Chapter-81
Yuki Tsukumo's words made Kiyoshi Zenin fall silent. He knew that Kenjaku had his eye on him, but he did not expect that the other party would have so many backup plans.
He looked at Yuki Tsukumo, his face showing no fear or wavering:
"Since Senior Yuki was willing to come to me in person, and did not use violence to restrain me upon our first meeting, it proves that the matter is far from being settled. So I would like to ask, what are the specific details of this matter?"
Kiyoshi's calm and composed demeanor made Yuki Tsukumo nod slightly. After all, it would be difficult for a boy of ten or so to remain calm upon suddenly hearing such news.
Moreover, Yuki could sense that this matter was most likely a case of the higher-ups wrongly accusing Kiyoshi Zenin, or that a force wanted to take action against Kiyoshi Zenin, which was why they used some illogical evidence as a means to accuse him.
Although this method was quite disgraceful to Yuki Tsukumo, the other party was still a high-ranking figure in the entire Jujutsu world. If he disobeyed the other party's orders, his future path would be extremely difficult.
The Star Plasma Vessel is what Yuki Tsukumo is most concerned about, and she will not choose to turn against the higher-ups before the change in the Star Plasma Vessel is achieved.
She needs to utilize certain privileges granted by higher-ups to fully understand the true story behind the fusion of Tengen and Star Plasma Vessel.
Others may not know, but Yuki, who was once a Star Plasma Vessel, can genuinely hear the inner voices of those Star Plasma Vessels within Tengen's body.
And all those unspoken thoughts, upon seeing themselves, would only utter one sentence:
"Run! The fusion is a scam!"
Tengen seemed unable to hear those sounds, but to Yuki Tsukumo, those heart-wrenching screams remained unforgettable.
If she hadn't been suddenly discovered to have the potential to become a Special Grade sorcerer, she would probably be the next person to be fused with as a Star Plasma Vessel!
Therefore, Yuki Tsukumo always placed those women who shared similar fates with him first in his heart.
As for Kiyoshi Zenin and Toji, it was actually only her second most important matter. After all, Yuki Tsukumo herself didn't have any hope of permanently eliminating the Cursed Spirits at the moment.
Why is it that a problem that the entire world of Jujutsu has been unable to solve for so many years can be easily solved by her?
She didn't think she was any smarter than the sorcerers of the Heian period, nor did she consider herself a genius, and she never thought she could succeed in this endeavor.
Yuki Tsukumo persisted simply because she wanted to do it.
Looking at Kiyoshi, her gaze was now full of interrogation. If the disappearance of those ordinary people and sorcerers was indeed related to Kiyoshi, then she would definitely not let Kiyoshi go here.
Those who recklessly abuse their power to inflict pain on the weak and ordinary people do not deserve to be called sorcerers.
Although Kiyoshi had his head down, he could still clearly feel the oppressive aura emanating from Yuki Tsukumo.
Yuki Tsukumo remained silent for a moment, and only after realizing that she should apply enough pressure did she slowly speak:
"The day before you set off, someone found the body of a homeless man in a flower shop on the first street of Beika Town. That homeless man had bumped into you when you were buying flowers and deliberately stepped on the flowers in your hand."
The man is now dead. His body was found in a warehouse inside the flower shop. It is said that the employee who found the homeless man's body fainted on the spot.
Even the forensic doctors who had seen countless corpses couldn't help but turn pale and feel a bit nauseous after seeing that body.
As you know, the higher-ups actually have very deep connections with the Japanese criminal investigation department. Therefore, after discovering those strange things, they immediately reported them to their superiors. Because Cursed Spirit attacks frequently occur in Tokyo, Japan, the superiors have become accustomed to this situation.
However, the series of identical and bizarre deaths still caused panic among the surrounding people. In order to resolve this issue as soon as possible, the Metropolitan Police Department contacted high-ranking politicians, who then contacted me and asked me to come and handle these matters.
I had only recently returned to China and originally did not intend to accept the case, but I noticed something was off about you at first glance in the documents they handed me.
It's not that you're the murderer, but if you connect the locations of all the deceased in the records in a clockwise direction, the final location you'll pinpoint is actually your home.
After realizing this, I originally thought that you must be the murderer, because both the time you set off and the general trajectory of your activities closely matched the range of those mysteriously disappeared people.
Just when the higher-ups were preparing to give you a death order, to have you killed by my hand, another case occurred, which suddenly reduced much of the suspicion against you.
At this point, Yuki Tsukumo couldn't help but pinch her head, sighed, and said with a helpless expression:
"I don't know if you were lucky or unlucky, but on the very night you left Tokyo by train, another person died in Beika Town. The death was just as gruesome. There was hardly any good flesh on his body. His face had been scrubbed with a wire scrubber, and the skin on the surface had been basically scrubbed off. There was also a thin layer of fine salt sprinkled on the wounds."
But strangely, according to the test results, the person died around 4 a.m., but you had already left Tokyo by then, so you can be ruled out as the murderer.
However, this one incident alone cannot prove you are not a criminal, because your crazy behavior could easily lead to a "blind bandwagon" situation, with some people even becoming your fanatical admirers and visiting your place every day.
Yuki Tsukumo sighed, looked at Kiyoshi Zenin, and, gazing at the boy's slightly immature face, asked again:
"Was it really you who orchestrated those guys' deaths?"
Upon hearing this, Kiyoshi Zenin frowned deeply. He didn't rush to answer the question, but continued to ask:
"Were there any changes to those people's bodies?"
Chapter-82
Upon hearing Kiyoshi Zenin's words, Yuki Tsukumo showed a look of surprise on her face:
"How do you know that the bodies of those people changed gradually afterward? Did you really commit the crime?"
"It's just a guess. The fact that the skin was scrubbed off with a steel wool pad for no reason and salt was sprinkled on the face of the corpse is most likely related to some kind of religious belief or ritual."
At this point, Kiyoshi Zenin let out a slight sigh of relief. He looked at Yuki Tsukumo, whose face was still smiling, and knew in his heart that the other party did not really doubt him.
The reason he keeps emphasizing his own suspicion is simply to scare himself.
It is estimated that Yuki Tsukumo wants to manipulate him and use him as a stepping stone to get Toji to assist him in his research on "zero Cursed Energy".
After quickly analyzing Yuki Tsukumo's behavior in his mind, Kiyoshi Zenin's last trace of worry dissipated.
"May I take a look at the information about this case, if possible?"
Naturally, Yuki Tsukumo refused Kiyoshi Zenin's request.
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She already knew that Kiyoshi Zenin was not the murderer. The reason she asked the question was just to see if she could control Toji by scaring Kiyoshi Zenin.
Now that Zenin Monastery Kiyoshi hasn't been intimidated, there's no need to show him the case file.
After all, according to the above statement, Kiyoshi Zenin is one of the highest suspects. If the murderer is not found in the end, it is very likely that Kiyoshi Zenin will be handed over to be punished.
As for whether this will offend the Zenin temple?
The higher-ups had long since figured out Kiyoshi Zenin's background of Kiyoshi Zenin's foreign blood; once he died, so be it, and no one would care.
