Bleach: From the moment I was invited by Squad Zero.

Upon hearing this, Liu Chuan shook his head and explained calmly:

“It’s not official business. When I joined the Zero Division, there was an agreement that I wouldn’t need to be stationed at the Soul King’s Palace and could return to the Soul Society to live. So, this is like… going home.”

"No need to reside permanently at the Spirit King Palace? Can I return to my original residence?"

Shiba Kaien was taken aback again; this was completely different from the ironclad rules of the Zero Division that he knew.

He nodded, not delving into the matter further, as it involved internal affairs of the Spirit King Palace and it was inconvenient to ask too many questions.

At this moment, Rukia, who had been curiously eavesdropping, couldn't help but interject, looking at Yanagawa with curiosity:

"Liu Chuan-kun, what exactly is the Spirit King Palace like? Is it like the legends, with magnificent palaces everywhere, floating in the clouds, and spiritual particles so dense they've become tangible? Is there anything particularly magical about it?"

Faced with Rukia's curious question, Yanagawa paused for two seconds, seemingly recalling the empty and desolate palace of the Soul King Palace and the several "landlords" with very different personalities, before giving an answer that surprised everyone:

"A...very boring place. Apart from the high concentration of spiritual particles and the clearer rules, making it suitable for old guys to retire, do research, or tinker with some strange things, there's nothing special about it. If you stay there for too long, you'll easily get bored."

"Boring? Retirement?" Rukia blinked, clearly not expecting such a comment.

In her imagination, and in the imagination of most of the Grim Reapers, the Soul King's Palace should be a sacred, majestic, and mysterious supreme holy place.

However, among the actual residents of Liuchuan, it has become a "boring place suitable for retirement."

This contrast amused her, and she was also intrigued by Liu Chuan's bland, almost disdainful tone.

Upon hearing this, Shiba Kaien and Ukitake Jushiro exchanged a smile, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Yanagawa's unique "evaluation".

Perhaps only someone as "unconventional" as him, who even finds the Soul King Palace "boring," would choose to refuse to stay permanently and return to the Soul Society.

The topic quickly shifted back to the thrilling battle that had just taken place.

Recalling his disheveled and powerless state after losing his Zanpakuto, Shiba Kaien's smile gradually faded, and his eyes became serious and introspective.

"That was really embarrassing."

He shook his head self-deprecatingly, his tone carrying a hint of lingering fear and a profound lesson.

"If it weren't for Lord Yanagawa's timely intervention and his use of my own power, the consequences would have been unimaginable. That Hollow's ability was too bizarre, but ultimately, it was my own fatal weakness—I relied too much on my Zanpakuto."

He looked at his empty hands, then at the seemingly ordinary "Tianzhen" sword at Liu Chuan's waist:

"Once my Zanpakuto is taken away, or I encounter a special situation where I cannot use my Zanpakuto, my combat power drops by more than half. I can't stand up to anyone with Kido, Hakuda, or Shunpo."

The 'Crimson Fire Cannon' I just used wasn't even enough to tickle me... Thinking about it now, I'm truly ashamed."

He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over Captain Ukitake's gentle yet concerned eyes, then looking at Rukia's worried face, and said with a wry smile:

"In the past, I was always called a 'genius' and I became a bit arrogant, thinking that with my Zanpakuto and decent swordsmanship talent, I could handle most situations."

Today's battle has truly woken me up.

My so-called talent is like child's play; I was blinded by the halo of genius and neglected the most basic, comprehensive cultivation and accumulation.

His words were filled with genuine self-reflection and a sense of frustration.

As a genius of the Shiba family and the vice-captain of the 13th Division, he saw the gap between himself and truly top-tier fighters for the first time so clearly.

It's not just about the level of strength, but also about perfecting one's own power system and the ability to respond to emergencies.

Yanagawa's effortless mastery of the Demonic Arts, and his composure, taught him a vivid lesson.

