Chapter 183

Hey! Ishida Uryū, what have I ever done to offend you?!

Kurosaki Ichigo looked at Ishida Uryū, who was full of malice toward him, weakly scratched his blond hair, and asked doubtfully.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, don't you understand yet? The battle between Quincy and Soul Reaper has nothing to do with whether you've offended me! It's the destiny between Quincy and Soul Reaper, and also our destiny. From the moment you chose to become a Soul Reaper, Kurosaki Ichigo, whether you're my classmate or acquaintance, you've already stood against me as natural opponents. This opposition between us isn't something easily reversed~"

Ishida Uryū lightly pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose; his gaze at Kurosaki Ichigo was full of contempt.

In Ishida Uryū's eyes, Kurosaki Ichigo as a Soul Reaper is clearly unqualified; the other doesn't even know what a Soul Reaper is or what responsibilities he bears, yet he decisively became one—this is totally a half-baked effort~

Unlike him, who has aimed to become a proper Quincy since birth as his ultimate life goal, I, Ishida Uryū, will never lose to someone like Kurosaki Ichigo, a half-baked Soul Reaper~

"What are you saying? I don't understand……"

Kurosaki Ichigo heard that, first blinked slightly, then asked.

"You don't need to understand my words."

Ishida Uryū looked at Kurosaki Ichigo before him, who always turns a deaf ear at crucial moments, and his expression inevitably gained a hint of helplessness.

"Anyway, just you and me settling this is enough……"

"I'll prove with strength that Quincy are the supreme beings!"

"Their excellence far surpasses that of Soul Reapers……"

Ishida Uryū said, pulling out from his pocket something that looked like a coin.

"Ishida Uryū, what exactly is that thing in your hand?"

Kurosaki Ichigo looked at the coin in Ishida Uryū's hand, his brows slightly furrowed.

"That's…… not good……"

At that very moment, Rukia also saw the coin in Ishida Uryū's hand; combining what she'd learned yesterday from the shady merchant Urahara about Quincy, she quickly recognized what the coin in Ishida Uryū's hand was.

"This is the bait used by Quincy at the moment of hunting to lure prey!"

"As long as I crush it, all the Hollows in Karakura Town, even all of Tokyo, will be drawn to it! Our contest, Kurosaki Ichigo, will be decided by how many Hollows we each slay—I'll prove with my own power that Quincy far surpass Soul Reapers!"

Ishida Uryū didn't give Rukia time to speak; while explaining the bait in his hand to Kurosaki Ichigo, he crushed it, turning it into a sky-full of spirit particles.

"Oh no!"

Rukia looked at Ishida's action, her face suddenly changing.

Exactly at the moment Ishida Uryū crushed the bait, the sky over Karakura Town darkened with a hint of gloom; the pitch-black sky made Karakura Town seem somewhat sinister!

"Roar!!"

Exactly at the moment Ishida crushed the bait, accompanied by one roar after another, Hollow after Hollow advanced toward the direction where Ishida was.

"Swish!"

Ishida, holding the bow with one hand, fired a single sacred arrow, directly annihilating that reckless Hollow; then he looked at Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia and coldly said: "First one! Now I'm ahead, Kurosaki Ichigo, open your eyes wide and watch—see how I, as a Quincy, fight……"

"You maniac!"

"Ichigo has no time to linger, hurry and follow me!"

"Karakura Town is now surrounded by Hollows; these Hollows will ruthlessly devour all 'Wholes' lingering in Karakura Town, and once the Wholes are completely consumed, they will turn their attention to humans whose innate spiritual power surpasses ordinary people. Kurosaki Ichigo, can you hear what I'm saying? Your family is now in great danger."

Kuchiki Rukia first cursed Ishida Uryū, then solemnly said to Kurosaki Ichigo.

"My family is in danger?!"

Kurosaki Ichigo's face drastically changed upon hearing Rukia's words.

"Damn! Now isn't the time to stay here—I have to go save Yuzu, Karin, and Mother!"

Upon learning from Rukia that his family might be in danger, Kurosaki Ichigo's eyes instantly tinged with red; deep inside, he was extremely worried about his mother and sisters' safety, whereas he didn't really care about his old father.

Isshin Kurosaki: "Six! My eldest son is so filial!"

