The early summer in Kuoh Town was bright but not scorching, with gentle breezes. It was the most vigorous season for the growth of all things.
The scenery in Shin's courtyard had also become increasingly lush and delightful. Nourished by the gentle spiritual qi continuously gathered by the Purity Formation, and cared for meticulously by Asia, this small piece of land had become a vibrant oasis.
The mint had grown into thick clumps, its emerald leaves exuding a cool and refreshing aroma. The mugwort was growing robustly, its stems tall and straight. Most eye-catching were the daylily plants, which had blossomed into orange, trumpet-shaped flowers, glittering under the sun and adding a splash of brilliant color to the courtyard. The dwarf pines were also becoming more vigorous, their needles dark green and their posture gnarled, adding a touch of elegance.
The entire courtyard was enveloped in an atmosphere of tranquility, freshness, and natural vitality—like a secluded paradise pleasing to the heart and spirit, making one want to linger.
Shin's recovery was improving rapidly. The top-tier resources subsequently sent by the Gremory Family, specifically for nourishing the Soul Origin, proved extraordinarily effective. Coupled with the constant, gentle nourishment from the formation in the courtyard, the True Qi in his dantian had gradually condensed from its initial thread-like state into a small stream—still weak, but clearly perceptible and capable of circulating on its own.
The feeling of stagnation in his meridians had completely disappeared, becoming smooth and flexible. His previously depleted life Origin had also been greatly supplemented and consolidated. His complexion was rosy, and his spirits were high. Aside from his strength not being fully restored, he was no different from an ordinary person.
Rias was very satisfied with his recovery progress but still strictly prohibited him from high-intensity cultivation or drawing talismans that consumed massive amounts of energy. She only allowed him to perform the most basic nurturing and regulating of his qi.
This afternoon, the sun was perfect, casting dappled light and shadow on the gravel path and under the veranda through the gaps in the leaves and branches.
Asia Argento was kneeling by the plant bed, carefully using a small shovel to loosen the soil around the best-growing mint plants. Her movements were gentle and practiced. Her azure eyes were focused on the roots of the plants, fine beads of sweat visible on her forehead, and her cheeks flushed with a healthy color from the labor. Yet her expression was full of contentment and peace.
She had completely integrated the care of this courtyard into her life. The tranquility and vitality here were her best remedy.
Shin sat under the veranda. A set of rather delicate white porcelain tea ware, previously brought by Akeno, was placed before him. He was not cultivating. Instead, he had taken some of the best-growing mint shoots harvested from the courtyard and added a small amount of dried daylily buds, which have a calming effect, attempting a simple process—infusing a batch of "Spiritual Tea" designed to calm the mind and tranquilize the spirit.
He did not use True Qi or draw talismans. Relying only on a basic understanding of herbal properties and the faint spiritual charm contained within the courtyard's plants due to long-term spiritual qi nourishment, he imitated the ancient mortal methods recorded in the Classic of Hundred Herbs and Elixirs. He layered the tea leaves and herbs, allowing the tea to naturally absorb the fragrance of the herbs and a trace of the extremely weak plant spiritual charm.
The entire process was slow and quiet, requiring patience and perception of subtle changes in scent.
Just as he was concentrating on the ratio of tea leaves to herbs in his hands, the courtyard gate was gently pushed open, and the elegant figure of Akeno Himejima appeared.
She wore a pale purple, modernized kimono today, carrying an exquisite food box, and sporting her usual gentle, slightly profound smile.
"Good afternoon, Advisor Shin, Sister Asia~" She greeted them softly and walked gracefully into the courtyard. "Oh my, are you researching something interesting again today?"
Her gaze was immediately drawn to the tea set and the fresh, fragrant herbs in front of Shin.
"Senior Akeno!" Asia looked up, a happy smile on her face, and quickly stood up to greet her.
"Good afternoon, Senior Akeno." Shin also stopped his movements, nodding with a smile. "Just trying to infuse some tea leaves with the mint and daylily flowers from the yard, seeing if I can create a unique flavor."
Akeno approached, leaned over curiously, and sniffed the aroma, which mixed the coolness of mint with the subtle elegance of daylily. A hint of surprise and appreciation flashed in her eyes. "What a unique scent. It's fresh with a calming feeling; just smelling it makes one feel peaceful. Advisor Shin always has such wonderful ideas~"
She placed the food box on the edge of the veranda. "Today, I brought some newly attempted Matcha Red Bean Daifuku and Sakura Mizu Shingen Mochi. They shouldn't be too sweet."
As she spoke, her gaze inadvertently swept across the courtyard and quickly noticed the small figure sitting alone on a thick branch of an old tree not far away. Koneko Toujou was leaning against the fork of the branch, still focused on her handheld game console, seemingly oblivious to the conversation below.
But Akeno, being detail-oriented, immediately noticed that Koneko was sitting much closer to the veranda than usual, and the small, cat-patterned snack box beside her was the very one Shin had used yesterday to hold her small fish biscuits.
Akeno's lips curled into an even more playful smile. She didn't point it out, but simply sat down elegantly on the veranda opposite Shin, opened the food box, and arranged the exquisite snacks.
"Senior Koneko is here too. Would you like to come down and try some snacks?" Shin looked up and naturally called out to Koneko in the tree. His tone was casual, as if her presence was already habitual.
Koneko's gaming paused. Her amber eyes glanced down from above the screen, looking at the spread of snacks, then at Shin and Akeno. She remained silent for a few seconds. Then… she actually put away her console, leaped lightly down from the tree, and landed silently beside the veranda.
