Chapter 1 You Really Want to Make Trouble for the Goshu Yaki?

A strange look flashed across Abe Yasunobu's face.

He could see the resoluteness hidden beneath Soren's seemingly nonchalant expression.

Persuasion was useless. Choosing the lesser of two evils, he could only ask, "When are you planning to make your move?"

Soren said calmly, "Within three days."

"So soon?"

Abe Yasunobu frowned.

The previous Black Sun Grand Ceremony had already purged almost all of Edo's hidden agents. He didn't have many useful cards left in his hand.

If he had more time, he might have been able to think of other solutions.

Or even seek support from outside the Hidden Mountain.

"Mm."

Soren didn't elaborate.

The suggestion that "Fujiwara Hayato" from the novel gave him needed to be acted upon within three days to ensure a perfect restoration. Otherwise, even if the soul remained after spending too long in the "Land of the Dead," revival would be impossible.

Abe Yasunobu asked, "What are your chances?"

"Hard to say."

Soren thought for a moment and said those three words.

He felt that his only advantage was that Goshu Yaki was his teacher's alchemical creation.

Mr. Mirror had said that his mother wouldn't have designed an uncontrollable alchemical homunculus. Although Serena didn't write the details of this "Pandora" in her research notes, Soren, as the inheritor of the Puppet Master lineage, had some guesses about how to restrain her.

Just guesses.

But with no choice, he had to gamble.

After a pause, he added, "But regardless of the odds, I will act within these three days. The sooner, the better."

"..."

Abe Yasunobu narrowed his eyes at his words.

The words "hard to say" were intriguing.

At least, if he were to face Goshu Yaki himself, his answer would be "no chance."

He had originally planned to knock him unconscious and deliver him. Now it seemed that the plan wouldn't work.

Moreover, this attitude of not fearing death was the most important reason Abe Yasunobu was moved.

Indeed, the young lady's order to protect this person at all costs was not simple.

His gaze hardened, and he agreed, "Alright! The art of Dun Jia is slightly different between the ninja clans and our Onmyoji lineage. The ninja clans cultivate *Ba Men Dun Jia* (Eight Gates Evasion), while our Onmyoji lineage cultivates *Qi Men Dun Jia* (Mysterious Gates Evasion). Coincidentally, I know a little about both. You want to use it to research the secret technique you used before, right? I happen to have some research in this area..."

Moreover, having received a death order, Abe Yasunobu naturally wouldn't watch Soren go alone. He also stated, "When the time comes, I will help you as much as possible."

.......

Soren only wanted to borrow the Onmyoji lineage's "Dun Jia Art" for research. He didn't expect Abe Yasunobu to not only give him the original texts to read but also share his understanding of this secret technique and his Abe family's cultivation experience.

This brought Soren too much convenience.

It was like having a teacher by his side, whom he could ask immediately if he didn't understand something.

In the feudal society of Yamihide, the Onmyoji were positioned somewhat like "old-school scientists." They understood astronomy, geography, and researched the true meaning of life. They were responsible for formulating astronomy and calendar, judging auspicious omens and disasters, and exorcising ghosts.

Originally, Soren was asking for advice on a secret technique.

But after the two studied together for half a day, it gradually turned into mutual learning, and both benefited greatly.

Both had very important breakthroughs in this secret technique.

【Hormone Outburst】focused on the "principles" of flesh and blood alchemy, which was to fully understand the effects of hormones on the body. Dosage, type, stimulation form, release performance... needed to be accurate to the point where there were no errors in the data.

And [Dun Jia Art] focused on the "practicality" of the technique. Abe Yasunobu didn't know anything about dosage. However, after countless generations and countless attempts, they had obtained the best usage plan. Knowing how to use it could turn this secret technique into combat power and maximize its effect.

Not only was it useful for understanding Hormone Outburst, Soren learned that before the "Great Collapse Era," Yamihide was said to have had super-strong ninjas who could release the Dun Jia Art with their bare bodies, and whose combat power was comparable to gods.

Soren was deeply moved after hearing this, and his thinking was completely opened.

