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

However, the Kyogoku clan learned something that was somewhat of a concern from the information left behind by the exterminated Sasaki clan.

The night the Yasakani no Magatama disappeared, something major seemed to have happened in the Sasaki Imperial Family.

'Is that so...? It seems that the one who broke into Izumo Taisha and stole the Yasakani no Magatama was the Suzuka Gozen that Ōtakemaru mentioned.'

Shimizu Asahi narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling as if he had solved the case of the disappearance of a divine artifact from three hundred years ago.

Although it was unclear why Suzuka Gozen would steal the Yasakani no Magatama from Izumo Taisha Shrine, Shimizu Asahi did not intend to argue about it too much.

After all, this happened three hundred years ago, so how could arguing about it now possibly yield any results?

Therefore, what they need to do now is to obtain the Yasakani no Magatama from Ōtakemaru through their own abilities!

Taking a deep breath to clear his mind of all unnecessary thoughts, the black-haired boy stared intently into Ōtakemaru's eyes and said with utmost seriousness, "My lord, I know the Yasakani no Magatama is of great importance to you, but what if we could help you resolve the troubles at Suzuka Mountain?"

His earnest words were like a deep-sea bomb. The moment they reached Ōtakemaru's eardrums, his calm and composed expression changed drastically. He couldn't help but sit up halfway, shouting in astonishment and disbelief, "Shimizu, you can solve the Suzuka Mountain problem!?"

"Before I came here, Scorpion told me about Suzuka Mountain's situation, so I have some understanding of the current situation. Therefore, I am not sure if it can be resolved... To be honest, I think the chances of failure are very high. However, this is an opportunity after all."

"Whether it's Lord Ōtakemaru or me."

Seeing the excited Ōtakemaru, Shimizu Asahi shook his head and did not give a positive answer. In fact, it was impossible to guarantee such a thing. After all, if he made a guarantee but failed to deliver, his impression in the eyes of Ōtakemaru and the others would be greatly diminished.

Ootakemaru seemed to understand Shimizu Asahi's concerns, so he suppressed his excitement.

"Indeed, it's normal that you're not confident in solving a problem that Suzukayama couldn't resolve no matter what methods he tried."

Exhaling a soft breath, Ōtakemaru sat back down, narrowed his eyes slightly, and replied without hesitation, "However, I agree to this deal."

"If you can resolve the crisis at Suzuka Mountain, the Yasakani no Magatama will be yours!"

"Thank you, sir!"

A look of joy unconsciously appeared on his face, and Qing Shui Chao Yang immediately thanked him happily.

As expected, good deeds are rewarded. If he hadn't saved the Scorpion Woman, Suzuka Mountain wouldn't have let him meet Ootakemaru so easily, nor would he have had the opportunity to learn about the crisis Suzuka Mountain was currently facing.

Although he might not be able to solve the problem at Suzuka Mountain, as he told Ōtakemaru, this was an opportunity that neither he nor Ōtakemaru could afford to miss.

As long as you win the gamble, the outcome will be a happy one for everyone!

"No need to thank me, this is an opportunity. If you succeed, you will gain the friendship of Suzuka Mountain forever, and not only the Yasakani no Magatama, but also all the treasures here!"

Ōtakemaru glanced at the overjoyed boy, then stood up and said, "Now, come with me. I'll show you with your own eyes the trouble you're about to face."

"The barren lands of Suzuka Mountain!"

PS: I've been a die-hard fan for ten years, and I never expected to be swept 3-0 by LGD today. My mentality has collapsed. I haven't been able to type a single word for hours. I'm so upset, and tears are streaming down my face. My keyboard is soaked. Brothers, my youth is gone.

Chapter 233, Section 236: The Sirens' Roots Lie Here

Three hundred years ago, Mount Suzuka did not actually have a name. After all, the island was originally just a resting place for the sea monsters, serving no other purpose than to allow them to rest and relax.

Not to mention the sea kingdom that now rules this island, back then, this island didn't even have a leader.

However, even though the sirens lived peacefully and never caused trouble, the island was not tranquil.

Perhaps because of its proximity to Heian-kyo, the samurai there would often lead troops to attack and disrupt their lives.

