Chapter 194

Inside Yoshida Castle, the news of Great Onmyoji Toru slaying the oni and its arrival spread through people's mouths as swiftly as the lightning that raced through the main streets and back alleys.

From the castle gate, to the main streets and back alleys, and then into the Matsudaira Clan residence.

Uesugi Toru, who was waiting for the time being, began clearing the "prompt red dots" one by one.

First were the items dropped by the Kuishu that had inexplicably entered the Separation Sorrow Domain at the very start of the battle and was instantly killed by his one slash.

【You have obtained: Kuishu Binding Belt!】

Uesugi Toru shifted his gaze to the Storage Backpack, used his mind to click on the item to make its panel pop up, but did not manifest it.

In his vision, a narrow bandage dozens of meters in length floated suspended in midair.

Isn't this the yellow-black binding belt wrapped around the Kuishu's body... except the bandage before him was brand new and pristine white, completely different from the binding belts coiled around the Kuishu's body surface that looked like they hadn't been washed in several hundred years.

But when Uesugi Toru continued looking down, he understood.

【Kuishu Binding Belt】

【Quality: Rare】

【Effect: Wrap the Kuishu Binding Belt around the full body; as a long time passes, the cultivation effect bonus brought by the binding belt will slowly increase.】

【Note: If the binding belt is removed midway, the time will be interrupted, and the effect bonus calculation will restart from the beginning.】

【——What is ascetic cultivation? Only those who persist unswervingly on the long road.】

No wonder the binding belts on the Kuishu's body were so black they were nearly rotting and stinking, yet it never took them off.

Turns out they cannot be taken off.

Uesugi Toru stared at the two keywords "long" and "slow" for a while, knowing in his heart that he probably wasn't suited for this item.

Because usually the panel would use the modifier "gradually," but this time it used two blunt words indicating an especially long time before taking effect.

By the time this binding belt really takes major effect, who knows, it might take several years.

"But this binding belt, giving it to someone from the Sengoku Period to use would indeed be quite good......"

Uesugi Toru thought to himself.

After all, the Sengoku Period is a full five hundred years distant from the Genjitsu.

With five hundred years of time accumulation, this binding belt's improvement effect on cultivation would probably be even more powerful than Epic, or even Legendary items of the same type.

But who to give it to is an important question.

An ordinary person's lifespan is only several decades; if given to a yaoguai — the Mountain Whale King doesn't seem like the type who could be bound by this belt for long either.

What's more, there's still the issue of trust......

"Forget it, it's not urgent for these one or two days either; thinking about it later won't be late."

Uesugi Toru moved his gaze away from this binding belt that was somewhat chicken ribs for him, and looked toward the prompt behind it.

【You have obtained: Iron Pestle!】

Uesugi Toru, seeing the dropped item's name, froze for a moment.

Because this iron pestle, wasn't it precisely the weapon that the Scabby Monk was holding just now.

Exactly the same.

【Iron Pestle】

【Quality: Rare+】

【Effect: Extremely sturdy.】

【——Heavy, sturdy, reliable.

Countless weapons turn to a handful of dust in the corrosion of time, while it remains timeless.】

This effect...... is truly simple, direct, and crude.

But what it says is indeed correct.

Even Kaga Kiyomitsu, covered in Separation Sorrow on the surface, could only scratch the surface of this iron pestle for a time.

Uesugi Toru, who had half his chin shattered by the iron pestle not long ago, mused.

But it's still not too suitable for himself.

Leaving aside how heavy this iron pestle is and how hard to wield, whether it suits his body type.

If he himself used this iron pestle, both his sword art and spear art would have to be set aside.

"Such a sturdy iron pestle should be a very good forging base material; later, no matter whether it's forged a second or third time with some essence or some metal, it can completely adapt."

It's just that the Scabby Monk was foolish, only using it as a blank forging pillar.

Uesugi Toru blinked and thought — if he sold this iron pestle to Katsumi, he should be able to get a good price, after all the other party has wide connections.

A big iron pestle like this with unlimited future quality would definitely be needed by those with abnormally strong physiques.

