Chapter 125: Shikigami Samurai Zan Maru, Clear Mirror In The Mid-stage State Of Mind
There’s still more.
Shangshan Che lowered Kaga Kiyomitsu in his hand, tapping the rough ground with the tip of the blade, slightly surprised.
He hadn’t expected the strength of a Three-Star slash to not be the limit of the slash trial, and that there would be even higher-tier rewards. It seemed exceptionally generous.
Feeling Shangshan Che’s calm gaze upon him, the clerk in the robe shivered slightly, quickly apologized to him, and then asked him to wait a moment.
Immediately after, he pushed open the door and quickly ran into the courtyard behind, seemingly to find someone to fetch a higher-tier Zan Maru.
The clerk even stumbled heavily on flat ground before entering the door, yet no one present paid him any mind to mock him.
All eyes were focused on the unremarkable, plainly dressed youth wearing a lifelike White Hannya Mask.
– Of course, a few people were more fond of Kaga Kiyomitsu standing on the ground than Shangshan Che, but that was a very small minority.
“This is… true genius.”
This thought simultaneously appeared in the minds of everyone present.
They all practiced breathing techniques, and trained in swordsmanship, horsemanship, and archery daily. Most could deliver strikes of over five hundred *kan* in force, making them reservists for samurai.
Thus, they naturally understood better than those who knew nothing what that sword strike had meant.
Some among them had even slain demons alone, and with their full strength, could shatter ordinary red and black Zan Maru, making them far more powerful than common samurai…
But the limit they had seen and broken through was that blue Ashigaru Zan Maru from before.
– It was said that only those who could cleave an Ashigaru Zan Maru were at least mighty warriors capable of fighting a hundred Ashigaru alone.
And above this Ashigaru Zan Maru was the 【 Samurai Zan Maru 】, which only some Generals, Sword Masters, or peerless geniuses far away in Heian-kyo would use.
As the name suggests, those who could cleave it were at least powerhouses capable of fighting a hundred samurai alone.
In other words – the same-aged youth named “Shangshan Che” could slay everyone present by himself.
The sound of swallowing saliva rose one after another. Some boys and youths who had previously slandered and looked down on Shangshan Che were already secretly retreating to the edge of the crowd, preparing to flee as quickly as possible.
In this era before innovation, while samurai publicly killing people on the street was not common, it was not unheard of.
Not to mention that Shangshan Che was a genius with a boundless future, whom any family would want to recruit. Therefore, killing them, who liked to gossip behind his back, on the street was hardly a major issue.
– Shangshan Che didn’t have such thoughts.
He simply felt that it was taking too long for the clerk to fetch a Zan Maru. It was only a two-step distance, why would it take one to two minutes to return?
Just as Shangshan Che was getting bored and yawning, the clerk finally emerged, carefully holding a finely crafted brocade pouch.
Seeing Shangshan Che’s demeanor, the clerk repeatedly bowed his head, his tone full of apology: “Shangshan Jun, sorry to have kept you waiting!”
Shangshan Che’s eyes lit up, and he felt a very unusual Spiritual Power Fluctuation from the pouch the clerk held.
Since even the packaging pouch was so impressive, the item inside must surely bring him a surprise.
The clerk bit his finger hard, then dripped his blood onto the center of the complex Onmyōdō Spell on the pouch, chanting, “Lord Samurai, come forth!”
Whoosh—!
A gust of wind kicked up dust, obscuring the vision of those around.
When they opened their eyes again, they saw the tall and mighty, pitch-black Zan Maru standing in the center of the small plaza.
Shangshan Che also sized up the Zan Maru before him, which was completely black, with its eyes closed, its expression stern as if it were a true samurai wearing armor.
And the label that popped up above its head made Shangshan Che slightly startle.
– 【 Samurai Zan Maru （ Four-Star ）】.
He hadn’t expected Zan Maru to actually fall into the category of Demons and Monsters, and for a mere Zan Maru to reach a rank equivalent to Ghost God level, Four-Star.
“If the Strength of the Ashigaru Zan Maru was roughly at the bottom edge of Three-Star, then does this Samurai Zan Maru before me equate to a Four-Star Ghost God standing here for me to slay?”
Shangshan Che rubbed his hilt, re-hung the White Hannya Mask at his waist, and without hesitation, transformed into his Four-Tailed Fox Incarnation.
Then,
Wrathful Gaze, startup!
