Inner Destroyer

　"You're pushing them too far, making them reach out to things they don't understand."

　As he spoke, he grabbed the casserole base and placed it on the induction cooker.

　"I've lent you my daughter as the Guardian of the North. I've also dealt with the villains for you. You'll handle the rest of the aftermath on your own."

　"By the way, you should also return Ah Lin to

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　I am. That girl's mind is full of men now. She won't stay in the Northeast for long. It's time to release her from the cage of "Guardian of the Northland".

　Before he finished speaking, he took the charcoal stove from the shelf and turned to look at the two paper dolls that were still spinning lightly.

　There was silence for a moment.

　Then, Shinji's father said, "Gojo, isn't it time for you to consider retirement? Can you still taste it now?"

　"Guan Yuan Daozhen's spells always hurt himself first and then hurt others... If you want to live past 60, you should retire early."

　When he said the last sentence, he had already prepared all the ingredients, and the soup in the pot began to bubble and emit steam.

　The two paper dolls paused as if in silence.

　Then they burned in mid-air and dissipated into ash.

　-

　The dinner that day was delicious

　But that "delicious" feeling is not the complex flavor, nor the thorny taste buds, but the indescribable sense of security after eating it - as if the world has been temporarily withdrawn from the hustle and bustle, leaving only the spoonful of warm and solid food in the mouth.

　The first dish to be served was a colorful stew.

　Unlike the common Japanese casserole with rich soup, this dish is almost watery. Instead, onions, zucchini, eggplant, carrots, cucumbers and chickpeas are layered and simmered over low heat, allowing the vegetables' own juices to blend with olive oil.

　The whole pot of dish does not have a drop of excess water, but it is rich in layers and intertwined with aromas.

　The second course was roast veal. The beef shoulder was delicately marbled and firm yet not tough. It was brushed with lemon juice and olive oil before being wrapped and roasted.

　The cooking is perfectly controlled, resulting in a crispy, charred exterior while remaining tender within. When cut, the juices flow freely, leaving no fishy or bloody taste. No extra sauce is needed, with only a touch of sea salt and pepper. But even just chewing the beef with the naan bread alone, you can sense the layers of aroma swirling across your tongue—the aroma of fat, the fragrance of meat, the aroma of fire.

　This is not eating to fill your stomach or to satisfy your taste buds, but eating to remind you that you are still alive and worth living.

　Qi Xing and Yi Lian were so silent during the meal that even Yi Lian, who was the best cook, was surprised. She didn't know what seasonings, heat, or cooking techniques Shinji's father used.

　The next morning, Kamigorin, the "Guardian of the North," received news from the Japanese Ministry of Divine Affairs and the Onmyoji Ryo.

　An elite team of government-issued demon exorcists arrived in Aomori this morning.

　The central government finally reached into this northern border where the snow had not yet melted, trying to open up the remaining closed corners of northern Japan.

　087.5: Intermission

　After the hot spring, that night, after dinner.

　"simply put."

　Elaine sighed and looked up from the report on the computer screen.

　"My fiancé was just a few hours ago saying sweet nothings to me like 'You're all I need' and 'I'm not the type of scumbag who wants to start a harem'... and now he's saying to me - 'I'm sorry, Elaine, I'm still greedy for your body'?"

　Qi woke up in a cold sweat.

　Hearing her say that, it seems like she is really a scumbag.

　But at this point, he at least knew that quibbling or shirking responsibility would only lead to worse consequences. So he nodded and admitted honestly, "I was indeed greedy."

　"Although I could have given excuses like 'the hot springs are mixed baths,' 'I thought there were assassins,' or 'it was Samael's fault,' but essentially, I realized I was lusting after her body."

　"I'm really sorry for bringing you on a pre-wedding trip and causing something like this."

　Qi Xing even felt a little uncomfortable when he said this. Although he secretly knew that Elaine would not be really angry or really hate him because of this, and he would not lose Elaine because of this... but no matter what, this was also a behavior that hurt his wife very much - even if they were not married yet.

