Little Garden 261-265 (Patreon)

Title: Divine Sword of Salvation? Why Does It Feel Like a Demon Sword?

The sword’s light flashed, and the ground was torn into millions of distinct wounds.

The sturdy concrete floor seemed as if it had been sliced by countless invisible steel wires, turning into white dust.

At that moment, a great fear of life and death welled up in Luo Hao’s eyes.

No way to dodge! Even Qinggong, which could take her anywhere in the world, couldn’t evade it.

Her Thousand-Mile Eyes, honed over years, saw no glimmer of hope for survival.

Even her own body seemed to give up resisting. The scene of her first time slaying a god with martial prowess replayed before her eyes.

Is this what it feels like to approach death?

“Cough, cough!”

Dust scattered, and Lu Yinghua covered his nose, staring at Luo Hao.

“Master?”

A sudden unease surged within him. Lu Yinghua’s eyes widened, and he looked at Luo Hao in shock mixed with disbelief.

A gentle breeze blew, and Luo Hao’s body turned into white sand, carried away by the wind and vanishing.

“Master!!”

Lu Yinghua screamed hysterically, tears streaming uncontrollably.

Yet, despite his loud cries, the corners of his mouth couldn’t help but curl upward.

He hadn’t expected the most impossible scene to unfold before his eyes.

(But this is such a tragic thing, why do I want to laugh so badly?)

Meanwhile, the elders of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains all showed expressions as if poisoned by arsenic. The leader they revered had perished.

What meaning was left in their lives?

Feeling over a hundred eagle-like gazes converging on her, Lilliana immediately showed an expression like she wanted to cry.

(No, why are you all staring at me?)

(I didn’t do it!)

Lilliana could only try to shrink back and hide behind Aslan.

Aslan casually swept his gaze over the reactions around him. His eyes paused briefly on Lu Yinghua, and he raised an eyebrow, speaking in a teasing tone.

“Wow, your followers are quite loyal, huh? If you don’t come out now, I’m afraid they’ll attack.”

Lu Yinghua’s expression froze instantly. He showed a look as if poisoned by arsenic, like he had just seen his mother die.

Meanwhile, the elders of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains around him immediately showed expressions of shock mixed with joy.

Ripples spread in a circle. Luo Hao, dressed in pristine white Hanfu, walked out, glanced at them, and said, “Good.”

Then Luo Hao focused her gaze on Aslan and said with a slightly displeased expression, “Why hold back?”

Luo Hao didn’t believe her superficial death-substitution art could escape a slash that came from countless dimensions.

Her death-substitution art could, at best, create a clone and hide her real body in a separate space temporarily.

At that moment, Luo Hao clearly saw how many separate spatial dimensions her opponent’s sword had stacked.

Her petty death-substitution art was like a grain of rice’s light before the sun in comparison.

At that moment, Aslan showed a hint of approval upon seeing Luo Hao.

“After all, letting a beautiful woman with extraordinary talent and heavenly beauty die before my eyes would be a bit of a waste.”

“Don’t flatter.”

Luo Hao raised her brow, but her face didn’t show much anger. Instead, she raised her hand solemnly and touched the sword scars left by Aslan.

Even the lingering sword scars, when touched by Luo Hao, still cut her skin with their sharp aura.

Even though she had used her Divine Authority, she was still injured.

“What kind of swordsmanship is this? It can even cut through space.”

“What else could it be? Of course, it’s swordsmanship that can cut space.”

Aslan said without the slightest hesitation.

“How could such swordsmanship exist in this world?”

Luo Hao’s eyes widened slightly, speaking in shock.

But then, Luo Hao recalled Athena’s words to Lilliana when she was hiding in the separate space with her death-substitution art.

“No, you’re not using swordsmanship at all!”

Luo Hao’s eyes widened, glaring at Aslan with the resentment of a woman deceived by a scoundrel.

She had been racking her brain for swordsmanship powerful enough to cut space.

“Why isn’t this swordsmanship?”

Aslan returned the glare, asking back with slight displeasure.

At that moment, Luo Hao withdrew her hand, recalling the various strange phenomena during her clash with Aslan, and said calmly, “What you call swordsmanship that cuts space is just your innate ability.”

“I, who have mastered hundreds of swordsmanship styles to their limits, am certain that while your swordsmanship is refined, it can only be called decent.”

Though her words sounded extremely narcissistic, Luo Hao’s expression didn’t change in the slightest.

It was as if she was proclaiming the truth of the world.

Giving Aslan the feeling of “no one in this world understands swordsmanship better than me.”

“What’s the definition of swordsmanship? It’s the skill of using a sword, right?” Aslan said flatly. “Then, if I use a sword to perform a space-cutting slash, why isn’t that swordsmanship?”

Just like the famous Ashina Swordsmanship, why couldn’t it be called swordsmanship?

Is swordsmanship something so rigid?

“Just say it, was this slashed with a sword or not?”

“You… you’re twisting the facts!”

Luo Hao’s chest heaved heavily, clearly furious with Aslan.

But she couldn’t defeat Aslan herself, which made her even angrier.

“Besides, just say it, can you break it?”

If she couldn’t even break it, she still wanted to exclude his swordsmanship from the definition of swordsmanship?

“I can’t!”

Luo Hao raised her head and chest, saying firmly.

“If you dare, don’t use your abilities and face me in the purest swordsmanship duel!”

Luo Hao wasn’t convinced! This was entirely an unfair defeat!

Aslan was cheating with his abilities—what could she do?

Hearing this, he looked at Luo Hao with a strange expression.

“Are you sure? No abilities, just pure physical swordsmanship?”

(If so, I’ll show you what the Star Spirit Fist is and the true value of shattering a planet with physical strength.)

“Not sure.”

Luo Hao finally backed down. Her instincts told her the other party had bad intentions. If she agreed, she might fall into Aslan’s trap.

“See, I knew it.”

Aslan spread his hands, slightly at a loss for words. He truly didn’t understand Luo Hao’s thinking.

At that moment, Luo Hao looked at his helpless expression, opened her mouth, but only sighed.

“This time, I’ve lost. Next, I’ll take my own life and won’t stop you from purging the God Slayer.”

After that, Luo Hao shouted loudly.

“All followers of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, listen! From now on, all affairs of the Holy Cult are taken over by this King Arthur. You must respect him as you respect me!”

Hearing this, the elders behind her could no longer sit still. They couldn’t help but raise their heads and shout with tears.

“Ruler of the Martial Realm, no! If you go, what about our ancestral legacy?”

“If you leave, what about our ancestral legacy?”

Hearing this, Luo Hao snorted coldly.

“Ancestors? I am the greatest ancestor! I created this teaching! Do you have any objections?”

“This matter is settled. Follow my orders!”

All the followers fell silent. Many moved their lips slightly, looking at Lu Yinghua with hesitant gazes, clearly urging him to step forward.

But Lu Yinghua wasn’t that foolish. Clearly, Master had made her decision, and this was already the best outcome for the Holy Cult and himself.

He just needed to pretend to be deaf.

After suppressing the followers’ objections, Luo Hao turned and looked at Aslan.

“I hope after I’m gone, you can stop those so-called righteous factions from attacking the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains.”

Luo Hao knew well that, though the Holy Cult didn’t do anything outrageous under her suppression, it was the supposedly honorable sects that hid their evils, and she had cleaned up quite a few of them.