——But no matter how you support the future, the fact that the equipment items dropped by the Kuishu and the Scabby Monk are both unsatisfactory exists.

Uesugi Toru sighed lightly in his heart.

He could only hope that the Great Taishi, who is even stronger than those two Sickness Retainers combined, could drop two items that would satisfy him.

【You have obtained: Mountain God Rock Heart!】

Hm?

The deep purple light made Uesugi Toru's eyes widen slightly.

Epic Level.

The item dropped by the Great Taishi indeed matches its strength.

【Mountain God Rock Heart】

【Quality: Epic】

【Effect One: Directly consume, greatly increase skin toughness, significantly increase physical body strength, and significantly increase fire element resistance, significantly increase earth element affinity.】

【Effect Two: Forge together with a weapon, greatly increase that weapon's durability and toughness.】

【Effect Three: Forged together with armor, greatly increases that armor's strength and defensive effect.】

【—The giant falls into eternal slumber, yet the mountain range still breathes.】

Before Uesugi Toru, a fist-sized phantom of a reddish-brown crystal floated in midair; across the crystal's rough stony surface spread delicate gilded patterns like blood vessels.

Moreover, this crystal was slowly pulsing, and the patterns on its surface still emitted a flickering glow, as if scorching blood still flowed within.

Just like... it was still alive.

Got the drop.

These three words flashed through Uesugi Toru's mind.

Effects Two and Three need not be mentioned; aside from the two Cold Steel Arm Guards, Uesugi Toru himself has no armor.

Kaga Kiyomitsu, who can now independently evolve using Soul Spirit Points, also has no reason to steal the resources his master uses.

So he turned his gaze to Effect One.

Setting aside the two elements at the back for now, the effects of the former two are definitely a great help for cultivation at the Palace of Flesh stage of the Breathing Technique...

While Uesugi Toru was calculating when to eat this Mountain God Rock Heart that looked quite chewy, a brand new prompt suddenly popped up before his eyes.

The experienced Uesugi Toru was startled.

Is it that he met the conditions and triggered some hidden effect?

He quickly scrolled through the prompt—

【Detected that you have cultivated the Corona Breathing Technique and reached the "Palace of Flesh" stage...】

【Detected that you have cultivated Spirit Control Technique·Qi, possessing an extremely special perception of life's breathing and nature's pulse...】

【You have triggered the "Mountain God Rock Heart's" special effect!】

As expected, it is a hidden special effect.

And it's the special effect of this already powerful Mountain God Rock Heart!

Uesugi Toru held his breath slightly and looked downward.

【Special Effect·Secondary Breathing: Upon direct consumption, will activate the origin Qi that even the Mountain God himself never unearthed, opening up an expandable "Void Qi Sea" within the body!】

Qi Sea?

The familiar term unlocked Uesugi Toru's memories, making him recall the prompt he encountered not long ago when flipping through those nine Breathing Techniques in the Quiet Room of the Imagawa Residence.

—"【Sea of Qi (60% Deficient)】."

In other words, the Sea of Qi should be the final form of the first major stage of Breathing Technique cultivation.

Uesugi Toru's pupils contracted.

Yet now, this Mountain God Rock Heart actually bypassed that 60% deficient chasm of the Breathing Technique and the countless minor stages within.

As long as he swallows it, it can open up a Qi Sea for him!

Currently, Uesugi Toru hasn't even fully completed the Palace of Flesh stage.

Who knows how long it would take to wait until he goes back and completes the "Sea of Qi" stage.

—Just this "open up Qi Sea" effect alone is already completely worth it, worth who knows how many times more than those thousands of Soul Ash and Soul Spirit Points.

How long has it been since his luck was this good?

Uesugi Toru glanced at the inconspicuous little golden bell inside the lining... is it its effect?

After taking a moment to calm his mood, Uesugi Toru used his mind to click on the faintly glowing "Void Qi Sea" to check its specific effects.

【Void Qi Sea: A Qi Sea with nothing in it, waiting to be filled.】

Cryptically impressive.

A Qi Sea with nothing in it—what's so strange about that?

Uesugi Toru kept this question in the bottom of his heart, preparing to ask Shizuku or Nanjo Sister when he returns to Genjitsu.

