During the Warring States period, the warlords fought endlessly, and the number of people who died every day was innumerable.

Under such circumstances, some of those who died directly turned into evil spirits between ordinary souls and Hollows.

Although they had not fallen into becoming Hollows, these evil spirits had already gained some abilities beyond ordinary souls, allowing them to exert minor influences on the living world.

In this situation, some people with spiritual pressure who could see the existence of "spirits" took on the responsibility of delivering these evil spirits.

The men were called "monks," while the women were respectfully called "mikos" (Shinto shrine maidens).

In this era, whether "monks" or "mikos," they were highly respected by people.

With their meager spiritual power, they guided evil spirits, bringing peace to the people of the living world.

Since Ailin had promised to take Haruko out to exorcise spirits after she abandoned the incantation for the first Kidō spell, he had naturally prepared the appropriate attire.

On this day, the villagers of Sakura Village found that Ailin was actually following behind Haruko, heading out of Sakura Village. Moreover, if they were not mistaken, Haruko was wearing a miko outfit.

Perplexed, they couldn't help but ask, "Ailin-sama, Haruko-sama, what's going on?"

"Hahaha."

Haruko had succeeded in her cultivation and wanted to show off to the world, which Ailin could understand. So, at this moment, he acted as an excellent narrator.

"I'm sorry, everyone, I've been hiding this from you for many years."

"Actually, Haruko's true identity is that of a powerful miko. The reason we've stayed here for so many years is that there was a very powerful evil spirit here, and Haruko had to suppress it.

But don't worry, this powerful evil spirit has now been purified by Haruko, so we're preparing to leave. Over the years, I didn't want Haruko to feel too lonely, so I took the liberty of moving all of you here to keep her company. Please understand."

"Wow, so Haruko-sama is a miko!"

"I knew it! Since Ailin-sama is so powerful, how could Haruko-sama be an ordinary person?"

"No wonder we haven't encountered any evil spirits since we moved here. I thought it was because Ailin-sama's strength scared the evil spirits away, but it turns out it was because of Haruko-sama's presence."

"I've heard that powerful mikos can guard cities and prevent evil spirits from entering. I didn't expect Haruko-sama to be such a powerful miko."

"Oh, you're all overestimating me." Haruko gave Ailin a sideways glance, then smiled and accepted the villagers' praise.

"By the way, Haruko-sama, where are you two going now? Will you come back?" Finally, someone noticed the luggage Ailin was carrying and couldn't help but ask.

This question also made the surrounding villagers' hearts tighten.

Indeed, Haruko-sama was a miko, and Ailin-sama was also a powerful warrior. With Ailin-sama and Haruko-sama around, Sakura Village had maintained peace for so many years.

Evil spirits would be purified by Haruko-sama, while warlords and bandits would be driven away by Ailin-sama.

In any case, since they moved to Sakura Village, they had never been disturbed by evil spirits or warlords.

Now, judging from Ailin-sama and Haruko-sama's appearance, it seemed like they were leaving Sakura Village.

Without Ailin-sama and Haruko-sama, would Sakura Village still be able to maintain its current peace?

Immediately, the villagers' faces revealed worried expressions.

"Don't worry, everyone, even if we leave, Sakura Village will be fine," Ailin reassured them upon seeing their concerns. "This evil spirit was actually purified by Haruko three months ago. However, Haruko was also worried that after we left, this place would be targeted by evil spirits again, so she spent these three months setting up a barrier for Sakura Village. Now that the barrier protecting Sakura Village is complete, we can leave with peace of mind."

"Three months ago, that was when...?"

Hearing Ailin's words, the villagers immediately recalled that about three months ago, Ailin-sama had gone out for some reason and even given the children a few days off.

Then, one day, there was an explosion in front of Ailin-sama's dojo. When the villagers were about to go help with their hoes and shovels, they realized there had been a fierce battle in front of the dojo, damaging the ground beyond recognition. It was only with everyone's help that they were able to repair it.

