Chapter 83 Journey to the Present World 2

The hustle and bustle of the world enveloped the group instantly like a warm tide.

The slight dizziness from the teleportation had just dissipated when the swordsmen found themselves in a relatively quiet back alley. However, the sounds of traffic, voices, and various modern noises that they couldn't immediately identify from outside the alley created a background soundscape that was completely different from the wooden Honmaru they were familiar with.

"Wow..." Tsurumaru Kuninaga was the first to peek out, and was immediately stunned by the sight of towering buildings in front of him.

The rows of glass curtain wall buildings gleamed in the sunlight, a constant stream of vehicles sped along the wide roads, and pedestrians, dressed in all sorts of clothing, hurried by.

All of this had an undeniable impact on the Tsukumogami, who were accustomed to the customs and gardens of the Warring States period.

"This is...the real world?" Ran Toushirou's eyes widened, gripping Ichigo Hitofuri's sleeve tightly. Ichigo Hitofuri gently patted his younger brother's hand, his eyes also filled with amazement.

Ranlu looked around excitedly, pulling Qingye and Yuyuwu along as she pointed to a huge electronic billboard in the distance and said something. Qingye's expression remained indifferent, but his eyes revealed a sense of novelty, while Yuyuwu curiously observed the clothing and appearance of the pedestrians on the roadside.

"Let's go shopping at the mall first," Han Zhou succinctly set his goal.

The group walked out of the alley in a grand procession and merged into the crowd. Despite the effects of the vague array, the group of outstanding and beautiful "young people" still attracted many subtle glances as they walked together.

The swords were incredibly curious about everything around them.

"Princess! What's that moving staircase?" Goko asked in a low voice, pointing to the escalator in the mall.

"It's an escalator; you can go up and down without walking once you stand on it," Han Zhou answered patiently.

"Oh my, what a convenient design." Mikazuki Munechika looked on with great interest, and with Kogitsunemaru and Ishikirimaru carefully protecting him as he stepped onto the platform, the old man let out a hearty laugh, "Hahaha, interesting."

Upon entering the mall, the cool air conditioning, bright lights, and dazzling array of goods dazzled the swordsmen.

Yagen Toushirou showed great interest in the electronics counter, staring thoughtfully at the latest tablet computer; Kashuu Kiyomitsu and Yamato no Kami Yasusada were drawn to the fashion brand window display, discussing which clothes were more "cool"; Namazuo Toushirou and Honebami Toushirou stood in front of the aquarium, looking at the colorful tropical fish inside.

Kasen Kanesada stopped in front of a shop selling the Four Treasures of the Study and exquisite stationery, feeling quite at home.

Led by Ranluo and several lively swordsmen, the short swordsmen excitedly darted between various shops, showing great enthusiasm for ice cream shops, toy shops, and anime merchandise shops.

"This! This looks delicious!" Bao Ding Toushirou pointed at the gorgeously decorated cakes in the dessert shop, his eyes shining.

"Ah, wait, Bao Ding, don't run too fast!" Horikawa Kunihiro quickly caught up.

Looking at the slightly chaotic yet vibrant scene before him, Han Zhou's lips curled up almost imperceptibly.

She noticed that although Ookurikara stood in the corner and seemed uninterested in anything, his gaze kept drifting towards the large screens in the electronics section that displayed videos of extreme sports.

Meanwhile, Yamanbagiri Kunihiro tried to shrink himself into the "new bed sheet" to minimize his presence, but was pulled aside by Hakata Toshiro to ask for his opinion on a certain financial management app.

The shopping process was not without its share of minor mishaps.

For example, Tsurumaru Kuninaga tried to touch a robot shop assistant who could greet people on its own, almost triggering an alarm; and Jirotachi became very interested in the wide variety of alcoholic beverages in the liquor store, only to be seriously pulled away by Tarotachi...

Finally, thanks to Shokudaikiri Mitsutada's efficient organization and Hasebe's meticulous verification, the necessary items were basically purchased. Everyone carried several shopping bags, their faces showing a mixture of curiosity and satisfaction.

"Alright," Han Zhou checked the time and raised his voice to attract everyone's attention, "Next, let's go to the beach."

Upon hearing this, the short swordsmen, in particular, immediately erupted in small cheers. The yearning for the sea seemed to be an instinct etched deep within the souls of these swordsmen born from an island nation.

