Chapter 155: True Sword Match, Three Straight Victories! Hundred-eyed Demon’s Initiative
Heavenly thunder descends!
With the Blessed Folding Fan releasing heavenly thunder of terrifying speed, even Shangshan Che, the wielder himself, had no time to react and dodge.
Of course, he never intended to dodge from the start.
From the moment the thought was born, Shangshan Che’s plan was to unleash the thunder when Kuzuha Chihaya closed in for her final blow.
To have the awe-inspiring heavenly thunder envelop them both.
Gazing at Kuzuha Chihaya, who was close enough to be seen in the pinpoint pupils of his eyes, Shangshan Che offered her a slight smile, opening his mouth as if to answer a question,
“Elder Sister, I actually have very strong lightning resistance…”
Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a torrent of crimson and purple lightning pillars pouring into the arena.
Rumble!
The roaring lightning dragon illuminated the pupils of every spectator, causing the weaker ones to tremble involuntarily, and casting the Onmyoji who had previously judged Shangshan Che’s Onmyōdō skills as mediocre into silence.
The crimson and purple lightning pillars persisted in the arena for several seconds, and the scattered lightning slurry even spread to the edge of the arena, slowly dissipating only after transforming a portion of the dust and sand within the arena into transparent crystalline layers.
As the lightning faded, the two scorched figures stood in place, then slowly collapsed together onto the hard crystalline layer.
At the edge of the arena, a spectator was stunned.
“Who, who won this?”
“They both collapsed, both losing their combat ability – isn’t that a draw!”
“No, that’s not right!” the local Dojo Master exclaimed, “Look, Kuzuha Chihaya’s finger moved!”
Everyone fixed their gaze and discovered that it was indeed true.
The fingers of Kuzuha Chihaya’s hand, which still held the naginata even after being struck by heavenly thunder, twitched slightly.
Although the movement was still very small – compared to her, Shangshan Che remained motionless.
The victory and defeat seemed to have been decided at that moment.
But before two seconds passed, the spectator who had previously vowed to publish a photo collection of Two-Foot Adult suddenly took out his camera again and shouted, “A draw? What are you talking about! Didn’t you see that cute little shikigami nearby!”
——Two-Foot Adult, who had been hiding her presence at the edge of the arena, took a few deep breaths. She recalled Shangshan Che’s heartfelt instructions and extended her hand.
A gray and white toy gun fell into her hand.
Then, she pulled the trigger towards Kuzuha Chihaya, who was staggering to her feet and struggling to lift her naginata.
Pew!
Kuzuha Chihaya, with her last ounce of strength, threw the snow-white snake-patterned naginata, which slowly swished past Two-Foot Adult’s cheek.
Feeling the icy cutting sensation on her cheek, she pulled the trigger without flinching.
Two-Foot Adult coldly declared, “It’s over.”
Pew.
A needle-like bullet, as thick as a little finger, pierced Kuzuha Chihaya’s back, causing her eyes to instantly black out, and she finally lost all consciousness.
Bang.
Kuzuha Chihaya collapsed powerlessly onto the ground.
Two-Foot Adult quickly stepped forward, and with each step, her body transformed from Two-Foot back to Hachishaku size.
Within seconds, she arrived beside Shangshan Che and carefully picked him up.
Ten seconds later, Shangshan Che, still feeling half-paralyzed, forced his eyes open and saw Hachishaku Adult’s concerned face from below.
“Won?” he mumbled, his lips barely moving, emitting an almost inaudible sound.
Hachishaku Adult breathed a sigh of relief and nodded heavily.
Then, she lifted the immobile Shangshan Che in her arms high.
Taking a deep breath and mustering her courage, she shouted to the majestic Kujo Obuya above, whose aura was like that of a demon, “Announce it! Che Adult has won!”
“Third match, Shangshan Che of the Special Affairs Office, wins.”
Kujo Obuya closed her eyes, “observing” Shangshan Che, whose aura was constantly recovering with each breath, with deep thought. A desire to recruit him arose in her heart.