At least, he wouldn't have to blindly research the [Hormone Outburst] technique in the future, and he would have a clear direction.

As a return gift,

Soren also gave Abe Yasunobu a copy of Forensic Doctor Gerard's anatomical research notes, and also gifted a large number of modern medical books.

This made the *yokai* (monster) instantly feel like he had opened the "door to a new world."

This was a "mad scientist" whose birth environment had restricted him. He had an extraordinary understanding and talent for human anatomy.

Just seeing those notes gave him all sorts of strange ideas, and he immediately had some thoughts, such as: body swapping for eternal life, grafting alien organisms, resurrection of the dead...

Although these topics were normal in the field of alchemy.

But in Abe Yasunobu's eyes, that kind of fanaticism was terrifying. Because what he thought of wasn't modern science, but rather using Onmyo secret techniques.

Soren even felt that his unintentional act seemed to be creating a future big Boss.

......

Two days later.

Ginza district, Edo Castle.

The small tavern not far from the "Hito Shaku Ma" Geisha House.

Soren and Abe Yasunobu were still sitting by the window on the second floor, drinking.

"Mr. Abe, is everything arranged?"

"Mm. As you said, I have already placed the energy crystals around the Geisha House."

"Were you discovered?"

"After all, I was once the chief Onmyoji of the Imperial Court. I still have this kind of confidence."

"Mm, sorry, this matter is of great importance..."

"..."

Soren and Abe Yasunobu were confirming the final preparations.

Later, after nightfall, Soren planned to meet with that Goshu Yaki.

After speaking, Abe Yasunobu confirmed again, "Are you really planning to go alone? I mean, if I go, I might be able to help a little."

Soren shook his head and said, "Dealing with Goshu Yaki, it's not necessarily useful to have more people."

According to the information obtained, during that failed assassination, the young prince barely managed to escape using Amaterasu's divine power. Normal people can't deal with Goshu Yaki's methods.

What's more, he himself was going to gamble his life.

If he lost the bet, there was no need to implicate others.

Abe Yasunobu's expression was solemn as he listened, but he didn't insist.

During these two days of contact, he also discovered that Soren was the kind of person who was calm and planned things out. It was useless to say more.

After thinking about it, he added, "When the time comes, I will use Onmyo secret techniques to isolate the faith surge near the Geisha House, which can prevent anyone from summoning 'Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto'. My people will also create chaos in the city, which should be able to buy you about an incense stick's worth of time, preventing Takeda Nobunaga from rushing to support in time. Also, if the [Yata no Kagami] (Eight Span Mirror), one of the Three Sacred Treasures, is really in her hands, you must be careful. That is a treasure of visual illusions. Once hit, there is no escape. The Black Sun mutation last time was most likely related to that artifact..."

"Mm."

Soren nodded, raised the wine glass in his hand, and sincerely said, "Thank you, Mr. Abe."

Regardless of whether it was because of the Katyusha family, Abe Yasunobu had helped him too much. His summarized information had at least increased the chances of success for this operation by 20%.

"Take care."

Abe Yasunobu raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

.......

Soren left the tavern and went straight to the entrance of the "Hito Shaku Ma" Geisha House.

Originally, it was impossible to book "The Most Beautiful Courtesan Under Heaven," Goshu Yaki, without booking half a year in advance.

Even now that the Geisha House's business was so deserted, the local Yamihide Daimyos, Shoguns, and wealthy merchants were all flocking here.

Soren was able to book tonight because Abe Yasunobu had spent some of the remaining connections he had in Yamihide.

Soren's current disguise was the illegitimate son of a Yamihide frontier lord.

The identity could stand scrutiny, and the identity badges were all real.

As soon as he walked in and stated his identity, the proprietress greeted him very enthusiastically. Even though she didn't know him, she acted as if she was very familiar with him: "Oh, isn't this young master Shouta of the Miyamoto family?"

Customers who could find Goshu Yaki were naturally generous. Soren wasn't stingy either, and casually threw two pieces of碎金 (sui jin - fragmented gold) as a tip. The proprietress caught it, and her face blossomed with smiles. She led him around the corridor and went to the separate courtyard.

