Chapter 187: Xiao Jia, Transform for Me

Heartstring?

Uesugi Toru held his breath and focused his attention within his heart.

After a good while, he actually discovered a brand new heartstring right next to the thick heartstring that had suddenly appeared in the two-foot-tall Adult!

But isn't a "heartstring" usually a connection that only exists between a Shikigami and its Owner?

Uesugi Toru stroked his chin, sizing up Kaga Kiyomitsu as he spun around before him.

He calmed his mind again and used his mind to touch this heartstring, as slender and elusive as a silk thread, and could even faintly hear a sound coming from within it.

But he simply couldn't hear it clearly.

He could only make out a buzzing, trembling sound, yet it seemed to also contain some sort of rhythm or pattern within it.

Uesugi Toru seemed to understand.

—This heartstring should be a byproduct produced after Xiao Jia achieved Spiritual Perfection, or rather, after the new effect "Spirit" appeared.

And the effect of "Spirit" should be what allowed Kaga Kiyomitsu to give birth to a more autonomous and complete Spiritual Wisdom.

—Previously, Kaga Kiyomitsu could only emit buzzing or trembling of varying intensity, but now he could autonomously fly into mid-air and even attempt to converse with him, his Owner, using the heartstring.

If he could hear a bit more clearly, he might really be able to speak with Kaga Kiyomitsu.

Uesugi Toru's thoughts stagnated at this, then he shifted his gaze to another Panel.

—【Spirit Control Technique】.

That's right, his initial purpose in learning the Spirit Control Technique was to communicate with the Shinrei Kobutsu "Nanjo Doll".

And since communication between person and object was possible back then, there's no reason it shouldn't work now!

The thought struck him, and Uesugi Toru began circulating the Spirit Control Technique, then placed all of his own and his Spirit Power's "attention" onto the elusive heartstring connecting to his heart.

"Stabilize, strengthen..."

After chanting repeatedly, Uesugi Toru finally grasped this heartstring with the Spirit Control Technique, then gradually stabilized it in his heart using a mental formula.

Several seconds later, Uesugi Toru shouted into this heartstring, which he had already done his utmost to stabilize with the Spirit Control Technique,

"Hello hello hello? Xiao Jia, can you hear me?"

The floating Kaga Kiyomitsu came to a screeching halt, turning a circle on the spot in bewilderment, projecting a sense of helplessness like someone walking down the street who suddenly hears their name called but doesn't know by whom.

Uesugi Toru shouted several more times, but finding Kaga Kiyomitsu still hadn't recognized that it was he, the Owner, communicating through the heartstring, he raised an eyebrow.

The Spirit Control Technique does indeed have an effect.

It's just that this effect still isn't strong enough.

Because he could hear a bit more clearly as well, but still couldn't distinguish what on earth these "buzzing" sounds were.

The current situation is roughly equivalent to two people shouting at each other across a distance of three to four hundred meters; being able to sense the tone and emotion is the most one can hope for.

It's still not as convenient as just speaking directly.

But the Spirit Control Technique isn't stuck at a dead end here either.

—When he next returns to Genjitsu and goes to the Special Affairs Division, once he cultivates the Spirit Control Technique to Expert Level, this problem should be easily solved.

Uesugi Toru stared at Kaga Kiyomitsu, who was tilting his blade tip left and right, and his eyes brightened.

Meaning that before long, he would truly be able to understand what these buzzing sounds mean and achieve barrier-free communication with Xiao Jia!

"Alright, I know you're amazing!"

Uesugi Toru gave a thumbs-up to Kaga Kiyomitsu in encouragement, patted the Sword Sheath at his waist: "Come back first, there's still someone waiting."

After feeling the heartfelt praise from Uesugi Toru, Kaga Kiyomitsu let out a clear, crisp sword cry and whoosh—dived back into the Sword Sheath, settling down beautifully in silence.

Seeing Kaga Kiyomitsu so easily appeased by a few kind words, Uesugi Toru couldn't help but think to himself,

"How is this like coaxing a child..."

Not far away, the Zashiki-warashi who witnessed this scene also laughed.

She leaned against the ancient Temple Pillar and asked smugly,

"Banruo Xiansheng, how is this brand new Kaga Kiyomitsu?"

