Chapter 14 The Royal Family's Troubles

When Sulun came out of the chessboard space, the Onmyoji had already disappeared without a trace.

Apart from the hundred or so Ghost Warriors bound by threads, all the other monsters in the bamboo forest had vanished completely.

Qiántiáo watched Sulun emerge and asked, "How did it go?"

Sulun shrugged, replying with a hint of helplessness, "That man should be 'Yoren' Abe Taihe, and he's very strong. Under normal circumstances, none of us would have been able to keep him here."

He had already considered various ways to respond in his mind, but no matter which one he chose, it seemed that none of the people present had the means to kill that guy.

The people outside the chessboard space didn't see who Sulun was fighting, but hearing the name "Abe Taihe," Miko's expression changed in surprise.

She was all too familiar with him.

Because that guy was the Imperial Family's chief Shinto priest!

"No wonder he didn't dare to show his face..."

Shinfu Miko instantly understood something, her expression very solemn.

She then realized that the threat was not only coming from the shogunate, but that even within their Imperial Family, there was a big problem.

That guy's identity was special, and it would be troublesome if he was exposed, so he used this method of driving shikigami to kill people, never showing his face.

At the same time, Miko was even more surprised that this Mr. Sulun had actually emerged unscathed from a battle with Abe Taihe, who was known as the "First Priest of the Imperial Court."

This was too incredible.

Sulun looked at Miko's gaze and also read her doubts.

He seemed to be saying to Qiántiáo, but also explaining to everyone, "That guy's strength is unfathomable. But he seems to have some concerns, so he didn't use his full strength. But I don't think this is a place to stay for long."

What Sulun didn't say was: if that guy had used his full strength, he would have run away with Qiántiáo and Lolota by now.

Qiántiáo listened and nodded, "Mm."

Sulun knew that Qiántiáo and Shinfu Miko had a guardian contract, and knew that she might have some other arrangements. He didn't help her make any decisions, and went to look at the Ghost Warriors that were tied up like "dumplings."

Because he had been busy with the battle before, these bound Ghost Warriors had not been completely sealed, and some had escaped, leaving only dozens.

Fortunately, the leader in the armored Ghost Warrior was still there, and each of them had been affixed with Shinto talismans.

Sulun appraised the symbols drawn on those white papers, which looked like "ghostly drawings," somewhat like a runic language, using patterns and energy to construct a complete solidified spell with the effect of exorcising demons and suppressing evil. However, the energy of this talisman was not pure, and also borrowed the power of Shinto faith.

He was quite satisfied with his spoils.

With these samples, he would be busy for a long time.

In the field of alchemy, theoretically everything in the world can be analyzed, and the principle of equivalent exchange also applies. As long as a living being has a characteristic, it can be copied onto a Rune Automaton. If he could thoroughly research it and create a Golem army that could be resurrected infinitely in the future, that would really be a big win.

Thinking of this, Sulun didn't forget to say to the Shinfu Miko not far away, "Thank you, Miss Miko."

Hearing this, Shinfu Miko bowed very politely and said, "I should be thanking you, Mr. Sulun."

......

This was the first time the group had repelled the enemy since they had been chased all the way from Jianghu.

Now that the situation had improved, but the crisis had not been completely resolved, Qiántiáo asked, "Miss Miko, what are your plans now? That guy was temporarily forced back, but he may come back."

Miko glanced at Sulun, seemed to think of something, and then said, "Miss Qiántiáo, could I trouble you and Mr. Sulun to protect me for a few more days? I will pay you accordingly..."

She kept her posture very low, without the slightest bit of arrogance of a princess or a Shinto priestess.

After a moment of pause, she then asked in an inquiring tone, "Also, I have some things I would like to ask Mr. Sulun."

Qiántiáo listened without expressing her opinion, but looked at Sulun, "What do you think?"

Her arms were now sealed, and her combat power was limited. If she really encountered the situation just now again, she would be powerless.