Of course, Yuki Tsukumo didn't think she was that inhuman. As long as Kiyoshi Zenin was innocent, she would never send him to prison as a scapegoat.
"I'm sorry, this is top secret. I would be responsible if I showed it to you without your permission. But you can ask me any questions you may have."
Zenin Monk Kiyoshi pondered for a moment upon hearing this, and then said:
"Were any remnants of Cursed Energy found at the scene?"
"It has been found, but the residual Cursed Energy is too chaotic to be accurately identified."
Zenin Monk Kiyoshi frowned: "You can't even distinguish the remnants of the incantation? May I ask, Senior Yuki, did you personally go to investigate the scene?"
Kiyoshi Zenin's words made Yuki Tsukumo smile subtly. She suddenly lowered her voice and leaned forward, a fragrance wafting over, carrying a hint of moisture.
"The most basic ability of a Special Grade sorcerer is to have a perception of Cursed Energy that is several times stronger than that of an ordinary sorcerer. So do you think that those remnants of Cursed Energy are indistinguishable, or that it is best not to distinguish them?"
Yuki Tsukumo's answer was actually within Kiyoshi Zenin's expectations.
Even if the residual Cursed Energy dissipates rapidly, it has only been a little over a day so far, and it is impossible for it to affect the ability of the Yuki Tsukumo to distinguish.
Therefore, the statement in the intelligence report that "the residual power of the curse is indistinguishable" is something that deserves serious consideration.
Is it that they can't tell the difference, or that they are unable to tell the difference?
Kiyoshi raised his head and looked at Yuki Tsukumo. His eyes were unusually rational and calm at this moment. He whispered to Yuki Tsukumo:
"Whoever benefits the most from this disaster is the most suspicious."
Yuki Tsukumo nodded slightly at Kiyoshi Zenin's words, but did not reply. She simply took a sip of the hot tea that Ms. Kuroi had handed her.
Kiyoshi looked at Yuki Tsukumo, sighed slightly, then stood up. A powerful spell descended from his body, covering the entire house almost instantly.
The air seemed to thicken at that moment, and the total amount of incantation power on Kiyoshi Zenin's body had reached the top level among Grade 1 sorcerers.
Sensing the Cursed Energy emanating from Kiyoshi Zenin, Yuki Tsukumo's expression became excited.
She tossed her hair back, and a glint of intelligence flashed in her eyes as she looked at Kiyoshi.
"It seems you've made up your mind."
"Even if I didn't commit the murders near Beika Town, I'm most likely the real target behind them. I'd be restless if someone who's been plotting to kill me lived in this world."
So, Senior Yuki, what do you want as payment to help me resolve this matter?
Kiyoshi's words were filled with a hint of helplessness; he knew what Yuki Tsukumo had been waiting for.
She was waiting for herself to lose her temper and take the initiative to seek cooperation first. In that case, the power to set the price would be in Yuki Tsukumo's hands, and she would take the lead in this cooperation.
However, this was not a fair conversation in itself. From the moment Kiyoshi Zenin was listed as a suspect, he was already at a significant disadvantage.
Moreover, this disadvantage is something that Zenin Monastery Kiyoshi must eliminate; he needs to obtain a legitimate and legal status from the higher vocational college.
Until he has the power to overturn the table, he needs a relatively positive image.
Gaining favorability relies heavily on one's own identity, a fact that Kiyoshi Zenin is acutely aware of.
If I were to end up as a scapegoat and sent to prison, then all my subsequent developments and plans over the years would come to a standstill.
Obviously, Kiyoshi would not allow this to happen.
He already had some guesses in his mind. The person who had a grudge against him and wanted to get rid of him was most likely Ogi Zenin, whom he had only met once before.
From the location of the murder, the identity of the deceased, and the remnants of Cursed Energy that Yuki Tsukumo was unwilling to reveal, Kiyoshi Zenin was able to easily pinpoint Ogi Zenin as the suspect.
At this moment, Yuki Tsukumo looked at Kiyoshi Zenin and a warm smile appeared on her face:
"I don't actually have any unreasonable demands. I just need you and Toji Zenin to help me investigate another case I have on hand."
Zenin Monk Kiyoshi nodded slightly, while also showing some curiosity:
"Does Senior Yuki still have other cases to handle?"
"Yes, Special Grade sorcerers are actually very busy. Usually, the higher vocational colleges will accumulate a lot of high-difficulty tasks, and when I come back, they will dump them all on me at once."
The murder case in Beika Town involves certain individuals, so I need to handle it as well. As for the case I asked you to help with, it concerns a rather troublesome Special Grade Cursed Spirit.
Chapter-83
"A Special Grade Cursed Spirit?"
Listening to Yuki Tsukumo's words, Kiyoshi was actually a little puzzled. For Yuki Tsukumo, it would be difficult for an ordinary Special Grade Cursed Spirit to even last a single move against her.
As of now, apart from the Dagon, there probably isn't any other Cursed Spirit in the world that can help Yuki Tsukumo find helpers, right?
Even if it were a Jogo, its strength would probably not be particularly impressive compared to Yuki Tsukumo.
According to the Canon, Geto Suguru's corpse, controlled by Kenjaku, could completely overwhelm the four Disaster Curses in a one-on-one situation.
This proves that even the weakest Special Grade sorcerer can kill a calamity-level Cursed Spirit.
It is quite obvious that Yuki Tsukumo is not at the bottom of the Special Grade in terms of either ability or combat quality.
So... the only possibility that the Cursed Spirit that could give Yuki Tsukumo a headache is that it is related to Kenjaku.
Damn it, can't this Kenjaku just give up for a while? Can't it just let me build up everyone's goodwill before it starts acting up again?!
Thinking of this, Kiyoshi felt an even greater hatred for Kenjaku.
However, Yuki Tsukumo obviously couldn't guess what Kiyoshi Zenin was thinking at that moment. She took out a slightly worn manual from her leather jacket pocket.
Then, Yuki Tsukumo tossed the book to Kiyoshi Zenin, and said:
"This is a powerful Cursed Spirit from the Heian period more than a thousand years ago, and the most powerful Cursed Spirit in this book is Yamata no Orochi."
"I don't know what's going on lately. Even though Lord Tengen maintains the barrier sealing the Yamata no Orochi every year, there's always this premonition that the Yamata no Orochi is about to be resurrected."
Upon hearing this, Kiyoshi felt somewhat troubled.
Although the Canon mentioned some Cursed Spirits from the Sukuna era, those Cursed Spirits did not appear in the main storyline afterward.
However, the fact that Orochi was able to fight Sukuna and was even rated by Sukuna as having similar adaptability to [Mahoraga] proves that Orochi's strength is definitely at least Special Grade, or even comparable to a strong Special Grade like Yuta Okkotsu.
Imagining that such a thing was about to reappear in this world, Kiyoshi Zenin felt that the future of this world was bleak.
However, since I have already agreed to whatever the other party asks, I must handle this matter carefully and responsibly.
However, it's still unknown what kind of help Yuki Tsukumo needs from the two of them.