She forcefully patted her chest, and her palm was unsurprisingly bounced back,

"This is the most satisfying Refining I've personally done in the hundred years since entering this Second Ring Trial!"

—The greatly enhanced versatility of "Soul Absorption Slash", the extremely Zashiki-personal "Fukushima Blaze", Xiao Jia's perfected awakening of Spirituality, and this first-seen Epic+++ exaggerated Quality.

Achieving this level with just a single piece of Qualified Spirit Gold, the Zashiki-warashi's Refining skill can truly be called snatching the work of Heavenly Craftsmanship!

Truly lucky, to encounter her in Mount Kujira.

Uesugi Toru spoke seriously to the Zashiki-warashi, who had stood up again and was moving her arms about,

"Thank you, Zashiki."

But who would have thought the Zashiki-warashi would not accept this well-deserved thanks, instead shaking her head,

"No."

She said word by word: "It is I who should thank you, Banruo Xiansheng."

"—It was you who brought the highly spiritual Xiao Jia, and the high-grade materials that absolutely cannot appear within the Trial; the two combined as one, and only then did a single Refining point out the Path for me."

The Zashiki-warashi let out a breath as if relieved of a heavy burden, as if she had unloaded a thousand-jin Burden,

"Before long, I should also be able to forge a Weapon meeting the conditions and complete this Second Ring Trial."

She paused here, her bright gaze shooting toward Uesugi Toru: "Rather than saying I am a Fortune God, it's more like Banruo Xiansheng is my Lucky Star."

Not long after the First Meeting, she was able to begin the Long Journey she had yearned for day and night.

And at this long-awaited second meeting, she again had the insurmountable obstacle of nearly a hundred years easily solved by Banruo Xiansheng.

"Where, I previously sought out several Senior Blacksmiths, but they were all helpless."

Uesugi Toru shook his head,

"It's because your own Refining skill, Zashiki, is solid; completing this Heavenly Craftsmanship Trial was originally just a Time Issue... no need for Self-Deprecation."

"A matter of time... huh."

The Zashiki Warashi repeated his words in a murmur, slowly lowered her eyes, and sighed deeply: "But this time is really far too long."

She smiled helplessly,

"If it weren't for Banruo Xiansheng's sudden arrival, perhaps I might have been trapped to death in this ruined temple on this mountain for a lifetime, who knows."

—Behind them, Imagawa Yoshimoto listened to their conversation, sweeping his gaze over Weapon Mountain, this unremarkable ruined temple, and Uesugi Toru's Hannya Mask at his waist.

"There really are so many novel things in this world that I don't know."

Imagawa Yoshimoto thought happily.

Slap slap!

The Zashiki Warashi slapped her own cheeks hard, clenched her fists with both hands, and shouted loudly: "Alright! Anyway, the Passing Trial is about to begin soon, so don't say these baseless depressing words anymore!"

She turned her head, looking at Imagawa Yoshimoto who happened to be staring at her, and grinned cheerfully: "By the way, I'll also slightly Strengthen this lady's Gusoku."

Gazing at the somewhat startled Imagawa Yoshimoto, the Zashiki Warashi smiled and made a peace sign at her,

"Just consider it, Post-Exercise Stretch!"

Since she is a Fortune God, even though she has changed jobs to Blacksmith Heavenly Craftsman — she cannot spread Negative Emotion to everyone, but should bring Happiness to everyone!

This is also something the Zashiki Warashi learned on her journey.

Imagawa Yoshimoto did not refuse the Goodwill the Zashiki Warashi released toward her, but instead took off her armor piece by piece.

Finally she held it Neatly and placed it Beside the Anvil,

"That Zashiki Heavenly Craftsman..."

"Just call me Zashiki."

The Zashiki Warashi waved her Hand fan, then picked up an Armor Part and began to roughly inspect it: "I'm not yet a Heavenly Craftsman, nor can I be called any Adult."

She Shrugged casually toward Imagawa Yoshimoto,

"Now standing before Miss you is merely a traveler whose Refining Technique is passable and can bring a bit of Good Luck to those around her, that's all."

Imagawa Yoshimoto stared blankly at her, then seriously gave her name,

"I am Imagawa Yoshimoto, Ruler of this land, and will in the future become the Ruler of the Whole World."

