Inner Destroyer

　"The young nun just agreed to have a wedding party with you. As for the miko, although she's not your type right now, I don't think it'll be difficult to win her over if you pursue her hard enough."

　She shook her head like a storyteller, speaking sarcastically.

　"Crushing enemies along the way, while looking up at the sky at a 45-degree angle, saying, 'I can have a harem of beautiful girls! How miserable! I'm going to fall! I'm going to be corrupted by this filthy world!' Are you really that abstract? I despise you, little fool."

　This devil's words are indeed quite vicious.

　Fortunately, Qi Xing was already used to Sasa and was unmoved. He simply said, "That's not the question. I was just thinking... By the way, Sasa, I remember you said before that for fifteen silver coins, you could send me back to the upper world?"

　silence.

　There was silence for a moment.

　Then Sasa - although she appeared calm on the surface, she had already begun to sweat coldly and her back even stiffened.

　Wait, why is he asking this suddenly?

　That's impossible! He doesn't really want to run away, does he?

　If Qi Xing really just scraped together fifteen silver coins and went back to the upper world, what would she do next?!

　This is not just a question of who will help Sasa collect the thirty silver coins later.

　The point is—the point is… if Qi Xing ran away—Samael would be left with only her own puppet in this universe. Even if she regained her full power, there would be no one to complain with her. No one to watch the show with her, no one to join her in viciously judging the people of this world… The mere thought of it was enough to shudder!

　"Yes, you can. What's wrong?"

　Although he was worried, the devil was still a bit professional after all. He said calmly on the surface,

　"Why are you saying this suddenly? Is it because what that old bug hybrid said just now affected your mood?"

　"Don't think about what the wicked say. Just treat their words as farts, as dust."

　She was actually a little panicked.

　"You are the biggest villain in this universe." Qi Xing immediately responded with a sneer, "Why am I chatting with you all day?"

　Ah this.

　Sasa was speechless for a moment.

　"I've been thinking about this for the past two days because I've realized I haven't completely figured out the contradictions in my heart. I just haven't overcome all my inner demons yet."

　Looking at the embarrassment of the evil god Loli, Qi Xing smiled slightly.

　"When Elaine said that having a harem was a good thing, I couldn't help but worry about whether I would be assimilated into this world in the future. After all... having a harem is really too cool."

　"But then again, do I really hate this world so much? If I do, why don't I hate you, the God of Creation, the greatest evil god in the universe?"

　"Today, that Onmyoji from the Gojo family and the old man from the Juyaku family both said I was an outsider... Yes, I am indeed an outsider. So if I really get fifteen silver coins, why don't I just go home?"

　This is definitely one of Sasa's biggest fears.

　"Don't worry, I won't choose this path."

　Looking down at Sasa's obviously panicked expression, Qi Xing smiled even more happily.

　"So, I've actually just been thinking these past two days."

　"Although many things still remain unanswered, and although I certainly haven't fully understood them, I can at least say this with confidence."

　Qi Xing raised his head and looked at the world's alternating sunny and rainy weather.

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　I don’t want to change the world we live in because of the world we once lived in.”

　"It's because there are people in this world that I like, even if it's just someone I like."

　"This world may be small, stupid, and absurd. But I've also met many kind, strong, and brave people in this world."

　Perhaps, perhaps this was one of the reasons why Qi Xing couldn't truly hate Sasa. Because everyone in this world, good or evil, was Sasa's creation; because, to be honest, he had experienced more than just fear and pain in this world.

　"Your world sucks, they deserve a better world."

　He indeed had not fully understood it yet, but the mental tribulation of a cultivator was something that could not be rushed, and one had to break through it step by step.

　"What does this have to do with whether or not you want to start a harem?"

　"You don't understand, Sasa, this is also love."

　Sasa really didn't understand, but she was already secretly complaining in her heart... because the intelligence files on Qi Xing that Lin and the others saw were actually all modified by her, Sasa, using her illusion power.

