Fusang is just a small place, so it doesn't take much time to get there.
During this period, Fusang highly believed in the tales of spirits and deities, so there were many Yin Yang Masters and monks among the populace. When gathered, they were not a weak force.
Abe no Seimei continued, "Today you should rest well to preserve your energy, so as not to jeopardize the major matters."
After speaking, Abe no Seimei glanced at Qing Ji beside him. Qing Ji's beauty could indeed be described as captivating, but he was very aware of how powerful such a banshee's ability to absorb Yang energy was. Abe no Seimei's mother was a Fox Immortal, and his father's early death might have had something to do with this; he was a bit worried Su Ziyu might not be able to resist and lose too much energy.
How dare I do anything rash!
I'm just trying to stay away as much as possible!
Su Ziyu felt he had no words to express his grievance, managing only a wry smile.
Meanwhile, Qing Ji rolled her eyes at Abe no Seimei, thinking he was trying to ruin her plans. If it weren't for Su Ziyu being present, she might have wanted to teach him a lesson.
"Master Jieyi is setting up an array; when the Ghost Gate opens, there might be a fierce battle," Abe no Seimei said softly. "Though others could assist, entering the Ghost Capital may rely mostly on us."
Abe no Seimei was a rather proud person.
Perhaps he saw everyone else as mere cannon fodder, thinking that resolving this calamity would mainly rely on him and Su Ziyu, with Qing Ji now included.
"I've sent messengers to inform former friends. Several experts will come to help tomorrow." Abe no Seimei paused before continuing, "Tomorrow night, I will lead the group to break through the Ghost Gate. I hope you can cover us, Su."
Maybe due to Kuro Seimei's influence, this time Abe no Seimei wanted to compensate for his sins by bearing the brunt of the assault.
"Sure." Su Ziyu nodded.
He then discussed matters for the following night with Abe no Seimei, and afterward returned with Qing Ji to their residence.
There were already quite a few Yin Yang Masters in Kyoto.
Almost every street had people in Yin Yang attire inscribing talismans. Abe no Seimei seemed to be preparing an 'Array of Yin Yang and Five Elements.' These talismans linked together formed an enormous Kikyo Seal. The Yin Yang Bureau of Fusang was led by Abe no Seimei; only he could mobilize enough resources to set up such an array.
In the courtyard.
As soon as Su Ziyu sat down, his ears perked up slightly, and he stood up immediately.
"Come out," Su Ziyu said slowly.
Meow!
A cat's meow sounded, and then the figure of the Nine Lives Cat jumped down from the roof.
She curiously looked around before addressing Su Ziyu, "Aoandon asked me to tell you! They've already rescued Lord Yama!"
"However, Lord Yama is seriously injured and likely won't appear until tomorrow night."
Yama has been rescued?
Su Ziyu felt a surge of spirit but quickly realized that Fusang's Yama didn't seem particularly powerful. He had been in this world for quite a while and hadn't even seen her; she probably couldn't offer much assistance.
"I understand." He nodded in response.
Just then, Qing Ji walked over with a teapot, pausing when she saw the Nine Lives Cat, her expression turning wary as she stood behind Su Ziyu, casting a cold glance at the newcomer.
"Qing Ji…" The Nine Lives Cat seemed startled, her fur bristling.
She appeared to recognize Qing Ji, looking a bit intimidated, musing to herself, "Can't believe the Nurarihyon was right!... He's in trouble!..."
"I'll be off then." The Nine Lives Cat lifted her head, giving Qing Ji a flattering smile before instantly vanishing.
Qing Ji kneeled in front of Su Ziyu, pouring him a cup of tea, and softly said, "Husband? Who is she?"
"The Nine Lives Cat. From the Netherworld. Consider her an ally." Su Ziyu glanced at her, saying seriously, "There could be a tough battle tomorrow. Rest well today."
Aoandon must be back.
Although uncertain about how much help she could offer, Su Ziyu's biggest worry was Orochi; this creature's status in Fusang was equivalent to a Calamity God, and defeating It personally would likely be challenging.
