In the span of half an hour, Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura had recounted everything that had befallen them to Lin Luo. Their knowledge was limited, yet from their words and the information he already possessed, Lin Luo had formed a simple hypothesis.

Liu Ziwen's summoning had led to the early death of Tsuchimiya Kagura's father, and from that moment, the world's trajectory had veered into territory unfamiliar to him. Especially the events of over half a month ago: according to the original plot, Isayama Yomi would have been defeated by Mitosu River and subsequently implanted with the Sealing Stone, leading inevitably to a fight where Tsuchimiya Kagura would be forced to kill her. But now, none of that tragedy had unfolded... In a way, he really had Liu Ziwen to thank. Even dead, the man was still helping him. What a good person.

And then there was the person who saved Isayama Yomi from Mitosu River. Without that person's timely interference, Yomi and Kagura would not have escaped their grim destinies. But speaking of which, who exactly was that person? Not only did he save Yomi at that critical juncture, but after manifesting such terrifying supernatural phenomena, he continued to aid them, even fighting and dying for them several times... The ability of immortality, in the original work, belonged only to Mitosu River.

If it wasn't Mitosu River, then it must be some other hidden master, or perhaps a Wanderer?

No, no. Lin Luo shook his head inwardly. He was now certain: the occurrences in this city were definitely the doing of a Wanderer, as there was no one in this world who could command Mitosu River to obey willingly.

A Wanderer controlling the city's vengeful spirits, even influencing the human population, and actively hunting Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura—that much was certain. Yet, it was strange. If he possessed such immense power, why didn't he deal with the girls himself? That would have been much faster.

Then, assuming there was another Wanderer... the probability of cooperation was high. Two individuals with the same objective yet arrayed against each other? That was the most plausible scenario. But to suggest the other Wanderer was actively helping the host? He absolutely could not believe that.

In a divine war concerning one's own life, who would sacrifice their chance at survival to save their "prey"? Killing the host grants the Heart of the World and increased power; saving the host yields nothing and risks being eliminated by other Wanderers... If such a person existed, Lin Luo couldn't think of any descriptor other than 'brain-dead idiot.'

Thus, two things Lin Luo could now confirm: First, there was a highly dangerous Wanderer pulling the strings, with the goal of eliminating Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura. Second, there was someone, perhaps connected to the two girls in some way, who had been covertly assisting them.

However, as for the identity of that helper, Lin Luo had no leads. Possessing such a mighty ability as immortality was never mentioned in the original text. The only entity with such power would likely be this world's local earth deity, but earth deities do not manifest until the world faces annihilation... The identity of that person truly remained elusive.

Forget it.

After pondering for a long time without reaching a conclusion, Lin Luo decisively gave up, refusing to dwell on the conundrum. That person had already exploded; even if they possessed immortality, they might not survive. If they did survive, they would likely show themselves eventually, and then the truth would become clear.

With that thought, Lin Luo's gaze drifted toward Isayama Yomi and Tsuchimiya Kagura, noticing their subdued emotions, a subtle trace of sorrow lingering on their faces. Lin Luo understood what they were thinking about.

In this city-wide supernatural incident, their relatives, friends, and work partners had all become their enemies. In order to preserve their lives, many had died by their hands: kinsmen of their own clan slain, friends they used to shop with cut down, comrades who once fought alongside them terminated, and even... Isayama Yomi's fiancé was bisected by her own sword during their confrontation.

Although it was merely an arranged marriage, a decision made by their parents, and the two shared little affection—in fact, their relationship was quite poor—he was, nevertheless, her nominal fiancé. To personally strike him down, Isayama Yomi's heart could not be at ease.

At this moment, Lin Luo didn't know how to comfort them. Perhaps the best course was simply to remain quietly by their side.

None of the three spoke further, and the atmosphere settled into a profound silence. However, having endured several separations between life and death, within a few minutes, Isayama Yomi's spirits lifted from their low point. She looked at Lin Luo with a calm expression. "We have told you everything about our situation. Now, could you tell us about yours? Helping us at a time like this—though your strength is formidable and helping us seems like a simple gesture for you—you must have your own objective, right?"

Isayama Yomi was not a fool; on the contrary, she was quite sharp. Though young, she had been in society long enough to understand social graces. To extend aid to them during such an extraordinary period, the idea that she had no ulterior motive was something she wouldn't believe even if beaten.