Seeing Kiyoshi Zenin's expression, Yuki Tsukumo naturally knew what he was worried about. She gave Kiyoshi Zenin a helpless smile, then said cheerfully:
"Although the other party is Yamata no Orochi, it's not certain that it really is. Besides, even if it is, so what? The sorcerers of a thousand years ago were able to seal Yamata no Orochi, so the sorcerers of a thousand years later will naturally not take it seriously."
As Yuki Tsukumo spoke, she patted her chest, and the slight ripples in her clothes made Kiyoshi Zenin avert her gaze.
After obtaining the cooperation terms from Yuki Tsukumo, Kiyoshi Zenin chose to cooperate with Yuki Tsukumo.
Kiyoshi gazed at the dashing Yuki Tsukumo before him, and recalled the tragic scene in the Canon where Yuki died with only half a body remaining. He couldn't help but think that sometimes fate is truly unpredictable.
After the two reached an agreement, they actually talked quite a bit, not only about exchanging information on the case, but also about Yuki Tsukumo's own speculations about the Beika Town case.
This is what she said to Kiyoshi Zenin.
"As far as she knows, the remnants of Cursed Energy can actually be manipulated in some ways."
It was a deep purple bottle called the "Pot of Greed." As long as you possessed something, the unique Cursed Energy residue on the other person's body would be absorbed and stored in the pot. When you wanted to use it again, you could simply absorb the Cursed Energy stored in the pot.
This method was used to transfer the incantation power of Zenin Monk Kiyoshi, who was not present at the time, to the crime scene.
The reason why Yuki Tsukumo didn't want to talk about this was that she didn't want Kiyoshi to take the blame.
Furthermore, after realizing that the aura of Cursed Energy belonged to Kiyoshi, Yuki Tsukumo even took the initiative to deal with and bury those traces of Cursed Energy for Kiyoshi.
Although she had never met Kiyoshi Zenin at the time, and didn't even know what kind of person he was, Yuki Tsukumo only knew one thing: whatever the Zenin family wanted to do was most likely bad, and preventing them from doing what they wanted to accomplish was a good thing for the world.
Although this is a bit excessive, the harsh atmosphere at the Zenin temple often made almost everyone present feel a sense of disgust.
What's even more problematic is that before Yuki Tsukumo became a Special Grade Spellcaster, a group of people from the Zenin family had already come to try to win her over, but their attitude wasn't particularly good, and they had some conflicts with Yuki Tsukumo.
Under these circumstances, Yuki Tsukumo naturally wouldn't want to help the Zenin family.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend; Yuki Tsukumo has always felt that this statement is very true.
When Kiyoshi asked why he wanted to investigate the case so thoroughly, a very gloomy expression suddenly appeared on Yuki Tsukumo's face.
"The reason I suppressed my doubts about the source of the remnants, did not immediately submit a full report to the higher-ups, and covered up your 'innocence'... is because I discovered that those remnants contained the unique Cursed Energy fluctuations of the 'Star Plasma Vessel'."
Kiyoshi's pupils suddenly contracted! Star Plasma Vessel! This term was like a cold key, instantly piercing through all the fog in his heart. Yuki Tsukumo's obsession with Star Plasma Vessel, her unusual pursuit of knowledge—everything now had a reasonable explanation.
But how could Star Plasma Vessel be involved in such a thing? Aren't the Star Plasma Vessel that was fused all within Tengen's body?
Yuki Tsukumo's voice was even lower, carrying an almost desperate resolve:
"That's not living Star Plasma Vessel, but rather the remnants of Cursed Energy, filled with pain and resentment, left behind after it has been 'used' and 'exhausted'! They are mixed in with the filth that is being faked and directed at you, like a deadly poison. They are so faint that they are almost imperceptible, but the despairing aura of being 'fused' and 'destroyed'... I will never mistake it!"
Chapter-84
Yuki Tsukumo's words added another layer of mystery to the incident.
Kiyoshi sighed. In fact, he had long expected that the reality would be more difficult to solve than what was shown in the anime.
According to official sources, Lord Tengen needs to undergo a fusion of his Star Plasma Vessel every five hundred years, but only a little over a thousand years have passed since the Heian period.
If we take the official statement as the truth, then so far, Lord Tengen should have only fused with two Star Plasma Vessels.
However, judging from the silhouettes in the original anime, Riko Amanai should be the fourth Star Plasma Vessel that is about to be fused.
This happened twice as fast as the official statement, which clearly indicates that something is wrong.
However, during her previous face-to-face conversation with Tengen, she still didn't reveal any clues to me. She only mentioned that there was some connection between the [Six Eyes] and the [Star Plasma Vessel], and that [Heavenly Restriction] was the key that might break this cycle of fate.
However, the specific relationship between these three elements, their respective roles, the issues surrounding the fusion process of Tengen, and its erroneous future development in the direction of "Cursed Spirits" in the Canon are all questions that are not reasonably explained in the Canon.
However, the Canon ends with the death of Tengen, burying these questions deep underground. The mystery of a thousand years vanishes forever with the deaths of Sukuna, Kenjaku, and Tengen.
But that was an incomplete anime world; this is the real world.
All questions inevitably involve some secret, and these secrets, due to my sudden appearance, have now been quietly dredged from the soil.
Thinking about these complex issues that are about to arise, Kiyoshi Zenin felt somewhat helpless.
He just wanted to stay here and hide, at least until he had super-level strength, so as not to show his face or become the first to stick his neck out.
But things always turn out unexpectedly, as if every event is pulling him out of the gutter.
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However, before Kiyoshi Zenin could answer, Riko Amanai's voice suddenly rang out, trembling and suppressed. Her shoulders shook slightly, and her eyes were red-rimmed.
"Miss Yuki, are you saying that the Star Plasma Vessel was ultimately discarded by Lord Tengen? How could such a thing happen! The Star Plasma Vessel exists to help Lord Tengen stabilize his physical body and is an important entity that allows Lord Tengen to continue protecting the entire world! How could it be discarded like trash, as you say?!"
Riko's voice went from weak to hoarse, and her gaze toward Yuki was filled with unspeakable sorrow and pain.
For her, becoming a Star Plasma Vessel and helping Lord Tengen stabilize the entire world was the only belief that sustained her in life.
She died for the future of humanity, to save countless ordinary humans like herself.
But now, someone is telling me that Star Plasma Vessel is actually not important; it's just a piece of trash that can be discarded after it's been used up.
This made Riko's worldview and the things she had always insisted on seem like a joke, and how could she possibly accept such a thing?
Looking at Riko's current state, Yuki Tsukumo had a great deal of tolerance for Riko, who was also a Star Plasma Vessel. No one knew better than her just how big the blow this matter had been to Riko.
But people grow up by learning to accept things like death, separation, departure, and abandonment. Only after learning to accept these things can people truly grow.
Then, she looked at Riko and said in a calm and gentle voice:
"I know you can't accept all of this, but Riko, you should have felt it too. I am a Star Plasma Vessel, just like you. You should be able to sense the connection between us. Anyone in this world could deceive you about this, but I, as a fellow Star Plasma Vessel, would never do that."
