Chapter 214

【Tranquil Spirit Court】.

【First Division】 Squad Leader's Room.

At the 【Spirit Arts Institute】, they encountered Yuan Liuzhai Chongguo and Que Bu Chang Ci Lang who were under Exterminator attack.

Also, at the western White Way Gate of the four great gates of 【Tranquil Spirit Court】, they encountered the Exterminator attack, the Detachment Captain Kuwushu of the Fourth Detachment under the 【First Division】, as well as his subordinates the Five Heavenly Kings, A Xi Duo, Wu Zhu, Zhu Si Bo Zheng Yuan, and the Gong Neng siblings, all gathered in Huangmu's Squad Leader's Room, standing nervously before Huangmu.

「Exterminator?!! 」.

Huangmu looked at the people before him, first took a tactical sip of the tea in his cup, then with a rather complex expression, spoke the enemy's name.

「Exactly……」.

「The Exterminator that attacked the 【Spirit Arts Institute】 personally spoke the name You Ha Ba He before me! I think this is not a coincidence……」.

「Obviously, that enemy we failed to kill a thousand years ago has now fully recovered and begun plotting his second invasion of the 【Tranquil Spirit Court】! 」.

Yuan Liuzhai narrowed his eyes, brows furrowed, his expression showing a hint of urgency.

Obviously, the resurrection of You Ha Ba He still brought some pressure to Yuan Liuzhai~

Over a million years of the 【Soul World】, this You Ha Ba He is the first major enemy capable of posing such a threat to the 【Tranquil Spirit Court】~

「I can attest to this! The enemy that invaded the White Way Gate also spoke the name You Ha Ba He! It seems that the Exterminator King active in history is unwilling to remain in obscurity, and has risen from the dusty past, planning to take revenge on us Death Gods of the 【Court Guard Thirteen Squads】~」.

Kuwushu stroked his chin, somewhat eager to try, and spoke.

Kuwushu, a hero who fought his way out of 【Wandering Souls Street】 after the first invasion of You Ha Ba He! Not knowing how terrifying the Exterminator King in that legend truly is, he instead feels eager to try, wanting to emulate the inaugural generation of the 【Court Guard Thirteen Squads】 famed in history as the fiercest and most decisive, to wage war against the army led by You Ha He in the 【Tranquil Spirit Court】, and completely sweep away the Exterminators!

No, compared to being struck by the enemy, Kuwushu actually prefers to take the initiative……

Indeed, killing enemies on their own turf is the most satisfying!

Just like when he resolutely set out to hunt the Great Hollow in the 【Hollow Realm】~

That feeling simply makes one high beyond belief~

「Let's summon the 【Court Guard Thirteen Squads】! 」.

Upon hearing this, Huangmu issued an order to Kuwushu before him.

「Yes, sir! 」.

As Huangmu's words faded……

Kuwushu hesitated not, directly activating Heavenly Piercing Net.

「Emergency notice! Emergency notice! 」.

「Now conveying Commander-General Huangmu's order! 」.

「Special bulletin to all Squad Leaders of the 【Court Guard Thirteen Squads】! 」.

「Hurry to the 【First Division】 Squad Leader's Room to hold an emergency meeting! 」.

Kuwushu's voice instantly echoed in the minds of all members of the 【Court Guard Thirteen Squads】! Demonstrating superb Kidō skill! Know that using the seventy‑seven Bakudo Heavenly Piercing Net to notify the squad leaders of the Thirteen Squads, and to notify the entire Thirteen Squads, the spiritual pressure required is not on the same level~

As Kuwushu's words fell, immediately the squad leaders of the 【Court Guard Thirteen Squads】 rushed toward the 【First Division】 Squad Leader's Room……

Like the relatively close 【Second Division】 and 【Third Division】, almost the moment Kuwushu's words ended, their captains had already arrived outside the gate of the 【First Division】's quarters.

As for the captains of the more distant divisions, they also dared not delay! All being captain‑level Death Gods, during the Exterminator invasion of the 【Tranquil Spirit Court】, they also somewhat sensed the unfamiliar spiritual pressure of these invaders~

【Fifth Division】 quarters.

「Sigh, truly the wind fills the tower before the storm! 」.

Hinamori Momo sighed helplessly, then immediately rose from his seat, with a miserable look, heading toward the 【First Division】~

Speaking of Hinamori, he was also unlucky; back when he was an officer in the 【Fifth Division】, the 【Tranquil Spirit Court】 was peaceful!

Whether the Great Hollow of the 【Hollow Realm】 or the Exterminators of the 【Present World】, all, in the face of the radiant Commander‑General Huangmu, were like mosquitoes and ants that shun light, hiding all day in shadows, concealed in unseen corners, daring not to show their heads~

As a result, since he assumed the post of 【Fifth Division】 Squad Leader over a hundred years ago, he has successively undergone Ranzen's Hollowfication experiment, Ranzen's betrayal of the 【Soul World】, and Ranzen's invasion of the 【Court Guard Thirteen Squads】—fortunately, in the end Ranzen was defeated by Huangmu's hand, becoming the strongest Death God in history under Huangmu, a dark ink stroke on his glorious battle record!

As a result, just as Hinamori thought the 【Court Guard Thirteen Squads】 would return to past peace, the Exterminator King You Ha Ba He, who had been defeated a thousand years ago, suddenly revived, leading the Exterminators to begin a second invasion of the 【Soul World】~

Just as the 【Soul World】 would not encounter a major event in a thousand years, it all befell Hinamori Momo, and several times he found himself at the center of the vortex of such events, almost drowning in the unfathomable waters of the 【Soul World】~

「Sigh……」.

「Should I also step down from the position of 【Fifth Division】 Captain? 」.

