How did I, an Onmyoji, become the Lord of Yokai?

Although Shimizu Asahi is not a believer, he is indeed a sincere visitor, and therefore, Arakawa no Nushi can still hear his voice.

So, after completing the worship according to the rules, he stood in front of the statue and waited for the response from the Lord of Arakawa.

However, three minutes passed, and the Lord of Arakawa remained completely still, as if he hadn't heard his worship.

"Was my worship not sincere enough?"

Touching his chin, the boy showed a hint of doubt.

I've already tried my best, so why is there no response? Do I have to try again?

After pondering for a while, Shimizu Asahi suppressed his doubts and prepared to worship again. However, just then, a clear and lovely voice suddenly came from behind him.

"That big oaf won't respond to you, give up." Chapter 197, Section 200: Ibuki Soothes the Child

The four of them instinctively turned their heads, and then a girl dressed in a kimono and wearing wooden clogs in light blue came into their view.

She stood confidently at the main hall entrance, hands on her hips, a lovely smile on her pretty face.

"Little girl?"

The four exchanged glances, and they all saw a hint of confusion in each other's eyes.

Shimizu Asahi walked up to the little girl, squatted down, and asked curiously, "This... um, little girl, why did you say that the Lord of Arakawa wouldn't respond to me?"

"Hmph, you must be tourists from outside Arakawa. If you were from Arakawa, you would never ask such a question."

"The people of Arakawa all know that that big oaf never answers their calls."

"So no matter how many times you try, he won't appear."

"Why...? Isn't the Lord of Arakawa a water spirit that protects the Arakawa River?" Ali was very puzzled. The god worshipped by people never responded to the believers' calls... This was the first time she had ever heard of such a god.

"That big oaf only does what he likes to do. If he doesn't like something, no matter how sincere he is, he won't show up. Besides, this shrine wasn't built by him. He never thought of becoming a god of Arakawa. It was all done voluntarily by the people down the mountain."

The little girl pouted, as if she had thought of something unpleasant. Her clear and lovely voice turned somewhat unhappy, as if she were shouting in a huff, "I really don't understand why people would ask someone who never responds to them for help."

"That big oaf has no right to be the Lord of Arakawa."

"Should I only do what I like to do...?"

The boy rested his fingers on his chin and murmured, "Although I guessed that the Lord of Arakawa would refuse my request, I never expected that I wouldn't even be able to see him."

"There's a little trouble."

The Lord of Arakawa is active throughout Arakawa, and no one knows where he lives. The only way to contact him is through the Arakawa Shrine... This is their only means of communication.

But now, this method has been thwarted by the Lord of Arakawa himself.

But then, the little girl suddenly hummed twice and said in a very powerful tone, "It seems you've run into some trouble, but it's okay, leave it to me, I'll help you solve it!"

"Hey? You can help us?"

Asaka Shimizu looked up and unconsciously uttered a soft "Hey!"

"Of course, whatever trouble you encounter, I can help you solve it!"

The little girl held her head high, her face beaming with pride.

"Maybe she really can help us."

Aonofusa approached Shimizu Asahi and whispered in his ear, "You should have noticed it too, this girl seems to know Arakawa no Nushi."

"Yes, I know..."

He was somewhat aware of the point that Qingnufang had pointed out.

As the leader, the Lord of Arakawa wields absolute power over the Arakawa River; no matter how ferocious the water demons, none dare harbor resentment towards him. However, this girl not only dared to call him a big dummy at the Arakawa Shrine, but also dared to say he was unworthy to be the Lord of Arakawa...

Even the most oblivious person would probably be able to sense that something was amiss.

With that thought in mind, Shimizu Asahi smiled gently once again, "Thank you, little girl. If it's alright, could you take us to find the Lord of Arakawa? We'd like to see him."

"Ha, why would we go see that big oaf? Didn't I already say I'd help you?"

"You don't believe me?"

Shimizu Asahi not only noticed the close relationship between the little girl and the Lord of Arakawa, but also realized that the little girl didn't seem to respect the Lord of Arakawa. Well, to put it simply, it's like a rebellious daughter and a capable father.

So he used the gentlest tone and the warmest attitude, hoping to get the little guy to agree.

But... his smile seemed to have no effect; the little guy looked a bit annoyed.

With a displeased expression on her cute face, the little girl shouted, "Do I look that untrustworthy?"

"No... I want to ask the Lord of Arakawa about his conquest of the sea, so could I ask you for a favor?"

The black-haired boy offered a brief explanation and once again revealed his gentle smile.

"Hmm, what is it? You just came to ask about these things... You can ask other people about these things. Everyone here knows him very well, there's no need to ask him personally."

With a pout, Qing Shui Chao Yang's explanation seemed to have the opposite effect, and the little girl appeared to be losing interest in the matter.

"this....."

The young Onmyoji, who had defeated the power of the Serpent God twice, scratched his head and gave an awkward smile.

