Finally, Momon reached the summit of Mt. Yougou, standing before the Grand Narukami Shrine. The journey up the treacherous path had been swift for him, his supernatural resilience and undead nature rendering the climb almost effortless. For ordinary mortals, however, this ascent would have been an arduous trial. The ancient path was riddled with missing ladders, crumbling stones, and perilous drops that could test even the most devoted pilgrim's resolve.

As he stepped onto the plateau, the scene before him was a stark contrast to the rugged climb. The Grand Narukami Shrine stood as a testament to architectural grandeur and spiritual reverence, a place where the divine seemed to meet the mortal world.

The shrine was immense, its crimson gates towering high into the sky, framed by intricately carved wooden beams adorned with golden inlays. Sacred sakura trees flanked the shrine, their branches heavy with blossoms that cascaded down in gentle showers of pink petals, carried by the wind like whispers from the heavens. The air here was crisp and filled with a serene energy, the faint sound of wind chimes and rustling leaves creating a soothing melody.

The courtyard stretched wide, its stones immaculately clean despite the mountain's harsh conditions. Lanterns lined the edges, their soft glow adding an ethereal touch to the already divine atmosphere. The shrine's main hall rose majestically at the far end, its tiled roof gleaming in the sunlight. It was a sight that seemed to defy the mortal realm, a haven of peace and beauty perched atop the world.

For a moment, even Momon paused, his gaze lingering on the shrine. Though he had no true mortal soul to feel awe, there was something about this place that resonated deeply. It was a place of history, of faith, and of reverence—a stark reminder of what humanity and the divine could create together.

"To a pilgrim," he mused aloud, his voice low and almost reverent, "this must feel as if they've reached heaven itself."

The quiet atmosphere was broken only by the distant murmur of shrine maidens chanting within the shrine. Momon's crimson eyes scanned the area, noting every detail. Though this was a place of peace, his instincts remained sharp. His presence here was anything but ordinary, and he knew it.

A Miko, dressed in traditional red and white robes, noticed his arrival and stepped forward to greet him. Her expression was serene at first, her hands folded neatly in front of her as she began to speak.

"Welcome, dear vi—"

Her words caught in her throat as her gaze fell upon him. The figure before her was unlike anything she had ever seen at the shrine. The dark mask obscuring his face and the glint of armor beneath his cloak exuded an aura of both power and danger. She could feel the weight of his presence, a force that seemed to press against the tranquility of the sacred grounds.

For a moment, her breath hitched. Why would someone so ominous come to a place so holy? The question danced on the edge of her lips, but fear kept her silent. She lowered her gaze, unsure if meeting his eyes—or whatever lay behind that mask—would bring fortune or doom.

"Greetings," Momon said, his voice low and calm yet carrying an unsettling edge that sent a shiver down her spine.

The miko froze in place, her fingers clutching the edges of her sleeves as he walked past her without a second glance. Her heart raced as she watched his towering figure move deeper into the shrine grounds, his dark cloak flowing like a shadow against the backdrop of cherry blossoms.

Momon didn't turn back, nor did he falter in his steps. He wasn't here to frighten the faithful, though he couldn't help the unease his appearance caused. This place was serene, but it was not his. He felt like an intruder in a world of light, but he had come for his own reasons, not to blend in.

Behind him, the Miko stood rooted to the spot, her mind racing. "What kind of man walks with such a presence? Is he truly a man at all?" she whispered to herself, trembling.

Momon ascended the final steps and entered the heart of the Grand Narukami Shrine. The serenity of the place was palpable, a haven of peace and divinity perched atop the world. The faint rustle of leaves and the distant hum of cicadas blended into a harmonious melody, soothing the soul of any who visited—though Momon felt no such peace. His undead nature was impervious to such comforts, yet he found himself appreciating the shrine's meticulous beauty.

Before him stood the centerpiece of the sacred grounds: a massive sakura tree, its branches sprawling like the arms of an ancient guardian. The tree's bark was etched with veins of violet light, pulsating faintly, as if the tree itself breathed with divine energy. The gnarled roots coiled into the shape of a fox's head, the unmistakable emblem of the Kitsune Saiguu. Its blossoms glowed faintly, a mixture of vibrant pinks and purples, their petals drifting gently in the breeze like falling stars.