I always feel that my position as captain of the 5th Division is truly ill-fated! Before I wasn't captain, the Three Realms were peaceful and calm, but after I became captain, all sorts of chaotic monsters and demons came out! It's just too scary~ I really hope that Zisen Tao can quickly stand on her own and take over my shift~

Pingzi Zhenzi scratched his head, looking at the azure sky of the Pure Spirit Court, the relatively good weather, he said helplessly! At the same time, his eyes revealed a hint of unprecedented exhaustion~

In fact, Pingzi Zhenzi's worry about Zisen Tao is completely unnecessary! In terms of defense and stamina, Zisen Tao has long been able to stand on her own, and can even be called the top of the top among the Thirteen Court Guard Squads~

Although Pingzi Zhenzi complained a lot, he still headed toward the captain's office of the 1st Division! But as Pingzi entered the 1st Division captain's office, he discovered that all the captains who, like him, belong to the Thirteen Court Guard Squads had already gathered~

"Eh..."

This made Pingzi a bit embarrassed, but he still remained silent.

"The enemy is a Quincy, and also possesses the ability to steal Bankai!"

After all the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads had arrived, Huangmu took out the Star Medal he had obtained from the Carve Mansion, and addressed those present.

"What? The enemy can actually steal Bankai!"

To be honest, everyone had already learned from various channels before arriving that the enemy was likely a Quincy……

After all, when Durisuku Berushi invaded the True Central Spirit Arts Academy, many people witnessed his divine holy arrows, and also heard him shout the name of Yuhabach~

The Spirit Arts Academy, frankly speaking, is just a small Thirteen Court Guard Squad……

Many of the students had connections or relationships with the soul reaper personnel of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, and the instant after Durisuku Berushi was slain by Yuan Liuzhai, information about Durisuku Berushi had already spread among the personnel of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads~

But the captains present really hadn't expected that the enemy actually had mastered the ability to steal Bankai! You know, most of the captains' combat power lies in their Zanpakuto's Bankai, and if Bankai cannot be used, they would be too passive~

In a moment, the faces of all the captains slightly changed……

"If Bankai cannot be used, that would be too passive!"

Jingles Chunshui broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead.

Of course, the reason Jingles feels passive is not because he thinks he himself is passive……

Because of the special nature of Kyōraku's Bankai, he himself cannot use Bankai normally like other captains! Kyōraku's anxiety is because he made the other captains present break out in a cold sweat~

"What a hassle!"

Sure enough, as Kyōraku's words fell…

The 2nd Division's Soi Fon (Suzumebachi), the 3rd Division's Rose, the 7th Division's Sajin Komamura, the 9th Division's Shuhei Hisagi, and the 10th and 13th Divisions' Shiro and Rukia all furrowed their brows.

"If I can't use Bankai, all I have left are assassination techniques and Flash Step!"

"Sorry, my Flash Step isn't even up to grandmother level, let alone Lady Yoruichi's level!"

"I'm afraid I still can't fight captain-level opponents and win!"

Soi Fon gritted her teeth, preparing to intensify her Flash Step training over the next few days! At the very least, she must master Flash Step completely before the enemy invades Soul Society, or before the Thirteen Court Guard Squads discover the enemy's main base and launch a full-scale war~

Of course, there are also some captains who remain unfazed. For example, the 4th Division's Retsu Unohana, the 5th Division's Momo Hinamori, the 6th Division's Byakuya Kuchiki, the 11th Division's Kenpachi Zaraki, and the 12th Division's Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

Among them, Unohana's combat strength mainly lies in her swordsmanship, Hinamori's Bankai cannot be used freely, Byakuya and Zaraki are full of confidence in their own strength, as for Mayuri…

Mayuri has almost forgotten the name of his Zanpakutō's Bankai—what was it originally called again~

Currently, Mayuri's Zanpakutō spirit is still lying in a huge glass container in his underground lab, undergoing remodeling! Well, aside from its superficial shape, Mayuri's Zanpakutō, which was originally designed by Ōetsu Nimaiya, now has hardly any connection to him~

"Stealing Bankai? Interesting, truly interesting~"

"Captain-Commander Araki, could you lend me that device the Quincy use to steal our Shinigami Bankai for a few days of research? I might be able to uncover its secrets~"

Mayuri's eyes locked onto the Star Seal in Araki's hand, his gaze filled with delight! As for the Quincy and Yhwach's invasion, Mayuri seems unfazed, after all he collaborated with Kisuke Urahara and others in the Royal Palace to develop the Hōgyoku for years, so he has a clear understanding of Araki's strength and the power he wields; the so-called protectors of Seireitei, the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, are merely the surface layer of Soul Society—and also its weakest fighting force.

To put it bluntly, even if the Thirteen Court Guard Squads were completely wiped out by the enemy, it would hardly have any negative impact on the current Soul Society~

"In that case, I'll leave it to you~"

Araki listened to Mayuri's words and hesitated slightly.

Immediately afterward, he placed the Star Seal in Mayuri's hand.

"Hehe~"

Mayuri looked at the Star Seal Araki handed him and smiled faintly.

"Honestly, I still want to show this thing to Kisuke Urahara~"

However, the next second, Mayuri's face turned cold.

Simply because Araki uttered that forbidden name…

"There's no need to give this to that idiot Kisuke Urahara! I alone am enough to handle it—rest assured, the enemy said they'd attack Seireitei in five days, right? I don't need five days; give me four days and I can crack it! No, three days—I only need three days to do it……"

Upon hearing this, Mayuri shouted at Araki.

"Hehe~"

Araki heard it, didn't say more, just gave a light smile.

"Three days is enough to crack the Star Seal~"

Araki whispered softly.

Araki, on the other hand, isn't afraid that Mayuri won't be able to crack the Star Seal~

On the contrary, Araki fears that Mayuri might actually crack the Star Seal!

If that happens, his plan would be completely ruined!

So Araki still intends to send Kisuke Urahara over to disrupt Mayuri~

"Everyone! We cannot pin our hopes on the enemy's claim that they'll invade Seireitei in five days! Perhaps it's just a feint; perhaps they'll attack in one day, two days, or even tonight! What we must do now is strengthen Seireitei's defenses, allowing the enemy no opportunity whatsoever!"

Araki spoke righteously before the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

"Yes, sir!"

As Araki's words fell…

The captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads immediately straightened their backs and spoke respectfully to Araki! At this moment, the sense of urgency continually flickered in each captain's heart.

