How did I, an Onmyoji, become the Lord of Yokai?

In reality, neither Tamamo-no-Mae nor the other two knew how to advise her. After all, both Tamamo-no-Mae and Abe no Masatsugu had had very smooth love stories.

The phrase "a hero saves a damsel in distress" and "love grows over time" perfectly encapsulates the story.

The best answer they could give was these eight words.

But... they can't exactly have Shimizu Asahi play the hero and save the damsel in distress, can they?

Even if Shimizu Mio cooperates in the act, this hero-saves-the-damsel-in-distress scenario is unlikely to succeed.

The gap in strength between the two sides is quite large.

Unless the roles are reversed, and Shimizu Mio goes to save Shimizu Asahi.

While this possibility exists, Shimizu Mio would never cooperate... She would not allow Shimizu Asahi to be in any danger, even if it was fake.

As for feelings developing over time... there's not much to say about that anymore.

From the moment Shimizu Asahi was born until now, she has been a constant presence in his life. This is the limit that can be achieved through the long-term development of feelings.

After the best answer proved useless, Shimizu Mio pulled them aside to think it over, and the three, unable to utter a word of refusal, could only accompany her.

And so the four of them discussed from morning until afternoon, only stopping when the sun began to set.

—Actually, the main reason is that Shimizu Asahi and the others have returned, so Shimizu Mio can't discuss these things anymore.

Seeing the returning Shimizu Asahi, Shimizu Mio returned to her original appearance, and the resentment and dissatisfaction that had just appeared in her eyes completely disappeared.

They chatted briefly, and then began to enjoy their last moments of leisure.

Seeing that Shimizu Mio had stopped, Kuzuha and the other two secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Asking them, who had never experienced a cat stealing fish before, to figure out how to defeat one was truly asking too much of them.

Shaking their heads to clear their minds, they joined in the laughter.

Amidst the continuous cheerful laughter, time passed little by little. By the time everyone came to their senses, the bright sun that had hung high in the sky had already sunk behind the western mountains.

The flower viewing event has come to an end.

Although they were still somewhat reluctant to leave, as the sun set, they had no choice but to pack up and leave.

Fortunately, the cherry blossom tree is right here, so they can come back anytime they want, as long as they make an appointment.

"Well then, goodbye, Mio and Kuzuha."

"Okay, goodbye."

After saying goodbye to each other, the three families parted ways with a mix of reluctance and joy.

......

As the Shimizu family walked home along the mountain path, atop Mount Ōe, the sacred mountain worshipped by countless demons to the west of Heian-kyo, a burly man sat cross-legged, a grin on his face. Looking at the petite demon king before him, he said, "My daughter, Asahi, is in your care from now on." (Chapter 144, Section 147: I'm Truly a Genius)

After the flower viewing party ended, the Shimizu family returned to their peaceful and tranquil life.

Although the occasional visits of Hagoromo and Seimei would fill the mansion with laughter, the Shimizu family remained calm and undisturbed, like a lake in springtime.

However, compared to the tranquility of the Shimizu family, Heian-kyo was much more lively.

With Genji's deliberate promotion, the name Shimizu Asahi began to be known to the people of Heian-kyo.

Almost everyone knew that Kamo no Tadayuki's disciple, Shimizu Asahi, had risked his life to protect Kyohara Castle by single-handedly blocking the Minamoto clan.

This heroic act, in which one person almost saved the entire city, amazed the people of the city. They almost instinctively abandoned the evil deeds of the Genji clan and began to discuss the matter of Shimizu Asahi.

Within just two or three days, no one in the city was discussing the Genji clan anymore.

In every corner and street of Heian-kyo, the name Shimizu Asahi resounds.

Genji's plan went unexpectedly smoothly this time.

On the very first day that Qingshui Chaoyang became the topic of discussion among the people, Ali returned from the market with the news and happily told the three of them about it.

When Shimizu Mio and Aonobo received the news, they were stunned for a moment, but then they showed deep joy and pride.

That man is my younger brother (an Onmyoji).

Of course, Shimizu Asahi's expression was no different from theirs.

Although he already knew about this, he naturally had to agree with them in order not to make them think too much.

However, before the discussion about Shimizu Asahi protecting Akihara Castle could continue for long, news came from the Genji clan that the current head of the Genji clan, Minamoto no Mitsunaka, wanted to personally thank Shimizu Asahi.

He wanted to thank Shimizu Asahi for not only protecting Kyohara Castle, but also thwarting the plans of Minamoto no Saneyoshi, a traitor to the Minamoto clan.

The news immediately caused a storm.

The fact that Minamoto clan patriarch Minamoto no Mitsunaka personally expressed his gratitude to Shimizu Asahi is undoubtedly one of the most shocking news stories in Heian-kyo in recent years.

Even though Shimizu Asahi became a hero in people's eyes, it still couldn't change the fact that he was just a student of Yin-Yang studies. In terms of status alone, he couldn't compare with Minamoto no Mitsunaka.

Therefore, the people who were originally discussing Shimizu Chaoyang started discussing the origin of the clan.

This time, however, they did not choose to hurl insults.