Momon paused, tilting his head slightly as he examined the tree. "A manifestation of divinity… or something else entirely?" he murmured to himself.

The shrine maidens nearby, who had been tending to offerings and sweeping the grounds, froze when they noticed him. Their eyes widened, and whispers passed among them like wind rustling through reeds.

"Who is that?" one of them muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"An outlander," another replied. "He doesn't belong here. Look at his armor… and that mask. What is he doing in a sacred place like this?"

Momon ignored their hushed voices, his crimson gaze fixed on the tree. He approached it with slow, deliberate steps, each one resonating on the stone path. The tension among the shrine maidens grew palpable, their movements faltering as they debated whether to intervene or retreat.

One of the braver mikos stepped forward hesitantly, clutching her ceremonial staff. Her voice wavered as she addressed him. "O-Our honored guest… this is the Sacred Sakura. It is a place of great reverence. May we inquire about your purpose here?"

Momon turned his head toward her, the motion fluid yet unnervingly precise. His masked visage seemed to pierce through her, though no emotion was visible. "Your Sacred Sakura is a sight to behold," he said, his tone even, yet carrying an unmistakable weight. "I seek no trouble here. I merely wish to observe."

The miko swallowed hard, unsure whether his words were genuine or a veiled threat. "O-Of course. But please, tread with care. This is a holy site… and the guardian spirits do not take kindly to disrespect."

"Noted," Momon replied curtly, turning his attention back to the tree. He walked closer, studying the faint glow emanating from its bark. He could feel an energy here, special and ancient, though, unlike anything he had encountered before.

The shrine maidens kept their distance, their fear mingling with curiosity as they watched the enigmatic figure stand before the Sacred Sakura. To them, he was an enigma—a dark shadow amidst the light of their divine sanctuary.

Momon raised a hand, his gauntlet catching the dappled sunlight as he hesitated for a moment before resting his palm against the tree's bark. The faint hum of energy seemed to intensify at his touch as if the tree acknowledged his presence—or perhaps feared him.

Momon's gloved hand rested firmly against the Sacred Sakura's bark, his crimson eyes narrowing behind the dark mask as he focused. Beneath his palm, he could feel a subtle but undeniable energy—a pulsating rhythm, as if the tree were alive and battling against an invisible force.

"Hmm…" he muttered to himself, his voice low and contemplative. The energies were unmistakable, a war between purity and corruption, the latter embedded deep within the roots. "So, this is its purpose. Purification… but it's struggling. The filth in its roots is overwhelming."

He considered the implications for a moment, then straightened slightly. "Let's see if this will help." His voice carried a measured calm, though a faint undercurrent of curiosity betrayed his intrigue. Raising his free hand, he began to chant softly, the words of a spell forming on his non-existing lips.

"[Brilliant Radiance]."

A sudden surge of light emanated from his hand, spreading outward in shimmering waves that enveloped the Sacred Sakura. The light was pure and otherworldly, carrying with it an aura of warmth and divinity that seemed out of place for someone of his ominous appearance.

The shrine maidens nearby gasped audibly, their conversations halting as they turned toward the tree. "What… what is happening?" one whispered, her voice trembling.

Another stepped forward, shielding her eyes from the radiant glow. "That light… it's so pure. I've never seen anything like it!"

The Sacred Sakura responded instantly, its glow intensifying as the light poured into it. The veins of violet energy pulsing through its bark brightened, spreading upward into its branches like rivers of molten starlight. The blossoms, which had seemed to dim earlier, now glowed with a vibrant brilliance, their petals shimmering as if coated in morning dew.

Momon stepped back, lowering his hand as the light dissipated. "Interesting," he muttered, almost to himself. "I thought this spell was only effective on living beings. Good to know it works on trees as well."

The shrine priestess who had spoken to Momon earlier approached cautiously, her wide eyes shimmering with a mixture of awe and fear. She hesitated for a moment before summoning the courage to speak. "What… what have you done?" she demanded, though her voice betrayed more astonishment than accusation.

