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

Among them, the black-haired boy carefully looked around, sighed slightly, and then said with a hint of disappointment.

The path was surrounded by mountains. However, those mountains had no flowers, trees, or birdsong; all you could see were rocks.

It was as if they were all made of piled-up stones.

Besides the simple rocky mountains, the fog here is also very thick. Ordinary people here may not be able to see clearly even ten meters away.

"This is why so few people go to Izumo Province."

Beside the boy, the blue-haired girl calmly replied, "Due to the terrain, the roads in Shanyin are naturally narrow, and even the many people living in Shanyin occasionally complain. Moreover, Izumo is a mountain country, surrounded by mountains on three sides, with rugged roads, making it impossible for ordinary people to enter and exit freely."

"If Izumo Province had many beautiful sights, the people might have tried more, but everything around them has already given them the answer they wanted."

"Although I had heard my teacher say that the roads in Yun Kingdom were extremely desolate, rugged and dangerous, I never imagined that it would be so desolate, without even a trace of life."

The black-haired boy rubbed his head, looking somewhat helpless.

But the next second, the boy's gaze shifted, and his dark pupils reflected the girl's figure.

“However, you don’t seem surprised… Have you been to Izumo before, Aonome-bu?”

Indeed, the two people appearing on this path leading to Izumo Province were Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo.

The day after Kidomaru informed him of the Jade Tomb, he took over the task from his master.

Having already rested for a month, he didn't linger at home. He set off immediately the day he received the assignment.

After learning that he was going to Izumo Province on a mission, the three girls in the family all expressed that they wanted to go with him.

However, this was a mission, not a trip, and he couldn't possibly let the girls follow him around. Even if they were willing, he wouldn't.

It wasn't out of heartache or reluctance, but simply because they didn't need to follow him like this.

As for Qingnvfang? She is his shikigami. How could she not accompany him when he goes out on missions?

After Shimizu Asahi offered some words of comfort, Shimizu Mio and the other two couldn't bring it up again. So, they had no choice but to reluctantly let Aonobo set off with him.

Of course, if one of the three had to be chosen to accompany Shimizu Asahi, then Aonobo would undoubtedly be the most suitable.

After all, Mio Shimizu and Ari had already determined that Aonobo had no romantic feelings for Asahi Shimizu. Although Ibuki-douji had received the answer "I like him" from Aonobo, Aonobo had not made a single move in the past few days. Whether they were alone together or talking about going out, she had not revealed her feelings.

If a girl who doesn't steal from homes and has no romantic feelings can't win their approval, then it goes without saying that others will be even less likely to agree.

After comforting the three women, Shimizu Asahi and his companion quickly packed their luggage and prepared to leave.

However, before she set off, Shimizu Mio gave her a lot of instructions.

No matter what happens, we must never let him provoke girls again.

She didn't want Qing Shui Chaoyang to return with another woman by his side.

Well, actually, before Shimizu Mio gave her her instructions, Ibuki Doji had also given her a subtle hint.

However, what Ibuki was implying was 'don't sneak away'.

Qingnufang calmly accepted both of their instructions and hints.

Of course, keeping an eye on Shimizu Asahi is easy; she would do it even if Shimizu Mio didn't say so. But whether or not to sneak away is not something she can decide.

Everything depends on her instincts.

After a long conversation, Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo set off.

However, because Izumo and Heian-kyo are separated by two countries and are far apart, it took them a full ten days to arrive, even though they traveled very hard.

"Yes, I've always heard that Izumo is the country of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, so I took the opportunity to come and see for myself."

In response to Qing Shui Chaoyang's question, Qing Nufang nodded gently and said, "When I first came here, my expression was the same as yours."

"So that's how it is... I think that no matter who it is, as long as it's their first time visiting Izumo, they will all have this kind of expression."

Qingshui Chaoyang spread out his palms, recounting the facts.

"But I don't quite understand why Susanoo-no-Mikoto chooses to reside here?"

Legend has it that this ancient country, comparable to the land of Yamato, was not only the property of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, but also his dwelling place.

The reason why Izumo was willing to become a subordinate country was because Yamato was a country led by Amaterasu Omikami, the elder sister of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.

"What the gods think is none of our business; all we need to do is complete our mission."

Glancing at Shimizu Asahi, Aonobu said calmly, "Let's go, we'll be in Izumo soon."

"Ah, actually I quite like Susanoo-sama."

Seeing that the girl wasn't interested, Shimizu Asahi let out a small sigh of regret, then smiled helplessly.

After walking for a while, the two entered the territory of Izumo Province.

However, entering Izumo Province does not mean the end of the journey.

Their destination was Shinmon County in Izumo Province.

Fortunately, Shinmon County is not far from the entrance to Izumo Province. At the speed of Shimizu Asahi and his companion, they can arrive within three days.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and after passing through three cities, they finally arrived at their final destination.

The most prosperous and flourishing city in Izumo Province, and also the legendary abode of the sea god Susanoo—Kamimon County! Chapter 156, Section 159: The Izumo Royal Family

"This is... the capital of Izumo Province? Isn't it a bit too prosperous?"