The next moment, with its tail tip crimson and its muscles bulging and knotted, the four-tailed fox slowly opened its savage, blood-red eyes.
Shangshan Che exhaled a surging, sea-like heat, causing the clerk nearest to him to let out a startled yelp and fall backward onto the ground, scrambling away.
He simply quietly savored the surging Power and Spiritual Power within his Physical Body, then looked at the Samurai Zan Maru before him and grinned with pleasure.
– Opportunities to casually swing a sword at a Ghost God level being and still survive were rare.
Shangshan Che glanced at his unprecedentedly luxurious status Panel –
【 Shangshan Che （ Four-Tailed Fox Incarnation ）】
【 Physique: 104 】
【 Willpower: 44 】
【 Charm: 0 】
【 Spiritual Arts: 122 】
What did 122 points in Spiritual Arts mean?
Shangshan Che wasn’t sure himself. He just felt that the Spiritual Power within him was inexhaustible. Now, even a small fireball casually thrown should have the destructive power of a hand grenade.
“If only I had practiced the Five Thunder Technique – Qi Resonance to Proficient Level before.”
He sighed – in that case, a large portion of these 122 Spiritual Arts points could have been incorporated into his Attack Power, and it might not have been impossible to shatter this Samurai Zan Maru in one blow.
But now, the improvement brought by the Spiritual Arts attribute wasn’t as significant as the paper data suggested.
A bit of a pity.
“However, I do have an idea.”
Shangshan Che vigorously moved his suddenly strengthened, unaccustomed bones and muscles, producing sharp cracking sounds in mid-air.
The surrounding crowd subconsciously moved further away, fearing they might be killed by the aftermath of his next sword strike.
– This Shangshan Che, he hadn’t even displayed half his strength just now.
– Are we really the same age as him?
“Mmm…”
The Samurai Zan Maru sensed a gaze that was sufficiently powerful and sharp, so it slowly opened its stern eyes.
Its gaze immediately fell upon Shangshan Che, who was twisting his neck, and it asked in a hoarse, deep voice,
“State your name, you who would slay me.”
Shangshan Che raised an eyebrow oddly.
It was just a sword strike to test Attack Power, why the need for such chuunibyou behavior?
But since the well-meaning Zan Maru, with its Four-Star rank, was willing to ask, it wouldn’t hurt to say a few words.
“Shangshan Che.”
The four-tailed fox, its Body like cast fine steel, replied.
“Shangshan Che, I have noted it.”
The Samurai Zan Maru, shaped like a Daruma, stared intently at him and roared, “Then come! Let me see the strength of today’s younger generation!”
As the roar of the Samurai Zan Maru washed over them, everyone present felt a subtle surge of excitement.
Shangshan Che felt it most strongly.
He looked at the newly appeared “Battle Intent” buff and smiled helplessly,
“This will make me feel quite embarrassed when I shatter you later.”
“No need, Shangshan Jun.” The Samurai Zan Maru stood firm on the spot, its voice calm, “You are not yet qualified to slay me.”
Ha, is that so.
Then I can rest assured.
“Then, I’m going to attack.”
The Corona Qi, its volume having multiplied countless times due to the increase in Physical Body Strength, was consumed at high speed. Shangshan Che adjusted his breathing and assumed the starting stance for the Three-stage Thrust.
The vast Corona Qi was rapidly depleted like a dam bursting, solely to enhance that last sliver of power.
After a long yet brief minute, Shangshan Che finally opened his tightly shut mouth and let out a sudden roar.
Corona Breathing Technique · Fifth Form!
Scorching airflow, centered on Shangshan Che, raged outwards like a sudden hurricane.
Simultaneously, he instantly opened an ancient-looking folding fan, causing a terrifying azure and violet lightning bolt, capable of engulfing the entire Samurai Zan Maru, to descend onto Kaga Kiyomitsu’s path.
Shangshan Che half-opened his eyes, feeling as if the entire world had frozen, with only him and Kaga Kiyomitsu moving at a snail’s pace in this static world.
In the instant before the falling lightning had even dissipated, Kaga Kiyomitsu’s sword passed through the terrifying heavenly thunder.
With the rudimentary application of the Five Thunder Technique – Qi Resonance, Shangshan Che siphoned a trace of the heavenly thunder’s power, perfectly attaching it to the blade tip.
