Chapter 111: Domain Expansion! A Battle Invitation from the Squad Leader!

Jujutsu High School.

Chu Yang was locked in a room full of cursed inscriptions.

That description may be inaccurate; he walked in himself.

Before he entered, Gojo Satoru said a few words to the senior officials of the High School.

"This room can't trap him; he's just sparing you face, cooperating with your charade, which is meaningless."

"In the entire jujutsu world, aside from me, no one can reliably defeat him."

"Therefore, don't provoke him, because that will only make things more complicated."

The leading figure of the conservative faction, the principal of Kyoto Prefectural Jujutsu High School—Le Yansi Jiasen, an elderly man who seemed ageless.

Le Yansi Jiasen, leaning on his cane, asked in a hoarse, muffled voice, "Gojo Satoru, how can you guarantee he won't become an enemy of the jujutsu world?"

"If he swallows all of Sukuna's fingers and becomes a more troublesome entity than Sukuna, what then?"

"Our goal is to resolve the trouble caused by this Special Grade Cursed Object, not to create a bigger problem!"

Gojo Satoru scanned the room, flashing a confident smile, "When the time comes, I'll handle it."

Upon hearing Gojo Satoru's words, the senior officials, including Le Yansi Jiasen, fell silent.

Just that sentence was hard for them to refute.

If a problem arises in the jujutsu world that even Gojo Satoru cannot solve, there is no need to harbor any further expectations.

The negotiations took far less time than Chu Yang had imagined; before long, Gojo Satoru appeared in the inscription‑covered room.

Chu Yang sat in the chair, legs crossed, dozing off, completely unconcerned about his upcoming fate.

Gojo Satoru tossed six equally sealed Sukuna fingers to him.

"Can you swallow them? Don't accidentally choke to death; I was just bragging to those old men about you earlier."

Twenty Sukuna fingers are scattered across the world; Jujutsu High School sealed six of them, and after some negotiations, Gojo Satoru brought all of them to give to Chu Yang.

Gojo Satoru is selfish.

He is eager to see just how powerful Chu Yang will become after swallowing all the fingers.

He should become an unprecedented strong opponent! However, Gojo Satoru does not understand Chu Yang.

He does not know that this man's power growth rate is geometric.

Each world's clone improves a little, and together they amount to an entirely new metamorphosis.

The Nine Yin Manual, Nine Yang Divine Skill, Dugu Nine Swords, and other supreme martial classics.

Fengdu and Heavenly Gate, two blades that fuse many of Chu Yang's traits, powerful enough to let the shattered jade directly form a complete Zanpakutō.

Demon Slayer Chu Yang's swordsmanship insight and breathing technique.

Hokage Chu Yang continuously refines the great Ōtsutsuki bloodline.

Pirate Chu Yang gradually attains Conqueror's Haki comparable to emperor‑level warriors.

Magic Chu Yang and Marvel Chu Yang are perfecting a new spell system, aiming to integrate all learned magical skills into one.

With so much support, Chu Yang does not think he will lose to Gojo Satoru.

Taking Sukuna's fingers from Gojo Satoru, Chu Yang methodically peeled away the outer cursed seal, feeling like the coating on a candy.

"I suggest you eat slowly, don't in one go..."

Before he could finish, Gojo Satoru saw Chu Yang dump all six fingers into his mouth in one breath and swallow them outright.

"You have no idea how disgusting this thing tastes..."

A brief pain is better than prolonged suffering; Chu Yang didn't want to taste them one by one—this disgusting thing is best swallowed in one go.

He had the same mindset when taking Chinese medicine as a child.

Once the six Sukuna fingers entered his stomach, his consciousness uncontrollably plunged into chaos.

He opened his eyes again.

Chu Yang saw Sukuna seated high upon a throne.

All around were corpses.

Sukuna propped his chin with his hand, lazily crossing his legs.

"Is it just you this time?"

A cold glint flashed in Sukuna's eyes.

"I'm also surprised."

Chu Yang had expected the Soul Palace to appear again, but this time he was pulled into Sukuna's domain.

Thus it can be seen.

The appearance of the Soul Palace seems mood‑dependent; things like Sukuna's fingers are merely triggers.

Sukuna rose slowly, murderous intent flooding out like a burst dam, engulfing Chu Yang.

Chu Yang stood at the eye of the murderous storm and directly summoned Susanoo.

A humanoid demon cloaked Chu Yang, and Armament Haki instantly covered Susanoo's entire body.