However, just as Kurosaki Ichigo was about to leave, Hollow after Hollow appeared from all sides around him and Rukia, moving to surround Kurosaki Ichigo.

"Damn! Damn……"

Kurosaki Ichigo cursed, the Hollows now surrounding him were too many; obviously he couldn't escape in a short time.

"No choice! I can only first take out all the Hollows here……"

Kurosaki Ichigo cursed, swinging his large zanpakutō and charging at the Hollows; although Kurosaki Ichigo now, due to the interplay between Yhwach and Zaraki within him, couldn't fully unleash his true Soul Reaper power, the strength he's using now is merely a small portion leaking from the seal placed by Rukia Kuchiki and his own power; nevertheless, it's enough to deal with these fodder Hollows—no matter how huge a Hollow's size, before Kurosaki Ichigo it's one strike, one down.

"So strong!"

Meanwhile, Ishida Uryū standing on the overpass, sweat continually beading on his forehead, kept drawing his bow, firing one sacred arrow after another from his hand; each arrow could slay a powerful Hollow, yet despite this, Ishida's count of slain Hollows couldn't greatly exceed Ichigo's, putting him under wave after wave of pressure.

"Weird, the density of these Hollows feels off……"

"Can my bait really attract this many Hollows?"

"I always feel like I've fallen into someone's trap……"

At the same time, Ishida Uryū gradually sensed something amiss; the endless stream of Hollows continually appearing before him and Kurosaki Ichigo seemed off no matter how you looked; he'd used this bait before, but never had it drawn so many Hollows as today's……

Meanwhile, "Soul Society".

In a laboratory in "Rukongai".

"I see, no matter what, Kurosaki Ichigo is also a scion of the Shiba clan; despite having received no education, and not even using his own zanpakutō, he still can display combat power comparable to a high-ranking officer of the Gotei 13……!"

"It seems these ordinary Hollows mean nothing to Kurosaki Ichigo; no matter how many more fodder come, they can't give him any pressure! Looks like, for Kurosaki Ichigo's growth, it's time to keep feeding him power~"

Aizen sat in his office, quietly watching through the screen before him the image of Kurosaki Ichigo cutting down dozens of ordinary Hollows like slicing vegetables.

"Tosen, come over here~"

Thinking this, Aizen called out to someone behind him.

"Lord Aizen, what are your orders?!"

Tosen, upon hearing that, immediately stepped to Aizen's side and asked.

"Dispatch a Gillian to the 'World of the Living', Karakura Town!"

"It's time to give Isshin Kurosaki's son some pressure!"

Aizen said calmly to Tosen behind him.

"Lord Aizen, if we send a Great Hollow like Kilian to the Real World, the Technical Development Bureau will certainly notice; then those officials will not only focus on the Great Hollow but also discover that the Hollow power was passed to the human Uchiki Rukia, and consequently Kurosaki Ichigo, who has Rukia's power, will attract the attention of the Gotei 13. At that point your plan and test subjects would be exposed before Captain Araki, wouldn't they?!"

Dong Xian, after hearing Aizen's words, furrowed his brows tightly and spoke anxiously.

It seemed Dong Xian was even more frightened than Aizen that the plan might fail.

"Dong Xian, since when did you cause the Gotei 13 to discover that Uchiki Rukia and Kurosaki Ichigo are not in my plan?!"

"On the contrary, letting the Gotei 13 learn about Rukia and Ichigo is exactly part of my plan! Our preparations are nearly complete, the required data have all been gathered, and next we will seize the remaining half of the Crumbling Jewel from Urahara Kisuke's assistant, then return to Hueco Mundo, preparing for the final showdown between us and Captain Araki~"

"In order for our plan to proceed smoothly, Dong Xian, don't you think we need a publicly visible target that can draw enough firepower? Such a target would divert the Gotei 13's attention away from our actions—none other than Kurosaki Ichigo and Uchiki Rukia! The two great nobles Shiba and Uchiki alone would give the entire Soul Society a headache~"

Aizen Sousuke sat in his seat and spoke lightly to Dong Xian.

"I see! I understand…"

After hearing Aizen Sousuke, Dong Xian suddenly felt enlightened.

He once again realized how vastly different he was from Aizen…

Although Dong Xian is loyal to Araki, he sincerely admires Aizen, admiring his skill at manipulating the entire Gotei 13.