As the "No. 1 Courtesan of Yamihide," Goshu Yaki naturally had some status.

She had her own independent courtyard.

Soren followed in without a word, not daring to look around, squinting his right eye, only leaving his left eye to see. He sensed that Goshu Yaki's soul fluctuations were right here!

"Young master Shouta, please wait a moment. Miss Yaki will be here soon."

"Mm."

After entering the guest room, the proprietress said goodbye, and Soren was left alone in the house.

Before long, there were soft footsteps in the courtyard.

"She's here!"

Soren completely closed his eyes, relying entirely on soul perception.

Now that he had confirmed the target, he didn't hesitate at all and struck first!

Soren's hands changed rapidly, forming a術士印 (shushi yin - sorcerer's seal). The Eight-Armed Spider Spear appeared instantly behind him, and the Thousand Silk Graft Armor transformed in a flash. He murmured softly, "Puppet Art: Puppet Theater!"

Even as the hexagram formation under his feet was still condensing, the術士印 (shushi yin - sorcerer's seal) changed again, and the spider spears and hands grabbed into the void, pulling out countless crystal-clear silk threads.

"Silk Control Art: Cocoon World!"

This was the activation sequence that had been practiced countless times in his mind, and there was no way there would be even the slightest error.

Soren had already completed the condensation of four alchemical technique seals in a short moment.

The person at the door was obviously stunned by the sudden surge of energy fluctuations and retreated quickly.

Unfortunately, it was too late!

Earlier, Abe Yasunobu had arranged for people to place a large number of energy crystal cores and alchemical array auxiliary items near this small courtyard for now.

The moment Soren triggered it, countless silk threads suddenly appeared around the entire small courtyard, instantly wrapping the source into a huge cocoon.

The killing intent swept in like a tide. Goshu Yaki reacted extremely quickly, using an almost ghostly movement technique to escape the small courtyard before the silk threads completely enveloped it.

But contrary to her wishes, a talisman suddenly appeared in the sky, suppressing her right on the spot!

"Onmyo Talisman, Abe Yasunobu?!"

Goshu Yaki's eyes narrowed slightly, guessing who had made the move.

If it was that guy, she wouldn't be afraid.

But the moment this thought arose, she suddenly noticed something, and her expression changed drastically: "I can't sense the power of faith!"

She then realized that the other party had guessed her trump card and had come prepared!

On the street outside the door, Abe Yasunobu's eyes narrowed slightly, and he murmured, "He really made his move..."

He also took out a scroll, and a demon-like red eyeshadow appeared on his face. His aura suddenly soared, and with a single sword finger, he lightly shouted, "Onmyo Secret Technique: Hundred Demons Parade!"

In an instant, the entire Ginza district suddenly became eerily ghostly, and hundreds of demons poured out of the scroll.

......

Since Soren had chosen to make a move, he would never give his opponent the slightest chance to react.

The moment he confirmed that Goshu Yaki was trapped, he raised his hand and the [Hypnos's Night Scythe] was in his hand.

"Swish", "Swish" were two consecutive slashes towards the door.

At the same time, a soft grunt came from the courtyard, obviously being hit by the spatial rift.

Gu Yan
Soren wasn't surprised.

According to the "Pandora" design concept, her body material should be the best that can be found in this plane. It is estimated that under normal circumstances, it should be no problem to withstand the attacks of seventh- or eighth-tier professionals.

Not to mention some other methods.

Even if Soren had the Black Scythe in hand, he couldn't kill her with ordinary long-range slashes. But if too many laws of death were poured in, the curse backlash would affect his main body. The living corpse couldn't bear it even more.

Moreover, Soren's purpose in coming this time wasn't to kill her.

Those two slashes were just a test. He clapped his hands again, and dark golden metallic luster suddenly appeared on the surface of his skin, with runes flashing, "Hormone Outburst - Fourth Release!"

With a "Pa" sound, his whole body rushed out.

"The smell of blood?"