"Now we just wait for that old bastard Yhwach to make a move~"

"I hope you don't disappoint me, Yhwach……"

Araki said this, waving his hand at the assembled captains, indicating they could leave on their own.

"……"

For a moment, the captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, all with grim faces, left the First Division's captain's chamber, returned to their respective divisions, gathered all their members, and began a mobilization assembly~

Meanwhile, the Wandenreich.

Clad in a black cloak, Yhwach sat upon a lofty throne, his sharp eyes revealing a king's cruelty and ruthlessness!

Standing before Yhwach now is naturally the sole Arrancar who survived Araki's grasp, to whom Yhwach granted Quincy powers—Ibuki.

"Alright! Ibuki, offer me a symphony of peace!"

Yhwach looked at the Arrancar before him and spoke coldly.

"Your Majesty……"

"I have, as you said, informed the current Captain-Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, Araki, that we Quincy are about to invade Soul Society!"

"This operation, we dispatched a full ten-man squad to act simultaneously! Unfortunately, only I managed to survive! That Captain-Commander of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads is terrifying—simply overwhelming to the point of being beyond comprehension……"

Ibuki said this, kneeling before Yhwach and speaking timidly.

"They're all dead?"

Yhwach raised his eyebrows slightly upon hearing that.

"Yes, everyone except me has died……"

Ibuki spoke truthfully.

"Since they're all dead, what are you still alive for?"

Yhwach looked at Ibuki and asked.

"Your Majesty, I'm still useful! Before heading to the First Division to visit Araki, I secretly recorded the entire layout of Seireitei!"

Ibang, Jingling Court, Ibang.

Sorry!

Your Majesty!

Yi Bang saw this, his face drastically changed at the same time, and his expression showed great alarm.

"It's fine! Yi Bang, you've done well!"

"Looks like you're even more useful than I imagined~"

Youha Bahe, Ibang.

"Your Majesty! Thank you for your recognition!"

Upon hearing this, Yi Bang picked up the map from the ground, stood up, walked to before Yuhabach, and made a gesture of presenting it with bowed head.

"Ibang, did I ever tell you that you could stand up?"

Youha didn't look at the map in Ibang's hand; he gazed at Ibang and asked softly.

no.

Yi Bang hesitated not at all; his knees went "plop" and he knelt on the ground, yet he still maintained the posture of presenting the map.

no.

Youha told Ibang, "You are a Quincy."

After discovering that the map in his hand had been taken, Yi Bang's expression remained uneasy; he knew his fate's decision was imminent—whether he could continue living or vanish between heaven and earth depended on Yuhabach's choice.

Youha Bahe, Ibang.

Just as Yi Bang felt uneasy, Yuhua suddenly spoke.

no.

Upon hearing Yuhua say that, Yi Bang immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

He thought: "His Majesty Yuhua has praised me; this time I should be able to survive!"

"But your mission has already ended..."

"That is to say, you are now useless!"

"In that case, I will reward you, letting you become the cornerstone of peace!"

Yuhua said this, his finger already landing on Yi Bang's forehead.

Ibang.

Upon hearing this, Yi Bang's expression slightly froze.

no.

Ibang unleashed the Sacred Destruction Arrow.

no.

Ibang and Youha Bahe collected spirit particles within the palace.

"At the very end, to be touched by my right hand!"

"Yi Bang, you can also be considered, not having come in vain..."

After Yuhua finished speaking, he slowly rose from the throne.

no.

Youha Bahe stood on the throne, surrounded by spirit particles, atop the steps.

"Your Majesty, Yi Bang can also be considered loyal to our Invisible Empire; is it really alright to just kill him like this?"

Behind Yuhabach, closely following, naturally was Yuhabach's half-body, Yu Gelan·Hasuowode. At this moment, Hasuowode, looking ahead at Yuhua, spoke up to ask.

The Great Void, the Hollow World, and the Formless Empire were observed by Ji Lu Jie Oupi within the Hollow World.

Ibang confronted the Formless Empire alongside Araki.

Yuhabach turned his back to Yu Gelan·Hasuowode and spoke coldly.

Yuge Lan Hasward.

In response, Hasuowode lowered his head and spoke softly.

Yuge Lan Hasward, the Jingling Court, Dorisk Belchi, Jerome Kitzbat, and the Star Emblem.

Next, Hasuowode seemed to think of something, looking at Yuhua as he asked.

"No need for this! They're just two idiots who can't understand orders..."

Yuge Lan Hasward, Youha Bahe, and the 13th Division.

After hearing Hasuowode's words, Yuhua spoke confidently.

Yuge Lan Hasward.

After receiving Yuhua's order, Hasuowode said no more.

Youha Bahe, the Hollow World, and Nuo Yi Te La Ji Er Jia.

"Submit to me at once! I will grant you greater power, making you the true king who rules over the Hollow!"

Youha Bahe, the Hollow World, Nuo Yi Te La Ji Er Jia, and Nuo Lao Wu.

Nuo Yi Te La Ji Er Jia, Youha Bahe.

Nuoyitela looked at Yuhabach, seeing madness and coldness in his expression.

Nuo Yi Te La Ji Er Jia, Youha Bahe.

"Good! But you'd better be careful, careful that you've given me too much power, and in the end I won't be subdued!"

Nuo Yi Te La Ji Er Jia, Youha Bahe.

Youha Bahe, Nuo Yi Te La Ji Er Jia.

Yuhabach merely let out a cold laugh upon hearing that.

You don't have the ability to betray me!

Yhwach gazed at Noitra before him, as if looking at a pet he kept, and spoke in a voice utterly cold.

Hah...

Noitra heard it, his eyes full of defiance; he wanted to see whether he actually had the power to defy Yhwach!

At the same time, Noitra could feel that he was one step away from that 'realm'!

That realm called Vasto Lorde was just one step away!

All this is thanks to Aizen; without Aizen, he doesn't know how many years it would take to become a high-level Hollow, and with his meager talent, he might never reach Vasto Lorde level in a lifetime...

