When Gu Chen and Kitsune Saiguu arrived at the battlefield,
all that remained was Orobashi's massive corpse—and Raiden Ei, her face dark with gloom.
Hyakuri's body was being carried away by shogunate soldiers.
Everyone present wore expressions of grief.
Orobashi's eastern invasion had come far too suddenly.
Hyakuri happened to be nearby at the time.
After discovering Orobashi's incursion, he immediately went out to meet the enemy—and fell in battle.
By the time the news reached Narukami Island, it was already too late.
Even with Raiden Ei's lightning-fast speed, she couldn't make it in time.
"Damn Orobashi!"
Kitsune Saiguu cursed under her breath, her expression dark.
Gu Chen let out a helpless sigh.
"People who die can't be brought back. We can only look forward,"
Kitsune Saiguu said softly.
She had long understood this era—
in times of chaos, how could there be no deaths?
Still, the loss of a close friend was always hard to accept.
Raiden Ei felt terrible.
So did Kitsune Saiguu.
Even Gu Chen felt a heavy weight in his chest.
But there was no way around it.
This was reality—an unchangeable reality.
[Kujou Sara]: Senior G. Hyakuri… what a pity.
[Kamisato Ayaka]: Wasn't it only in the Regent Shogun timeline that General G. Hyakuri survived this sudden eastern campaign?
[Shikanoin Heizou]: Yes. In that timeline, General G. Hyakuri survived, lived to the end—
I even suspect he made it into the era after the previous incarnation.
[Lyney]: When you put it that way, it really shows how valuable that timeline was.
Kitsune Saiguu survived, Mikoshi Chiyo seemed fine, G. Hyakuri was fine—
the only ones who met misfortune were Mr. Gu Chen and the self-proclaimed Lady Makoto.
[Nilou]: Don't say things like that—this timeline feels really bad!
Orobashi's invasion and death mean the Khaenri'ah war is about to begin! (Gorou · crying)
[Collei]: Just looking at the title and keywords, I knew this episode wouldn't be good…
Suddenly feel really sorry for Lady Ei. (Collei · no response)
Collei's words made everyone in the group feel the sorrow all the more deeply.
Watching close friends fall one after another,
until only oneself is left behind.
If one had a strong heart, perhaps they could barely endure it and move forward.
But that was easy to say—
actually living through it was something else entirely.
[Paimon]: I suddenly understand Ei a bit more.
Though the whole "digging into a dead end" thing is still hard to accept. (shocked)
[Raiden Makoto]: Ei was never good at handling these things.
Being hit so hard that she shut herself away was expected.
Thankfully, in this life she has Miko—otherwise, her obsession would be unimaginable. (shocked)
[Yae Miko]: Mm-hmm~ that's right.
Whenever she's hurt, Ei always comes to the Guuji for comfort~
This Guuji has a lot on her shoulders, you know~ (mischievous grin)
[Raiden Ei]: (Ei · "take my blade")
Gu Chen and the others returned to Narukami Island.
The shogunate held a funeral for G. Hyakuri.
The tengu clan mourned deeply, though they all knew nothing could change what had happened.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
After regaining some composure, Raiden Ei came to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
Gu Chen was practicing swordsmanship when Raiden Ei suddenly said,
"You need to keep training."
"Hm?"
Gu Chen didn't quite understand.
After the last period of instruction, Raiden Ei had already been satisfied with his sword skills—
to the point where he could be considered fully trained.
So what did she mean by saying he needed to continue?
"I mean—you're still not strong enough,"
Raiden Ei explained.
Gu Chen was momentarily stunned.
In terms of technique, he was inferior to Raiden Ei.
But in overall strength, the gap between them wasn't that large.
Still—she wasn't wrong.
Gu Chen truly wasn't strong enough yet.
"From now on, I'll be much stricter,"
Raiden Ei said.
After a brief moment of thought, Gu Chen nodded.
"Alright."
After training ended for the day and Raiden Ei left,
Kitsune Saiguu sighed.
"Looks like G. Hyakuri's death really shook her."
"How so?"
Gu Chen asked, puzzled.
"G. Hyakuri fell because he wasn't strong enough to stop Orobashi,"
Kitsune Saiguu said lightly as she brewed tea.
"She doesn't want you to fall the same way.
Of course she'll push you to become stronger."
"Oh—so that's it."
Gu Chen finally understood.
"Seems like the coming years won't be easy,"
he added.
"You brat, getting personal instruction from Ei—
you should be secretly celebrating,"
Kitsune Saiguu said with a smile.
"Eat, sleep, train with the sword every day—
it's pretty monotonous,"
Gu Chen joked.
Though he complained, Kitsune Saiguu could tell he had no intention of refusing.
She teased him instead:
"Sticking together every day like that, and you still call it monotonous?"
Gu Chen shrugged and said nothing.
The following days settled into a calm routine.
