Chapter 411: 156.
The palace’s courtyard and backyard are separated by a gorge.
A suspension bridge connects them.
Standing in front of the suspension bridge, Kawashima Miki gazes to the other side.
On the towering cliffs, red and black pines stand solemn and silent.
Climbing vines and tendrils snake their way around the trees, turning the leaves a brick-earth color. Midway up the cliff, a cedar tree is encircled with straw rope, and a table full of offerings is placed there. The closer one gets to the summit of God Mountain, the more the vegetation seems endowed with a spirituality, naturally becoming messengers of nature.
For instance, whenever a breeze blows, tiny pale yellow flowers would suddenly fall from the tall treetops.
"Across the suspension bridge is home."
Aunt Qing holds the hands of the two prospective brides and steps onto the suspension bridge.
Looking down from the suspension bridge reveals a different landscape.
On the slopes below, farmhouse-style homes dot the landscape, with fields stretching all the way to the bottom of the valley. From above, one can see lush flowers and trees and rice fields ready for harvest, with sensitive light demarcating subtle contrasts along the mountain’s gentle undulations.
The bottom of the gorge reveals the hundred-meter-wide river seen earlier.
The river mouth fans out as it opens into the gorge, like the spread wings of a giant eagle.
Feeling the wind rushing from the gorge, Kasahara Fumi couldn’t help but think that the monsters living here must be vastly different from those elsewhere. In this God Mountain, they live a peaceful life with stable waves of existence.
The peak of God Mountain on the opposite shore is shrouded in layers of clouds, and its shape is only faintly visible.
Floating clouds obscure the sun, rendering the scene solemn and sacred.
"This bridge is also called the Floating Bridge to Heaven." Aunt Qing looked at the two newly arrived ladies, growing more satisfied, and proudly introduced them, "Anyone who wishes to ascend to heaven must cross the Floating Bridge to Heaven. This bridge has existed since ancient times, but the mundane eye cannot see it. If one can purify their heart and soul, they can ascend to Takamagahara."
Kawashima Miki was suddenly dumbfounded.
She was merely a little Spider Empress.
Takamagahara and such, she had never thought about it, nor did she ever think she had a chance to go there.
Kasahara Fumi, having been exposed to Shintoism since childhood, wasn’t too fazed, even managing to glance back.
Fujiwara Reya, who had been walking well, suddenly felt a pain in her knees for some unknown reason.
After crossing the suspension bridge, what came into view was a high city enclosed by stone walls. Inside the stone walls, the vegetation was lush, with flowers blooming in clusters, green leaves climbing the fences, and a pond reflecting the blue sky like a mirror.
The architecture was all quaint and traditional structures.
Patterned Izu stone walls, under the bright sunlight, vividly reflected the horizontal shadows of the eaves line.
Walking along the corridor for a while, the main building came into view.
Beneath a sky clustered with white clouds, the gold, white, and red main building appeared magnificent. A pair of golden Divine Generals guarded the entrance, the vermilion doors trimmed with gold, the walls and white jade columns adorned with delicately carved gold reliefs, while the roof featured complex overlapping gold and red carvings, making the structure an utterly captivating sight.
Upon entering the main building, a slender woman in her thirties wearing a kimono warmly welcomed them.
"Lord Fujiwara, you finally returned!" The kimono-clad woman had a glimmer in her eyes.
"Is there something to eat?" Fujiwara Reya asked.
"Of course there is."
"Aunt Shuko, I’m really hungry now."
"I guarantee you’ll be satisfied!" Aunt Shuko smiled, turning her gaze to the two guests, "Are these the future ladies?"
"She is Aunt Shuko, in charge of meals," Fujiwara Reya introduced.
"Hello, Aunt Shuko." The two prospective brides dared not show any disrespect.
"Alright, stop chatting." Aunt Qing grabbed one with each hand, "I’ll take you to change your clothes, Kuri, you take Reya to change and wait for us in the dining room."
"Take your time, Aunt Qing, no need to hurry."
Natsuki Kuri bowed respectfully.
"Why are you being so polite..." Aunt Qing muttered, leading Kawashima Miki and Kasahara Fumi towards the bedrooms.
Natsuki Kuri lifted her head, smiling like a cat ready to steal a snack.
Standing beside her, Fujiwara Reya shivered subconsciously.
Ever since their meeting, she had kept her lips tightly pressed, yet now a cruel smile appeared. But in her gaze towards him, there was a tenderness filled with anticipation for him.
"Koriya~"
Natsuki Kuri reached out to rub Fujiwara Reya’s cheek.
Having held back for too long, she couldn’t resist, and once Aunt Qing left, she wanted to let loose.
"What are you doing?" Fujiwara Reya asked nervously, taking her hand away.
How could he not be afraid!
They’re at home!
If the servants saw this and reported it to his mom, he might get scolded for sure. After all, following the principle of acting first and reporting later isn’t exactly something to be proud of.
"Afraid sister will scold you?" Natsuki Kuri’s lips curved slightly.
"How can I not be afraid!" Fujiwara Reya retorted irritably.
"Cut the crap." Natsuki Kuri casually stretched out her arm, holding his shoulder like a buddy and leading him inside, "I’m sticking with you, and you can explain to sister however you like."
"But give me some time..." Fujiwara Reya implored quietly.
"No." Natsuki Kuri suddenly stepped back behind him, resting her hands on his shoulders and blowing air on him teasingly, "You’ve been taking advantage of me since before you even grew fur, and now you want me to give you time? Dream on. Let me tell you, the obedient, pure, cute, and toy-like ’Kuri’ you were familiar with since childhood died long ago... The woman in front of you now is merely a naughty little creature!"