The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"Hey!"

Ying's frankness finally allowed Hana Sanri to continue with the most important topic.

"Your ability to break the barrier is a great help."

"Hehe, it's nothing, we're very capable!"

Sometimes, humility, if used in the wrong context, can make the situation awkward.

Paimon is the most obvious example.

"Paimon, she's thanking me..."

Ying spoke in a low voice, implying that the success of this great exorcism was entirely due to her own efforts.

Even if it's not all of them, it still accounts for a very large proportion!

Paimon was completely unaware of his companion's attempt to steal the credit, though he found it somewhat strange:

"Huh? Wasn't it us? And she's been watching us the whole time, which means..."

"To help Grandpa conceal something..."

As they spoke, they both showed expressions of surprise.

Seeing that the duo was about to misunderstand something again, Kiana stepped in and introduced Hanahara on her behalf:

"There's no need to worry about that. Hana-sanri is loyal to the land of Narukami Island, not the magistrate's office. Besides... she has a long-standing friendship with Konta-mura. If those extra scenes are cut off because of this, she will probably be sad."

Ying and Paimon exchanged glances, then turned their gaze to the masked shrine maiden Hana Sanri.

"Your Mightiness..."

If this shrine maiden were to remove her mask at this moment, she would undoubtedly show an expression of utter shock.

Why do you seem to know me better than I do?

This feeling of being completely seen through made Hana Sanli somewhat afraid.

"...Excuse me. Well then, please allow me to continue..."

Hana Sanri then revealed the cause and necessity of the Great Purification, and even the location of the next Great Purification.

After explaining the true details of the Great Exorcism mission, she earnestly requested:

"Could you lend me—no, could you lend this land a helping hand?"

"I'll help," Ying replied with unusual decisiveness.

Just as Hana was overjoyed and was about to express her gratitude...

"If you don't mind, I'd like to lend a hand?"

Kiana's interruption surprised Hanahara.

However, during her observation, she had already realized that the strangely dressed girl in front of her was exceptionally strong.

Since she's willing to lend a helping hand, why should I refuse her kindness?

"Thank you very much. I would be extremely grateful if I could receive your assistance!"

"Huh? Paimon's been excluded again?!"

Paimon looked around, his tone utterly aggrieved.

However...

The three present tacitly ignored Paimon's complaints.

After a moment of contemplation, Hana Sanri asked Kiana in a serious tone:

"What kind of compensation do you expect? I hope it's something I can try my best to provide..."

remuneration?

Well, it might be better, but it doesn't really matter if it's not there.

Anyway, I'll be adventuring with Ying, going to see General Raiden together, and joining up with the resistance.

Kiana tossed her cloak aside and answered with considerable nonchalance:

"Compensation? No need to prepare anything special. A thank you will suffice."

"This...is very gratifying, but I would feel bad if I relied on you too much. Once everything is over, I will do my best to repay your kindness."

If we've gone this far, any further generosity would sound like bargaining.

Kiana had no choice but to accept Hana Sanri's kindness.

Everything is settled; the next step is to perform the Great Purification.

"The cherry blossoms on the east and west banks bloom at different times. The flowers on the southern and northern branches open and fade differently. But everything on this island is under the protection of the divine cherry blossoms. Petals still fall like snow on this island. I will surely have the honor of meeting you again. I wish you all the best."

With a meaningful sigh amidst the scattering of flowers, Ying stretched and then called out to Paimon and Kiana.

They then planned to leave and proceed to the next prayer site for a great purification.

However, she had just taken a step when she was grabbed by a strong hand.

The sudden warmth stirred something within her.

Ying stopped in her tracks and asked in a low voice, "What...is wrong now?"

Kiana, who was restraining her, leaned closer and whispered a reminder:

"We can't leave yet; there's something we need you to do."

Kiana's presence was so close that Yingguai, embarrassed, tried to pull her hand away but couldn't break free. She could only lower her head and ask, "What...is it?"

Song of Flames and Lightning (Genshin Impact Inazuma Main Story): Chapter 9 What's so scary about an abandoned shrine?

A cool breeze suddenly swept through the cave after the purification process, bringing with it a damp smell...

However, Ying did not feel cold or even uncomfortable.

Her temperature... is so warm.

Even though it was just holding hands, Ying could feel the warmth emanating from Kiana, completely dispelling the cold.

Having her around really makes me feel at ease... If only things could stay like this forever...

"Luminous? Kiana? What are you doing?" Paimon's voice brought Luminous back to her senses, and she looked bewildered.

Seeing that she still didn't understand what she meant, Kiana had no choice but to look at a corner of the Blessing Cave that was not easily noticed.

"It seems we haven't finished exploring this place yet. Don't you think there's something hidden inside?"

"Hmm? Hmm, I understand."

Reminded by Kiana, Ying quickly realized that the cave used for prayer was actually a hidden world.

"Paimon, keep up."

She called Paimon, and they began to explore the cave, eventually finding a vine that they could use for climbing.

Ying looked in the direction the vines were spreading and became suspicious.

Hmm? This kind of vine shouldn't be here out of nowhere. Let's go check it out...

With that thought in mind, Ying climbed up the vine.

Kiana, seeing that Kiana had already started climbing, didn't want to remind her that she needed to get the Thunder Seed to get across, so she simply flicked her sleeve and jumped up.

"There's actually more space inside?"

Ying gazed at the purple barrier, her curiosity piqued, and she began to look forward to seeing what good things lay on the other side.

Kiana was naturally pleased to see that she had the idea.

After all, there are some things here that we'll have to come back for later if we don't take them.

"Hmm, that's unexpected."

"But this barrier... requires the Lightning Seed to pass through."

Ying was pleasantly surprised to find a path leading to the dark room, but the path was blocked by a barrier.

Helpless, she had no choice but to jump down, summon the Thunder Seed to come back up, and cross the barrier to reach a secret chamber hidden in the cave.

"A secret room? What's inside... um!"

Through the door to the sealed room, Ying vaguely saw something irresistible.

Gorgeous treasure chest...

At that moment, she felt her DNA move.

Ying quickly pulled the lever, then rushed into the secret room and decisively opened the magnificent treasure chest, her speed astounding.

Even Kiana, the Herrscher of Fire, had to admit that the way she carried the treasure chest was truly carefree.

Of course, as the fourth natural disaster in this world, Ying possesses more than just the ability to obtain treasure chests.

After observing and searching the scene, she successfully obtained a strange stone slab, a key that could not be opened, and a bunch of miscellaneous small items.

Overall, it was a very rewarding experience.

"Great, Luminous!" Seeing his companion had made an extra discovery, Paimon happily appeared to celebrate. "These two things should come in handy later, right?"

"I think so." Ying nodded slightly.

Although Kiana knew these two items were definitely very useful, she didn't say so. Instead, she casually flicked her cloak and urged them on:

"Let's go, Ying."

"Ah."

Ying nodded slightly, then prepared to leave.

However, before she could even set off, Paimon made a somewhat embarrassed suggestion:

"Now that we've made such a great haul, shouldn't we celebrate?"

Generally speaking, Paimon's suggestion to celebrate either means there's a genuine need for celebration, or she has something she wants.

Based on the current situation, it is clearly the latter this time.