Chapter 101: Wait a few years, then make arrangements for dear Teacher Yuan Liuzhai

The next day……

The day after Huang Mu began deliberately spreading false rumors throughout the Pure Spirit Court, influencing public opinion.

Huang Mu sought out Geng Mu, preparing to begin systematic instruction of him.

Kill! Kill! Kill!!

After seeing Huang Mu, Geng Mu excitedly picked up the wooden sword on his rack, hoping to continue fighting with Huang Mu.

Let's pause the fighting for a moment!

Huang Mu looked at the excited Geng Mu and spoke calmly.

Huh?!

Upon hearing that, Geng Mu showed a puzzled expression.

Although he currently cannot engage in dialogue or communication like a normal person, he understands what others say; he just can't speak well……

So when Huang Mu said to put fighting aside for now, Geng Mu showed 'doubt' and 'dissatisfaction'—the first time in his life he had ever shown dissatisfaction……

Pa~

Huang Mu ignored Geng Mu's dissatisfaction. Instead, in front of Geng Mu, he brought a blackboard into the Swordsmanship Dojo and immediately began writing and drawing on it.

This is the first lesson I give you: teaching you to read and speak!

Huang Mu first wrote both of their names on the blackboard, then turned around, looked at Geng Mu, and spoke softly.

Reading, speaking…… useless!

Fighting, fighting is useful!

Who would have thought that after hearing Huang Mu's words, Geng Mu began to resist, disliking study and only liking fighting!

For a moment, Geng Mu's resistance to Huang Mu's lessons resembled that of elementary school students who only liked PE and disliked academic classes……

Geng Mu, your sword was already broken by me in our fight!

Do you think that using a real sword you cannot defeat me, and with just a wooden sword you can actually defeat me?!

Huang Mu looked at Geng Mu and asked aloud.

Er……

After hearing Huang Mu's words, Geng Mu fell silent, staring at his wooden sword in contemplation; his unbroken streak of victories had made him almost forget that he had been defeated by Huang Mu.

Sword! Sword!!

After thinking for a while, Geng Mu threw away his wooden sword and reached out to Huang Mu for his sword.

Your sword is broken……

Huang Mu explained.

Er……

Geng Mu then remembered that his sword had indeed been broken. His sword had superbly fulfilled its purpose in the battle against Huang Mu, after which Huang Mu's sword cut it into countless fine particles……

As long as you study well! Grasp the knowledge I teach you, keep it all in your mind, and when you pass the assessment that day, I will give you a sword……

Huang Mu looked at the silent Geng Mu and then promised.

At this moment, Huang Mu was like a parent promising a 'gift' to children before an exam……

Huang Mu's rhetoric was just like a parent telling children, 'If you score a hundred, I'll fulfill whatever wish you have'—though it's an old cliché, it works!

Mm!

When Geng Mu heard that Huang Mu would give him a 'brand-new sword', he no longer resisted learning cultural knowledge, he nodded firmly and earnestly looked at Huang Mu's blackboard……

At this moment, Geng Mu secretly vowed in his heart that he would, in a short time, memorize all the knowledge Huang Mu taught him, so as to quickly obtain his sword and once again enjoy fighting with Huang Mu.

Well then, our lesson now begins……

Huang Mu looked at Geng Mu, who had sat back in his seat, the corners of his mouth slightly rising, and simultaneously began his lesson.

At the same time, inside the side hall of Wang Yue of the Ermeiwu in the Soul King Palace, Sword God……

Bang! Bang! Bang……

Wang Yue firmly grasped his large hammer, continuously repairing the Soul-Cutter Sword in his hand.

No, rather than saying he was repairing the Soul-Cutter Sword in his hand, it would be more accurate to say he was reforging the blade of the Soul-Cutter Sword, for when Huang Mu delivered this sword to his palace, the blade had completely vanished, leaving only the hilt~

Sigh……

Damn Huang Mu, he really causes me trouble!

Wang Yue kept heating the Soul-Cutter Sword before him, hoping to quickly finish forging it completely, while constantly muttering about the extra work Huang Mu had given him.