Although they were able to repel the attacks each time, the sirens found such attacks very annoying. So, one sirens stepped forward and led the island away from the waters near Heian-kyo. They sailed through the seas and finally arrived at their current location.

For some reason, this siren decided to build a paradise for siren here, so that all the siren could become one family. In order to make the siren feel a sense of belonging to the island, she gave the island a name.

Suzuka Mountain, that was the name she chose.

And she was Suzuka Gozen, the previous leader of the Sea Kingdom!

However, after Suzuka Gozen stabilized the affairs of the Sea Kingdom, she had to attend to a very important matter, so she handed everything over to her younger brother, Ōtakemaru.

Although Ōtakemaru was still somewhat immature at that time, he did not disappoint Suzuka Gozen. He treated Mount Suzuka as his home and the yokai on the island as his family, and he devoted himself to protecting the place. Through his efforts, Mount Suzuka eventually became the strongest force on this sea.

Of course, becoming the strongest force was not what they wanted. All they wanted was to live happily on this island for the rest of their lives, peaceful and content.

However, the good times didn't last long. Fifty years ago, Suzuka Mountain, which had finally gotten back on track, suffered a terrible disaster that threatened the life and death of the island—the loss of spiritual energy!

Although Suzuka Mountain was uninhabited three hundred years ago, this does not mean that Suzuka Mountain was not a good island. On the contrary, the island had abundant spiritual energy, and the plants and creatures on the island were able to grow faster and healthier under the nourishment of this spiritual energy.

Suzuka Gozen chose this place to establish her maritime kingdom precisely because of this.

However, for some unknown reason, starting fifty years ago, the spiritual energy of Mount Suzuka began to decrease little by little. As the spiritual energy dwindled, the soil on the island gradually lost its function. Although the yokai (supernatural beings) did not rely much on spiritual energy, the island needed it to survive.

Once the island's spiritual energy is exhausted, Mount Suzuka will become a dead land.

It cannot produce a single grain of food, nor can it grow a single large tree.

This island will become a true land of death!

For Ōtakemaru, this was absolutely unacceptable. Suzuka Mountain was the habitat of the sea monsters, their only home. If it disappeared, the sea kingdom would cease to exist!

As the leader who protects Mount Suzuka, he must take on the responsibility of protecting this place!

For the past fifty years, he has been searching for a cure with all his might, trying his best to restore Mount Suzuka to normal. However, no matter what he does, the spiritual energy of Mount Suzuka has not recovered.

As fifty years have passed, the spiritual energy of Mount Suzuka has become increasingly thin, and the amount of food produced has also decreased. Originally, Mount Suzuka could produce enough food in one year to feed the sea monsters for three years, but now, Mount Suzuka can barely maintain a balance between supply and demand. In fact, in a while, Mount Suzuka will have to use the food reserves in its granaries.

Within fifty years, the spiritual energy of Mount Suzuka will completely dissipate, and the stored food will gradually be depleted due to various activities.

In other words, Suzuka Mountain has less than fifty years left!

For the past fifty years, in order to prevent the sea monsters from causing trouble, only a few people, such as Ōtakemaru, Uminari, and Kyūjīra, knew about this matter. Whenever they saw the sea monsters laughing and singing, they felt a heavy pressure and responsibility.

This is their home, their roots. Even if it means sacrificing everything, they must find a way to restore the spiritual power of Mount Suzuka!

As long as Suzukayama can be cured, what does it matter if the Yasakani no Magatama is given away without hesitation?

At this moment, having accepted Shimizu Asahi's request for a deal, he led them to the place where the spiritual energy of Mount Suzuka dissipated.

"This is the barren land of Suzuka Mountain."

Standing before a withered, broken forest, Ōtakemaru spoke in a deep voice, his face grim.

"Is this... the place where the spiritual energy of Mount Suzuka first dissipates?"

Looking at the withered, bare trees before him, Shimizu Asahi couldn't help but show a solemn expression.

Fallen leaves and withered trees created a desolate atmosphere that quietly permeated the forest of dead trees. Even standing outside the forest, he could feel the deathly aura in the air.

"Oh dear, this really is... there's not a single sign of life."

