Chapter 415: 156.
The courtyard of the sleeping palace and the backyard are separated by a gorge.
In between, there is a suspension bridge connecting them.
Standing in front of the suspension bridge, Kawashima Miki gazes at the opposite side.
On the towering cliffs, red and black pines stand solemnly and silently.
Climbing vines and creepers entwine the trees, with the leaves all turned brick soil color. Midway up the cliff, there is a cedar tree, encircled with a straw rope, with an offering-laden table placed beside it. The closer to the sacred mountain’s summit, the more the vegetation seems endowed with spirituality, naturally transforming into emissaries of nature.
For instance, whenever a slight breeze comes, pale yellow small flowers suddenly drift down from the tall treetops.
"Beyond the suspension bridge is home."
Aunt Qing holds the hands of the two prospective brides and steps onto the suspension bridge.
Walking on the suspension bridge and looking down reveals a different scenery.
Below, on the hillside, farmhouse-style dwellings are scattered like stars, and fields stretch to the valley floor. From above, one can see lush trees and fields ripe for harvest, with sensitive light gently dividing different subtle shades along the mountain slopes.
At the bottom of the gorge is the hundred-meter river previously seen.
The river mouth fans out into the canyon, like the outstretched wings of a giant eagle.
Feeling the wind rushing from the gorge, Kasahara Fumi can’t help but think that the mystical creatures living here must be quite different from those elsewhere. In this sacred mountain, they lead a serene yet eventful life of stability.
The summit of the sacred mountain on the opposite shore is shrouded in layers of mist, revealing the mountain’s features only faintly.
Sparse clouds in the sky block the sunlight, making it appear so solemn and sacred.
"This bridge is also called the Heavenly Ascension Bridge." Aunt Qing looks at the two newcomers with growing satisfaction, then proudly introduces, "Anyone who ascends to the heavens must pass through the Heavenly Ascension Bridge. The bridge has existed since ancient times, but it is invisible to those tainted with vulgarity. If one can purify the mind and return to antiquity, they can climb to Takamagahara via this bridge."
Kawashima Miki is suddenly bewildered.
She’s just a little Spider Empress.
Takamagahara and the like, she never even thought about such things, nor did she ever feel she had a chance to go there.
Having been exposed to Shinto since childhood, Kasahara Fumi wasn’t too startled, even having the mind to glance back glaringly.
Everything was going well for Fujiwara Reya, but suddenly his knees inexplicably ached.
After crossing the suspension bridge, they are greeted by a high-walled castle surrounded by stone walls. Inside the walls, greenery thrives, flowers bloom in clusters, and the fence is covered with green leaves, with a pond reflecting the blue sky like a mirror.
The buildings are all ancient, quaint houses.
The Izumo stone cladding with patterns vividly reflects the shadows of the roof’s level cornices under the bright sunlight.
Walking along the corridor for a while, the main building comes into view.
Under the azure sky dotted with white clouds, the gold, white, and red main building appears magnificent and stunning. A pair of golden Divine Generals guard the gate, with vermilion doors edged in gold, walls and white jade columns adorned with finely engraved golden reliefs, and the roof features complex overlapping golden and red reliefs, creating an awe-inspiring structure.
Just upon entering the main building, a slim kimono-clad woman in her thirties warmly greets them.
"Lord Fujiwara, you have finally returned!" The light sparkles in the kimono woman’s eyes.
"Is there anything to eat?" Fujiwara Reya asks.
"Of course there is."
"Please, Aunt Shuko, I am starving right now."
"I guarantee your satisfaction!" Aunt Shuko smiles and turns her eyes to the two visitors, "Are these the future madams?"
"She’s Aunt Shuko, responsible for the meals," Fujiwara Reya introduces.
"Hello, Aunt Shuko." The two prospective brides do not dare to show negligence.
"Alright, let’s not chat idly first." The housekeeper, Aunt Qing, grabs one in each hand, "I’ll take you to change into new clothes. Kuri, you also take Lin Ye to change, and then meet us in the dining hall."
"Aunt Qing, take your time, no need to rush."
Natsuki Kuri bows respectfully.
"Why are you being so polite..." Aunt Qing mutters, leading Kawashima Miki and Kasahara Fumi towards the bedroom.
Natsuki Kuri lifts her head, smiling like a cat ready to steal a treat.
Standing next to her, Fujiwara Reya shivers subconsciously.
Ever since they met, she has kept her lips tightly closed, only now revealing a cruel smile. Yet, when she looks at him, her eyes overflow with warmth, eagerly anticipating the other person’s response.
"Koriya~"
Natsuki Kuri reaches out to pat Fujiwara Reya’s face.
Having held back too long, she can’t help it anymore. As soon as Aunt Qing leaves, she wants to let go of all restraint.
"What?" Fujiwara Reya nervously removes her hand.
How can he not be afraid!
They’re at home now!
If the servants see this and report it to his mother, he might just get scolded tomorrow. After all, doing things like getting ahead of himself isn’t considered a praiseworthy act.
"Afraid of getting scolded by your sister?" Natsuki Kuri’s lips curve slightly.
"How could I not be!" Fujiwara Reya responds grumpily.
"Don’t give me that." Natsuki Kuri nonchalantly extends a hand, like a good buddy, and wraps it around his shoulder, "Anyway, I’ve latched onto you now, you’ll have to explain to your sister, no matter the method."
"But you’ll have to give me some time..." Fujiwara Reya quietly negotiates.
"No." Natsuki Kuri suddenly steps back behind him, placing both hands on his shoulders, blowing into his ear teasingly, "You’ve been taking advantage of me since before you grew any hair, and now you want more time from me? Dream on. Let me tell you, the gentle, innocent, obedient, toy-like, lovable ’Kuri’ you were familiar with as a child is long gone... The woman standing before you now is just a naughty little animal!"