But without her suppression, the Holy Cult would hardly have a good ending.

After all, they were her disciples and grand-disciples, and Luo Hao still had some attachment.

“Eh, wait. What do you mean ‘not stopping me from purging God Slayer’?”

Seeing Luo Hao’s abstract self-talk, Aslan finally couldn’t help but complain.

“Do you really think I’m King of the End? I haven’t even drawn the Divine Sword of Salvation or taken Rama’s position.”

“If King of the End appears, it would cause unimaginable destruction to the world’s environment. It would endlessly drain Earth’s spiritual energy. You guys don’t know…”

Saying this, Aslan paused. He slapped his forehead.

Alright, he had been presumptuous.

“Fine, you really don’t know. The last time King of the End appeared was fifteen hundred years ago.”

Otherwise, why would Guinevere go to such lengths to create the Holy Grail? Wasn’t it to replenish spiritual energy when King of the End awoke?

It was said that the Divine Ancestor’s origin was also tied to King of the End. The Divine Ancestor was the Earth Mother Goddess whose divinity was stolen by the Divine Sword of Salvation.

And Guinevere’s condition, her obsession with King of the End, seemed to be a result of the distortion caused by the Divine Sword of Salvation.

Is this the Divine Sword of Salvation? Why did Aslan feel it was more like a Demon Sword…

Draining Earth’s spiritual energy, stealing the divinity of the Earth Mother Goddess, distorting her into a Divine Ancestor with boundless affection for the King.

No wonder Rama didn’t want to wake up.

This Divine Sword of Salvation was indeed abstract.

“I only came to discuss with you how to handle that monkey kept by the Japanese.”

Saying this, Aslan looked at Luo Hao with slight strangeness.

“Was my letter not clear? Or was my sincerity lacking?”

Luo Hao suddenly fell silent.

The atmosphere became extremely awkward. Even Luo Hao now didn’t know how to face this.

How could she know that King Arthur, let alone King of the End, was genuinely seeking out a Godslayer like her to discuss killing a Heretic God?

Luo Hao stayed silent for a long time, only staring straight at Aslan.

In her eyes, there might have been a hint of pleading for help.

At that moment, Aslan cleared his throat and suddenly put on a serious face.

“Just kidding.”

“I, King of the End, have naturally come to purge the Devil Kings roaming the earth and the Heretic Gods destroying it. But right now, manpower is short, so I specifically cut your hair instead of executing you, asking Luo Hao to assist in my law enforcement.”

Saying this, Aslan reached out and took a strand of Luo Hao’s hair.

“From now on, Luo Hao, you are mine!”

Seeing Aslan say such words, Luo Hao let out an imperceptible sigh of relief.

Thank goodness, her face was saved.

This was the first time in over two hundred years that Luo Hao had faced something so embarrassing.

As for whether she belonged to Aslan, that was a minor issue. After all, Aslan was the victor and had privileges over the defeated.

Even in the martial world, there was a saying about duels to win a partner.

The only slight pity was that Aslan was from the Western Regions, not Chinese.

Thinking of this, Luo Hao looked at Lu Yinghua with an expressionless face, her gaze implying I’ll deal with you later.

Lu Yinghua instinctively knelt, his forehead slamming hard into the shattered concrete floor, even drawing blood.

At that moment, he was even prepared to be killed by his Master.

But the one thing to be grateful for was that he hadn’t exaggerated anything. He only reported the information honestly and shared his guesses simply.

Even the specific execution was done with Luo Hao’s tacit approval, reported regularly, without daring to make the slightest mistake.

Leaving decisions to Master and taking responsibility for mistakes at the right time.

That way, at worst, he’d only be beaten, not killed.

This was the survival wisdom and situational awareness he had gained over a dozen years under Luo Hao’s dominance.

Of course, this was also thanks to the heroic sacrifice of his “Grandmaster” (Aslan, in Lu Yinghua’s comical interpretation). Without the ladder provided by Grandmaster, he might have been stuck in a state of neither living nor dying willingly.

Lu Yinghua raised his head and looked at Aslan’s back with a gaze full of gratitude.

There was even a hint of reverence in his eyes, like looking at a hero.

King Arthur, truly a formidable man. To think he could be interested in his Master, a woman with nothing but muscles in her brain.

In contrast, Lu Yinghua himself trembled at the thought of interacting with beautiful women. Even the maids at home… Well, there were no maids, not a single woman.

His phobia of women was severe.

And so, he admired Aslan even more. To think he could interact with so many beautiful women at once.

At that moment, Luo Hao turned around with an expressionless face, preparing to leave.

All the followers hurriedly bowed their heads and shouted, “Ruler of the Martial Realm, how can the legacy of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains be taken by a barbarian!”

“Silence! I’ve decided!”

Luo Hao’s face darkened. She directly used Taoist Magic to silence these followers. She was starting to suspect if her educational policies were wrong.

Why was their emotional intelligence so low?

In the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, status wasn’t determined by anything else but pure strength. After all, that was her teaching. The capable rise, the mediocre fall—simple as that.

“From today, you no longer need to call me The Ruler of the Martial Realm!”

Luo Hao waved her hand and left directly. But before going, she gave Aslan a meaningful glance.

As a gesture of gratitude and an invitation for Aslan to visit her residence, to show hospitality as a host.

And to discuss how to handle the Monkey God issue.

She had been to Japan and seen that seal. To break it, the divinity of an Earth Mother Goddess had to be sacrificed.

That was the most troublesome part. She couldn’t possibly capture an Earth Mother Goddess and make her willingly sacrifice her life.

-

Title: So, It Turns Out Lian’er Is Too Soft-Hearted

Following Luo Hao, who used Qinggong, they traversed dozens of kilometers and arrived at a small temple deep within Mount Lu.

The so-called small temple specifically referred to a convent inhabited by female practitioners, a spiritual training ground not open to the public.

The small temple where Luo Hao resided wasn’t large, about a hundred square meters, styled with old-fashioned brick and tile architecture. Though it was kept impeccably clean.

However, it was clearly an aged house.

It was hard to believe that a Godslayer who ruled mainland China, founded a sect, and controlled politics from afar would live in such a modest place.

It was even harder to imagine Luo Hao, with her personality, not residing in a palace adorned with gold and jade, but dutifully staying in this small house, not leaving for decades.

At that moment, the strikingly beautiful woman in front suddenly turned around and said with a slightly apologetic tone, “The house is a bit simple, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

After speaking, Luo Hao walked to the courtyard, fetching water from a mountain spring channeled through bamboo pipes, while asking, “What tea would you like?”

“Just regular tea.”

Aslan observed the courtyard. He noticed that, aside from a stone table and bench clearly used for relaxation, there were only a few common tools. He asked curiously, “Luo Hao, are you training patience here?”

At that moment, Luo Hao, who was brewing tea directly with the power of her palm, frowned.

“Patience? I don’t need such complicated things.”

She then added an explanation.

“Living here is just a habit.”

Turning her back to Aslan, she said lightly, “The outside society has no place for an old relic like me.”

“I see.”

Aslan didn’t understand her thoughts. How could he, a young man, comprehend Luo Hao’s sorrow of feeling that her old acquaintances had passed, and that despite the vastness of the world, there was no place for her?

