บท 44: Yuki Tsukumo
This evolution turned out to be a massive gain for Tengen.
Not only did he escape the Immortality Cursed Technique, but he also gained extended longevity.
Although Tengen now exists only as a soul, the barriers have effectively become his new body. He has fused with all of Japan — he is the world, and the world is him.
He didn't remain idle.
Nearly all of Japan serves as his domain. For over a millennium, Tengen meticulously managed and upgraded the barriers, reinforcing them to their current state.
No one understands the Ten Shadows Barrier Techniques better than he does.
This is also the fundamental reason why he proposed maintaining his identity through barrier techniques.
It would be hard to believe that he didn't leave behind any contingency plans. While Sōjun Minamoto initially suspected something, Tengen's actions had always appeared so normal that Sōjun hadn't uncovered his preparations ahead of time.
One cannot help but marvel at the cunning of the old fox.
The old ginger is always spicier. Fine wine only improves with age. An experienced horse knows the way. An old sword remains sharp. And the elderly who won't die are the trickiest.
Tch!
When Tengen fully recovered, he stood cheerfully beneath the Sacred Tree, marveling at his newfound state. Now as a soul, he could vaguely perceive the essence of other souls.
His omniscient ability had also advanced further. Perhaps someone could block this omniscience, but the act of blocking it would itself be detected by Tengen.
The results aligned with his expectations.
This evolution was a substantial gain for Sōjun Minamoto as well.
He achieved significant advancements in barrier techniques, reaching a qualitative breakthrough, and also obtained an Immortality Cursed Technique. His understanding of his own abilities expanded immensely, and inspiration came to him like a rushing spring.
Although he realized Tengen had withheld some truths, he didn't mind.
After all, Tengen was essentially a clam before, and now he's just a conscious shell — nothing too shocking.
Even though he had been played, Sōjun didn't harbor any lingering emotions. Watching Tengen's soul form smile with its wrinkled visage, Sōjun noted the soul's bright, glowing spots on its limbs and organs, as well as the crimson vertical line at its brow.
Sōjun also walked cheerfully to the Sacred Tree and remarked:
"Congratulations!"
"Thanks to you," Tengen replied, stepping back half a pace.
"Heh," Sōjun chuckled as he observed him.
"...Haha," Tengen laughed nonchalantly and moved on.
After parting ways with Tengen, Sōjun ascended the path leading out of the shrine and noticed a woman standing outside the elevator, leaning casually against the wall.
She had long brown hair draped loosely over her back, golden irises, and a tall, athletic figure. Her features were both striking and refined. She wore high-top boots, denim jeans, and a cropped black tank top that exposed her elegantly defined abdominal muscles.
One hand rested on her hip while the other tugged at the collar of the jacket draped over her shoulders. Her demeanor exuded confidence and charisma.
She was a sight to behold.
When Sōjun noticed her, she looked back at him and asked:
"What kind of woman do you like?"
??
The sudden question made Sōjun recall a similar query from an ex-girlfriend in another world. Back then, he whimsically crafted a poetic description of a goddess-like woman, though it bore little resemblance to his girlfriend at the time. That's probably why she became an ex.
"What kind of woman do you like?" she repeated.
Sōjun was about to construct another flowery response when she waved him off dismissively, cutting him short:
"Alright, I've got it."
"?"
He had heard of people identifying women by their scent, but this was the first time he'd encountered someone identifying character by preferences.
"I'm Yuki Tsukumo, a special-grade sorcerer," she introduced herself, extending a hand.
Sōjun shook her hand.
"You're Sōjun Minamoto?!"
She already knew the whole story. As someone standing at the pinnacle of the Jujutsu world, she hadn't come here out of idle curiosity. The higher-ups had long been trying to bring her back into the fold, likely as a final line of defense.
She had waited outside the Tengen Shrine all night.
From her, Sōjun sensed an aura similar to Riko Amanai... a Star Plasma Vessel?
She was also a Star Plasma Vessel?!
It seemed the rarity of Star Plasma Vessels was increasing.
On reflection, a Star Plasma Vessel appearing once every 500 years seemed even rarer than the Six Eyes' 400-year cycle. Then again, multiple Star Plasma Vessels could exist simultaneously, whereas only one bearer of the Six Eyes could exist at a time.
No wonder Riko Amanai's innate Jujutsu talent was so high. She was indeed a once-in-a-century genius.
Sōjun silently lamented, comparing them to ancient medicinal herbs — their age often determined their value.
"Not bad at all!" Yuki said, patting Sōjun on the shoulder. "I thought the world was about to descend into chaos, and I'd have to make a dazzling entrance as the only hero, saving the day amidst cheers and applause!"
Her face radiated confidence.
The defining trait of a special-grade sorcerer was an unshakable self-will. She wasn't controlled by the higher-ups, nor was she here to facilitate Tengen's assimilation. She simply followed her instincts to observe his evolution. If things went awry—
As she put it, she'd step in to clean up the mess.
If Tengen lost control, it could spell national collapse. But one of the criteria for being a special-grade sorcerer was possessing solo nation-level destructive power.
If the two of them clashed, the outcome would be unpredictable.
Sōjun simply smiled.
Yuki added, "You've saved me a lot of trouble. If you need something, come find me. I owe you a favor."
"For free!"
She patted Sōjun on the shoulder again.
After a brief exchange, the two passed each other. Sōjun continued upward toward the surface, while Yuki descended deeper underground.
Back at his quarters, Night Parade's group was still around.
Sōjun turned to Riko Amanai and said with a lighthearted smile, "Congratulations!"
"I knew you could do it!" she replied cheerfully.
The others, hearing this, also relaxed.
Sōjun briefly recounted the events. Many things in life feel unbearable while you're experiencing them, as if the sky is falling. But in hindsight, they often seem trivial. Life goes on — eat, drink, and carry on as usual.
He also mentioned Yuki Tsukumo...
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