Chapter 137

「Crack——」

「As that pitch-black crescent moon lunged at Ku Wu Fu……」

「Ku Wu Fu instinctively drew his Soul-Cutting Sword from his hand, attempting to block! 」

「Only a light sound was heard, and Ku Wu Fu's Soul-Cutting Sword snapped……」

「What?! 」

「Ku Wu Fu looked at the shattered Soul-Cutting Sword and couldn't help but blurt out. 」

「Immediately, the pitch-black crescent moon slashed by Huang Mu fell heavily upon Ku Wu Fu's body under his shocked and incredulous gaze; even Ku Wu Fu's bear-like sturdy physique could not block Huang Mu's slash……」

「Ku Wu Fu, after merely a single exchange with the pitch-black crescent moon slashed by Huang Mu, immediately spat out a large amount of bright red from his mouth and nose, his eyes gradually rolled back, he lost consciousness, and then, like a broken doll, was dragged by Huang Mu's crescent moon, flying backward, tracing a miserable straight line in the air, and heavily slammed into the barrier that enclosed the Pure Spirit Court……」

「Crack!! 」

「The barrier that enveloped the entire Pure Spirit Sky, said to be formed from a huge amount of Killing Qi Stones, was as fragile as a thin sheet of paper under Huang Mu's slash. 」

「Only the sound of cracking rang out, the barrier in the sky instantly showed countless cracks, and then Ku Wu Fu flew out of the Pure Spirit Court, soaring higher into the sky……」

「Yes, Ku Wu Fu did not stop there; under Huang Mu's slash, he surged toward the higher sky—the Seventy-Two Layer Barrier that, in Lan Ran Zong You Jie's eyes, required great time and effort to break through, was as nothing under Huang Mu's slash! 」

「Just like that, Ku Wu Fu flew up into the sky! 」

「Yes, Ku Wu Fu was directly sent from the Pure Spirit Court to the Spirit King's Palace by a single slash from Huang Mu! 」

「Ah la~」

「This is not a place you can come to……」

「When Ku Wu Fu reached the highest point of the sky, the Eye Monk, Bing Zhu Bu Yi Bing Wei, who had been guarding here, appeared from Ku Wu Fu and helplessly intervened. 」

「Only saw Bing Zhu Bu lightly waving his sleeve at Ku Wu Fu; his hand instantly became enormously large, and he firmly grasped the Ku Wu Fu who had been knocked unconscious by Huang Mu's single slash in his palm. 」

「As for Huang Mu's pitch-black slash, it could not injure Bing Zhu Bu Yi Bing Wei, this one who, under the name of the Zero Division, governs all the black false monks! 」

「You should go back! 」

「Immediately, Bing Zhu Bu Yi Bing Wei fiercely threw the Ku Wu Fu he had grasped in his palm toward the ground. 」

「This is the Thousand-Mile Heaven-Reaching Palm! 」

「You will thus cross a thousand miles and return directly to the Pure Spirit Court. 」

「Having said that, Bing Zhu Bu turned and walked away toward his own detached hall without looking back. 」

「Boom! 」

「As for Ku Wu Fu, who had been sent skyward by Huang Mu's single slash, under Bing Zhu Bu's ability he finally broke through the Pure Spirit Court's barrier once more and heavily landed in the open space before Huang Mu. 」

「In an instant, Ku Wu Fu's body smashed a huge hollow into the ground before Huang Mu, kicking up endless dust; as for the Ku Wu Fu with his eyes rolled back, after enduring the smooth combo of Huang Mu and Bing Zhu Bu, his soul had already reached the brink of being sent to Hell to offer incense to his predecessors……」

「However, Huang Mu, being kind-hearted, ultimately spared Ku Wu Fu's life. 」

「Kid, you just said you wanted to challenge me? And which division's captain are you again?! 」

「Huang Mu looked at the dying Ku Wu Fu lying before him and asked in a deep voice. 」

「……」

「Perhaps it was because of Huang Mu's mercy……」

「After Huang Mu treated Ku Wu Fu and left him with a life, Ku Wu Fu's consciousness gradually returned; or perhaps, even if Ku Wu Fu were to die, he wanted to guarantee his innocence, so even on the brink of death he still had something to say to Huang Mu. 」