Soren didn't dare to open his eyes, but he could clearly smell it, and he knew that Goshu Yaki was injured.

The Black Scythe could hurt her. This was a good sign.

Now that he was facing her head-on, he knew that the moment of deciding victory or defeat had come!

......

Goshu Yaki was caught off guard by Soren's decisiveness.

She didn't expect that she would be trapped here and injured before she even saw anyone?

This was the first time she had been injured since she had memories!

This made her feel fear.

Looking at the other party's methods, Goshu Yaki knew that the other party might have mastered a lot of information about her.

But... how was it exposed?

Even the Shinzoku Miko who had come to assassinate her before only knew that her body was indestructible. But why did this attacker directly seal her connection with the power of faith...

Could it be that he had guessed something?

Before she had time to think about it, the crisis struck again!

The two wounds on her abdomen and arm were healing at an alarming rate, and would be completely healed in the blink of an eye.

However, the "attacker" in the room reacted even faster.

Almost the second those two slashes landed on her body, with a "Pa" sound of exploding air, that face had already appeared a few meters in front of her.

The key was that he was still closing his eyes!

Seeing this scene, Goshu Yaki felt terrified for the first time, feeling like she had been spied on inside and out.

In other words, the whole person knew that she had the [Yata no Kagami] (Eight Span Mirror) in her hand, and knew that she understood the Tsukuyomi Secret Technique?

Damn it, how was it exposed!

Goshu Yaki's killing intent rose sharply. No matter who this person was, they had to be killed for knowing her secret.

Her best skills were not only her physical strength and the [Yata no Kagami] (Eight Span Mirror), but also her charm!

She was "Pandora," and possessed the ultimate beauty in the world that could bewilder even the gods.

No one could resist this charm.

Even if he closed his eyes!

......

Soren looked like he was at a huge advantage because he had the preemptive strike.

But he didn't take it lightly at all.

Because he knew very well that "Pandora's" trump card hadn't been played yet. Only after surviving this stage could his "life-gambling" be considered to have truly seen a chance of winning.

The instant he rushed out, a mental power wave that was exaggerated and frightening crashed over!

Even with his eyes closed, he saw a "pink world"...

[The Plague Doctor's Crow Mask] filtered out all possible inhalation poisoning, but he still smelled a "fragrance" that was as intoxicating as a girl's...

He also heard seductive music that made people sink into depravity...

Soren immediately understood that this was "Pandora's" unique mental charm technique.

This kind of weird spiritual art was completely incomprehensible to his current level.

"It's here!"

Soren had expected it.

Either live or die.

In the next instant, he was surprised to find that this mental shock wave completely avoided his spiritual power!

It was like...

A net with very fine meshes caught almost all the fish in the lake, but only missed the water source!

"As expected! The linear mental power cultivated by the Puppet Master lineage's [Starry Sky Contemplation Secret Art] is the key to controlling this Pandora!"

Soren was overjoyed.

He guessed right!

He had previously speculated about many possibilities, thinking that the most important inheritance of the Puppet Master lineage, in addition to the rune puppets, was this special mental power secret technique.

If his teacher would leave a means of control on "Pandora," then the last possibility was to make a fuss about mental power.

However, before it was just a guess, and Soren wasn't sure how to use it.

Now that he was forced to face it head-on, he discovered that Pandora's mental methods couldn't control him!

If you can sense it, spiritual power has a shape. The spiritual power of ordinary people is a mass of human-shaped mist, while the spiritual power of those professionals who cultivate spiritual secret techniques will be in various shapes to meet the needs of the technique. Spiritual needles, spiritual flying knives, spiritual hammers...

And Soren's was an imperceptible line. This was the Puppet Master's unique secret technique, and perhaps unique to this entire plane!

It was this linear form that perfectly avoided Pandora's mental weaving net.

Letting him be exempted from this captivating charm technique!

.......

Goshu Yaki used her unparalleled charm.

Under normal circumstances, no one could be exempted from control.

Just like countless times in the past, those Daimyos and Shoguns who coveted his beauty, or even the current "Moon Emperor" Takeda Nobunaga, would be lost in her beauty in the spiritual world with just one look. No one had ever really touched her, and no one could refuse her orders.