– From ancient times, the Three-stage Thrust has been known as a high-difficulty technique involving three consecutive thrusts: the first for feint, the second for harassment, and the third for a killing blow.
However, a Three-stage Thrust means three attacks, not one as in the slashing test.
What Shangshan Che intended to do now was to simultaneously execute these three thrusts with his current extraordinary Physical Body Strength, and have them land on the same point.
Transforming three into one.
In the silent, static world, Shangshan Che felt as if he had become one with Kaga Kiyomitsu, the blade an extension of his own limbs.
He could clearly feel the tearing and destruction of the muscle fibers within his Body.
Then, in an instant before he himself could even react, he was inspired and swung the sword.
Natural Reason School · Three-stage Thrust!
Pat.
Shangshan Che gently withdrew Kaga Kiyomitsu from the chest of the Samurai Zan Maru, then, completely drained, leaned on his sword and knelt on one knee on the ground.
Everyone around, including the clerk, had their eyes wide open. They had just been drawn to the lightning that suddenly fell beside Shangshan Che, so they hadn’t realized what had happened.
Only the Samurai Zan Maru trembled slightly, and after one second, it fell backward with a “thump,” bounced back after touching the ground, and then roared with full force,
“Slash Power, thirty-eight thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight *kan*—dattebayo!!!”
Silence.
The plaza, filled with over a hundred people, was dead silent, all staring at Shangshan Che, who was kneeling on one knee.
Their expressions were either blank or shocked, but without exception, none could utter a single word.
Only the voice of the Samurai Zan Maru echoed ceaselessly.
In the crowd, a youth with a wooden sword at his waist, so refined in appearance that he looked like a girl, also stared at the figure on the plaza, his eyes shining with wonder.
‘In the future, I will also be like him…’
– Shangshan Che finally couldn’t hold on any longer, he let go of Kaga Kiyomitsu and sank powerlessly to the cracked stone floor.
With trembling hands, he sheathed the unmoving Kaga Kiyomitsu, exhaled, and then looked up.
Shangshan Che smiled at the dignified Samurai Zan Maru, which was as imposing as ever: “Hey, it seems I still have a long way to go.”
“Please do not underestimate yourself, Shangshan Jun.” The Samurai Zan Maru gazed at him peacefully, speaking each word seriously, “With this one sword strike alone, you will undoubtedly rank in the top fifty among the younger generation nationwide.”
Top fifty.
Only top fifty, really.
Shangshan Che’s eyes widened slightly. Sensing the low Spiritual Energy Concentration around him, he couldn’t help but break into a radiant smile,
“—That’s truly, wonderful.”
As the powerlessness within his Body continued to spread, the people and scenery around him quickly began to blur, including the Samurai Zan Maru right before him. Everything from that Bakumatsu period rapidly receded.
A moment later.
Vroom—
The harsh, sharp honking sound pulled Shangshan Che back to reality inside the constantly shaking and bumping cheap van.
“Sister Nanjo…”
He clutched his temple, which throbbed slightly, and clicked his tongue: “It’s fine if you don’t change the car, but why are you not even willing to repair or replace any parts.”
“I actually think that this kind of honking sound makes others understand what they are doing better.”
Nanjo Emi replied, then peeled the wrapper off another lollipop, offering the strawberry-flavored one to Shangshan Che: “Here, there’s one last one, do you want it?”
“You’ve already opened it, so why wouldn’t I eat it…”
Shangshan Che popped the lollipop into his mouth and was about to relax and check the current time and the rewards from the slash trial when he noticed Nanjo Emi’s strange gaze.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
Nanjo Emi narrowed her eyes, leaned forward from her seat, and said, “Shangshan Jun, you can break through just by taking a nap?”
Hearing this, Shangshan Che suddenly realized that the world in his eyes seemed to have changed.
It had become clearer, more organized, and… quieter.
He then turned to look at the Nure-onna and the Hiyori Bo in the trunk, both Shikigami nestled in her embrace, and realized he could seemingly predict their “next” movements by what he saw before him.
It seemed, he had indeed broken through.
Shangshan Che took a few deep breaths, gradually recovering from the exhaustion and boundless fatigue he had just experienced.
He shifted his gaze away from the two Shikigami huddled in the corner, distinguished them slightly, and found the prompt he was looking for—
【 Your Willpower attribute has exceeded 20 points! 】
【 Your State of Mind Rank has reached Mid-tier · Clear Mirror! 】
No wonder Sister Nanjo said he had broken through; his State of Mind had suddenly risen from its original Beginner-tier · Calm as Still Water to Mid-tier.
