"It is said that Yuki Onna's beauty in this life is no less than that of the legendary Tamamo-no-Mae," the One-Eyed Monster said, looking at the mansion-like carriage, his voice filled with reverence and longing, "Humans say 'a beauty that can topple cities and states,' which is most fitting to describe Yuki Onna, but unfortunately, Yuki Onna stays inside her Youkai carriage, so no one can catch a glimpse of her face."
"...Is that so?"
The girl nodded slightly, curiously looking at the mansion-like huge carriage. A beauty no less than the legendary city-toppling Youkai, Tamamo-no-Mae—just how beautiful must she be? Even she felt curious.
However, she had no intention of specially going to meet her.
After all, Yuki Onna, as the Lord of Youkai, was not someone a small Youkai like her could meet at present.
"My Lord, your beauty is also no less than Yuki Onna's," the One-Eyed Monster complimented the girl, somewhat stiffly flattering her, "If My Lord can make a great name for herself, then you will also be a city-toppling beauty no less than Yuki Onna."
"..."
The girl seemed a little puzzled, looking at the One-Eyed Monster and asking, "Beauty is beauty, why should it be linked to reputation?"
"..." The One-Eyed Monster raised a hand to scratch his cheek, then answered the girl's confusion, "It's probably the blessing of a strong person's charm. Compared to a pure 'pretty face,' powerful strength is more likely to inspire Youkai worship. After all, who doesn't like someone who is both beautiful and strong?"
"...I see, I understand!"
The girl nodded in realization. A powerful and beautiful young lady was indeed very charming.
Then, she suddenly thought of someone, the golden-haired female Youkai she first met when she came to this world; she should also be considered a captivating beauty.
She wondered if she would be very famous in this world.
Just like that.
The girl and the One-Eyed Monster stood on the cliff, watching the approaching long line of Youkai, and could even hear clear music.
And around them, many Youkai of varying strengths emerged, standing on both sides of the road, watching the magnificent Youkai army pass by.
Most of these Youkai were like star-struck fans, their eyes filled with longing and envy, as if they desperately wanted to join that magnificent Youkai army.
However, this was only natural.
Joining a powerful Hyakki Yagyō, or establishing one's own Hyakki Yagyō, were things many Youkai desired to do.
To use a human analogy, it's like ordinary people wanting to join a financially strong startup company, or establish their own company.
Anyway, no matter what, it was much better than being a lone Youkai.
"If only I could be like them."
The One-Eyed Monster said with a hint of envy. He also wanted to join Yuki Onna's Hyakki Yagyō and enjoy the admiring gazes of other Youkai.
Moreover, if Yuki Onna were to resurrect Abe no Seimei in the future, perhaps he could take off and live a life of generous treatment.
It could be said that Yuki Onna's Hyakki Yagyō had unlimited potential.
"Then why don't you join?" The girl asked curiously, looking at the One-Eyed Monster, "I see many weak Youkai among them too."
Indeed, in Yuki Onna's Hyakki Yagyō, not all were powerful Youkai; there were also many weak ones.
Just like her, the girl was very weak.
"Yuki Onna wants to take over Kyoto and become the Lord of Youkai, so next, she will have to face suppression from other Hyakki Yagyōs," the One-Eyed Monster shook his head, "What if there's a fight then, and I die? Besides, I'm quite content living as a lone Youkai."
This was not false. Although joining a Hyakki Yagyō had many advantages, it also had quite a few disadvantages.
For example, different factions fighting over territory.
Moreover, even if one joined, one might not be given important positions; perhaps one might even be bullied and suppressed by seniors.
If one was unlucky, one might never have a chance to rise throughout one's life.
"..."
The girl glanced at the One-Eyed Monster, then shifted her gaze to where Yuki Onna's carriage was, and then, whether by coincidence or not.
The curtain of the magnificent and solemn carriage was gently pulled open by a fair hand, revealing a charming yet cold girl. Her long black hair reached her waist, and her pearl-like black eyes surveyed the scenery outside the window.
And, by chance, her gaze met the girl's.
Their eyes overlapped and converged.
"Boom!"
The moment she witnessed Yuki Onna's exquisite beauty, the girl's heart was struck by an indescribable impact. Under the gaze of those black eyes, both her intellect and soul began to melt.
An invisible gravitational force firmly pulled the girl's gaze, making it impossible for her to look away.
She could only gaze at that exquisite face, her soul continuously falling into an abyss.
That was the natural allure of a fox... every gesture and smile could tug at one's heart, bringing an intoxicating charm.
"Is this... Yuki Onna!" The One-Eyed Monster seemed to have lost his wits, muttering intoxicated, "She is truly too beautiful, as expected of Yuki Onna."