In the room behind her, only a dozen or so empty husks remained, their dull eyes fixed on the spotless, mold-free ceiling, stripped of all spirit.
Only the meaningless act of breathing continued, along with the last of the Remnant Souls, as they sank into the endless pain of the nightmare.
One thing was certain: they had fully understood the answer to the question they sought.
If they had another life, they likely would never again be curious about what lay beneath a girl's skirt…
Such a major incident could not possibly be concealed from others. This was especially true since Huai Shi's comings and goings were unconcealed. Even when the Li Jian family inquired, she hid nothing.
In the evening, the aged Samurai Inu River knelt in the quiet room opposite Huai Shi, who appeared calm, and beside him, the uneasy Zhenxi. His expression was devoid of any warmth.
After a long period of contemplation, he finally spoke.
"The details of the matter are clear to me... It was Ping Xuan's failing first. Madam Huaizhi showed mercy in sparing his life; it was a gesture of kindness. We naturally cannot ask for too much."
If it were another time, there might have been disputes. But at such a critical moment, it was unwise to offend a Sublimator whose depth was unknown. Especially when it was the Li Jian family who had first committed such an embarrassing act against a guest… If it could be suppressed, that would be one thing. But now that it couldn't, the Li Jian family's last shred of dignity was about to be ground into the dust. Why bother?
The longer one navigated the world, the more cautious one became. One grows cautious with age. They know their energy isn't what it used to be and that there are more important goals to achieve. Without sufficient benefit, one becomes unwilling to easily offend others. Although, when it was necessary, these people would offend more thoroughly than anyone, ensuring their adversary would never recover, or, more directly, send them to meet their maker. But since they had no way to deal with the other party, and now wasn't the time, they could only seek an amicable resolution.
Inu River looked back over his shoulder.
The burly Samurai rose, holding a box, and moved forward. He knelt beside Huai Shi and placed the item in front of her.
Upon opening the box, the light from the Source Crystals illuminated her eyes.
They were of considerable value.
"This is a modest token of gratitude from the Li Jian family for your rescue of Miss Zhenxi, and as compensation for your troubles. Please do not take offense." Inu River bowed deeply in apology, performing all due courtesies before someone less than a quarter, or even a fifth, his age.
Huai Shi was unmoved, still watching him. She was waiting for the rest of his statement.
Inu River raised his head, speaking solemnly, "At this moment, it is indeed a troubled time for the Li Jian family, and we can no longer continue to entertain guests. Please forgive us."
So, they were asking her to leave.
Huai Shi took out her phone, ready to speak, but then she heard the Teenage Girl by her side.
Though uneasy, Zhenxi forced herself to remain calm.
"Grandfather Inugami, she won't leave." Zhenxi raised her head and said to the elder who had once controlled her Fate, "Because I intend to participate in the formal selection for the head of the family. I will hire Miss Huaizhi as my representative to compete on my behalf."
"…"
In the silence, Inu River did not speak, only letting out an involuntary, soft sigh.
Indeed, it wasn't going to be that simple, was it…?
Through the attitude between the two, he had come to understand what had happened and had a vague guess at the worst-case scenario.
"Miss Zhenxi, the selection for the head of the family might not be as simple as you think."
"I know," Zhenxi replied. "When I left, my mother told me I might die, but I didn't come here for death."
"This isn't something someone told me, nor is it due to the persuasion or deception of others; it's a decision I made before I arrived in the Current Circumstances."
She stated:
"—I am the eldest daughter of Li Jian Qingping, carrying the blood of the Li Jian family. This time I have returned to participate in the selection for the head of the Li Jian family."
It was that simple.