After all, his understanding of the Qi Sea is limited to this name.

—Once the yokai in the castle are exorcised clean and the situation stabilizes, he'll directly consume this Mountain God Rock Heart.

Having decided thus, Uesugi Toru closed the Storage Backpack's panel.

He glanced again at the Soul Ash now enough for two Ten-Pulls, and the Soul Spirit Points rapidly rising.

【Soul Ash: 3149】

【Soul Spirit Points: 421】

The reason Soul Spirit Points are rising at extreme speed is because Uesugi Toru just communicated with Kaga Kiyomitsu via Heartstring.

He used lightning to guide Xiao Jia, then numbed those Sickness Retainers with electricity, and finally had Kaga Kiyomitsu slit their throats.

Although Xiao Jia wasn't too happy about this, the acquisition efficiency of Soul Spirit Points indeed increased by far too much.

Within his Perception Field, achieving this level of fine control over lightning was no difficult matter for Uesugi Toru, still in the "Anger" state.

Besides that, Tennen Rishin-ryu is also only a hundred or so Proficiency points away from breaking through to Expert Level.

Uesugi Toru let out a light breath.

It seems in the next day or two, his strength should also welcome a not-small increase.

Closing all prompts and panels, Uesugi Toru listened to those discussions that first gradually grew heated, then gradually quieted down.

Myriad gazes pierced out from countless gaps, falling upon his body.

Uesugi Toru could feel that even though he stood behind Imagawa Yoshimoto, the number of gazes he occupied was far greater than the latter's.

It's about time to speak.

"Residents of Yoshida Castle."

This time Uesugi Toru did not make his voice appear beside each person's ear, but directly blended the volume into his Gang Qi, letting it bloom in midair and fall down.

"I am the Onmyoji Toru, come here on the orders of the Lord of Mikawa, Imagawa Clan Head Imagawa Yoshimoto."

He paused, then continued speaking,

"Perhaps many of you heard the thunder bursting outside the city just now, and believed those terrible great demons were exorcised by me."

Under the gaze of numerous residents, Uesugi Toru shook his head directly and denied, "But the fact is not so."

In an instant, Uesugi Toru clearly felt the doubt, shock, and confusion coming from near and far.

He deliberately waited a moment for these emotions to ferment before loudly saying: "But it was this person before me, Lord Imagawa Yoshimoto, ruler of Suruga, Tōtōmi, and Mikawa, who personally slew them."

Those thunders just now merely played some insignificant auxiliary role."

"—Even without me, this Lord could still easily slaughter all those demons cleanly, and liberate Yoshida Castle!"

Uesugi Toru pointed toward Imagawa Yoshimoto before him, wrapped in pitch-black majestic Tosei Gusoku, with an indifferent complexion and full of dignity.

The surrounding residents were shocked, and upon following his finger to look, they could no longer move their gaze away.

Uesugi Toru raised an eyebrow without a trace.

He merely used a bit of the Four-Tailed Fox Soul Seal talent's power to vaguely guide these ordinary commoners, unexpectedly the effect was so good.

It seemed to be because his current Spirit Power and Charm Attribute added together were too high.

If he exerted a bit more force, perhaps these residents would be brainwashed instantly and turned into fanatical believers of Imagawa Yoshimoto.

Inside Yoshida Castle, the residents who heard these words almost gave up thinking, instead showing various expressions of shock, even worship.

Inside the Matsudaira Clan, Honda Tadataka, who also heard these words, frowned slightly.

He knew that probably not a single word in this Onmyoji's words was true.

Because he had spent not a little time with Imagawa Yoshimoto, and was very clear that this lord had never shown powerful personal strength.

But that Great Onmyoji Toru had indeed slain the several terrifying demon ghosts originally inside the city, which was fact.

Honda Tadataka frowned deeply, not understanding the meaning of Uesugi Toru's words.

But after thinking for several seconds, he did not go on to engage in meaningless thinking.

Because even if those terrifying demon ghosts were already dead, the small demon ghosts remaining inside the city were also quickly eliminated under that Onmyoji's methods...