"Another unseen technique; you actually know a lot of stuff."

Sukuna squinted, forming hand seals.

"Demon Suppression Shrine."

Within his domain, Sukuna can unleash terrifying slashes, categorized as "Jie" and "Ba".

Everything with cursed energy, living or not, is sliced to pieces within the domain.

Its lethality rivals Gojo Satoru's limitless cursed techniques.

But for Chu Yang, Sukuna's pure physical attacks are easier to handle than Gojo Satoru's ever‑changing spatial abilities.

Susanoo is towering, nearly breaking through Sukuna's domain; a single glance lets it quickly lock onto its target.

Countless silvery threads rippled through the void.

Focusing his mind, he looked.

They were sharp slashes that tore through space.

Countless slashes, like a torrential rain, rained down lavishly upon Susanoo's massive body.

In an instant.

The slash clashed with Armament Haki, sparking dazzling sparks across the sky.

The Armament Haki gradually wore away.

The remaining slashes were firmly resisted by Susanoo.

"Huh?"

"It actually blocked?"

Sukuna was greatly surprised; after all these years, it was his first time seeing anyone directly block his slash.

Chu Yang was also astonished; Sukuna's slash intensity was stronger than he had predicted, and it could directly pierce Armament Haki's defense.

Susanoo nocked a massive arrow formed from chakra and shot it toward Sukuna.

Sukuna launched another slash.

Silvery dashed lines formed a storm, erasing the arrow.

At that moment, Susanoo moved; its mountain-sized body flashed suddenly, appearing out of nowhere before Sukuna.

"Flying Thunder God Technique!" Sukuna's pupils narrowed sharply.

He had thought the bulky Susanoo moved hardly at all.

Yet it was in front of him in the blink of an eye.

The three-headed, six-armed Susanoo wielded six giant swords forged from chakra, wildly slashing at Sukuna.

Sukuna's figure flickered repeatedly, evading Susanoo's attacks at near‑teleportation speed.

The entire space trembled violently, as if it would shatter in the next second.

Sukuna stared at Chu Yang within Susanoo's body, pressed his palms together, and continuously shrank his Domain's range, using it as a price to raise his slash to its maximum.

Countless slashes fell like a world‑shaking rain, blanketing heaven and earth in a white haze.

Susanoo was engulfed by the merging white light, becoming completely still.

"Hahaha!!!"

Sukuna let out a hysterical laugh; after his revenge, he felt exhilarated.

"Sorry to disturb your good mood, but laughing right now seems a bit early, doesn't it?"

Unscathed Chu Yang emerged from the billowing smoke, slowly forming a cursed seal with both hands.

A massive surge of cursed energy poured out, constructing an unknown Domain.

"Now it's my turn."

"Domain: Activate!"

Sukuna's laugh abruptly stopped as he watched Chu Yang's Domain gradually engulf his space, his face showing shocked doubt.

"Deadly Duel Corridor!"

Deadly Duel Corridor.

It is a corridor that loops endlessly, its ends connected.

Within the corridor, only when one side dies will the Domain end.

Before that, no sorcerer of any rank can forcibly break the Domain.

Sukuna's complexion was not good.

He could feel the terrifying suppression of the Deadly Duel Corridor.

This meant the Domain itself imposed extremely harsh conditions on its user.

It was like Fushiguro Megumi's Heaven and Cursed Binding—exchanging all cursed energy for a terrifying body beyond human limits.

The Deadly Duel Corridor also bound Chu Yang in a similar way.

Strangely, under this suppression, the Demon-Subduing Shrine grew slightly larger than before.

Feeling slightly uneasy, Sukuna launched a slash to test the current situation.

The result was a casual strike; the space the slash cut through formed a narrow fissure that vanished instantly.

Space tore.

This was an effect he had only seen from his full‑power strikes before.

"My cursed energy has amplified by nearly double..."

"This kid's Domain actually makes the enemy stronger?"

"What's the point?"

Sukuna furrowed his brows deeply; he didn't believe there were fools who helped others at their own expense.

Chu Yang punched, shattering the slash that had been built like silver light.

Lightning surged over his entire body.

Source Breathing operated at full power.

A faint drizzle of sun, moon, and starlight fell within his breath.

Chu Yang's flesh was even tougher than Susanoo's.

Chu Yang's hands now held not simple wooden swords but two ancient swords of completely different colors.

