Chapter 53: The Talisman and the Tainted Tape

Bai Mengqi entered the shrine, her gaze immediately drawn to the statue of Kikyo enshrined within.

The statue was carved with such lifelike precision, it seemed as though Kikyo herself was quietly observing every person who stepped into this sacred space.

Though she knew little of Japanese history or Kikyo’s legendary status, the sheer power of faith emanating from the statue told her that Kikyo was undoubtedly a figure of immense renown in Japan.

This serene atmosphere caused her heart to settle, as if all worries and distracting thoughts had been cast out beyond the shrine’s boundaries.

Kikyo stood nearby, quietly observing Bai Mengqi as she gazed at the statue.

A complex blend of emotions flickered in her eyes: nostalgia for the past, yet also an unspoken hope for what was to come.

She slowly walked to a section adorned with numerous talismans and paused.

The talismans swayed gently in the breeze, emitting a soft, rustling sound.

Kikyo closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as if drawing in the spiritual energy of the shrine.

Then, slowly opening her eyes, she channeled her spiritual power into one of the talismans.

Under Kikyo’s infusion of spiritual energy, the talisman began to emit a faint, soft glow, warm and gentle, as if imbued with life itself.

“There,” Kikyo explained. “This item is now infused with my spiritual power. If any malevolent entity attempts to harm your friend, it will immediately activate its might to repel the evil.”

Hearing this, Bai Mengqi reached out and plucked the glowing talisman from its hook.

She examined it closely, noting the unfamiliar runes carved upon its surface, which appeared exceptionally mysterious in the soft light.

A surge of gratitude swelled within her. She looked at Kikyo and said, “Thank you! Consider this a debt I owe you. If you ever need anything, feel free to contact me. However, I won’t be staying in Japan for too long.”

Kikyo offered a faint smile. “I will seek you out if the need arises.”

Bai Mengqi carefully put away the talisman, then departed from the shrine.

She mused to herself that despite being a deity, Kikyo carried no airs, instead exuding a sense of warmth and approachability.

Such a deity, it was no wonder she was revered and worshipped by the people.

****

After Bai Mengqi left, Kikyo’s gaze suddenly sharpened, fixing intently on a particular direction.

In her sight, a dense, oppressive evil aura soared into the sky from that direction, almost entirely engulfing the area and forming a perpetual barrier.

Kikyo knew that there was another shrine in that place, but it stood in complete opposition to her own.

Should Bai Mengqi fly directly above the disturbance, she would discover that the entirety of Tokyo was caught in a struggle between two opposing forces.

One was the power of deities, representing justice and light; the other, an evil force attempting to corrupt the nation.

Kikyo sighed deeply, keenly aware of her grave responsibility.

As a deity, she was bound to protect this land and its people.

She would never permit those malevolent forces to wreak havoc here, though she lamented that her own power was insufficient to eradicate them entirely.

****

After exiting the shrine, Bai Mengqi sensed the power within the talisman.

Indeed, it contained a very unique energy, distinct from the spiritual power of cultivation that she was accustomed to.

This power was imbued with the strength of faith, a culmination of the reverence and prayers of countless believers directed towards Kikyo.

‘Speaking of which, as cultivators, can’t we craft these kinds of talismans ourselves?’ Bai Mengqi wondered aloud.

She was curious if cultivators could also create similar protective items for themselves and others, which would give her peace of mind even when she wasn’t by their side.

The Great Immortaless’s voice promptly echoed in her mind: “Naturally, it’s possible, but the challenge lies in finding the right materials. The materials in this world capable of carrying spiritual power aren’t common goods. If you’re interested, I can teach you how to forge magical artifacts when we have time.”

Bai Mengqi’s heart stirred with anticipation upon hearing this.

****

Around noon, Zi Yanran was eating alone in her room.

She had specifically requested privacy, as she disliked having others present while she ate; it made her feel uncomfortable.

Just then, Bai Mengqi’s voice suddenly echoed in her ear: “Yanran, open the window.”

Upon hearing this, Zi Yanran immediately glanced at the door, and after confirming no one was there, she quickly opened the nearby window.

Then, the invisible Bai Mengqi flew in through the window before dispelling her invisibility spell.

“Oh, you’ve finally shown yourself!”

Zi Yanran complained, “I thought you hadn’t followed me.”

Despite her words, a smile played on her lips. She knew Bai Mengqi’s strength was formidable, and with her nearby, her own safety was assured.

Bai Mengqi offered an apologetic smile. “How could I not? I’m here, aren’t I? Oh, and I brought you something.”

As she spoke, she tied the newly acquired talisman onto Zi Yanran’s wrist.

“Wear this, and no evil entity will dare approach.”

Zi Yanran looked down at the talisman on her wrist, a wave of warmth washing over her heart.

She knew Bai Mengqi had specifically obtained it for her, and this thoughtfulness deeply moved her.

She looked up at Bai Mengqi. “Thank you, Mengqi. It’s truly good to have you by my side.”

Bai Mengqi grinned playfully.

“Let’s not be so formal.”

With that, she began to observe the room, wanting to familiarize herself with the environment and layout to react swiftly in an emergency.

“When are your negotiations taking place?” Bai Mengqi asked as she surveyed the surroundings.

She knew Zi Yanran was in Japan for crucial negotiations, so she was keen on their progress.

Zi Yanran replied, “Well, I just received notice. The second round of negotiations will be this afternoon at three. Regardless of the outcome, we’re scheduled to visit their factory and technical lab tomorrow during the day.”

Bai Mengqi nodded in understanding. She looked at Zi Yanran earnestly. “Yanran, you must be careful. This is Japan, after all. We’re unfamiliar with the environment and customs here. What if something unexpected happens…”

Zi Yanran interrupted her.

“Oh, I’ll be careful. Besides, I’m surrounded by numerous espers protecting me. The Japanese side won’t allow me to encounter danger in public.”

Despite these assurances, a hint of worry still lingered in Bai Mengqi’s eyes.

After all, this was a foreign land, full of unknowns and potential dangers.

Seeing this, Bai Mengqi said no more.

However, her gaze was suddenly drawn to the VCR beneath the television. She strolled over, curiously examining the archaic device.

“What’s wrong? Why are you interested in this VCR?” Zi Yanran asked, puzzled.

She hadn’t expected Bai Mengqi to find the old-fashioned VCR intriguing.

Bai Mengqi didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she opened the VCR and glanced at the tape inside.

Her eyes suddenly sharpened, as if she had discovered something unusual.

Captain Liang might not have noticed, but Bai Mengqi clearly sensed a faint trace of malevolent energy on that tape.

To avoid alarming Zi Yanran, Bai Mengqi nonchalantly placed it back.

She turned to Zi Yanran and smiled. “Nothing, I just found it a bit old-fashioned that they still have a VCR in this day and age.”

With that, she walked away.

Zi Yanran watched Bai Mengqi’s retreating back, a sense of confusion rising within her.