Jushiro Ukitake coughed lightly twice and spoke gently:

"Haiyan, the greatest gain is that you can realize this. The path to growth is full of lessons and reflections. If you can make up for your shortcomings after this battle, your future achievements will be limitless."

Rukia nodded vigorously, "Brother Kaien, you can do it! You've always been the best!"

Looking at Shiba Kaien's earnest reflection, Yanagawa felt a certain appreciation.

The ability to recognize one's own weaknesses so quickly, and not to dwell on failure or the empty title of "genius," is truly a rare quality.

The atmosphere became much more relaxed through honest communication and reflection.

At this moment, Liu Chuan remembered the important matter and pointed to the direction of the vaguely visible giant pit deep in the forest.

"Alright, we can talk about this later. Deputy Captain Haiyan, there's a 'small matter' that I'm afraid I really need to trouble you with, or rather, trouble your Zhibo family."

Liu Chuan said, "The 'Heavenly Pillar Carriage' I rode here had a slight deviation when it landed and crashed into the woods over there."

That thing is too large, and since it involves the Spirit King's Palace, it's inconvenient to leave it in the wilderness for long. We'll have to trouble the Shiba family to send someone to retrieve and transport it away.”

"The Heavenly Pillar Chariot?!" Shiba Kaien naturally knew what the Heavenly Pillar Chariot was. It was a special means of transportation connecting the Soul King Palace and the Soul Society, driven by the Shiba family's secret techniques.

Unexpectedly, Liu Chuan came down in it, and even crashed into the wrong spot.

Shiba Kaien suddenly realized, then said seriously, "Don't worry, Lord Yanagawa, leave this to me. I'll send a message home immediately and have Kukaku arrange for people to come and retrieve it. The Shiba family is very familiar with the retrieval process for the Heavenly Pillar Carriage."

"Thank you for your trouble." Liu Chuan nodded.

"Oh, by the way," Shiba Kaien said, remembering something, and extended a warm invitation.

"Since Lord Yanagawa has returned to Soul Society, if you don't mind, why don't you come with us to the 13th Division barracks for a short rest?"

Let me also extend a small token of my hospitality and express my gratitude for your help today. It just so happens that the specific details regarding the retrieval of the Heavenly Pillar Carriage require some time to be arranged.”

Jushiro Ukitake smiled and said, "Yes, Lord Yanagawa, please do me the honor of joining us. Although the 13th Division is simple, we do have tea and refreshments."

Rukia also looked at Yanagawa expectantly.

After a moment's thought, Liu Chuan nodded in agreement; he really didn't have anything urgent to attend to.

"Then I'll have to trouble you."

Chapter 44 The Spirit King's Right Arm

Inside the 13th Division barracks, the atmosphere was harmonious due to Yanagawa's unexpected visit and gratitude for Vice Captain Kaien's help.

Yanagawa was led to an elegant tea room, where he was personally entertained by Shiba Kaien, with Ukitake Jushiro accompanying him with a smile, and Rukia taking care of him from the side.

The aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the conversation gradually shifted from the thrilling battle to some lighthearted banter.

However, just as everyone was chatting, Jushiro Ukitake, who had been listening quietly, suddenly changed his expression.

He suddenly raised his hand to cover his mouth, his body leaned forward violently, and he let out a series of uncontrollable, violent coughs.

"Cough cough cough! Ugh—cough cough!!"

The cough was far more violent than his usual weak cough, as if an invisible hand was churning wildly inside his chest.

His thin body trembled violently, his already pale face instantly lost all color, revealing an almost transparent bluish-gray hue, veins bulged on his forehead and neck, and cold sweat poured down his face.

"Captain!" Shiba Kaien and Kuchiki Rukia both changed color and stood up abruptly.

Kaien rushed forward to support Ukitake's swaying shoulders, while Rukia frantically searched for a handkerchief and some water.

Yanagawa also put down his teacup, his gaze fixed on Ukitake.

Amid Ukitake's uncontrollable, violent coughing and painful spasms, he clearly detected a... extremely subtle fluctuation of power!