After all, the Little Garden was vast, and the various worlds were even vaster, large enough for her to create as much as she wanted.

At that moment, after skillfully and elegantly brewing a cup of hot tea, Luo Hao raised her teacup.

“I don’t like drinking alcohol, so I’ll substitute it with tea.”

“This time, it was my fault for overthinking and making a mistake. I admit my error.”

However, her eyes couldn’t hide a trace of irritation. Even after seeing Aslan’s record of defeating four God Slayer in Europe, her first reaction was that Aslan was coming to pick a fight, especially since he was considered King of the End.

Luo Hao paused here and continued in a calm tone, “If you want to take my life, go ahead.”

Hearing this, the corner of Aslan’s mouth twitched. Where did this ancient person come from?

“How about marrying me instead?”

Aslan blurted out, instinctively retorting.

Luo Hao’s expression didn’t change, only slightly furrowing her brow.

“Then send the dowry and marry me properly.”

“Cough, cough…”

Aslan, who was drinking tea, nearly choked.

“What? Don’t tell me you’re not interested in me, Luo Hao?”

Seeing Aslan’s slight hesitation, Luo Hao frowned and looked at him with a hint of disdain.

Aslan’s demeanor reminded her of the rotten Confucian scholars from the Qing Dynasty who deceived women with sweet words.

“That’s not it.”

Aslan pondered for a moment and said. Willing or not?

This was a very serious question.

He might say he wasn’t willing verbally, but in the end, his body would be honest.

However, Aslan also knew that someone like Luo Hao, who valued rules, would be incredibly troublesome to marry. He didn’t want to marry an ancestor.

Plus, Karyou hadn’t been officially married yet. It would be hard to explain when he returned.

At this point, in a sense, Karyou was the legitimate wife, and Leticia had willingly become a maid.

Thinking of this, Aslan gave a subtle glance to Athena beside him.

Athena, catching the signal, was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood and said to Luo Hao, “What about the dowry customs, then?”

“After all, English customs differ from Chinese ones.”

“But is he really King Arthur?”

Luo Hao snorted coldly but spoke frankly.

Aslan’s Chinese was more fluent than hers. He even knew about cutting hair as a substitute for execution. Was that something a Western barbarian would know?

And there were many ways to confirm someone’s origin, like habits, tone of speech, movements, and so on, which could verify Aslan’s identity.

Especially his contempt for that monkey—it was an arrogance ingrained in his bones.

If she weren’t certain that Aslan’s lineage was actually Han, how could she, Luo Hao, agree to marriage?

Aslan coughed awkwardly. He hadn’t expected his perfect disguise to be seen through by Luo Hao.

In truth, there was no disguise. Aslan, under the Heroic Spirit Arthur or in his normal state, only differed in hair and eye color; everything else remained the same.

It was just that, whether in the Little Garden or other worlds, the people he dealt with generally weren’t Chinese.

So no one noticed anything unusual.

But in Luo Hao’s eyes, it stood out somewhat.

At that moment, Luo Hao snorted coldly and looked at him with displeasure.

“What’s wrong? Even now, you won’t reveal your real name?”

“Aslan.”

Aslan nodded slightly, stating his real name.

Being found out so easily was a bit embarrassing.

At that moment, Luo Hao frowned. She seemed to understand the other’s concerns and sighed.

“Fine. What you’re worried about is just worldly matters. Why should we, children of the martial world, bother with such rules?”

“In the end, what I, Luo Hao, seek is only the pinnacle of martial arts. Household intrigues and palace struggles aren’t what I desire.”

But other than this, what else could she do? Who told her to lose? She already belonged to him.

Though it was just an excuse Aslan gave, she had no intention of denying it.

Based on the strength Aslan had shown, he was worthy of her.

Hearing this, Aslan’s expression changed, and he said with a broad smile, “Since Cuilian says so, it’d be rude for me to refuse.”

Luo Hao snorted coldly and looked at him with slight annoyance.

“You’re good at seizing opportunities!”

Aslan shrugged and said with a hint of narcissism, “What can I do? Great charm works like that.”

Hearing this, Luo Hao raised her brow, as if realizing something.

“I see. So you’re already married. I was too presumptuous.”

But the words Luo Hao had spoken wouldn’t be taken back. A man, if taken, is taken.

If she was truly unhappy, they could have a real duel.

Aslan laughed heartily.

“Just to be fair.”

After speaking, he raised his teacup, saluted Luo Hao, and then said, “What’s Cuilian’s opinion on the Monkey God at the Japanese’s place?”

Luo Hao frowned and said directly, “What opinion? Of course, find a way to send it to hell. If possible, annihilating its soul and body would be even better.”

With a flat expression, Luo Hao uttered terrifying words, and Aslan nodded slightly in agreement.

The Monkey God was the name given after being sealed by the Japanese. As for its real name, both Luo Hao and Aslan had the same thought.

That beast didn’t deserve to bear it.

As Sun Wukong, the Great Sage Equaling Heaven, a childhood hero for both Aslan and Luo Hao, was now sealed by the Japanese and turned into a toy for others to play with.

No Chinese person could tolerate such an insult and would naturally want to eradicate it.

Luo Hao had gone to Japan and tried to eliminate Sun Wukong, but in the end, she only wiped out a group of Japanese and tested ways to break the seal.

It required the sacrifice of an Earth Mother Goddess. This wasn’t something Luo Hao could do.

She could kill gods but couldn’t capture one alive.

“Unfortunately, one condition is missing. I’ve never been able to find an Earth Mother Goddess willing to sacrifice her life.”

Luo Hao sighed, speaking with a slight grind of her teeth.

Aslan set down his teacup, rubbed his head, and said teasingly, “You’re too soft-hearted. If you were a bit crueler, it would’ve been done long ago.”

Hearing this, Lilliana beside him froze. She blinked in confusion, looking at Aslan and then at Luo Hao.

Luo Hao? The leader of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains? Was she related to the term “soft-hearted”?

The two most brutal God Slayer in the world were Marquis Voban and Luo Hao.

Marquis Voban had nearly massacred all the nobles in Europe at the time, establishing his Godslayer reputation.

As for Luo Hao? She single-handedly suppressed all of China. Even now, most people considered the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains a demonic sect. How could she be soft-hearted?

Otherwise, guess how the Qing Dynasty was overthrown? Why did Japan relocate its capital? What did the two nuclear explosions cover up?

“Oh? What do you mean?”

Luo Hao showed a curious expression. She set down her teacup and tilted her ear to listen to Aslan’s explanation.

“I think the secret magic of the Western Heaven Palace must be performed by Japan’s Hime-Miko, right? They must have a way to undo it. It’s just that the losses you’ve inflicted haven’t been enough for them to willingly cancel it.”

Aslan sipped his tea and said flatly.

Why did Japan seal the Monkey God? Wasn’t it to have a god-level combat force for critical moments? It couldn’t be to raise a grandmaster, could it?

There must be Susanoo’s plan behind this.

It’s just that the plan was deeply hidden, even requiring the Monkey God to cover it up.

“So, you mean?”

The corner of Luo Hao’s mouth curved into a faint smile. She seemed to start understanding his point.

For some reason, Aslan suited her taste perfectly.