She omitted the cumbersome Etiquette regarding names, and extended her Palm toward the Zashiki Warashi covered in Gray and Sweat.

Then, exactly like Uesugi Toru when he issued the Spirit God Invitation in Arakawa Village, she issued an eager Invitation to this Enthusiastic, Easy to Talk To little Fortune God,

"Zashiki, please become my Imagawa Yoshimoto's Retainer."

Imagawa Yoshimoto's eyes gleamed: "From now on, No Matter what materials you want, what requests you have, I can Search for them for you, to Satisfy you."

The Zashiki Warashi, still holding the Armor Part and Observing it, was Startled.

She Blinked, thinking this girl was actually Imagawa Yoshimoto, and recently she had always heard good Rumors about this person.

Uesugi Toru standing Not Far away heard these words identical to when inviting himself, and casually Yawned.

Without thinking, the Zashiki Warashi would definitely Refuse.

Not to mention the Zashiki Warashi is only able to Appear in the Warring States Period during the Trial — even if she really lived in this era, it would be Impossible to become Imagawa Yoshimoto's Retainer and be Tied in one place.

Because if the Zashiki Warashi could be moved by such Conditions, she would have already become his Shikigami back in Arakawa Village.

Where would it be Imagawa Yoshimoto's turn to act at this time.

Uesugi Toru gazed at that petite yet sturdy back, and silently Thought in Heart —

The Zashiki Warashi loves Traveling Alone so much, pursuing the unknown, how could she be moved by the Stability of staying in one place?

"Sorry."

After a short Ten Seconds, the Zashiki Warashi also completed her Observation of this set of Tosei Gusoku.

She learned the villagers' way of calling those who enter the mountain, smiling as she placed the armor on the Anvil and said,

"I cannot comply, Imagawa Clan Head."

Hearing this almost identical Refusal, Uesugi Toru couldn't help but Laugh.

Before Imagawa Yoshimoto could Look back, he explained: "Because I once invited Zashiki to become my Shikigami just like you, and was Refused, Lord Imagawa."

Hearing the words before and after, Imagawa Yoshimoto was slightly stunned, then sighed regretfully,

"Is that so."

After learning the answer that was Impossible to change, Imagawa Yoshimoto did not dwell on it further, but blessed: "Then I wish you Smooth Journey on your next trip, Zashiki."

"Thank you, Imagawa Clan Head."

The Zashiki Warashi hehe laughed, and placed several Armor Parts on the Anvil.

Before the Fukusawa Fire rose and Refining began again, she curiously looked at Uesugi Toru: "Speaking of which, Banruo Xiansheng, I still don't know your name."

The Zashiki Warashi asked: "May I ask you to tell me your name?"

"Toru."

Uesugi Toru thought for a moment, then discovered it seemed to be true.

So he answered,

"My name is Toru."

The Zashiki Warashi oh-ed: "Toru... huh, I've remembered it."

She Silenced for Two Seconds, then placed her attention back on the Anvil's world,

"Strengthening the Gusoku is somewhat Refining Detail, it might take some time, you two can wait Beside for a while."

Seeing the Zashiki Warashi start Forging enthusiastically again, Uesugi Toru and Imagawa Yoshimoto did not Disturb her, but instead came to the Temple Pillar together without prior agreement.

"Lord Imagawa, how does it feel to be Refused Without Hesitation?"

"To be honest, somewhat Novelty."

Imagawa Yoshimoto, having taken off the entire set of Tosei Gusoku, found a slightly cleaner Place to sit down, and gazed deeply at the Zashiki Warashi who was Forging with concentration,

"But precisely because of this, it only makes one want to bring her under one's command all the more."

"Her aspirations lie elsewhere."

"I know that naturally." Imagawa Yoshimoto rested his chin and muttered, "But haven't you heard a saying, Tetsu-kun? The more unattainable something is, the more one wants it."

After hearing these words, Uesugi Toru understood that his lord had probably not given up on recruiting her, and was likely thinking of various methods even now.

But this was Imagawa Yoshimoto; he would not let his resolve be shaken by another's two refusals.

Uesugi Toru did not pay it much mind.

