Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Ibuki's expression changed slightly.

Even Ashiya Dōman, who was furious, calmed down.

"Then tell me what's written on it?"

Ibuki's expression was stern, and her gaze remained fixed on her.

It's as if they'll take action if you say something wrong.

"It is hunting and drinking."

Mari Tsuchimikado answered.

"It seems you truly understand the language of our Lord."

Ibuki exhaled and regained her composure.

“I have come here for the great cause of my lord.”

Tsuchimikado Mari is talking nonsense with a straight face.

After noticing the changes in Ibuki and Ashiya Dōman, she decided to join them first.

It's not too late to turn against them once we get the information we want.

"If that's the case, why take this approach?"

After a moment of silence, Ibuki asked.

"I don't believe you."

Mari Tsuchimikado shook her head and said.

"What did you say?"

Ashiya Dōman snorted coldly and asked, "How can you compare to us in terms of loyalty to our lord?"

"How can loyalty be discussed when even existence is uncertain?"

Mari Tsuchimikado paused for a moment before speaking.

Logically speaking, the humans and monsters created within illusions should be unaware of their existence.

But is it really absolute?

At least Tsuchimikado Mari had never seen any illusion that could produce two fifth-tier psychics.

Illusion, in essence, requires reality.

Including rank.

In other words, Ibuki and Ashiya Doman could truly unleash the power of fifth-tier psychics within the illusion.

This means that this illusion is extremely terrifying.

It may have exceeded the fifth order.

"All of you, step back."

Ibuki suddenly spoke.

The servants in the hall immediately turned and left.

The atmosphere quieted down.

Mari Tsuchimikado thought to herself, "Just as I thought."

She is indeed different from the monsters in ordinary illusions; she knows certain truths.

"You are quite capable."

Ibuki laughed, "But as far as I know, the newly born Shiranui does not have such strength."

Without a doubt, she was also aware of the origins of Tsuchimikado Mari and the others.

"Welcome to those from the future."

Ashiya Doman glanced at everyone, his earlier anger completely gone.

His words proved the unspoken meaning behind Ibuki's earlier statement.

Tsuchimikado Mashiro glanced at the quiet Haruhiko.

If it weren't for him, the situation today would definitely not be so peaceful.

They simply couldn't get in.

Even if ruins are discovered.

Tsuchimikado Mashiro couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

The items here are most likely prepared for the Serpent Spirit.

I wonder if they'll be so angry they'll vomit blood when they find out later.

She then thought of Morikawa Teru, whom the Tsuchimikado clan had imprisoned.

He should have a fragment of the Yamata no Orochi's spirit inside him, but no matter what methods he used, it was all in vain.

If this drags on any longer, we'll have no choice but to hand it over to Kaneda Osamu, the head of the Edo Archaeological Bureau.

Perhaps we could let Haruhiko give it a try.

"What happens outside is no longer meaningful to us."

Ibuki continued, "We stayed here waiting for your arrival."

Tsuchimikado Mari and Tsuchimikado Mashiro exchanged a glance, said nothing, and continued to listen.

"The Nine Swords of Godslaying, as the name suggests, are nine swords that slay gods."

Ibuki picked up her sake cup, took a sip, and said, "We are in charge of forging the drinking vessels, which requires collecting the blood of humans and yokai."

"But hunting and drinking are not done here."

Mari Tsuchimikado recalled the words of the wooden tablet and said.

"Ah."

Ibuki explained, "We are just a fragment of memory. If you want to know what happens next, you have to go to Feiyichuan."

Feiyi River is the location of the hunting and drinking area recorded on the wooden slips.

It is also the legendary site where the Yamata no Orochi died.

"Is that all?"

Mari Tsuchimikado frowned and asked.

"You're greedy."

Ibuki wasn't angry. Instead, she sighed and said, "I suppose you're not having an easy time either."

"Why do you say that?"

Mari Tsuchimikado asked with some confusion.

“My lord used the Nine Swords of Godslaying to isolate Takamagahara, offending the gods. As his divine servant, I will naturally not have an easy time.”

Ibuki casually revealed a startling piece of news.

Tsuchimikado Mari and the others all looked shocked.

After the gods disappeared, countless people speculated about the reasons.

But unexpectedly, the culprit was none other than Yamata no Orochi.

"If we find the Nine Swords of Godslaying, our lord can be resurrected."

Ibuki dropped another bombshell, revealing a wealth of information.

Although it was expected, it was also within reason.

The Serpent Spirit organization's elaborate schemes were certainly not as simple as just reselling items from the Takamagahara ruins.

Now that we have confirmed information, we can take preventative measures in advance.

The Nine Swords of Godslaying are the key.

I wonder how many swords and blades the Serpent Spirit has obtained by now?

"I understand."

"We will definitely find the Nine Swords of Godslaying," said Tsuchimikado Mari with a firm tone.

"That's good."

Ibuki nodded and said, "We are in an illusion, maintained by a spiritual artifact called 'The Tale of the Moon God.' It was made from scraps of the Nine Swords of Godslaying and can help you find them."

"One more thing."

After a long silence, Ashiya Doman finally spoke, "Ibuki and I are both formed from a drop of blood left behind by my original body. I can feel that my original body has not died."

This news was equally shocking to Tsuchimikado Mashiro and the others.

Ashiya Dōman is still alive?

Given his strength and cunning, what is he planning by staying out of the public eye for so long?