"..."

Sulun had an indifferent expression,

Because the two had already reached a tacit understanding, and he also saw the strange look in Qiántiáo's expression, as if she wanted him to agree.

Thinking that they weren't familiar anyway, and there was no contract, he would definitely run away if he encountered an enemy he couldn't beat, so he said, "I'm fine with anything."

But after all, the inheritance scroll of the Rune Artificer and the soul of the "Demon Sword" Yaxi came from this person, so he could be considered to have some affection. Since the main purpose of coming to Yamagumo had been achieved, it wouldn't hurt to follow along.

Besides, after thinking about it carefully, he felt that it would be good to communicate more with this Shinfu Miko.

The battle with that Onmyoji earlier aroused Sulun, the alchemist, to desire knowledge of Shinto secret arts.

His teacher, Sereia, once said that alchemists must be erudite and need to understand the world and use knowledge to understand everything. Various gods are also a part that needs to be understood.

There was no more suitable communication partner than this Shinto priestess.

He wanted to ask about some Shinto secret techniques, such as the "Paper Doll Technique" just now, as well as the principle of Ghost Warrior resurrection, or other strange monsters.

Hearing Sulun's agreement, Shinfu Miko's face lit up with joy, and she bowed to Sulun and Qiántiáo again, sincerely saying, "I've troubled you two."

"However..."

Sulun looked at the devastated bamboo forest and suddenly thought of something, changing the topic, "I think Miss Miko should make some other preparations."

He could agree to help with some small favors, but he didn't want to cause any big trouble for himself.

He still didn't understand the reason for Abe Taihe's "holding back" before, so he naturally had to be more careful.

Sulun said directly, "Abe Taihe has a shikigami [Dog God] beside him. If we leave like this, we will most likely be caught up again."

Obviously everyone could think of this situation.

Hearing this, Shinfu Miko asked cautiously, "Mr. Sulun, what do you mean?"

Sulun knew that Qiántiáo might not be able to speak her mind for some reason, and he had to play the "bad cop" and say some unpleasant things.

He said expressionlessly, "I think we can split up. [Dog God] tracks its target by scent. I suggest that Miss Miko and the guards separate. The guards can take some clothes and go in different directions."

This was currently the most reasonable solution.

Sulun had actually carefully considered it before speaking.

Miko was a priestess, and her own cultivation was not weak. She was also proficient in Ghost Dao secret techniques, so the possibility of being continuously tracked by monsters was there, but not high.

This arrangement could also completely rule out another possibility, which was that the enemy was actually tracking one of the guards around her.

Hearing this, a hint of hesitation appeared on Miko's face.

Without the guards, her life would be completely in the hands of these three foreign Yamagumo people.

But this hesitation was only for a moment, and she immediately nodded, saying very seriously, "Okay! I also think Mr. Sulun's plan is very good!"

In fact, from the moment she chose to stay in the battle before, she had already entrusted her life to this "reinforcement."

Moreover, in the current situation, it seemed that there was not much difference between having guards and not having guards.

After all, Abe Taihe's methods were not something that a few Jonin could block.

But hearing this, the captain of the guard had a worried look on his face and quickly interjected, "But, Princess..."

Although he also thought this plan was reasonable, but due to his duties, as the captain of the guard, he couldn't bear to let the little princess, who was more precious than his own life, leave with "strangers."

Shinfu Miko had an expression of determination, and said, "There's no need to say anything. Just do as Mr. Sulun says."

The few ninja guards could only bow and agree, "Yes, Your Highness!"

"Sorry, Miss Qiántiáo, Mr. Sulun, please wait for me for a moment."

Gu </span> Saying this, Miko walked towards the shadows of the bamboo forest.

Sulun watched her movements, probably to change clothes.

Although his night vision was good, he didn't want to stare at a girl changing clothes, so he turned his face and seriously began to clean up this pile of "dumplings."

