadows began their magical duel.

But after several clashes—

Shock began to grow in Yae Miko’s heart.

Because the techniques used against her were not only fox magic—

They also contained traces of Narukami Shrine shrine-maiden techniques.

She quickly changed tactics, trying to lure out the hidden opponent.

But there was no denying it—

The person fighting her possessed power equal to her own.

This stunned her even more.

In this declining age of yokai—

She had never heard of any new prodigy among their kind.

So if it wasn’t a junior...

Could it be—

A senior?

As the techniques grew more and more familiar—

A smile slowly appeared on Yae Miko’s face.

Since she had already prepared herself for something like this—

She wasn’t confused by the situation.

If that senior wanted to test her—

Then she would simply demonstrate her abilities properly.

She hadn’t lived during the Archon War.

And Kitsune Saiguu wasn’t exactly a warrior of that war either.

Their ages differed significantly.

But when it came to combat—

The gap between them wasn’t very large.

After several more exchanges—

Saiguu, hidden in the shadows, was delighted by the younger fox’s growth.

Thinking about the little fox who once followed her everywhere—

Now capable of standing on her own—

She couldn’t suppress her smile.

The more capable the little fox became, the better.

That meant Narukami Shrine no longer needed her.

And she could live her own life.

"Lady Saiguu... have you tested me enough?"

When the attacks stopped changing patterns, Yae Miko finally spoke.

If nothing new was coming—Further testing would be pointless.

Unless that old fox intended to exhaust her to death.

"You recognized me? It seems the little fox has grown quite capable."

Kitsune Saiguu suddenly appeared behind her.

Unlike the delicate and flirtatious woman she had been on the space station—

Now she looked elegant and dignified.

Her temperament resembled Yae Miko’s in many ways.

"...."

Hearing that familiar voice behind her—

Yae Miko nearly shed tears.

But remembering she couldn’t embarrass herself before her senior—

She held them back.

After composing herself, she turned around.

The figure before her looked exactly the same as five hundred years ago.

Aside from wearing Liyue-style clothing—

Nothing had changed.

Though...

Her chest seemed a little more... enhanced.

In Miko’s memory, her senior had never possessed such impressive assets.

Surely she couldn’t surpass her in that department.

"Lady Saiguu... you really haven’t changed."

"How have I not changed?"

Seeing Miko deliberately emphasizing her figure—

Saiguu naturally refused to be outdone.

"It’s just that your changes seem much greater than mine."

The two immediately entered another silent competition.

Until they accidentally collided—

Chest to chest.

Only then did Yae Miko realize...

It wasn’t padding.

"Little fox, is the Guuji’s seat at Narukami Shrine comfortable?"

Miko looked puzzled.

"It’s quite comfortable. Why? Do you plan to take it back, Lady Saiguu?"

She even raised an eyebrow, as if saying:

If you want it back—

You’ll have to earn it.

But Saiguu had no such intention.

"If it’s comfortable, then keep sitting there. That way I can fly away with my benefactor and live freely. Now I’ve officially laid down my burdens."

Originally, Saiguu had worried that leaving would make Miko resent her.

But since Miko said she liked the position—

There was nothing left to worry about.

She even seemed happy.

"Wait... Lady Saiguu, what do you mean by that?"

Yae Miko suddenly realized something was wrong.

Was Saiguu... not planning to return to Narukami Shrine?

And that "benefactor" she mentioned—

Su Ran?

Fly away together?

"Isn’t this a win-win? You get to remain the Guuji, and I get to live freely. Isn’t that wonderful, Miko?"

Saiguu looked genuinely pleased about their bright future.

Even if she knew the little fox wasn’t being completely honest—

She chose to believe the words she heard.

But Miko felt strangely uncomfortable.

Yes, she liked the position of Guuji.

But that didn’t mean she wanted to keep it after Saiguu returned.

If Saiguu longed for freedom—

Did Yae Miko not desire the same?

"...How about you take the position back?"

"Oh my, I’m just a simple little fox spirit. How could I compete with the esteemed Guuji for that seat?"

Saiguu blinked playfully.

Meanwhile—

Inside Tenshukaku.

The Raiden Shogun suddenly opened her eyes.

Before her stood a horned oni girl holding a naginata.

"It has been many years. I wish to request a spar. Would the Shogun grant me permission?"

Looking at the unexpected visitor—

The Raiden Shogun tilted her head.

"You’re sure you came to challenge me?"

She knew of Mikoshi Chiyo.

But that didn’t mean she was familiar with her.

If they truly fought—

She wouldn’t show mercy like Ei would.

"There shouldn’t be a second Raiden Shogun inside Tenshukaku, should there?"

Chiyo’s eyes burned with fighting spirit.

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