“Of course, kill. Kill from top to bottom. Start with the high officials and nobles. First, carry out a one-in-eleven purge.”

Aslan said coldly.

“As long as it’s not undone, keep purging until Japan has nothing left. If the island sinks, the seal will naturally break.”

“My husband is right. So, it turns out Lian’er was a bit too soft-hearted.”

Luo Hao looked at him with an enlightened expression, her eyes glinting with a hard-to-describe admiration.

“And, Lian’er, don’t you think our domain is a bit small?”

“My husband is right.”

Lilliana looked at this pair of Hell Kings, who somehow seemed very much like a married couple, and the corner of her mouth couldn’t help but twitch.

A one-in-eleven purge? Starting with high officials and nobles? This was truly reckless of consequences.

She took back her earlier words. What was Marquis Voban, the most brutal Godslayer?

In her opinion, he wasn’t even worthy of carrying Aslan’s sandals. What was true brutality? This was true brutality!

Even Marquis Voban hadn’t thought of purging nobles from top to bottom. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many noble knights left in Europe.

For some reason, Lilliana felt a bit grateful that Europe had been well-tamed by Marquis Voban and knew its place.

-

Title: Have You Learned? This Is How a True Devil King Acts!

Japan, Tokyo Branch of the History Compilation Committee.

The place that held a lively celebration yesterday, with joyful smiles on everyone’s faces.

Now, amidst the chaotic scene, every face bore an expression as if their mother had died, like people poisoned by arsenic.

The cause had to be traced back to yesterday morning.

It began after receiving news that King of the End, King Arthur, was heading to China to purge a God Slayer.

The nation across the sea, powerful for two hundred years, showed signs of internal chaos. As neighbors, how could they not be delighted?

In a world with God Slayers, historical development was vastly different from a normal world.

Two hundred years ago, the Qing Dynasty was overthrown due to Luo Hao’s rise. Since then, Luo Hao lived in seclusion, not interfering in worldly affairs. As for the new dynasty… with the Great Emperor above them, they didn’t dare act out.

Their development couldn’t be called smooth, but it was safe and conservative. However, for the small border nations, it was a bloody and tearful history.

What could be done when the empire’s borders were constantly visited by barbarians?

Especially that island nation—it was a tragic tale full of tears.

If not for the covert support of O-Rōjō (Susanoo), combined with Luo Hao generally staying out of matters unless a Heretic God appeared, they barely survived in the cracks.

But this peace, until decades ago, was shattered when The Ruler of the Martial Realm learned of the Monkey God, sparking her great fury.

This led to the tragedy of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains’ invasion of Japan, nearly causing the nation’s collapse. Even the great nation to the west, after The Ruler of the Martial Realm left, took the opportunity to join the fun, dropping two massive firecrackers.

So many tragic stories.

Now, they finally awaited King of the End to purge the God Slayer, and the Old King would soon fall. How could the History Compilation Committee members not be ecstatic?

Their chance had come! The Old King was gone, and they still had O-Rōjō, Susanoo hiding in the Netherworld.

Wasn’t this their chance to overthrow their superiors?

That was what led to last night’s drinking party.

But before their hangovers could fade, everyone was jolted awake by new news.

What did it mean that King Arthur had subdued the Martial King with charm and planned to come to Japan to kill a Heretic God as a celebration?

And they also hoped Japan would know its place, voluntarily hand over the Heretic God, and not protect them.

What other Heretic Gods did Japan have? Besides the one at Saitenguu, there was only O-Rōjō in the Netherworld.

If either of them was compromised, it would be an unbearable burden for Japan.

At the very least, it would lead to the destruction of several cities and millions of casualties.

Who could still think of sleeping, damn it?

“Outrageous! How dare they make such an excessive demand!”

“Isn’t King of the End supposed to purge God Slayers? Why is he also dealing with Heretic Gods!”

“Great, then go talk to that King yourself.”

“Stop arguing! Better think of ways to undo the seal—that’s easier.”

“What did O-Rōjō say? Does he have a solution?”

“O-Rōjō said he won’t show up, and he also said King of the End isn’t King Arthur at all.”

“Two God Slayers? Isn’t that even worse?!”

“Ugh, what do we do now?”

“In this situation, we can only report the truth. What other choice do we have? We can’t break the seal either.”

“Sigh, if only we had a God Slayer too.”

Preferably a naive young one, easy to deceive.

In the end, after heated discussions, progress on how to undo the Keeper of the Horses’ seal remained zero.

After all, the method to undo the Keeper of the Horses’ seal was clear. First, the Divinity of the Dragon-Snake must manifest. Second, the Zanryuuto Sword that weakens magic. Third, a Hime-Miko with Disaster Purification abilities wielding the Zanryuuto Sword.

The last two conditions weren’t too bad, but the first was impossible. Manifesting the Dragon-Snake Divinity required a Heretic God with Dragon-Snake attributes.

Even if such a god appeared, the History Compilation Committee had no way to capture it.

So now they could only do as they did last time. But this time, they had learned. Most of their forces had been moved overseas.

After the two Kings were done causing havoc, they would return to clean up the mess or abandon Japan entirely.

They understood the principle of preserving people over land or losing both.

As for the common people at the bottom? Were they considered human? Weren’t they just numbers?

The majority of the History Compilation Committee’s senior personnel came from the Four Great Families. Each family controlled power in different domains.

And the one responsible for managing the Keeper of the Horses was the Kuhoutsuka Family.

This made it very convenient for the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains to purge and catalog Japan’s senior personnel and high-ranking nobles.

Anyone related to the Four Great Families was a target. In other words, drawing a circle with the nine clans of the Four Great Families as the radius, everyone inside was a target.

Of course, Aslan didn’t inform them beforehand of the consequences of not meeting his demands.

Because if he told them in advance, how could he catalog them? He wasn’t Jewish; he prioritized precise strikes.

During the two days of preparation, the Four Great Families kept blaming each other, showing no intention of preparing.

Until one day later, Aslan and Luo Hao, along with Athena and Lilliana, boarded a plane and landed at Narita Airport.

At the airport’s private lane, to prevent anyone from angering Aslan and Luo Hao, the History Compilation Committee cleared the entire area, leaving no one behind.

Only Amakasu Touma and the people he brought were left to greet them directly.

What could Touma do? He didn’t want to come, facing two God Slayers directly, but who told him to be so unlucky?

“Amakasu-san, I’m a bit nervous.”

“Don’t be nervous… Not that saying that helps. After all, this is the simultaneous appearance of two Kings, unprecedented. Don’t talk about you—I’m nervous too.”

Touma gave a bitter laugh, his teeth faintly chattering.

The truly wise and well-connected had already prepared to go abroad. Some even planned to leave yesterday.

Japan this time would at least face a nation-destroying war like last time. Japan would be the one destroyed.

Touma could only hope that the top-tier Hime-Miko beside him could serve a purpose.

Mariya Yuri, one of the few high-tier Hime-Miko controllable by the History Compilation Committee. Also one of the few senior Hime-Miko with Spirit Vision to see the origins of God Slayers and Heretic Gods.

She was a rare commodity. Hime-Miko like her were valuable talents in both the magical world and the eyes of God Slayers.

Those who could see the trump cards of Heretic Gods and God Slayers were rare talents anywhere.

Even in a crisis like this, he had to go to great lengths to convince the History Compilation Committee to let him bring Yuri.

