The battle's a done deal, with the priest taking a real beating.
Even with the offerings swiped, the Goddess of Union isn't a battle-ready deity.
After the knockout punch, Black Fox is pretty much out for the count.
It throws up a spiritual projection to face off against Selena, while its real self shifts back to human and dashes toward the fox.
You stand protectively in front of the fox, not making a peep.
Selena, with one hand, wields her baton to suppress the spiritual manifestation. With her other hand, she traces a blue light to bind the priest. The human moves in and pins him to the ground—the whole thing flows smoothly as silk.
Still not enough... So be it.
The priest wrestles with himself for a moment before finally sighing deeply and giving in.
Whether you want to kill me or skin me alive, it's totally up to you.
But I was the one who started everything. Please, spare Yun Ye and the devotees of the Shrine of Union.
Hearing this, you instinctively exchange a glance with Selena.
We don't understand what you're talking about.
You've pushed me to my breaking point, and you still want to make fun of me?
With a body built on pure spiritual energy, powers tied directly to the divine, and such an extraordinary presence—if you're not the Heavenly Path itself walking among us, then who else could you possibly be?
The priest straightens up with a struggle, then leans against the wall with a long sigh.
I took your presence in this form as a tacit approval of my actions, which is why I was bold enough to ask those questions.
Earlier, at the shrine entrance, I asked if gods and mortals could truly share a lasting bond. If that's even possible, then my despicable actions would not have been for nothing.
Rain... what are you getting at? I don't understand...
The priest glances at the fox, a self-mocking smile playing on his lips, and without a word, turns to face you instead.
Your answer told me that even celestial beings can hold onto their original devotion, and you mentioned cherishing every moment. I just thought you were telling me to savor these final moments before I step into the Goddess of Union's shoes for the Divine Wedding.
I never imagined... that you're actually telling me that even though there's a huge gap between the Heavenly Path and the Goddess of Union—like the difference between gods and mortals—they can still fall in love? And that I shouldn't intervene or judge their relationship?
...
At this point, even with some details still a bit fuzzy, how could I not get what the priest means?
They both whip their heads around to look at the fox behind them.
...?
W-why are you two staring at me? W-what's going on?
Hearing Yun Ye, the priest seems to put two and two together and lets out a wry chuckle.
So I'm just getting ahead of myself again?
With those words, even the fox starts to feel like something's off.
Completely throwing caution to the wind, she dashes over to the priest, visibly flustered as she anxiously tends to his wounds.
Oh my gosh! Why are you... why are you all talking so weird? What in the world is happening? Spill it, I'm absolutely on pins and needles here!
...
Selena pauses for a moment, then says with a complex look on her face.
The priest didn't take over the divine position because he wanted to be worshipped. He did it because he was terrified Yun Ye would meet a horrible end if she married the Heavenly Path.
At this point, you glance at Selena, as if something just clicked. Selena stammers, starts to speak, but then catches herself, gently biting her lower lip. She's at a loss for words for a moment.
No matter how hard the Conductor and I try, even if we stop you, we can't undo the damage from the battle's aftermath.
But what if we use a different stage? What if we use a completely isolated stage? Whatever happens there, no audience gets hurt.
Because even a flower wants to shield the one it cherishes from wind and rain... Conductor has been through enough.
A story that can end behind the scenes shouldn't be brought to light. Since the ending is already fixed...
...
!!!
I-is that so...?
You...
The priest catches his breath, then cracks a bitter smile and sighs, seeing Selena's determined look.
For decades, you've talked like a seasoned pro whenever marriage or destiny comes up.
You're all about teaching caution, urging people to really think things over, to pick apart every last detail.
But do you honestly understand yourself? Do you grasp the cost of tying the knot with the Heavenly Path? Have you even spared a thought for what your life would be like afterward?
I... Of course I have!
No, you haven't given it a moment's thought. If you had, you would've seen right through me.
The priest lets out a deep sigh.
!!!
I-I'm sorry. I just thought...
The priest shakes his head, turning to face you.
Since you're not the Heavenly Path's avatar in this world, please, gather your friend and Yun Ye and leave the shrine.
If you can, please also round up the other spirits living here.
With the Divine Wedding Ceremony a failure, divine punishment will follow, and when it hits...
No... no divine punishment! I can do it, I can marry the Heavenly Path!
Rain... Don't...
Honestly, seeing you like this truly makes me wonder if setting you free was a good idea after all.
If my plan fails and the only way to fix it is by sacrificing you...
Then what's the difference between doing it and not?
Don't worry, I'll face the divine punishment alone.
But... but... is there... really no other way?
Hearing the fox's tearful plea, the priest instinctively glances at Selena and you, but quickly looks away.
What's done is done, and I have to live with the consequences. You all should leave now.
You exchange a glance with Selena, confirming you both caught that something's off about the priest.
Mister Rain, if you have any way to avoid the coming disaster, please just tell us outright.
...
Come on!!! Even now you won't talk?!
There is a way, and it's not hard, but it's too much to ask—I was just too ashamed to bring it up.
Please, you all should clear out now. If you linger much longer you'll be too late.
...
You're spot on, esteemed one.
Right, I've got to clean up the mess I made with my own wishful thinking.
After hearing all that, the priest shakes his head and just gets straight to the point.
Honestly, the method isn't complicated at all. Even if you're not a walker of the Heavenly Path, the sheer power of spiritual energy swirling inside you already blows any ordinary deity out of the water.
If you're willing to swallow a bit of pride and tie the knot with Miss Selena here, I can sacrifice part of my lifespan and good fortune as extra offerings to get the ceremony done.
You must have already figured out that we're not who you think we are.
I beg to differ. No matter your name or identity, the power of spiritual energy that fills your very being is undeniable.
That's the real deal, the true essence that only those with immense virtue and incredible deeds under their belt can reveal. Otherwise, I wouldn't have recognized it.
If you're willing to help, not only do we dodge divine punishment, but Yun Ye also be spared from marrying the Heavenly Path.
I... um... well...
After hearing all of this, Yun Ye wants to chime in and beg Selena and you to take the offer, but then it suddenly hits her, remembering what they'd said earlier.
Being a married couple isn't something you can just fake! Marriage is an important matter. VERY IMPORTANT.
It's totally understandable for Miss Viola and the Mountain Lord to want marriage blessings since they're in love, but Selena and [player name]...
Even though you seem quite close, you're still miles away from being an actual married couple.
With that, the fox jumps onto the counter, putting her at eye level with Selena and you.
In this pose, she truly embodies the commanding presence of a matchmaking deity from ancient tales.
What are you to each other, anyway?
Yeah, marriage isn't just something you jump into because you click or have a few intimate moments.