She spoke casually, yet her voice instantly permeated the entire arena, resounding in everyone’s ears,
“—All three true sword matches were won by Shangshan Che of the Special Affairs Office.”
After a moment of silence, a deafening roar of cheers and applause erupted from the audience seats, as if to pierce the thick ground and reach the heavens.
Whether they were unfamiliar, looked down on, spoke against, or genuinely wished for Shangshan Che’s victory, all the spectators wholeheartedly offered their applause for this moment of triumph.
Regardless of faction or stance, the cheering crowd was simply amazed and incredulous at such an exquisite victory.
For whether this was a meticulously planned scheme or a desperate counterattack born of sudden inspiration, it could not conceal the fact that this was a beautiful battle.
At the edge of the arena fence, a bright flash of light appeared.
The photographer, who had taken out his camera again, captured this scene, deciding it would be the cover of Two-Foot Adult’s photo collection.
Countless eyes fell upon Shangshan Che, held aloft by Hachishaku Adult, already vaguely realizing that this name would illuminate the entire Eastern Region in the future.
Moreover, he had clearly already moved beyond the most vulnerable period of a “prodigy.”
At the side of the arena.
Lili Zi gazed at the Qi Barrier circulation re-established around Shangshan Che’s body, resting her chin on her hand, lost in thought.
She hadn’t had such a clear feeling when she broke through her own cultivation.
But now, observing as a rational third party, she immediately noticed the strangeness of the “Qi Circulation” in the Corona Breathing Technique.
Although she couldn’t pinpoint the exact issue, Lili Zi was certain there were flaws and deficiencies within it.
“Including the subsequent ‘Palace of Flesh’ body-training method, it also feels like something crucial is missing…”
Lili Zi closed her eyes and began to rapidly deduce in her mind.
At the notary’s table.
Tokugawa Hoshi’s eyes widened slightly, and a hint of joy appeared beneath her calm expression.
She won.
She actually won.
This Shangshan Che is truly a synonym for “surprise.”
In that case…
She glanced at Huijue, who seemed to be posting on his social media, and tapped her fingers on the wooden armrest.
After much deliberation, Tokugawa Hoshi took out a notebook from the lining of her clothes, which she had been updating and checking every night for a long time.
She handed it to Huijue, “Master Huijue, could you please give this notebook to my younger sister?”
“Please don’t say it’s from Tokugawa Hoshi,” Tokugawa Hoshi thought for a moment, “Just tell her you found it by the roadside.”
Huijue was slightly taken aback. Upon seeing the earnestness and sincerity in Tokugawa Hoshi’s eyes, he stopped smiling. He put the Sarira and mobile phone from his palm back into his pocket and took the notebook with both hands.
“This monk will certainly not fail the request of Benefactor Tokugawa.”
Huijue carefully put away the notebook and then asked, “Benefactor Tokugawa, aren’t you going to see Benefactor Lili Zi in person?”
“I won’t be going.”
Tokugawa Hoshi shook her head decisively, a faint trace of disappointment flashing in her eyes, “If I go to see her, further trouble will only follow.”
“Next, we notaries need to have a meeting with Nanjo Emi and Kujo Obuya. As the current mascot, Master Huijue, please go ahead.”
Tokugawa Hoshi stood up and nodded to Huijue.
Huijue stood up, clasped his hands together, and bowed slightly,
“Farewell, Benefactor.”
…
In the back, the tall Hachishaku Adult carefully carried the still-weak Shangshan Che inside.
As she turned her head to look for Shingo Kujo, who was responsible for healing, she heard a crisp voice.
“Please lie down here first, patient!”
The child, clad in a sea-blue robe, spread out a green lotus leaf, gesturing for Hachishaku Adult to place Shangshan Che on it.
“Also, Madam!” The child took out a small, clean white porcelain bottle from his waist and, after pouring some dew into Shangshan Che’s mouth, said, “Your size is a bit too large. If you don’t have any injuries needing treatment, could you please wait outside for a moment?”
“Oh! My apologies.”
Hachishaku Adult immediately reverted to her Two-Foot size, causing the one-meter-two-tall child to stare in surprise.
