vncnus Page 377
Page 377
The ancient longsword and the simple yet profound swordsmanship made Ringo Shinzen recognize it as Kiryu Todo at a glance.
Kiryu-kun is fighting Tamamo-no-Mae?!
Her expression gradually turned serious. If Kiryu Todoroki had already captured Tamamo-no-Mae, then... hadn't she completely missed her chance?
I came to Nikko City to help Huaiyin and to see Tamamo-no-Mae, but I completely missed it. What bad luck!
Thinking of this, Ringo Shinzen couldn't help but feel a little anxious. She turned off her phone and looked at the senior colleague and the photographer who were peeking over to take a look.
The two men saw that she had turned off her phone.
He immediately shrank his neck.
Ringo Kamiya said earnestly, "You all stay close behind me. We need to resolve this matter quickly, understand?"
"Understood, understood!" The senior colleague and the photographer nodded vigorously, saying in unison.
Ringo Shinzen turned her head with satisfaction, showing no fear whatsoever, and strode toward the direction from which the crying was coming.
The three of them walked up the dilapidated staircase, and just as they reached the second floor, they heard a sound coming from above.
"Kamizen-san?"
Before Ringo Shinzen could turn her head, she heard the senior photographer and the photographer shudder and scream twice, startled by the sudden voice.
Seeing the two shouting so loudly, Ninomiya Yusuke, who was standing on the steps leading to the third floor, also took a half step back, somewhat confused.
“Mr. Ninomiya, I’ve finally found you.” Ringo Kamisaki breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that it was Yusuke Ninomiya.
But then, she and Ninomiya Yuki seemed to realize something, and simultaneously reached out and pulled out a talisman that was different in shape but extremely similar.
They pointed the talisman at each other and threw it violently. The talisman stuck to their chests at the same time, but there was no reaction.
Seeing that the talisman used for exorcism had no effect, Ninomiya Yuki and Shinsaki Ringo exchanged a glance and breathed a sigh of relief.
This is something exorcists must do after meeting within the barrier of resentment, in order to prevent their companions from being possessed during the process of being separated and turning into traitors who are always ready to betray them.
This rule is tacitly understood, after all, no one wants to be betrayed.
After the two verified each other's identities, Ringo Shinzen asked without any preamble, "Nothing unusual on the south side of the first floor, nothing found on the north side, Mr. Ninomiya, what about your side?"
“The third floor has already been set up with the necessary magic; it’s a safe zone.” Ninomiya Yuuki looked at the senior colleague who was holding up his phone and continued, “Should we let these two ordinary people go up there to take refuge?”
Just as the senior was about to nod, Ringo Shinzen shook her head and said, "No need. Let them come along. I plan to take this opportunity to let ordinary people see the existence of evil spirits."
Chapter 338: Just blow it up!
"Let ordinary people see the existence of evil spirits?" Ninomiya Yusuke frowned.
"Are you sure? This isn't appropriate, is it?"
“Once we get out here, you’ll see what’s happening and you’ll know whether it’s appropriate or not.” Ringo Shinzen waved her phone in her hand. “Trust me, it won’t be wrong.”
Now is not the time to dwell on such things, so Ninomiya Yusuke nodded slightly in agreement.
As the two were talking, the long, drawn-out sobbing in the air seemed to grow louder and louder, carrying an eerie, teeth-grinding quality and a chilling coldness.
The senior colleague and the photographer kept backing away, only feeling a little safer when they leaned against the wall, huddled in the corner watching the two people talking on the stairs.
“If the person you know is possessed, then the most important thing we should do now is break the barrier here,” Ringo Shinzen continued. “We don’t necessarily need to find the vengeful spirit that released the barrier; we can directly use a spell to break the barrier and still cause it some damage. What do you think?”
Ninomiya Yusuke hesitated. Of course he knew about this method, but as in all supernatural legends, if the possessed vengeful spirit is directly harmed, the possessed person will also suffer. The worst result is that the person will be permanently mentally impaired for the rest of their life, and even the milder consequences will lead to various mental illnesses.