Ibuki narrowed her eyes slightly. As the Demon King of Mount Oe, she could see through the situation in this region at a glance.

The spiritual energy is dissipating, and life is fading. Although there is still a tiny bit of life left on this land, it is only a tiny bit. I believe that in another two days, this place will be completely turned into a dead land.

"Not only are the plants withering away, but the surrounding environment is also being affected little by little. What exactly is going on?"

Ali also gently covered her mouth, her beautiful face filled with deep astonishment.

"This is the consequence of the loss of spiritual energy." Qing Nufang looked around and said this with a not-so-good expression. However, after speaking, she walked to the edge of the dead tree forest with some doubt, picked up some soil from the dead tree forest, and said, "However, the loss of spiritual energy will not completely take away the vitality. Even if it has been lost for fifty years, it is impossible for this place to become like this."

"The rising sun, this is probably not a natural phenomenon."

"Hmm, Suzuka Mountain has been normal for hundreds of years. Now, the sudden loss of spiritual energy means that either Suzuka Mountain is hiding some secret, or... well, that's probably impossible."

Shimizu Asahi came to Qingnvfang's side and agreed with his point of view. She even put forward two possibilities.

However, he himself thought the second possibility was impossible, so he didn't say it.

However, even if he didn't say it, everyone present understood what he meant.

—If there is nothing wrong with Suzuka Mountain itself, then someone is targeting Suzuka Mountain!

Some people want Suzuka Mountain to be destroyed!

P.S.: Nobody understands lottery systems better than me.

Synopsis: Chen Yue thought she had simply returned to the past, but unexpectedly, she actually obtained a system like the protagonist of a novel, gaining chances to draw prizes by seducing girls.

"Ding! Obtained a one-star item—Shiina Mashiro's O times."

"Ding! Obtained a two-star item—Kamen Rider Faiz Belt 30-day trial card (no Burst Mode version)"

"Ding! Obtained a three-star item—Random Game World Travel Card"

"Ding! Obtained a three-star item—a random O-level time-travel card."

Wait, O-rated anime? Is that even possible?! Chen Yue exclaimed, "Get to work right now! I'm going to the world of O-rated anime!"

Chen Yue: Nobody understands the lottery system better than me (hands on hips)

System: He doesn't know anything about lotteries! What a jinx!

P.S.: You can skip the prologue if you don't like it and go directly to the first chapter.

Chapter 234, Section 237: What's Fun to See in the Bathhouse?

Before they knew it, the dazzling sun had quietly set, and the bright moon had slowly risen in peace and tranquility. Ōtakemaru, standing in the withered forest, looked at the sky and said, "It's getting late, let's call it a day."

Upon hearing his words, the four members of the group, including Shimizu Asahi, subconsciously looked around. Although they had only been there for less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they all nodded and did not refuse as they noticed the sky darkening.

Actually, Ōtakemaru brought them here to scout out the location, since it was already quite late when they arrived on the island.

Before long, Shimizu Asahi and the other three followed Ootakemaru back to the village.

However, before entering the house, Ōtakemaru stopped and said, "I had already arranged for people to prepare a banquet on my way back. Tonight, our people and your people, everyone will gather together to welcome you back."

"The banquet is still a little over, so you all have time to tidy up your appearance."

"I've also arranged for hot water to be prepared. Anyone who needs it can go and take a shower."

"Really?"

Upon hearing Ōtakemaru's words, Shimizu Asahi was immediately delighted. His eyes lit up slightly, and he said gratefully, "Thank you so much, Ōtakemaru-sama."

"Go in, I'll go change my clothes while I'm at it." With a nonchalant wave, Ōtakemaru smiled gently and went into the room.

Watching the Sea Kingdom leader's figure disappear from sight, Shimizu Asahi turned to the three girls behind her and said, "Alright, let's go prepare too."

"Ah."

With a little anticipation, the four returned to their rooms, tidied their clothes, and then headed towards the bathroom.

Although the trip was filled with adventure and joy, Shimizu Asahi still had a small complaint about the sea: it was inconvenient to take a bath on the ocean.

He was used to taking baths every day, so it was normal for him to go three or four days without bathing when he was on the sea. It was understandable that he was not used to it.