A Stardew Valley farmer came to Gensokyo.

Under the moonlight, her gaze held a complex expression that Xia Xun had never seen before.

"Humans in the human realm should not arbitrarily cross the boundary between monsters and humans."

Hieda Akyuu's voice was soft, yet it sounded like he was stating an unshakeable iron law.

Upon hearing this, Xia Xun looked puzzled.

Does Gensokyo have this setting?

Even though there are monsters wandering around the village, doesn't Marisa Kirisame deal with all sorts of monsters and gods every day?

Although Xia Xun knew that there were many monsters that ate and harmed people, there were also kind ones among them.

In his understanding, monsters, gods, and other beings, as long as they possess intelligence and intellect, are not fundamentally different from humans; they are simply beings with special or greater powers.

Just as there are good and bad people among humans, the same is true among monsters and other beings.

Hieda Akyuu, who inherited the wisdom of Miyako no Ari's son, naturally noticed the doubt and disapproval in Natsumi's expression.

However, she did not intend to explain to Xia Xun the subtle and dangerous relationship between humans and youkai in Gensokyo in detail, but only said meaningfully:

"These are the rules that humans living in the human world must abide by."

He then added a sentence, his tone carrying a warning tone:

"Otherwise, one day the Hakurei Shrine Maiden will exorcise us."

The air suddenly became still because of Hieda Akyuu's words.

Xia Xun wanted to laugh and say that with Reimu's lazy nature, how could she possibly do such a thing?

But seeing Hieda Akyuu's incredibly serious expression, he swallowed back the words he was about to say.

Scratching his head in frustration, Xia Xun said, "Then why don't we just stay away from the human world?"

Upon hearing this, Hieda Akyuu couldn't help but smile: "That is indeed a solution."

Xia Xun was taken aback upon hearing this, and blurted out, "This will work too?"

“Of course.” Hieda Akyuu nodded, but then added, “But once you’re separated from the protection of people, how many people can survive alone in a place like Gensokyo?”

Okay, that's true.

Xia Xun had to admit that Hieda Akyuu was right.

Humans are social animals, especially in a world like Gensokyo where monsters, gods, and other supernatural beings roam. Ordinary humans would hardly survive without the collective protection of their community.

“However,” Xia Xun couldn’t help but complain, “why are we suddenly talking about such high-level topics when we’re just following Xiao Ling?”

"Hehe~"

Upon hearing this, Hieda Akyuu winked playfully at Natsumi, instantly dispelling his serious expression and reverting to his usual clever and lively demeanor.

"Because I want to show off my knowledge to you, Xia Xun."

She smiled playfully, then her eyes lit up as if she had suddenly remembered something:

"Oh, right! Xia Xun, I wrote a detective novel, and it was recently published in Suzunaan. As a friend, you should support it!"

"The book is titled 'Is it all the work of monsters?'"

“No problem!” Xia Xun answered without hesitation, smiling and giving Hieda Akyuu a thumbs up. “I’ll buy three copies: one to read, one to collect, and one for evangelism!”

"Hehe, that's too much, one book is enough." Hieda Akyuu said with a grin, then clapped his hands, "Alright, alright, we should go back to chasing Xiaoling, or we'll lose her."

After speaking, she turned around, and her petite figure began to cautiously move forward again under the moonlight, her careful yet excited demeanor like that of someone engaged in a thrilling detective game.

Xia Xun watched her retreating figure, thought for a moment, and decided not to delve into the deeper meaning behind her words for the time being.

Anyway, he had already decided to move away from the human world and build a new house on his farm.

As for the rest, there's no use in him thinking too much; just let things take their course.

With a shrug, Xia Xun followed in Hieda Akyuu's footsteps.

Soon, they caught up with Motoori Kosuzu.

In front of the temple house, a young girl was squatting in front of the door, with a small lamp ring beside her. By the dim light, she held a calligraphy brush in her hand and was carefully writing something on the door.

She wrote with great concentration, pausing occasionally to think before continuing.

After a while, Motoori Suzu stood up, looking at the words she had just written on the door with satisfaction, and smugly wiped her little nose.

"Heh heh, that's good, I'm so clever~"

However, at that moment, a night breeze blew by.

Achoo—!

Motoori Kosuzu suddenly sneezed, the sound particularly loud in the quiet night.

The noise immediately startled the neighbors, and the temple house was soon lit up.

Upon seeing this, Motoori Kosuzu panicked and hurriedly turned to run away.

But after running a few steps, she suddenly remembered that she hadn't brought the lamp, so she quickly turned back, grabbed the lamp from the ground, and continued running away.

A moment later, the door to the temple house was gently pushed open.

Carrying a lamp, he was startled awake by the commotion.

Her gaze slowly swept around the surroundings, then precisely landed on the corner where Xia Xun and Hieda Akyuu were hiding.

She didn't come over, but simply nodded politely in that direction as a greeting.

Then, she carefully examined the newly appeared text on the lamp emblem screen for a few seconds, and a gentle smile appeared on her lips.

She shook her head, seemingly both helpless and relieved, then turned and went back into the temple room, gently closing the door behind her.

Hidden in the corner, Xia Xun and Hieda Akyuu exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of embarrassment on each other's faces.

"Hehe, we've been found out." Hieda Akyuu chuckled softly, then tugged at Natsumi's sleeve. "Let's go, let's go see what that idiot Xiaoling has done."

Natsumi was equally curious. Temporarily putting aside the embarrassment of being discovered while following a girl in the middle of the night, she and Hieda Akyuu quietly approached the door of the temple school.

By the bright moonlight, the two saw a new line of text on the door.