.......

Not long after, when Shinfu Miko came out again, she had changed into another set of clothes.

She removed her disguise and put on the priestess robes representing her priesthood, with a plain white undergarment, a white coat embroidered with silver sun patterns, a pleated skirt-style scarlet hakama, and a pair of red-laced straw sandals. Her thick, dark hair was draped over her shoulders, and an elegant aura of "long, straight black hair" instantly rushed towards her.

Sulun looked at Shinfu Miko in women's clothing, and a trace of amazement flashed in his eyes.

Sure enough, she was very eye-catching in men's clothing, and it was naturally excellent to change back to her female appearance.

Different from the cold arrogance of Mr. Jing, Qiántiáo's heroism, Yuta's wildness, and Shabina's allure... Shinfu Miko had a kind of small family jade feeling. And because of her identity as a "servant of God," coupled with this elegant red and white priestess robe, a pure, sacred, otherworldly, and classical image was strongly imprinted in her eyes, and her whole body exuded a special charm.

Sulun glanced at her and then retracted his gaze, with a thought flashing in his mind: No wonder she had to dress as a man. In this way, without disguise, it would be difficult not to be noticed.

But compared to Miko's delicate face, Sulun looked more at the priestess robe.

Upon appraisal, not only was the thread work exquisite, but the whole body was also full of treasures. The coat and undergarment were both magic robes, and even the white hemp rope around the waist was a Shinto spiritual weapon with the effect of exorcising evil spirits.

Although Yamagumo was very poor, certain classes were no worse than nobles outside.

Qiántiáo used to be the big sister in the Holy Cross Society, and she was used to sweet talk, so she naturally blurted out when she saw a beautiful girl, "Yo... Miss Miko is really good-looking."

Hearing this female gangster-style teasing, a look of shyness seemed to flash across Shinfu Miko's pretty face, and she nodded shyly, "Miss Qiántiáo, you are too kind."

Saying this, she handed the four packages in her hand to the four guards, and ordered, "Kin'emon, these are my clothes and shikigami paper dolls. You will go to the shrines in Owari, Mikawa, Nagano, and Akiyuan respectively."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

The few ninja guards took the packages and instantly disappeared into the bamboo forest.

Sulun listened to Shinfu Miko's arrangements and could not find fault. All four places were said to have Ise Grand Shrines, which were indeed very confusing.

......

Once the guards left, only the four of Sulun were left in the bamboo forest.

Miko felt slightly strange.

With a few fewer people, it felt like it was empty.

She was an Imperial princess, and had always been accompanied by guards when she went out since she was a child, and had never had the experience of going out alone.

Now there were only a few outsiders around her.

Miko always had a feeling of being alone.

Naturally, the few people could not stay in the bamboo forest, and Qiántiáo asked, "Miss Miko, where are we going next?"

Miko seemed to have a plan and said, "There is a 'Chaming Mountain' less than a hundred miles southwest of Izumo, and there happens to be a secret base of mine there."

"Oh."

Qiántiáo raised her eyebrows, looking indifferent.

Speaking of this, Miko seemed to think of something, and added, "Miss Qiántiáo, didn't you ask where the volcanic hot springs are good? Chaming Mountain has the best hot spring baths in Yamagumo. The scenery is at its best every winter~"

Hearing this, Qiántiáo's eyes lit up instantly, and she became interested, "Okay! We'll go there."

Miko smiled.

Sulun didn't care where they went, now that the "Inheritance of the Rune Artificer" was in his hands, his ultimate goal in Yamagumo had been achieved. He now wanted to digest those knowledge as soon as possible, and then refine [replica of primal rune] to advance to Tier 4.

Now that the dark spiritual power was already overflowing, after truly advancing to Tier 4, the upper limit would be broken again, and the power of various artificer would be increased step by step. If he encountered that Abe Taihe again, his confidence in dealing with it would increase linearly.