Momon turned his masked face slightly in her direction, his crimson eyes glowing faintly through the dark sockets. Before he could reply, another voice, smooth and composed, cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Now, now, calm yourself, girl. There's no need to panic."

The priestess stiffened, stepping aside instinctively as a tall, elegant figure made her entrance. The woman's pale, flawless skin seemed to radiate a subtle glow in the morning light. Her long, silky pink hair flowed gracefully behind her, accentuated by her striking purple eyes that shimmered with an almost mischievous glint. Most notable were the pink fox ears atop her head, their tips pointing downward in a relaxed yet regal manner.

Momon turned his gaze to the newcomer, assessing her in silence.

"Greetings, outlander," the woman began, her voice soft yet authoritative, carrying a maturity that demanded attention. "I am Yae Miko, the head shrine maiden in charge of the Grand Narukami Shrine. May I have the honor of knowing who you are?"

Momon inclined his head slightly, his deep voice echoing under his mask. "My name is Momon, an adventurer from Mondstadt."

Yae Miko's expression shifted slightly, her lips curving into a sly smile. "Ah, so you are that Momon," she said, her tone laced with intrigue. "The famous Honorary Knight of Mondstadt, no less. A hero of Liyue, as I hear it."

Momon tilted his head slightly, his crimson eyes narrowing behind the mask. "How did you come by that information, up here?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Yae Miko chuckled softly, the sound like a melodious ripple in the still air. "Oh, but I do like to keep myself informed, especially about fascinating individuals who cross borders and leave tales of their deeds behind. You'd be surprised how quickly word travels, even to a place as seemingly remote as this shrine."

Her gaze lingered on him, sharp and calculating despite her pleasant tone. "I make it a habit to visit the city now and then, where news of extraordinary events tends to reach my ears. Your exploits have been particularly… captivating."

Momon regarded her for a moment, his voice calm and measured. "Captivating, you say. I doubt my actions warrant such attention."

"Oh, you underestimate your reputation," Yae Miko replied with a sly smile, her tone almost teasing. "The stories of Mondstadt's Honorary Knight and Liyue's hero have spread far and wide. Some say you defeated an ancient god in Liyue. Others claim you've survived battles no mortal could endure. And now, here you are, standing before the Sacred Sakura, performing miracles with holy light. How could someone like me not be intrigued?"

Momon remained silent, his crimson gaze unyielding. He wasn't one for unnecessary flattery, but he could sense the layers beneath her words—probing, testing, perhaps even challenging.

Yae Miko tilted her head slightly, her fox ears twitching faintly. "And what brings such a storied individual to my humble shrine? Surely, you're not here as a mere pilgrim seeking divine blessings."

Momon's tone remained steady, devoid of emotion. "Curiosity. I wanted to see the Grand Narukami Shrine for myself. And the Sacred Sakura." He glanced briefly at the tree behind him. "Its purpose is… unique."

Yae Miko's smile deepened, her purple eyes gleaming with interest. "Indeed. The Sacred Sakura is a guardian and purifier of Inazuma's land. It absorbs the darkness that lingers and cleanses it, ensuring our nation remains protected. But to think you could enhance it with your own abilities…"

Momon's posture remained composed, his voice low. "It needed assistance. Nothing more."

Yae Miko studied him closely, her expression unreadable. After a moment, she chuckled again, the sound soft and almost disarming. "You are quite the enigma, aren't you, Momon? A shadowed figure of immense power who performs acts of light and purity. Truly fascinating."

"I'm not here to entertain fascination," Momon replied bluntly.

"Of course not," Yae Miko said with a hint of amusement, stepping closer. "But humor me, if you will. As the overseer of this shrine, it is my duty to understand those who cross its threshold, especially ones who can influence the Sacred Sakura itself. You may have helped the tree, but I cannot help but wonder…" Her voice lowered slightly, her gaze piercing. "What are your true intentions in Inazuma?"

Momon held her gaze, his crimson eyes unwavering. "To observe. To understand. Nothing more."

Yae Miko's smile widened, her tone light yet laced with intrigue. "If that's the case, then perhaps you and I will have much to discuss. The Grand Narukami Shrine is always open to those who seek understanding."

