359. Fire Transmission Ritual

The ceremony itself was quite routine for Lu Ban.

After a series of routine procedures, Amber, dressed in magnificent clothes, left under the guidance of the elderly priestesses and entered the main courtyard where the Divine Child Pavilion was located.

Lu Ban saw a long ladder being erected, and the priestesses carrying Amber entered the Divine Child Pavilion. After a while, the priestesses left, leaving the Divine Child Pavilion hanging alone in mid-air.

In the long silence, Lu Ban felt that something was entwining that pavilion, establishing a subtle connection between Divine Cherry Tree and Divine Child Pavilion.

The next moment, the purifying fire ignited.

Lu Ban had previously thought that the Divine Child's Pure Flame was already dazzling enough, but Amber's Pure Flame far surpassed it.

In an instant, the whole world turned black and white, and even the midday sun could not rival the brilliance of the Amber.

Within the dazzling pure fire, a multicolored black began to swirl and envelop the Divine Child Pavilion.

Lu Ban seemed to hear Amber's voice, and his heart fluttered slightly as he recalled some scenes.

For example, the image of a girl holding a longbow shooting an arrow in a dojo illuminated by moonlight.

For example, a scene where a young girl on a ship looks out the window at the sailors playing and frolicking, and feels a little longing.

For example, the sleeping face of a girl who falls asleep peacefully while adrift on a lonely sea.

For example, the smile of a young girl dressed in plain clothes, expressing her longing and anticipation for the future.

For example, the silhouette of a girl looking up at the moonlight in front of her own house.

The surrounding light gradually dimmed, and everyone regained their sight.

After a brief silence, people began to cheer.

They celebrated the arrival of the new Divine Child, the coming of the next era, and rejoiced that the Harmony Island would continue to exist.

Lu Ban saw the ceremony's host holding up a sign that read "Amber as the successor of the Divine Child, Harmony Island's era name."

Spring and.

Springtime is here, and the sun is shining brightly; it is indeed a beautiful day.

The flames in the Divine Child Pavilion gradually died down, and everything returned to normal.

In Lu Ban's vision, the falling cherry blossoms formed the system's cold and indifferent words.

[Mission Requirements: Escort the shrine maiden to Wa Island Grand Shrine 1/1]

[Task Requirements: Witness the birth of a new Head Miko 1/1]

[Mission Objective: Locate and kill the invading hostile Chosen of the Gods 2/2]

[Task completed]

[Should I choose to return?]

[whether]

There's a countdown timer at the bottom.

Lu Ban can stay in this world for a maximum of one more day.

He did not choose to return immediately, but instead went back to his own courtyard.

"I'm still a little worried."

Lu Ban glanced at the Divine Child Pavilion.

I wonder if Amber feels scared being inside all alone.

According to that aloof priestess, Amber needs to stay in the Divine Child Pavilion for at least a day and a night to allow the Pure Fire to fully accept her.

It must have been an extremely agonizing process.

In the evening, while having dinner, Lu Ban told the aloof shrine maiden about his plans to leave.

"Are you leaving?"

The witch found it a bit unbelievable.

Lu Ban is now the most valued person by the new Divine Child. With his own strength, he is bound to be a powerful figure in the court.

Would someone like that give up all power and go back to being a ronin?

"Yes, just as she belongs here, I still don't belong here."

Lu Ban pointed to the Divine Child Pavilion in the distance.

"Oh well."

The shrine maiden looks somewhat melancholy.

"Tomorrow is the child's naming ceremony. She will officially become the shrine maiden. I have applied to my seniors to be her mentor, and I would like to invite you to attend."

The shrine maiden spoke again.

That's wonderful.

Lu Ban clapped his hands.

Although this aloof shrine maiden seems unapproachable, she is actually quite good at heart. She is conscientious and responsible, and the little girl will surely grow into an excellent shrine maiden if she follows her.

"By the way, what name did you give her?"

Lu Ban asked casually, though he knew he probably wouldn't be told this, but he was still a little curious.

"She comes from Changfeng Island, so she was named after the maple leaf."

The shrine maiden did not shy away from the question but answered directly.

"It's called Momiji."

Clang—

Lu Ban's chopsticks fell onto the table, leaving the shrine maiden somewhat confused.

"What's wrong?"

She asked.

"No, it's nothing."

Lu Ban picked up the chopsticks.

He hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

Indeed, Momiji had mentioned that when she was a child, her family was attacked by Corrupted Ones, and it was the Divine Child's pure fire that saved her. But Lu Ban never expected that she was actually this little girl.

If he hadn't completed this task, he might not have brought the Corrupted Ones to Changfeng Island where Momiji lived. She wouldn't have lost her parents and might have grown up there as a fisherman's daughter, living an ordinary and uneventful life.

However, Lu Ban has now completely changed the trajectory of her life.

If nothing unexpected happens, Momiji will grow up at the Wa Island Grand Shrine, become Divine Child shrine maiden for the shrine maiden, then go to Song Island to investigate the pollution incident, and eventually experience the cruel things that Lu Ban saw in the hairpin, becoming Calamity Priestess.

Momiji's future is Lu Ban's past.

Although the time paradox of the Silent Land is unknown, Lu Ban's current actions have already created a closed loop in Momiji's fate.

The state of the Momiji he observed was already fixed, an inevitable end to their fate.

No matter what Lu Ban does, it won't change Momiji's fate.

Just as her legacy has been buried in the soil of the Divine Cherry Tree, the little Momiji will eventually become the one Lu Ban meets.

"Let her not have to work so hard in her cultivation, not have to be obsessed with saving the world, and live a peaceful life."

Lu Ban said.

The aloof shrine maiden was somewhat confused, wondering why Lu Ban was saying these things.

After dinner, just as Amber had said, the moonlight was beautiful.

The clear moonlight filtered through the falling cherry blossoms, casting a white frost-like glow on the ground. Lu Ban sat in the house, the Momiji making him realize that this journey was not so simple.

As Lu Ban walked into the courtyard, gazing at the bright moon, he suddenly felt as if someone was behind him.

He turned his head and saw the black-haired, cherry-eyed shrine maiden standing in the courtyard.

Who exactly are you?

Lu Ban asked a question.

The other person didn't say anything, but turned around and walked out of the courtyard. When he reached the gate, he stopped and looked back at Lu Ban, as if to ask him to follow.

Lu Ban followed.

The two walked one after the other among the quiet Torii Gate.

Lu Ban found the road somewhat familiar.

He soon arrived at his destination.

The main shrine of Wa Island Grand Shrine.

In the courtyard stands the Divine Child Pavilion.

The Amber is right there.

The priestess disappeared, leaving only the priestess guarding the entrance to the courtyard.

Lu Ban looked at the pavilion again.

He took out the [Twisted Mask of Pain] and put it on his face.

Transforming into a wisp of smoke, Lu Ban slipped into the moonlight and soared upwards toward the Divine Child Pavilion.