Chapter 475 Two days later, breaking the spine
Chapter 475 Two days later, breaking the spine
Chapter 475 Two days later, breaking the spine
Heian-kyo, Japan, Fushimi Shrine.
The worshippers who came to pay their respects had long been replaced by their own people, and immediately after the Sword Saint Iehara entered, someone pretended to have finished paying their respects and left the shrine, then discreetly checked the entrance to see if there were any followers.
The high-ranking officials of Yingguo, who are not yet under control, have long been like frightened birds, and the slightest disturbance can make them tremble with fear.
They didn't even consider that if even a nine-star martial artist like Tsukahara Sword Saint couldn't find the tracker, how could anyone else possibly find the trail?
Tsukahara Kensei ignored the actions of others and went straight to the hall behind the shrine.
Here, the current leader of the Shinto religion of Japan, Ichisai-o, sits in the main seat, holding the Yata no Kagami (a type of mirror) in both hands at all times, observing both inside and outside, and detecting any abnormal existence.
To his left and right are people who can be 100% certain that they are not controlled—Chiba Shusuke, the head of the Hokushin Itto-ryu school, and Amakusa Genjuro, the head of the Kyokage-ryu school.
This is the current head of the largest swordsmanship school in Japan.
In the shadows to the side, a gaunt old man, dressed in a black bodysuit, knelt silently like a ghost.
If it weren't for the extraordinary spiritual sense of the Sword Saint Iehara, it would have been impossible to detect his presence.
"Is it just you guys?"
Tsukahara Kensei's gaze swept around, and he asked, "Where is Tengu Doman?"
Another Nine Star Onmyoji, Tenten Miyadoman, is known as the ancestor of contemporary Onmyoji in Japan. Although his reputation is not as high as that of Tsukahara Kensei, he is definitely a rare strongman.
Those who can reach the eighth or even ninth star in Japan are all quite skilled.
Even if some of them broke through by relying on external forces, or simply took a crooked path and their future was blocked, their combat strength was still guaranteed.
Rather, it's precisely because there's no way forward that they're focusing all their energy on how to kill.
Even the Sword Saint Tsukahara admitted that Tengu Doman possessed the strength to threaten him, but unfortunately, Tengu Doman did not care about the current situation in Japan.
He joined the general early on, used the resources of the Western Alliance to realize his potential, and made his way to the Nine Stars.
Therefore, when Japan and the Western Alliance were in a standoff, Tengu Dōman remained uninvolved. Now that he is also at odds with Hakutaku, it seems that Tengu Dōman still has no intention of getting involved.
"I am confident that I can persuade Master Tiangong to take action."
The Prince of Zhai spoke, saying, "The eight-foot-long jade jewel is enough to tempt him."
"The Western Alliance is also happy to see us and that person mutually restraining each other," said Amakusa Genjuro, the leader of the Kyokuei-ryu school.
The Kyokuei-ryu is a true stalwart of the Western Alliance, and the fact that Amakusa Genjuro appeared in the first place indicates the Western Alliance's inclination.
Rhine did reach an agreement with Bai Ze, accepting Bai Ze's terms on behalf of the general, but he could not represent the rest of the Western Alliance.
Moreover, it would be a good thing if Bai Ze were to be held back by these people from Ying Kingdom.
"Those wandering in India can return at any time to serve the Emperor," the ghostly old man said in a hoarse voice.
This gave the Sword Saint of the Plains a bit more confidence in this battle, but also a touch of sadness.
Ultimately, we still have to rely on Western Union, our "father."
When will Japan finally be able to stand up?
He did not show any pessimism. He knelt down at the front of the line and said, "I have already met that person. He said he did not harm anyone else and seems to be planning to win us over."
Upon hearing this, the Prince of Zhai's eyes lit up. "He's been gone for several days, and indeed hasn't had time to control the others. We haven't noticed any signs of anyone else being controlled either. Your Excellency Sword Saint, could we perhaps take advantage of his attempts to win him over...?"
That person wanted to bring all of Ying's living forces under his control.
Even though he controlled those nobles, the truly decisive and powerful figures were still outside his grasp.
To truly control the Steel Continent and have these powerful individuals at the eighth star level or above become his allies, he needs to win them over.
King Jai's plan was to feign compromise and wait for an opportunity to betray him.
As for genuine allegiance, that's absolutely impossible.
If even the general couldn't gain their loyalty, what makes that man so special?
"No."
Iehara Kensei directly rejected Saiō's idea.
His expression turned grave as he said, "It is precisely because there is no indication that he has targeted anyone else that it shows he has no intention of compromising with us. I ask you all, if you were in his shoes, would you have simply given up?"