　When I was on a pre-wedding trip with my fiancée, with whom I was in love, I saw a beautiful girl in the local area. I fell in love with her and started to covet her.

　Stepping out of my personal narrative and just thinking about the incident itself - God, is this something a human would do? It's so despicable, right?

　Even though Qi Xing had realized what kind of person he was. Even though Qi Xing had realized his dark, greedy nature of craving someone else's body, he still had to admit that he was being humiliated when he thought about how much Elaine would be hurt.

　"Next time this happens,

　As expected, Elaine looked very unhappy, but she didn't seem to be really angry, her tone was just terrifyingly calm.

　"Be sure to call me."

　What?

　For a moment, Qi Xing even thought that Elaine was being sarcastic.

　"Next time, whether you want to go to a hot spring with other women naked, have sex with them, or do other intimate things, remember to tell me as soon as possible."

　Unexpectedly, Elaine's voice was extremely calm, as calm as if she was announcing some daily matter.

　Qi Xing actually started to panic! Why?! Was Elaine really angry?

　Of course not. Although Elaine was a little angry, but only a little.

　Because it’s funny, and even a little scary, that Qi Xing actually doesn’t really know what Elaine is thinking.

　Although he knew Elaine's greatest fear, knew that Elaine was a little inferior, and knew that Elaine was most afraid of having nothing

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　As a person, he can only be a victim saved by others, just a note in the melody of others' lives... But Qi Xing never knew how heavy Elaine's heart was.

　Angry? She wouldn't be angry at all because Qi Xing was looking for another woman. She never thought of herself as someone who possessed Qi Xing. Because he deserved her everything, while she was the opposite.

　She only hopes that she can stand beside Qi Xing, and she only hopes that Qi Xing can like her and love her.

　Elaine was only angry because Qi Xing didn't let her participate in this matter, and was only angry because she was not part of this matter.

　Now, Qi Xing feels guilty about cheating and is worried about whether Elaine will get hurt... What is this?

　This is love.

　His love for her was so deep that he felt guilty when he lusted after other women...

　This thought was enough to make Elaine's mind feel light.

　Oh, she is so shameless and selfish.

　"Qi Xing, don't misunderstand me. I don't think your interest in Miss Kamigorin is a bad thing."

　Elaine shook her head and said seriously, her tone almost gentle,

　"I don't think there's anything wrong with you liking other women. But I can't accept you excluding me from important life choices."

　This was enough to shock Qi Xing: "You don't mind me starting a harem?!"

　He'd seen women in novels and comics who didn't mind the male protagonist having a harem, but those were novels and comics! Did he think that just because he'd traveled to a ridiculous world comparable to that of adult content, he could do the same?!

　He had thought Elaine was the last person to accept such a thing.

　"As long as it's a harem that's beneficial to you, as long as you don't hide it from me or behind my back, as long as you give me the qualifications to 'participate'."

　Elaine paused, her tone slowed down, almost like a gentle sigh,

　"Of course I don't mind."

　Ouch! These words pierced Qi Xing's conscience like a sword! How terrifying!

　"I also know that if you insist on liking someone, I can't stop you. But I still hope that if you really decide to do something, please tell me in advance so that I can give you some advice and information."

　She spoke very calmly, as if she were discussing some diplomatic treaty.

　"After all, if you rashly attack Miss Jingo, Qi Xing, you might be dragged into the power struggle of Japan's supernatural politics. The same goes for other relationships in the future."

　This instantly poured a bucket of cold water on Qi Xing, and made him frown: "Why are you saying this suddenly?"

　"Because I have received a secret letter from the Pope's Privy Council."

　Elaine closed her laptop and tapped the mouse lightly with her fingers.

　"The elite public demon exorcists from the Central Onmyoji Bureau will arrive in Aomori before noon tomorrow to support the security work of Miss Jingo, the Guardian of the North."

　"You should also know that, normally, given the efficiency of Japanese government exorcists, they wouldn't be able to work that quickly. I can only assume this was due to prior preparation."

