Kyoto's resentment began to dissipate at a visible rate, and the greatest credit went to the shrine maiden Kikyo, who had worked tirelessly here all day.
Purifying those who had died such unfortunate deaths along the way had left Kikyo utterly exhausted.
"It's finally over!"
Watching the last batch of resentment-filled souls transform into gentle spirits, Kikyo finally let out a breath of relief.
"Thank you, Lady Shrine Maiden."
The spirits, now imbued with holiness, sincerely thanked the shrine maiden before them, whose forehead was covered in sweat. Then, they turned into specks of light... and faded away.
Some of the motes of light formed from the souls voluntarily entered Kikyo's body. Once she absorbed them, her spiritual power would increase considerably.
This was the reward they left behind after attaining Buddhahood.
Heaven rewarded diligence. In this world, committing heinous acts brought no karmic retribution, and purifying Kyoto's resentment earned no merit. But it was not entirely a one-sided sacrifice either; otherwise, who would be willing to do such thankless, laborious work?
After souls attained Buddhahood, they left behind traces of spiritual essence... which cultivators could absorb to increase their spiritual power.
The spiritual essence provided by a single soul attaining Buddhahood was very little, especially for a great shrine maiden like Kikyo, for whom it was practically useless. But there were so many people here who had died tragic deaths. After Kikyo sent them on to Buddhahood... the combined amount of spiritual essence was extremely considerable.
"Kikyo!"
The girl, who had reverted to Yae Sakura, landed beside Kikyo.
"Sakura, are you all right?"
Wiping the sweat from her forehead, Kikyo anxiously examined Yae Sakura. Only after seeing that she did not appear to be injured did she relax slightly.
Yae Sakura's sudden disappearance earlier had frightened her, especially since