But even if all demon ghosts inside the city died, the plague existing on people would not therefore disappear.

Those who fell ill would still die.

—With the passage of time, the residents of Yoshida Castle who had just recovered from joy also realized this problem.

Because only two people entered Yoshida Castle, an undisputed fact.

No physician, no medicine, and no logistical supplies...

Those afflicted with an unknown disease, whose physical condition was worsening day by day, was there still hope?

Thus Uesugi Toru could feel that amidst the city's positive emotions, confusion and despair were gradually rising again.

"Cough cough, do we still have, cough cough, hope..."

"That is a Great Onmyoji who can control thunder, surely there must be a way to save us."

"The Great Onmyoji is not a physician, and besides he is only one person, how can he save so many people in the city?"

"In the end, do we still have to die."

"Mom, I don't want to die..."

Two not-so-tall horses slowly trotted toward the Matsudaira Clan's location.

This was to let as many surrounding people as possible clearly see him and Imagawa Yoshimoto, forming an impression of their approximate appearance.

Hearing the endless sighs from inside the city, Uesugi Toru suddenly released Gang Qi, and inexplicably opened his mouth to say,

"My Thunder Technique is also usable only with Lord Imagawa's authorization—because the thunder power I can manipulate is borrowed from the hands of the Gods."

Imagawa Yoshimoto saw in the corner of her eye that the thunder, after passing by her side, suddenly brightened, and a trace of doubt appeared in her eyes.

Tetsu-kun, what are you trying to do?

At this time, she heard Uesugi Toru speak loudly: "And this Lord Imagawa Yoshimoto is a Blessed of the Gods!"

Imagawa Yoshimoto's hand holding the reins froze in midair.

Blessed of the Gods?

Tetsu-kun had never told her such words.

She had never known herself to be some illusory Blessed or whatnot.

Even though Imagawa Yoshimoto had doubts in her heart, she did not show them now; she merely maintained an indifferent appearance of not speaking and not turning her head, continuing to silently gaze forward.

"—This scene is the best proof."

In the residents' eyes, those originally faint, barely visible electric lights scattered around Uesugi Toru's body.

After passing by Imagawa Yoshimoto's side, they immediately transformed into nearly dazzling serpentine thunder, rumbling as they flew toward one sick and suffering retainer after another.

Just like soldiers who had received permission to be fully armed.

Ordinary people who saw this scene were all stunned.

Under the dual influence of reality and Soul Seal guidance, the commoners along the street immediately believed Uesugi Toru's words without doubt.

And facing Imagawa Yoshimoto, the "Blessed of the Gods" from legend and also their ruler, many immediately ran to their doorways, kneeling with their relatives in a place she could see.

The commoners believed without doubt.

But there was no choice even if they didn't believe.

Because they were about to walk toward death under the torment of multiple diseases.

Now this sole hope appeared before their eyes; what else could they do but seize it?

Thus, under the cluster of commoners kneeling along the roadside, Uesugi Toru and Imagawa Yoshimoto took a full forty minutes to reach the doorway of the Matsudaira Clan.

His plan was very successful.

In this short time of less than an hour, few Yoshida Castle residents cared about Uesugi Toru anymore; instead, they muttered words like Lord Imagawa's protection in their mouths.

Uesugi Toru lowered his fingers, causing the electric light to vanish, and stopped the circulation of the Five Thunder Technique.

He could already see at the doorway of the Matsudaira Clan a group of over ten people wearing clothing printed with a unified family crest, led by a middle-aged man.

Those were probably Matsudaira retainers come to receive them.

He transmitted his voice through Gang Qi: "Lord Imagawa, say something to your subjects."

Imagawa Yoshimoto took hold of the reins, sitting on horseback and thinking for a moment.

As the lord of Mikawa, she naturally knew what to say and how to say it.

But as some Blessed of the Gods... tch, she dared to say such big words.

Who knew what Tetsu-kun was thinking; wasn't this just forcing her to roast over a fire?

She glanced displeasedly behind her at Uesugi Toru, then said,

"Citizens of Yoshida Castle, do not worry; the yokai have been removed today, and from tomorrow onward... the sick will also be cured."