Breaking the barrier directly would mean harming the possessed Yayoi. Ninomiya Yuuki is currently unaware that Yayoi is Tamamo-no-Mae, nor does he know that she has already escaped, so he is very hesitant.
“If you keep dragging this out, it will only make things worse. To put it bluntly, Kurizaki is just an ordinary person, and you should understand what a vengeful spirit that consciously abducts people would do to an ordinary person,” Ringo Shinzen continued.
"Now is the time for you to make a decisive decision."
Ninomiya Yusuke pondered for a moment, seemingly considering whether the fate of his childhood friend was more important or the future life of an ordinary person.
He wasn't a saint, so this was a question he didn't even need to think about. He clicked his tongue and said, "Prepare to break the barrier."
Ringo Shinzen nodded, then took out a talisman and casually stuck it on the wall next to her.
Ninomiya Yusuke also took out various talismans from the pocket of his vest. He and Shinzen Ringo were both exorcists of the Shinto sect, so their exorcism methods mostly involved talismans and other objects, which made them very compatible.
The two of them pasted talismans on the walls and the floor, and even the ceiling was covered with some by Ringo Shinzen. The small space in the stairwell near the second floor had been divided into a talisman partition that was almost a continuous line.
It's as if the second-floor space and the stairwell have been completely separated.
With a mixture of fear and curiosity, the senior colleague cautiously asked, "Um... what are we going to do now?"
Ninomiya Yusuke said coldly, "Blow this place up."
The senior was stunned for a moment, then his face was full of confusion, like a meme, and his fear suddenly vanished.
"...What? Did I hear that right? Blow this place up?!"
He said somewhat shakily, "Wait a minute, exorcism and stuff like that don't seem to have anything to do with explosions, right?"
Ninomiya Yusuke ignored him, simply closed his eyes, and slightly raised his hands, causing the talismans in front of him to begin to glow.
Meanwhile, Ringo Shinsengumi slightly raised her hands and chanted incantations, causing her talismans to glow.
In fact, the two people who were closely related to Shintoism should not have been so skilled in using talismans and other tools that Onmyoji specialize in. However, with the progress of the times, Shinto, one of the three major sects of Shintoism, aimed to improve the efficiency of exorcism and began to spread the talisman techniques of Onmyoji. Anyone can learn these techniques. As long as one successfully implants their obsession into the talisman, they can receive blessings.
So-called magical power or spiritual power are essentially the same thing; they are all powers generated by "pure intention."
The evil system built upon this power means that all battles and spells are inseparable from willpower. In other words, this is a system that places more emphasis on spirit than the world Dou Tang previously lived in. It is precisely because of this that there are few instances of monsters turning into humans.
At this moment, as the two of them were completely focused, the talismans began to move on their own without any wind, emitting a foul odor like sulfur and flashing red and yellow light, as if they were about to burst into flames at any moment.
The two stood side by side, their eyes closed, and as they chanted incantations, a wave of warmth suddenly filled the air.
It's like... the scent that only warm sunshine can give you.
All demons fear firearms, and it is said that ghosts also fear firearms, since demons and ghosts are all of the Yin category.
This is the principle that Lu Zizhen once mentioned to Dou Tang.
The talisman began to whistle, and a warm breeze swept through the stairwell. In the distance, the long, drawn-out cries were now tinged with fear and dread.
Hearing the mournful cries, Ninomiya Yusuke felt a pang of pity, but there was no time for him to stop.
No matter how tragic the boy's death was, it couldn't stop Ninomiya Yusuke. In his heart, seeking justice for the dead was not as important as... protecting the living.
So he gritted his teeth and squeezed out the last character.
The same applies to Ringo Shinzen.
As the two finished reciting, a flame suddenly appeared on the talisman.
The flames that appeared out of nowhere seemed to have a life of their own, leaping and bounding forward on the talisman paper. As they leaped, the talisman paper burned fiercely, quickly rising up the walls and onto the ceiling.
Instantly, the stairwell in front of the four people was clearly demarcated by flames.
"Cover your ears." Ringo whispered in front of the god.
The senior colleague and the photographer quickly did as instructed.
Ninomiya Yusuke and Kanzaki Ringo simultaneously extended their fingers and slashed the ground sharply, as if cutting a blade that cleaved the world in two.
