Suiko Escapes Safely; Was the Four Souls Jewel Successfully Purified?

Above the sea of clouds, moonlight flowed like water.

Flame Hoof trod through the air at an unhurried pace.

Chiyo sat upright on its back, holding the unconscious Suiko in his arms.

Her face was pale as paper. More than half the bones in her left shoulder had been shattered, and her body was covered in wounds. Her white miko robes were soaked through with blood, making it impossible to tell which blood belonged to her and which belonged to her enemies.

Yet a faint smile rested at the corner of her mouth.

It was as though she had dreamed a wonderful dream.

Chiyo lowered his head and glanced at her, a complicated look flashing through his crimson eyes.

"What a fool."

His voice was soft, as soft as the wind.

Suiko did not respond. She remained deeply asleep.

She was too exhausted.

Her Spiritual Power had been depleted, and her life hung by a thread. Had Chiyo not arrived in time and used his power to stabilize her injuries, she would probably have already...

Chiyo withdrew his gaze and gently patted Flame Hoof's neck.

Flame Hoof let out a low neigh and picked up speed.

By the time they returned to the camp, the horizon was already tinged with the pale light of dawn.

Izayoi had not slept all night. She sat beside the campfire with Douding in her arms, anxiously watching the skyline.

When she saw Flame Hoof appear at the end of the sea of clouds, she shot to her feet so abruptly that she nearly dropped Douding.

"Lord Chiyo!"

She hurried over, but the moment her gaze fell upon Suiko in Chiyo's arms, her expression changed completely.

"Lady Suiko, she..."

"She's fine."

Chiyo dismounted and carried Suiko toward the camp.

Izayoi hurried after him, her eyes