After all, once the Zashiki Warashi completes this trial and leaves the Sengoku Period in the near future, no matter how many methods Imagawa Yoshimoto has, he will have nowhere to employ them.

"As for that—"

Uesugi Toru took out the map Jing Wulang had previously given him from his Storage Backpack: "Lord Imagawa, we should decide our next destination first."

As he spoke, he simultaneously opened the "Map" given to him by Hundred-Eyed Demon in his Panel—the one that marks where "Big Eyeballs" are numerous.

"That is indeed important."

Imagawa Yoshimoto withdrew her gaze and began to carefully examine the map inch by inch.

After a long silence, she placed her finger on a fortress pass in East Mikawa.

It happened to overlap with Uesugi Toru's finger.

At this time, in Nishio Castle in West Mikawa, the Pure Land True Sect's daily "Gratitude Lecture" was nearly over, and it was time for the Vegetarian Meal.

Crimson-gold radiance fell from the horizon, sprinkling over the monks seated in the Side Hall of the Pure Land True Sect.

"Delicious, delicious! Master Renko, this Vegetarian Meal you made is truly delicious!"

Sickness and Suffering, wearing a Gray Robe, grabbed tofu, refined rice, and the large chunks of Roast Meat mixed in, eating with oil dripping from his mouth.

"Glad it suits the Benefactor's appetite."

Renko smiled, and after scanning the area for a week without seeing any monks, novices, or elders looking this way, she nodded in satisfaction.

It seems the previous use of a typical case as a warning still had some effect.

Managing such a large Pure Land True Sect requires such decisive methods.

Renko pressed her palms together toward Sickness and Suffering, who was eating heartily: "If this pace continues, perhaps not even a month, or even just over half a month, will be enough to collect the Wish Power I need."

"Then, Master."

Sickness and Suffering poured all the remaining meat chunks from his bowl into his mouth, patted his round belly, and asked cheerfully: "Do you need me to purify the distracting thoughts in the Wish Power for you?"

Let Sickness and Suffering do this?

By the time Sickness and Suffering finished purifying these Wish Powers, who knows whose they would belong to...

Renko's expression changed slightly, but she still spoke gently: "These trivial matters need not trouble the Benefactor."

"Trivial matters?"

Sickness and Suffering looked at the monks who were all lowering their heads to eat, not daring to even breathe, and said meaningfully: "If so, then I hope Master will not burn the bridge after crossing the river, or kill the donkey after unloading the mill."

Renko shook her head: "Benefactor, how could I do such a thing?"

"And another thing."

Sickness and Suffering raised his greasy finger, and the novice who had come yesterday afternoon walked over in a stupor.

The novice lowered his head and spoke, emitting a hoarse voice like an insect,

"Mas... Master."

He grinned: "Since Master said that yesterday, it doesn't matter if I make him a follower, does it?"

Master Renko fell silent.

The novice witnessing this scene was one thing, but Sickness and Suffering turning him into a follower and bringing him out into the open was quite another.

Was this testing my bottom line?

Renko slowly clenched her fist in her heart, but on the surface she spoke very warmly: "I hope the Benefactor will lend a hand when the Heaven and Earth Revival comes soon."

"Of course I can, what is our relationship, Master?"

Sickness and Suffering laughed heartily.

To the side, Damo, who was lowering his head eating the Vegetarian Meal, said nothing, truly more like a real monk than those monks who had stayed in the Pure Land True Sect since childhood.

He silently recorded everything happening around him in his mind, turning it into his own "Experience" and "Knowledge."

At this moment, the novice suddenly made a strange sound from his mouth.

Sickness and Suffering raised an eyebrow.

Immediately, Damo saw the head of the motionless novice slowly open, revealing everything inside, and a bloody red brain slowly crawled out from within.

The scene was so grotesque and bloody that almost everyone who saw it would vomit up their leftover meal completely.

But Damo simply continued eating the Vegetarian Meal seriously and with relish, just as before.

He silently chanted in his heart: "That is Benefactor Sickness and Suffering's follower, the Thousand-Brain Princess, Master,"

A hearty laugh rang out in Damo's heart,

"Indeed! This is the 【Thousand-Brain Princess】, capable of ultra-long-distance memory sharing, but it needs to crawl out of the host's flesh when sharing memories.