Although he hadn't yet discerned the abilities of the two Zanpakuto, it didn't hinder Chu Yang from using them to perform sword techniques.

No weapon in this world is stronger than these two ancient swords.

At the moment when the battle was about to erupt.

Su Nuo still couldn't hold back and asked a question.

"Why does your domain make me stronger?"

"What exactly can you gain at this price?"

Facing Su Nuo's question, Chu Yang smiled and said only one sentence.

"In the Deathmatch Corridor, the victor will obtain everything of the loser."

Su Nuo's pupils snapped shut.

Holding Fengdu in his hand gave a bone‑piercing chill; Chu Yang waved it casually, and the faint moonlight flowed like a stream along the blade.

"Anything else to say? We'll probably have to wait a long time for the next meeting," Chu Yang reminded Su Nuo kindly; next time, he would gather all his fingers and completely snatch away Su Nuo's entire cursed power.

Su Nuo sneered, silently raised both arms, and flames erupted from his fingertips, no longer a sharp slash.

Doubling my cursed power? Then you just go obediently to Hell!

The air was filled with scorching heat; this was Su Nuo's first display of another technique.

The flame's temperature was very high.

Far surpassing the heat generated by Fire Release and Flame Breathing.

Even higher than the temperature of magma by a considerable margin.

Su Nuo snapped his fingers, and the firelight instantly illuminated the whole space, turning the skeletal remains beneath his feet into ash in an instant.

Even with Chu Yang's buffs maxed out, he could still feel waves of searing pain.

The crimson flames kept converging, gradually gaining a hint of gold, and the temperature kept rising.

Su Nuo waved his palm, as if grasping the surrounding sea of fire, and hurled it toward Chu Yang.

The sea of fire approached.

Fengdu seemed provoked; its blade quivered wildly, as if something was about to pour out.

Chu Yang, however, paid no heed, holding the sword with both hands and executing the Second Form of Source Breathing.

Sunlight and moonlight interlaced, merging into a massive wheel that blocked the raging flames.

The wheel rotated, continuously drawing the sea of fire, while the light of sun and moon wore it down.

"How does this guy have more techniques than I do?"

Su Nuo's divine shrine still sealed many techniques, but each required specific conditions to employ.

He has not yet recovered to his peak, unable to use them at will.

In Su Nuo's eyes, Chu Yang's use of techniques seemed unrestricted, which he could not comprehend.

"If this continues, I might lose…"

Su Nuo decided to take a gamble; since the opponent had many techniques, he chose close‑quarters melee.

His physical abilities are among the top in the entire cursed arts world.

When the flame and the sun‑moon wheel clashed most fiercely, Su Nuo's figure suddenly vanished and reappeared behind Chu Yang, launching a surprise attack.

Su Nuo punched from behind toward Chu Yang's heart area.

The sound of breaking air reached Chu Yang's ears; as if eyes grew on the back of his head, he drew his sword back, positioning the twin blades behind him in a blocking stance.

Su Nuo's fist struck the point where the two swords met.

Clang!!!

Sparks flew everywhere!

Fengdu and Heavenly Gate's blades dipped slightly, blocking Su Nuo's powerful, heavy punch.

Fengdu exuded a chilling cold.

A strange pale‑yellow liquid seeped through the black blade.

As if it flowed from the river etched onto the blade.

The moment Su Nuo touched the unknown liquid, a shocking chill surged straight into his body.

Su Nuo's boundless cursed power, as deep as the sea, began vanishing at a staggering speed.

It wouldn't be long before, even without Chu Yang acting, he would disappear due to depleted cursed power.

Su Nuo stared at Chu Yang in shock.

The sword in the other's hand could be called the bane of all curses; even cursed sorcerers are restrained by it! This man could destroy the entire cursed arts world! Chu Yang didn't notice Su Nuo's expression; after blocking the attack, he smoothly turned and slashed at the opponent's neck with a single sword.

Su Nuo's reaction was only half a step slower, and his head was nearly cut off.

Under normal circumstances, he would immediately use a reversal technique to heal his wound.

But at this moment, he realized it was futile.

Unable to overcome Fengdu's suppression of cursed power, no matter how many times he healed, the outcome would not change.

Thus, Su Nuo voluntarily embraced death for the second time in his life.

His gaze was calm, not as hysterical as last time.

He stared at Chu Yang.

"Your wish, could it be to destroy the entire cursed arts world?"

