"...It happened in a flash. The Son of God took a quick step forward and immediately stopped the monster's forward momentum with a palm. The white jade-like palm formed a contrast with the hideous monster, leaving everyone dumbfounded..."

In the market, a man was holding a folding fan in his hand and telling the story of the shrine maiden of Waseda Taisha Shrine slaying evil spirits in a vivid manner. After finishing a paragraph, he picked up the tea and took a sip.

He Island is becoming more and more prosperous. It is now home to more than one-tenth of the world's population, and more refugees live on the surrounding islands. It is not known whether it is due to Leopard's manipulation or the crustal movement caused by the appearance of filth, but many large and small islands have appeared near He Island. These have become places for refugees to live, and various houses were quickly built, living in a crowded and humble manner.

After listening to the storyteller's passage, many people applauded, and some even threw a few copper coins on his table. He thanked everyone and collected the copper coins one by one.

"Master, what you just said, did you see it with your own eyes?"

At this time, a woman with long hair combed behind her head suddenly asked.

"That's not the case. The heroic figure of the Goddess is not something that mortals like us can witness. But I believe that if I could see the Goddess with my own eyes, I would definitely remember her appearance for the rest of my life."

The storyteller took a sip of tea and continued.

"Although I didn't see this story with my own eyes, I believe that the Son of God must be full of martial virtues. He might be even more wise and powerful than I described. It would not be a problem for him to blow up a dozen monsters with one punch."

Hearing the storyteller's description, the woman frowned slightly.

Beside her, another young woman couldn't help but cover her face and giggle, while the man seemed to be thinking about something.

"But I think that the Goddess shouldn't be... violent. Since she's a miko, she should be more elegant."

The woman said again.

"Elegant? How can a weak person fight those monsters? Miss, I see you haven't been in touch with society much. At the critical moment of life and death, only strength can solve the problem."

The storyteller laughed.

"Besides, I heard this description from someone I know at the island shrine. Does she understand Shenzi better or do you understand Shenzi better?"

He didn't explain any more, just took the money and left, going to the next place to tell stories.

The woman's mouth twitched and she glanced at the two people beside her.

"What are you laughing at?"

Leopard looked at the little witch who couldn't help laughing and asked.

"No, nothing..."

The little witch immediately stopped smiling and looked serious.

“These storytellers are making up stories and destroying my image.”

Leopard grumbled.

"After all, they have never seen real filth."

Lu Ban explained.

"You are a god, why are you competing with ordinary people?"

"I don't care."

Leopard cried.

"I just want to let those people who spread rumors know how many eyes their Lord Son of God has!"

"Okay, Master Shenzi, don't be angry. I'll go buy you some dumplings, okay?"

The little witch quickly comforted her.

“Yeah!”

Leopard immediately forgot what the storyteller said, and waited with his two little feet shaking for the little witch to buy the dumplings.

Looking at the little witch leaving, Lu Ban sighed.

"You don't have to do that."

Over the past few days, Baobao and the little witch have been very close. Not only do they often eat and sleep together, but he also takes great pains to take her on secret visits.

The relationship between the two also changed from awe and fear at the beginning to a sisterly relationship.

Acting like a spoiled child and rolling around are common occurrences.

In Lu Ban's view, the little witch is like Leopard's guardian, worrying about all kinds of things.

And all this is just preparation.

Lu Ban knew it very well.

This shrine maiden will be the first true high priestess of the Washima Taisha Shrine. When everything is ready, she will be sacrificed to Kamizakura and Xia. Her soul will be blended into this giant tree and become firewood for the pure fire.

What Leopard Leopard did was just to find more excitement for herself.

Lu Ban knew very well that when a person could even use her own emotions as a chess piece, then nothing could hurt her anymore.

At night, in the courtyard, Leopard and the little witch were sitting on the steps, with a few slices of fruit similar to watermelon placed next to them.

The moonlight was clear, and a few cherry blossoms floated down and landed on the watermelon. The little witch picked up a piece, not noticing the petals, and took a bite. The icy juice flowed from the corners of her mouth and dripped onto the ground.

"Eat slowly."

Leopard Leopard spoke softly. She wiped the corner of the other person's mouth with a handkerchief. The two of them were very close to each other, which made the little witch blush immediately and turn away.

"Sir Shenzi, I should have been the one taking care of you."

The little witch said.

"We are friends, aren't we?"

Baobao smiled. Her smile seemed to have a magical power that could make people forget all their worries.

The little witch's face turned even redder.

She hesitated for a moment and then spoke again.

"Master Shen Zi, those monsters, can we defeat them?"

"Why do you ask?"

Baobao gently pushed the messy hair hanging by the little witch's ears back behind her ears and asked with a smile.

"I heard... I heard that those filth cannot be completely exorcised, and the power of the Son of God can only temporarily annihilate them. The Son of God can protect us for decades or even hundreds of years, but he cannot protect us forever."

The little witch lowered her eyelashes, her eyes full of melancholy.

"Yes, I will leave one day, but the power of Shenying will continue, and the power of Shenying will find a suitable successor."

Leopard said, she looked at the little witch, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke.

"If you were given a chance, would you be willing to be the heir?"

"……Um?"

The little witch didn't react at first. After a moment she uttered a questioning sound and stared at Leopard blankly.

"Me? How could I possibly…"

"Shin Sakura has already told me the answer. You are qualified."

Leopard gently held the little witch's hand.

"Can you protect this world for me until the end of my life?"

After hearing what Leopard said, the little witch was a little confused, but soon she felt a little hopeful again.

After all, this is the power that can save the world.

If I could help Lord Son of God share some of the burden.

If I had the power to save the world.

So, will the tomorrow that I face become even better?

She nodded ignorantly, looking into Leopard's eyes, which seemed to be shining with stars.

Late at night, the little witch had fallen asleep. Baobao got up, covered her with a blanket, and went to the courtyard.

The moonlight was like water, and she saw Lu Ban sitting in the yard, as if recording something.

"She has already agreed."

Baobao looked at Lu Ban and said.

Lu Ban did not answer.

Leopard continued to talk to himself.

"I do regret choosing her to be the next one."

Her face was somewhat sad, which made her even more lovable.

"I am always thinking about whether I can make her give up, make her become my beloved, gain eternal life, and stay by my side."

Lu Ban looked up and saw that Baobao's face was covered with tears and his eyes were filled with regret.

"This is exactly what you prayed for."

Lu Ban said lightly.

"Yes."

Baobao wiped away his tears with his sleeves.

“This is why I exist.”