But so what? As Aizen went to Soul Society, the 'Waro' there all died in battle; if he evolves into a Vasto Lorde, he will be the sole high-level Hollow in the entire Hollow realm, the undisputed strongest, the great 'Hollow King'!

Now, let Yhwach's power be the final piece of his ascent~

Hehe~

To this, Yhwach merely gave a contemptuous smile.

Yhwach naturally knew of Noitra's rebelliousness, but he didn't care!

As long as one drinks his blood and receives his power, life and death are merely at his whim~ he said so, Noitra has no right to betray!

Thus, Quincy, none have the right or ability to betray him, this progenitor!

As long as he wants them dead, no one can save them, Yhwach says!

Meanwhile, in the 'living world'.

After parting from the living world's Karakura Town for two years, Ishida Uryuu finally returned home.

According to the Ishida family's public story, Uryuu has been studying abroad these two years!

At the same time, Ryuugen entrusted his friend in the west, who serves as chairman of a private aristocratic academy, to help Uryuu obtain a two-year enrollment certificate from a top aristocratic high school, thereby helping him return to Karakura High School~

Uryuu, you're back?!

Of course, when Ishida Uryuu returned to Karakura High School and rejoined Ichigo Kurosaki, Orihime Inoue, and Yasutora Sado—this trio of the living world—in their class, he still caused a stir~

When everyone saw Uryuu, who had studied abroad for two years, their eyes couldn't help but show surprise.

Uryuu, Uryuu, where have you been these two years?

A classmate pressed him for an answer.

"The affiliated high school of the Formless Empire Institute of Technology..."

Uryuu replied in a half-hearted manner.

"Wow! That name sounds like an aristocratic academy at first listen!"

The classmates exclaimed in surprise.

"What do you study at the academy?"

Then someone else asked Uryuu.

"Archery, etiquette..."

Uryuu thought a moment, then answered.

"Good heavens! Whether archery or horsemanship, these are courses only nobles can enjoy! I can't tell, Uryuu! You're also a noble..."

Hearing this, the classmates were shocked.

"Fortunately..."

Uryuu shook his head; he wasn't any noble, just an ordinary heir.

"If you insist, you can call him a prince; he can handle it~"

"Uryuu, did you get along alright at the aristocratic academy?"

"Then someone, seeming to have thought of something, asked Uryuu."

"Not bad! At first I was indeed excluded!"

"But once I showed my strength, they accepted me."

"I just recently won the position of Star Cross Knights captain by a large margin of votes—some achievement, I guess~"

Uryuu recalled his over two years in the Formless Empire, his brow furrowed, a hint of melancholy in his expression.

"Yeah! Uryuu's grades have always been good..."

"Star Cross Knights captain? Truly fitting for overseas, truly fitting for an aristocratic high school; even the student council's name is so grandiose! The name 'Star Cross Knights' sounds mighty! I think we should just rename our school's student council to the Karakura High School Shinsengumi!"

A student, hearing Uryuu's words, looked a bit hopeful and offered his own suggestion.

"Quiet! Quiet..."

Eventually, as the class grew noisier, it was the homeroom teacher, Echigo Miyu, who spoke up, finally bringing the classroom to complete silence.

"Uryuu just returned home! Give him some time to adjust~"

Echigo Miyu softly addressed those present.

"Okay, teacher~"

As Echigo Miyu's words fell, the students present immediately nodded.

"Actually, I'm fine too..."

Uryuu thanked Teacher Echigo Miyu and smiled at the surrounding classmates.

How to put it! After spending so long with Yhwach and Haschwalth those old-timers, Ishida Uryuu and the noisy classmates around him, being together, actually felt a rare relaxation~

At least he no longer needed to stay constantly tense...

Noon.

"Welcome back, Uryuu~"

"Let's have lunch together~"

Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado, and Orihime Inoue immediately surrounded Uryuu, then smiled at Ishida Uryuu.

"Good!"

Yu Long did not refuse, he went to the downstairs shop, bought several rice balls, and brought drinks for Ichigo and the others. After all, if nothing unexpected happens, Ichigo and the gang's lunch today should still be the leftover bread from yesterday's bakery, right~

"Drink~"

After Yu Long returned to the classroom……

Sure enough, they saw Ichigo and the others hugging a table of bread and voraciously munching!

Therefore, Yu Long handed over the drink he had bought on the way~

"Hey! Thanks~"

Ichigo, speaking unclearly, took the drink from Yu Long's hand and then gulped it down! At a speed visible to the naked eye, the soft-packaged drink instantly deflated~

"……"

This made Yu Long's eye corner twitch slightly.

Honestly, Ichigo and the others' appetites are really somewhat exaggerated……

First is Ichigo, perhaps because of Araki's……

Ichigo's height, compared to the original, is even greater by a bit, reaching about 1.85 meters. His weight has even reached an unimaginable 170 jin or so……

After all, just looking at Ichigo's appearance, anyone would think he could at most be 130-140 jin!

But if Ichigo were to take off his clothes right now, everyone would surely be shocked by his muscular build, which is somewhat eye‑catching.

Next is Orihime……

Although Orihime doesn't have much flesh on her, her combat power is surprisingly high! It's truly unimaginable where all the effects of what she eats are stored.

Just as Yu Long was thinking this, Orihime, in order to snatch the bread on the table, slightly widened her reach, causing her bosom to tremble repeatedly……

Well, it's not that hard to understand where Orihime's nutrition went.

I suppose this kid Ichigo Yong won't go hungry~

As for Chad Taihu, never mind saying it! Chad Taihu's height and weight are both at the standard level of a professional heavyweight boxer, his hulking build resembling that of former mixed martial arts heavyweight champion Tiexue Naganuo.

"Ichigo has something I must tell you~"

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill……

Shitian Yu Long looked at Ichigo and spoke solemnly.

"What matter!?"

Ichigo looked at Yu Long's eyes and immediately furrowed his brow.

If his guess is correct, Yu Long will definitely say something shocking……

"I hope you don't go anywhere for the coming week."

Yu Long looked at Ichigo and said in a low voice.

"Huh? Haha……"

"Yu Long, what exactly are you saying?"

"Where else can I go?"

