Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Of course, this is impossible.

It's good to know each other though.

At least the atmosphere won't be so tense.

"Aunt Li, do you know about the Snake Spirit?"

Haruhiko said directly, "We were able to get here because we obtained the specific location from the Serpent Spirit."

“Snake spirit, no wonder.”

Hoshino Risa's face showed a hint of realization.

Clearly, she not only knew about the Serpent Spirit, but also understood it quite well.

Haruhiko was thoughtful.

Perhaps Hoshino Ri and Hoshino Aoi are still in contact.

Opening the door to this ruin requires a special incantation from the Izumo Shrine.

This means they can come and go freely.

Furthermore, Haruhiko didn't believe that Hoshino Aoi didn't know her sister's whereabouts.

After all, she was the only one who saw Hoshino Rimi's last moments.

The two entered the first restricted area at the same time, but it was Hoshino Aoi who came out.

Hoshino Rin is oblivious to her fate.

Most people believe that she died at the hands of the demons.

Now it seems that the situation is somewhat different.

Earthbound spirits refer to spirits that live in specific areas.

This specific area is where they were after they died.

In other words, Hoshino Ri died in this ruin, not in the First Forbidden Zone.

Haruhiko suspects that the First Forbidden Zone is just a cover, and that Izumo Shrine is hiding some major secret.

"Since its establishment, the Serpent Spirits have been plundering ruins everywhere, but I never expected that they would still find this place."

Hoshino Rin sighed and said.

"Fortunately, we got there first."

Haruhiko reassured him, "The Serpent Spirit headquarters was severely damaged by the Great Palace not long ago. They probably won't dare to explore this ruin for a while."

"You actually found the Serpent Spirit headquarters?"

Hoshino Risa was somewhat surprised to hear this.

This happened not long ago.

Hoshino Aoi probably didn't have time to tell her, so she didn't know.

"lucky."

Haruhiko casually made up an excuse.

The main problem is that I can't go into details about this, as it would expose some of his secrets.

Fortunately, Hoshino Rin didn't press the matter.

"Aunt Li, what are you doing here?"

Seeing that the conversation had gone on long enough, Haruhiko asked the crucial question.

He had hoped to find a spiritual mine here, but discovered it was already owned.

This is rather awkward.

He didn't want to make a wasted trip.

If we can find out Hoshino Risa's purpose, it won't be a bad loss.

"..."

Hoshino Rin fell silent.

Haruhiko frowned slightly.

Her reaction was really tricky.

However, since she was Hoshino Rin and Hoshino Hotaru's aunt, he couldn't possibly purify her to ashes.

This would directly make them mortal enemies of Izumo Shrine.

No matter how you look at it, it's not a worthwhile thing to do.

"It doesn't hurt to tell you."

Hoshino Rin suddenly spoke up, "But I have one condition: everyone except you and Hotaru must leave."

Haruhiko naturally agreed.

He was prepared to return empty-handed today, but he didn't expect Hoshino Rin to choose to inform him.

The fact that she remains here even after her death clearly indicates that this secret is of immense value.

Even if you can't cash out, it's still worth the trip.

"You guys stand back."

Haruhiko waved his hand.

Mina Utsunomiya and the others immediately did as instructed.

Even Jinguji Fuyumi stayed away to avoid arousing suspicion.

After all, in her view, if Haruhiko knew, it meant that she would know too, so there was no need to rush.

Jinguji Tougo is actually not interested in most things.

But this site is somewhat interesting.

The main reason is that she couldn't see the barrier before.

Under normal circumstances, she could sense even a barrier formed by a fifth-tier spiritual tool.

But not this time.

Its strength far exceeds that of a typical fifth-order weapon.

It could be a legendary artifact.

Hoshino Risa was not completely at ease.

She snapped her fingers, and immediately spiritual energy flowed out, enveloping the three of them.

"Did you take the other route?"

After Hoshino Rin finished, she asked a question.

"I've already been there."

Haruhiko glanced at Hoshino Hotaru and said, "Hotaru also tried to open it, saying there's an unknown passage below."

"good."

Hoshino Rin exhaled and said, "That's the entrance to the Underworld."

Haruhiko couldn't help but show surprise on his face.

Is it the Yellow Springs as he understands it?

But why are we here?

Hmm, that seems reasonable too.

Ōkuninushi is the ruler of Ashihara.

A thousand years ago, Takamagahara, Ashihara, and Yomi were in contact with each other.

In particular, the path to the underworld is called Yomohirasaka in Japanese legends.

Moreover, most people believe that its actual location is in Shimane Prefecture.

They are currently in Shimane Prefecture.

It's not surprising that a path to the underworld would appear.

The goddess who rules over the underworld is called Izanami, who is also the mother of the gods.

Whether he is in the underworld at this moment is hard to say.

Why block the Yellow Springs?

Haruhiko asked doubtfully.

"Blocking the Yellow Springs is naturally for the purpose of protecting the world."

Hoshino Rin made a surprising statement.

"Protect the world?"