　Qi Xing not wanting to escape this world is a good thing, of course. But if Qi Xing and Lin really get too close, they'll eventually realize something's amiss. Then Sasa's bottom will be in danger! I'm afraid next time it won't just be a spanking!

　Is her butt going to become the sacrifice for Qi Xing to stay and change the world?!

　Speak of the devil, and misfortunes never come singly - Lin's adopted sister, Xinxiang Acorus, who had previously secretly peeked at Qi Xing's file, was the person the Kamigo family was most afraid of and wary of Qi Xing. At this time, she happened to pass by the stone tablet at the entrance of the village and saw Qi Xing wandering there alone.

　Miss Acorus's vigilance immediately increased!

　The young lady seems to like him very much, and the master doesn't seem to care much. But she will definitely expose this man's true face!

　"Good day, Mr. Qi."

　After making up his mind, Chang Pu immediately walked over with a smile on his face.

　"What are you doing here?"

　"Hello, Miss Ayame."

　Most of the locals in Xinxiang have the surname Xinxiang, so Qi Xing didn't call her by her surname.

　"Just thinking about something. I just finished saving the retired magician on business, so I'll be back to the hotel soon."

　Did you just come back from the exorcist's rescue? Did you just finish the battle?

　Chang Pu immediately became a little worried. This dark hero, who was destined to fight blood, was a little worried. If the young lady saw him at this moment, it would definitely stimulate her desire to protect him even more!

　The lady is at home now, we must take him away from the hotel and can't let him go back immediately!

　"In that case,"

　An idea struck her, and Acorus smiled even more tenderly.

　"Mr. Qi, would you like to make an appointment with me, just to change your mood?"

　She looked at him sideways with a just right smile; she gently gathered the loose hair on her temples with two fingers, her posture was dignified and proper, yet she did not lose a hint of girlish playfulness.

　what?

　Qi Xing was stunned for a moment, but only for a moment.

　He hadn't anticipated this situation. Just a moment ago, she was staring at him like a calm observer, but the next second, she had such a gentle smile, her tone relaxed, even a little ambiguous.

　However, Qi Xing had just figured out a problem in his mind, and his mood had improved a lot - just like when he fought Romani, he was invincible in this state.

　So the next second, Qi Xing put on a cool smile, raised his eyebrows slightly with an understanding look, and said, "Sure, I'm always happy to accept invitations from women."

　He spoke very naturally, with a lazy tone. While speaking, he raised his hand to pat his clothes. His movements were leisurely, as if he was in New York, had just got off the plane, and was now preparing to have afternoon tea with a beautiful woman.

　The smile on Acorus's face froze slightly.

　She suddenly had an ominous premonition.

　Am I delivering meat to the big bad wolf this time?

　092: My mind is full of myself

　As it turned out, it was called a "date", but in reality it was just walking around the village with Ayame and doing some shopping.

　While still nominally a "village," Xinxiangcun has experienced rapid development over the past decade, with new buildings and improved roads. Some areas have even taken on the feel of a small town. Street vendors, selling vegetables, meat, and handicrafts, are scattered along the streets, creating a unique, down-to-earth atmosphere.

　It was the off-season, so the Jingo family's hot spring inn had no guests besides Qi Xing and his friends, so they didn't have to stock up on food like usual. A quick walk around the village and a few groceries would be enough for the group to eat for the day.

　"Hey, Acorus! Are you here to buy groceries today too?"

　"It's suddenly gotten cold again recently. You're wearing too little. Be careful not to catch a cold!"

　"Do you want to make a pot or fry it? The eggplant is fresh today!"

　The vendors and shop owners along the way greeted Acorus from time to time, and their tone was full of closeness and trust, as if they were looking at their own child.

　Qi Xing stood aside, initially expecting her to feign aloofness. But Changpu returned every greeting, smiling gracefully and naturally. When someone asked about her relationship with this strange man, she simply smiled, effortlessly changing the subject, leaving no one to guess.