Amplified by Gang Qi, her indifferent voice spread to every corner,

"I, Imagawa Yoshimoto, in the name of a Blessed of the Gods, assure everyone that after the next sun rises, no one will die from the diseases brought by these monsters."

She deliberately bit down hard on the five words "Blessed of the Gods."

After speaking, Imagawa Yoshimoto closed her mouth again.

Then Uesugi Toru heard cheers like a mountain cry and sea roar, booming up from every corner of Yoshida Castle, accompanied by countless weeping, screams, and cries of disbelief.

And if she couldn't do it...

It was naturally impossible.

If he had no confidence, how could he allow Imagawa Yoshimoto to say such things.

Uesugi Toru nodded at the girl whose eyes showed displeasure, causing the latter to turn her head back with a hint of astonishment.

Honda Tadataka, who had stood stunned for a moment after hearing this, also walked over with a touch of disbelief,

"Lord Imagawa, Toru-sama."

Just as Imagawa Yoshimoto's gaze fell on him, she saw him and those retainers immediately drop to their knees with a thud, showing an expression of extreme self-reproach,

"We are terribly sorry!!!"

Honda Tadataka bowed his head deeply at the doorway, saying word by word: "We of the lowly have done nothing, handing Yoshida Castle over to others!"

"Now..."

Imagawa Yoshimoto shook her head, interrupting his words: "Raise your heads."

She said lightly,

"This is not your fault; it is that the appearance of the yokai carrying the plague was too sudden, even I did not take them seriously at first.

So, redeem yourselves through merit."

Looking down at the Matsudaira retainers who fortunately had not been slaughtered clean by the yokai, Imagawa Yoshimoto ordered: "In the coming days, the great army under Motonobu will take over Yoshida Castle and complete the follow-up matters."

"Onmyoji Toru and I will continue to advance toward West Mikawa, striving to end this as soon as possible."

Leave in a few days?

Honda Tadataka opened his mouth: "Then these plagues..."

"Tomorrow morning, I will distribute the medicine and talismans for curing illness on behalf of Lord Imagawa."

Uesugi Toru said calmly,

"First alleviate, then solve."

Honda Tadataka looked in awe at the Great Onmyoji who was said to be extremely mysterious in the rumors.

Curing diseases in one day; could it really not be a lie?

This, this was what...

Without waiting for anyone to speak, Uesugi Toru continued: "Can you prepare a Quiet Room first? I need to quickly concoct medicine to heal those patients; time waits for no one."

—The one-hour time limit of the Four-Tailed Fox talent "Anger" was almost up; there were still three or four minutes left.

This state of weakness was best not exposed in front of others.

Honda Tadataka, kneeling on the ground, agreed repeatedly, showing genuine joy.

After receiving Imagawa Yoshimoto's nod, he quickly stood up and led the way,

"Two lords, please follow me."

Uesugi Toru directly followed quickly behind him.

Imagawa Yoshimoto felt Uesugi Toru suddenly seemed strange, and followed behind him without saying more.

In just over a minute, Honda Tadataka opened the sliding door, revealing a spacious Quiet Room that no one had lived in for a long time.

"Two lords, is this place suitable?"

Uesugi Toru glanced at the nearly expired time limit with the corner of his eye, grunted: "Let's stay here."

Honda Tadataka bowed again: "If you need anything, call me at any time."

After Honda Tadataka left, Uesugi Toru spoke to the pocket pig by his feet,

"Lord Whale Three, could you please wait at the doorway for a while?"

The Mountain Whale King rolled its eyes at him and swaggered toward the courtyard doorway not far away: "Standing guard, I'm very familiar with this."

"Thank you."

Uesugi Toru stepped across the threshold before the time limit ended, turned back and closed the sliding door.

But just as he closed the door, he discovered that Imagawa Yoshimoto, who had removed her helmet, had somehow silently followed him in.

He opened his mouth, looking down at the girl who was also looking up at him, about to say something,

"Lord Imagawa, why did you follow me in..."

Before he finished speaking, the powerless Uesugi Toru smashed headfirst into Imagawa Yoshimoto.

End of Chapter