"Then, let us wait and see~"

"Kurosaki Ichigo hopes you won't disappoint me~"

Aizen sat extremely casually, his eyes behind the lenses seeming to radiate endless brilliance as he calculated every person in the world impartially.

As for those Aizen hasn't calculated, in his eyes they aren't even people—just ignored ants.

"However, Kurosaki Masaki and Urahara Kisuke are a bit troublesome~"

"Hope they're wise enough not to cause trouble for my plan~"

Aizen continued, murmuring to himself.

'Real World'.

"Damn, I can't free my hands at all!"

"Rukia, think of a way quickly!"

After slashing a dozen Hollows in succession, Kurosaki Ichigo watched more and more Hollows gather around, cold sweat beading on his forehead; helpless, he turned to Rukia behind him and begged for help.

"Four White Thunder of the Broken Path!"

Rukia, whose spiritual pressure had partially recovered, continuously employed Kidō to confront the surrounding Hollows, clearly having no good solution as their numbers kept swelling.

"Ugh! What should we do now?!"

"Damn, I can't rest easy about those wanderers over there!"

Kurosaki Ichigo looked at the equally trapped Rukia, sweat droplets increasing on his forehead.

"Ding—" Just as Kurosaki Ichigo was at a loss, Rukia's phone at her waist rang. While maintaining Kidō with one hand, she answered with the other: "Hello? This is Uchiki Rukia!"

"This is Rukia, I am Inoue Orihime. I have already, as you instructed, gone to Kurosaki's house. Please tell Kurosaki that he can safely eliminate the Hollows gathering toward Kurosaki Town! I will protect Kurosaki's family…"

After Rukia connected the call, Inoue Orihime's voice sounded immediately. Yes, within this week Rukia had learned of Orihime's special condition, knowing that Orihime possesses the Perfect Present Technique.

Just now, after Kurosaki Ichigo and Ishida Uryu were repeatedly held back by the endless stream of Hollows, Rukia saw the situation was dire and, needing support, immediately reported the circumstances to Orihime, hoping Orihime could go to Kurosaki's residence to help Ichigo protect his family so he could focus on fighting.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, Orihime says I should tell you that you need not worry about your family's safety; she will protect them all, so go fight without hesitation! Your only task now is to eliminate every Hollow here, win this damned victory, and safeguard Kurosaki Town from Hollow intrusion!"

Having received Orihime's assurance, Rukia shouted at Ichigo.

"I understand…"

Ichigo heard this, and a glint of spirit lit his eyes.

At this moment, Kurosaki Ichigo's spiritual pressure surged wildly!

He not only aims to win, to defeat the smug Ishida Uryu, but also to save Kurosaki Town and protect everything he cherishes! He is Kurosaki Ichigo, the guardian!

On the other side…

At this moment, Orihime had arrived near Kurosaki's house.

Because the Kurosaki family naturally possesses spiritual pressure far beyond ordinary people, the Hollows gathering here are far more numerous than elsewhere…

Orihime faced these ferocious Hollows, continuously wielding her Perfect Present Technique; her Solitary Heaven Slash Shield streamed forth like money, turning into one golden beam after another, slashing the Hollows near her and Kurosaki's house.

Unfortunately, no matter how strong Orihime's Solitary Heaven Slash Shield was, she was still alone, and soon the continuously gathering Hollows around her gave her a pounding headache.

"The Giant's Right Arm!"

Just as Orihime began to falter, a towering figure appeared nearby and, with a single punch, turned four or five Hollows into a spray of spirit particles.

"Who are you? Are you… Chado Taiko?"

Orihime's eyes lit up as she looked at the newcomer.

"Long time no see, Orihime…"

Chado Taiko gave Orihime a gentle nod; despite his appearance, his personality is that of an honest, loyal, and exceedingly gentle person.

"Are you also here to help Kurosaki Ichigo?"

Orihime asked Taiko.

"Yes! Kurosaki Ichigo is my friend."

Taiko nodded lightly. In fact, because of his build and looks, he had often been bullied by local thugs. During those times he strictly kept his promise with his grandfather and the local shrine, never retaliating, which made the thugs think he was fearful and they grew bolder. At that crucial moment, Kurosaki Ichigo appeared like a light before Taiko, helping him drive away all the bullies.