Touma could only hope a Hime-Miko like Yuri could buy time.

But was it really to meet the conditions for undoing the seal, or just to stall?

Touma sighed, thinking.

“Mariya-san, the two Kings have arrived.”

In the tense moment, at the distant airport exit, figures appeared. A golden figure hand-in-hand with a beautiful woman in Hanfu, followed by two silver-haired girls, one tall, one short.

They were Aslan, Luo Hao, Athena, and Lilliana.

As for the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains and Lu Yinghua? Aslan knew Lu Yinghua disliked interacting with women, so he had already sent him to infiltrate and gather information.

With Lu Yinghua were a hundred and eight elders of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, each with the strength of a Great Knight.

“Mariya-san, it’s up to your performance now. The lives of millions in Tokyo depend on you.”

Touma whispered beside Yuri, then walked toward Aslan.

“Honorable King, welcome to your arrival—”

“I’ll ask one question. Have you prepared what we requested?”

Aslan cut him off directly, asking straight to the point.

“Well, Your Majesty, we—”

“Have you prepared what we requested?”

Aslan interrupted Touma again, asking while maintaining a bright smile.

This immediately caused a drop of cold sweat to appear on Touma’s forehead.

The brighter the other’s smile, the more nervous Touma became. He didn’t even dare speak, as the other had already asked twice. He feared if he let them ask a third time, they would act immediately.

“Not yet, Your Majesty.”

Touma lowered his head, not daring to breathe, his forehead drenched in cold sweat.

“I see. After all, we’re not demons.”

Aslan showed a bright smile.

“Lu Yinghua.”

“Your disciple is here.”

At some point, the young man who suddenly appeared beside Touma knelt on the ground and saluted Aslan.

“Since they ignored my request, they must be taught a lesson.”

“After all, I’m not a demon either. For the first time, the punishment is lightened. Nine out of ten will survive.”

What did nine out of ten surviving mean? Instantly, Touma thought of a desperate situation.

Could it mean that out of ten people, nine would be spared?

Cold sweat soaked his clothes.

“Oh, almost forgot. Who are you?”

Aslan smiled, patting Touma’s shoulder and asking curiously.

“My name—”

Before he could finish, Touma saw the smile on Aslan’s face and the hand on his shoulder, as if warning him, and hurriedly changed his words.

“I am an external receptionist of the Official History Compilation Committee, primarily responsible for external reception work.”

“Thank you for your answer.”

Aslan released his hand, leaving Touma bewildered.

“Oh, one more question. Is your position in the Official History Compilation Committee among the top tenth?”

“It should be, right?”

Touma scratched his head, somewhat confused. The History Compilation Committee was a large organization. He happened to be at the level dealing directly with the Four Great Families at the top.

“Looks like it’s just right.”

Whether intentional or not, Aslan reminded Lu Yinghua.

After that, he led Luo Hao and the others away, leaving only Touma and Yuri, stunned with confusion on their faces.

Lu Yinghua patted Touma’s shoulder and said with a smile, “Congratulations, you’re very lucky.”

“Two Kings were greeted by just one external receptionist. So, you must be the highest-ranking personnel in the Official History Compilation Committee, right?”

Understood! It all made sense!

At that moment, Touma truly understood. What was nine out of ten surviving? Wasn’t that a one-in-eleven purge!

Touma was numb. Completely numb. He didn’t dare say or ask anything.

He never expected that this mistaken order would make the upper echelons pay such a price.

“Relax, we definitely won’t kill the wrong people. We investigated thoroughly beforehand.”

Seeing Touma standing frozen like a fool, Lu Yinghua thought he was worried about someone slipping through.

How could that happen? Did he think the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains was just freeloading?

Not to mention in Japan, even the high-ranking Japanese nobles abroad were under their control. Guaranteed no one would escape or be missed.

Don’t underestimate the quality of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains. And don’t underestimate their ties to the nine clans!

Precise as a scalpel, that’s the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains. Indiscriminate killing is what a demonic sect does.

(Isn’t that even scarier?!) Touma complained inwardly.

But amidst his fear, Touma unexpectedly felt grateful. Grateful that he was assigned to greet the Kings.

Otherwise, he might have been purged too.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Inside Saitenguu, members of the Kuhoutsuka Family gathered. They were discussing how to handle the situation, how Touma’s reception of the God Slayers went, and whether he could buy time.

History Compilation Committee personnel were also present, like the Tokyo Branch Chief, Sayanomiya Kaoru. She was Touma’s direct superior.

She brought Committee members and oversaw from the side.

The major event of two God Slayers arriving, especially in Tokyo, couldn’t be avoided.

Though not long ago, she had just woken up from the hangover of a recently ended party.

Why didn’t she go herself? Of course, she was scared. She was a high-tier Hime-Miko. What if she was captured to summon a Heretic God?

Now, like the Kuhoutsuka Family members, she was extremely anxious, speaking softly with her subordinates.

“Any news from Touma?”

“No. The last report we got was that King Arthur and the Martial King had disembarked. They should be on their way now.”

“How long until they arrive?”

“Based on the convoy’s status, about twenty minutes.”

“That soon?”

“It seems Touma didn’t manage to stall much. Well, that amount of time wouldn’t be enough to undo the seal anyway.”

Kaoru held her throbbing forehead. She glanced at the Kuhoutsuka Family members nearby. That group was still discussing the pipe dream of whether King Arthur could be swayed by a beautiful woman.

“Keep monitoring the situation outside. As soon as the convoy arrives, we must greet them immediately.”

“Understood.”

All Committee members obeyed.

After twenty minutes of anxious waiting, the convoy arrived on time and stopped outside Saitenguu’s gate.

Kaoru led her subordinates and immediately stepped forward to greet. The Kuhoutsuka Family members did the same.

The convoy stopped. In the first car were Lu Yinghua and Touma. Lu Yinghua, smiling and arm around Touma’s shoulder, walked toward Kaoru.

This scene shocked Kaoru, who was waiting nearby.

“What’s going on? Are Lu Yinghua and Touma that close?”

Kaoru’s head was full of question marks, but she didn’t dare step forward to ask.

“And that regretful look in his eyes—what’s that about?”

For some reason, Kaoru saw a hint of pity in Touma’s eyes.

“Excuse me, are you from the History Compilation Committee?”

Lu Yinghua asked with a smile. He was in high spirits now.

He, who deeply hated beautiful women, could finally act personally?

Though it was said that undoing the seal required a Hime-Miko with Disaster Purification abilities, Kaoru didn’t have that ability.

The Hime-Miko with Disaster Purification was Mariya Hikari, Mariya Yuri’s younger sister.

And someone useless, who happened to be within the purge radius… Acting against a beautiful woman was just too delightful.

“Yes.”

Kaoru answered in confusion, looking at Touma with a questioning gaze, hoping for an explanation.

But for some reason, Touma kept his head down, not daring to look at her.

(I’m sorry, Branch Chief. For my sake, please sacrifice yourself.)

“What’s your position in the History Compilation Committee?”

“I’m the Tokyo Branch Chief.”

“What’s the relationship between the person behind me and you?”

“He’s my subordinate.”

(I’m sorry, Branch Chief.)

Touma closed his eyes. The scene was too brutal for him to watch.