The child blinked, “Then it’s not necessary… Madam, please have a seat for now.”
Hachishaku Adult obediently knelt beside Shangshan Che and saw his complexion improving at a visible rate.
The scorched skin slowly peeled off, revealing fresh pink flesh underneath.
Shangshan Che could clearly feel the few drops of dew turning into an incredibly cool energy upon entering his mouth, and then rapidly nourishing his body in various ways.
He turned his head and looked at Shingo Kujo, who was treating Kuzuha Chihaya, “Your Excellency Kujo, is this your…”
“My shikigami, Yakushi Doji.”
Shingo Kujo turned back and explained.
He listened to the fierce discussions from outside, which sounded like they were about to break out into a fight, and smiled gently at Shangshan Che,
“Shangshan Jun, you fought very well. As expected of someone valued by Nanjō Great Officer.”
The tips of all ten of Shingo Kujo’s fingers simultaneously bloomed with different Onmyōdō techniques, healing Kuzuha Chihaya and Karatorishigure, who seemed to have emerged from a near-death state, at an astonishing rate.
His resonant voice continued,
“Furthermore, you held back even in extreme circumstances. Thank you.”
Shingo Kujo had not gone out to watch the third match earlier.
However, with his vision as a Great Onmyoji, seeing the similarly severe injuries on both of them, he understood what had happened almost instantly.
Shangshan Che wanted to shake his head, but he found his head still immobile, so he said, “What’s there to thank me for? It was just for myself…”
Shingo Kujo said slowly, “You can’t say that. Subjectivity is one thing, and objectivity is another.”
“—And besides yourself, very few people care about your subjective thoughts when you do something, and it’s not very meaningful.”
“Oh, Master, don’t talk to this gentleman anymore!”
The child saw Shangshan Che’s wounds cracking as he spoke, and quickly turned back to glare at Shingo Kujo, then immediately took out various medicines from his small pouch and sprinkled them on him.
A series of unknown miraculous ointments, powders, and liquids fell onto his skin.
In less than two minutes, Shangshan Che felt his condition restored to the point where he could move freely.
——It seemed that while the child’s treatment was not the same approach as Shingo Kujo’s, the results were equally astonishing.
The child asked, “Mister, how do you feel now?”
Shangshan Che slowly sat up, feeling the Qi Barrier circulation re-established within him, and nodded to the child, “I’m fine now.”
The child breathed a sigh of relief, smiled and nodded at him, then ran to Shingo Kujo to assist him.
——The benefits brought by the Qi Barrier circulation were unprecedentedly great.
In the past, Shangshan Che’s injuries would have at least been considered “serious,” and he would not have been “fine.”
In fact, one wrong move could have led to a near-death state.
But once the Qi Barrier circulation was established, his entire body’s condition would stabilize, and then gradually improve with the recovery of his internal Qi reserves until it reached optimal condition.
Just as Shangshan Che was about to shift his gaze away from his now fair fist, he suddenly saw a cold, world-weary face wearing a mask enter his vision.
It was Akatsuki Ran.
She had been the first to exit the ring, so naturally, she was the first to be treated and could move freely now.
Shangshan Che was wondering what she wanted to say when he saw a mobile phone appear next to her face, displaying LINE’s QR code interface.
“Add me on LINE,” Akatsuki Ran blinked, “Shangshan Jun.”
Hachishaku Adult, sitting beside him, was about to drag this treacherous enemy aside when she saw Shangshan Che raise his hand to stop her.
“Okay,” Shangshan Che nodded.
Hachishaku Adult’s mouth opened slightly, “Huh?”
——Since Akatsuki Ran had already shown goodwill to him, who had nearly beaten her to death just now, that was all the better.
Because from now on, they would all become colleagues, and it was best to maintain good relations between colleagues as much as possible.
Not to mention that Akatsuki Ran was a highly experienced hand at demon slaying.
Seeing Shangshan Che add her as a friend without hesitation, the corners of Akatsuki Ran’s eyes slightly lifted.
