For Xiaofeng, the experience had been terrifying at first.
Visions and revelations had flooded into her mind, leaving her shaken for a long time before she found calm. But when true danger came, and she stood helpless as a mere human, she had no choice but to accept the grace of God.
That divine gift restored the sight to her blinded eyes… and fulfilled the dream buried in her heart.
She became a miko, just like her elder sister Kikyo.
In truth, Xiaofeng's power had already surpassed Kikyo's for a brief period, though she remained unaware of it herself.
God of Eternity: "There's no need to be burdened. I have said before—every being is My child. What matters is spreading the gospel to more souls."
For Peace: "I used to be confused about races. You all must know it well—humans and monsters, humans and murlocs, humans and ghosts. Prejudice, contempt, hatred… Do you see now? There is no real peace. Only under the rule of the gods can it exist."
In the world of One Piece, his words rang true.
The murlocs had been freed from the depths of Mariejois with Neptune's aid. Now, at last, they lived beneath the sun. Humans and murlocs coexisted, working side by side. Across the seas, new networks of sea trains and undersea tunnels spread.
Storms, raging weather, unstable magnetic fields—once crippling obstacles—were no longer insurmountable.
The worst dangers of the New World came not only from pirates but from the sea itself. Eternal God had studied the strange magnetic currents and found their source: the islands themselves. Destroy enough islands, and the storms would weaken. But such a method was too extreme.
Instead, God dispatched powerful envoys to every major island. Whenever cyclones, maelstroms, or colossal storms arose, the divine envoys dispersed them with ease.
Already the North and East Blue had been pacified. The South and West still required time.
Ninth Uncle Demon Slayer: "It's not about race—it's about how narrow our minds are. Since childhood, I was taught that ghosts are evil, demons are wicked. That's what Maoshan teaches. I never knew what it meant to 'reform evil into good.' Over time, I developed the habit of striking first."
Junior Brother Dazhufeng: "Same here. I just caught a six-tailed fox. Planning to offer it to God."
Second Li: "Only six tails? That's… average."
Fox Who Only Loves Money: "Pfft. So ordinary."
Shrine Maiden Xiaofeng: "Our world is crawling with monsters—more than humans, even. My sister once slew thirteen hundred in a single day at her peak."
Chu Dashan: "Thirteen hundred in a day? Incredible! Where is your family from? Witches like you… I thought they only existed in the ancient East."
Pudu Sentient Being: "Thirteen hundred… terrifying. Your sister must be a terrifying existence indeed."
Shrine Maiden Xiaofeng: "Yes. Her name is Kikyo. She inherited the ancient demon-breaking lineage. Since childhood, I've always admired her…"
Fox Who Only Loves Money: "And how old are you?"
Shrine Maiden Xiaofeng: "…Nine."
Demon Sword Spirit: "!!!"
Second Li: "!!!"
Tanjiro: "She's younger than me?!"
Shrine Maiden Xiaofeng: "Yes… I didn't dare speak before. Sorry."
Pirate of the Caribbean: "Apologize? You're one of us now, chief priest. You're the youngest in the group—who dares bully you? I'll curse them out myself!"
Young Master Murong: "Says the so-called Dragon King—don't listen, Sister Xiaofeng. He's an old fraud."
Pudu Sentient Being: "Yes! The glory of my God—don't waste time on liars."
Shrine Maiden Xiaofeng: "But… aren't monks supposed to chant Amitabha?"
Ninth Uncle Demon Slayer: "Amitabha? Hah! That Buddha is long dead. Empty hypocrisy. Worthless. But chanting the glory of our God? Now that has power."
Chu Dashan: "Don't overdo it. You must keep reverence in your heart. If you treat it like a catchphrase, God may be displeased."
Pudu Sentient Being: "Ahem… you're right. Old Na was wrong. But it feels so strange not shouting something…"
Tanjiro: "Then say this: He who believes in my God shall live eternally."
Li Er: "Not bad, Tanjiro! Stirring words, though maybe a little too solemn."
Pudu Sentient Being: "No—it's perfect. This will be my mantra from now on. Thank you, Tanjiro."
In the World of Inuyasha
Maple Village had changed entirely.
Once a backwater plagued by fear, it now thrived. The reason was simple: the villagers had become believers.