　She spoke slowly, but every word hit the point.

　"I've always found it strange that the changes Kamigorin-san has made in the Tohoku region over the past few years are not only radical but also incredibly efficient. While she likely didn't put much thought into it herself, simply following her heart, the other official Exorcists have done an excellent job of cooperating with her."

　"This time, True Buddhism attempted to assassinate her, and the Onmyoji family was discovered to be colluding with the cult. The Central Onmyoji immediately dispatched elite exorcists from the Gojo and Tsuchimikado clans, claiming they were searching for local exorcist families. I suspect the Japanese government has been waiting for a similar opportunity. In other words..."

　Elaine shook her head.

　"What Ms. Kamigorin has done in recent years may be a test of the Japanese government's obedience to the Tohoku region's magician families."

　"They gave her the power of 'Guardian of the North' not only because she was truly powerful, but also because they wanted to use a local, strong person to screen the 'troublemakers' from the 'obedient'. They wanted to see who would obey and who wouldn't."

　"Once the list is complete, the government will finally find an opportunity to close the net and deal with these local magicians and powerful families who disobey orders... and now is that opportunity."

　Qi Xing's brows furrowed even more tightly.

　As for?

　In fact, it is possible. Whether in ancient or modern times, governments have done similar things in the process of centralization.

　It is difficult to talk about modern things casually, so let’s take ancient times as an example. Emperors of all dynasties liked to trample on Confucian ethics. Zhu Yuanzhang deleted "Mencius", Emperor Jiajing held the Great Ritual Debate - and the most famous story of "pointing to a deer and calling it a horse". To put it bluntly, they were all obedience tests.

　Since ancient times, Japan's northeast has been a region with many powerful local families who are unwilling to obey the control of the central court.

　In modern society, the central government's ability to control local governments has greatly improved, but the independence of the supernatural families in Northeast Japan is still relatively strong.

　Until recent years.

　"I see. What you said does make sense. Rin herself may not care or know about it, but she is actually a very important part of Japan's occult politics."

　Qi Xing shook his head.

　"But this doesn't seem to have much to do with me. I'm basically already a 'arm wrestler'. Will the Onmyoji Guild come and cause trouble for me? Do I need to care about this?"

　"You don't need to care - but Qi Xing, you must know. Knowing and not caring is a kind of coolness; not even knowing is just a kind of stupidity.

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　It is. ”

　Elaine's answer was very serious, with a tone that was a bit reproachful, but also firm like a good teacher.

　"That's why, if you ever decide to find a woman again in the future, please tell me in advance so I can give you some advice and information."

　Qi Xing was a little speechless: "I always feel like you're making a strategic decision about my lusting after other women."

　"You think not?"

　"Overall, Miss Jingorin is certainly a very good choice. Even in future battles with the Silver Messenger, she should be able to provide you with effective support. This will definitely be helpful in your plan to collect Silver Coins."

　Elaine continued, her words coherent and clear, as if to prove that Qi Xing's harem of beautiful girls, all top-notch experts, would definitely help him collect silver coins and change the world.

　But Qi Xing rubbed his forehead and felt very depressed.

　Before, even if dual cultivation could make him stronger, Qi Xing didn't want to do it just to become stronger; similarly, even if he is indeed greedy now, he doesn't want to start a harem just to be "useful".

　It has nothing to do with personal gain; it's simply a matter of "wanting or not wanting." Perhaps this is the most important thing in the world.

　"It's too early to talk about this Lin thing now. I just like her, and I don't know whether she likes me or not."

　"So Elaine, I'm just asking you a hypothesis now, but I hope you can answer me seriously."

　So Qi Xing said seriously,

　"If I really start a harem in the future, will you really not be sad at all? Answer me seriously."

　These words finally made Elaine smile helplessly.

　"Qi Xing, do you remember when we were on our previous date, why I told you I gave this date a score of 140?"

　Qi Xing really didn't know. He was very puzzled at the time because he thought the date was only about 70 points at best.

　"because."

　She looked straight at him and said softly, her voice clear and firm,