Not long after, Kitsune Saiguu told Gu Chen that Raiden Makoto had received a decree from the heavens
and had gone to Celestia.
She returned a few days later, bringing back something called a Gnosis,
as well as intelligence on the Seven Nations of the mortal realm.
The continent of Teyvat was gradually shifting from endless conflict toward peace.
How long that peace would last—no one knew.
But for now, the days ahead seemed hopeful.
One day.
Kitsune Saiguu lounged nearby, legs casually propped on the tea table,
utterly lacking the dignity of the White-Chen Matriarch.
She smoked leisurely, smiling as she watched Raiden Ei train Gu Chen.
Raiden Ei's standards had grown increasingly strict.
Every sword swing had to match her movements with near-perfect synchronization.
"This is so that, in the future, your hand won't tremble when you strike—
so every swing achieves exactly what it's meant to do!"
Sword training was painful.
Gu Chen's talent in this area wasn't exceptional.
Thankfully, there was joy mixed into the hardship.
At least during breaks, Raiden Ei was easy to please.
All it took was some sweets, and she'd beam with happiness.
[Nilou]: Please let days like this last longer! (Klee · begging)
[Collei]: No rush—there are still years ahead!
I hope that during these years, Mr. Gu Chen and Lady Ei's relationship advances by leaps and bounds! (dreamy)
[Raiden Ei]: (Shenhe · staring)
[Dainsleif]: Even with Mr. Gu Chen's influence… will Khaenri'ah still fall in the end? (sigh)
[The Prince]: My verdict is that Gu Chen's influence still isn't big enough. (digging nose)
[Gu Chen]: Brother-in-law, don't treat me like I'm the Tai Xuan Cult Leader every timeline. (facepalm)
[Zhongli]: By common rationality, if every timeline had the Tai Xuan Cult Leader,
there wouldn't be much left for anyone else to do. (Furina · laughing)
[Venti]: The Tai Xuan Cult Leader already swept everything aside.
If there were another timeline… hey—what if he prepared after killing the Heavenly Principles? Hehehe! (LOL)
[Sustainer of Heavenly Principles]: What—must I be killed every time?! (annoyed)
[Furina]: Yes~ (LOL)
[Nahida]: (trembling)
That day.
Gu Chen was walking through the mountains.
In this era, Inazuma was home to many great yokai.
Though Gu Chen wasn't familiar with them,
they all knew of him—the man from the Grand Narukami Shrine.
As he walked, Gu Chen stopped on a hillside.
Today was a rare day off granted by Raiden Ei—
bought with a whole plate of sweets.
Gu Chen was in a very good mood.
Suddenly, he heard some noise nearby and looked over.
Several tanuki were teasing a small pink creature.
It looked like a young fox—confused and clueless.
The tanuki occasionally transformed to scare it.
Seeing how pitiful the little fox looked,
Gu Chen couldn't help but smile wryly.
He stepped forward, chased the tanuki away,
and picked the little fox up—only to realize it was trembling all over.
"What a poor little thing."
With a gentle touch, Gu Chen could tell the fox was extremely thin—
it hadn't eaten properly in quite some time.
He glanced at the scraps of food the tanuki had left behind and nodded slightly.
Though the tanuki liked pranks, their hearts weren't bad.
After a moment of thought, Gu Chen carried the little fox back to the Grand Narukami Shrine.
"Huh? What did you bring back?"
Kitsune Saiguu asked curiously.
"A fox,"
Gu Chen replied, then added,
"It's still hungry. Do you have anything it can eat?"
"Of course. Wait a moment."
Kitsune Saiguu fetched some food.
The starving little fox stared at them warily.
Clearly famished, it hesitated—then decided that even if it were to die,
it might as well die full.
Watching the fox eat ravenously,
Kitsune Saiguu said thoughtfully,
"White-Chen bloodline… how strange.
How did you manage to find one?"
"That's just luck,"
Gu Chen laughed.
"Then your luck is really something,"
Kitsune Saiguu smiled.
"Take it to get washed later—look how dirty its fur is."
"Leave it to me,"
Gu Chen nodded.
After the fox finished eating,
Gu Chen washed it with warm water, then dried it with warm air.
Once clean, the fox's pink fur became smooth and glossy.
Looking at the adorable little fox, Gu Chen said,
"Didn't expect to pick up such a pretty little thing."
"Damn good luck,"
Kitsune Saiguu muttered.
"Male or female?"
"I'll check."
Gu Chen lifted the fox.
The clumsy little fox didn't know what he was doing—
it simply struggled instinctively, trying to escape his hands.
After checking, Gu Chen said,
"Female."
Kitsune Saiguu nodded.
"That's not bad."
[Kamisato Ayaka]: So Lady Yae was seen naked as a child… (Paimon · shocked)
[Sayu]: (Sayu · alert)
[Kujou Sara]: (Hu Tao · mischievous grin)
[Raiden Ei]: (Hu Tao · mischievous grin)
[Yae Miko]: ...