That's definitely not the case.
The same thought flashed through the minds of everyone present.
Having the ability to directly control people's hearts, yet actively controlling oneself, keeping promises, and not using it lightly?
Are you kidding me? Do you think that person is some kind of saint?
"Does Your Excellency the Sword Saint mean that he is only pretending to be trying to win him over?" The Prince's face was quite gloomy.
Good grief, we were just pretending to be friendly, but it turns out the other side was faking it too.
After careful consideration, King Zhai realized that he had been out of his mind to believe the man's promise.
She immediately used the Yata no Kagami (a mirror) to reflect on herself and see if she had also been affected by that person.
"Most likely."
Recalling their previous meeting, Tsukahara Kensei said in a deep voice, "Moreover, his strength has improved too much. I suspect that he has cultivated a technique similar to collecting faith, and everyone he controls will become his helper."
Upon hearing this, everyone lost all hope.
If that person truly practiced a similar technique, then the more people he controlled, the better; he would never restrain himself.
At this point, any attempt to win them over is merely a temporary cover for their true intentions.
Moreover, since that person's strength has improved to this extent, even an eight-star martial artist might no longer be safe.
Prince Zhai took a deep breath and said, "We must expel him! Expel him at all costs, even if it means killing him, even if it means sacrificing my brother..."
As she spoke, she suddenly stood up and looked at everyone, "Gentlemen, I plan to issue a declaration to all citizens two days from now, when the Western Alliance troops leave and representatives from various countries arrive, to purge the corrupt officials from the court and eliminate the King of Fighters. I will expose everything about the King of Fighters, especially from the Eastern Xia side... I will use the Eastern Xia Federation to reveal his true colors."
Everyone's gazes shifted, and their hearts trembled.
Bai Ze's identity was already pretty much revealed, especially since there were rumors in Dongxia that Bai Ze had become a demon.
Previously, when Tsukahara Kensei went to see Hakutaku, he saw his true face with his own eyes.
If they go all in and flip the table, they could indeed put Bai Ze in a difficult situation.
"Even the Emperor Emeritus is going to be sacrificed? This is tantamount to rebellion," Chiba Shusuke murmured.
"Losing is rebellion."
Prince Sai became increasingly agitated, "Victory means restoring order. Gentlemen, Japan has weathered decades of harsh winter; it is time to welcome spring."
She cried out, trying to rekindle the last vestiges of loyalty to Japan in everyone's hearts.
Finally, the venerable and steadfast Tsukahara Sword Saint said, "Agreed."
And so, at this moment, the meeting that would decide the future of Ying Kingdom came to a close.
Witnessed by the five people present, and also by Bai Ze in the distance.
"Mirage".
Bai Ze propped his cheek on his hand, quietly watching the performance of the Prince of the West in the illusory image in front of him.
After Tsukahara Kensei entered the shrine and arrived at a place where only a few of them were present, Bai Ze stopped using the others' perspectives to spy on them.
With Tsukahara Kensei's spiritual senses, it was not difficult for him to detect the presence of other creatures.
He could detect even a single insect.
Therefore, Bai Ze stopped spying and started watching openly and honestly.
Using the principle of mirages, the scene inside the shrine is projected directly onto the screen, and even the air vibrations are simulated, perfectly reproducing various sounds.
There was no fluctuation of energy or any signals throughout the entire process; it was safe and pollution-free, and no one could detect anything amiss.
"I was originally thinking of giving her a push, but I didn't expect that Lady Zhai would be so decisive."
...
...
Bai Ze chuckled.
Even if one senses that they are about to enter a desperate situation, not everyone will be willing to burn their bridges.
Because this predicament is "about to come," not already here.
It's hard to give up hope until the very last moment.
"That's fine too, let's decide the outcome in one game."
Bai Ze spoke softly, his aura growing ever more imposing.
In his perception, "divine will" was spreading throughout Heian-kyo.
Unlike Vladimir, who set thresholds to select like-minded individuals, Bai Ze directly allowed his divine will to spread unconditionally.
Moreover, Vladimir's divine will is extremely pure. Even if the threshold is lifted, not everyone can condense it; one needs a heart dedicated to Ursus.
Bai Ze's "Heavenly Will" is known for its all-encompassing nature; anyone willing to refine it can share a trace of its essence.
Even if one hasn't reached the peak of the five-star level and doesn't yet possess the qualifications to condense divine will, as long as one has spiritual power, one can still gain some benefit.
Just like faith, even the weakest existence can cultivate a little faith as long as it is willing to dedicate itself.
