"Hello, Qiqi. My name is Yae. I'm the future Guuji of the Grand Narukami Shrine."
The pink fox, Yae Miko, looked down at Qiqi in Ren Kai's arms and extended her fluffy little paw.
Deep down, she was thrilled.
Finally, she had a friend her own age.
"Hello, Yae. My name is Qiqi."
"I'm big brother's little princess."
After thinking for a moment, Qiqi introduced herself and reached out her small hand to shake Yae's paw.
At that moment, Ren Kai felt as though he could die without regrets.
He had become brothers with Zhongli, saved Guizhong, and even adopted both Qiqi and Yae Miko.
Life had already reached its peak.
But an even brighter future still lay ahead.
Raiden Makoto and Kitsune Saiguu were waiting for him to save them.
And the Great Lord Rukkhadevata as well.
Thinking of them, Ren Kai realized his true goal.
To eliminate all those who committed evil.
And protect the people he cherished.
"I'm so jealous of Mr. Ban."
"Poor me… I'm still all alone."
Guizhong looked at Ren Kai, Qiqi, and little Yae with an envious expression.
"You, honestly…"
"Hurry up and start the gathering. How long do you expect us to wait?"
Ping'er said irritably.
"Hmph. What an unpleasant woman."
Cloud Retainer said with a stiff expression.
"Tch. Fine, come on."
"It's on the little hill in the back courtyard."
Guizhong sighed helplessly and began leading the way.
Ren Kai followed her, carrying Qiqi in his arms.
Silently, he thought to himself—
I'm still waiting to attend your wedding with Zhongli.
After passing two buildings, they reached the backyard.
There was a small hill with a pavilion at the top.
Glaze lilies bloomed around it.
A gentle breeze occasionally drifted through, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Outside the pavilion, a plump figure was busy cooking.
As everyone approached, the rich aroma of food filled the air, instantly awakening their appetites.
"Hehe, you're all here!"
The Stove God, Marchosius, turned around and greeted them with a simple, cheerful smile.
He was still chopping vegetables with a kitchen knife.
"Thanks for your hard work, my dear Kitchen God."
Guizhong skipped over and playfully slapped his round belly, which bounced slightly.
"Stop bullying my belly!"
"Go sit at the table already—you're distracting me from cooking!"
Marchosius tried to look fierce.
But it only made him look even cuter.
Ping'er, Cloud Retainer, Qiqi, and Yae all burst into laughter.
"Then do your best!"
"Don't forget to make fried tofu and grilled skewers today."
Guizhong suddenly remembered Yae repeatedly mentioning those dishes along the way.
"Ahem… and some coconut milk, please."
Ren Kai quickly added.
After all, that was Princess Qiqi's favorite.
"You're that blue warrior, aren't you?"
Marchosius stared at Ren Kai.
Guizhong, Ping'er, and Cloud Retainer all nodded.
"Ah! My idol!"
"Don't worry—just tell me whatever you want to eat!"
Marchosius immediately dropped what he was doing and ran excitedly in circles around Ren Kai like a child.
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Seeing Guoba alive and energetic filled Ren Kai with happiness.
"Sit down, sit down!"
"How can I let my idol stand like this?"
Seeing that Ren Kai was holding a little girl and carrying a pink fox, Marchosius hurried to wipe a stone seat clean for him.
"This is way too enthusiastic!"
"How come you're never this nice to me?"
Guizhong pouted in jealousy.
"Shoo, shoo."
"Please sit down, honorable warrior. I'll bring the dishes right away."
Marchosius shot Guizhong a disdainful glance before respectfully speaking to Ren Kai and returning to prepare ingredients.
Ping'er and Cloud Retainer were completely stunned.
We're also adepts who saved Liyue—why is the treatment so different?
Even their old friend showed such respect toward Ren Kai.
Their curiosity grew stronger and stronger.
"Hehe, stick with Mr. Ban and you'll enjoy the good life."
Yae Miko said with a mischievous grin to Qiqi.
"Stick with big brother Ban and enjoy the good life."
Qiqi repeated slowly, word by word, while looking at Ren Kai.
Ren Kai smiled at the two of them, then glanced at Guizhong.
Seeing him looking at her, Guizhong quietly sat down beside him.
"Something suspicious is going on."
Ping'er wore a detective-like expression as she sat on Ren Kai's other side.
Cloud Retainer sat next to Guizhong, clearly hoping to uncover some secrets.
After everyone settled down, the three women began doting on Qiqi and Yae.
Not long after, two more adepts arrived—
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver.
Both had taken human form.
Mountain Shaper appeared as a cold, handsome young man.
Moon Carver looked like a bright and cheerful youth.
"Greetings, Lady Guizhong."
"Greetings, Mr. Ban."
"I can't believe you arrived before us for once."
Mountain Shaper glanced around, showing some surprise when he saw Ren Kai.
He eventually turned to Cloud Retainer.
"Well, I can't keep you waiting every time."
"This time it's my turn to wait for you."
Cloud Retainer replied calmly, though inwardly she was quite pleased.
"On the way here, we encountered Mr. Ban."
"It truly opened our eyes once again."
Moon Carver said with admiration.
"Oh?"
"Was it Mr. Ban's clone technique?"
Guizhong asked curiously.
"Yes."
"The clones were incredibly powerful."
"Their swordsmanship was already beyond perfection."
Moon Carver nodded eagerly.
"How many clones did you make, Mr. Ban?"
Guizhong asked with confusion.
Ren Kai simply smiled without answering.
"I encountered three."
Xiao suddenly arrived and answered.
"I saw two."
Minu spoke from behind Xiao.
"I encountered three as well. Their strength was unfathomable."
Bosacius stood beside Minu.
"Hehe, I met four!"
"And Mr. Ban's clones are still clearing out monsters!"
Bonanus said happily.
"I encountered two clones."
Indarias added politely.
"No wonder all five Yaksha guardians managed to attend the gathering."
"So it was Mr. Ban's doing!"
"As expected of my idol—wow!"
Marchosius returned carrying a large bucket of ingredients.
Seeing so many people present, he was astonished.
Such a scene was extremely rare.
"Thank you, Mr. Ban."
Bosacius and the other Yaksha said in unison.
For the first time, they could attend a gathering without worry.
After all, Ren Kai's shadow clones had taken care of their duties.
"No need to thank me."
"I was just passing by and helped along the way."
Ren Kai hadn't expected his clones to be gone so long.
Apparently they were still busy hunting monsters.
Just like my clones.
"Everyone, take your seats."
"There's still one more main guest who hasn't arrived yet."
Guizhong said with a mysterious smile.
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