　"Everyone likes you."

　After leaving the butcher shop, Qi Xing

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　Said with interest.

　"I am the master's adopted daughter and the young lady's attendant."

　Acorus responded naturally, with a touch of pride.

　"They like the young lady, and they will like me as well."

　This sparked Qi Xing's interest even more: "Do the people in Xinxiang Village really like Miss Lin?"

　"It's not 'like', it's 'admire'." Changpu corrected, a smile on his face. "Everyone has seen the changes in the village in recent years."

　They walked into an old vegetable stall. An old woman with wrinkled face was peeling beans in a basket. When she saw the calamus, she looked up and smiled: "It's the calamus. Today's eggplants are good."

　"Thank you, mother-in-law. We want to make stew today."

　The old woman then swiftly picked up a handful of beans and put them into the paper bag. Then she added a few oranges for nothing and muttered as she filled the bag, "Last month, the witch's dance was also very beautiful. Let's give her more fruit."

　When it comes to Lin and the village shrine maiden, not only the old woman selling vegetables, but also other villagers around and aunties who come to buy vegetables start talking.

　The villagers chatted one after another, and the conversation naturally turned to Lin, not because Acorus brought it up, but because they really wanted to talk.

　"The village has become so prosperous in recent years, all thanks to the miko."

　There was a hint of simple and genuine respect in the tone of the auntie who was buying vegetables standing by.

　"Business has never been this good before. Even my grandson can save money to buy a house in the south."

　"Miss is such a good child... She has been smart and sensible since she was young, never crying or making a fuss, but she's a little too well-behaved."

　The old lady squinted her eyes and sighed.

　"He used to sit on the steps alone, staring blankly, with a blank look in his eyes... Even though he was so young, he acted like an adult."

　Qi Xing stood by and listened silently. The old woman didn't mention anything mysterious or supernatural in her words, but he could still hear some of the charm.

　Rin is, of course, a "special" person. Those who are further away from her may even avoid her out of fear of her uniqueness.

　As for the people in this new village...even though they don't say it, they actually understand something in their hearts.

　"Thanks to the Miko (Goddess), her reputation has spread far and wide. In recent years, more and more people have come to visit the village, and business has been booming."

　"Over the years, even accidents seem to have decreased in the village. It must be because of the shrine maiden. The shrine maiden is the auspicious sign for our village, bringing blessings from our ancestors."

　Of course, they couldn't know exactly how powerful Rin was or what she had done, but they all knew that she had changed this land.

　Because of her existence, the local tourism industry has become more and more prosperous, allowing people in the village to earn more money and allowing their children to... go to other more developed cities to develop.

　Although they didn't know the real reason, it was actually because of her, the "Guardian of the North," that the higher-level government had built new roads for the village in recent years.

　Although they couldn't possibly know, they vaguely sensed that perhaps it was because of Rin's existence that the supernatural phenomena around the village decreased significantly, and the number of various "accidents" decreased significantly, allowing them to live in peace and stay away from the evil spirits that can be found everywhere in the world.

　It is she who makes life in this remote place better and better.

　And she—whom everyone vaguely sensed—would occasionally reveal a very lonely expression.

　In fact, she is very lonely.

　Qi Xing stood nearby, helping Changpu carry the freshly bought ingredients while silently listening in. Changpu was looking down at the eggplants, seemingly completely accustomed to the villagers' chatter.

　But after Chang Pu finished shopping and left the vegetable store, Qi Xing asked her, "I don't see any young people in the village?"

　“There are indeed fewer and fewer young people in the village.”

　Acorus nodded.

　"Apart from the middle-aged and elderly, there are only children. People my age and my young lady's age usually move to the city to live."

　It may be difficult for modern urbanites to understand the yearning of Japanese country people for the city - life in the countryside is obviously peaceful and comfortable, so why do they want to leave their hometown and run to the big city all day long?