However, although Wang Yue's movements were extremely swift, they did not appear 'perfunctory' or 'rushed'; instead, they gave an impression of being 'seasoned' and 'exquisite'……

This is because although Wang Yue acts quickly, each strike hammering the blade is exerted with nearly all his strength; although his personality is flighty, usually giving an irreverent impression—even occasional tasks assigned by the 'monk' he would slack off on—but when it comes to forging the Soul-Cutter Sword, he never shows any negligence, simply because as the creator of the Soul-Cutter Sword, he loves it more than anyone else!

Just like that, three months passed in a flash……

Geng Mu's learning ability was truly extraordinary; in just one month he learned how to speak, now he can converse like a normal person without stumbling……

Then Geng Mu spent another month learning to write; his handwriting now bears a touch of 'wild cursive' style, amidst the chaos revealing a kind of unrestrained beauty……

In the final month, Huang Mu was popularizing knowledge of the Soul Society to Geng Mu, as well as some things called common sense by the world! And he had not yet established a correct 'outlook on life' for Geng Mu.

And today is the day of the exam……

At this moment, Geng Mu tightly held a brush, continuously writing vigorously on the exam paper Huang Mu gave him.

About an hour later, the exam ended……

Geng Mu confidently handed in his exam paper to Huang Mu.

Hehe~

After glancing at Geng Mu's exam paper, Huang Mu revealed a satisfied smile.

Geng Mu, you passed!

Huang Mu said this, walked up to Geng Mu, lightly patted his shoulder, and gave him congratulations.

Hah…

Gengmu, upon hearing Huangmu say he had qualified, finally lowered his anxiously held heart and let out a slight sigh of relief.

This is what I promised you back then: on the day you passed the exam, I would give you a sword of your own—see if this sword suits you…

While speaking, Huangmu handed over the Soul-Cutting Sword that Wang Yue had already finished forging to Gengmu.

Having made a promise, I must fulfill it—that's Huangmu's principle. Since Gengmu has already passed the assessment, Huangmu has no further reason to keep confiscating his sword…

Huh?

First, Gengmu took from Huangmu's hands an exquisitely precious lacquered wood box.

Then he carefully opened the box and took out the Soul-Cutting Sword placed inside, the sword he had eagerly awaited for three months.

Gengmu's Soul-Cutting Sword had no ornate scabbard nor a flashy hilt; its entire body was wrapped in white cloth, and its exquisitely crafted hilt closely resembled the wooden sword he used for training in the Swordsmanship Dojo—so plain that its very plainness made it stand out.

"This is…" Gengmu stared at the familiar shape of the Soul-Cutting Sword before him, blinked slightly, then burst into laughter: "Hahaha! This is the sword! Indeed, it's easiest for 'her' to wield!

As Gengmu laughed, he directly unwrapped the white cloth from the Soul-Cutting Sword, and for a moment the blade's gleam lit up the entire Swordsmanship Dojo…

The blade, reforged by Wang Yue, was sharper than the sword's original form; the light reflecting off its body was so intense that just a glance made one's eyes sting faintly—testament to its keenness…

Hahaha! In this world, there is nothing I cannot cut!

Gengmu gripped his Soul-Cutting Sword like a child who scored a hundred on a test and was rewarded with a toy, swinging it wildly and happily playing.

Then, Huangmu arranged for Gengmu to leave…

Indeed, because Quebu and Huangmu's earlier conversation had run into a few minor issues, Shan Laotou came to regard Gengmu as Huangmu's child and thus intended to personally educate him, hoping to mold him into talent.

In fact, over these three months, Shan Laotou had already sent Quebu several times to urge Huangmu, but each time Huangmu refused, citing that Gengmu was still too young and could not yet leave his side.

During Huangmu's three months of tugging back and forth, Shan Laotou grew ever more convinced that Gengmu was Huangmu's child, and his resolve to personally teach him strengthened, hoping Gengmu would not follow Huangmu's old path.

After seeing his beloved master once again fall for his tricks, Huangmu finally, today, having completed Gengmu's 'brainwashing'—no, having thoroughly finished his 'education'—handed Gengmu personally over to Quebu's care.