「You say……」

「In response, Huang Mu waved his Soul-Cutting Sword, reviving Ku Wu Fu's fading consciousness. 」

「Captain Huang Mu, whether I lose to you or die beneath your blade, I, Ku Wu Fu, have no regrets; to fight someone as strong as you, I die without regret! But Captain Huang Mu, I truly have not the slightest desire to replace you as captain of the Guard Thirteen Divisions! 」

「After Ku Wu Fu's consciousness recovered, he immediately spoke to Huang Mu. 」

「……」

「Huang Mu can discern the truth of all things……」

「In other words, nobody can lie to his face! 」

「Therefore Huang Mu was certain that Ku Wu Fu had not deceived him. 」

「Take good care of your wounds! 」

「In a moment, Huang Mu figured out what had happened. 」

「In response, Huang Mu crouched, lightly patted Ku Wu Fu's shoulder, then turned and walked toward the First Division's barracks. 」

「Sai Teng~」

「Huang Mu, smiling, searched for Sai Teng's immortal traces within the First Division. 」

「I think I should just turn myself in! 」

「As for that, the First Division soldier who had previously been responsible for passing messages to Ku Wu Fu, seeing Huang Mu's eyes filled with killing intent and Ku Wu Fu lying on the ground gradually recovering, decided to confess his actions to Huang Mu. 」

「Yes, this First Division soldier mistakenly thought that Huang Mu's great anger was because he had deceived Sai Teng, and when he said that Ku Wu Fu wanted to challenge Huang Mu, he added some personal emotions. 」

「What he didn't even know was that, when Sai Teng conveyed this information to Huang Mu, she, like him, altered the meaning of the information according to her personal feelings……」

「Thus, Ku Wu Fu's words became completely nonsensical! 」

「Sai Teng, look at what you've done! 」

「At the same time, Huang Mu had successfully captured the immortal Sai Teng. 」

「Huang Mu, what are you doing?! 」

「At this moment, Sai Teng, having just cried, had a pair of bright big eyes that reflected ripples of autumn waves, making people feel endless pity; combined with her slightly resentful tone, even a man forged of steel would be unable to bring himself to lay a hand on her. 」

「But Huang Mu will not, for his current state of mind is comparable to that of ancient sages! 」

「Slap! Slap! Slap……」

「Thus, Huang Mu raised his palm and struck Sai Teng's upturned buttocks. 」

「In an instant, the already sorrowful Sai Teng cried even harder, her voice and appearance evoking even greater pity. 」

「This……」

As expected of Commander Araki, he's just playing flashy!

The First Division members on guard outside the division office, upon hearing the wailing and shouting from inside, couldn't help but shift their expressions, feeling immense admiration for Commander Araki inside...

Needless to say, Commander Araki is not only handsome, but his character far exceeds their imagination; altogether he is truly a model worthy of emulation for the First Division members.

"Uh, I think I'll stay out for now!"

As for the First Division member who was about to confess to Commander Araki, after hearing the ghostly wails and wolf howls from inside the division office, he hesitated a moment, then ultimately chose to retreat—sorry, he couldn't afford to provoke them, really couldn't...

And so time flew by; one month later...

The First Division member who, after hearing Saito's tragic scream, had decided to temporarily give up entering the division office so as not to disturb Commander Araki's affairs, and who considered himself quite perceptive, after several rounds of ideological work, still went to Commander Araki to confess his deeds...

"Heh, I already knew!" Commander Araki laughed, looking at the other party and said: "Given that you know your mistake and have corrected it, this time I won't punish you severely! Honestly, you haven't disappointed me; if you hadn't made up your mind today to come see me, I would have personally come to fetch you, and then things between us wouldn't be as relaxed and pleasant as they are now—you'd be personally kicked out of the First Division!"

"Commander Araki, I know I was wrong..."

Upon hearing that, the First Division member wiped his continuously flowing hot tears, looked at Commander Araki, and spoke in a low voice.