Golden light rippled around Han Zhou, enveloping everyone. They only felt the scene before them blur for a moment, and when it cleared again, the azure sea that stretched to the horizon was right in front of them.

"Wow—!" Ranlu almost instinctively rushed over, but was grabbed by the back of her collar by a familiar force, like a cat being held by the scruff of its neck.

"Come with me to change your clothes first," Han Zhou said calmly. She looked at the swordsmen and instructed them, "Short swordsmen, be careful when you go to play in the sea. Your clothes are in the changing room."

Before she could finish speaking, she noticed a slight struggle from one of her subordinates. Han Zhou could only nod to the swordsmen to indicate that she would leave temporarily, and then left with Ran Luo, Qing Ye, and Yu Yu Wu.

Shokudaikiri Mitsutada and Yukiri Hasebe reliably started organizing, quickly preparing the freshly bought ingredients and utensils. There would be a barbecue later.

Sunshine, beaches, waves... For most tsukumogami born inland or with a strong connection to the ocean, this is undoubtedly a completely new experience.

"Wow! The water is salty!" Imagin ran barefoot into the shallow water, his ankles getting wet from the waves, and exclaimed in surprise.

"Hahaha, of course seawater is salty, Imaizumi!" Iwatooshi laughed as he followed, easily hoisting the little tengu onto his shoulder and heading towards deeper waters.

Kashuu Kiyomitsu and Yamato no Kami Yasusada have started a water fight, splashing water everywhere and laughing continuously.

Han Zhou changed into a short-sleeved shirt and shorts, not wearing a swimsuit. Once the three people around her had changed, Ran Luo excitedly plunged into the sea, mingling with the swords.

She watched as Ranlu dived into the sea, retrieved a sea cucumber, and tossed it directly at Kashuu Kiyomitsu. The sticky, slippery feel startled Kashuu Kiyomitsu, who instinctively tossed it aside, and it landed squarely on Yamato no Kami Yasusada's face.

"Oh, An Ding, are you alright?!"

"Wow! What is this?!"

Ranlu watched the two of them scrambling around, chuckled, and immediately made her escape.

She glanced at the damp mud still clinging to her hands, then noticed Mikazuki Munechika holding an iced barley tea under the parasol, and raised an eyebrow.

Ranlu went ashore and swept past Mikazuki like the wind, slapping her dirty hands across Mikazuki's cheek, smearing mud and sand all over his face.

Kogitsunemaru and Ishikirimaru, who had witnessed the entire process, exchanged a glance and shook their heads helplessly.

"Hahaha, excellent, excellent!"

Mikazuki wasn't angry even after being pranked.

Han Zhou watched Ran Luo excitedly running around, helping the Five Tigers build sandcastles; helping Ai Qi Guojun chase crabs; and colluding with Tsurumaru Kuninaga to drag Ookurikara into the water.

After swimming back from the sea, Yu Yuwu found Han Zhou still sitting under the parasol and naturally sat down beside him. Noticing that Han Zhou's gaze had fallen on Ran Luo, she smiled and said:

She had been looking forward to this day for a long time.

Han Zhou gave a soft "hmm" upon hearing this; of course she knew. Her gaze swept over the short swordsmen building sandcastles, the older group drinking tea, and the candlestick cutters preparing a barbecue, a sense of ease and pleasure rising within her.

It has been lingering for a long time.

Perhaps, they are the ones who can maintain their "humanity".

"They're happy too," Han Zhou said calmly, looking at the joyful swordsmen, uttering the most touching words in a composed tone.

"I want to take you to see more scenery. Mountains and rivers, snow-capped peaks and canyons, sunsets and starry skies."

"All the scenery I have ever seen will be shared with you."

Yu Yuwu was stunned. She glanced at Han Zhou's unchanging, aloof face. His light golden eyes reflected the azure sea, making him appear exceptionally gentle.

"It is my honor, Lord Hanzhou."

She wanted to spend the limited time she had with this gentle deity.

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Author's Note: My next book will likely be "The Game I Played for Eight Years Came Back to Life," written by Luan. You can add it to your favorites now; I've already started saving drafts and plan to start writing it in January next year. [Kiss][Kiss]