National Guardian's Gone and We're Done

"In that distant age,

the High Celestial Plain was the sacred land where the Celestial Gods, ruled by Amaterasu, resided.

It was said that the High Celestial Plain was depicted as a mystical island floating upon the sea and among the clouds,

and together with the Eight Great States on the surface and the Yellow Springs Country below, it formed the three great realms of White-Red Empire mythology.

Amaterasu held the ruling position in the High Celestial Plain,

while all the other Deities had their own duties, collectively serving the Sun God."

This was precious intelligence she had brought back at great risk to her life, through untold hardships.

Voicing it now only made the atmosphere in the room grow even more tense and heavy.

Inside the room, a dim yellow light flickered in the silence, like a candle flame struggling in the darkness.

It cast everyone’s wavering, indistinct shadows upon the walls.

Xia Chengli raised an eyebrow, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. He broke the somber mood, leaning forward slightly and asking in a low voice, "The Sun God? Are you talking about Amaterasu?"

Yumizakura shook her head gently, her movements elegant and slow.

Her long, glossy black hair swayed with the motion, like black silk dancing in the wind. "No. The Sun God refers to Kamiyamatsunoo Sun God.

According to legend, on that mysterious and remote High Celestial Plain,

there exist places like the Celestial Fragrant Mountain, the Celestial Peace River, and the Celestial High City.

These locations bear a striking resemblance to the areas surrounding the bustling Capital City Nara.

Life there is peaceful and serene, no different from daily life in the Mortal World.

In that mystical realm, the greatest Deities are Amaterasu and Kamiyamatsunoo Sun God.

Like two brilliant stars, they hang together at the apex of the world, the supreme rulers of that mysterious domain."

A distant look filled Yumizakura’s eyes, as if she were peering across the river of time into that ancient and mysterious age.

"Amaterasu and Kamiyamatsunoo Sun God sit enthroned upon jade seats called the Celestial Chime Seats.

The seats emanate a gentle, mysterious light, a symbol of power and authority over heaven and earth.

From those lofty thrones, they issue commands to the various gods,

and the gods, like loyal subjects, each shoulder their own responsibilities,

respectfully carrying out the orders of these two Deities.

The entire High Celestial Plain is just like the well-ordered Daiwa Court,

presenting a scene of peace and prosperity.

However, in my opinion, Amaterasu’s status should be above that of Kamiyamatsunoo Sun God."

"Then has this Kamiyamatsunoo Sun God also awakened this time?"

Xia Chengli immediately asked.

"He has not."

Yumizakura replied concisely, a hint of worry flashing imperceptibly in her eyes.

Chu He stood to one side, listening quietly to their conversation.

He then raised his head slightly, his gaze locking tightly onto Yumizakura.

His eyes revealed a keenness that came from deep thought. "Why do you believe Amaterasu is superior to Kamiyamatsunoo Sun God?"

’After all, any existence that could be associated with the word ’Deities,’ whether it was a strange and unpredictable mystical force or a powerful individual with a true physical form, was certainly no simple character. It was bound to have its own unique and powerful aspects.’

Yumizakura took a deep breath, as if gathering her thoughts to unveil a mysterious legend sealed away by time. "Amaterasu is the absolute ruler of the High Celestial Plain.

She is the deified symbol of the sun, an incarnation of light and order.

In the White-Red Empire, she is revered as the Ancestor of the imperial family and is the supreme deity of Shintoism,

arguably the most central belief in the White-Red Empire—the Sun Goddess.

According to the White-Red Empire’s ancient text, the *Chronicles*,

Izanagi, on his perilous return journey after escaping the Yellow Springs Country,

arrived at Tachibana Little House Abagihara in Hyuga Country.

There, he performed a solemn ritual to wash away impurities.

As he washed his left eye, a miracle occurred, and a goddess of celestial beauty and radiant light was born.

When this goddess descended into the world, her radiance was so dazzling it could pierce through endless darkness,

illuminating all of heaven and earth.

Seeing this, Izanagi was overjoyed and named her Amaterasu.

With great reverence, he bestowed upon her the priceless Eightfold Jade Disc,

appointing her to rule over the High Celestial Plain, the sacred land where the gods reside.

Amaterasu diligently cultivated fertile fields on the High Celestial Plain,

and unreservedly taught the other gods exquisite arts such as sericulture and weaving.

She governed this land with extraordinary wisdom and exceptional leadership,

allowing the gods to live peaceful, comfortable, and prosperous lives under her protection.

Later, Amaterasu made a far-reaching decision.

She dispatched the Celestial Grandson Jinguji to manage and rule the White-Red Empire.

From then on, Amaterasu’s descendants carried on the line for generations, shouldering the great responsibility of governing the White-Red Empire,

and continuing her glory and mission.

The legend that the imperial family is an unbroken divine lineage descending from Amaterasu,

originates from this, and it has become an indispensable part of the White-Red Empire’s history and culture.

And Amaterasu’s main site of worship is the Ise Shrine,

where she is enshrined with the Eight-Handed Mirror as her divine vessel.

The Eight-Handed Mirror shines with a mysterious light, symbolizing her sanctity and authority,

and for generations, it has received the worship and reverence of the White-Red Empire’s subjects, becoming the core of their spiritual faith."

As Yumizakura’s tale concluded, the atmosphere in the room grew heavier still. An invisible pressure began to permeate the air, making it hard to breathe.