*BAM!*

Lu Yinghua instantly appeared in front of her and struck her chest with a palm.

Kaoru hadn’t expected Lu Yinghua to attack directly. She was thrown back, spitting blood in midair, then crashed to the ground several meters away.

Of course, Lu Yinghua didn’t kill her. After all, she was a rare talent Hime-Miko. Killing her would be wasteful. She had to be spared to summon more Heretic Gods.

After that, Lu Yinghua turned and looked at the Kuhoutsuka Family members nearby.

“I heard you haven’t prepared to undo the seal?”

The leader of the Kuhoutsuka Family was the Crown Prince, Kuhoutsuka Mikihiko. As Saitenguu’s manager, he had to step forward.

He immediately knelt in a Dogeza position before the car where Aslan sat, its window rolled down.

“Your Majesty, please forgive us, we truly—”

Then Aslan silently rolled up the window and closed the curtain.

*SREK!*

A gleaming blade pierced his chest.

And he wasn’t alone. Other “lucky” spectators around were also selected for the purge.

Of course, these were all pre-selected—high-ranking but useless individuals.

Don’t underestimate the quality of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains. They were professionals.

“First warning. Next time, it won’t be nine out of ten surviving.”

Lu Yinghua crossed his arms and said flatly.

“Any objections?”

Lu Yinghua asked with a smile to the remaining Kuhoutsuka Family members and History Compilation Committee members.

Unfortunately, they seemed too terrified, all mute and unable to speak.

“Not answering me? Seems like you object to the King’s decision?”

“No, no.”

Everyone hurriedly knelt, terrified that a late response would get them killed by the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains.

“Since there are no objections, get to work. Remember, undo the seal by tomorrow. If you fail…”

“Next time, it won’t be nine out of ten surviving, but seven out of nine.”

Using the gentlest tone to say the cruelest words, Lu Yinghua was also a fine seedling for a Devil King.

“Clear?”

“Clear, clear.”

Sitting in the car, Aslan looked at the group nodding like woodpeckers, then turned to Luo Hao.

“Have you learned? This is how a true Devil King acts.”

“You were too soft-hearted before and didn’t do prior investigations.”

Luo Hao nodded, hugging Aslan’s arm and leaning on his shoulder.

“My husband’s advice is correct. I’ll keep it in mind next time.”

“Witch, are you just going to stand there?”

Athena’s voice suddenly rang out, startling Lilliana, who was still lost in thought.

Hearing it, Lilliana turned, seeing Athena’s slightly annoyed expression at her sluggishness. She froze for a moment, then quickly reacted.

“Sorry, Your Highness Athena. I’ll immediately share this information with Erica.”

To warn the forces in Europe and tell them not to cause trouble.

Though Marquis Voban had tamed them well, time makes people forget. Sometimes, they still needed another lesson.

“At least you have some sense.”

Athena snorted softly, speaking in a good mood.

Perhaps this girl could be trained. Athena narrowed her eyes, observing Lilliana from head to toe.

Unlike Erica, who was full of cunning, the purer Lilliana suited her taste better.

She felt a bit of pressure fighting alone by Aslan’s side—pressure in various senses.

-

Title: As Expected, Only a Blade at the Neck Produces Efficiency

Inside Saitenguu, Aslan sat in the main seat of the room with an utterly relaxed demeanor, arms resting on the armrests, as if he were on vacation.

Compared to Aslan, Luo Hao’s posture was extremely upright. Despite the chair’s backrest, she maintained a half-seated position, back straight, gazing forward.

Lilliana and Lu Yinghua, as usual, stood on either side, ready to receive orders.

As for the Kuhoutsuka Family and the History Compilation Committee members, they all stood with heads lowered, none daring to breathe freely.

They feared the elders of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains would hold another lottery.

Sitting idly like this was somewhat boring, especially with a group of old people around, so Aslan decided to find some entertainment.

“Can anyone tell me how the preparations for opening the Keeper of the Horses’ seal are going?”

Seated in the chair, he held the armrest with his left hand, his right arm around Athena, asking the Kuhoutsuka Family members below.

The group below exchanged glances, none daring to speak. The last person who answered this question was already dead.

“Yinghua, it seems there are no living people here.”

Aslan wasn’t angry. It appeared that nine out of ten surviving wasn’t enough of a lesson. Well, the blade hadn’t yet fallen on them.

“Your Majesty, please wait a moment, we’re still—”

With no choice, after Kuhoutsuka Mikihiko’s death, someone of higher status could only muster the courage to respond.

But before he could finish, he was killed with a sword.

“I hope the next one doesn’t talk as much. It’s really annoying.”

Aslan lowered his hand, letting the assassin from the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, hidden in the crowd, remain concealed.

“Next.”

Another Kuhoutsuka Family elder stepped forward. It had to be said, no wonder they were called a great family—so many members in one clan.

“Your Majesty, we’ve made thorough preparations. All that’s left is to retrieve the Zanryuuto Sword and invite a Hime-Miko with Disaster Purification abilities to break the seal.”

The elder spoke with great confidence.

“Oh?”

Aslan showed interest, looking at the elder.

“However, the most crucial Heretic God with Dragon-Snake Divinity…”

The elder, still wanting to continue, suddenly felt breathless.

A gray python, appearing from nowhere, coiled around his body.

“A snake?! Why is there a snake here?!”

The elder was stunned. He hadn’t even had time to realize what was happening or be shocked.

Countless snakes emerged from the ground, instantly engulfing him. They even crawled into his body through his six orifices (eyes, ears, nose, mouth), dragging him into the Netherworld.

The people present could only think: Serves you right.

They didn’t dare look at Athena. This man dared to test his luck with her.

“Next.”

Aslan waved his hand boredly.

But everyone present knew well this might be their last chance. If the answer was wrong again, there would likely be only one outcome for everyone there.

“Your Majesty, the Zanryuuto Sword that weakens the seal and the Hime-Miko with Disaster Purification abilities are in Saitenguu. We only lack the Dragon-Snake Divinity.”

“We will immediately summon a Heretic God with Dragon-Snake Divinity. Please, Your Majesty, grant us a little time.”

A fortunate soul pushed forward knelt on the ground, speaking while trembling.

Aslan propped his head with one hand, yawned, and said, “Sunset. If the seal isn’t opened before the Hour of the Devil, none of you will live.”

As expected, these Japanese were cheap. Put a blade to their necks, and didn’t their work efficiency soar?

No Heretic God with Dragon-Snake Divinity?

If there’s none, summon one!

Didn’t their work efficiency skyrocket?

“Lu Yinghua.”

“Your disciple is here.”

Lu Yinghua behind him immediately stepped forward.

“Watch them. After all, I’m not a demon. They’ll work for me.”

“Let them move freely. They can do anything—settle final affairs or have their last meal.”

“Clear?”

“Clear.”

Lu Yinghua nodded, then walked toward the Kuhoutsuka Family, showing a bright smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please.”

The Kuhoutsuka Family members nodded to Lu Yinghua, then left one by one.

“Oh, by the way, inform the other three Kyoto Great Families. If any of them do something they shouldn’t, the nine clans of those three families will be eradicated too.”

“Don’t think your families are safe just because your relatives are abroad.”

Instantly, Kaoru’s expression changed. Her gaze toward the Kuhoutsuka Family was full of threat.