The next moment, a violent explosion boomed into the ears of the four people. The talismans made a frenzied roar, and rubble flew everywhere. The huge, scorching fire made the senior feel as if his already dwindling hair was about to catch fire.
"Ah, ah!!" He screamed, clutching his head, and huddled with the photographer in a corner at the bottom of the stairs.
The figures of Ringo Shinzen and Yusuke Ninomiya were completely shrouded in the rising dust.
After a long while, as the smoke and dust gradually dissipated, a deep crack appeared in the stairwell in front of the two exorcists. The crack, which allowed them to see through the steel bars, started from the floor beneath their feet, spread to the walls at both ends, and opened up the ceiling above their heads. Through the steel bars beneath their feet, they could see the first floor, while looking up, they could see the ceiling of the third floor.
On the south side of Ninomiya Yusuke, a ray of sunlight suddenly shone through a crack in the wall, illuminating his figure.
As the sunlight arrived, the previously gloomy and dark corridor changed. Sunlight suddenly shone through the dark, five-doored openings, illuminating the corridor floor.
The barrier has been broken.
The crying continued in the distance. Without further hesitation, Ringo Shinzen and Yusuke Ninomiya ran forward.
Chapter 339 Handover
Within the dream, while Dou Tang and Tamamo-no-Mae were still locked in fierce combat, Lu Zizhen pulled Tamamo-no-Mae and Dou Tang along on their journey.
She completely ignored Kurizaki Tsukiko in the internet cafe. There were so many curious people on the street; if she just got out of the car, she would cause a lot of unnecessary trouble. You know, back then, those onlookers were so timid, but she was the only one there with her arms crossed, leaning closer to look, which easily attracted attention.
Anyway, she won't get lost there, and the exorcist reinforcements will be arriving soon. Right now, Lu Zizhen can't worry about that ordinary person who has nothing to do with her.
Lu Zizhen started the car and slowly drove along the road. At this time, traffic order was gradually returning to normal, and the crowd that had rushed onto the street was slowly flowing back to the sidewalks on both sides. Lu Zizhen slowed down and drove normally. Although people on the road kept curiously watching the car, they couldn't see what was inside and therefore got nothing.
Lu Zizhen drove out of the chaotic street, gradually accelerated, and breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, she had to hurry and find the other exorcists in Nikko City to provide backup. Then, she needed to keep Tamamo-no-Mae firmly under control before seeing how Tou-Tang managed to recover.
thing.
She drove onto the main road and quickly headed east. After several turns, she quietly drove into an underground parking lot.
The underground parking garage has three levels, but the third level was sealed off half a month ago, and security guards are stationed there 24 hours a day to guard the entrances and exits of the third level, leaving nearby residents confused and full of complaints.
In reality, this place has become a 24-hour standby department for exorcists in Nikko City. There are always people on duty here, with only one purpose: to wait for the possible outcome of Lu Zizhen—bringing Tamamo-no-Mae here at any time.
Even a corpse is acceptable.
Lu Zizhen didn't even need to leave her contact information here. The people who stayed behind would never show their faces or go out to maintain order in Nikko City. They would just wait silently for Lu Zizhen's results.
At this moment, Lu Zizhen drove the car to the entrance of the third basement level, rolled down the window, and nodded slightly to the security guard standing guard by the conspicuous railing.
The exorcist, disguised as a security guard, quickly used a remote control to open the gate while saying into the walkie-talkie, "Miss Lu is back. Tamamo-no-Mae has been successfully captured. Prepare the barrier cage."
Lu Zizhen drove into the third basement level. At this time, all the lights on the third basement level were on, and there were also many floor lamps that had been moved in earlier to provide supplementary lighting, illuminating the entire third basement level as if it were daytime.
A few people were already waiting not far ahead.
Besides Lu Zizhen and Dou Tang, the number of people maintaining the barrier and the exorcists waiting in Nikko City was actually quite terrifying. It could be said that apart from the normal maintenance at the association headquarters, most of the association's exorcists had been mobilized.