She pulled down her mask, exhaled warm air, and asked with a slightly flushed cheek, “Shangshan Jun, I like you, so if you have a chance in the future, can you please continue to hit me like before…”
Hearing this, and recalling her performance on the field earlier, Shangshan Che finally understood.
He suddenly realized that beneath Akatsuki Ran’s extremely cold exterior, she was actually a huge masochist.
A genuine one at that.
Shangshan Che’s mouth twitched, and he didn’t dare to answer directly, instead hedging with a casual remark.
In less than ten minutes, Karatorishigure, who had been half-dead, and Kuzuha Chihaya, who had been unconscious and in shock, had both recovered.
It could only be said that appointing Shingo Kujo as one of the notaries for the true sword matches was a very correct decision.
Karatorishigure, with his bandages removed, revealing his gaunt face, remained silent.
He admitted internally that Shangshan Che was stronger than him, but he was too embarrassed to say it directly.
“Although it’s a bit annoying that I was tricked in the end.”
Kuzuha Chihaya, on the other hand, generously twisted her neck and waved her hand grandly, “But Shangshan Jun, you are indeed a genius far surpassing me, someone who can be compared to Master Brother.”
“And from now on, we’ll be under the management of Nanjō Great Officer, Master mentioned that before, so since we’ve become colleagues…”
She twirled a strand of her newly grown blonde hair and said seductively, “How about we have some in-depth exchanges together, Elder Sister…”
“Let’s skip that, Elder Sister.”
Shangshan Che interrupted her with a raised hand before Kuzuha Chihaya could finish, causing her expression to stiffen. She took a deep breath, causing many of the wounds on her body to burst open again.
The child beside her immediately scurried over, frowning sternly, “Madam, your injuries haven’t healed yet, so please don’t get angry! Don’t get angry!”
“Alright, alright, I’m not angry.”
Kuzuha Chihaya waved her hand irritably and sat back down, letting Yakushi Doji diligently apply powder.
Seeing that she had stopped speaking, Shangshan Che enjoyed the peace and quiet, hugging Hachishaku Adult and leaning against the wall, quietly waiting for his injuries to fully recover.
During this time, he could also check the numerous proficiency notifications he had received from the battle—
【 Through fierce life-and-death combat, your skill, Natural Reason School, proficiency increased by a total of +415! 】
【 Through fierce life-and-death combat, your skill, Five Thunder Technique: Qi Amplification, proficiency increased by a total of +474! 】
As for the Corona Breathing Technique, which had broken through to Mastery Level, there was no activity.
——After this, at least during the “Palace of Flesh” stage, the advancement of the Corona Breathing Technique would have to rely solely on his own diligent effort, improving little by little.
The rapidly increasing proficiency required could not be gained by fighting others, and progress would regress if not practiced for even a single day.
This must be why the “Palace of Flesh” is known as the first formidable mountain on the path of breathing techniques.
Even if Shangshan Che’s proficiency wouldn’t regress, he still felt the weight of these three words.
“When I go to the Sengoku Period next, I can start Skin Tempering.”
Shangshan Che frowned in thought, unsure if the current cultivation speed of the Corona Breathing Technique would be completely dragged down by the flow of time, just like other skills.
After all, the method for increasing proficiency in the Corona Breathing Technique was different from other skills now.
He glanced at the current proficiency of his three skills—
【 Natural Reason School （ Mastery 2045/3000 ）】
【 Corona Breathing Technique （ Skin Tempering 272/1500 ）】
【 Five Thunder Technique: Qi Concentration （ Proficiency 479/1400 ）】
Natural Reason School was close to breaking through, but it wasn’t something that could be achieved in just three to five days; it still required gradual effort, step by step.
Shangshan Che waved his fingers, causing the proficiency panel to dissipate. He glanced at the intact items in his Storage Bag.
He thought to himself that it was fortunate he had put them away the moment the lightning struck, otherwise, these items would likely have turned to ash.
However, even so, the Priest’s Robe and the Blood-Stained Chick Crown, which were of the lowest quality, had sustained damage to varying degrees.