“No problem, right?”

Aslan said with a bright smile.

“No problem.”

Kaoru nodded and led the History Compilation Committee members out of Saitenguu’s Main Hall.

She had to keep an eye on the Kuhoutsuka Family to prevent them from truly destroying the Sayanomiya Family.

Aslan’s words were clear. If the seal wasn’t opened before sunset, all three of their families would be wiped out.

Seeing the Kuhoutsuka Family and the History Compilation Committee under Kaoru’s leadership looking highly motivated and enthusiastic, Luo Hao couldn’t help but nod.

(I’ve learned, I’ve learned.)

Even Athena had to admit, this efficiency was truly high. Terrifyingly high. Frighteningly high.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Facts proved, as Aslan said, once the order was given, Kaoru immediately relayed the news.

The other three Great Families were shocked. Why should the Kuhoutsuka Family’s issue involve their nine clans?

The Kuhoutsuka Family was done for. Settle final affairs? Still want to settle final affairs? After settling, they’d be finished!

The last meal was the same. After eating, their heads would truly roll. Even if the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains didn’t act, the other three Great Families surely would.

They weren’t even allowed a sip of water. Anything unrelated to undoing the seal or summoning a Heretic God, the Kuhoutsuka Family members couldn’t even glance at.

Of course, since this concerned their nine clans, they wouldn’t obstruct either. All sorts of desperately needed resources were mobilized to the fullest.

All four of Japan’s Great Families sprang into action. The History Compilation Committee transported vast amounts of materials and resources to Saitenguu.

In less than two hours, the ritual was roughly prepared. Meanwhile, the mages and other Hime-Miko tirelessly drew the patterns needed for the ritual.

This was a Heretic God summoning ritual! The last time Marquis Voban wanted to summon a Heretic God, it took over a month of preparation and arrangements.

And now, just a few hours!

Indeed, human potential was limitless. Aslan was also slightly surprised they actually pulled it off, though he had set the deadline arbitrarily.

Except, to achieve such efficiency, many sacrifices were made.

“Your Majesty, please have mercy on them!”

Seeing a Kuhoutsuka Family member collapse from mana exhaustion and be executed, Yuri, standing beside Touma, finally couldn’t take it. She stepped forward, knelt before Aslan, pleading, her entire body trembling uncontrollably.

“You’ve made all the preparations. There’s no need to kill them anymore.”

Aslan looked at the girl kneeling before him. He couldn’t help but tilt his head, showing a puzzled expression.

“Are you trying to teach me how to act?”

“No! Not at all! I only hope Your Majesty will have mercy, show your compassion. I believe there must be a heart full of mercy within you.”

“If I’ve angered you, I’m willing to accept any punishment, as long as you spare them.”

This was the advantage of the naive. With a few words, Mariya could be persuaded.

In the original work, after being convinced by Touma, she also thought she was Tokyo’s guardian Hime-Miko and had to protect others.

So she said the same to the male protagonist, always talking about punishing herself to spare others.

“Hmm… I see…”

Aslan looked at Yuri, pondering for a moment. He thought, as a savior, he should show some mercy.

“Since you’ve said that, I’ll spare them. You’ll take their punishment instead.”

Hearing Aslan’s words, the burden in Yuri’s heart finally lifted. At the same time, she felt a bit of despair. Perhaps death awaited her.

But sacrificing herself to save so many others should be worth it, right?

“Considering you’re a highly talented Hime-Miko, I won’t kill you.”

A spark of hope suddenly ignited in Yuri’s heart.

(Maybe I don’t have to die? What kind of punishment is it?)

“Here’s the deal. If anything goes wrong, your nine clans… no, your entire ten clans will die in their place.”

“Since you might not know what ten clans means, I can explain. Your father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, your mother, your mother’s grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and everyone related to you by blood.”

“Oh, almost forgot. Also your classmates, your friends, everyone you know—they’ll die in your place.”

Aslan casually pronounced the death sentence for Mariya’s family. After finishing, he smiled and leaned back in his chair.

Meanwhile, Yuri froze on the ground in despair.

“Remember, they’ll die because of you.”

Saying this, Aslan spoke with bad taste.

“Oh, by the way, you might not know, right? The Hime-Miko with Disaster Purification abilities is your younger sister.”

“The people you’re trying to save are, step by step, pushing your sister into the abyss.”

(No, no, no, it shouldn’t be like this…) Yuri’s entire body was consumed by despair.

(It shouldn’t be like this. Wasn’t I supposed to save everyone with my life? Why did it end up like this?)

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Please listen, they’re innocent! If you must punish someone, punish me alone! Don’t involve them!”

Yuri knelt on the ground, repeatedly banging her head, pleading with Aslan to change his decision.

-

Title: Abandon Your Instinct to Help, Respect Others’ Fate

“No way. I’ve already agreed to your request—how could I take back my words?”

Seeing Yuri’s pleading, Aslan shook his head helplessly.

“Didn’t you say it yourself? That you’d take their place? You can’t just say you don’t want to anymore and not replace them, right?”

“I…”

Yuri’s eyes brimmed with tears, her mouth opened, wanting to speak, but she didn’t dare say it.

She looked at the suffering Kuhoutsuka Family and History Compilation Committee members in the distance, her heart in turmoil.

Seeing Yuri’s conflicted expression, Aslan smiled and casually called Lu Yinghua.

“Lu Yinghua, help me investigate her ten clans so she can see them one last time. After all, they’re dying because of her.”

“Understood.”

Lu Yinghua turned to leave, not even glancing at Yuri. This made Yuri hurriedly speak up.

“No, please wait a moment.”

“Your Majesty, please forgive my foolishness. I had no intention of taking their place. Please forgive everything I just did.”

“The punishment they received is what they deserved.”

Yuri knelt on the ground, gritting her teeth, speaking with her eyes closed.

“That’s right, isn’t it? Just refuse. Other people’s affairs—what do you care?”

“Abandon your instinct to help, respect others’ fate.”

Aslan smiled and clapped, speaking with praise.

“Good. Stand up. Use your Spirit Vision to observe who’s slacking. Who knows, maybe I’m in a good mood and won’t let your sister become the Disaster Purification Hime-Miko.”

Yuri obediently stood. At this moment, her face was expressionless, with only traces of tears remaining.

She was somewhat disheartened, but thinking she might save her sister, Hikari, she regained her spirit.

She continuously used her high-level Spirit Vision as a Hime-Miko, becoming a competent overseer.

After all, she knew well how dangerous undoing a Heretic God’s seal was. The last time, she was captured by Marquis Voban to summon a Heretic God.

She nearly died during that ritual.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Under Yuri’s supervision, the Kuhoutsuka Family’s efficiency skyrocketed again.

A vast amount of materials was transported to Saitenguu’s central plaza, where an altar had been prepared. They were ready to summon a Dragon-Snake to meet the seal’s release conditions.

Facts proved that sometimes, if not forced, they wouldn’t know how far they could go.

Initially, finishing before sunset was considered remarkable, but Aslan truly didn’t expect there’d be such experts among them.

For her sister’s sake, Yuri switched to a merciless mode. She almost didn’t need a whip to urge them on.

After all, it was high-level Spirit Vision that could see the powers of Heretic Gods and God Slayer. Ordinary witches and Hime-Miko couldn’t obstruct her at all.