On the wide street paved with bluestone, Qing Shui Chaoyang, dressed in dry clothes, looked surprised.

Perhaps due to preconceived notions, the clear water and rising sun along the rugged mountain path of the Sanyindao region have given Izumo a reputation for being unprosperous.

In fact, the Shimane County and Akika County that he and Aonobo passed through were just ordinary towns, and their population and size could not be compared with other cities.

Because of the indirect affirmation from the two counties, Shimizu Asahi's interest in Shinmon County decreased considerably.

but......

The bustling crowds, the constant shouts and calls, and the endless rows of shops... the prosperity before my eyes is unparalleled.

Beyond its bustling atmosphere, this city also exudes a profound and captivating charm.

That is the sedimentation of history and time, the silent pride of Shenmen County over a thousand years.

For a fleeting moment, Shimizu Asahi subconsciously regarded this place as a completely different Heian-kyo.

"Indeed, the prosperity of Shenmen County is comparable to that of Heian-kyo, and even Xingyuan City can hardly compare to it."

Beside the boy, Qingnufang also gave such a slightly surprised evaluation.

“I understand now why Susanoo-no-Mikoto has chosen to live in seclusion here… But, Aonome-fumi, didn’t you come to Izumo before?”

Quietly withdrawing the amazement in his eyes, Shimizu Asahi looked at the girl beside him.

"I've only been to Shimane County... because it was too boring there, so I left after one day. This is my first time in Shinmon County."

Just like how Shimizu Asahi formed a preconceived notion, Aonobo also formed a preconceived notion. The last time she went to Izumo Province, Aonobo lost all interest in Izumo Province because of the boring city and desolate official road.

Therefore, this was her first time arriving in Shenmen County.

After giving a brief explanation, Qing Nufang continued, "Let's leave that aside for now. Where are we going now? The Snake Tomb?"

Upon hearing the girl's words, the boy smiled and shook his head.

"No, before that, we need to visit the Kyogoku clan."

"The Kyogoku clan?" Upon hearing Shimizu Asahi's words, the girl was taken aback for a moment, and then a look of astonishment appeared on her face.

"The Kyogoku you mentioned, could it be the royal family of Izumo Province, the Kyogoku clan?"

No matter which country it is, even the weakest subordinate state within the Yamato Kingdom still has a ruler who belongs solely to that country.

Therefore, it is only natural that Izumo also has a ruler who governs this country.

The current ruler of Izumo Province is surnamed Kyogoku.

"Yes. Actually, the client who commissioned this mission is the Kyogoku Royal Family. However, there is no description of the mission on the Royal Family's commission form. Therefore, before going to Hebizuka, we need to visit the Kyogoku clan first."

Shimizu Asahi said softly, and then walked towards the palace.

Although Shinmon County is the largest city in Izumo Province, due to land issues, Shinmon County is only about half the size of Heian-kyo. Therefore, the two quickly arrived at the gate of the royal palace.

The royal palace of Izumo is very large, about 300 meters long from east to west and 400 meters long from north to south. Although it is not as large as the Yamato Imperial Palace, it is still quite similar.

Apart from being slightly smaller in size, the Izumo Palace is in no way inferior to the Yamato Palace, especially in its profound sense of history, which far surpasses that of the Yamato Palace.

"Then, how do we get in?"

After glancing at the two rows of elite warriors standing in front of the palace gates, Qing Nufang quickly raised her question.

"Don't worry, someone will come to pick us up."

After giving a soft laugh, Shimizu Asahi didn't speak again, and he stood quietly in front of the city gate.

"Will someone come to pick us up...?"

Listening to Qing Shui Chao Yang's words, Qing Nu Fang narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.

She pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly.

After that, Qingnufang also quieted down. They paid no attention to the elite warriors in front of them and waited quietly.

The wait wasn't long; about a minute later, a heavy, slow voice suddenly rang out.

The two waiting people were drawn by the sound and instinctively looked up. They saw the tightly closed city gate slowly opening, and an elderly man with white hair dressed in fine clothes couldn't wait for the gate to be fully open before eagerly stepping out from the crack.

He ignored the two rows of imposing soldiers and walked straight toward the two of them.

He swept across the hundred-meter distance between the gate and Shimizu Asahi in an instant.

"You two must be Mr. Shimizu and Ms. Aonobo. My name is Kyogoku Kimura, and I was sent by the daimyo to greet you."

The old man, named Kyogoku Kimura, introduced himself with utmost respect. Then, he turned to the side, extended his arm, and said, "Please follow me, gentlemen. The master has been waiting for you for quite some time."

"Thank you, old man."

Shimizu Asahi responded politely, and then followed Kyogoku Kimura into the palace.

The moment they stepped into the palace, a rich historical atmosphere enveloped them. Qing Shui Chaoyang and Qing Nufang slightly widened their eyes and scanned the surrounding scenery.

This ancient palace, which has existed for thousands of years, displays many unique ornaments that even Qingshui Chaoyang had never heard of before, and these strange and ancient ornaments aroused their great interest.

Wanting to know what these things were, they asked Kyogoku Kimura with great interest.