Hearing Su Nuo's question, Chu Yang's mouth curled into a strange smile.

"Who knows?"

Su Nuo let out an excited laugh as his body gradually vanished.

With the Vanquish‑Demon Shrine disappearing, Chu Yang's consciousness returned to reality.

Regrettably, his strength had not improved much.

It was not that the domain had failed.

But it is because Su Na's condition is rather special.

In the true sense, defeating the opponent requires gathering all the fingers.

Even so.

Chu Yang, due to the effect of the Death Duel Corridor, can also wield part of the power of the Fumo Shrine.

When he came to his senses, Chu Yang saw Wu Tiao Wu already pulling down his blindfold, ready for battle, even his hand seal completed.

With a dry mouth, Chu Yang smiled, "Senior, could you get some water? That thing is a bit scratchy on the throat."

Wu Tiao Wu put his blindfold back on and patted Chu Yang's shoulder.

"Better go outside to drink water!"

Meanwhile.

Shinigami World.

Chu Yang's Zanpakuto caused a huge uproar in the Jingling Court.

Even…

It alarmed the Soul King's Palace!

The guardians of the Jingling Court are the Gotei 13.

Above the Gotei 13, there exists the Zero Division.

The Zero Division, also called "Royal Agents", mainly guard the Soul King's Palace and protect the creator of the Soul Society—the Soul King.

The Zero Division has five members, each far surpassing captain level.

Beyond strength, becoming a Zero Division member has a more important criterion.

Only those who have created something of great significance for the Soul Society and are recognized by the Soul King as "creators of Soul Society history" are chosen for the Zero Division.

One Zanpakuto was created by one of its members.

Ermeiwu Wang Yue.

He is the Third Officer of the Zero Division, a Western Divine General, titled "Sword God"; all the Zanpakuto precursors in the Soul Society—Shallow Strike—were forged solely by him.

The leader of the Zero Division, Bingzhubu Yi Bingwei, is the namer of all things in the Soul Society.

He was granted by the Soul King the titles "Eye Monk" and "True‑Calling Name Monk", meaning "one who calls out the true name".

"Zanpakuto", "Shikai", and "Bankai" were all named by him; he knows the true name of every Zanpakuto.

Besides…

Chu Yang's two Zanpakuto.

After Fengdu and Heavenly Gate appeared, the Soul Society gained two unknown Zanpakuto, something that has never happened in ten million years.

Ermeiwu Wang Yue can sense the existence of the two Zanpakuto, but Bingzhubu Yi Bingwei cannot discern their names.

Therefore, the Zero Division, which never meddles in affairs outside the Soul King's Palace, suddenly appeared in the Jingling Court, before Captain‑Commander Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo.

As the Soul King's emissaries, their actions follow the Soul King's will.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo, upon learning the situation, wore a grave expression; such a seemingly minor "incident" will inevitably stir earth‑shattering waves in the future.

They summoned Chu Yang at once.

It was already deep night.

Most Shinigami should already be sound asleep.

But the Zero Division's appearance in the Jingling Court caused a massive stir; the spiritual pressure of Ermeiwu Wang Yue and Bingzhubu Yi Bingwei shone like a sun in the dark night.

No one could sleep.

Chu Yang did the same, stepping out of his room, staring at the central palace of the Jingling Court, lost in thought.

He had a premonition that this upheaval was related to him.

After a while.

Everything returned to calm.

Two Shinigami captains appeared in Chu Yang's room: Jing Le Chunshui.

Fu Zhu Shisi Lang.

As Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo's most prized disciples, they were tasked with escorting Chu Yang to meet Ermeiwu Wang Yue and Bingzhubu Yi Bingwei.

"The Captain‑Commander said it's just a simple inquiry; don't be too nervous."

Jing Le Chunshui spoke to soothe Chu Yang.

He still had a good impression of the young man, especially since his last "accidental" mishap had thwarted Lan Ran's plot.

Fu Zhu Shisi Lang said nothing.

Those who can alarm the Zero Division could never be a trivial matter.

That kid probably harbors some unspeakable secret.

In the many years of the Soul Society's existence, examples like Chu Yang entering the Jingling Court as a wandering disaster and successfully becoming a Shinigami are exceedingly rare.

Not to mention, he once bested the ruthless Lan Ran.

How could such a person be good? Walking along the road, Chu Yang roughly guessed that the Soul King's Palace's purpose in sending people this time was for the two Zanpakuto of Fengdu and Heavenly Gate.