"And I couldn't possibly lie to you. If what I just said were false, you could clearly sense it, couldn't you?"
Listening to Yuki Tsukumo's words, Riko lowered her head. She felt an inexplicable chill throughout her body, as if the whole world had fallen into darkness at that moment.
Her voice was broken and sorrowful at this moment:
"Then... what is the meaning of our existence? What is the point of everything I've persisted in until now?!"
Riko didn't scream hysterically, and she didn't even shed tears. She just curled up and murmured softly in a voice so low it was heartbreaking.
Yuki Tsukumo opened her mouth, wanting to say something to comfort Riko, but she couldn't utter a single word.
Two lines of tears were already streaming down Ms. Kuroi's face. She had always known that Riko was pretending to be strong, but the only thing she could do was pretend not to know Riko's pretense and accompany her in playing that optimistic act.
But when this optimism and resilience are shattered by cruel reality, all their efforts seem like bubbles, meaningless, existing only for a moment before quickly bursting without leaving a trace.
She wanted to go over and hug Riko to comfort her.
But Kuroi knew that if Riko saw her like this at this moment, it would only cause Riko more pain.
As Toji looked at all this, he suddenly recalled his childhood. It seemed that he had asked himself at that time what the meaning of his life was.
The oppressive atmosphere in the room was suffocating, and the sound of rain outside the window seemed to be playing a lament for the fragility and fall of life.
It was only at this moment that Kiyoshi Zenin was able to break free from his thoughts. Looking at the people in front of him with sorrowful expressions, he couldn't help but feel his lips twitch.
I almost forgot, most of the people here aren't in a very good mental state.
Or to put it another way, among the people in this room right now, apart from myself, there isn't a single person who could have had a healthy and complete childhood.
If these autistic children continue like this, who knows what they will become in a little while?
Kiyoshi Zenin pondered Riko's words for a moment and quickly figured out what the other party needed.
Although this may not be the best approach, at this point, the right thing to do is to get the other party out of the situation as soon as possible.
Then, Kiyoshi Zenin stepped forward and gently placed his hand on Riko's head, his tone as gentle as melting snow in early spring:
"I think 'Riko Amanai' sounds much better than 'Star Plasma Vessel,' don't you think?"
Chapter-85
A warm and comfortable touch came from my head, and I heard Kiyoshi Zenin's gentle voice in my ear.
He asked himself.
Which name sounds better, Riko Amanai or Star Plasma Vessel?
Riko is his real name; Star Plasma Vessel has never been his real name. Why would he connect these two things...?
Riko hadn't quite processed this thought in her mind when she looked at Kiyoshi. The despair in her eyes faded slightly, replaced by confusion and bewilderment.
Kiyoshi could understand this, since Riko was only ten years old, and it was difficult for her to understand these things all at once.
At this moment, what he needs is the help of other people who are important to Riko, besides himself.
The current candidate is clearly Ms. Kuroi.
Kuroi did not disappoint Kiyoshi Zenin at this moment; she understood the meaning behind Kiyoshi Zenin's expectant gaze.
Looking at Riko's heartbreaking expression, Kuroi could no longer hold back. With a choked voice but unwavering resolve, she spoke:
"Miss Riko, you are Miss Riko! The one who chases butterflies in the yard and worries about being scolded by me after getting her clothes dirty."
She's the Riko who shares her snacks with small animals and uses her old clothes to make winter shelters for them.
"It's Riko, the one who would secretly shed tears because I was sick; it's Riko, the one who would stay up all night studying during exam week..."
She rushed forward, hugged Riko, and wept uncontrollably.
As Riko felt Kuroi's body temperature and her slightly trembling body, and listened to his words that seemed to pierce straight into the depths of her heart, scenes from the past suddenly surfaced in her mind.
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Looking at the images that surfaced in her memory, Riko felt an inexplicable sense of oppression in her heart for some reason.
Those happy memories of the past were so vivid, but why, why did she feel that everything about her had lost its meaning at this moment?
At this moment, Kiyoshi looked at Riko, his eyes filled with a gentle yet firm strength:
"Meaning is never something bestowed upon you by anyone, nor is it written in any mission book. It is something you live out yourself, something that Riko in the heavens lives out by what she likes to eat, what colors she likes, and what animals she likes."
She grew up in every little detail of how "Riko" chose to laugh, cry, take exams, bathe animals, and cook dinner for Ms. Kuroi.
"Star Plasma Vessel" is just an ordinary, idiotic code name. Although I don't know what those abandoned Star Plasma Vessels are all about, since Lord Tengen doesn't need Star Plasma Vessel, you can rightfully get rid of that awful name.
In my opinion, the name "Star Plasma Vessel" is not as important as the few sesame seeds you sprinkled on the chicken wings tonight. At least those few sesame seeds were a stroke of genius, making the chicken wings look better and taste more delicious.
Instead of worrying about all that nonsense, focus on living the life that truly belongs to "Nen no Riko" (a character from a popular Taiwanese drama series). That's what's most important to you.
At this point, Kiyoshi glanced at Toji, then smiled and said to Riko:
"Take Uncle Toji for example. He used to be like you, not recognized by others. But he found a lot of interesting things, like embarrassing TV dramas, horse racing where you always lose money no matter how you gamble, and cooking skills that always turn into savory dishes..."
These are the foundations that make up Uncle Toji's life. They are never names, assigned missions, or chosen responsibilities. As long as it is not a fate or obligation that you choose yourself, in my opinion, it is just wishful thinking on the part of those bastards.
So, when are we going to eat now? Didn't you say you wanted me to try Riko-sama's cooking?
Hearing Kiyoshi Zenin's words, Riko's tear stains had not completely disappeared, but the sadness and despair in her eyes had vanished. She looked at Kiyoshi Zenin, but this time her eyes contained some emotions she had never seen before.
It's a faint, unnamed feeling of affection that a young girl has when she's facing someone she vaguely likes.
At this age, Riko Amanai doesn't quite understand the meaning of "like" yet, but it's quite evident in subtle actions.
For example, if it were the old her, she would have done things like blowing her nose and yawning in front of Kiyoshi without any hesitation, which could have damaged her appearance.
But now, if she wants to yawn, she will choose to hold it in; if she wants to blow her nose, she will choose to turn her back; if she wants to sneeze, she will definitely cover her face with her hand or a tissue.
In short, Riko will no longer do anything that might damage her image in front of Kiyoshi.
Riko's lack of understanding of this feeling doesn't mean that Yuki Tsukumo doesn't understand it.
Perhaps because they were both Star Plasma Vessels, Yuki Tsukumo was horrified to discover that when Riko felt a strange emotion towards Kiyoshi Zenin, that emotion would spread from Riko to herself, even affecting her way of thinking and emotions!
It's not that Yuki Tsukumo has ever liked anyone. As the only top-level sorcerer at present, she is so busy that she hardly has any time for herself, let alone dating.
But often, when she reads certain literary works, she is able to understand what kind of form love truly is.
