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

After a brief conversation, Kyogoku I began to think about how to make arrangements for Kiyohime next.

However, while pondering, she suddenly noticed a problem that puzzled her greatly.

Why doesn't Kiyohime look for her?

If Kiyohime had approached her earlier, she would definitely have made arrangements for her, and Kiyohime wouldn't have had to secretly come to Kagura-dono to learn dance.

"Actually, I already gave the answer to this question. Compared to herself, she cares more about whether her needs will cause trouble for others."

Perhaps sensing Kyogoku I's confusion, Shimizu Asahi offered an explanation.

“She was afraid of troubling you, Princess Yi.”

"Is that so... She really is a good child. If a child like this can't get into the shrine, then I'm afraid there aren't many people in Shinmon County who are qualified to enter the shrine."

After receiving the answer, Kyogoku I couldn't help but look at Kiyohime, his gaze becoming increasingly satisfied.

This is how a shrine maiden should be.

However, this means her plans will have to be slightly altered.

That child's personality meant she wouldn't accept simple, direct gifts. To get her to accept my kindness, I had to make her give something in return.

There is a trade-off; only in this way can she find peace of mind.

Hmm... how about making it a condition that she absolutely must enter Izumo Shrine?

Hehe, it seems possible...

Having figured out the next steps, Kyogoku I smiled happily.

After finishing their conversation about Kiyohime, the three of them, including Shimizu Asahi, chatted about other interesting things, and time quietly slipped away in their conversation.

Before we knew it, the azure sky was covered by darkness, and the blazing sun was replaced by the bright moon.

"Oh dear, it's gotten so late without me noticing?"

The cool temperature caught Kyogoku I's attention. She stopped chatting, her gaze instinctively shifting, and then the quiet night entered her field of vision.

"We need to go back quickly, or Father will worry."

After making a soft call, Kyogoku I looked at Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Asahi, I didn't notice the time. Let's go back."

"It is indeed a bit late... Senior brother is probably already nagging us."

Shimizu Asahi nodded, then stood up and called out, "Kiyohime, we should go back."

The words, neither too harsh nor too gentle, brought Kiyohime back to her senses from the worship dance. After waving to the shrine maidens, she came to stand before the three of them: Shimizu Asahi and Kiyohime.

Just as Kyogoku I had discovered her earlier, she also showed a hint of surprise when she saw Kyogoku I.

However, before she could ask, Shimizu Asahi gave a brief explanation.

After the explanation, Kiyohime greeted him somewhat timidly, then stood behind Shimizu Asahi, not daring to interact with Kyogoku Ita.

Hmm... It's not just innocence, this child also seems a little shy.

Kyogoku seemed to have anticipated the girl's reaction, so his face showed no emotional fluctuation.

After exchanging a few words with the shrine maidens, the group left the Kagura Palace.

However, before leaving Izumo Taisha, they needed to escort Kiyohime back first, because the shrine would be heavily guarded at night, and without them, Kiyohime would definitely be driven away. Therefore, the three of them had to act as her protectors.

After spending ten minutes safely escorting Kiyohime back to her residential area, Shimizu Asahi wished Kiyohime good luck and then left.

Watching his departing figure, Kiyohime couldn't help but clench her right fist and place it against her chest.

A stubbornness that was uniquely hers shone in those beautiful black eyes.

"I won't let you down, Mr. Shimizu... I will definitely find my own happiness!"

Leaving aside Kiyohime's gratitude to Shimizu Asahi, after seeing Kiyohime off, the Li Mo group headed directly towards the royal palace.

Although there was some distance between the Izumo Royal Palace and the Izumo Grand Shrine, the three of them moved quickly, and so they returned to the palace in about half an hour.

Upon their return, they were taken to the quietest and simplest room.

The larger the family, the more rules there are. This is especially true for royal families, where even daily meal times are carefully planned.

Naturally, it's dinner time now.

Actually, if they had followed the rules, dinner would have ended long ago. However, Kyogoku Munemitsu wanted to wait for Shimizu Asahi to return, so they didn't start eating.

Upon realizing he was late, Shimizu Asahi immediately apologized, but of course, Kyogoku Munemitsu didn't take such a small matter to heart.

After having dinner together, the group chatted about the interesting things that had happened during the day, and then went back to their respective rooms.

After all, Kyogoku Munemitsu had a lot of things to deal with and didn't have time to talk much.

In the following days, Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo visited other interesting attractions in Shinmon County.

Such as Yaegaki Shrine, Zenkoji Temple, Ryotou Waterfall, Hinomisaki Coast and other places.

Ah, besides these places, Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo also went to the shrine of Kaminomi no Mikoto, daughter of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.

Well, not many people may know the name Kaga no Mitama, but if you say Inari, probably many people will know it.

That's right, the legendary Inari goddess is the daughter of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.