As for why his Willpower attribute had increased, it was naturally due to the rewards from the recent slash trial.
And based on his current feelings, this attribute reward should be quite substantial.
Shangshan Che continued to scroll down.
【 As your State of Mind Rank has reached Mid-tier · Clear Mirror, your Willpower attribute +5! 】
【 You have obtained a new status · Clear Mirror, Still Water. 】
【 Clear Mirror, Still Water: You will be able to cast aside distracting thoughts more quickly and focus on yourself. Your resistance to all mental illusion techniques has increased. You will be able to “pre-read” the actions of others. 】
【 — A clear mirror reflects the true heart; still water mirrors the heavens. 】
【 Mid-tier · Unity of Man and Sword （ Clear Mirror, Hundred Refinements, Return to One ）. 】
【 Current State of Mind Rank: Mid-tier · Clear Mirror 】
【 Note: Raising your Willpower attribute to 50 points will allow you to reach Mid-tier · Hundred Refinements. 】
Pre-read.
Shangshan Che blinked twice and found that he could still “predict” the “subsequent actions” of the Nure-onna and the Hiyori Bo.
So this was the so-called pre-reading… roughly meaning to judge future behavioral patterns and what they might do based on their current actions.
He then turned to look at Shizuma Manatsu and Nanjo Emi, who were sitting in the front.
Among them, the prediction time for Shizuma Manatsu was the longest, and Shangshan Che could even see what she would do in the next five to six seconds.
However, when the precognitive ability was applied to Nanjo Emi, it seemed to have completely failed.
What was the reason for this?
Nanjo Emi’s lips curved slightly, “You can’t see me, can you?”
Shangshan Che nodded honestly.
Nanjo Emi pulled out the grape-flavored lollipop from her mouth, a faint crystal forming. She swayed the lollipop, then made it disappear before Shangshan Che’s eyes without any warning.
“It’s very simple, because the ‘Clear Mirror’ in your heart cannot reflect me.”
Nanjo Emi, having somehow put the lollipop back in her mouth, continued, “People cannot understand things beyond their own cognition, Shangshan Jun. That’s how I am in your eyes right now.”
Shangshan Che understood.
—Simply put, Sister Nanjo was now far, far stronger than him, resulting in an infinite number of possible futures to predict, which naturally equated to being unable to predict anything at all.
“But Shangshan Jun, you’re a real freak.” Nanjo Emi crunched half of the lollipop with her canine teeth and glanced at him. “To break through in spiritual cultivation while sleeping and driving? If this got out, no one would believe it.”
“It was luck, pure luck.”
Shangshan Che said very humbly.
He was, in fact, just an ordinary person who happened to have a slight cheat.
Seeing Nanjo Emi turn away without further questioning, Shangshan Che summoned Nishaku and had her go and socialize with the two figures behind them.
Nure-onna blinked. “Eek? Nishaku, why is your head so pointy and glowing?”
Hiyori Bo circled around. “You don’t have an LED light on your back, do you?”
Nishaku placed her hands on her hips and explained to them the story of how she had secured a position and become a “Bodhisattva of Buddhism.”
Currently, “Nishaku Adult” was displaying immense power, being omnipotent and saving Shangshan Che from dire straits multiple times.
Shangshan Che didn’t stop her, seeing this—if it meant Nishaku could develop a bond with those two, then a slight sacrifice of his image was of no consequence.
He came back to his senses and looked at the large pile of prompts that were still hanging in mid-air—
【 Because your Attack Power reached 500 koku, satisfying the minimum standard for “Samurai Assessment,” you will receive the basic reward for the special trial.
【 You slayed “Zan Maru,” and your Attack Power reached 3000 koku! Your reward has been moderately increased!
【 You slayed “Ashigaru Zan Maru,” and your Attack Power reached 5000 koku! Your reward has been moderately increased!
【 You struck “Samurai Zantetsumaru,” your final Attack Power is 38,000 koku! This exceeds the “Famous Sword” baseline, and your reward has been greatly increased!
【 Calculating your final reward…
【 Calculation complete!
【 Your Willpower attribute +10!
【 Your era reputation in Bakumatsu · Edo region +1000!
【 Current notoriety: Widely known.
【 You have gained the recognition of “Nameless Swordsman.”