Apparently, that day was when Haruko-sama had purified the evil spirit, resulting in the battle.

Immediately, the villagers' gratitude towards Haruko was beyond words.

"Haruko-sama, can't you stay?"

"Everyone, Haruko-sama is a miko. We can't selfishly keep her here. After all, besides our place, there are still many people in the outside world suffering from the harassment of evil spirits, waiting for Haruko-sama's salvation."

Ailin was surprised to see the person who said these words. In this era, it was truly rare to find someone with such enlightened thoughts.

After nodding at this person, Ailin then said to everyone, "Furuhashi is right. Haruko-sama is a miko, and there are still many people outside waiting for the miko Haruko's salvation, so we can't stay in Sakura Village for an extended period.

However, Haruko the miko has lived here for so many years, so this place is also our second hometown. When we feel tired from exorcising evil spirits out there, we will definitely come back here to rest for a while. At that time, don't blame us for disturbing you again."

"Ailin-sama, what you said is slapping us in the face," the villagers refuted as soon as Ailin finished speaking. "Sakura Village was established because of Ailin-sama and Haruko-sama. This entire Sakura Village belongs to Ailin-sama and Haruko-sama. We are merely tenants of Ailin-sama and Haruko-sama. How can you say that you two are disturbing us when you return home?"

"That's right, that's right. Ailin-sama, Haruko-sama, rest assured and go exorcise evil spirits. We will build a warehouse next to Ailin-sama's dojo and store three-tenths of our harvested grain tax in the warehouse every year."

"Yes, yes, yes. Ailin-sama, Haruko-sama, we'll be supervising, so you two must come back often after going out. Otherwise, if the grain in the warehouse spoils, we won't be responsible."

It seemed the villagers of Sakura Village were not foolish. Knowing they couldn't keep Ailin and Haruko, they tried to find ways to make them come back more often.

"Alright, I'll leave my dojo to you. If we get tired out there, we'll come back to rest."

Under the villagers' warm sendoff, Ailin and Haruko left Sakura Village.

"Phew..."

Only after the villagers were out of sight did Haruko finally heave a sigh of relief, her whole body slumping down.

"Hahahahaha..." Rarely seeing Haruko in such a state, Ailin burst into laughter.

"Ailin-kun is bullying me," Haruko pouted, turning her back to Ailin to show her displeasure.

"Hahaha, sorry, sorry, it's just that you looked so adorable earlier."

"Hmph!"

Although Haruko let out a cold "hmph" upon hearing Ailin's praise, her slightly upturned lips betrayed her true feelings.

"How was it, Haruko? Didn't it feel nice to be looked up to by others?"

"Yeah, but if they knew I wasn't a truly powerful miko, they would probably be very disappointed."

"Who says our Haruko-sama isn't a powerful miko?"

Ailin took Haruko's hand and comforted her, "You know, those monks and mikos in the living world are just ordinary people with spiritual pressure. At most, they've only managed to grasp some methods of condensing and using spiritual power.

Your spiritual pressure is no less than those mikos, and you've even learned Kidō. Based on ability alone, there might not be a single miko in the living world stronger than you.

It may sound a bit arrogant, but Haruko, you might very well be the strongest miko in the living world."

"Mm." Even after being married for many years, being held by Ailin like this still made Haruko feel shy.

"Alright then, Haruko, let's begin our exorcism journey! Miko-sama, based on my perception, there's a strong ominous aura in that direction. It's highly likely an evil spirit is present. Shall we head that way?"

"Mm, please lead the way, Samurai-sama..."

"Hahahahaha..."

***

Within Fujiwara Castle, the lord Junichi Fujiwara was pacing anxiously in front of the main gate of the lord's residence, occasionally glancing outside.

"Why aren't they here yet?"

As the sun set, the expression on Junichi Fujiwara’s face grew increasingly panicked. Unconsciously, he had even gradually moved away from the main hall of the lord's residence, ready to flee at any moment.

