Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Even if Izumo Shrine and the Tsuchimikado clan did not have this ambition, they would definitely have to live under someone else's roof and live on thin ice in the future.

Takamagahara Ruins.

Ashiya Doman met two fifth-tier psychic beings from the Serpent Spirit.

One male and one female.

The man's name is Koga Shinobu, and the woman's name is Maruyama Harumi.

Both of them were around forty years old.

"Lord Daoman, the Serpent Spirit has obtained some information, but I don't know if it's true or not."

Koga Shinobu said in a serious tone.

"What is it?"

These past few days, Ashiya Dōman has been cultivating in his room and hasn't gone out.

"It is said that the location of Lord Yamata no Orochi has been discovered on the fifth floor of the Takamagahara Ruins."

Koga Shinobu replied.

Although the Tsuchimikado clan and Izumo Shrine spread the news, it was impossible for it to become widely known; it only circulated within the Ōgosho (Imperial Palace).

The Serpent Spirit's intelligence network has been largely destroyed, but this kind of information can still be obtained.

"what?"

Ashiya Dōman frowned.

He felt it was too much of a coincidence.

I just discussed with May how to deal with the Fukumo Shrine and the Tsuchimikado clan a few days ago, how come everyone suddenly knows about it?

The original targets were Izumo Shrine and the Tsuchimikado clan, but now the Ōgosho (Izumo Imperial Palace) is definitely going to get involved.

At that time, they will be dealing with three fifth-tier opponents.

Could it be that Izumo Shrine and Tsuchimikado clan have noticed something?

Ashiya Dōman fell into deep thought.

This looks like a trap.

I just don't know how much Izumo Shrine and the Tsuchimikado clan really know.

Was it a lucky accident, or were they actually part of a scheme?

Ashiya Dōman could not be certain either.

The most urgent thing is to talk to May about how to handle this.

"You all should rest."

Ashiya Dōman waved his hand to dismiss the two men, then went to the house next door.

He knocked on the door and was quickly answered.

"I guess you've come because of the news circulating in the Imperial Palace."

Upon meeting, May's first words made Ashiya Dōman raise an eyebrow.

He couldn't help but ask, "Who's spreading this message?"

After all, May controlled the Edo Archaeological Bureau, and her intelligence system was stronger than that of the crippled Serpent Spirit.

"It's Izumo Shrine and the Tsuchimikado clan."

May looked him over and said, "They must have found some clues, but I don't understand why they need to make it public."

Normal thinking would be that if one knew of the existence of the Yamata no Orochi, one should claim it as one's own, rather than being so generous.

This is obviously problematic.

Ashiya Dōman must be hiding something.

"I think you can be more open about it."

May smiled faintly and said, "The situation is quite troublesome right now. If I don't even know the details, I can't help you."

"It's nothing."

Ashiya Doman was silent for a moment, then said, "I am human and will not live for long, so I left my true form in that ruin. The Tsuchimikado clan and the Izumo Shrine must have discovered my true form and wanted to use it as bait to lure me out."

His words were half true and half false.

The fake one knows that his true form has been destroyed and there is no possibility of finding it; his goal is the Totsuka Sword.

This is indeed a real thing.

"I see."

May was a time of deep thought.

This reason is indeed plausible.

"Is the entrance you mentioned before real?"

May paused for a moment, then asked again.

"it is true."

Ashiya Dōman nodded and explained, "I placed my true form near the Yamata no Orochi to serve as a guardian. I just didn't expect that Izumo Shrine and the Tsuchimikado clan would find it and break the trap I left behind."

"It's normal that their two families are quite powerful."

In May, she basically believed his story.

"What do you plan to do now?"

Ashiya Dōman no longer discusses the Tsuchimikado clan and Izumo Shrine.

He didn't want to pay much attention to Abe no Seimei's descendants.

Unfortunately, it just had to run into us.

Since that's the case, don't blame him for being heartless.

He and Abe no Seimei were not actually mortal enemies as legend suggests; to be precise, they were both enemies and friends.

They once fought side by side, but due to differing ideologies, they eventually parted ways.

"Because of the intervention of the Imperial Palace, it is unlikely that we can deal with the Tsuchimikado clan and Izumo Shrine as we discussed before."

May said in a deep voice, "But it's good to make the news public, so our Edo Archaeological Bureau can infiltrate."

Ashiya Dōman paused slightly, then understood his plan.

The confrontation shifted to covert investigation.

This is undoubtedly the best approach.

After all, their strength was ultimately insufficient to face the Great Palace.

If a fight is forced, the Serpent Spirit headquarters will be the next target.

Although the divine artifact is powerful, it is an inanimate object, and the Imperial Palace also possesses it.

"Since the goal is to explore the Takamagahara ruins, it is impossible to avoid the Edo Archaeological Bureau."

May continued, "Based on my understanding of the Imperial Palace, the final result will definitely be a joint exploration, with each faction sending a representative. At that time, the two of us can forge identities and represent the Edo Archaeological Bureau."

"If we fail, will it implicate the Edo Archaeological Bureau?"

Ashiya Dōman nodded and then asked.

In his plan, the Edo Archaeological Bureau was still very useful.

At least for now, there can't be any problems.

"There is a possibility, but if you are prepared, you can sever ties."

May smiled and said, "After all, it's quite normal for two fifth-tier psychics like us to infiltrate the Edo Archaeological Bureau."

"When does it begin?"

Seeing his confidence, Ashiya Dōman was no longer worried.

The reason why May was able to remain hidden safely for a thousand years was not only because of his talent for shapeshifting, but also because he was extremely cautious.

Ashiya Dōman trusted him with his work.

"The news has spread, and a meeting can be convened tomorrow."

With a distant gaze, May said, "Since it concerns the Yamata no Orochi, the Grand Master will likely reinstate the Takamagahara Resolution."

The so-called Takamagahara Resolution refers to the meeting of the leaders of various major forces at the Takamagahara Ruins.

The Takamagahara ruins are enclosed spaces, and in a sense, they are quite safe.

We are not afraid of leaks or spying.

Because accessing the Takamagahara ruins is quite complicated, and the various officials are usually busy, such a meeting hasn't been held for many years. Besides, unless there's a major event, it's not worth holding one.

Ashiya Michiman's face showed a hint of reminiscence.

He participated once.