"Hmm..." Commander Araki, hearing that, first lightly nodded, then continued: "However, if I don't punish you today, it would seem somewhat unfair to others! So I'll give you a small, appropriate punishment, a token, a token!"

"Please punish me as you wish! As long as you don't kick me out of the First Division, no matter how difficult the punishment you give me, I will endure it and do my utmost to complete it!"

The First Division member clenched his fists, looking at Commander Araki and spoke earnestly.

"Well said!"

"So from today onward, I appoint you as the First Division's Bathroom Battalion Commander!"

Upon hearing that, Commander Araki immediately broke into a smile.

"Bathroom Battalion Commander?!"

Upon hearing that, the First Division member suddenly felt an ominous premonition.

Then that ominous premonition of the First Division member became reality...

"From today onward, for the next full hundred years..."

"All bathroom hygiene issues throughout the entire First Division barracks, from top to bottom, will be your sole responsibility!"

Commander Araki simply looked at the First Division member before him and spoke lightly.

"I..."

Upon hearing that, the First Division member felt an intense tightness in his chest, almost choking on a mouthful of old blood right then and there.

"Alright, you may go now!"

Saying that, Commander Araki casually waved his hand at the First Division member.

"Commander Araki, could you pretend I never came today?!"

"I mean, do I still have a chance to quit the First Division?"

The First Division member looked earnestly at Commander Araki, tears slowly welling up in his eyes.

"Too late."

Upon hearing that, Commander Araki responded with a smile to the First Division member before him.

"Get out! Don't forget to close the door behind you~"

Immediately afterward, Commander Araki issued an eviction order to the First Division member before him, and didn't forget to tell him to close the division office door tightly when leaving.

"……"

Thus, the First Division member trudged away with heavy steps, leaving the First Division barracks.

From today onward, this First Division member gained another resounding title within the First Division—Bathroom Battalion Commander.

It was precisely as this Bathroom Battalion Commander left the division office that an extraordinarily tall man brushed past him, heading toward Commander Araki's division office.

The visitor was none other than Kurayashiki, who had nearly been beaten to death by Commander Araki and the fake monk's silky combo, just a hair's breadth away from an early report to Hell.

"Thump thump thump..."

After a month's time, Kurayashiki had fully recovered; he came to Commander Araki's division office and first lightly knocked on the door to show his respect and courtesy.

"Come in..."

Upon hearing the knocking from outside, Commander Araki spoke softly.

"Commander Araki, I am Kurayashiki."

Kurayashiki gently pushed open the division office door, entered with a smile, and spoke to Commander Araki with a smile.

"Kurayashiki! How's your recovery?"

Commander Araki looked at the visitor and asked with a hearty laugh.

"Thanks to you, my injuries have mostly healed."

Upon hearing Commander Araki's words, Kurayashiki lightly nodded.

"Really? Then what brings you here today?"

Commander Araki looked at Kurayashiki and inquired.

"Commander Araki, I wish to follow you and become a member of the First Division!"

Upon hearing Commander Araki's words, Kurayashiki immediately dropped to one knee and spoke respectfully.

"With your strength, you could easily be a captain of any division other than the First, Fourth, or Eleventh; serving as a mere member in my First Division would be a grave underuse of your talent."

Upon hearing Kurayashiki's words, Commander Araki furrowed his brows slightly and spoke in a low voice.

What Commander Araki said was indeed true; given Kurayashiki's strength, defeating the captains of any divisions other than the First, Fourth, and Eleventh would not be difficult for him...

Even if Kurayashiki faced off against Muguruma and Zaraki, he wouldn't have no chance; with his strength, he is undoubtedly one of the top existences in the entire Seireitei, so placing such a powerhouse in the First Division as a regular member or officer would indeed be a waste.

If Kurayashiki wished, Commander Araki would directly let him leave the First Division and openly recommend him to become captain of whatever division among the Thirteen Court Guard Squads currently lacking a captain.

"I dare not even hope to become captain of another division; I only wish to serve Commander Araki."

Who would have thought, upon hearing Commander Araki's words, Kurayashiki simply shook his head; he came to Seireitei seeking Commander Araki, and naturally would not leave for better prospects or higher status.