From that day on, Taiko regarded Kurosaki Ichigo as his best friend!

"Great! With just the two of us here, there'll be no problem~"

Orihime, excited by Taiko's words, said.

"No! There's a big problem here…"

However, unlike the optimistic Orihime, Taiko seemed less hopeful about the situation; he frowned and shook his head at her.

"What? What's wrong?"

Orihime looked at Taiko, puzzled, and asked.

"Orihime, if I recall correctly, your ability doesn't have much destructive power and is more suited for support rather than combat, right?!"

Tai Hu asked Zhi Ji.

"Yes, I really am not good at fighting…"

Zhi Ji heard this and nodded.

"My ability is suited for combat, but only in one‑on‑one situations; when facing too many enemies, my ability becomes somewhat insufficient…"

After receiving Zhi Ji's answer, Tai Hu said helplessly.

"And the enemies here are too many!"

Tai Hu said, looking up at the sky.

"Roar!!"

One, two, three…

Dozens to hundreds of Hollows crawled out of one black cavity after another. Though none of them were large Hollows—just ordinary weak ones—the sheer number was overwhelming. At this scale, not even Cha Du Tai Hu and Jing Shang Zhi Ji could handle it; even a Senior Officer of the Guardian Corps Thirteen Squad would be at a loss and headache‑stricken…

"We're doomed now!"

Tai Hu looked at the sky full of Hollows and gave Jing Shang a helpless smile.

As for self‑preservation, Tai Hu thought he could still manage, but there were too many Hollows; he wasn't sure he could protect Hei Qi Yi Hu's family.

"Anyway, give it all we've got!"

Jing Shang Zhi Ji also saw the sky filled with Hollows; she inhaled sharply, ready to fight them to the death. Since she had already promised Hei Qi Yi Hu, she would see this through to the end!

"It can only be done this way!"

Tai Hu said, also preparing to fight to the death.

"Creak~"

Just as Jing Shang and Tai Hu were ready, down to the last second of battle.

The gate of Hei Qi's house was suddenly pushed open; Hei Qi Yi Hu's mother, Hei Zhen Xi, stepped out with a smiling face and greeted Tai Hu and Jing Shang: "You two are Hei Qi Yi Hu's classmates, right?! Come on in and have a seat~"

"Aunt! Go back! Return inside, this place is dangerous…"

Jing Shang and Tai Hu, seeing Hei Zhen Xi emerging from the house, their expressions instantly panicked, and they both pleaded with her.

"Roar!!"

However, it seemed it was already too late; the Hollows in the sky, the moment Jing Shang and Tai Hu were stunned, had already landed before Hei Zhen Xi and opened their gaping maws…

"Oh no!"

At that moment, both Jing Shang and Tai Hu widened their eyes in panic.

Jing Shang even shut her eyes in anguish, tears swirling in her eye sockets.

"Ala~"

"Looks like there are still quite a few pests attracted by the bait~"

Yet, contrary to everyone's expectations, Hei Zhen Xi faced the Hollows without fear; she drew a bow made of spiritual material with her bare hands and aimed at a Hollow's head.

"Roar?!"

For a moment, the surrounding Hollows, as well as Jing Shang Zhi Ji and Cha Du Tai Hu, all froze upon seeing Hei Zhen Xi's action.

"Whoosh!"

Unfortunately, Hei Zhen Xi did not stop; she gently drew the spiritual bow, releasing a Holy Annihilation Arrow that pierced the Hollow's head and eradicated it completely!

"I haven't exercised in ages; my skills are a bit rusty…"

After slaying that eyeless Hollow, Hei Zhen Xi kept going, aiming her spiritual bow at the Hollows continuously appearing in the sky.

Years later, Hei Zhen Xi once again drew her bow; this time she did so to protect her family from the Hollows.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh…"

Hei Zhen Xi held the spiritual bow and gently drew it…

One after another, Holy Annihilation Arrows shot from Hei Zhen Xi's spiritual bow like meteors, instantly clearing hundreds of Hollows drawn to Shi Tian Yu Long's bait in the sky.

Both being Eradicators, Hei Zhen Xi's Holy Annihilation Arrow and Shi Tian Yu Long's Holy Annihilation Arrow were like completely different things; in speed, power, and quantity, Hei Zhen Xi could overwhelm Shi Tian Yu Long in every aspect.