“I wonder if the Special Affairs Office has any blacksmiths who can repair equipment…”
Shangshan Che blinked, and suddenly a black and red prompt with a unique style appeared before him—
【 “Hundred-Eyed Demon” has sent you a trade request. 】
The Hundred-Eyed Demon from the Edo Castle Gacha Pool?
Had she digested the three eyeballs from before?
No, that’s not the main point.
Shangshan Che raised an eyebrow.
This Hundred-Eyed Demon could actually send him a trade request through the Gacha Pool that wasn’t even open?
If this continued… Shangshan Che wouldn’t be surprised if a Demon Incarnation that hadn’t been drawn yet from the Gacha Pool suddenly jumped out and said, “I’m actually alive, you know.”
Shangshan Che yawned, and just as he was about to see what good items the Hundred-Eyed Demon had brought out, a light but distinct knock came from the doorway.
Immediately after, Shizuma Manatsu’s calm voice came through: “Is Shangshan Jun in?”
“Nanjō Great Officer is looking for you.”
“Oh, alright.”
Picking up the Two-Foot Adult, Shangshan Che followed directly behind Shizuma Manatsu.
As for the Hundred-Eyed Demon, he would let her wait for a bit; after all, she was the one who initiated the trade request, so he wasn’t the one in a hurry.
In less than two minutes, Shangshan Che saw Shizuma Manatsu knock again, then turn to tell him to go in.
She herself stayed outside the door, kindly closing it for him.
Shangshan Che entered the conference room, looked around, and then set down the Two-Foot Adult, asking her to stand obediently behind him.
“Shangshan Che.”
Sitting in the deepest part of the conference room, directly facing Shangshan Che and Nanjo Emi, Kujo Obuya suddenly spoke, her words astonishing: “Do you want to come to Obscure Moon Hall and take me as your Master.”
She opened her right eye, which she hadn’t opened in who knows how long, and pointing to her moon-white glazed pupil, she said softly, “I can give it to you.”
Shangshan Che stared at the eye, which was like a clear moon, gazing at the diamond-shaped pupil in its center slowly emitting starlight, and clearly saw the nine nested blood-colored patterns swirling behind the pupil…
This eye is so beautiful…
“Don’t cross the line, Kujo Obuya.”
Nanjo Emi spoke, and her small Hiyori Bo landed in front of Shangshan Che’s eyes, blocking his vision perfectly as it lay across.
For a moment, Shangshan Che felt a surge of intense nausea and revulsion, followed by a sensation of the entire world spinning and distorting.
This all began to improve only after a Nure-onna took its place in front of him and the Hiyori Bo landed on his head.
Shangshan Che gasped for breath with difficulty, realizing that this was one of Kujo Obuya’s eye’s abilities… or perhaps not even an ability, just a passive effect.
“Demon Eye: Moon Viewing.”
Kujo Obuya closed her eye and said as if nothing had happened: “As long as you agree, Shangshan Che, I will immediately gouge it out and give it to you.”
“—This eye is the secret to how I was able to break through to the Ghost God Realm a hundred years ago and then remain unmatched at the same level.”
She smiled: “And at the same time, it has been a great chasm that has been suppressing my Clear Sword Heart.”
“However, judging by the talent you’ve displayed, Shangshan Che, you should be able to overcome its side effects easily.”
Kujo Obuya said: “That’s what I think.”
She “looked at” Nanjo Emi, who remained completely unfazed, without even a change in expression, allowing herself to be wantonly recruited,
“So, what is your answer?”
“—Thank you for your generosity, Kujo-sama, but I think I’ll pass.”
Shangshan Che shook his head: “I have no interest in attaching unknown demon organs to myself.”
He could already transform into a demon without any side effects; if he were to take such unknown risks by attaching these, wouldn’t that be a case of abandoning the fundamental for the trivial?
“Is that so, then never mind.”
Kujo Obuya nodded casually, as if she hadn’t just offered such a high price to recruit Shangshan Che: “Then, treat me as air and continue your discussion.”
Shangshan Che was taken aback by this statement.
Why did it feel like… the actual Kujo Obuya was quite different from the “Edo Murderer” of legend, who was known for killing both demons and people, and whose moods were unpredictable even after over a hundred years.