The day quickly passed.
Su Ziyu felt a bit relieved that Qing Ji, trustworthy as expected, did not attack him that night, sparing him from unnecessary worry.
The next day at noon.
Abe no Seimei visited with three people; leading the group was a beautiful woman dressed as a witch, wearing a light red kimono, looking delicate and petite. The other two seemed to be yokai in human form; a robust young man was the Inugami, appearing as a human-like Akita in Spiritual Vision, while the other was a tall, powerful woman who carried a large bow, seemingly also a canine yokai.
Her strength was slightly significant, close to the level of a Great Demon, making it hard for Su Ziyu to discern her true form.
If not a canine, she was probably some close relative.
These two yokai were shikigami to the red-clothed witch, who seemed very familiar with Abe no Seimei. After a brief greeting with Su Ziyu, they left, with the witch casting a surprised glance at the nearby Qing Ji quietly pouring tea.
"Didn't expect Qing Ji could be subdued as a shikigami! Truly incredible!" the witch exclaimed after stepping outside.
Abe no Seimei's expression turned strange, looking like he wanted to laugh but dared not.
"Let's go. I'll take you to meet Master Jieyi." He quickly changed the topic, afraid Qing Ji might overhear.
Meanwhile.
At Abe no Seimei's residence, an extremely beautiful woman appeared; she had an alluring heart-shaped face, her features exuding a charming aura, with a beauty mark at the corner of her eye that gave her a fox-like allure.
"Ge Ye!" As the woman appeared, she formed a Dharma Seal and spoke softly.
Soon.
A woman wearing a fox mask emerged from the back residence. Upon seeing her, she was immediately on guard, saying, "Nine-tailed Fox! You still dare to come here!"
The beautiful woman was transformed from the Nine-tailed Fox, looking slightly pale as if seriously injured.
Watching Ge Ye intently, the Nine-tailed Fox said solemnly, "The Ghost Capital is occupied by Orochi! Abe no Seimei's actions tomorrow could be doomed!"
"Isn't this all your doing?" Ge Ye retorted with sarcasm, "What a retribution!"
"Seems like you've suffered from your own schemes!"
The Nine-tailed Fox's expression remained unchanged, but she calmly stated, "Though my power is diminished, I've already captured the fate of Fusang, and rebuilding my body and path fruit is not difficult."
"I just don't want to be outsmarted."
"Here's a way to seriously wound Orochi, which can also help Abe no Seimei conquer his Heart Demon."
"Deliver it to Abe no Seimei."
"Whether to use it is for him to decide!"
The Nine-tailed Fox tossed a brocade pouch and then disappeared with a spin, saying softly before departing, "That Qingqiu Cave Mansion is yours now; consider it repayment for borrowing your name back then."
Fox Immortal Ge Ye hesitantly accepted the brocade pouch, pondering while taking it inside the mansion.
The Nine-tailed Fox was notoriously cunning, and she didn't trust her.
But the matter was too important, so Ge Ye decided to wait for Abe no Seimei's return to plan further.
Time passed bit by bit.
As night deepened, a large number of Yin Yang Masters and monks began gathering toward Vermilion Bird Dao. The Yin Yang Masters were led by Abe no Seimei and Ashiya Doman, while the monks were under Master Jieyi's command. Su Ziyu, with Qing Ji, followed behind the crowd; the big shots always enter last, so early battles didn't require his involvement.
Upon arriving near Rashomon, he noticed Ashiya Doman looking rather disgruntled, as Abe no Seimei indeed arranged for him to be the vanguard, evidently planning for his men to deplete the enemy's strength first.
Not far away.
Abe no Seimei and Master Jieyi nodded towards Su Ziyu, then shouted loudly, "Ghost Gate! Open!"
Invisible barriers were lifted one after the other.
Woo woo!
Strange Yin winds swept over, accompanied by dark purple fissures appearing like cracks, and in an instant, a sinister and terrifying door opened at the Rashomon position.
Piercing wails echoed.
Thousands of vengeful spirits and evil ghosts swarmed out from within.
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