Even if they only practiced Eternal Meditation at a basic level, the power it gave them far surpassed ordinary humans.
Sacrifices and offerings to the Eternal God were now routine.
But Maple Village was poor. Without treasures worthy of God, their sacrifices felt meager. Thus, Kikyo and Xiaofeng resolved to journey forth, to find offerings befitting their Lord.
"Master Kikyo, Master Xiaofeng—may the gods bless your journey!" The old village chief bowed deeply, his eyes gleaming with vigor. Since receiving meditation, he looked younger, his back straighter.
"Do not worry," he promised, pounding his chest. "We will grow strong. In time, our village will become a great town for the Eternal God!"
Xiaofeng giggled. "Grow well, but do not take by force. Our faith forbids harming the innocent."
"Of course, my lady! Anyone who dares harm the people—we will cast them out first!"
Kikyo added softly, "Remember, you now hold power. If you meet a monster not stained by blood, take them in. Not all are beyond redemption."
"Yes, yes, Mistress Kikyo. As you command."
Already, two monster clans had joined their village—a family of fox demons and a family of spider yokai.
Once feral, they had been tamed under Kikyo's hand. Through meditation, they grew docile and strong.
No lesser demon could ever threaten Maple Village now.
So the sisters set forth.
Their first destination was the place where the Jewel of Four Souls had been recovered. There, a band of humans trained in Cuizi's swordsmanship and demon-refining techniques struggled to defend themselves.
Though skilled, their art was crude compared to true priestesses and onmyoji.
Xiaofeng asked, "So… will we subdue them too?"
"Yes," Kikyo replied gently. "They are kind folk, but lack faith. I believe they will welcome the truth."
Since embracing Eternal Meditation, Kikyo's heart had softened. No longer did she scour her body with cold spring water to "purge the impurity of evil aura" daily. She now faced life with serenity.
None in this world were worthy of her confessions. Only the Eternal God could hear her prayers.
And she had resolved: if she could make this world peaceful, she would remain always at His side, no longer bound by mortal desires.
Her priestess robes had faded into something simpler: a white plain skirt, with two characters stitched into the back—"Eternal."
Elegant, pure, ethereal. When people beheld her, they felt the urge to kneel at once.
The sisters traveled swiftly.
When thunderbirds soared overhead, Kikyo captured two with her spellcraft, taming them as steeds.
This world had no proper roads, and flying beasts were rare. The thunderbirds would carry them across mountains and rivers.
Three hours later, they landed near Demon Village.
"Monsters!"
"Sound the alarm!"
Bells tolled frantically. Arrows nocked, bows raised.
But a calm voice rang out.
"Do not fear. I am Kikyo."
The villagers froze. Eyes narrowed. Two figures stood on the backs of the thunderbirds—one tall, one small.
The village chief's eyes lit with recognition. "Stop! Do not fire—it is Lady Kikyo!"
Months ago, she had helped them with the Jewel of Four Souls. Their lives had improved since.
The thunderbirds landed, tamed and docile. The villagers gasped.
Creatures three meters tall, talons like blades, eyes sharp as lightning—yet kneeling as if pets. Only Kikyo could manage such a feat.
The chief rushed forward, bowing deeply. "Lady Kikyo, what brings you here?"
He ordered food and tea prepared at once.
Though Demon Village lived by hunting monsters, their lives were still humble. Most wore patched clothing, scraping by day to day.
Kikyo did not hesitate. "We are here to preach."
"…Preach?"
The word stunned them.
The villagers exchanged uncertain glances. Could anyone simply join a priesthood? Were they even qualified?
Xiaofeng smiled. "This is not like the old priesthoods. This faith is founded by a true God. My sister has seen your struggle, your fight against demons—so we invite you."
The chief swallowed. "…What is required?"
"Only this: to be pious toward God," Kikyo answered.
"…That's all?"
"That is all."
The chief burst into laughter. "Then it is decided! We will believe!"
For the chance to gain strength and live better, what sacrifice was too great? Burn incense, bow daily—such things were nothing compared to survival.
This was still the age of demons. Monsters roamed unchecked. Humanity teetered on the edge. For Demon Village, this invitation was salvation itself.
A gift sent from heaven.