And those so-called "loves," she actually developed the same "love" for Kiyoshi Zenin in her own emotions.
Upon realizing this, Yuki Tsukumo felt a chill run down her spine. What a joke! She was already seventeen years old, almost six years older than Kiyoshi Zenin. How could she have such feelings for a little brat?
How is that possible?!
Although Kiyoshi Zenin appears to be well-developed overall, his demeanor and expression make him look a year or two older than his actual age.
But, but this is just too absurd!
It must be a problem with Riko's emotional communication!
She took two deep breaths and looked at Riko, who was completely bewildered by Kiyoshi's flattery. She thought that Kiyoshi was a bit... eloquent.
No, that's not right!
He's just good at charming girls!
Why am I having those strange thoughts again?!
It must be Riko's fault!
As for Toji, he was just called out by name for no reason, and even used as a counterexample, so he just felt a little annoyed.
So he picked up the remote and prepared to play that so-called "boring TV series" on repeat for a while.
Chapter-86
After the meal, Yuki Tsukumo and Toji were left behind.
Since these two didn't participate in cooking and ate the most, the task of washing the dishes was assigned to them.
Originally, Misato Kuroi wanted to help the two, but Kiyoshi Zenin dissuaded her and told her to just watch the TV series.
Kuroi couldn't refuse Kiyoshi Zenin's request, so he could only nod and sit on the sofa, watching TV somewhat awkwardly.
Meanwhile, Toji and Yuki Tsukumo were both in the kitchen, and a slightly somber atmosphere settled over them.
Neither of them felt awkward, since they had absolutely no romantic feelings for each other.
They simply couldn't connect on a conversation.
The kitchen was eerily quiet, with only the sound of running water and the clatter of detergent dispensers.
Yuki Tsukumo was responsible for handing the bowls and chopsticks to Toji, wiping the table clean, arranging the chairs and tables, and sweeping and mopping the floor.
Furthermore, all pots, pans, and utensils must be thoroughly cleaned, and everything must be put back into the cupboards; they cannot be left lying around.
It's hard to say whose job is more tiring or easier.
They worked in silence.
However, perhaps due to the emotional resonance from before, Yuki Tsukumo is now somewhat absent-minded in everything she does.
The image of Kiyoshi Zenin would always appear in her mind, and every now and then a shy emotion belonging to Riko Amanai would emerge.
This gave Yuki Tsukumo a headache. She didn't want to fall for someone because of this emotional resonance, even though Kiyoshi Zenin did seem like a nice guy.
He's articulate, comforting, quite capable, has great potential, is very intelligent, and already looks handsome...
A jumble of chaotic thoughts swirled in Yuki's head, making her feel extremely agitated.
Suddenly, Yuki Tsukumo looked at Toji, who was silently washing dishes, and a glint of light flashed in her eyes.
Kiyoshi Zenin is currently presenting an extremely perfect image to both Riko and himself, which is why he and Riko keep having that strange feeling about him.
However, if I could learn more about Kiyoshi Zenin, and understand more about his less-than-perfect side that he had never shown before, wouldn't that help me demystify him?
Yes! Just like tourists who have never been to a tourist attraction before, they have high expectations for the attraction before they actually experience it. But when they get there and see the garbage everywhere, the hot environment, the chaotic crowds, and the bald uncles with bare chests and strong body odor passing by, everything loses its charm.
Once I truly understand Kiyoshi Zenin, I'll most likely not fall for that brat.
After all, Yuki Tsukumo has an almost self-deprecating high standard when it comes to choosing a man.
First: This man must be like her, taking it upon himself to eliminate all the Cursed Spirits in the world and making curing this sick world his ultimate goal in life.
Second: This man cannot like her type of girl.
Third: This man must be stronger than oneself.
Thinking about his three criteria for choosing a partner, Yuki Tsukumo couldn't help but shake his head helplessly.
Leaving aside the first and third points, even the second point alone is probably a somewhat abnormal requirement.
But Yuki Tsukumo knows what kind of personality she has, and she actually quite enjoys this slightly painful courtship process.
The first and third rules essentially eliminate the possibility of having sex with 99% of the world's men.
If, in addition to meeting these three conditions, Kiyoshi is a slovenly, unkempt man who disrespects women and likes to escape, then I will definitely not have the slightest bit of affection for him!
Thinking of this, Yuki Tsukumo suddenly looked up, glanced at the three people watching TV in the living room, then walked behind Toji and asked him in a very low voice:
"Hey, you muscle-bound, bored TV drama guy, can I ask you a few questions? In exchange, I'll wash the rest of your dishes for you."
When Toji first heard Yuki Tsukumo's strange way of addressing him, the veins on his forehead bulged slightly. But after hearing the other party's conditions, he breathed a sigh of relief and chose to accept Yuki Tsukumo's conditions. After all, washing dishes was something that was annoying no matter how many times he did it!
"If you call me that again, you idiot blonde, I'll shove your head into the pool. But what's your problem?"
Hearing Toji's slightly irritable reply, Yuki Tsukumo was too lazy to argue with him. She subconsciously glanced at Riko Amanai and Kiyoshi Zenin, who were watching TV in the living room. She could feel that the faint, strange emotional resonance was becoming more and more frequent as Riko Amanai and Kiyoshi Zenin spent more time together.
No! No! We have to take action quickly! If this continues, this strange resonance will really drag us into it too!
Moreover, if she really knew that Kiyoshi Zenin was not a very good person, then she would instead use resonance to shake Riko Amanai out of the ambiguous zone!
Then, Yuki Tsukumo took a deep breath, looked at Toji, and asked in a serious voice:
"Could you tell me what Kiyoshi Zenin's future dreams are?"
Hearing Yuki Tsukumo's somewhat abrupt topic, Toji didn't think much of it, since it wouldn't have any negative impact on Kiyoshi Zenin anyway, and simply said:
"That kid's dream? He seemed to have told me that he wanted to create a world without Cursed Spirits, a world where ordinary people wouldn't be harmed by Curse Users, and a world where Curse Users and ordinary people could live in harmony."
Thump!
Her heart skipped a beat, and Yuki Tsukumo looked at Kiyoshi Zenin. Coincidentally, that resonance once again came from Riko Amanai.
Not now!
A silent cry rang out from Yuki Tsukumo's heart!
She forced back the distorted expression on her face, looked at Toji in front of her, and then said somewhat stiffly:
"Is that so? Well, this kid is really a naive fool."
He even squeezed out some dish soap and wiped the porcelain bowl, not looking in the direction of Yuki Tsukumo. At this moment, he recalled the speech that Kiyoshi had given under the streetlights at the High School a while ago. He smiled and nodded, then said:
"There is no death without regret for a sorcerer," that brat said. He also said that if you choose to abandon this path because of the corpses of your companions, then your act of abandonment is the greatest desecration and curse upon their corpses.
"This world is terrible, but it's not beyond change," he said, startling both Masamichi Yaga and the old man Naobito.
Thump! Thump!
Chapter-87
Just like hitting a perfect score in bowling, Toji's Zenin temple life goals hit the heart of Yuki Tsukumo!