Compared to Hei Zhen Xi, a pure‑blood Eradicator capable of slaying Lan Ran's experimental Hollow White, Shi Tian Yu Long's level of Eradicator cannot even be called an Eradicator; at most, he's just an apprentice archer.

"Huh~"

"It's finally over~"

After Hei Zhen Xi cleared the sky of Hollows, she gently wiped the sweat from her forehead and gave Jing Shang and Tai Hu a warm smile.

"So powerful~"

At that moment, Jing Shang and Tai Hu were both amazed by Hei Zhen Xi's strength.

"Anyway, come in first~"

Hei Zhen Xi sheathed her spiritual bow, waved to Jing Shang and Tai Hu, indicating they should rest in Hei Qi's house first.

"Alright!"

"Sorry to disturb you~"

Jing Shang and Tai Hu, seeing this, did not refuse and entered Hei Qi Yi Hu's home, sitting properly on the living‑room sofa.

"Um, would you like some juice~"

Hei Zhen Xi first offered delicious juice to Jing Shang and Tai Hu, then seemed to recall something and smiled: "There's something I want to ask of you; don't tell Hei Qi Yi Hu about what happened today~"

"Some things are too complicated; I'm not ready to confront Hei Qi Yi Hu yet! Letting him know too much now would just pressure the kid~"

Hei Zhen Xi's eyes showed a hint of helplessness.

"Thanks for the drink, aunt…"

Jing Shang and Tai Hu first thanked Hei Zhen Xi for the juice.

"We know, of course we know!"

Then, after hearing Hei Zhen Xi's request, they immediately nodded.

Very good~

After Zhen Xiao got the answer she wanted, she nodded satisfactorily.

You guys are really good kids~

Zhen Xiao said, gently rubbing the heads of Jingshang Zhiji and Chadu Taihu.

On the other hand...

The main battlefield where Heiqi Yihu and Shitian Yulong are.

「Heiqi Yihu, Zhiji just sent a message saying Chadu Taihu also went to help, and your parents and sisters are all fine. 」

After receiving Zhiji's message, Xiumu Luqiya immediately informed Heiqi Yihu so he could relax.

「I understand, Luqiya. Please tell Zhiji and Taihu thanks for their help, and let me treat them to milk tea when I get back. 」

Heiqi Yihu looked exhausted, panting as he spoke to Luqiya.

Around Heiqi Yihu lay the dismembered corpses of the Hollows he had slain, missing limbs, numbering over a hundred.

Huff, huff...

One hundred thirty-seven, and I'm still ahead!

Not far from Heiqi Yihu, Shitian Yulong wiped sweat from his forehead, panting heavily as he spoke to Heiqi Yihu.

Idiot, now's not the time to decide the winner!

How many Hollows can your bait possibly summon?

Heiqi Yihu complained to Shitian Yulong.

I don't know! I don't know either...

This is my responsibility; in my original plan, my bait could summon at most fifty or sixty Hollows, and even if it overperforms, no more than a hundred.

「But now it clearly exceeds my expectations; I even suspect something's wrong with my bait, otherwise how could it have summoned Hollows from far away in Hollow Circle to Empty Seat Town in the World of the Living? This is too strange, too abnormal! 」

Shitian Yulong muttered, sensing deep down that someone had tampered with his bait.

Now's not the time to consider whether your bait has problems, nor to assign blame.

The most important thing right now is just one thing: how to deal with these endlessly appearing Hollows! That's what we should focus on; we have no choice but to team up temporarily, Shitian Yulong! We'll decide the winner later; solving the immediate problem is key.

After hearing that his family was safe, Heiqi Yihu grabbed his huge Soul-Cutting Sword and went to Shitian Yulong's side, frowning and muttering.

「Heiqi Yihu, you idiot... 」 Shitian Yulong heard Heiqi Yihu's words, first startled, then nodded, saying, 「Let's do as you say! Let's join forces against the enemy! 」

Good!

Heiqi Yihu said, gripping his big sword and charging forward.

「Leave the huge Hollows to me; the ones you can instantly kill, you handle! Everything focuses on saving time, quick and decisive... 」

Heiqi Yihu's Soul-Cutting Sword flashed with silver light; his figure like lightning, he continually ran through the streets, each swing cleaving the massive bodies of the overconfident Hollows.