Hearing her question, Lin Luo hesitated slightly. To state his objective... Initially, he truly had none, but his objective now...

Lin Luo looked up and spoke to her gravely, "If I told you the purpose of helping you was because I want you, would you believe me?"

"..."

Hearing this, not only was Isayama Yomi stunned, but even Tsuchimiya Kagura, who had been immersed in sorrow, jerked her head up, staring at Lin Luo with wide-eyed disbelief. In an instant, her young face flushed crimson. She was only fourteen years old; how could she endure such a shocking confession?

"This..." Isayama Yomi clicked her tongue, unsure of what to say. She felt the conversation had veered into bizarre territory. Why this development? It was utterly baffling.

After a moment, Isayama Yomi suddenly mustered her courage and said solemnly to Lin Luo, "If you can protect Kagura and ensure she suffers no harm, I will agree to any request you have."

"Yomi-nee!" This statement moved Tsuchimiya Kagura. Before Lin Luo could react, she urgently spoke to him, "No! If you can keep Yomi-nee safe, I... I will also do anything for you."

Tsuchimiya Kagura's entire face was blazing red as she said this; clearly, this required immense courage from her.

"Kagura, this is my affair. You are still young; don't get involved."

"No, this is my affair too."

"Kagura, I don't want you to get hurt. If sacrificing myself can bring you happiness, that is the greatest happiness for me, so please don't argue with me."

"That's not right, Yomi-nee. You even killed Kinu to save me. I don't want to see you sacrifice yourself for me again. Even if it's my turn, I hope you can be happy."

"Kagura..."

"Yomi-nee..."

Seeing their voices growing increasingly sharp, nearly escalating into a full-blown argument, Lin Luo was speechless, feeling utterly awkward. How to put it? He felt like he had committed a terrible deed, forcefully tearing apart a loving yuri pairing, making him extremely embarrassed.

"Alright, alright, I was just joking. Stop arguing now," Lin Luo held up a hand, physically pulling the two girls apart, feeling helpless. "Neither of you needs to sacrifice anything. I am helping you out of my own volition and won't do anything excessive to either of you."

Truthfully, Lin Luo felt somewhat dejected. They spoke of following him as a 'sacrifice.' Really? Was he that undesirable? He had a house, good looks, a car, and wealth... in China, he’d be considered the perfect match for any woman!

Hearing his words, the two immediately ceased their 'quarrel.' Then, Tsuchimiya Kagura looked at Lin Luo like a timid rabbit, her expression pitiable. "It really was just a joke?"

"Yeah, it was a joke." (Which was also the truth.)

"I see. I knew Brother Lin Luo was a good person." The young girl smiled like a blooming flower.

"..." Lin Luo couldn't respond. Being friend-zoned so quickly, what a tragedy.

With that outburst, Isayama Yomi no longer felt the need to press the previous question. She thought that if the conversation strayed into even stranger territory, it would just be embarrassing. She decided to treat him as a good Samaritan who acted righteously. Regardless of his true motives, neither she nor Kagura had the power to resist him anyway.

However, he didn't seem like an inherently evil person. Given the current perilous times, if he truly cared for Kagura, letting him be with her wouldn't be out of the question; at least, with his strength, he could protect Kagura well and ensure her safety and happiness... Her gaze occasionally flickered toward Lin Luo as Isayama Yomi contemplated this.

Brother Lin Luo is very powerful and not a bad person. Yomi-nee's injuries haven't fully healed yet; if it were Brother Lin Luo, he could surely cure her. And Yomi-nee's fiancé is dead; she must be very sad now. If Brother Lin Luo genuinely likes Yomi-nee, then I must help him... Meanwhile, Tsuchimiya Kagura, head bowed and blushing, made a firm resolution inwardly.

Lin Luo was unaware that, without realizing it, the two young women had already drawn up plans for his "matrimonial future." If he knew, he would likely be quite pleased...

However, Lin Luo was far from pleased right now; instead, a killing intent surfaced, because he sensed it—someone was approaching this location. It was none other than... a Wanderer.

Heh. Walking right into my hands; I have to kill him.

Lin Luo thought with a cold sneer, rising from the ground.