"I don't have a family like yours that's connected to foreign nobility……"

"If I must say it, I merely have some connections with the people of Soul Society, that's all! As for Soul Society, who among us normal humans would have nothing better to do than run off to a place full of the dead?"

Ichigo was amused by Yu Long's words.

However, Ichigo laughed and laughed, but then couldn't laugh anymore.

Only saw Ichigo's brows locked tight, looking at Yu Long, he asked in a low voice: 'Yu Long, are you hiding something from me? Where have you been these past two years? Is Soul Society going to have some major event again?'

"I cannot answer these questions for now!"

"In short, you must stay in the Human World for a full week!"

"After a week, I will tell you everything you want to know!"

Yu Long also had nothing hidden; after Ichigo realized that Yu Long's two years abroad were far more than just simple overseas study……

Yu Long directly laid his cards half‑on the table, looking at Ichigo and said:

"What are you talking about?! I don't understand!"

Immediately, Yu Long triggered Ichigo's 'Holy Scripture Ability'.

Only saw Ichigo shouting loudly at Yu Long:

"I already knew……"

"In short, even if I have to use force against you this week, I will keep you in the Human World! Ichigo, you must believe me—staying in the Human World is the best option for both of us right now……"

Shitian Yu Long looked at Ichigo and said coldly.

"Is that so? Then go ahead and try it when the time comes!"

"See whether you have actually retained my ability."

Ichigo is also the type who yields to softness but not to hardness; he looked at Yu Long and said in a low voice:

"Good!"

Upon hearing that, Yu Long said nothing, but lightly nodded.

"……"

For a moment, the atmosphere between Yu Long and Ichigo suddenly became somewhat solemn! That solemn aura was even faintly felt by the surrounding classmates.

"Hey! Let's not talk about those unpleasant things~"

"Yu Long finally managed to return home for a visit; let's chat about other things~"

Orihime and Chad Taihu exchanged a glance and immediately began acting as a mediator between Yu Long and Ichigo~

"Hmph~"

In response, Ichigo and Yu Long both let out a cold snort at the same time.

Immediately, the two turned their heads away from each other, no longer paying attention to the other.

"My heart is so tired~"

Jing Shang Zhi Ji watched the scene before her, revealing a bitter smile.

Time flew by……

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

"Soul Society"

Under Huang Mu's mobilization, the entire Pure Spirit Court entered a state of war readiness!

Following Huang Mu's orders, since the enemy possesses the ability to bypass the Pure Spirit Court's defense system, ignore the power of the Killing Intent Stone and Soul-Shielding Membrane, and directly enter the Pure Spirit Court's interior, then the gates of Empty Seat Town need not be closed……

Under Huang Mu's arrangement, the members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads directly dismantled the four main gates of the Pure Spirit Court in the east, south, west, and north……

At the same time, the enemy's first invasion point, the West White Gate, is guarded by the Eleventh Division! The East Clear Flow Gate, by the Eighth Division! The North Black Ridge Gate, by the Sixth Division! The South Vermilion Hollow Gate, by the Second Division~

Following Huang Mu's command, if the enemy appears directly inside the Pure Spirit Court, those four divisions will change their tactics, shifting from guarding the gates against intrusion to preventing enemies from sneaking away in the chaos~

We must ensure that no enemy can escape the Pure Spirit Court through its four gates; since the enemy intends to wage all-out war against the Soul Society, we must prepare for total annihilation of the enemy forces and devise our tactical layout……

As for the Fourth Division, they will remain on standby and prepare to receive wounded at any moment.

The Third, Fifth, Seventh, and Tenth Divisions—namely the support team, rescue team, inner court guard team, and patrol alert team—must strengthen patrols and security within the Pure Spirit Court and always be ready to provide support and rescue!

The Thirteenth and Ninth Divisions guarantee the safety of the Twelfth Division!

The Technical Development Bureau must have absolutely no issues~

Furthermore, Huang Mu also dispatched multiple captain-level Shinigami from the New Forty-Six Chamber to each division to provide support, ensuring each division has at least three captain-level combatants to handle any unexpected or sudden situations that may arise~

"Twelfth Division"

"Within the Technical Development Bureau"

"Ah! Ah! Ah……"

"I've had enough! Pu Yuan Xi Zhu, I'm going to duel you!"

"If it weren't for you constantly messing with me these five days, I would have already fully deciphered the Star Seal! You damned bastard, if the Pure Spirit Court suffers a fatal blow from the Quincy because I failed to decipher the Star Seal in time, Pu Yuan Xi Zhu, you bear full responsibility!"

Nie Juan Li shouted at Pu Yuan Xi Zhu before him.

Just mentioning Pu Yuan Xi Zhu makes Nie Juan Li furious!

Five days ago, he had just taken the heart from Huang Mu's hands, intending to show his skills, when he discovered that the password to his squad's private room had been deciphered……

Then, in the Technical Development Bureau, he saw Pu Yuan Xi Zhu's disgusting face.

Originally, Nie Juan Li thought, if Pu Yuan Xi Zhu comes, he comes; it's fine either way!

Let Pu Yuan watch him, see how he deciphers the Star Seal; that's also good~

But the result was, during these five days, Pu Yuan Xi Zhu not helping him was bad enough; he kept dragging him down, and whenever he had an idea, Pu Yuan Xi Zhu either interrupted him or steered him in another direction, making Nie Juan Li feel like his lungs were about to explode with rage!

"Hehe, anyway, these five days weren't wasted; at least we figured out how he uses it, and we returned Song Li's little sister's Bankai to her—that's a good thing~"

Pu Yuan Xi Zhu spoke with an optimistic demeanor.

"Damn it! I'm starting to suspect you're a spy for Yhwach!"

After glaring at Pu Yuan Xi Zhu, Nie Juan Li roared.

"Haha, how could that be~"

"I've always been on General Commander Huang Mu's side~"

Upon hearing that, Pu Yuan chuckled and said.

"You better not have lied to me!"

After glaring at Pu Yuan, Nie Juan Li spoke coldly.

"Outside the Technical Development Bureau……"

Members of the Thirteenth and Ninth Divisions gathered here one after another.