Although he doesn't have the same natural and approachable charm as his sister, he was raised by her after all, and he has learned most of her gentle smile. Even monsters who have lived for hundreds or thousands of years can be touched by his sincerity.

But why doesn't it work on this little guy?

This touched upon a blind spot in Qingshui Chaoyang's knowledge.

Perhaps sensing his embarrassment, Ibuki-dōji spoke up at this moment.

She chuckled softly and said, "Hehe, little one, you just said you could help us, you're not going to back out now, are you?"

"Ah, I'm so sorry, we've been too difficult for you. The Lord of Arakawa is the leader of Arakawa, and none of the many water spirits here can find any trace of him. You probably don't know either."

"Little one, although we couldn't help you, we still want to thank you for your kindness. Now we'll think of another way. Goodbye."

With that, Ibuki pulled Shimizu Asahi toward the gate.

Not at all muddle-headed.

"Hey! Wait a minute!"

Before Shimizu Asahi could react, the little girl hurriedly blocked their path.

"Who says I don't know where that big oaf is? I'll take you there right now!"

Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Ibuki laughed even more happily. She subtly gave Shimizu Asahi a smug look, like a little girl, and then said 'happily', "Oh my, really? Thank you so much, little one. I didn't expect you to be so amazing, even knowing where the Lord of Arakawa is."

"Hmph, of course, how could something like this be difficult for me!"

The girl put her hands on her hips and burst into laughter.

Upon seeing this, Shimizu Asahi and the other two blinked, then exchanged a smile.

They also gained some understanding of the little girl's personality... What an easy-to-understand little one!

After laughing for a while, the little girl stopped and patted her flat chest, saying, "Come with me, I'll take you to see that big oaf right now." (Chapter 198, Section 201: I Don't Want to Listen to You)

As the sun gradually set, the slightly scorching temperature slowly cooled down, and Shimizu Asahi and the other three, along with the little girl, walked out of the shrine.

They walked along the quiet and peaceful cobblestone path into the mountains and forests.

The Lord of Arakawa did not live near water as everyone thought... nor could it be said that there was no water at all; he lived by a clear pool in the mountains.

It was a very quiet place, usually deserted and without any monsters. Apart from the occasional prayers that reached his ears, only that little dwarf would bother him.

After walking along a quiet path, the four of them, including Qingshui Chaoyang, finally arrived at the shore of Qingtan.

The first thing that caught the four people's eye was an ordinary house, about the same size as the original Shimizu family home. Although it wasn't luxurious, it was still quite nice.

Beside the house was a crystal-clear, cool pool. Standing on the pebble path, they could even see small fish in the pool.

"This is truly a wonderful place..."

Shimizu Asahi sighed softly, then looked at the girl and said thank you, "Thank you for bringing us here, Princess Goldfish."

Princess Goldfish, which is the little girl's name, was introduced to them briefly on the way there. At the same time, Ibuki also gained Princess Goldfish's favor by understanding her personality.

In front of Ibuki, who could even fool Shimizu Asahi, Kingyo-hime's favorability was practically given away for free, and it went up effortlessly.

'Hehe, what a cute little guy.'

This is Ibuki's true thought at this moment.

"Hmph, since I said I'd bring you here, I definitely will. I'm Princess Goldfish, you know!"

The little guy held his head high, smiling happily, his adorable face practically screaming, "Come praise me! Come praise me!"

"Yes, Princess Goldfish is the best, thank you!"

Knowing what Princess Goldfish wanted to hear, Ibuki immediately reached out and rubbed her little head, praising her in a coaxing tone.

Although Ibuki is not tall, only about 1.45 meters tall if you don't count the demon horns on her head, her aura makes her appear taller. Therefore, this scene of the older sister comforting the younger sister becomes like a mother comforting her child, and it doesn't feel out of place at all.

"It's a bit surprising that Asahi didn't beat Ibuki."

Watching Ibuki getting up close and personal with the Goldfish Princess, Ari chuckled and looked at Shimizu Asahi.

It seems that not all children respond well to gentleness.

"Hehe, that's normal. After all, every child is different, and I can't expect all children to like me."

Not paying much attention, the black-haired boy gave a simple smile.

"Alright, it's getting late. Let's go see the Lord of Arakawa."

After a brief conversation, Shimizu Asahi prepared to knock on the door. However, before he could reach it, the door suddenly opened...

"Ok?"

Their gazes drifted inadvertently, and following the slowly opening door, everyone stared intently.

A blue figure suddenly appeared in everyone's field of vision.

That was a water sprite.

He had striking skin and prominent gills, and his pointed ears were exposed to the air without any attempt to conceal them. His clothes, like his skin, were dark blue, and the cuffs and hem were embroidered with beautiful fish-scale-like patterns.

A water sprite who looks somewhat scholarly, and is very approachable, like a schoolteacher.