When the three arrived at the central palace, many Shinigami had already gathered there.

Lu Qi Ya, who had just completed a mission and returned from the living world, looked at Chu Yang with a worried expression.

"What trouble have you caused this time?" Lu Qi Ya walked up to Chu Yang, with Xiumu Baizai behind her; the siblings stared straight at Chu Yang.

It seemed to reprimand Chu Yang, but actually it was questioning Jing Le Chunshui and Fu Zhu Shisi Lang.

Jing Le Chunshui looked around, saw the gathering Shinigami increasing, and immediately waved his hand to drive them away.

"It's nothing major; the Captain‑Commander just has some questions for him. Uninvolved personnel should resume patrols or rest—leave quickly!"

As one of the Shinigami who has held the captain position the longest, Jing Le Chunshui's prestige is high; after a brief reprimand, most Shinigami immediately dispersed.

Only a small portion of captain‑rank and vice‑captain‑rank Shinigami remained.

Mao Zhi Hua Lie stepped forward slowly and asked softly, "Captain Jingyue, those two spiritual pressures just now, were they …"

Before she could finish, Jingyue Chunshui solemnly nodded.

Having received the answer, Mao Zhi Hua Lie glanced at Chu Yang, showed a surprised expression, and then left.

The others also gleaned the answer from their conversation; in an instant, everyone's gaze focused on Chu Yang.

Again this guy?

Xiumu Luqia sensed the atmosphere was off, so she leaned over to Xiumu Bai Zai and whispered, "Brother?"

Xiumu Bai Zai replied plainly, "Spirit King Palace."

Xiumu Luqia was startled.

By the time she recovered, Jingyue Chunshui had already walked away with Chu Yang.

Xiumu Luqia's eyes dimmed; if the Spirit King Palace were involved, not only she but the entire Pure Spirit Court would be unable to help Chu Yang.

Chu Yang and the others arrived at Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo's residence.

Commander‑in‑Chief Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo, Zero Squad Leader Bingzhubu Ichibei, and Soul‑Cutting Blade creator Ermeiwu Wang Yue had been waiting outside the courtyard for a long time.

"Your Soul‑Cutting Blade has awakened, right?"

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo, whose single punch could kill an ox, stubbornly leaned on a cane and shuffled step by step toward Chu Yang.

His weathered old face was as still as an ancient well, and his words carried great pressure.

Unlike other materialized Soul‑Cutting Blades, Fengdu and Heavenly Gate reside within Chu Yang's soul.

As his mind shifted, the two Soul‑Cutting Blades materialized out of thin air, hovering before him.

The terrifying spiritual pressure radiated from the two blades, no less than the commotion when Bingzhubu Ichibei and Ermeiwu Wang Yue descended upon the Pure Spirit Court.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo was about to step forward to examine the two Soul‑Cutting Blades, when Ermeiwu Wang Yue was already standing before Fengdu and Heavenly Gate, a step ahead of him.

Ermeiwu Wang Yue reached out and gently caressed the blade, eyes dreamy, face intoxicated, as if seeing the most beautiful woman in the world, murmuring, "It's indescribable…"

Soul‑Cutting Blade designs are myriad; there are ancient‑sword styles, but blades as exquisite and splendid as Fengdu and Heavenly Gate are truly unique.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo cleared his throat, apparently to remind Ermeiwu Wang Yue not to lose composure, but she ignored him.

Like a fan who's gone crazy meeting a celebrity.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo asked, "When did your Soul‑Cutting Blade awaken?"

Chu Yang answered honestly, "Not long ago."

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo slightly frowned, "And the initial release?"

Chu Yang shook his head.

Fengdu and Heavenly Gate are very special; although he knows their names, he has not yet completed the initial release.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo turned to glance at Bingzhubu Ichibei, who gave a slight nod.

Then.

Under the shocked gazes of the crowd, the commander slowly shed his upper garments, revealing a muscular physique.

"For certain reasons, we need to understand your Soul‑Cutting Blade."

"Since you haven't achieved the initial release, I'll help you."

Before Jingyue Chunshui and Fuzhu Shisilang could react, Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo had already launched an attack on Chu Yang.

However, the old Shan still kept some decorum and didn't immediately unleash Flowing Blade Like Fire.

He used a white strike, that is, the body technique of the Shinigami world.

His knotted veins rose as his fist, like lightning cutting through night, struck; his robe rustled, and Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo's casual punch made the entire space tremble.