Bai Ze's "divine will" is spread through faith.
As for how to spread faith without others noticing:
Of course, the best way is to directly control the situation by making words lawful.
Bai Ze had gone to the Mountain and Sea Realm and only returned a day ago. But in that one day, he had taken over most of the people in Heian-kyo.
Even now, "divine will" is still spreading to other cities.
With a thought, Bai Ze caused the illusory image in front of him to immediately change, revealing a miniature of the entire Steel Continent.
Above this miniature, an invisible wave is rapidly spreading, and in the blink of an eye, it has already occupied a quarter of the area.
I could never emulate Vladimir's selflessness, but fortunately, the people I'm targeting... no, the recipients of my blessings are the Japanese.
Bai Ze looked at the miniature and thought to himself.
Regardless of Bai Ze's intentions, at least the person who received "Heaven's Will" became stronger, didn't they?
There are also branches of the Great Freedom Demonic Cult, namely the Great Joy Demonic Cult.
Bai Ze stared at the miniature map of the Steel Continent, noting the locations of the 103 cults marked on it. "They're getting in the way. Let's clean them all up in two days."
As he thought this, his invisible thoughts were conveyed.
At this moment, people throughout Heian-kyo felt a mysterious call from the heavens.
There were attendants from the Imperial Palace, martial artists from dojos in Heian-kyo, and even Saiou's subordinates disguised as messengers at Fushimi Shrine.
His thoughts scattered throughout Heian-kyo, yet he also gathered the will of the people, bringing them together as one.
Above the miniature map of Heian-kyo, a huge shadow is emerging, covering the entire city.
"All-encompassing, encompassing all things."
Xuanhuang Qi condensed on Bai Ze's body. Yin and Yang and the Five Elements all returned to Xuanhuang, transforming into his body and condensing into spaces of various sizes.
Suddenly, a thunderous roar shattered the harmony within his body.
A small void appeared in Bai Ze's dantian, which is the central soul.
"Integrating the Buddha Kingdom in the palm of my hand, opening up a chaotic void within, my geomantic features are beginning to emerge."
Inside the tiny void, Yin and Yang and the Five Elements evolved, and a phantom star gradually took shape.
At the same time, Bai Ze's body floated up, and a force opposite to gravity emanated from him, allowing him to leave the ground without using any true energy.
Two roulette wheels also appeared behind Bai Ze at this moment, appearing side by side.
One is the Wheel of Reincarnation, which absorbs the power of faith.
The other is the Heavenly Wheel of Time, which represents Bai Ze's own divine will.
One controls people's hearts, the other interferes with the universe.
"It's about time."
Bai Ze hovered in mid-air, opened his eyes, and asked, "Luo Shu, how are the plans progressing?"
【Master, your vessel for arrival is ready in all ten sections of the Steel Continent, awaiting your divine will at any time.】
]
Surveillance of 103 cults is now in place.
[The previous investigation by the Japanese government has alarmed the Great Joy Demonic Cult, and its various branches are now planning to collude with other cults to create unrest in various locations.]
[Response measures have been arranged, but cover is needed.]
"Can."
Bai Ze nodded, looking down at the map of the Steel Continent below. "In the next two days, Yingguo will experience a massive rainstorm, which will provide cover for your arrangements."
As soon as he finished speaking, thick dark clouds gathered above the map of the Steel Continent, and the sky outside the main hall also darkened at the same time, with gusts of wind howling.
"Boom—"
'
A clap of thunder ripped through the dark sky, followed by the sound of drizzling rain, which quickly turned into a downpour.
The two days following Yingguo should have been sunny, but since Bai Ze needed a heavy rain, then the heavy rain came.
This rain will continue for two days, covering up the arrangements of the Luoshu and washing away the bloodshed that will occur two days later.
During this process, Bai Ze's mental energy was not greatly depleted.
Unconsciously, he drew upon the spiritual power of those who accepted "divine will," just as Catherine used the hand of God to invoke the power of faith.
Although external spiritual power is ultimately inferior to my own, it is still a crucial step forward.
It guided the wind and rain, making the downpour heavier and heavier, until it had completely covered the entire steel continent.
In a sense, Bai Ze had already taken control of the entire Ying Kingdom.
The only obstacle is actually the people like Jia Yuan Sword Saint and the Great Joy Demonic Cult.
They will be the last backbone of Japan.
Two days later, I will completely break the backbone of Japan.
Bai Ze looked at the wind and rain outside, and a storm was brewing in his eyes as well.
This storm will sweep across Japan, shaping a brand new future.
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