"Quebu, I'm entrusting this child Gengmu to you~"

"You understand what I mean, right?!"

Only seeing Huangmu pull Quebu to the side of the Swordsmanship Dojo and speak softly.

"Rest easy~"

"I get it!"

As soon as Quebu opened his mouth, he called Old Dong 'brother,' and soon the whole Soul Society would be figured out by Quebu.

"Gengmu, follow Quebu Uncle closely; in a moment Quebu Uncle will take you to meet someone incredibly powerful…"

When Huangmu said this, he then used the Heaven-Piercing Net on Gengmu, so Quebu nearby couldn't hear the conversation between Huangmu and Gengmu.

"…Then you will use this Soul-Cutting Sword I gave you to cut down that person!"

These are the words Huangmu transmitted to Gengmu via the Heaven-Piercing Net.

"…You must humbly seek advice from that person! He will help you become stronger!"

These are the words Huangmu spoke aloud in Quebu's presence for Gengmu to hear.

"Understood."

When Gengmu's mind received the two messages from Huangmu, his eyes lit up and he nodded firmly.

At this moment, Gengmu's heart began to itch with anticipation; he could hardly wait to challenge the formidable individual Huangmu had spoken of…

"Go on~"

Huangmu said this while lightly patting Gengmu's head.

"All right! Come with me, Young Master Gengmu~"

At this time, Quebu still didn't know what lay ahead; he merely smiled and greeted Gengmu politely.

"Huh…"

Gengmu now appeared exceedingly well-behaved; Huangmu had taught him that if an opponent surpasses him in strength quickly, he should feign weakness, then strike with full force when the opponent lets his guard down, delivering a fatal blow.

"This kid is really not bad~"

Quebu looked at the obedient Gengmu and couldn't help but feel moved; he truly is worthy of being Genryusai's offspring—not only powerful but also well-behaved and sensible, as if born to succeed Genryusai's work.

"Huangmu, I'm heading out…"

Quebu brought Gengmu to the outside gate of the Eleventh Division barracks and waved at Huangmu inside.

"Go on~" Huangmu gave Quebu a slight nod, then looked at Gengmu and instructed: "Gengmu, after you go, remember to listen well~"

"…"

Upon hearing this, Gengmu said nothing; he simply gripped his Soul-Cutting Sword tightly.

Immediately afterward, Quebu and Gengmu set out on the journey to the First Division barracks.

"Master, I hope you like the surprise I've prepared for you~"

As for Huangmu, it's rare that Gengmu isn't home today, so he can finally rest properly.

Only seeing Huangmu yawn and head toward his captain's chamber…

Meanwhile, Quebu and Gengmu traveled in silence, their pace unsatisfying, and soon arrived at the First Division barracks.

Outside the First Division barracks, the soldiers saw that the visitor was their vice-captain Quebu, and none dared to block the way.

Thus, Quebu and Gengmu swaggered straight into the First Division barracks and came before the doors of the captain's chamber…

Quebu brought Gengmu to the First Division's captain's chamber, but instead of summoning others to enter with him, he explained to Gengmu: "Gengmu, the person you are about to meet has quite a background! He is your Captain Huangmu's teacher, the founding ancestor of the Guarding Thirteen Divisions, the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society, and also your father…"

"Kill!"

However, before Quebu could finish his sentence…

Gengmu had already drawn his Soul-Cutting Sword from his waist and slashed at the huge door before him.

"Swish!"

Only a flash of cold light was seen, and the massive door of the First Division captain's chamber, under Quebu's astonishment, shattered instantly into countless fragments under Gengmu's strike.

Gengmu! What are you doing? Gengmu!

Quebu watched Gengmu, who suddenly started acting erratically, and asked in confusion. In Quebu's view, what was about to happen should have been a long‑missed father‑son reunion scene, somewhat "abstract" and "cliché", yet truly "moving"…

But where exactly did the problem arise, turning this moving scene into this mess?!

If Huangmu were here now, he would pat Quebu's shoulder, suppress a grin, and say, "Brother, don't be so hasty. The trouble started from the very beginning. In fact, none of the words I told you before were true!"