A spark of true fire ignited in Chu Yang's heart.

The commander's unilateral, domineering style irritated him; even knowing the opponent was testing him, Chu Yang still felt the urge to clash.

Lightning Release Armor, Conqueror's Haki, Breath of the Source, Sage Mode, Nine Yang Divine Art, Dragon Elephant Prajna Technique, and all other strength‑boosting buffs, Chu Yang stacked instantly.

Competing with Soul‑Cutting Blades and spiritual pressure, I'm not your match, but when it comes to raw physical strength, that's a whole different story!

Chu Yang also exuded a terrifying aura.

He threw out an unremarkable punch.

The two fists collided violently, the raging force tearing the ground beneath their feet! The entire courtyard was lofted into the sky within a second.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo's pupils contracted, then a flash of delight crossed his eyes; Chu Yang's performance far exceeded his expectations.

This kid… has potential! The other four spectators stepped back, and after a brief shock, Jingyue Chunshui quickly erected a barrier around the area.

He feared their battle would cause massive damage to the Pure Spirit Court.

Everyone was caught off guard.

No one expected the commotion to become this big!

A rookie Shinigami who'd just become one could face the commander punch‑for‑punch? Who would believe it if word got out? The four thought Chu Yang would be single‑handedly hammered by Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo.

"This guy's energy fluctuations are odd, greatly enhancing his bodily functions—could it be a new Ghost Path?"

"Did he create it himself?"

Ermeiwu Wang Yue stood on the eaves, hand on his chin, carefully observing the beast‑cloaked garment on Chu Yang.

Bingzhubu Ichibei was equally interested; his unknown inventory had grown a bit.

Jingyue Chunshui's expression was far more complicated than theirs.

Regardless of the Soul‑Cutting Blade, even just his body technique, Chu Yang's combat ability was already at captain level.

And it belonged to the very top tier.

Lanzhan, Shichimaru Yin, and Dong Xianyao's vacant positions after their departure remain unresolved to this day.

Given today's situation, Chu Yang, the newly graduated Shinigami, will probably temporarily fill one of those spots.

Chu Yang's hand‑to‑hand fight with the Mountain Old Man continues.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo's enthusiasm rises further, and he has already begun using the white‑strike ultimate techniques One Bone and Double Bone.

He dares to strike hard because he discovers Chu Yang's power is more than merely equal to his.

He wants to see how much more this young man still hides.

Meanwhile, after fighting for a while, Chu Yang finds that the most effective skill against the enemy is Conqueror's Haki.

Conqueror's Haki Binding is the watershed for emperor‑level strongmen in the pirate world; only those who master it can be considered a regional overlord.

Conqueror's Haki Binding has a special impact on Shinigami, a high spirit‑particle aggregate.

Each time Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo is hit by Conqueror's Haki Binding, his actions show a noticeable stagnation.

If the scene is zoomed to an invisible microscopic scale, one can see the spot struck by Conqueror's Haki Binding, where spirit particles are partially shattered and then re‑coalesce into their original form.

In theory, as long as Chu Yang's Conqueror's Haki is strong enough, he can force a Shinigami back into its original spirit‑particle state.

But that is only theory; the practical possibility is almost zero.

Because Haki is limited.

Moreover, when Haki is completely depleted, it cannot be restored to usable condition in a short time.

Although it has obvious drawbacks, Conqueror's Haki Binding remains terrifying in actual combat.

At the same level, a single flaw can decide the outcome.

Before Haki is exhausted, Conqueror's Haki Binding can create many flaws in the opponent.

Just like now.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo, touted as the strongest thousand‑year Shinigami, after enduring multiple Conqueror's Haki Bindings, moves both stiffly and grotesquely.

Those unaware would think he is a senile old man.

The fight becomes increasingly nauseating.

"Shanben is being suppressed,"

Bingzhubu Ichibei's eyes brighten, revealing a schadenfreude grin.

"Now it's getting serious,"

Ermeiwu Wang Yue is faintly hopeful.

"Both of you, in the upcoming fight, my Barrier cannot restrain it; I hope you can act, after all this is the Jingling Court..."

Jingyue Chunshui walks over, looking troubled, and says to the two spectators.

Bingzhubu Ichibei nods, reaches into the void, and a massive brush appears in his hand.

With a sweeping stroke, a stronger Barrier quickly envelops the area.

Even with the Barrier restriction, the earlier battle has already alarmed the Gotei 13 captains and vice‑captains, who are on their way.