【 You have obtained Shikigami · Samurai Zantetsumaru （ Four-Star ） ×1
There were a total of four rewards.
Shangshan Che was satisfied with three of the rewards, except for not understanding the purpose of “Bakumatsu · Edo region era reputation.”
In fact, he was extremely satisfied!
Firstly, the significant increase of 10 points in Willpower directly broke through his State of Mind rank to Intermediate Stage · Like a Mirror, and he gained an ability very useful in actual combat—”Precognition.”
After the breakthrough, his Willpower attribute increased by another 5 points, now surpassing his Spiritual Arts attribute and becoming the second strongest among his four attributes.
Without equipping any items, Shangshan Che’s attribute values had become—
【 Physique: 32
【 Willpower: 31
【 Charm: 9
【 Spiritual Arts: 24
The increase in Willpower attribute was not as obvious as Physique and Spiritual Arts.
However, the constant perception of his surroundings through his five senses, and his increasingly clear and rapid thinking, made Shangshan Che realize that this improvement was absolutely tangible.
As for the specific improvements, he would understand them after a spar with Lili Zi later.
Next was the “Recognition of the Nameless Swordsman.”
Although Shangshan Che didn’t quite understand why he received recognition from a Nameless Swordsman far away in Edo Castle for defeating Zan Maru in a trial, it was a good thing nonetheless.
Since the prompt had appeared, it meant that he wouldn’t be turned away if he took his broken Walker Token to the Nameless Swordsman.
Perfect, after returning, he could first visit Edo Castle to complete the task of upgrading his Walker identity, and then ask if the Fortune-Telling Stick Cylinder could be used for Walking Assemblies.
Having planned his subsequent actions, Shangshan Che looked at the last reward, his eyes twitching slightly.
—Samurai Zantetsumaru.
Directly rewarding him with a Four-Star Shikigami was indeed generous, but where should such a large entity be kept?
Zan Maru couldn’t be carried around, and it didn’t seem to be able to move easily on its own… He hadn’t seen the clerk before placing Zan Maru out of a brocade pouch inscribed with Onmyōdō.
Shangshan Che shook his head, still preferring to first check the status panel of the Samurai Zantetsumaru, which he had not yet defeated.
【 Samurai Zantetsumaru
【 Quality: Rare
【 Rank: Four-Star
【 Rank Cap: Four-Star
【 Talents: Adept at Contracts, Size Change, Hit Measurement, Single-Minded Cultivation, House Guardian
The rank was indeed Four-Star.
However, Zan Maru’s “Four-Star” had a bit of a margin for error — because it likely only represented its ability to withstand attacks up to the Four-Star level in terms of force.
【 Adept at Contracts: Samurai Zantetsumaru has extremely low contract difficulty and imposes no requirements on the contractor.
【 Size Change: Samurai Zantetsumaru can freely change its size by 1 to 10 times according to the contractor’s will.
Shangshan Che nodded repeatedly as he read.
These two talents were quite good; the Onmyoji who designed them was quite insightful.
【 Hit Measurement: Regardless of the method used to attack Samurai Zantetsumaru, it will precisely report the attacker’s power. Attack power tolerance: One hundred thousand koku.
【 Note: Samurai Zantetsumaru will explode after receiving an attack exceeding its tolerance limit. Please ensure safety.
“One hundred thousand koku.”
Shangshan Che gazed at this number for a moment, recalling that his full-strength attack was 38,888 koku.
“Still a long way from Ghost God level.”
Shangshan Che exhaled, it was no wonder his precognition couldn’t see through Nanjo Emi—ordinary Ghost God level beings would probably be like mud dolls compared to Sister Nanjo.
【 Single-Minded Cultivation: When cultivating near Samurai Zantetsumaru, cultivation speed increases.
【 House Guardian: Samurai Zantetsumaru naturally possesses “Samurai’s Aura,” which can scare away petty thieves, ward off evil, and pacify residences.
Overall, Samurai Zantetsumaru was a very good support Shikigami.
—If you place it at home, every time you think of a new move, you can chop at it. It won’t cry out in pain, but will accurately report the damage of your move.
And it can change size, making it more convenient when space is limited.
Beyond this, there was another prompt.
【 Your skill, Natural Reason School Proficiency +300!
This was the proficiency increase Shangshan Che gained from forcibly combining the three strikes of the Three-stage Thrust into one.