She didn't immediately reach for the snacks. Instead, she walked over to Asia, looked at the mint she had just finished loosening the soil around, and murmured, "…It grew taller." Only then did she silently move to the location of the snacks, picked up a Matcha Daifuku, and began eating it in small bites, still choosing a spot that was close but not intrusive.
Akeno watched this scene, the smile deepening in her eyes. She gently covered her mouth with her fan. "Oh my, oh my~ It seems Advisor Shin's courtyard has unconsciously become a wonderful place for everyone to relax. Even our Koneko is growing fond of this place~"
Shin chuckled and poured Akeno a cup of the "Spiritual Tea" semi-finished product, which had just been brewed with warm water and emitted a unique aroma. "It's quieter here. I'm just happy that everyone doesn't mind coming to visit."
Akeno took the teacup, sniffed it gently, then took an elegant sip, closing her eyes briefly to savor it. She then opened her eyes, revealing genuine surprise. "What a wonderful taste… The coolness of the mint is prominent, but then there's a sweetness from the daylily flower and a… very comforting warmth. Drinking it makes the whole person feel calmed down. Is this truly just an ordinary herbal tea?"
She keenly sensed that the tea seemed unusual, yet couldn't pinpoint exactly how.
"Perhaps the herbs here grow particularly well and have absorbed a bit of the earth's essence." Shin explained vaguely, not revealing the matter of the spiritual qi nourishment.
Asia washed her hands and came over, curiously picking up a cup and taking a sip. Her azure eyes immediately lit up. "It's so delicious! I feel… I feel like my whole body has been cleansed. It's very refreshing!"
Even Koneko, who was silently eating snacks, hesitated for a moment before reaching out her small hand, picking up her cup, and taking a small sip. Her amber eyes flickered slightly. Although she didn't speak, she held the cup in her hands and did not put it down.
Just then, the courtyard gate was pushed open again, and Kiba Yuuto's figure appeared.
He seemed to have just finished his sword practice, with fine sweat on his forehead, and, as usual, held the class notes for Shin.
"Good afternoon…" Kiba paused slightly upon seeing the scene in the courtyard, then offered a gentle smile. "Oh, Senior Akeno and Koneko are here too. It seems I arrived just in time?"
"Senior Yuuto!" Asia greeted him happily.
"You came at a good time, Yuuto." Shin smiled and took another cup, pouring him a serving of tea. "Have a taste. It's a specialty of the courtyard."
Kiba thanked him, took the cup, and took a sip. He was also slightly taken aback, carefully savoring it, and praised, "A very unique flavor. It's cool and sweet, and after drinking it, my mind seems to have cleared up quite a bit. It's very helpful for calming the spirit after sword practice. Classmate Shin, your courtyard truly is a treasure—even the flowers and herbs grown here are so special."
Everyone gathered under the veranda, enjoying the exquisite snacks and unique Spiritual Tea, chatting about interesting school anecdotes or light observations. The atmosphere was relaxed and harmonious. The sunlight warmed their bodies, the fragrance of the plants permeated the courtyard, and occasionally a breeze brought the cool scent of mint.
Akeno elegantly fanned herself, her gaze sweeping over the quietly sipping Koneko, the satisfied Asia who had been tending to the flowers, and the increasingly steady and peaceful Shin. Finally, her eyes rested on the plants in the courtyard, which were unusually vital and even faintly emitted a weak spiritual glow. She suddenly chuckled, speaking with a hint of deeper meaning:
"Speaking of which, Advisor Shin's courtyard seems to possess a special magic. Since Sister Asia came here, she smiles much more often and has become more cheerful. Even our Koneko is willing to stay here longer. And even Yuuto and I always feel especially calm when we come here for tea and a chat. Advisor Shin, you are fulfilling your 'Advisor' duties more and more excellently—not only offering advice but also regulating the environment and soothing people's hearts~"
Shin was slightly taken aback by her words, then laughed. "Senior Akeno is too kind. I merely borrowed the power of this place. I'm just happy that everyone doesn't mind and comes to sit here often."
He understood in his heart that this was not due to his personal merit, but rather the naturally produced calming effect of the spiritual qi gathered by the formation, combined with the deepening bonds between everyone.
Kiba also nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this place makes one feel very relaxed and safe." He looked at Shin, his eyes sincere. "Classmate Shin's presence itself gives one a sense of stability and reliability."
Asia nodded forcefully, looking at Shin, her azure eyes full of trust and gratitude. "Mhm! Classmate Shin's place is the most comfortable! Staying here, it feels like all bad things are forgotten!"
Although Koneko didn't speak, she tightened her grip on her teacup, silently agreeing with everyone's sentiment.
The setting sun began to dip westward, painting the courtyard in a warm golden hue. The fragrance of tea, the sweetness of the snacks, and the fresh scent of the plants mingled, lingering in the air.
Everyone enjoyed this rare moment of peaceful afternoon time. The camaraderie and companionship shared among these comrades-in-arms, in the midst of this daily interaction, grew stronger and warmer, like the vines quietly growing in the courtyard.
Shin looked at the scene before him, his heart filled with peace and contentment. This ordinary yet authentic daily life, this gradually deepening bond, was the best nourishment for repairing his Dao Foundation and integrating into this world.
He knew that the road ahead might still hold storms, but at least in this moment, the warmth and tranquility of this courtyard were worth protecting and cherishing.
...
📢 Author's Note
The full completed version of High School DxD: The Quiet Immortal Who Guides Devils (Part 1) is now available on Patreon!
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✅ Part 1 Complete — 116 Chapters
🔥 I also have additional **18+ fanfics** available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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