"In that case, you shall be a captain in the special unit of my First Division!"

After hearing Ku Wu Shi's words, Huang Mu lightly nodded.

"Thank you, Captain Huang Mu!" Ku Wu Shi first expressed gratitude to Huang Mu, then continued: "I just have one improper request, hoping Captain Huang Mu can fulfill it!"

"Go on..."

"As long as it doesn't violate principles, I will do my best to help you."

After hearing Ku Wu Shi's words, Huang Mu casually waved his hand, indicating Ku Wu Shi could speak freely.

"I hope you can allow me to become captain of the 'Xu Quan' Expeditionary Force, to go to 'Xu Quan' and slay great hollows in exchange for supreme glory!"

As Huang Mu's words fell, only the kneeling Ku Wu Shi spoke loudly.

"'Xu Quan' Expeditionary Force?!"

After hearing Ku Wu Shi's words, Huang Mu's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Well, over the past month, Huang Mu has either been teaching (training) educating (teaching) Zhai Teng Bu Lao Bu Si, or sparring swordsmanship with Mao Zihlie; as for the matter of the Xu Quan Expeditionary Force, Huang Mu had long forgotten it……"

As for the 'Central Forty-Six Rooms', Huang Mu didn't speak up, and they didn't dare to ask; moreover, a month's time was still within the tolerance of the 'Central Forty-Six Rooms', so they didn't send anyone to dun for payment.

Moreover, even if the 'Central Forty-Six Rooms' sent people, those debt collectors couldn't enter the gate of the 'First Division' captain's quarters! The troops trained by Huang Mu, although they couldn't beat Ku Wu Shi, would have more than enough to handle those lackeys cultivated by the 'Central Forty-Six Rooms'.

"It's hard for you to still remember this matter..."

"In that case, starting today you are the captain of the Second Detachment, Special Anti-Hollow Strike Team of the Guard Court First Division! At the same time, I order you to become the commander-in-chief of the Xu Quan Expeditionary Force for this second Xu Quan Grand Expedition that we are organizing, and take full responsibility for selecting the personnel of the Xu Quan Expeditionary Force..."

"Ku Wu Shi, I think you should also know that the first 'Xu Quan' Grand Expedition was under my command! Moreover, the commander of that expeditionary force was also me! Under my leadership, the troops of the 'Eleventh Division' fought bravely, they not only slew one great hollow after another, but also seized this opportunity to surpass themselves and complete their transformation!"

"And the troops of the 'First Division' are none other than the original 'Eleventh Division's troops! Even to this day, those companions of the expeditionary force have always followed at my left and right, serving as my left and right arms, continually serving me."

Huang Mu looked at Ku Wu Shi, his thoughts seemingly returning to the past, and he recounted his own experience of building the expeditionary force to Ku Wu Shi.

"I'm saying this, Ku Wu Shi, do you understand?!"

Immediately after, after Huang Mu finished saying what he wanted to say, he still didn't forget to ask Ku Wu Shi.

"Replying to Captain Huang Mu, subordinate understands..."

"You mean, let me not rely on your prestige, but build a completely new expeditionary force on my own! This trip to the 'Xu Quan' is not only for slaying great hollows, but more for training troops!"

Upon hearing Huang Mu's words, Ku Wu Shi immediately responded.

"Hahaha, the youngster is teachable!"

Upon hearing Ku Wu Shi's words, Huang Mu immediately gave a faint smile.

"Alright, go on now! Let me see the strength of the force you build!"

"Ku Wu Shi, remember this: in the 'Seireitei', mere strength is not enough; you must also possess a personal charisma that makes all your subordinates utterly convinced."

Huang Mu casually gave Ku Wu Shi a pointer, then said no more.

Some things can only be said this much; any more would be inappropriate……

"Thank you for your guidance, Captain Huang Mu."

After Ku Wu Shi finished speaking, his figure vanished before Huang Mu's eyes.

"……"

Huang Mu kept staring at Ku Wu Shi's figure as it disappeared from the 'First Division' captain's quarters, then he turned to the empty room and asked: "How many people are currently in Ku Wu Shi's 'Xu Quan' Expeditionary Force?!"