The first to arrive are Gengmu Jianba and Maozhihua Lie.

Just as they join the spectators.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo inhales deeply; the cane he habitually leans on transforms into a long sword with a deep‑purple hilt and an oval guard, resembling an all‑consuming flame.

When the long sword appears, the atmosphere instantly grows solemn, and everyone holds their breath.

"I didn't expect it would come to drawing a sword to pressure you; the younger generation is truly formidable,"

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo gazes at Chu Yang's youthful face, unable to hide his sentiment.

"The chief commander seems impatient? Must he see my initial release at this moment?"

Chu Yang also grasps Fengdu and Heavenly Gate, feeling an indescribable stirring, as if something is about to break out.

Maozhihua Lie, watching from afar, asks in surprise, "Is this kid also dual‑sword?"

The dual‑blade form of Zanpaku Blade is extremely rare; only Jingyue Chunshui and Fu Zhu Shisilang wield it.

At this moment, in the battlefield's center, Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo recites the liberation phrase.

"All phenomena, all things, return to ash; Flowing Blade Like Fire!"

The blade instantly ignites into raging flames, reaching 6000 °C, scorching the air itself.

"If this sword strikes you, given your constitution you won't die, but you should try to resist, because the sensation is unpleasant."

Speaking in the kindest tone yet uttering the most terrifying words, Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo's aura is dreadfully imposing as he swings the long sword mercilessly.

"Scorching Hell!"

Dozens of Heaven‑Piercing Fire Pillars erupt from the ground, incinerating the earth beneath Chu Yang.

Bingzhubu Ichibei hurriedly waves the brush; as ink flies, the fire breaching the Barrier seems snuffed out from the void.

The arriving captains watch the scene, each gaping in astonishment.

At the same time.

Chu Yang, his body scorched by several thousand degrees, grimaces, his inner stirring growing ever stronger.

Until the voice of Fengdu reaches his ears...

Man and sword, souls intertwine.

Chu Yang forcefully thrusts Fengdu into the scorching earth.

He roars skyward.

"Yellow Springs!"

The yellow spring gushes with bone‑chilling cold and terrifying resentment, surging wildly from the void and from the ground.

Under Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo's and all spectators' horrified gazes.

The flame that should have burned everything gradually extinguishes under Yellow Springs' devouring.

For millennia, nothing has been able to extinguish the Flowing Blade Like Fire flame.

Now it has appeared.

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo looked at the blackened earth after the flames faded, his expression complicated.

All around was Yellow Spring Water.

He was indeed looking forward to Chu Yang giving him a surprise, but the surprise came a bit too intense.

Among the captains present, only Gengmu Jianba was interestedly eyeing Fengdu, while the others were all shocked, hard to believe what they saw.

"What is this water…?"

"A 6000‑degree flame can vaporize any liquid; how could it be extinguished?"

"Did the Chief Captain show mercy?"

"Probably not."

"The Chief Captain also looks very shocked."

"When did he awaken the Zanpo Blade?"

Ermeiwu Wang Yue bent down, scooped the Yellow Spring Water flowing on the ground, and whispered, "This water seems to be constantly draining my spiritual power."

Bingzhubu Ichibei was startled by the words, and also bent down, pressing his hand into the Yellow Spring.

When a terrifying chill struck his body, he suddenly found the spirit particles inside him decreasing.

Bingzhubu Ichibei's pupils shook violently.

Unusual!

He had thought the Zanpo Blade's ability was only to restrain Flowing Blade Like Fire, but it also suppresses the spirit itself.

"Yellow Spring… in a sense, the true name of this Zanpo Blade is ominous."

Bingzhubu Ichibei whispered.

Everyone present heard Chu Yang's roar, so they took "Yellow Spring" as the Zanpo Blade's true name, not realizing it was merely an ability of Fengdu.

If they knew, their expressions would probably be even more striking.

Bingzhubu Ichibei frowned; the older the Shinigami, the more reverent they are toward ancient legends.

No one can be sure what the world was like before the Spirit King created the Three Realms.

To this day, beyond the Three Realms, Hell still exists.

"I wonder what attitude the Spirit King would have if he knew this."

Ermeiwu Wang Yue never took his eyes off Fengdu's black blade; a forbidden greed even flickered in his heart.

This is a special Zanpo Blade, very suitable for collection…

Taking a deep breath, Ermeiwu Wang Yue's gaze cleared.