It belongs to the same type of writing as the previous monster's writing, but the ink is fresh, obviously it was written not long ago.

The culprit was undoubtedly Motoori Kosuzu, who had just fled in panic.

The two stared at the strange, incomprehensible script, exchanging bewildered glances, completely baffled by the meaning behind Motoori Kosuzu's actions.

"What do we do next?" Xia Xun asked.

Upon hearing this, Hieda Akyuu's delicate face showed a resentful expression. She gritted her teeth and said angrily:

"It's alright, this handwriting is irrefutable proof!"

"Tomorrow, we'll confront Xiaoling in person!"

—Author's Note—

P.S.: The results for the first day are in: an average of 497 subscriptions. I am very grateful for the support of all the readers.

Thankfully, I wrote until midnight yesterday, otherwise I wouldn't have had any more chapters to write. Thank goodness!

Chapter Sixty-Three: The Night at the Nitun Pavilion

Even late at night, the Ni Tun Pavilion is still brightly lit.

Suika Ibuki strolled into the shop right on time tonight, slamming her hand on the table: "Sake! Miyazaki, bring the sake—!"

"Coming, coming." Miyo Okunoda leaned out from the kitchen, steadily carrying a warm sake bottle and several small dishes.

She nimbly set the food and wine on the table, watched as the ghost king girl in front of her tilted her head back and took a big bite, then grabbed a fried fish and stuffed it into her mouth, chewing with her cheeks bulging, looking completely carefree.

As she watched, Okunoda Miyo suddenly felt a deep sadness welling up inside her.

What should I do? I seem to have started to get used to this routine.

With tears welling up in her eyes, Okunoda Miyo is heartbroken over her own changes.

The wooden wind chimes at the door rang crisply.

Welcome!

A bright smile unconsciously appeared on her face; the professional demeanor of a shopkeeper was now taking over Okunoda Miyo's body.

However, the next second, her smile froze on her face.

His pupils constricted suddenly, and his calves trembled slightly uncontrollably.

Hakurei Miko! ?

How could she be at Nitun-tei at this time!?

Okunoda Miyo was internally turbulent, but she still tried her best to maintain her composure and stepped forward to greet him.

Fortunately, as a Zashiki-warashi (a type of spirit servant) of the Minamoto-tei, her demonic aura was already weak, and there was another important figure attracting Reimu Hakurei's attention.

Almost the instant she entered the room, Reimu Hakurei's gaze was fixed on Suika Ibuki.

The Ghost Clan.

Moreover, it was no ordinary demon; its surging demonic power and ancient aura immediately alerted Reimu Hakurei.

The oni race of Gensokyo had disappeared for many years, so how could she not be wary when one of them appeared in the human world?

What bothered her even more was that she had seen this aura before!

On Xia Xun, the other party also left a similar mark, just like Yakumo Ran.

Out of the corner of her eye, Reimu Hakurei glanced at the trembling Miyo Okunoda, but paid her no attention.

It's just a Zashiki-warashi; it's not a dangerous yokai, so there's no need to worry about it.

Besides, most of the Zashiki-warashi in the Human Village were arranged by that old woman, Yukari Yakumo. As long as they don't cause trouble, she's too lazy to care.

"A late-night snack, and a drink, please."

Ordering casually, Reimu Hakurei sat down directly opposite Suika Ibuki, staring at her and asking, "Hey, why are you here in the Human Realm? Are you planning something bad?"

"Huh?"

Hearing this, Ibuki Suika, who was drunk and bleary-eyed, pointed to herself with her small hand in confusion: "Me? Planning something bad?"

"Hiccup~ Hehe, that's a good suggestion." She hiccuped and shook her head with a grin. "Then I'll have everyone hold a never-ending feast! That way everyone will always be together, it'll be lively and fun, wouldn't that be great!"

Looking at the drunken, somewhat naive oni girl in front of her, Reimu Hakurei's tense shoulders relaxed instantly, and she sighed helplessly.

This guy doesn't look like he could produce any kind of shady face prints at all.

Moreover, it seems he's also a friend of Xia Xun's.

"You can decide how to host the banquet," she waved her hand, her tone casual yet undeniably authoritative, "just don't do anything bad or cause any mutations."

"Otherwise, I will personally deal with you."

Just then.

Miyo Okunoda cautiously approached, carrying Reimu's late-night snack.

It was a steaming bowl of oden, the broth clear and bright, with fish cakes, tofu, radishes and several skewers of fresh seasonal vegetables floating in it, emitting an enticing aroma in the chilly spring night.

The aroma of the food instantly captured Reimu Hakurei's attention. She grabbed her chopsticks and eagerly picked up a piece of fish soaked in broth and stuffed it into her mouth.

"Mmm! Delicious!"

The familiar, delicious flavor melted in her mouth, and Reimu Hakurei squinted her eyes happily, letting out a satisfied sigh.

Seeing this, Ibuki Suika proudly raised her chin: "How about it? Miyo's cooking is amazing, isn't it? Plus, with the fresh ingredients that Natsumi sent, it's the perfect accompaniment to drinks!"

"Miyo?" Reimu Hakurei paused in her chewing, gulped down her food, and suddenly grabbed Miyo Okunoda's arm, her eyes sparkling. "So you're Miyo!"

She looked at Miyo Okunoda with anticipation in her voice: "Please! Could you help prepare for the cherry blossom festival at the shrine in three days from now? The food at the festival will be especially delicious if you're in charge of it!"

"Huh?" Okunoda Miyo was taken aback by this sudden request.

It turns out that he didn't want to exorcise her because he discovered she was a monster, but rather he wanted to invite her to prepare for the festival?

Festival...