Xu Zhiqiu returned to Naishu Castle with Naraku and Kanna.
"My lord, my lady." The guards at the gate hurried to welcome them when they saw them return.
"Mm, thank you for your hard work." Naraku said nothing, so Xu Zhiqiu had to speak to them herself.
The streets gradually returned to normal, bustling with life. Children chased one another barefoot through the streets, smiles lighting up their little faces.
They walked back to the residence, Xu Zhiqiu carrying a basket stuffed with all sorts of things. The townspeople had been so enthusiastic that she simply could not fend them off.
As soon as they returned to the residence, someone came forward and took Xu Zhiqiu's basket to sort through its contents. The three of them went back inside.
Hakudoshi returned from the paddock riding Entei, his eyes sweeping over them. Four people had left, but now one was missing. "Where is she?"
The question weighed down the atmosphere. Xu Zhiqiu replied, "She disappeared along with the Shikon Jewel."
"Oh, so you took care of it?" A faint flicker of emotion crossed Hakudoshi's cold, rigid face, only to vanish a moment later.
"Yes, the matter of the Shikon Jewel has been settled. Why are you riding Entei? Didn't we ask you to handle official business with Byakuya and the others?"
When Xu Zhiqiu brought that up, Hakudoshi looked bored. "Human affairs aren't suited to me. Riding Entei out to play is much more fun."
As he spoke, he suddenly remembered something and gave a meaningful smile. "After you left the castle, Kagura and Byakuya ran off to play. So no one has handled any of that official business. Entei, let's go."
With that, Entei sprinted into the sky, disappearing in an instant.
Xu Zhiqiu's jaw nearly dropped at the sight.