All correct!
Two powerful characters instantly exploded in Yuki Tsukumo's mind.
She looked at Toji, her facial expression twitching slightly as she tried to control herself, and said in as calm a tone as possible:
"Is that so? Well, this kid is really a naive fool."
He even squeezed out some dish soap and wiped the porcelain bowl, not looking in the direction of Yuki Tsukumo. At this moment, he recalled the speech that Kiyoshi had given under the streetlights at the High School a while ago. He smiled and nodded, then said:
"There is no death without regret for a sorcerer," that brat said. He also said that if you choose to abandon this path because of the corpses of your companions, then your act of abandonment is the greatest desecration and curse upon their corpses.
"This world is terrible, but it's not beyond change," he said, startling both Masamichi Yaga and the old man Naobito.
Thump! Thump! Thump!
Yuki Tsukumo felt her heart pound three times in quick succession, and an indescribable emotion burst forth. Riko Amanai, who was watching TV in the living room, was also resonated with that emotion.
Her already somewhat unfocused gaze now seemed to be magnetized, constantly glancing at Kiyoshi. Her heart was pounding, and Riko blushed unconsciously. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if afraid that Kiyoshi would notice the unusual beating of her heart.
Although Riko Amanai doesn't yet possess the same strong observational abilities as Yuki Tsukumo, she still looked suspiciously at the kitchen where Yuki Tsukumo was, sensing this clearly strange emotion.
She muttered to herself, "How strange, Miss Yuki Tsukumo is..."
However, she never quite understood what that emotion was. She just felt that it was inexplicably similar to her own emotions, but she also felt that it wasn't a good thing for this emotion to appear in both her and Ms. Yuki Tsukumo's bodies at the same time.
At the very least, she didn't like that Ms. Yuki Tsukumo had the same feelings as her.
On the other side, Yuki Tsukumo forcefully suppressed the strange feeling in her heart. She looked at Toji, took a deep breath, and her voice trembled with a tremor she herself couldn't understand, before continuing to ask:
"Oh, really? He's quite something. So, what kind of woman do you think that kid likes?"
Hearing this, Toji turned and glanced at Yuki Tsukumo, asking somewhat strangely:
"That kid may seem more mature now, but he's only eleven or twelve years old. He probably doesn't have those kinds of feelings for women yet, right?"
Toji's words gave Yuki Tsukumo a slight jolt. She looked at Toji and suddenly realized that she might have asked something too explicit, or that Toji might misunderstand that she liked a boy like Kiyoshi Zenin.
Am I going to be treated like a pervert here?!
But do I really not feel that way?!
For a moment, Yuki Tsukumo began to feel a little dizzy.
At that very moment, Toji casually added, as if nothing had happened:
"Oh~ I actually heard that kid talk about this kind of topic before. That kid said he likes guys with short hair, who are gentle, and have some feminine qualities."
Upon hearing this, Yuki Tsukumo subconsciously compared the other person's criteria for choosing a partner with her own.
Short hair doesn't match long blonde hair; it's not gentle at all, and it's the opposite of femininity and masculinity.
Completely wrong!
Or perhaps it's all correct!
How could such a bizarre thing happen in this world?!
Yuki Tsukumo felt as if her mind was a jumbled mess, a complete mess. She couldn't even tell whether the resonant throbbing sensation came from Riko Amanai or was something that was already present within her.
Could it be that little brat, Kiyoshi Zenin, is really my destined other half in this world?!
Yuki Tsukumo's face flushed slightly as she looked towards the living room, but before her gaze could even pass over it, she quickly shrank back as if she had been electrocuted.
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No! No! What's going on here?!
Isn't that just a kid?
Even if I have that feeling, I'd have to wait until that kid is at least seventeen or eighteen, right?
She suppressed the strange feeling in her heart, took several deep breaths, and just when Toji thought that Yuki Tsukumo had some kind of respiratory illness, she suddenly opened her eyes and asked Toji the last question, which actually already had an answer.
"Who do you think is stronger, Kiyoshi Zenin or me?"
Before Yuki even asked the question, she already had the answer herself, but for a sense of ritual that she herself was unaware of, she still chose to ask it.
As for the answer to this question, Yuki Tsukumo believes that as long as she is not deliberately lying, the answer she hears should be similar to what she imagines.
After all, the power limit of a sorcerer is basically determined the moment they are born.
Total Cursed Energy, innate spells, special physique... If none of these things exceed that of ordinary people, then basically the pinnacle of a person's life is only a Grade 1 spellcaster or a Grade 2 spellcaster.
To become a Special Grade, one almost absolutely needs to possess a massive amount of Cursed Energy and a powerful life-generating technique. However, according to the information that Yuki Tsukumo obtained about Kiyoshi Zenin, the other party only had a Cursed Energy level that barely reached Grade 1, and his life-generating technique was just an ordinary technique like repulsion.
Even if Kiyoshi Zenin were to work incredibly hard in the future, he could only ever reach the level of a Grade 1 sorcerer, still a long way from being a Special Grade sorcerer.
A man weaker than oneself will not arouse one's desire to be with him!
Yuki Tsukumo encouraged herself like this, but Toji's next answer completely shattered her self-encouragement.
"That kid's strength is probably not as good as yours right now, but I can make a bet with you that within ten years, that kid's strength will definitely surpass yours, and he should become the most outstanding existence in the entire world of Jujutsu!"
The reason is actually quite simple. I'm not worried that telling you will be detrimental to that kid; after all, no one can take away a child's potential for growth!
Chapter-88
That night, none of the people in the small house slept very well.
The sound of rain outside gradually rose, like the applause of the followers of the Star Religious Group, making people feel uneasy.
Inside the master bedroom, Riko Amanai lay on the soft mattress, her face slightly flushed. Her eyes shone faintly in the darkness, like tiny specks of starlight in the boundless universe.
She recalled the words Kiyoshi Zenin had spoken that evening, the cry of "Riko Amanai," and the words "It should sound better."
The more she recalled and thought about those things, the more she felt an indescribable joy in her heart.
She was so excited she couldn't sleep. Her body and face felt hot. She pulled the covers over her head, stretched out her legs, kicked the covers, and let out a couple of excited gasps that were hard to decipher.
Meanwhile, in Misato Kuroi's room next to the master bedroom, she listened to the noise coming from the next room and a slightly helpless smile appeared on her face.
She knew that Riko Amanai must be very excited right now, and she was happy that Riko had been able to get out of that self-destructive state so quickly.
Unconsciously, Kiyoshi Zenin's words from before surfaced in her mind, but Misato Kuroi suddenly realized that her thoughts were not on Riko Amanai at this moment.
On the contrary, all her attention was unconsciously drawn to Kiyoshi Zenin at that moment.
He recalled the words Kiyoshi Zenin had said to him before, which seemed to convey the same meaning as what he had said to Miss Riko.
Neither of them are tools to which others assign meaning, but rather individuals with self-awareness, various emotions, and their own preferences and feelings.
Whenever she thinks of this, Misato Kuroi feels as if she can hear Kiyoshi Zenin's gentle voice again.