The exorcists ahead were already lined up. Looking at them, there were both young and old, including fashionable young men and women full of excitement, as well as elderly people waiting quietly.
Lu Zizhen parked the car and got out of the driveway: "Tamamo-no-Mae seems to have fallen into a coma. I used a lot of talismans, but I'm not sure if they can trap her."
"We have prepared the barrier to imprison Tamamo-no-Mae, Miss Lu." A seemingly cheerful young man waved his phone in his hand: "Please wait a moment."
Lu Zizhen opened the back door, and a group of exorcists surrounded her. They first noticed Dou Tang lying in the back seat. The sunny young man frowned and said, "Is this Mr. Ren? Why did he also faint?"
"I don't know." Lu Zizhen looked at Dou Tang with a hint of worry in her eyes: "But I guess it's not serious. It's okay. Let's move Tamamo-no-Mae over first."
"Understood." The sunny young man waved, and two exorcists disguised as security guards came up. They wore heavy gloves and carefully avoided the talismans on Tamamo-no-Mae's body before carrying her out.
Nearby, someone had already prepared a restraint bed, the kind only found in mental hospitals. But both the leather surface of the bed and the straps used to restrain people were covered with dense runes. Just carving these runes, which could suppress evil spirits and monsters, would take an exorcist a whole month.
The two exorcists placed Tamamo-no-Mae on the bed, then bound her limbs tightly with leather straps, before giving the sunny young man a thumbs-up.
The young man waved his hand, and the two pushed the restraint bed away to an ambulance not far away. Using the ambulance's tracks and the retractable support of the restraint bed, they transported Tamamo-no-Mae onto the vehicle.
This vehicle is also specially made, and every week a priest will perform a ritual to bathe it, exorcise demons, and ward off evil spirits.
Several exorcists dressed as monks got into the car, chanting calming scriptures and striking wooden fish drums.
A carriage blessed by Shinto priests was placed on a bed covered with Onmyoji runes, and several monks were chanting sutras inside, escorting the mythical Tamamo-no-Mae... This scene was truly surreal.
Seeing this scene, Lu Zizhen couldn't help but sigh: "No matter how many times I watch it, I still think it's really outrageous that the association can bring together exorcists of different faiths."
The sunny young man smiled shyly and said, "Miss Lu, aren't you also a Taoist priest? Actually, in modern times, faith can no longer be a reason to stop exorcists from uniting."
“In the distant past, religion was the most effective way to focus one’s mind, which is why so many religions gave rise to exorcists. But now… even without the help of religion, we have our own methods for cultivating our spirit.” Sunny Youth sighed and said with emotion, “So working together is the best future.”
"That's quite right." Lu Zizhen nodded, looked the sunny young man up and down, and asked curiously, "Are you a local exorcist from Sunlight City?"
“That’s right, my surname is Lin Tian.” The sunny young man raised his palm and pretended to support his eyes, but there was clearly nothing next to his eyes. He only realized this when he brought his hand closer and quickly put it down.
"What does the association plan to do with Tamamo-no-Mae next?" Lu Zizhen noticed this detail but didn't react, turning her head to look at the ambulance.
“We will transport it to a secret location established by the association for strict guarding and sealing,” Lin Tian nodded slightly and answered honestly.
“…I see.” Lu Zizhen nodded, then pointed to the ambulance not far away and asked Lin Tian, “Can I get a closer look? To be honest, I’ve never seen the association use such methods before.”
"Of course." Lin Tian raised his hand towards the ambulance, indicating that she could do whatever she wanted.
Lu Zizhen strode towards the ambulance, and it certainly looked like...
Intrigued by the perfectly disguised vehicle, I looked around, tapped on it, and walked around it before returning.
"Alright, now that I've entrusted him to you, I'm relieved. I need to take Dou Tang back; I need to find out the cause of his coma as soon as possible," Lu Zizhen said, waving goodbye.
"Of course, take care, Miss Lu." Lin Tian cheerfully waved goodbye.
I'm taking a day off to regroup.
Lately, family matters have been keeping me physically and mentally exhausted. I'll take a good rest today and also deal with some academic matters. I have exams at the beginning of next month, so I'm a bit too busy.