Except for the moment she opened her eye, Kujo Obuya’s demeanor was entirely one of casual laziness.
Was this also a disguise?
Shangshan Che didn’t ponder further and instead looked at Nanjo Emi: “Sister Nanjo, what did you want to see me for?”
Nanjo Emi turned and gestured with her chin towards the doorway behind him: “Actually, it wasn’t me who wanted to see you, but Ms. Tokugawa.”
Ms. Tokugawa?
Tokugawa Hoshi?!
Shangshan Che’s eyebrows twitched wildly. He immediately turned around, shielding the Two-Foot Adult and Nanjo Emi in front of him.
—She deliberately blocked the doorway to prevent me from escaping and beat me up, right!
But who would have thought that Tokugawa Hoshi would actually chuckle upon seeing his reaction and say, “Thank you.”
The unexpected words caused Shangshan Che to fall into puzzled thought.
Huh?
What’s going on?
Why is Tokugawa Hoshi saying thank you to me?
Could it be that I actually fainted for three days and three nights after being struck by lightning, and a bunch of events just jumped out inexplicably?
“Little Sister has been under your care these past few days, Shangshan Jun.”
Tokugawa Hoshi’s words interrupted his thoughts.
She continued: “Because Little Sister suddenly ran away from home on her own before, I didn’t know where she went or what she experienced.”
“It was only a few days ago when Haruhiko returned that I learned she had actually gone to Tokyo.”
Tokugawa Hoshi propped her foot against the door and continued to gaze at the ground: “Just now, I have finished understanding many things about you and Lili Zi from Nanjō Great Officer, so I said thank you first.”
“And then, I must also apologize.”
The girl with the high ponytail smiled at him: “Although there was no direct physical attack, verbal attacks are still attacks, right?”
She casually took out a sapphire teardrop-shaped gem from her pocket and tossed it towards Shangshan Che.
Shangshan Che immediately reached out and caught it.
“This little thing is a decent protective charm for you.”
Tokugawa Hoshi shrugged: “If you really don’t want to wear it, you can give it to Lili Zi.”
As soon as the gem entered his hand, Shangshan Che felt a warm, smooth sensation from his palm.
He looked down, and upon seeing the prompt that popped up from the gem, he fell silent.
【 Star 】
【 Quality: Epic 】
【 Effect: Increases breathing technique cultivation speed, increases sword technique cultivation speed, and increases mental perception speed. Possesses powerful effects for condensing essence, nurturing qi, and calming the spirit. 】
【 — A pendant worn by Tokugawa Hoshi since childhood, witnessing her countless days and nights of cultivation, hardship, effort, failure, and growth.
Now she entrusts it to you. 】
Shangshan Che didn’t know what to say for a moment.
He lowered his head, pretending to observe the sapphire gem for a while, but in reality, he was carefully considering how to respond.
Shangshan Che: “An apology is enough, you don’t need to give me anything else…”
“This is not compensation, nor is it a reward.”
Tokugawa Hoshi put her hands in her pockets and smiled, showing her teeth: “Consider it a wedding gift from me for Little Sister. Please forgive my poor family circumstances.”
“Lili Zi and I aren’t at that stage yet…”
“Perhaps not yet.” Tokugawa Hoshi took two steps closer and pointed at him: “But Third Sister is rooting for you both.”
Seeing Shangshan Che fall silent again, Tokugawa Hoshi patted him heavily on the shoulder: “So Shangshan Jun, you must treat her well!”
She put away her smile, clenched her fist, and said word by word,
“Otherwise, I’ll come all the way from the ends of the earth to chop you!”
With that said, Tokugawa Hoshi left without a single pause, slamming the door behind her—decisive, refreshing, and neat.
Leaving only half of her disappearing figure for Shangshan Che.
…
Meanwhile, in the previous backstage lounge.
“Benefactor Tokugawa, are you free now?”
Lili Zi, who was leaning against the wall and deducing the Palace of Flesh, and upon deducing it, found that it also seemed to have flaws from before, opened her eyes in surprise.
“Master Huijue?”