Unconsciously, even she herself was now feeling a restless unease.
She opened the window, but because it was raining outside, only a tiny crack was visible.
The night wind, carrying a few raindrops, wafted through the cracks in the window, bringing a touch of coolness, and pattered against Ms. Kuroi's face.
The cool raindrops fell on her cheeks, bringing fresh air and calming Kuroi down slightly. Listening to the sounds still coming from next door, she smiled faintly and said nothing.
Meanwhile, in the guest room on the second floor, Yuki Tsukumo's face was flushed. The indescribable resonance that Riko Amanai had been giving her downstairs made her already somewhat chaotic mind even more chaotic.
All she wanted to do was rush downstairs to Riko's room and tell her that girls her age should prioritize their studies and not let their minds wander to things that are not appropriate for their age.
She even wanted to rush up to Riko Amanai and tell her all sorts of bad habits of Kiyoshi Zenin, so that she would know that there are many other good men in the world to choose from.
Take Kiyoshi Zenin's flaws, for example. If she wants to say something, there can be countless... countless ways to say it.
No, wait! I don't think I've actually found any flaws in that kid so far!
At his age, his strength is basically the strongest.
Mature, reliable, emotionally stable, thoughtful... Why do these obviously adult-like descriptions fit that kid so well?
And could you please not set your ideals so high?
Her thoughts shifted very quickly, and in no time she moved from criticizing Kiyoshi Zenin and Riko Amanai to her own struggles and internal conflicts.
Because Yuki Tsukumo wasn't the type to hide her feelings, there were constant footsteps moving around in her room.
She was still wearing those leather boots, and the sound of her footsteps on the floor was incredibly loud.
Unfortunately, he ended up sleeping in the room downstairs from the Yuki Tsukumo building. He listened to the "tap tap tap" of footsteps upstairs, and the veins on his forehead bulged slightly.
However, he doesn't have any free time to deal with that crazy woman, Yuki Tsukumo.
Because at this moment, his flip phone was displaying a slightly blurry photo.
That was a photo sent by Eri Fushiguro.
In the photo, she is wearing a cake shop employee uniform, with a cake she baked herself in front of her, and a caption below.
"This cake was made after many attempts. It was specially made for a friend who loves takoyaki."
Looking at the strange cake covered with takoyaki, Toji felt an indescribable excitement and thrill.
He felt his heart pounding; this was the first time in his life, no, to be precise, the second.
Someone might be willing to cook a special meal to cater to his preferences and tastes.
The first time was with that brat Kiyoshi Zenin, but that brat only bought the ingredients he liked that time, and Kiyoshi Zenin had no choice but to cook it according to his taste.
But Eri Fushiguro... she was the first person who would truly be willing to make dishes that were all his favorites just for him.
But looking at the message sent by the other party on the phone, I was a little unsure how to reply.
Should you ask the other person, "Did you make this cake for me?"
Isn't that a bit too obvious? And even though I said I like takoyaki, it doesn't mean that the cake was made for me.
After all, takoyaki is a very popular food in Japan, and many people love it.
So, there are many people who like to eat cake, and quite a few people who like to eat takoyaki. Therefore, it doesn't seem like anything new to combine cake and takoyaki.
So what makes him think that Eri Fushiguro's cake was made for him?
What if I misunderstand Eri Fushiguro's meaning because I'm being presumptuous? Wouldn't that make me look incredibly embarrassed? And she might even think I'm a jerk who doesn't respect women at all.
Thinking of this, Toji fell into deep thought again. After a long period of contemplation, he finally mustered his courage and uttered two words:
"nice."
When Eri Fushiguro saw the two short words Jin sent, a slightly disappointed look inevitably appeared on her face.
I clearly spent a long time making this... If it only has these two words, it's just too much...
However, when she thought of Toji's poor speech and his hesitant manner when talking to her, Eri seemed to suddenly understand something.
She smiled and typed two words on her phone:
"Did you think about those two words for a long time before sending them?"
"Um..."
Chapter-89
Upon seeing the message from Toji, Eri Fushiguro smiled faintly, as if to say, "I knew it."
Although she didn't know what Toji had been thinking about for so long, she knew that the person Toji was thinking about during this long period of thought must be herself.
Meanwhile, Toji looked at the message sent by the other party, and his expression became strangely indescribable.
The expressions, a mix of tension, joy, smiles, and sweetness, were quite rich.
This was an absolutely unimaginable burst of color in his otherwise monotonous and gloomy days.
The pale blue light from the phone shone on his face, causing his vision to deteriorate rapidly...
Meanwhile, in Kiyoshi's room, he was deep in thought, his eyes gleaming as he listened to the system's notification volume.
"Congratulations, host, for gaining favorability with [Riko Amanai] and [Yuki Tsukumo]!"
The details are as follows: Riko Amanai +35, Yuki Tsukumo +31.
Both characters' affinity levels are detected to be above 20, unlocking ability panel bonuses!
Riko's bonuses during the day are as follows:
It has been detected that Riko Amanai is not a sorcerer, but her body is a special type of [Star Plasma Vessel]. Therefore, the host will receive a 10% Star Plasma Vessel constitution bonus at this moment.
II. Since the [Star Plasma Vessel] has been detected as an extremely special constitution, some descriptions of the [Star Plasma Vessel]'s abilities are being made public.
1: The [Star Plasma Vessel] is different from the [Heavenly Restriction]. It is not a forced transaction, but a kind of curse that is born from the [Assimilation] of the Tengen. It is not a constitution or anything else. The [Star Plasma Vessel] is just the name of this curse, not a certain constitution.
Regarding the Assimilation technique of Tengen, the appearance of the Star Plasma Vessel is essentially a manifestation of the intense curses that all the Cursed Spirits in this world have inflicted on Tengen.
The following is a detailed explanation of the origin of the [Star Plasma Vessel] curse:
Tengen's Assimilation technique is an extremely unique technique that has only appeared once in the entire history of the Jujutsu world. The Assimilation technique cannot expand its Domain, nor can it cause any harm to humans. Its only ability is to achieve the absolute benefit of humanity!
In other words, the [Assimilation] technique can greatly strengthen and enhance all barriers that protect humans, and the techniques, growth potential, and birth probability of all Cursed Spirits within the barrier will be correspondingly reduced.
The Assimilation technique is essentially a Specialized Anti-Curse Curse formed by humanity's intense hatred for Cursed Spirits. It can be seen as an alternative curse that takes the elimination of all curses as its goal and meaning of existence.
After the creation of the Assimilation technique, the intelligent spirits realized this, but it was too late. The power of human sorcerers had far surpassed that of the spirits at that time. Many natural high-level spirits died at the hands of human sorcerers, interrupting the spirits' rapid development and laying the foundation for their decline.
In this situation, the natural spirits that died at the hands of humans developed a strong hatred for the [Assimilation] technique. This hatred accumulated as the number of spirit deaths increased, eventually reaching a critical point where it formed a [Special Curse of Retaliation Against Humanity].