Liuchuan will never forget that feeling that transcends ordinary spiritual particles and contains something akin to "rules" themselves!

Not long ago, he had experienced a similar power up close within the blue crystal of the Spirit King Palace!

How could Jushiro Ukitake possess a power originating from the same source as the Soul King?

Just as Yanagawa's mind raced and countless guesses surfaced, Ukitake Jushiro's cough seemed to reach its peak. He suddenly vomited a mouthful of dark red blood, which splattered onto the snow-white silk handkerchief, a shocking sight.

Then, the coughing gradually subsided, turning into painful, suppressed gasps. He leaned against Shiba Kaien, almost completely exhausted, his eyes unfocused and his breath weak.

"Captain! How are you? I'll go get the Fourth Division right away!" Rukia's voice trembled with anxiety.

"No...no need." With all his might, Jushiro Ukitake weakly waved his hand, his voice so hoarse it was almost unrecognizable.

He struggled to lift his head, his gaze first sweeping over the anxious faces of Shiba Kaien and Rukia, before finally settling on Yanagawa.

He was silent for a moment, as if gathering the last bit of strength to speak, then, facing Shiba Kaien and Rukia, he shook his head very slightly and said in a whisper:

"Kaiyan, Rukia... you two go out for a moment. Keep watch outside the door and don't let anyone in. I... have something I'd like to discuss with Lord Yanagawa alone."

"Captain!" Both of them were startled, looking at Ukitake with concern, and then at Yanagawa.

“Go.” Ukitake closed his eyes and repeated, his tone weak but carrying the decisiveness of a captain.

Shiba Kaien and Rukia exchanged a glance, ultimately not daring to disobey their captain's orders. They could only suppress their worries, bow respectfully, and silently leave the tea room, gently closing the door behind them.

Inside, only Jushiro Ukitake, whose heavy breathing was gradually subsiding, and Yanagawa, who sat quietly opposite him, remained.

"I apologize... I hope you won't find this amusing."

After catching his breath, Ukitake leaned back in his chair, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a clean handkerchief, and a bitter yet knowing smile appeared on his face.

"It seems I can't hide it from you after all. Lord Liuchuan must have already noticed the abnormality in my body, right?"

Liu Chuan nodded slightly, without beating around the bush:

"The power fluctuation within you is similar in nature to the power I sensed in the Spirit King Palace that originated from the Spirit King himself. Although it is weak, it cannot be hidden from me."

Captain Ukitake, what exactly is going on? Is your illness related to the Spirit King?

Jushiro Ukitake did not answer immediately. He slowly turned his head and looked at the swaying bamboo shadows in the courtyard outside the window.

His gaze was distant, as if piercing through hundreds of years of time, returning to the starting point that determined his life's destiny.

His voice was soft, carrying a sense of ethereal tranquility, as if recalling the past:

"I was born into a lower-class noble family, and when I was three years old, I contracted a serious illness that was almost incurable."

The high fever persisted, the spirit body gradually disintegrated, and it seemed that death was imminent.

Desperate, my parents believed an ancient legend and sent me to a remote part of Rukongai, to a shrine almost forgotten by the world, dedicated to the 'One-Eyed God.'

"The One-Eyed God?" Liu Chuan's heart stirred; the name sounded strange.

"Yes, the One-Eyed God. His origins and divine status have long been lost in the dust of history, existing only in the oldest fragments of words."

The ancestral hall was dilapidated and the incense had stopped burning. The parents were just trying anything, hoping for the best...

Ukitake paused, a complex and enigmatic light flashing in his eyes.

"However, right there in that shrine, a miracle... or rather, some unspeakable 'deal' took place."

“My illness miraculously began to improve. The high fever subsided, and my scattered spirit reassembled. But at the same time, my hair color changed from its original dark color to this completely white.”

He stroked his long, snow-white hair and continued,

"Moreover, ever since then, I have often felt an indescribable, strange sensation in my chest, as if it had been 'hollowed out' and 'filled' with some kind of cold substance."