Izanami merely watched the proceedings unfold with a faint smile on her face.

Everything was progressing in the anticipated direction. No one dared to accept the olive branch being extended by the Cathayan Underworld, and that was only to be expected.

It was far more difficult to return to the world stage than it was to maintain one's position. The effort that would have to be expended would be severalfold because during the Cathayan Underworld's absence, its influence had faded significantly, and none of its powerful adversaries wished to see it rise up once again.

She gently clapped her hands together, and a line of young female Nipponese Yin spirits in red kimonos immediately entered the room, carrying bowls that they placed down silently in front of all of the guests.

"In order to express our reverence toward the Cathayan Underworld, we are serving kaiseki-ryōri," Izanami said with a smile. "It'll be different from the kaiseki-ryōri of the mortal realm, but it's quite delicious nonetheless. All of the ingredients used are special local produce from Amano-Iwato, I hope you'll enjoy it."

A national banquet of this caliber was naturally completely impeccable. The decor in the room was lavish yet not overly extravagant, all of the guests' needs were attended to, and all of the finer details were also flawless.

All of the tableware was made from intricate lacquerware, which was a Nipponese specialty, and the flowers inscribed upon them were extremely life-like. As the...