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The black armor of the troops glimmered in the darkness, reflecting the cold light from the bonfires. In the crowd gathered before the execution platform, there were people from all walks of life – citizens, merchants, and samurais from different clans. Most of them were burdened with sadness and grief, but some had mocking expressions on their faces. They had been affected by Fujiwara no Ayaka’s policies and had come to witness her downfall, thinking to themselves, “Finally, it’s your turn to suffer!”

As Ayaka hung in the air, suspended between the two towering wooden pillars, a sense of solitude and tragedy seemed to emanate from her figure. She looked like a celestial savior who had met an unfortunate fate. Even those who despised her were taken aback and dared not display any disrespect. After all, Ayaka was humanity’s most prominent Onmyouji, one of the strongest individuals in the Heian dynasty despite her young age. In one-on-one combat, no human could hope to defeat her entirely. She had a better chance of ascending to the celestial realm than any of the old monsters.

Despite her youth, Fujiwara no Ayaka had the potential to live freely even if everything else collapsed. However, her devotion to the corrupt imperial court and cowardly emperor made it difficult for her to make a positive impact, despite her strength and intelligence. She cared deeply about the common people and the world, but the current state of affairs seemed to be beyond her ability to change. Despite being a peerless genius, Ayaka was unable to alter the course of the world, as the darkness and injustice were far more powerful than she had anticipated. As unfair as it was, history and reason were always written by those who emerged victorious.

At that moment, the mikos, household servants, and the few officials who remained loyal to Ayaka were escorted to the sides of the platform. The platform, once used to honor Minamoto no Yoshitsune, would now serve as an execution site for these faithful individuals who were most invested in the well-being of the world. They were bound and coerced by the black armored soldiers to kneel at the base of the pillars and then chained up. They would be compelled to witness their leader’s execution before meeting the same fate. The agony and despair they must have felt were unimaginable.

“Lady Ayaka… sister… Ayaka…” Hoshi Murasaki was bound with a specially forged chain, her hair disheveled, and her face pale. She looked up at Ayaka, who was hanging high, her eyes hollow and her heart full of despair. There were so many words she wanted to say to Ayaka, but she couldn’t find the strength to voice them out. Murasaki knew that her journey to Yomi had just begun, and she would continue to chase after her master even in the afterlife.

Minamoto no Shenzu, the new Rokuhara Tandai, led two executioners, both towering at three meters tall and wearing official hats. They were shirtless and held tachi blades that were three meters long, their cold shine reflecting under the light of the bonfires. A group of Fujiwara onmyoji dressed in red formed a circle around Ayaka on the platform. Ordinary executioners were not capable of executing Fujiwara no Ayaka. The onmyoji first needed to extract the remaining spirit armor from her.

Shenzu’s eyes glowed ominously as she looked at the gathered crowd. Fujiwara no Renbo, the chancellor of the realm, accompanied by other Fujiwara ministers, walked onto a high platform in front of the execution platform. Renbo cleared his throat and pulled out a scroll, signaling for silence as he began to read loudly. His fat jaw jiggled as he spoke.

“Under the decree of the cloistered emperor,” announced Fujiwara no Renbo, his voice booming across the crowd, “Fujiwara no Ayaka, the former Chief Advisor, stands accused of colluding with evil demons, rebelling against the imperial court and provoking the wrath of the heavens.”

He continued reading from the scroll, “Throughout her tenure, she has failed to serve the imperial court, instead, persecuting meritorious ministers and shielding the source of disasters, the mirror girl clan. Her actions have enraged the heavens and plunged the world into chaos, violating the will of the gods!”

“She has conspired with the number one arch-demon, the nine-tailed demon fox, and employed imperial resources to launch a disastrous campaign against Mount Ooe, causing countless casualties among the court’s soldiers.”

“Furthermore, she has harbored the wicked mirror girl, Kagami Lily, who has wrought havoc and destruction wherever she goes, inciting traitors, assassinations and even poisoning the Rokuhara Tandai. Her relationships with witches, such as Tamamo-no-Mae, have been unbecoming of her status as Chief Advisor.”

“Fujiwara no Ayaka’s deeds are unforgivable, and under the laws of the land, she shall be stripped of her lands, properties and treasures, and executed at the gates of the Heian-palace at midnight. All accomplices, with the exception of the fugitive Kagami Lily, shall share the same fate.”

With each word, Fujiwara no Renbo’s voice grew more frenzied, spittle flying from his lips and his double chin wobbling. His speech echoed across the dark field before the Heian-palace, as if the heavens themselves were bearing witness to the punishment of the fallen Chief Advisor.

The massive crowd remained silent as they watched the proceedings. A royal observation platform had been erected behind the execution platform. At the sound of the drums, the Emperor, Emperor Emeritus, Cloistered Emperor, Shogun, and several high-ranking officials from the royal, Genji, Fujiwara, and Taira clans took their places to witness the execution of the former Chief Advisor.

Despite it still being several hours before midnight, Fujiwara no Ayaka remained unconscious. Even if she were to awaken, she might refuse to face this cruel and unfair world.

……

In the vast forests and mountains between Heian and Nara, a flash of red tore through the pitch-black night. Kagami Lily sprinted, her sweat, hair, and crimson attire fluttering in the wind. She ran at full speed through the dark and treacherous terrain, overcoming rough and steep mountain roads, cliffs, ravines, and high mountains. Rivers were no match for her as she dashed across them without hesitation. Her body movements were so swift that even the most challenging obstacles seemed like flat ground to her. Any lurking demons or malevolent spirits felt the power of her presence and dared not reveal themselves.

“Sister Ayaka… wait for me!” Lily’s eyes sparkled with a clear and ardent light.