Tokyo: Starting with the Shrine Maiden

Without "The Tale of the Moon Lord," it would be very difficult for them to find the Nine Swords of Godslaying directly; at most, they could find clues.

Of course, even if they are incredibly lucky and do find it, that's fine too.

In the end, this world is ruled by strength.

"The Nine Swords of Godslaying are the nine spiritual artifacts that caused the Yamata no Orochi to perish in the ruins of Takamagahara."

Tsuchimikado Mashiro said directly.

The expressions on everyone's faces changed.

The Yamata no Orochi, that's a god.

The Nine Swords of Godslaying, capable of killing even gods, are undoubtedly divine artifacts.

Everyone was immediately excited and eager to get started.

Of course, some family heads who knew the inside story began to doubt whether what Tsuchimikado Mashiro said was true.

After all, she had previously stated that Ashiya Dōman's ruins were fake.

Haruhiko was observing the two young men behind Kaneda Yu.

After Tsuchimikado Mashiro mentioned the Nine Swords of Godslaying, they subconsciously revealed a slight change in their emotions.

Although there weren't many, Haruhiko noticed them.

Even if it cannot be proven that the two of them are Ashiya Dōman and that other demon, it is enough to prove that they are not simple.

"Director Jintian, have you ever heard of the Nine Swords of Godslaying?"

Tsuchimikado Mashiro's gaze swept around the group before finally settling on Kaneda Yu and his two companions.

"Have heard a little bit."

Kaneda Yu nodded without changing his expression and said, "It seems that this ruin is indeed related to the Yamata no Orochi. It may be its final resting place."

"You're an expert at exploring ancient ruins."

Tsuchimikado Mashiro laughed and asked, "What do you think we should do?"

"Including the Edo Archaeological Bureau, there are a total of seventeen."

After a moment's thought, Jin Tianxiong said, "When facing such dangerous ruins, quality over quantity is the key. I suggest that each family send three people."

The fewer people there are, the easier it will be for Ashiya Dōman and May to act.

"Because there are eight entrances, you can team up in pairs to save time."

Kaneda Yu continued, "As for our Edo Archaeological Bureau, we'll follow the Tsuchimikado clan. What do you think?"

Tsuchimikado Mashiro raised an eyebrow slightly.

They're not even trying to hide it.

They tried every means to weaken the support of the Tsuchimikado clan.

But that's exactly what she thought too.

Because if we don't do this, Ashiya Dōman and that fifth-tier demon won't make a move.

"no problem."

Tsuchimikado Mashiro agreed, paused, and then said, "To be fair, we'll draw lots to decide how to form teams."

She glanced at Tsuchimikado Mari, then turned and left.

A moment later, he appeared with a wooden tube containing sixteen wooden sticks.

"Please check, everyone."

Tsuchimikado Mari casually tossed the wooden tube in front of Hoshino Aoi.

She glanced at it and then pushed it to the left.

After going around once, no one raised any objections, and then the formal drawing of lots began.

Tsuchimikado Mashiro was the first.

She shook it, and a fortune slip flew out, with "Utsunomiya clan" written on the bottom.

Hotaru Hoshino frowned immediately.

She suspected something was amiss.

However, knowing the relationship between Tsuchimikado Mashiro and Haruhiko, she couldn't say anything.

I'm just a little unhappy.

She came to this ruin because she wanted to see Haruhiko.

However, she didn't show any emotion and remained expressionless.

But she was already considering whether to skip it halfway.

In fact, Haruhiko also suspected that Tsuchimikado Mashiro had done something wrong.

Besides, the wooden tube was prepared by Tsuchimikado Mari, and given her personality, cheating would be quite normal for her.

But regardless, this is one of the best outcomes for Haruhiko.

Apart from the Tsuchimikado clan and the Izumo Shrine, most other forces were actually somewhat of a hindrance to Yukihime.

Haruhiko didn't want to deal with these guys; following the Tsuchimikado clan was naturally a good thing.

When it was Izumo Shrine's turn, Hoshino Aoi drew Aoyama Mika from Kasuga Shrine.

Seeing her reminded Haruhiko of Nao Aoyama.

To this day, she has not fully broken the seal and returned the food and drink.

It has to be said that Takemikazuchi's actions are troublesome.

Fortunately, the Nine Swords of Godslaying haven't been fully collected yet, so it doesn't matter much if Yinlie is left with her.

Nao Aoyama is a fifth-rank priestess, so she is relatively safe.

Haruhiko glanced at Hoshino Aoi again.

He had previously learned in the seventh penalty area that Akashi's other half was in the first penalty area.

He asked Hoshino Rin, but she didn't know.

Previously, Hoshino Aoi had been staying at the Takamagahara Ruins, so Haruhiko couldn't see her and didn't ask her.

Looks like I'll have to ask about it later.

Once the draw is complete, the team formation is finished.

The only group that wasn't drawn was the Edo Archaeological Bureau, which automatically joined the teams of the Tsuchimikado and Utsunomiya clans.

The Takamagahara Resolution has come to a close.

The formal exploration will have to wait until tomorrow.

Firstly, it's already evening, so there's no need to rush.

Secondly, Tsuchimikado Mashiro and the others need to discuss their strategy for tomorrow.

After leaving the council chamber, everyone returned to their rooms.

At this moment, everyone gathered in Hoshino Aoi's room.

"Have you found any trace of the Otherworldly Demons?"

Tsuchimikado Mashiro couldn't help but ask.

The fabricated ruins and the meeting were all for the purpose of luring the otherworldly demon to appear.

If not, then it's all for nothing.

"Have."

Hoshino Aoi nodded and said, "The young man standing behind Kaneda Yu."

"You mean Goro?"

Tsuchimikado Mashiro recalled for a moment and then asked.

"That's him."

Hoshino Aoi confirmed again, "He possesses the aura of a demon and is hiding his true strength; he is at the fifth rank."

"Goro is a disciple that Kaneda Yu took in seven years ago."

Tsuchimikado Mashiro chuckled, "No wonder I couldn't find out about his past; it turns out he really just appeared out of nowhere."

"And what about the young man next to him?"

Haruhiko asked, "Is it Ashiya Dōman?"

"I don't know."

After a moment's thought, Tsuchimikado Mashiro said, "I remember his name is Takano Kouta. He's been in the Edo Archaeological Bureau for several years and has risen through the ranks. He has all the past experiences, so I can't see anything wrong with him."

"With Ashiya Doman's strength, it wouldn't be difficult for him to impersonate someone else."

Mari Tsuchimikado said calmly, "Anyway, it's better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free. He'll naturally slip up eventually."