Demon Sword Maiden

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Outside of the Rakshasa Dojo, there was an entrance to a valley that was as steep as a stone wall.

"Lynne, don't go!" Queen Kaguya held Lily's hand. Since she left two months ago, she hadn't returned to the Female Queendom; instead, she'd been waiting there for the outcome. If the Rakshasa Dojo really intended to harm Lily, Kaguya-hime would fight to protect her.

Not only did she stay, but a month ago, out of concern, she also summoned General Chiya. After all, the Female Queendom had existed for a thousand years, so a few months' time wasn't much to them. With Umashi's defeat, the undercurrents within the Female Queendom had temporarily subsided, and they didn't dare to make a move.

"Your Majesty?"

"Though I've never personally ventured to Hyakki Street, I’ve heard tales of its perils. For Big Dipper adepts, survival is said to be as rare as one in nine, and in both Yomi and Takamagahara, even a small misstep can mean instant death. Far more common are cases of severe injury or entrapment that can last centuries, even millennia. Not even Supreme Gods are immune to its dangers!" The queen’s eyes glistened with deep concern, while Chiya, standing beside her, wore an equally troubled expression.

Hyakki Street was not a place they could safely enter.

"What? Even Supreme Gods…" This was something Lily hadn't expected. Even those exalted Supreme Gods who roamed freely in Yomi could face danger in Hyakki Street.

"Lynne, Her Majesty is right; it's not a place for someone like you. Many strong individuals have ventured to Hyakki Street and never returned." Chiya also added.

"But, Your Majesty, General Chiya, I've already made a promise to go to Hyakki Street."

"What worries me more is that this whole thing is completely at The Madam's will. Her intentions are extremely dangerous and unpredictable. Who knows what she's planning? Why not come back with me to the Female Queendom? Even if we defy The Madam, the Female Queendom will protect you!" The queen held onto Lily's hand, unwilling to let go.

"I understand Your Majesty's concerns, but I feel that a voice has been guiding me since I arrived in Yomi. Perhaps it was The Madam, and she's spoken on my behalf multiple times. I don't think she means me harm. Besides, she's incredibly powerful and might know some secrets about my origin. Your Majesty, who am I? I've ventured through the mortal world and Yomi, but this question has only grown more confusing. There are many unsolved mysteries. No matter what, I must go to Hyakki Street."

Lily's words were sincere. Even without the vow, if she could meet The Madam who had helped and guided her, she should take the risk. Moreover, Lily didn't want to burden the queen, but she didn't voice that.

"Lynne, have you made up your mind?" The queen, having experienced world-shattering battles, knew she couldn't stop Lily. Maybe this was her destiny.

"I've decided."

"Then I'll go with you. Even if I can't enter, I'll escort you to the outskirts of Hyakki Street and wait for you there."

"Your Majesty, The Madam said that only if I go alone can I find Hyakki Street. Please return. I will find a way to repay your kindness once I'm back." Lily felt reluctant to leave Queen Kaguya. In Yomi, the only place where she felt warmth was the queen's palace.

Queen Kaguya was concerned for Lily but wasn't melodramatic about it. Since Lily had made her request, she knew she couldn't interfere with The Madam's rules or impact the trial.

"If that's the case… Lynne, let the Hachiwan Chariot take you. The Hachiwan Chariot is a treasure, and sending you with it doesn't break the rules. At least it can ensure your safety on the way. You absolutely cannot refuse this!" The queen grabbed Lily's delicate hand and said sternly.

Though Lily felt a bit guilty, she and the queen had been through life and death together. She could sense the depth of Queen Kaguya's concern and couldn't decline any longer.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Lily said, bowing respectfully.

The queen waved her hand, and after a swirl of mist, the Hachiwan Chariot appeared at the foot of the valley.

"This chariot can only be controlled by its owner. I'll release it first, then you can claim it as your own."

"This…"

"Don't worry, I'm just lending it to you. You can return it when you come back."

"Understood."

The queen used a spell to remove her mark from the chariot, allowing Lily to infuse it with her spiritual energy. When she did, cherry blossoms and moon patterns appeared on the curtains, representing Lily's mark—the same pattern found in the Cherry Blossom Valley family crest.

"Lynne, be extremely careful. I'll return to the Female Queendom1 for now. Once you get back, send word to me immediately," the queen said.

"Your Majesty, when Lynne returns, she'll be free. She could use the Hachiwan Chariot to come straight to the Female Queendom and meet with us, couldn't she?" General Chiya suggested.

The queen's mood brightened at this, "Really? It won't be long until we're together again."

Lily nodded firmly: "After completing the task at Hyakki Street, I'll return to the Female Queendom right away!"

"Lynne, I'm waiting for you." The queen's eyes shimmered with tears of reluctance.

Lily and Queen Kaguya bid each other a heartfelt farewell as Lily boarded the Hachiwan Chariot. The white dog, imbued with divine power, pulled the chariot up into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.

Lily held the ancient bark map and compared it with the Yomi map given by the queen. She guided the chariot with her willpower, and its speed was immense. Its powerful energy made it unstoppable by common demons, who couldn't even catch up to it.

However, even the queen didn't have a complete Yomi map—just a few ancient partial maps. Lily had to compare these with the drawings on the bark, check the terrain below, and find her way. Luckily, she was skilled at this.

While Lily was comparing maps, an unusual disturbance occurred in the Mirror Realm.

"Master! Master!" Kagura's voice echoed urgently.

"What's wrong?"

"The Demon Hound! It's gone berserk!"

"What?"

Lily felt the Demon Hound had a strong desire to burst out of the mirror. She tried to calm it with her willpower while asking, "Demon Hound, what's happening?"

"Master, I feel something outside calling me! Please let me out2!" The Demon Hound was rampaging within the Mirror Realm, and Lily feared it might disturb her senior sister. So, she released it with a single thought.

Unexpectedly, once the Demon Hound's spirit burst out, the entire Hachiwan Chariot began to tremble.

The Demon Hound's massive spirit, shrouded in smoke, shot through the carriage without hesitation, entering the body of the white dog pulling the chariot.

The dog’s fur bristled, its tail swayed, and the red secret patterns on its body glowed brightly.

At that moment, Lily felt the Demon Hound's presence vanish. To be precise, it had merged entirely with the energy of the Hachiwan!