This was also the most important method she had never been discovered as a disguise for so many years.

But... the expected scene did not appear.

A fist as big as a sandbag punched her in the eye without any pity.

With a "Bang" sound.

Even though Goshu Yaki felt that this punch didn't hurt her at all, the force sent her flying.

"How is it possible?! How could he not be controlled?"

Goshu Yaki never expected that this would be the situation.

How could there be anyone in this world who could resist her beauty?

However, before she had time to think about it, Soren rushed over again.

Although Goshu Yaki's fighting level was not as good as Chihiro, it was definitely not weak.

The two of them fought together like that.

The two of them came and went, with fists hitting flesh, making "Bang" and "Boom" sounds.

But because her body was indestructible, no matter how much she was beaten, Goshu Yaki didn't lose at all.

Soren also knew that he couldn't do anything to her like this!

The Black Scythe was sharp, but others wouldn't stand there and let you chop it.

Moreover, this was Edo Castle. The longer the battle dragged on, the more disadvantageous it would be for Soren.

Although Abe Yasunobu was outside, if he was really surrounded by the army, even if Soren achieved his goal, he wouldn't be able to leave!

He couldn't delay any longer.

Soren's eyes hardened, and a touch of ferociousness suddenly appeared on his expression.

Now he couldn't do anything to Goshu Yaki, and this woman couldn't do anything to him either.

During the battle, Soren slapped his hands again, and a low roar like a beast came from his throat: "Hormone Outburst - Fifth Release!"

This technique was still only theoretical and had never been practically proven.

This move was completely "gambling with his life."

But Soren didn't hesitate at all.

If you want to tie up a beast, you must first subdue it!

Just as this technique was completed, a large amount of hormones poured into his limbs and organs, causing Soren's body to swell up like a balloon. The power accumulation generated a lot of heat, which made his entire skin appear as if it was burning red, showing a steaming, morbid pink color.

A feeling of unprecedented power surged into his heart.

Soren felt great!

It was also fortunate that he had obtained Abe Yasunobu's [Dun Jia Secret Technique], otherwise this attempt would have been enough to kill him with high temperature. Big Wind Novel

But Soren also knew that this state wouldn't last long. He didn't delay at all, and stomped on the ground, "Pa" and suddenly advanced.

His speed soared several times. With this advancement, Goshu Yaki didn't react at all and had already come face to face!

Soren struck with a heavy punch, slamming it heavily on her stomach.

Immediately, the "No. 1 Courtesan Under Heaven" flew out in a mess, smashing into a wall of the small courtyard like a cannonball.

But as she rolled on the ground, she suddenly saw that a figure had already teleported to her landing position in advance, with a speed that was so unbelievably fast.

That iron-pincer hand instantly grabbed her neck, and punched Goshu Yaki's head again.

With a "Boom" sound, it was like a muffled sound of knocking a bell.

Although Goshu Yaki didn't think it was fatal, she felt extremely humiliated.

Hit my face?

No man had ever dared to do this to her!

She wanted to struggle, but found that the iron-pincer hand possessed a terrifying power, as if it didn't care about crushing her slender jade-like neck.

This guy was a lunatic!

Soren closed his eyes, but blood had already overflowed from the corners of his eyes.

He roared, "Say it! Where is that cursed novel!"

Before the voice fell, the edge of a black scythe had already been placed on Goshu Yaki's neck.

The cold metal touch made her heart skip a beat.

.......

The guy in front of her with blood dripping from his seven orifices, like a demon, was extremely terrifying.

Goshu Yaki was really frightened.

She had been in the Geisha House for so many years, and her ability to observe words and colors had long been perfected. How could she not hear the determination to die together?

She knew very well that as long as she dared to say half a "no," this madman would definitely kill her on the spot even if it cost him his life!

Yes!

He was completely crazy!

A crazy will to destroy the world rose from this guy.

Just being frightened by this dying aura, Goshu Yaki instinctively loosened her mouth, "In... in the secret compartment of the room."