No need to tell me...

After hearing Heiqi Yihu's words, Shitian Yulong's expression kept changing.

Finally, Shitian Yulong merely retorted tsundere-style at Heiqi Yihu, then pulled back his bow and fired arrow after arrow.

Swish! Swish! Swish...

Accompanied by those piercing sounds, Hollow after Hollow fell before Heiqi Yihu.

Huff...

This also gave Heiqi Yihu a chance to catch his breath.

「Shitian Yulong, thanks~」

Before continuing the fight, Heiqi Yihu didn't forget to turn his head, smile slightly at Shitian Yulong behind him, and loudly express his thanks.

"Hmph~" Shitian Yulong heard that, snorted coldly, and retorted: "Heiqi Yihu, watch your language; I don't recall our relationship being close enough to call each other by name~"

「Anyway! Chop! Chop! Chop! 」

Heiqi Yihu basically ignored Shitian Yulong's words, swinging his Soul-Cutting Sword like a battle-crazed madman, cutting down Hollow after Hollow that came to block him.

Swish! Swish! Swish...

After fresh blood soaked the sky, Hollow after Hollow fell face-down to the ground.

With Shitian Yulong and Heiqi Yihu fighting side by side, victory gradually approached.

「Crack, crack, crack... 」

On the azure sky, a rift suddenly split open; the deep blue sky, like glass, was shattered, revealing an inner space pitch-black and lightless...

Then a pair of sinister big hands reached out from that dark space; a pitch-black creature with a white long-nosed bone mask, utterly unlike any other Hollow, appeared before Shitian Yulong and Heiqi Yihu.

Roar!!

As that huge Hollow appeared in the sky, the ordinary Hollows that had been howling suddenly trembled, sensing an instinctive fear; the newly appeared Hollow was fundamentally different from them.

Impossible, absolutely impossible...

"My prey, how could it possibly summon such an existence?!"

Yu Long raised his head to look at the sky, despair and incomprehension flashing in his eyes.

"This is a Hollow?! A Hollow actually appearing in the 'present world'?!"

Rukia Kuchiki likewise felt despair at the huge shadow in the sky.

"Ichigo Kurosaki, run away! This isn't something we can handle..."

Rukia advised Ichigo Kurosaki.

"Hah? Run away? I don't want to..."

After hearing Rukia's words, Ichigo Kurosaki lightly moved his neck, then strode toward that Gillian-level Hollow.

"Ichigo..."

Rukia saw Ichigo Kurosaki's stubborn, headstrong demeanor, her heart suddenly panicked, and she ran straight to him, intending to bring him back and then flee.

Yo, Miss Xiumu, long time no see~

However, before Luqi ya could advance, a man wearing a green fisherman's hat on his head, dressed in a deep blue kimono, holding a cane, and stepping on wooden clogs descended from the sky and stood in front of her.

Puyuan Xizhu? Get out of the way, don't hinder me!

Luqi ya saw the newcomer's face change, then she spoke angrily.

Sorry, Luqi ya, please stay quiet and watch what happens next!

The upcoming battle belongs solely to Heiqi Yihu; it is his unavoidable fate, and he must strive to grow stronger...

After hearing Luqi ya's words, Puyuan Xizhu's eyes, shadowed by his hat, flashed with a sharp light; he pointed lightly at Luqi ya, and she was immobilized in place.

This is binding way?!

Luqi ya instantly felt a tinge of disbelief; although she had long suspected Puyuan Xizhu's extraordinariness, she never imagined that he could even use binding way, which only Soul Reapers can wield—in other words, Puyuan Xizhu might himself be a Soul Reaper, or perhaps he once was, leaving Luqi ya utterly shocked.

Hum!

Exactly as Luqi ya was being controlled by Puyuan Xizhu, that Gillian-class Menos opened its maw wide.

It seems the Menos sensed the threat posed by Heiqi Yihu, and acting on instinct, decided to annihilate him.

That's a Flash Step?! No!!

Heiqi Yihu, run quickly—this isn't something you can handle...

Luqi ya was already panicking; although this was her first time witnessing a Menos' Flash Step, just looking at the scarlet energy whose light began to twist and distort, she felt the immense power of this attack.

Boom!!