In this era, for the Fujiwara family to become the lord of a castle, they were naturally considered a powerful warlord force within a radius of several dozen miles. However, no matter how powerful, they were still powerless against those evil spirits.

A year ago, the old lord of Fujiwara Castle passed away, and Junichi Fujiwara succeeded him.

However, not long after, the lord's residence within Fujiwara Castle suddenly became extremely ominous, and many maids, guards, and even the lord's family members fell gravely ill.

Thus, Junichi Fujiwara summoned a monk from within Fujiwara Castle to perform exorcism rituals.

Unfortunately, not only did the monk fail to drive away the evil spirits, but he also returned severely injured.

According to the injured monk, the evil spirit in the lord's residence had already become a phenomenon, and if it continued, it would transform into an even more terrifying monster. By then, no one in the lord's residence would be able to escape.

During this period, Junichi Fujiwara dispatched many people to search for powerful monks and mikos from various places, determined to expel or purify this evil spirit before it grew powerful enough to leave the main hall.

"My lord..."

Just as Junichi Fujiwara was growing impatient, a servant rushed over.

"What's the news? Has the miko arrived?"

Immediately, Junichi Fujiwara ran out of the lord's residence and glanced behind the servant, disappointment flashing in his eyes upon seeing no one else, before asking the servant.

"My lord, Haruko-sama and her companions have arrived at the city gate. I came ahead to report to you."

"Good, good, quickly have everyone prepare. We'll give Haruko-sama a warm welcome."

Hearing the servant's words, Fujiwara was overjoyed and hastily arranged for food to be prepared.

The guards Junichi Fujiwara sent out to find monks and mikos were determined to completely expel this evil spirit, so they couldn't afford any delays or wasted time. According to the injured monk in Fujiwara Castle, at most within a month, this evil spirit would break free from the constraints of the lord's main hall and become an even more powerful "demon."

At that point, it would be beyond the capabilities of mere monks and mikos. Therefore, these guards searching for monks and mikos conveyed the monk's words, hoping to find a powerful miko capable of purifying this evil spirit.

Unfortunately, most monks and mikos admitted they were powerless against such a powerful evil spirit on the verge of becoming a Hollow after hearing the description.

Just as Junichi was about to lose hope, one of the guards brought good news.

According to a monk, a year ago, a miko appeared in this land whose power had surpassed all monks and mikos. Wherever she went, even the most powerful evil spirits would be purified by her.

Many monks and mikos who had seen this miko also praised her immensely. Due to her incredible power, she was even hailed by monks and mikos as the "Legendary Miko – Haruko."

Coincidentally, that monk knew some information about Miko Haruko, and through that, they finally made contact with this "Legendary Miko."

***

"Is this Fujiwara Castle? It doesn't seem as impressive as our Sakura Village."

After entering Fujiwara Castle, the guards continued to escort Ailin and Haruko towards the lord's residence at a leisurely pace, while the servant who rushed ahead to report to the lord was left unnoticed.

"Hahaha, Haruko, you're really underestimating me," Ailin rolled his eyes upon hearing her words. “If the villagers of Sakura Village didn't live better than people outside, why would I have established Sakura Village? Wouldn't it be better to find a better city to settle in?"

"That's true. But Ailin-kun, can you sense it? This powerful ominous aura."

As the three approached the lord's residence, Haruko's expression grew increasingly solemn, tinged with excitement.

During this time, having taken on the role of a "miko" exorcising evil spirits, Haruko's combat experience had increased significantly. Of course, her reputation had also spread through her interactions with the monks and mikos she encountered.

In a sense, Haruko had gradually adapted to her "miko" identity, casually referring to the evil spirits' spiritual pressure as "ominous aura."

"Ah, it seems this lord of Fujiwara Castle is quite fortunate to have found us before this evil spirit falls into depravity. Otherwise, at most within five days, this evil spirit would have fallen into becoming a Hollow. At that point, it's hard to say how many people in Fujiwara Castle would survive."

 

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