Huijue clasped his hands together: “It has been a long time, Benefactor Tokugawa. Your cultivation has improved by more than a little.”
He took out the booklet that Tokugawa Hoshi had given him from his pocket,
“Benefactor Tokugawa, I just picked up this notebook on the ground, and suddenly I had an inspiration to give it to you. Please accept it.”
Lili Zi stared at Huijue’s smiling yet serious expression and, without further words, directly took the notebook and began to read it.
However, when Lili Zi opened the first page and saw the familiar yet unfamiliar handwriting, her pupils contracted sharply, and even her breathing rhythm faltered slightly.
She immediately looked up: “Master Huijue! Where is she…”
Huijue emphasized: “I just found this on the ground.”
Lili Zi fell silent.
She closed her mouth, rubbed the surface of the notebook with her fingertips for a while, and bowed to Huijue: “In that case, Lili Zi thanks Master Huijue here.”
“Well said.”
Huijue nodded at her: “Then I shall take my leave.”
After Huijue left, Akatsuki Ran, who had overheard the words “Tokugawa, Lili Zi” in the corner of the lounge, raised her head and stared somewhat blankly at the “ordinary person” wearing a mask and a hood.
Is she… Tokugawa Lili Zi?
Lili Zi, sensing Akatsuki Ran’s gaze, did not look up but instead, with barely contained eagerness, opened the notebook and began to read it carefully.
She murmured inwardly: “It’s Third Sister’s understanding of cultivation.”
“Sea of Qi, Palace of Flesh, Five Viscera Immortal… Internal Quenching of Five Organs, Qi Guan Four Extremities, Double Heavenly Circulation, Clear and Bright Hundred Apertures…”
Lili Zi read word by word with thirst, carefully turning each page, afraid of bending or creasing any of them.
In just a few minutes, this knowledge solved most of the problems Lili Zi had encountered in her previous deductions and also pointed the way forward for her.
“Third Sister…”
Lili Zi clutched the notebook tightly and solemnly placed it over her heart.
…
Leaving the conference room with Nanjo Emi and Shizuma Manatsu, Shangshan Che couldn’t help but sigh.
Just now, he had actually sensed a hint of urgency in Tokugawa Hoshi’s tone.
That’s right, urgency.
This Eldest Sister of the Tokugawa family, unmatched among her peers, a Ghost God Realm cultivator whose name echoed throughout most of Japan, actually revealed a sense of urgency in her words.
As for why Tokugawa Hoshi felt urgent, the answer was self-evident from her words just now.
Therefore, Shangshan Che asked: “Sister Nanjo, how does the Special Affairs Office compare to the Tokugawa family?”
“—The Special Affairs Office is slightly stronger, but not by too much compared to the current Tokugawa family.”
Nanjo Emi, upon hearing this question, rubbed her nose bridge in distress: “As the head of the Three Great Families, the Tokugawa family’s strength is naturally unfathomable.”
“But more importantly, it is within the jurisdiction of the Onmyo-ryo.”
“Shangshan Jun, I know what you want to ask.” Nanjo Emi slowed her pace and spoke beside him: “If it were before, when the Special Affairs Office and the Onmyo-ryo were not separated, the Tokugawa family would naturally not dare to do anything.”
“But now it’s different.”
Nanjo Emi said coldly: “People as upright and open-minded as Kujo Shingo are rare. No one knows how many connections the Tokugawa family has made within the Onmyo-ryo.”
“Moreover, Lili Zi does indeed have Tokugawa family blood flowing through her.”
Shangshan Che was not surprised that she knew this.
—Even if Nanjo Emi hadn’t known before, Tokugawa Hoshi must have clarified the situation when they were talking earlier.
Nanjo Emi let out a soft breath: “Afterwards, I will talk with Lili Zi and see what her thoughts are.”
She glanced sideways, gazing into Shangshan Che’s eyes, and said faintly,
“If needed, I will support you with all my might.”
Shangshan Che did not say thank you.
Nanjo Emi paused, as if remembering something, and added,
“Oh, and regarding the reward for winning the True Sword Match that we agreed on earlier.”