Finally, amidst Luqi ya's roar, the Gillian unleashed that terrifying beam of destruction upon Heiqi Yihu; a massive blast of light struck him, immediately kicking up a thick layer of dust on the ground.

Yihu!!!

At this moment Luqi ya cried out heart-wrenchingly; know that Heiqi Yihu's Soul Reaper powers come entirely from her, it was Luqi ya who led him onto the path of a Soul Reaper—in other words, without her, Heiqi Yihu would not have faced this Menos, so ultimately she is responsible for killing Heiqi Yihu, this genius child who, by Soul Reaper standards, isn't even an infant.

At this moment Luqi ya felt somewhat desperate, unable to forgive herself for having killed a child.

At this moment, Shitan Yulong shared Luqi ya's sentiment, constantly cursing his own inadequacy; had he possessed any ability, he would not have, because of the bait incident, killed his fellow classmate Heiqi Yihu, who was in the same grade and school.

Miss Xiumu, don't panic, keep watching...

However, Puyuan Xizhu remained completely calm at this moment.

Huh?!

After hearing Puyuan's words, Luqi ya's expression froze slightly; she lifted her gaze toward where Heiqi Yihu was, and her pupils flickered with incredulous light.

What kind of joke is this—is Heiqi Yihu a monster?

Before Luqi ya could speak, Shitan Yulong voiced her thoughts.

Ah!!!

Behold, the Heiqi Yihu who, in Luqi ya's eyes, had been burned to death by the Menos' Flash Step, now stood firm, gripping his Soul-Cutting Sword, withstanding the Menos' Flash Step amidst the crimson storm, even gaining a notable advantage.

Slash for me!!

Heiqi Yihu only felt a sweetness in his throat, his pupils slightly unfocused; in his inner world, two figures simultaneously covered his hand on the Soul-Cutting Sword, at this moment grasping his hand and swinging the Soul-Cutting Sword toward the Menos.

Boom!!

Instantly, a splendid slash issued from Heiqi Yihu's hand.

Swish!!

Immediately, that Gillian-class Menos was cleaved in two by Heiqi Yihu's single blade.

Success! It worked……

Heiqi Yihu said, gazing up at the azure sky, a proud smile appearing; in Heiqi Yihu's eyes, even a mere Menos could be slain for your viewing.

So strong, I'm no match……

This Heiqi Yihu, though his Soul Reaper power comes from me, now he's stronger than I am?! This is totally unfair……

At that moment, both Shitan Yulong and Xiumu Luqi ya acknowledged Heiqi Yihu's formidable strength, yet they could not fathom where he had obtained it. Although the Soul Society had never before appeared in Luqi ya's experience, with no precedent of a Soul Reaper transferring power to a human, there have been instances of a Soul Reaper passing power to another Soul Reaper; in those cases, the recipient Soul Reaper never surpassed the giver. For a time, Luqi ya's feelings grew complex.

I feel as though all my efforts over these years have been wasted……

Luqi ya knitted her brows tightly in response.

Precisely at the moment Heiqi Yihu defeated the Menos.

Soul Society

Within the Twelfth Division of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and the Research and Development Institute.

This is truly unprecedented!

Now, the vice-captain of the Research and Development Institute, A jin, upon detecting an unknown powerful spiritual pressure in the World of the Living, immediately pursued it, switching the scene.

After A jin located Karakura Town and switched to its view, he beheld the battle between Heiqi Yihu and the Menos, as well as the unable-to-become-a-Soul-Reaper Xiumu Luqi ya, all before his eyes; the bond between Luqi ya and Heiqi Yihu seemed to go unspoken as well.

Captain, come take a look at this……

Accordingly, A jin took the footage he had investigated and sought out Nie Juanli.

This is quite interesting~

Report this to the Commander-General and the Forty-Six Room~

Upon receiving the report, Nie's lips curled up as he chuckled.

Yes, sir!

Accordingly, all staff members of the Research and Development Institute nodded in agreement.

Alright, let everything begin~

Heiqi Yihu, Puyuan Xizhu, Pingzi Zhenzi, Xiumu Luqi ya, and the Bengyu!

All key personnel are in place! The stage has been set, it's time for your performance~ I await you, give me a big surprise~

Lanran sat in his captain's quarters, a faint smile appearing on his face.

Huangmu: 'Lanran, Master has been waiting impatiently; hurry up and present your splendid rebellion~'