At the same time…

Hee hee hee…

Gengmu did not answer Quebu's question; he simply gripped his Soul‑Cutting Sword tightly and looked toward the interior of the First Squad Headquarters.

Hm?!

As the door of the First Squad Headquarters was cleaved open by Gengmu…

Naturally, the scene inside the First Squad Headquarters was revealed.

There stood a middle‑aged man whose hairline had receded severely, with black beard beneath his nose, holding a Soul‑Cutting Sword, standing on the wooden floor of the First Squad Headquarters, staring coldly at Gengmu…

The moment Gengmu exuded murderous aura, the middle‑aged man's keen senses caught it.

Lord Yuanliuzhai!

Quebu also saw inside the Headquarters the iron‑blue‑faced, murderous‑glared Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo; Quebu's mind was filled with panic, pondering how to explain Gengmu's situation to Yuanliuzhai.

Before Quebu could explain anything to Yuanliuzhai, Gengmu was already a step ahead, charging into the First Squad Quarters before his eyes.

Gengmu, wielding his razor‑sharp Soul‑Cutting Sword, swung it toward Yuanliuzhai.

"Ignorant brat, overreaching!"

Yuanliuzhai's gaze narrowed slightly as he watched Gengmu's slash, then he also drew his Soul‑Cutting Sword from his waist.

Boom!

The next second…

The swords in Yuanliuzhai's hand and Gengmu's hand collided violently.

Boom!

At the moment of impact, the swords of Yuanliuzhai and Gengmu emitted a burst of shockwave that blew outward in all directions; for a brief moment, the larger and the smaller locked in a struggle, continuing their contest within the First Squad Headquarters.

What?!

When Quebu saw the "young" Gengmu able to grapple with Yuanliuzhai, he froze in place. He knew Gengmu was strong and had witnessed Gengmu suppressing Zaitou's agelessness, but he never imagined Gengmu could be so powerful—powerful enough to spar with Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo in such a short time…

Hee hee!

Gengmu watched Yuanliuzhai block his slash, his mouth curving upward in an excited grin.

This is the second person, after Huangmu, since his birth who could withstand his strike without falling!

In an instant, three faces flashed through Gengmu's mind: Huangmu's, Maozhihua Lie's, and Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo's…

Indeed, Gengmu had also fought Maozhihua Lie; that occurred when Huangmu defeated Gengmu and returned to the Pure Spirit Court!

After Huangmu returned to the Pure Spirit Court, he immediately went to the Fourth Squad and introduced the captured youth Gengmu to Maozhihua Lie…

Upon hearing of Gengmu's strength and the reason Huangmu destroyed his sword, Maozhihua Lie sparred with Gengmu using wooden swords, which ultimately shattered simultaneously in both hands~

The battle was barely a draw~, but even so it was enough to astonish Maozhihua Lie at Gengmu's power! The next person now shocked by Gengmu's strength is Shanben Yuanliuzhai Chongguo, the Guardian of the Court Founder.

"Kid! You've got some skill~"

Yuanliuzhai looked at Gengmu as if he had discovered a raw jade; his eyes glittered, and scorching spiritual pressure burst from his body.

Hm?!

Gengmu's complexion changed instantly upon sensing Yuanliuzhai's erupting spiritual pressure; he stepped back and widened the distance between them.

"Kid, you're impressive! Yet even so, you're still just a kid…"

Yuanliuzhai's spiritual pressure poured continuously, instantly enveloping the entire First Squad Quarters. Moreover, his overwhelming pressure began to materialize before Gengmu and Quebu, eventually turning into raging flames…

Undoubtedly, Yuanliuzhai had reached the pinnacle of Soul Reaper! A Soul Reaper below captain rank seeing Yuanliuzhai is like a frog at the bottom of a well gazing at the bright moon, unaware how vast the sky is or how high the moon hangs…

A Soul Reaper who luckily breaks through to captain rank and then meets Yuanliuzhai finally perceives the gap as a mayfly staring at the blue sky—unreachable…

"All creation, ash! Flowing blades like fire!"