Minamoto no Mitsunaka's actions not only completely severed the connection between the Minamoto clan and Minamoto no Saneyoshi, but also fully demonstrated everyone's magnanimity.

Almost everyone is talking about Genji's atmosphere.

This news quickly reached the ears of Shimizu Asahi.

He paused for a moment, then realized what was happening.

"So that's how it is. You're using me to salvage your reputation? As expected of Genji, you even came up with this method."

Having understood Genji's plan, Shimizu Asahi's evaluation of Genji rose even higher.

He thwarted two of the Minamoto clan's plans, causing them countless losses. The Minamoto clan absolutely hated him to the core, yet even so, they were able to endure the humiliation and take the initiative to thank him... Minamoto no Mitsunaka, truly worthy of being the head of the Minamoto clan!

At the same time, if the other party really comes to him, he cannot avoid seeing them or refuse their so-called thanks.

After all, his status was not as high as that of Minamoto no Mitsuaki, and if he chose to refuse, the wind would blow in a direction unfavorable to him.

"It seems we'll have to receive that Minamoto clan chief... I hope you won't act too impulsively, sister..."

Shaking his head helplessly, Shimizu Asahi began to wait for the arrival of the Genji clan.

However, the day after the Genji clan sent out their message, news also came from the Kamo clan.

They offered to explain that Shimizu Asahi's health had not yet recovered and that this was a time for rest, so the Genji clan should not disturb him. They suggested that if they truly wished to express their gratitude, they could wait until Shimizu Asahi had recovered.

However, they did not indicate how long it would take for Shimizu Chaoyang to recover.

Clearly, this is Tadashi Kamo protecting Shimizu Asahi.

After a fierce confrontation between the two sides, the incident came to an end. In the end, the Genji failed to disturb Shimizu Asahi, and their plan was only half successful.

Upon learning this at home, he couldn't help but chuckle, and then wrote a letter to express his gratitude to his husband.

The gentleman also took the time to reply to his letter. In the letter, he said that he had recently visited the clan chief of the Minamoto clan, Minamoto no Mitsunaka, and from Minamoto no Mitsunaka's attitude and demeanor, he could tell that the Minamoto clan would probably keep a low profile during this period, so there was no need to be too nervous recently.

Of course, not being too nervous doesn't mean being completely unprepared. After all, the opponent is Genji, and if you relax completely, they might seize the opportunity to strike decisively.

Shimizu Asahi remembered the master's words, and then the Shimizu family returned to peace once again.

......

Meanwhile, on the north side of Heian-kyo, in a clean and simple room, Kamo no Tadayuki, who was in the main seat, had a serious expression, and his already somewhat furrowed brows were now even more tightly furrowed.

On the desk in front of him lay a letter quietly.

That was a letter from the Kamo family members who had ventured deep into the Demon Realm...

"Did it fail...?"

Slowly closing his eyes, Kamo no Tadayuki let out a soft sigh.

Although he had expected it, he still harbored a sliver of hope. He wished it were true, so that Kidomaru could live here forever like a normal child.

But hope is just hope; the message we finally got from the classics turned out to be false.

The Asura Demon Bloodline remains unresolved.

"Phew...it seems the investigation will have to continue."

Rubbing his temples, He Maozhong dismissed his helplessness and resumed dealing with the work at hand.

......

Meanwhile, on the other side, west of Heian-kyo, at the very center of the Ōe Mountains, atop a mountain shrouded in ghostly energy, a burly man sipped fine wine while gazing into the distance.

In front of him was an extremely luxurious and enormous vehicle frame.

The carriage was carried by dozens of evil spirits and continued its journey towards Heian-kyo.

As the luxurious car drove further and further away, the burly man's smugness and joy grew even brighter.

After downing another sip of fine wine, his inflated ego reached its limit, and he finally couldn't help but exclaim to himself, "I'm truly a genius!"

Not only did he successfully persuade Ibuki-doji, but he also perfectly avoided his own sister... Hehehe, isn't he a genius?

The more he pondered, the more pleased the big man became.

He had already made an agreement with the Four Ghost Kings to keep his arrival at Mount Ooe a secret. As long as the news didn't get out, his sister would never know that he was the one behind it all, and naturally, she wouldn't hold him accountable.

In other words, what he needs to do next is to quietly watch the show.

The play between my older sister, Shimizu Mio, and Ibuki Doji.

"You must succeed, Ibuki. Your father's future rests on your shoulders." Chapter 145, Section 148: I'll Live Here Forever

"Hehehe... It's been a long time since I've been here, Heian-kyo..."

Three days later, on the western side of Heian-kyo, a magnificent and enormous carriage quietly appeared on the vast official road.

The petite Ghost King lay half-reclined within, the pungent aroma of wine filling the air.

Her jewel-like, sparkling purple eyes reflected the ancient city, revealing a touch of amusement.

Beside the carriage, countless people came and went, seemingly oblivious to the king of Mount Ooe, continuing to walk as if nothing had happened.

In fact, they didn't see it.

Ibuki-dōji's powerful demonic aura concealed their bodies, and in the eyes of the people, the giant carriage did not exist.

No, not only the common people, but even the Onmyoji guarding the city walls were completely unaware.