Being flipped around and inspected by a man in one's original form—
who understands how uncomfortable that feels?!
Even Yae Miko felt thoroughly unsettled.
"Haha!"
Raiden Ei laughed mercilessly.
She would not miss this rare chance to mock Yae Miko.
Yae Miko narrowed her eyes, then smiled calmly.
[Yae Miko]: @Gu Chen
Brother-in-law, since you've seen everything, you'll have to take responsibility~ (mischievous grin)
[Gu Chen]: Then we must discuss an abstract question:
does an animal count as being naked, or wearing clothes? (LOL)
[Paimon]: Isn't that something only the non-human members of the group can answer? (shocked)
[Kirara]: Uh… that's really hard to describe. Definitely an abstract question! (not lying)
[Yae Miko]: I don't care~ you have to take responsibility anyway, brother-in-law~ (bad smile)
[Kaeya]: Cult Leader, how will you respond? (LOL)
[Venti]: Cult Leader, why aren't you saying anything? (LOL)
[Gu Chen]: Location sent! (Zhongli · Dragon King smirk)
[Yae Miko]: ...
[Raiden Ei]: That's what you get for trash-talking in the group.
So—are you going or not? (bad smile)
[Kamisato Ayato]: The only one who can truly handle Lady Yae is Mr. Gu Chen. (sipping milk tea)
[Yae Miko]: It's fine~
They say if you save a fox's life, once the fox cultivates and ascends, it will repay you.
In this life—brother-in-law, I've come to repay the favor~ (bad smile)
[Raiden Ei]: A good reason.
[Kaeya]: There's such a good thing?! I'm going to save foxes right now!
[Azhdaha]: Little brother, stop dreaming in broad daylight. (LOL)
[Venti]: Unless you can save a fox that will one day be called Yae Miko—
but sadly, there's a 99.9% chance that fox wouldn't like you. (LOL)
[Thoma]: Honest question—how did the Cult Leader even get this far? (curious)
[Zhongli]: Different people possess different levels of charm.
[Gu Chen]: Strongly agree. (Dragon King smirk)
"Then let's raise her,"
Kitsune Saiguu said, looking fondly at the fox.
"This little thing is pretty cute."
Setting aside everything else,
just that pink fur alone made her like it.
And the fact that it carried White-Chen blood made her even happier.
"Your luck really is impressive,"
Kitsune Saiguu sighed.
"I hadn't gone out in days—
guess it all built up,"
Gu Chen laughed.
After playing with the fox for a bit, Kitsune Saiguu asked,
"What do you plan to name her?"
"Me?"
Gu Chen shook his head.
"I'll pass. Training every day turns my brain to mush.
This kind of important task is better left to Lady Makoto."
"Alright. Take her to Lady Makoto then,"
Kitsune Saiguu said cheerfully.
"Who knows—if this little one grows up well, she might even take over my position someday."
"You just want to retire, don't you?"
Gu Chen laughed.
"Don't expose me like that,"
Kitsune Saiguu rolled her eyes.
"Let's go."
The two brought the little fox to Tenshukaku.
When Raiden Makoto learned that Gu Chen had found such a cute fox,
she marveled at his luck—and upon seeing the pink fur, instantly fell in love.
She then gave the fox a name.
"Yae. A good name,"
Gu Chen nodded.
"Mm-hm. When she grows up and takes my place, she'll be Yae Miko,"
Kitsune Saiguu said with anticipation.
"Wait—where are you planning to retire to?"
Gu Chen asked curiously.
Kitsune Saiguu replied matter-of-factly,
"To travel the world, of course.
The human world is so interesting—there's so much to see."
"Good idea,"
Raiden Makoto nodded.
"Once the world settles down, I'll go with you."
"That would be wonderful!"
Kitsune Saiguu said happily.
"What about your work, then?"
Gu Chen asked.
"Isn't Ei still here?"
Raiden Makoto said with a sly smile.
Gu Chen leaned back slightly.
So both Raiden Makoto and Kitsune Saiguu were planning to find successors.
"Can Ei really handle it?"
Gu Chen asked skeptically.
"That's where you come in,"
Kitsune Saiguu said, looking at him with confidence.
"So I'm included too?!"
Gu Chen suddenly felt his teeth ache.
He sighed helplessly and said,
"If Lady Makoto travels, her safety is paramount.
I think I should accompany Her Highness to ensure her protection!"
"No need to worry—Mikoshi Chiyo will be with us,"
Kitsune Saiguu replied with a gentle smile.
Gu Chen immediately fell silent.
Raiden Makoto laughed softly.
"If that day really comes, I'll have to trouble you to take care of Ei and little Yae."
Gu Chen twitched at the corner of his mouth.
Though unwilling, he still replied,
"Alright, alright."
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