Under Yuri’s guidance, a massive pitch-black serpent descended, thanks to the cooperation of Kyoto’s Four Great Families.

In Japan, there were many legends about snake gods. The most famous was, of course, Yamata no Orochi, because of its notoriety.

But Yamata no Orochi wasn’t something easily summoned. Even if summoned, don’t hope to use it as a trigger to undo the seal.

You’d better figure out how to defeat it first. Yamata no Orochi was at least a Main God-level being.

However, other snakes in snake mythology were easier to summon.

“In ancient times, at Mount Tsurugi in Shikoku, villagers who excessively felled trees angered the slumbering giant snake, ‘Jigoku Myojin (Hell Myojin Snake).’ The giant snake awoke, springs turned to blood, and the land became barren. The villagers sought help from the Mountain God. The Mountain God ordered them to offer a Sacred Sword, holy water, and a five-colored knotted rope as atonement.”

“On a full moon night, Jigoku Myojin Snake appeared, gazed at the offerings, and said, ‘I turn my body into an abyss, warning you to respect nature.’ Afterward, the Snake God swallowed the land, transforming into a winding abyss with sulfurous vapors spewing forth. The villagers built the ‘Jigoku Myojin Snake Shrine’ beside the abyss and offered annual sacrifices, praying for protection.”

“This is the legend of Shikoku’s Jigoku Myojin Snake. The one they summoned is this Jigoku Myojin Snake.”

In Saitenguu’s plaza, a massive black serpent was bound by a net of magical power. It was a freshly summoned Snake God.

Unfortunately, this Snake God was somewhat weak. It was said to have only one small shrine, with no other fame.

Even after being summoned, it barely reached the Divine Beast standard. If killed, it likely wouldn’t even yield a Divine Authority.

But summoning it was merely to use it as a sacrifice to awaken the Monkey God.

Aslan stood at the entrance of the main hall, looking at the weak, helpless Snake God bound by magical power, and nodded with satisfaction.

“It seems you’ve done quite well, especially Mariya-san, who made an outstanding contribution.”

“So, I’ve decided to forgive your transgressions after the purge.”

Hearing this, everyone immediately knelt, thanking Aslan for his mercy.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s mercy!!”

The next second, the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains’ elders appeared again, killing five out of nine people on the spot.

“Your Majesty? Why!!”

Someone fortunate enough not to be chosen knelt on the ground, asking in fear.

Hadn’t they fulfilled Aslan’s demands? Why was there still a purge? They were utterly confused.

“Because you made two more mistakes earlier and didn’t answer the King’s questions accurately.”

Lu Yinghua stepped forward, explaining in his childlike voice.

“The first was trying to stall, the second was daring to make Her Highness Athena a sacrifice. It wasn’t said there’d be no reckoning later.”

“The first mistake cost one, the second cost two, and so on.”

Instantly, nearly everyone gritted their teeth, hating the two who dared step forward to answer but offended Aslan.

If not for their stupidity, why would so many have died?

Of course, Lu Yinghua was very understanding. He spared their families, keeping them out of the purge radius.

“Oh, one more thing. Considering Mariya Yuri’s contributions, I’ve decided to exempt Mariya Hikari from being the Disaster Purification Hime-Miko.”

“Please find another Hime-Miko with Disaster Purification abilities.”

Aslan said with a wicked smile at the corner of his mouth.

“Seishuuin Ena! My Spirit Vision saw a connection between Seishuuin Ena and the God Susanoo! And she also has Disaster Purification abilities!”

As soon as Aslan finished speaking, Yuri immediately spoke up without hesitation.

In a world dominated by God Slayer, having ties to a Heretic God was a grave sin.

Yuri reported without the slightest guilt. After all, better her survival than her friend’s. She had even been willing to die for them, but they planned to make her sister perform Disaster Purification?

At that moment, Yuri’s sympathy for these higher-ups, especially the History Compilation Committee, dropped to zero.

(If you’re not kind, don’t blame me for being unjust.)

“Thank you for the information, Mariya-san.”

Aslan showed a bright smile. He was still thinking of how to find an excuse to purge the remaining people.

Unexpectedly, Yuri handed him the reason.

In this world, ties to a Heretic God were indeed a grave sin. Especially in a country like Japan, secretly controlled by Susanoo.

If it leaked, being attacked by the entire world would be justified.

After all, it was a betrayal of humanity, a betrayal of the King.

“Then, Mariya-san, please be a guest at the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains for a while.”

Aslan extended his hand to Yuri, gesturing for her to stand behind him, receiving his protection.

Yuri ignored the countless gazes from behind that wanted to skin her alive and stood coldly behind Lilliana.

“As for you all, it turns out you’ve been hiding a Heretic God.”

Aslan playfully looked at the trembling crowd kneeling on the ground, then waved to Lu Yinghua.

Lu Yinghua understood his meaning.

Spare no one, except Seishuuin Ena.

He still needed Ena to capture Susanoo.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Inside Saitenguu, Aslan and Luo Hao arrived at a simple shrine.

It was the horse stable, where the shrine kept horses.

Currently, two horses were there, swishing their tails.

Luo Hao stopped here, glancing at the monkey murals on the walls and sneering.

“Hmph, the edge of the barrier is in a place like this, fitting for that monkey’s status.”

At that moment, Aslan, arriving at the back door, looked at the forest ahead.

“The real shrine is in the back. You can curse him directly when you meet him.”

“Alright.”

Luo Hao responded, then followed Aslan.

Only Ena remained behind, silently holding the magic-weakening sword and carrying the Kusanagi Sword (Ama no Murakumo no Tsurugi).

She was captured without any resistance. The only pity was that Susanoo didn’t dare emerge from the Netherworld, even though it meant losing the Kusanagi Sword formed from his Divine Authority.

Soon, the group saw a golden monkey in a horse stable within a palace in the Netherworld.

The monkey was about eighty centimeters tall, quite short. Its body was covered in golden fur with a hint of orange.

It lay leisurely on straw, chewing on foxtail grass, its right leg crossed over its left, swaying boredly.

“Strange. Why would your grandfather want to let you out?”

“And another Godslayer, plus a God? What a weird combination.”

The monkey’s expression was slightly odd as it looked at Aslan. For some reason, it could sense a familiar aura from Aslan’s body.

“But unfortunately, if you came to pick a fight with me, I have no intention of leaving this place.”

The monkey sighed, sitting on the straw pile, speaking to Luo Hao, who was eager to fight.

At that moment, Luo Hao looked around. Though it was a fairly luxurious horse stable, for some reason, she felt nauseated and disgusted.

“Truly pathetic. Kept in a horse stable. So short and lowly, yet you don’t even have the desire to escape. There’s a limit to being a loser!”

“How dare you say that?”

The monkey scratched its head, speaking with a helpless expression.

“I’m just a monkey who forgot his name. Loser or whatever, I don’t feel anything.”

“Even if you curse me in public, I don’t know how mad I should get.”

Luo Hao didn’t speak, but from the rise and fall of her chest, she seemed extremely angry.

“Calm down. There’ll be a chance to teach him a lesson later.”

Aslan approached, patted Luo Hao’s shoulder, and glared at the monkey with deep hatred.

Truly, it had no shred of honor left.