Although his current physical strength did not allow him to use this move, the muscle memory and feeling of wielding the sword at that moment were firmly etched into Shangshan Che’s memory.
He nodded with satisfaction. Although this Fishing Master session had suddenly turned into a Slash trial, the overall gains were actually quite a bit more.
Especially the recognition of the Nameless Swordsman—Shangshan Che had originally thought his identity promotion quest would be stuck, but unexpectedly, he made a breakthrough here.
Leaning back in the cheap seat, Shangshan Che casually swiped through the panel, taking stock of the various items he currently possessed.
“Damn, I almost forgot to continue promoting White Hannya.”
He frowned and rubbed his temples. He had been interrupted by a knock on the door just as he was about to continue promoting White Hannya at the hotel.
This interruption had cost him more than two days.
He had been busy dealing with Goto Yoko and the Masters of Hongyuan Temple that day, and after the fight, he had gone straight to sleep without thinking too much.
If it weren’t for the rare free time to browse his panel, Shangshan Che estimated he would have lost another few days.
That guy named Nishi something Ryota… he died too easily.
With a grudge of wanting to dig up Nishiyama Ryota’s void grave, Shangshan Che used his thought to click “Promote” on the White Hannya card.
In a flash, 4 Soul Incense Ash （ and 1 Soul Incense Ash （ were consumed.
White Hannya was promoted from Two-Star to Two-and-a-Half Star, requiring only 250 points of Soul Incense Ash, an increase of only 100 points, much less than double the original.
【 “White Hannya （ Adult Body ）” is upgrading: 0% （ Remaining time 20 days ）
The upgrade time also only increased by five days, which was unprecedentedly reasonable.
Shangshan Che had expected that these two would become “300 points” and “30 days” respectively.
However, he didn’t dare to be happy too soon.
As the saying goes—gifts from fate are marked with a price on the back.
Shangshan Che always felt that what he saved now would be paid back double later; he had felt a similar sense of dark humor when he drew from the first Gacha Pool.
Speaking of Gacha Pools…
【 Soul Ash: 2080
There was still plenty of Soul Ash, enough for another ten pulls.
However, the animation for the Gacha Pull was a bit too loud, and to avoid any accidents, he would wait until after separating from Sister Nanjo to pull.
Shangshan Che glanced at the remaining promotion time for the Four-tailed Fox. Yes, it was about five days left.
It would be enough to complete it before the True Sword Match.
…
“Sister Nanjo, where are you taking me? Do you want to take out my kidney and send it to the Yakuza?”
Shangshan Che looked out of the frosted car window. The surrounding buildings were becoming lower, and the vehicles and pedestrians were gradually thinning out.
They had driven from the city center of Arakawa Ward to the outskirts.
Nanjo Emi’s voice came faintly from the front: “If you don’t want to see the new house and prefer to share a sleeping mat with us at the Special Affairs Office, Manatsu wouldn’t have any objections either.”
New house?
Shangshan Che was surprised. This matter had only been brought up not long ago, and it was already ready?
What kind of absurd speed was this?
“No, I have objections.” He immediately raised his hand. “I think it’s better to go and see the accommodation.”
Shizuma Manatsu showed no reaction to this banter, continuing to drive the van at a steady pace—she had argued with Lili Zi and Little Runa so much that playful banter was nothing she took seriously.
Soon, the van drove into a newly built villa complex.
Shangshan Che looked at the rows of villas on both sides and the gardens within the fences, each at least 200 square meters of usable space, and exclaimed, “This is where I’m going to live?”
“No.”
Nanjo Emi pointed to the edge of the villa complex, but also to the largest and tallest villa: “That is your new home.”
Without even going inside or getting out of the car, Shangshan Che could feel the spiritual energy concentration around him slightly increase.
“Damn, how much will it increase once I actually go in…”
Shangshan Che smacked his lips slightly, squinted his eyes, and seemed to see an invisible barrier enveloping the villa.
Besides a Spirit Gathering Barrier, was there also one for exorcism?
The van stopped at the villa’s doorway.
So Shangshan Che turned around, brought Nishaku, who was currently “strictly selecting” with Nure-onna and the others, pointed to the large gate, and asked,
“Nishaku Adult, what do you feel?”
“Che Adult, what are you…”
Nishaku Adult immediately flipped her phone screen down, intending to protest indignantly, but upon seeing the villa’s entrance, she immediately shrank back and whispered, “If it weren’t Che Adult’s Shikigami, I think I would die.”