Momon's voice lowered slightly, a subtle warning in his tone. "I'm not here to be analyzed, Lady Miko."

Miko's smile didn't falter; if anything, it grew more amused. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it," she said with a soft chuckle. "For now, at least."

There was a brief pause, the air between them charged with an unspoken tension before Miko gestured toward the tree. "In any case, whatever you've done here has not gone unnoticed. The Sacred Sakura seems… livelier, and more vibrant. For that, you have my gratitude."

Momon gave a faint nod. "As I said, I was curious. Nothing more."

Yae Miko's violet eyes glimmered with curiosity as she tilted her head slightly, her fox ears twitching ever so subtly. "So," she began, her voice as smooth as silk, "what exactly did you do to the Sacred Sakura, dear adventurer? I'd love to hear about it, especially since, on our side, we typically need to perform a lengthy and intricate ritual to purify the tree of its accumulated filth."

Momon regarded her for a moment, his crimson eyes glowing faintly behind the mask. "It's a divine spell," he replied simply, his tone calm and matter-of-fact. "A spell called [Brilliant Radiance]. It purifies its target with holy light, cleansing corruption at its core. The roots of the tree were suffering under the weight of the filth it had absorbed. I merely alleviated its burden."

Miko's lips curved into a small, amused smile, her expression one of both surprise and admiration. "Fufu~, you say it's a divine spell as though it's nothing remarkable, like you're merely stating the weather," she said, her tone laced with playful mockery. "But that's no ordinary spell. That's an amazing feat, Momon. Do you even realize the significance of what you've done? It's been a very, very long time since I've seen the Sacred Sakura look so… alive, so healthy, so vibrant. That spell… [Brilliant Radiance, you called it? Where, pray tell, does such power originate?"

Momon hesitated for a moment, the pause heavy with unspoken thoughts. "Its origins don't matter," he said finally. "What matters is that it works."

Miko's smile widened at his evasiveness, her fox-like features taking on a mischievous air. "Ah, a man of secrets," she mused, folding her arms as she shifted her weight elegantly onto one foot. "You intrigue me, Momon. A wandering adventurer from Mondstadt with the power of divine purification at his fingertips… What other surprises are you hiding under that mask of yours?"

Momon said nothing, his crimson eyes locking onto hers for a moment before he turned his gaze back to the Sacred Sakura.

Taking his silence as a challenge, Miko stepped closer, her voice dropping to a soft, almost conspiratorial tone. "You know," she said, "the Sacred Sakura isn't just any tree. It holds a connection to the divine, a tether to Inazuma's very soul. Its purification rituals aren't merely acts of duty; they're a form of worship, a way to maintain balance between us mortals and the greater forces at play."

Momon's fingers twitched slightly at his side, though his voice remained steady. "If that's the case, perhaps this land's connection to the divine is in more trouble than you realize. The filth in its roots… it wasn't natural. It felt… malicious."

Miko's playful demeanor faltered for the briefest moment, her sharp eyes betraying a flicker of concern. "Malicious, you say?" she repeated, her tone suddenly serious.

"Yes," Momon replied firmly. "It wasn't just corruption from the land. Something else had seeped in, something darker. You might want to investigate that."

Miko regarded him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, she let out a soft sigh, her smile returning, though it carried a hint of weariness now. "Fufu~, always with the grim warnings, aren't you?" she teased lightly, though her tone lacked its usual playfulness. "Very well, I'll take your words under advisement. After all, you've already proven yourself to be quite… resourceful."

"Good," Momon said simply, stepping away from the tree. "Just don't wait too long."

Miko watched him walk past her, her gaze thoughtful as she tapped a finger to her lips. "Oh, Momon," she called after him, her voice regaining its playful edge. "Do let me know if you ever feel like sharing more of your secrets. I promise I'm an excellent listener. But don't think you can escape so easily, Momon. You've left quite the impression, and I'll be keeping an eye on you." Her eyes glinted mischievously. "A fox never lets her prey wander too far, after all."

Momon didn't respond, his cloak billowing slightly as he continued walking, leaving the shrine maidens and their enigmatic leader staring after him in silent wonder.