As Yuanliuzhai unleashed his massive spiritual pressure, he waved his hand to release his Soul‑Cutting Sword; the raging flames tore through the ceiling of the First Squad Headquarters, and the endless sea of fire left Gengmu with no opening.

"What? Still not releasing? Or are you, kid, daring to challenge me in the First Squad without even learning to release? It seems I haven't fought in years, and you've all forgotten my strength…"

Yuanliuzhai spoke, like a deity mastering fire, stepping toward Gengmu step by step.

On the other side, the Eleventh Squad Quarters.

"Haha, Shanlaotou's strength truly hasn't waned over the years! Even after all this time, his firepower remains colossal! Designing Gengmu to face Shanlaotou and letting Shanlaotou teach him the basics was the best choice~"

"What a pity! Though Shanlaotou's strength is great, it's still only at the Soul Reaper level, never surpassing that limit—truly regrettable~"

When Huangmu saw Shanlaotou release his Soul‑Cutting Sword, he felt Shanben Yuanliuzhai's massive spiritual pressure; undeniably, within the traditional Soul Reaper concept, Shanlaotou is the undisputed pinnacle…

But these days, who still rides a horse to be a traditional Soul Reaper?

"Eye Monk" a traditional Soul Reaper?

When the Soul Reaper concept didn't exist, they were alive—clearly not a traditional Soul Reaper!

Is the most iconic rebel, Aizen, from Bleach, a traditional Soul Reaper? Having fully merged with the King of Spirits' power, the Hogyoku, does that still count as a Soul Reaper, or is it something else?

Is the destined child of Bleach, Ichigo Kurosaki, the Spirit King's grandson, a traditional Soul Reaper? He's already a substitute for the Spirit King; calling him a Soul Reaper is just gilding the profession's image…

Thus, Huangmu concludes that being a traditional Soul Reaper offers no way to survive in this world; the more you mix it up, the more awesome you become!

As for Huangmu himself, no further words are needed; he's mixed more than the destined child, Ichigo Kurosaki!

Huangmu's body not only seized Youhabahu's annihilating power, but also fused with the divine power of the Spirit King's right arm, Mimi Haki, and inherently carries the Spirit King's perfect technique power…

At the same time, Huangmu's Soul‑Cutting Sword also merged with the power of the Great Void and maintains a close link to a certain Supreme Being; from any angle, it drifts further from the traditional Soul Reaper path.

Therefore, Huangmu quickly made a decision.

"Rest assured, Teacher Yuanliuzhai! As your good disciple, I will never just stand by while the powerful you fall behind the version! After a while, I'll arrange a Hollowification for you so you can feel progress~"

Oh, by the way, speaking of which, I now also have the ability to bestow Yuhabahhe; logically, I could also bestow upon you the power of the Annihilation Master! I really want to see you possessing the Grand Hollow, Death God, and Annihilation Master power, just like your good disciple me, becoming a backup Soul King~

Huangmu chuckled and made a decision.

Family means we must all be together!

How could it be right for only him to be the backup Soul King? If we're going to do it, we all do it together!

Years later, when all enemies of the Three Realms fell before Huangmu's sword, people would say: "You say Soul King? Soul King is barely a little Huangmu!" You say the previous Captain-Commander of the Guard Division, Yuanliuzhai? He's called the Little Soul King!

As for Yuhabahhe, he was first schemed against by a monk in the mortal world, causing his eyes to be sealed!

Then he was again weakened by Huangmu using the Supreme Existence, and only later was he cut down by Yuanliuzhai; in fact, he did not regard Yuanliuzhai highly, seeing Yuanliuzhai as merely an old Death God, not exceeding that realm.

Until Yuanliuzhai's inner power of Grand Hollow, Annihilation Master, and Death God kept emerging, erupting into power surpassing Death God, Yuhabahhe furrowed his brows: "In my thousand years of slumber, what exactly happened? How is it that upon waking, I can't keep up with the version and have become myself?"

Another chapter coming! I went to the hospital again this morning, still no issues found; tomorrow morning I still need to go get blood drawn again…

By the way, I'm also asking for a wave of votes~

(End of chapter)