The barrier’s killing power is between One-and-a-Half Star and Two-Star.
Shangshan Che patted the girl’s head and pushed her back. “Say goodbye to your friends, we’re leaving.”
After saying this, Shangshan Che pondered with some confusion—Nishaku Adult was so much older than me, why do I feel like a helicopter parent?
“Po.”
Nishaku Adult nodded, cheerfully said goodbye to the two, then skipped over like a child, looking up expectantly. “Che Adult, can you buy me a mobile phone later?”
Shangshan Che: “…”
He didn’t need to think to know what Nishaku Adult would do once she got a phone.
However…
“I’ll buy it for you, I’ll buy it for you.”
To successfully help Nishaku Adult make friends and reduce his own pressure, Shangshan Che agreed to Nishaku Adult’s request.
“Hooray!”
The girl wearing a white hat raised her hand and cheered, hugging Hiyori Bo, who flew over.
Shangshan Che took the opportunity to check her promotion progress. Yes, it had reached 28%, so it seemed that the Abbot from Hongyuan Temple was paying close attention to Nishaku Adult’s tablet.
After getting out of the van, Shangshan Che heard the sound of a car window rolling down, and then Shizuma Manatsu’s voice came through.
“If nothing unexpected happens, Lili Zi should have moved in already… She should be cultivating inside right now. Shangshan Jun, just knock on the door. Nanjo Great Officer and I will be leaving now.”
“OKOK.”
Shangshan Che nodded. To prevent Nishaku Adult from causing trouble with Lili Zi again, he sent the currently very happy Nishaku back to the Ksitigarbha Statue, and then watched the van drive away slowly.
However, before he could even knock on the iron gate outside, he saw a familiar figure push the door open and come out from inside.
“Student Kitano?” Shangshan Che smiled as he saw Kitano Runa, who had run over to open the iron gate upon seeing him. “Long time no see.”
“Long time no see?”
Kitano Runa blinked in confusion. It had only been a day or two, was that considered a long time?
However, she immediately put these trivial matters aside, raised her chin, and said, pointing to herself.
“Hehe, but these past two days, after Lili Zi’s guidance, I’ve already grasped 《 Basic Spirit Absorption Method 》 and can absorb Spiritual Energy faster now!”
Shangshan Che slightly sensed it and discovered that Kitano Runa’s spiritual power had at least quadrupled since their last meeting.
She had only started cultivating recently, which was indeed a very fast rate of progress.
“But the Basic Spirit Absorption Method is also really difficult.”
Kitano Runa stuck out her tongue, making a bitter face: “I always feel like it’s harder than the last small question on the final part of the calculus exam.”
No, it’s not that difficult at all.
Shangshan Che, however, felt that the Basic Spirit Absorption Method was comparable in difficulty to the multiplication tables, something any normal person with average intelligence could learn.
“Ah! I almost forgot this is your place, Shangshan Jun!”
Kitano Runa, blocking the doorway, lowered her head apologetically and stepped aside: “Please come in, please come in. Today, because I really couldn’t understand the Spirit Absorption Method, I came to find Lili Zi. Sorry for intruding.”
Shangshan Che waved his hand: “Such small matters are fine… Are you sure it’s okay for you to go out alone, Student Kitano?”
“That’s why I’m still standing inside the barrier.” Kitano Runa sighed.
She pointed at the black car driving on the road in the distance: “After discovering that I truly have a knack for causing trouble, I definitely won’t cause any more trouble for everyone—so now they’re sending special affairs office cars to pick me up!”
“But this isn’t considered abusing public resources.”
Kitano Runa coughed twice: “This is just an S-class privilege, yes, a privilege.”
Seeing the black luxury car approaching, Shangshan Che waved to her,
“Then, Student Kitano, have a safe trip.”
Kitano Runa blinked, then peeked at the villa before suddenly revealing a sweet smile and whispering, “Lili Zi is still on the first floor… Shangshan Jun, you should be able to open the door with facial recognition, so please be sure not to knock.”
After saying something rather obscure, Kitano Runa got into the car.
Shangshan Che rubbed his finger, facial recognition.
He’d try it then; he hadn’t experienced what it felt like to open a door with such high technology yet.
Shangshan Che held his breath and silently paced to the villa’s doorway before raising his head and aiming at the pinhole camera at the entrance.
*Click.*
With a soft sound, the door opened.