Aside from the four captain-level Shinigami—Liu Che Quan Xi, Xiu Mu Lu Qi Ya, Kuai Zuo Mu Xiu Bing, and Jiu Nan Bai—Huang Mu also specially sent Dong Xian Yao, the former captain of the Ninth Division, over to assist Liu Che Quan Xi and the others.

"Liu Che Boss, sorry for what happened a hundred years ago!"

Dong Xian Yao looked at Liu Che Quan Xi and spoke apologetically.

"Forget it, at least you saved Weidou, Pingzhang, and Tengtang and the others!"

"Without you, they probably wouldn't have survived……"

Liu Che said, lightly patting Dong Xian on the shoulder.

"Moving……"

Xiu Bing, seeing the two people he admires most reconcile, couldn't help but have a few tears well up in the corners of his eyes! If Liu Che was Xiu Bing's childhood idol, then Dong Xian Yao was the man who guided Xiu Bing onto the right path in life~

"By the way, will the enemy really invade the Pure Spirit Court?!"

Ban Mu Yi Jiao's sister, Ban Mu Zhi Na, rubbed her slightly balding forehead and asked the surrounding Shinigami.

"Anyway, being cautious is absolutely right!"

"We absolutely cannot underestimate any enemy……"

As Zhi Na's words fell, a man with light purple short hair, wearing glasses, who gave off a vague sense of Aizen, walked to her side and spoke gently.

"Ke Cheng Wan Xiu Zhao, Sixth Seat!"

Zhi Na looked at the newcomer and immediately bowed in greeting.

After all, the newcomer is an officer of the Thirteenth Division, which counts as his superior!

Moreover, he is a high-ranking officer with a single-digit seat number, potentially able to grow all the way to vice-captain-level Shinigami……

"It's fine, it's fine~"

"You're a newcomer, being nervous is also appropriate~"

"If we really go to war with the enemy, you newcomers must remember: absolutely do not run around recklessly; stay close to the elders."

On a chaotic battlefield, running around is actually dangerous; only staying by the veteran's side is safe.

Translation: "On the chaotic battlefield, running around recklessly is actually very dangerous; only by staying beside the veteran soldiers is it safe~"

We need to keep the tilde? The source ends with "~". We'll keep it.

Kechengwan Xiu Chao spoke softly to Zhinnai.

Kechengwan Xiu Chao gave Zhinnai a slight smile, as if he still had something to remind her about.

After all, Zhinnai is the sister of Banmu Ichikaku of the 11th Division.

Translation: "After all, Zhinnai is the younger sister of Banmu Yijiao, the Third Seat of the Eleventh Division~"

He should take proper care of her, after all.

Translation: "Taking proper care of him is also appropriate~"

That's what they call human affairs.

Translation: "This is what is called worldly wisdom~"

Understood!

Translation: "I understand!"

Hearing that, Zhinnai nodded vigorously.

Translation: "Zhinnai heard this and nodded firmly."

Then...

Translation: "Then..."

Kechengwan Xiu Chao gave Zhinnai a slight smile, as if he still had something to remind her about.

Translation: "Kechengwan Xiu Chao gave Zhinnai a slight smile; he seemed to have something else he wanted to remind her of."

Boom!

Translation: "Boom!"

Unfortunately, before Xiu Chao could speak, endless spirit fire erupted throughout Kurosu Town, and the overwhelming pressure swept across the entire Gotei 13.

Translation: "Unfortunately, before Kechengwan could speak, endless spirit-particle flames erupted in Empty Seat Town! The overwhelming pressure swept through the entire Court Guard Squads."

The enemy has invaded!

Translation: "The enemy has invaded!"

For a moment, the words "Enemy Invasion" flashed in the minds of all Gotei 13 members, and without hesitation they drew their Zanpakutō.

Translation: "In an instant, the five words 'enemy invasion' flashed through the minds of all Court Guard Squads members; without hesitation, they immediately drew their zanpakutō from their waists."

Always ready to fight the enemy...

Translation: "Always ready for battle with the enemy..."

Boom!

Translation: "Boom!"

Knights of the Star Cross!

Translation: "The knights of the Star Cross Knights!"

Crush the Jingling Court!

Translation: "Let's trample the Tranquil Spirit Court!"

Before anyone could think further, endless flames...

Translation: "Before anyone could think further, accompanied by the endless flames..."

A hoarse voice suddenly rang out in midair!

Translation: "A hoarse voice suddenly sounded from midair!"

In an instant, one after another, members of the Star Cross Knights in white armor descended from the sky into the Soul Society.

Translation: "In an instant, one after another, members of the Star Cross Knights clad in white knightly garb invaded the Spirit World from the sky."

Enemy attack! Prepare for battle!!

Translation: "Enemy attack! Prepare for battle!!"

The Gotei 13 aren't just idle!

Translation: "The Court Guard Squads aren't just for show!"

At the moment they saw the invasion, countless members drew their Zanpakutō.

Translation: "Upon seeing the enemy invade, countless soldiers drew their zanpakutō."

Boom!

Translation: "Boom!"

For a moment, explosions, booms, and wails echoed throughout the Jingling Court.

Translation: "In an instant, explosion sounds, roaring, and wails echoed throughout the Tranquil Spirit Court."

Now then, it's time to settle the final battle with Araki!

Translation: "Well then, it's time for a life-or-death showdown with Huangmu!"

Amid the spirit flames, Youha Bahe, cloaked in a black mantle, cast a sinister gaze toward the distant 1st Division barracks, knowing his enemy was there.

Translation: "Amid the spirit-particle flames, Youhabahé, cloaked in a black robe, gazed with his sinister eyes toward the distant barracks of the First Division, knowing his enemy lay there."

Yes, Your Majesty!

Translation: "Very well, Your Majesty!"

Hasward stayed close to Youha, his eyes showing a lingering concern for him.

Translation: "Hasuowode followed closely beside Youhabah, his eyes showing some worry about this Youhabah before him."

White Path Gate.

Translation: "White Dao Sect."

Hey hey hey! What kind of joke is this?