The group of four decided on the route, cleaned up the traces of the battle, and disappeared into the bamboo forest.

......

The pirate city of Hasterlin has always been a mix of dragons and snakes. In addition to pirates, various forces were also lurking.

Just as the Ninth Fleet of the Northern Sea Fleet was heading to Yamagumo, in a secret harbor of the Golden Encampment, an inconspicuous merchant ship was docked, and several cloaked figures were preparing to board the ship and leave the port.

On the deck, a farewell seemed to be taking place.

One cloaked figure was holding the hand of another cloaked figure, telling something.

"Great-Grandmother, do you really have to go there yourself? But your body..."

The voice was very gentle, like a young girl in her prime. Although the alchemist cloak covered her face, upon closer inspection, one could see that the person who spoke had beautiful purple hair.

Another figure was slightly hunched over, like a twilight old man.

She said in a calm and slow tone, "Yes. Grandmother's life has come to an end. If I don't come now, even if it's next year, I won't be able to come."

She held the purple-haired girl's hand, as if it was the last farewell in her life, "Katyusha, don't be sad about Grandmother's departure. Coming to Yamagumo... this is a rare choice in my life that I have followed my own will. And thank you. After hearing your story, Grandmother was determined to come and see."

The purple-haired girl knew that this farewell would be a final farewell, and her voice was full of sadness, "But... Great-Grandmother, the situation in Yamagumo is now at a critical moment, and the results of the astrological divination... are not very good. If you really want to go, let me accompany you, okay?"

"No, I want to go and see it alone."

The old woman seemed to have long since seen through life and death, and gently stroked her tear-stained cheeks, "My little Katyusha, promise Grandmother, this is the last time you will cry. Since you have chosen your path, walk it firmly."

"..."

The purple-haired girl was silent, and bidding farewell to the most beloved relative in her life was a pain that no words could express.

The old woman held that pretty face that had been crying into a tearful mess, and said with a smile, "Being born into a family like ours is both lucky and unfortunate. When I was young, I married into the Southern Financial Group for the benefit of the family. And for the prosperity of the family, I constantly compromised and gave up my whole life. Now that I have come to the end of my life, I want to take the last journey myself. Go there and see, see if my shadow is in his story."

The purple-haired girl didn't know how to speak, "Great-Grandmother..."

"If I had your courage when I was young, I would probably have taken a different path."

The old woman smiled kindly, "At that time, my dream was to be a novelist or a wandering poet. Even now, it seems pretty good."

Saying this, her turbid eyes reflected the shadow of the purple-haired girl, as if she saw herself when she was young, and couldn't help but tell her own story, "At that time, I liked to write scripts and write the most beautiful poems, just like you. And Gustav liked to write novels about gods and ghosts. What he wrote was unconstrained and liked to write stories about the people at the bottom. Such stories were also not well-received in the upper class, and life had always been very poor. But we didn't feel bitter at that time. We would run wildly on the flower-filled hillsides, laughing foolishly. It was as if our tomorrow would always be full of flowers..."

Hearing this story, the glimmer in the purple-haired girl's eyes gradually calmed down and remained.

She had already buried her past in that dense forest.

From now on, there would be no more flower-filled paths.

In the end, they had to part.

The old woman patted her shoulder, "Okay, I have to go."

The purple-haired girl nodded in silence.

The old woman raised her hand to wave goodbye, and finally said with a smile, "Grandmother's only regret now is that she can't watch you grow up. I'm also very curious, what kind of man can make my little Katyusha make such a choice..."

Hearing this, Ekaterina's fingertips lightly fell, flicking a strand of hair beside her temples, and smiled brightly, "Great-Grandmother, Katyusha has already grown up."

"Yeah."

The old woman smiled as she leaned on the railing.

The ship slowly left the port.

ps. I wish all readers a happy New Year, and thank you for your companionship along the way.