"There are only two in total: one is Ku Wu Shi, the other seems to be called A Xi Duo."

After Huang Mu's words fell, the punished Zhai Teng Bu Lao Bu Si, dressed in a black-and-white maid outfit, finally poked his little head out from the back hall of the captain's quarters and spoke to Huang Mu.

"Only two people total?"

Upon hearing that, Huang Mu immediately gave a light smile; he was now somewhat curious whether Ku Wu Shi could truly build a force capable of fighting in the 'Xu Quan'.

"However, these two individuals are not insignificant in background."

"Hehe, seems somewhat interesting……"

At the same time, Huang Mu muttered to himself in his heart.

Ku Wu Shi need not say more; his strength has always been among the top in the lineage of 'Jian Ba', and now he has become a squad leader under Huang Mu's 'First Division'……

Although Ku Wu Shi's status may be somewhat worse than his original fate, it has instead changed his destiny of being slain by underhanded means by his successor as 'Jian Ba', namely 'Zhi Cheng Jian Ba'.

As for A Xi Duo, he's a tough guy who dares to fight the Vasto Lorde without even releasing his Zanpakuto; isn't he stronger than some captain who, after becoming a hollow, beat a few Gillian?!

If Ku Wu Shi can truly organize a qualified expeditionary force, perhaps it could really cause some trouble for the 'Bai Le Gang' of the 'Xu Quan'!

Then we can have the expeditionary force's troops mutually train with the 'Bai Le Gang's' great hollow legions; those who survive will become true powerhouses.

Huang Mu is currently designing the script for this Xu Quan expedition in his mind.

"Between life and death lies great terror; only true war can forge true powerhouses……"

Whether hollow or soul reaper, the battlefield is their sole destination.

Only when these people become sufficiently strong can the world become sufficiently stable.

It must be said, as the 'Guard Court' Captain-General, Huang Mu has truly exerted tremendous effort for the stability and prosperity of the 'Three Realms'……

In the blink of an eye, five years have passed.

The 'Xu Quan' Expeditionary Force that Huang Mu had Ku Wu Shi build has indeed been successfully built by Ku Wu Shi.

At this moment, the ever-stable 'Central Forty-Six Rooms' finally panicked.

'Central Forty-Six Rooms'

No, didn't we agree with Huang Mu that this so-called 'Xu Quan' expedition was just a pretense for everyone to make money off the 'Five Great Noble Families'?! How come Huang Mu is actually doing this for real?!

A sage clutched his head, which felt like it was about to split, and cried out in pain.

Isn't that right? Huang Mu told us he had no ability to hunt hollows, but he still had the talent to make money under the guise of hunting hollows, didn't he?!

As a result, that scoundrel Huang Mu hasn't shared any profits with us for years; when we demanded payment, he turned around and told us he really intends to hunt this hollow—do you say this isn't fraud?

As the sage's words fell, everyone immediately echoed his sentiment.

People's hearts are not what they used to be! Truly, people's hearts are not what they used to be……

We agreed we'd make money together, right?

After you took our money, you actually intend to get this done?!

Damn it, my money! Give our money back to us!!

That day, within Room 46, the lamentations of the sages kept echoing.

If you listen closely, you can hear some sages shouting at the sky: "Huangmu, pay back the money!!"

Huangmu, you scoundrel, return the blood-and-sweat money we painstakingly squeezed out of the lowly wandering souls of Wandering Soul Street, which we at Room 46 went to great trouble to obtain!!

Room 46 was roaring continuously at this moment.

Regarding this, Huangmu indicated……

This money will definitely be repaid, but as for when, how, and in what manner to repay you, that's up to me to decide!

Huangmu has always been open and aboveboard; he will surely repay the money to Room 46.

Only the timing and place of repayment are up to him to decide.

Regarding this, Huangmu loudly called out to the sages of Room 46: "Anyone in Room 46 who wants me to repay the money, listen up! The debt I owe you is real—go to the Spirit King Palace! I've placed all the money I owe you there."

Second update! It's too late, I'm exhausted, I can barely keep my eyes open—good night, everyone!