Translation: "Hey hey hey! What kind of joke is this?"

The enemy actually emerged from within, just as Captain Araki said...

Translation: "The enemy actually really appeared from within, just as Captain Huangmu said..."

Does that mean we've been guarding here for nothing?!

Translation: "In that case, aren't we just standing guard here for nothing?!"

Boss Koutoki, why don't we go in and finish them off?

Translation: "Boss Gengmu, why don't we go in and have a good fight?"

Banmu Ichikaku, seeing the relentless explosions and flames in the Jingling Court, asked Koutoki Kenpachi standing before him.

Translation: "Banmu Yijiao looked at the Tranquil Spirit Court, where explosions kept occurring and battle fires raged, and asked the Gengmu Jianba before him."

Then, the enemy appeared directly within the Jingling Court...

Translation: "Following that, the enemy directly appeared in the Tranquil Spirit Court..."

The four great gates of the Jingling Court became the safest places.

Translation: "The four great gates of the Tranquil Spirit Court instead became the safest place."

If only I'd known not to accept Master Araki's gate-keeping mission!

Translation: "If I had known not to accept Teacher Huangmu's gate-guarding duty..."

Koutoki heard this, his expression tinged with irritation. He had thought that guarding the main gate would be the toughest task, allowing him to kill more enemies...

Translation: "Gengmu heard this, his expression showing annoyance. He originally thought that guarding the main gate would be the most difficult task, so he could kill more enemies..."

In the end, none entered through the main gate; everyone emerged from the shadows illuminated by the internal spirit flames, which truly thwarted his plan!

Translation: "As it turned out, not a single person entered through the main gate; everyone emerged from the shadows cast by the internal spirit-particle flames, which really left him outmaneuvered!"

Banmu Ichikaku, Yumi Qin, Hachijuurui!

Translation: "Yijiao, Gongqin, Baqianliu!"

The three of you stay here and guard the gate!

Translation: "You three, stay put and guard the gate!"

I'll go in alone to take a look...

Translation: "I'll go in alone to take a look..."

After a brief thought, Koutoki addressed the group behind him.

Translation: "After a brief thought, Gengmu spoke to those behind him."

Huh?!

Translation: "Huh?!"

Captain, are you leaving us here while you go enjoy yourself?!

Translation: "Captain, are you trying to leave us here while you go enjoy yourself?!"

Upon hearing this, Banmu and the others' faces changed instantly.

Translation: "Yijiao and the others heard this, and their faces changed instantly."

Idiot! I'm going to scout the enemy!

Translation: "Idiot! I'm going to scout the enemy!"

Alright, that's that...

Translation: "Alright, that's settled then..."

Koutoki said, his figure flickering, and headed straight for the loudest explosion.

Translation: "Gengmu said, his form flickering, and he headed straight toward the loudest explosion."

Ah! Little Sword, you're so cunning!

Translation: "Ah! Little Sword, you're so cunning!"

Hachijuurui glared at the sneaking Koutoki, pouting angrily.

Translation: "Baqianliu watched the sneaking Gengmu, puffing her cheeks in anger."

Even though she's also strong, she followed along...

Translation: "Although she is also strong and followed after..."

But she promised her father to guard the gate.

Translation: "But she promised her father to guard the gate~"

Ah! Ah! Ah! So irritating...

Translation: "Ah! Ah! Ah! So irritable..."

When Little Sword returns, we must give him a good beating!

Translation: "When Little Sword returns, I'll definitely give him a good beating to vent my frustration!"

Perhaps no one could have guessed that the strongest in the 11th Division has never been Koutoki, the sword-wielder, but rather Araki, the vice-captain, Hachijuurui.

Translation: "Perhaps no one would expect that the strongest of the Eleventh Division has never been Gengmu as the Eighth Blade, but rather Baqianliu as the vice-captain~"

Meanwhile...

Translation: "Meanwhile..."

Inside the Jingling Court.

Translation: "Inside the Tranquil Spirit Court."

Except for the guards…

Besides the 2nd Division, 6th Division, 8th Division, and 11th Division!

All the other divisions have come into contact with members of the Star Cross Knights~

10th Division

"Who goes there! State your name!"

Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng gazed at the newcomer and shouted coldly.

"Star Cross Knights member, Cāngdū!"

The newcomer had black short hair, wore white clothes and cloth shoes, with arms bound with weapons similar to hooks, and his eyes were cold and resolute.

"Soar in the frosty heavens! Ice Ring!"

Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng hesitated not at all, directly releasing his Soul-Cutting Sword. With the release of his Soul-Cutting Sword, a huge ice dragon immediately lunged at Cāngdū!

Facing Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng's ice dragon, Cāngdū's eyes turned cold as he simultaneously exerted slight force with his feet, performing multiple successive jumps in midair, directly dodging the ice dragon's attack trajectory.

"What?"

Seeing this, Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng's pupils twitched slightly. Before he could think further, Cāngdū had already descended from the sky, landing beside him.

"You're careless, kid!"

Cāngdū spoke little, assuming the stance of Eight Extremes Fist, the Tiger Hard Climbing Mountain posture, and immediately struck at Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng.

"Foolish!"

Upon seeing Cāngdū's attack, Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng frowned slightly. In a battle where one wields a sword, using close-combat martial arts is either madness or stupidity!

Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng thought Cāngdū was both crazy and foolish, so he swung his blade to slash at Cāngdū's neck.

"An inch longer, an inch stronger!" Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng believed that before Cāngdū could get close, he could cut him down under his blade.

"Ding~"

Unfortunately, the moment Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng's blade touched Cāngdū's body, it only produced a string of dazzling sparks! At this moment, Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng felt that what he was cutting was not soft flesh, but unbreakable steel.

"How is that possible!?"

Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng's pupils contracted; before he could think further, his whole body was sent flying by the incoming Cāngdū colliding with him! Perhaps nothing suits Cāngdū, who possesses steel-like abilities, better than an Iron Mountain Lean.

"Boom!"

The blown-back Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng directly smashed the wall behind him.

"It's over!"

Cāngdū had no intention of giving Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng a chance to catch his breath; he continued to approach, intending to deliver a lethal blow to this young, promising captain...