As a Shinigami who has lived an unknown number of years, his greed lingered only a moment before he regained his reason.

"You've already learned the Zanpo Blade's true name; it's about time to go back, right?"

"Lord Spirit King cannot be left unguarded."

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo, at some point, put away the Flowing Blade Like Fire, switched to a cane, and slowly walked to the two, hunching his back, reverting to his usual old‑man appearance.

Bingzhubu Ichibei and Ermeiwu Wang Yue exchanged a glance.

The old Shanben said, "This is my dismissal order."

The strongest death god in a thousand years being chilled to the bone by a kid makes anyone's face a little pale.

However.

No one would think Chu Yang is stronger than Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo.

The strongest death god in a thousand years is not just talk.

With the goal achieved, the two indeed could not linger; the stability of the Spirit King's Palace is more important than anything.

Before leaving, Ermeiwu Wang Yue gave a meaning‑laden look at Heavenly Gate.

"Maybe I'm reading too much into it?"

He always felt the two Zanpo Blades each had their own true name, and upon reflection found it astonishing.

Dual blades are rare and still seen, but one person awakening two Zanpo Blades has never been witnessed.

After confirming the two's auras had vanished, Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo finally approached Chu Yang, remained silent for a moment, his eyes wandering over the other.

"The captain of the Fifth Division has been vacant for a while; from now on you will take over."

Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo's words gave the captains present another shock.

Under normal circumstances, there are three ways to become a Shinigami captain.

First, passing the captain exam witnessed by the three captains, including the Chief Captain.

Second, being jointly recommended by six captains, then gaining approval from three of the remaining six captains.

Third, challenging the incumbent captain in front of two hundred Shinigami members; winning allows succession as the new captain.

The captain of a division, i. e., the Chief Captain's position, is a bit special and requires approval from the Central Forty‑Sixth Office.

A decision made solely by Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo, as happened now, has never occurred in Soul Society's history.

However.

Even if Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo hadn't said it, after witnessing the battle, the captains also recognized Chu Yang's combat power truly reached captain level.

"The Fifth Division… it happens to be the one Aizen once led; the Chief Captain's decision is really interesting…"

Everyone couldn't help but feel the same.

The vacant spots also include Ichimaru Gin's Third Division captain and Dong Xianyao's Ninth Division captain, yet Shanben Yuanliuzhai Zhongguo let Chu Yang succeed as Fifth Division captain.

Based solely on Chu Yang's performance just now, the Third Division, which handles support missions, would actually suit him better.

Since the Chief Captain has decided, the other captains could only agree and congratulated Chu Yang.

The matter thus concluded; thanks to Bingzhubu Ichibei's barrier, except for captains and some deputy‑captain level Shinigami, the rest did not know what happened tonight.

On the way back, Chu Yang was taken to another residence, an isolated courtyard.

Now that he is a Soul Reaper captain, he is no longer suited to cram into the dorm with other rookie Soul Reapers.

Chu Yang stood in the courtyard, and Fengdu and the Heavenly Gate seemed to have a spirit, surrounding him.

"Yellow Springs…"

"Legend says that to reach Fengdu, one must first pass through the Ghost Gate, the Yellow Springs Road, the Naihe Bridge, and the Wangxiang Terrace."

"If the abilities correspond one‑to‑one, aside from the Yellow Springs just used, the Zanpakuto should have three more abilities."

"The four abilities together should be the complete Shikai state of Fengdu."

"What about the Bankai?"

"Based on the current state, shall we extrapolate?"

As he kept thinking, Chu Yang shifted his gaze to the Heavenly Gate; the abilities of Fengdu were becoming clear, but this Zanpakuto left him completely baffled.

The next day.

On Chu Yang's first day in office, the entire Gotei 13 Soul Reapers erupted in a stir.

Especially the rookie Soul Reapers who graduated in the same batch as Chu Yang.

Such a promotion speed has never occurred in the Gotei 13 since its founding.

Although they didn't know why Chu Yang could be promoted to captain by exception, in their hearts they could not accept Chu Yang's captaincy.

Dissenters were everywhere!

In response.

Chu Yang also displayed a very hardline attitude.

"According to the rules, as long as the challenge is witnessed by two hundred Soul Reapers, defeating the incumbent captain allows one to succeed as the new captain."

"I'm right here; anyone among you who wants to be captain can come challenge me!"

"Life and death, I take responsibility!"

(End of chapter)