After six leisurely days, on the morning of the seventh day, Kyogoku Munemitsu arrived at his room early in the morning.

The plan for the Snake Tomb incident is finally complete... Chapter 176, Section 179: Clear Water Morning Sun: I'm Just Slacking Off

The eastern sky quietly turned white, and the crimson morning sky replaced the azure night sky.

Under the dreamlike sky where night and dawn meet, Shimizu Asahi and Aonobo arrived at the Snake Tomb.

"Senior brother, are you all ready?"

Stepping once again into this dark place filled with resentment, Shimizu Asahi took a deep breath and then looked at the man beside her.

"Yes, everything is ready. We just need to break the seal and defeat it!"

Kyogoku Munemitsu clenched his fists, his eyes flashing with endless seriousness.

If they cannot kill the snake demon below, the entire Izumo Kingdom will immediately fall into a huge crisis. Therefore, their only path is to succeed!

"Junior brother, are you alright?"

"Don't worry, senior brother. Even if I can't kill that snake demon on my own, I will at least do my best to support you." The boy gave him a reassuring look.

The man nodded in response and then went to the tomb.

"Alright, let's begin!"

Taking a deep breath, Kyogoku Munemitsu took out a talisman, affixed it to the tomb, and began chanting a long and complex incantation.

In an instant, soft murmurs echoed around the Serpent Tomb, and surging spiritual energy quietly spread along with the words. In the blink of an eye, the pale blue spiritual energy covered the entire Serpent Tomb.

The spiritual energy activated the seal, and the powerful seal that had been hidden transformed into layers of barriers.

Then, a crisp cracking sound rang out.

Like a mirror falling to the ground, the dozens of layers of seals covering the tomb shattered almost simultaneously, and the crystalline fragments spread out all at once.

"Boom!!!"

The moment the seal shattered, a dark, malevolent aura carrying endless malice condensed into a pillar of light, which shattered the tomb and the array in succession—soaring straight into the sky!

A profound and malevolent power, like ink, permeated the sky, rapidly covering the dreamlike realm where crimson and azure intertwined.

At this moment, darkness descended once more.

Along with this demonic aura came a chilling, ear-piercing sound.

"Hahaha, she's out! She's out! The old woman is finally out again!!!"

"Humans, the pain you have brought me, I will repay you a thousandfold!!"

"You audacious serpent demon! You're so arrogant right after being released from your seal! You're courting death!"

Before the tomb, on the earth swallowed by the dark pillar of light, Kyogoku Munemitsu looked up at the sky.

Almost the instant the snake demon finished speaking, he roared, "Everyone, set up a barrier!"

A deep blue light shone, and not far from the Serpent Tomb, four powerful beams of light shot into the sky.

The power gathered from spiritual energy tore apart the dark demonic aura. Then, they connected with each other, resonated with each other, and the fusion of power eventually turned into a cage!

Not only was the snake demon unable to escape, but even the powerful demonic aura emanating from it was completely blocked.

"A barrier of spiritual power? Haha, you really think highly of this old woman. But even if you trap this old woman, what can you do? Do you think you can kill me?"

Faced with the madwoman's provocation and arrogance, Kyogoku Munemitsu remained calm and composed. He glanced at the two people beside him and said, "Junior brother, Master, let's go!"

"it is good!"

Shimizu Asahi and Aobozu responded simultaneously, and then each used their methods!

The Buddhist master lightly tapped his staff, and golden Buddhist light instantly enveloped the surroundings, even engulfing Shimizu Asahi and Kyogoku Sōkō.

However, the Buddha's light did not cause them any discomfort. On the contrary, under the Buddha's light, both of them felt their power was significantly enhanced.

"Your Majesty, sir, I have blessed you with immeasurable power. Although this power cannot give you much strength, it can help you resist demonic energy and reduce unnecessary consumption."

"I see. With the master's boundless methods, our chances of winning have increased even more!"

His eyes lit up slightly, a hint of joy flashed across his face, and Kyogoku Munemitsu grinned.

"It's just a minor law, not worthy of the king's praise."

With a slight expression of modesty, Aobozu looked at the monster that had appeared in the sky.

"Your Majesty, this humble monk will take the initiative!"

Before Kyogoku Munemitsu could respond, Aobozu transformed into a golden beam of Buddhist light and soared into the sky.

The master was very fast; in the blink of an eye, he arrived in front of the madwoman.

He raised the golden staff in his hand, and the dazzling Buddhist light surged continuously as the power gathered. When the power gathered to a certain peak, the raised staff crashed down!

"Snake demon, watch this humble monk subdue you today!"

"Heh, a mere bald Buddhist monk, you think you can take an old woman as your concubine?"

A malevolent demonic power spread out, and the madwoman produced a cane from who-knows-where. Just as the golden staff was about to strike it, she raised it up!