"Boom!"

However, Cāngdū's strike landed on a mass of gray mist as soft as cotton.

"Oh no!"

In an instant, Cāngdū's expression changed. Because this cotton-like gray mist had stripped away the power of all the martial arts he had painstakingly cultivated over the years!

It was not that the mist's master was stronger than the ice master; rather, it was a simple restraining relationship—the mist's master obviously counters his fist-and-foot martial arts.

"Who are you?"

Cāngdū looked at the newcomer and asked.

"Vice Captain of the 10th Division, Sōngběn Luànjú~"

The speaker was gorgeous beyond compare, naturally Sōngběn Luànjú.

"Vice Captain!"

Cāngdū said, seeming to intend to continue fighting.

"Ding~"

Just then, accompanied by a soft sound...

At the same time, the clothing on Cāngdū's back was slit open, and another flash of light shone!

"Huh!?"

Cāngdū's expression changed; he realized he had been ambushed.

"Oh dear! It didn't succeed~"

As Cāngdū turned his head to look, he saw a man with silver short hair, smiling like a fox, walking toward him.

"I should be glad it's me!"

"If it were anyone else besides me in the Star Cross Knights, caught off guard by your sneak attack just now, they would already be dead from a shattered heart!"

Cāngdū looked at the newcomer and, unusually, said a few more words.

"Luànjú, my and Rìfāngǔ Dōngshīláng's abilities are ineffective against him~"

"From now on, I'll rely on you to protect me~ His martial arts should be unbreakable, little Luànjú, the Initial Release you mastered under Wang Yuè~"

Shìwán Yín said, revealing an appearance of being very afraid of Cāngdū.

However, no matter how one listens, only ease and pleasure can be heard from Shìwán Yín's words. It's as if being protected by Luànjú is a very happy thing~

"Watch with peace of mind!"

"I'm not the one holding you two back!"

Luànjú said, manipulating the thick mist to envelop Cāngdū completely.

"Earth-Shattering Heaven-Piercing Cannon!"

Cāngdū naturally wouldn't just sit and wait for death; he exerted force with his feet, tightened his waist, and then struck with all his might at the mist wrapping him!

"Boom!"

Accompanied by a deafening roar, the recoil force shook Cāngdū, causing him to retreat several steps. For a moment, Cāngdū frowned tightly and angrily said, "Where is this thick mist? It's just cotton and sponge! Where is there fog with such high density?"

Although Cāngdū was extremely angry, he seemed to have no way to extricate himself from the mist, and for a time he stood frozen in place.

"Hehe, I never expected to have a day where I would be helped!"

At that moment, Ri Banggu, who rose from the ruins, brushed the dust off his body.

He admitted that because he could not use Bankai and thus could not give his all, he was mentally a step behind the enemy, which is why he was caught off guard!

In short, he was careless and didn't dodge!

"Leave the rest to me!"

As for Luan Ju, she finally found a chance to show herself, and would never give up now! At this moment her mouth curved slightly, a look of confidence on her face.

At the same time, the Seventh Squad.

"Youhabake is truly cruel, making a ridiculous little girl like you join this battle! Doesn't he know this fight will bleed?"

Koma Mura Za Jin, who had been on high alert, furrowed his brows into a knot upon seeing the enemy was a cute girl.

"Indeed! You Shinigami are also cruel!"

"To think you even sent the cute Wang Jiang out to fight?"

"What's that? Does your Gotei 13 have no one left?"

Bang Bi, gripping his saber, looked at the furry‑faced Koma Mura Za Jin and laughed.

"…"

Bai Cun, hearing that, could only purse his lips.

After all, he was the one who first mocked Bang Bi's looks, and now being mocked back, he has nothing to say! If he said more, he'd just be a hypocritical double‑standard dog.

"Wang Jiang, judging by your appearance, you're definitely the captain of the Gotei 13, right?"

"If you're the captain, you should be able to use Bankai, right?"

"Since you have Bankai, unleash it quickly!"

"You know, I'm not… a opponent you can handle without Bankai~"

Bang Bi, facing Wang Jiang…

…not, but provoking Koma Mura Za Jin.

"Do you intend to seal my Bankai?"

Bai Cun, after hearing Bang Bi's words, gave a cold smile.

"Oh? You all know?"

Bang Bi was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting the information leak.

"Ah! I completely forgot, it's all because Dorisk and the others messed up the plan!"

Then Bang Bi seemed to recall something and shouted angrily.

"Fine!"

However, unexpectedly, Bai Cun laughed after hearing Bang Bi.

"Huh?!"

Bang Bi looked at Bai Cun's smile, her eyebrows slightly furrowing.

She always felt Bai Cun's smile was off~

"Bankai…"

Before Bang Bi could think further, Bai Cun suddenly raised the Zanpakuto in his hand.

He then shouted loudly!

"Boom!!"

As Bai Cun's words fell…

A massive Ming Wang slowly emerged from behind Bai Cun!

"Hahaha! No matter what you think…"

"You've all fallen into the trap! Look at my Star Emblem!!"

Bang Bi said, flashing a grim smile, gripping the Star Emblem, and roared at Bai Cun.

"Boom!!"

As Bang Bi's words ended, Bai Cun's Bankai vanished instantly!

"Bankai!"

But it wasn't over; the instant after Bai Cun's Bankai, two figures rushed close and also performed Bankai!

"Little girl, do you want my Bankai or theirs?"

At this moment, Bai Cun, looking at Bang Bi, said cheerfully.

For a moment Bang Bi was stunned, exclaiming in shock, "We agreed only the captain could Bankai! Why are there so many?"

"Sorry, little girl, you got it wrong!"

"All captain‑rank Shinigami can Bankai, not just the captain!"

Bai Cun, looking at Bang Bi, corrected her.

"Boom!!"

Before Bang Bi could think further, in this vast Jing Ling Ting…

Suddenly an endless pressure erupted, dozens of Bankai burst forth~

Youha's Star Emblem seems insufficient~

Fourteen thousand, Great Emblem~

(End of chapter)