However, Benefactor Sickness and Suffering has so many followers; it's truly impressive that you can remember them all."

The laugh said with satisfaction: "Damo, you truly are the most promising Spirit Monster I've met since joining the Demon Guide Society!"

Damo replied stiffly: "It's just simple memory, Master; this isn't difficult at all."

"Do not deprecate yourself!"

In Damo's heart, a booming sound echoed: "Given time, becoming a legendary Ghost God is not impossible!"

"Damo will do his best."

After answering Master's words, Damo continued to record and observe—

Sickness and Suffering listened for a moment, hummed, then smiled broadly: "Dharma Master, another city in East Mikawa has fallen. Where should we target next?"

He asked with a smile: "Or rather, which city is more important?"

"Naturally Yoshida Castle, held by the Matsudaira Clan, guarding the mouth of the Toyokawa River and controlling the land and water artery of the Tokaido."

Renko held nothing back, explaining all these basic details,

"At the same time, it can serve as a frontline fortress against the Imagawa Army."

Sickness and Suffering nodded repeatedly, smiling at the blood-red brain already fallen into his palm: "Then, issue the order for everyone to go to Yoshida Castle."

Thousand Brain Princess fell silent, and only after transmitting the information for several minutes did she regain vitality, preparing to return to the little novice's skull.

But Sickness and Suffering directly tightened his five fingers and crushed this Thousand Brain Princess, letting blood-colored juice splash, falling onto Dharma Master Renko's robe.

He coldly rebuked: "Something that doesn't know the occasion... doesn't everyone know they're eating delicious vegetarian meals right now!"

After speaking, Sickness and Suffering quickly turned to look at Dharma Master Renko, splattered all over with blood, and apologized repeatedly: "Oh, I'm truly sorry, Dharma Master, this attendant of mine is simply ill-mannered."

"Look, I've already dealt with this fellow who doesn't know the rules."

He pointed to the bloodstain in his palm, showing a mouthful of white teeth: "Shouldn't have, hindered Dharma Master's appetite, right?"

—Since last night, this Sickness and Suffering doesn't know what medicine he ate wrong, and started inexplicably nauseating him in various small places.

If not for keeping this Sickness and Suffering still having great use...

Renko's murderous intent churned within.

"Naturally not."

Renko didn't even look at the blood drop fallen into the vegetarian meal, his smile unchanged.

After finishing the last bite of vegetarian meal, Damo, who had taken in this entire scene, suddenly stood up.

"Let me go." He suddenly said, attracting the other two's gazes.

"I've seen the map, and know where Yoshida Castle is." Damo said dryly, "There, is very close to the Imagawa Yoshimoto you two mentioned earlier."

"Ah, is that so."

Sickness and Suffering converged those out-of-place smiles, asking: "Master Damo, you want to go too?"

"Yes."

Damo nodded, expressing his thoughts word by word, without concealment: "I've seen enough here, I need more tempering and experience."

Renko smiled and nodded, saying nothing more.

Because this is a good thing, both reducing a potential rival in the city by one, and making the grasp of taking Yoshida Castle even greater.

He had no need to say more.

"That's wonderful."

Sickness and Suffering likewise nodded, raising his hand: "I'll send Master Damo a few assistants to help out."

Accompanied by Sickness and Suffering's raised hand, three attendant yokai, their whole bodies exuding an awe-inspiring aura, appeared amidst the surging spirit qi.

One wore a bamboo hat, resembling a monk, but his whole body was bound with rotting white bindings.

One had a withered face and stooped figure, carrying on his back a bottomless medicine box.

One was pale as a shadow, whispering in pain, bound by chains at every joint yet still able to move freely.

Sickness and Suffering said lightly: "Kai Bouzu, Kugaku, Gobyō Ō, from now on you must follow behind Master Damo, unconditionally obeying orders, heard?"

No one answered.

The three "people" simply stood silently behind Damo, lowering their heads without speaking.

"Greeting."

Damo pressed his palms together, bowing deeply,

"Damo, thank you, Benefactor, for your assistance."

After a simple word of thanks, Damo turned and left the Side Hall, striding toward Yoshida Castle.

He wants to experience.

He wants tempering.

He wants to perfect the self amidst the boundless world.

End of Chapter