The name of this curse is "Star Plasma Vessel".
The [Star Plasma Vessel] curse selects the purest and kindest soul among humans at that time as a host, modifies their soul, and makes them strongly attracted to Tengen's [Assimilation] technique.
Furthermore, the curse of the [Star Plasma Vessel] will trigger a second curse effect after its birth, namely the [Cursed Spirit Development of the Tengen Body].
The reason why Tengen was able to obtain the innate technique of "Assimilation" is fundamentally due to the fact that Tengen's nature was the purest, cleanest, kindest, and most compassionate person in the world at that time, and that he had an extreme hatred for Cursed Spirits.
The second part of the effect of the [Star Plasma Vessel] curse is to turn Tengen, who possesses such a pure soul and extreme hatred for Cursed Spirits, into a Cursed Spirit.
If Tengen wants to continue to maintain her human body and continue to protect other humans, then Tengen must absorb [Star Plasma Vessels] that have the same soul as her, making these Star Plasma Vessels the key tools for Tengen to anchor her humanity.
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Otherwise, if Tengen chooses to refuse to absorb the [Star Plasma Vessel], then Tengen's physical body will collapse, and the human side belonging to Tengen will gradually be lost. As part of the Cursed Spirit, it will be awakened, and Tengen's [Assimilation] technique, which originally belonged to humans, will eventually become the [Assimilation] unique to the Cursed Spirits.
In other words, the sinister purpose of the curse called "Star Plasma Vessel" is to force Tengen to kill one person after another with the same pure soul as her, as a price to pay for protecting the rest of the world.
Furthermore, the curse of the [Star Plasma Vessel] is not limited to this. Even if Tengen chooses to absorb those pitiful [Star Plasma Vessels], in the end, it will only lead to Tengen personally destroying the entire human society.
Because after Tengen absorbs the [Star Plasma Vessel], it will trigger the third effect of the [Star Plasma Vessel Curse].
In other words, each time a Star Plasma Vessel is absorbed, the time required for Tengen to absorb another Star Plasma Vessel is greatly shortened.
From absorbing one Star Plasma Vessel every five hundred years, to absorbing one every two hundred years, then to absorbing one every fifty years, then to ten years, then to one year, then to one day... one second!
When the [Star Plasma Vessel] curse reaches its final stage, Tengen will be forced to face the extreme fate of devouring all of humanity, and this fate cannot be changed by any external force.
Tengen could choose to abandon absorbing the [Star Plasma Vessel] and proceed with a rapid process of destroying humanity in a short period of time, giving the fundamental ownership of the [Assimilation] technique to the Cursed Spirit.
They can choose to absorb the [Star Plasma Vessel] as a harbinger of humanity's slow demise. In this process, Tengen himself must bear all the resentment and pain of the [Star Plasma Vessel], and this resentment and pain will also lead Tengen further and further down the path of becoming a Cursed Spirit.
Based on the system's assessment of Tengen's current mental state, when Tengen absorbs the seventh [Star Plasma Vessel], his inner emotions will reach the point of collapse, his humanity will be completely lost, and his soul will be completely transformed into a Cursed Spirit.
Regardless of which path she chooses, the final result will be the same: Tengen will inevitably become a Cursed Spirit. And the [Assimilation] technique, originally unique to humans, will be transformed into the cruelest tool of revenge against humanity after she is fully transformed into a Cursed Spirit.
Once the Assimilation spell becomes part of the Cursed Spirits' side, the grand array currently covering all of Japan will undergo a reverse transformation, converting all of humanity into…
Chapter-90
Hearing the message from the system in his mind, Kiyoshi felt a sense of confusion.
Isn't Tengen's technique an "Immortality" technique?
Why does the system provide the "Assimilation" technique here?
Could it be that there's a problem with the explanation in the Canon?
As if sensing Kiyoshi Zenin's confusion, the system notification sounded once again at this moment.
"The Assimilation Technique encompasses the Immortality Technique; the two are related by inclusion. The final form of the Assimilation Technique is to connect a human or a Cursed Spirit with their overall Cursed Energy or spirit, and it will inevitably come with the attribute of Immortality."
Looking at the explanation given by the system, Zenin Temple nodded, and a sense of understanding dawned on him.
The Canon didn't describe Tengen's techniques in much detail, especially the issue of reincarnation and destiny between the [Star Plasma Vessel] and the [Six Eyes].
There has been no detailed answer to the question of how Tengen absorbed three or four [Star Plasma Vessels] in less than a thousand years.
Furthermore, why would the acquisition of a technique cause the celestial essence to undergo a [higher dimension] evolution?
No matter how the techniques change or how special their properties are, they are ultimately just a way of using incantation power.
As long as Tengen doesn't use his Cursed Energy to activate the [Cursed Technique], it's absolutely impossible for the [Cursed Technique] to turn around and control the user.
Unless... Tengen's life-giving technique has become the kind that she can no longer control.
As for how to make one's [Cursed Technique] uncontrollable, the answer given by the system is basically clear.
In the process of assimilating the power of the incantation, the [Assimilation] technique has already assimilated the right to use the [Assimilation] technique of the Tengen itself.
It is currently unknown who holds the right to use this assimilation, but it is certain that Tengen can no longer control his own life-giving technique.
This will make many things clear.
After pondering for a moment, Kiyoshi sighed slightly, feeling that this hint was not exactly good news.
If the existence of the [Star Plasma Vessel] is itself a curse on Tengen, then what does this 10% [Star Plasma Vessel Physique] bonus mean?
Is it a curse? Or some kind of power that resonates with Tengen?
Just then, another system notification message popped up in my mind:
"A detailed explanation of the 10% bonus to the [Star Plasma Vessel] constitution! The specific details are as follows."
First: The Star Plasma Vessel is not a special constitution like [Heavenly Restriction], so the bonuses the host receives are not bonuses to [Cursed Energy], [Physical Strength], [Cursed Technique], etc. The bonuses the host receives are a strong attraction to the [Cursed Spirit] species and the [Tengen] individual.
Second: After the host obtains this bonus, due to the special nature of the [Star Plasma Vessel], the host will naturally gain 10 points of favorability when facing Cursed Spirits and [Tengen]. Please note that ordinary [Star Plasma Vessel] cannot produce this effect on Cursed Spirits and Tengen.
Third: After the host fused with the [Star Plasma Vessel] ability, an unknown change occurred between the host's existing [Six Eyes] and [Heavenly Restriction] constitutions. Currently, the three constitutions have been fused and upgraded to [???].
Three special constitutions were detected fusing within the host's body, but the [Heavenly Restriction] constitution is the strongest. Therefore, the [? ? ?] constitution will currently manifest primarily through physical techniques.
The voices in his mind seemed somewhat complicated and lengthy. As Kiyoshi listened to the series of prompts, he felt a headache coming on.
I have indeed acquired many special physical attributes in the world of Jujutsu, but I never expected that I would undergo such a peculiar fusion at this time.
Currently, he hasn't felt any improvement in his own strength. The only thing he can be thankful for is the increased special affinity he has for the Cursed Spirit and Tengen.
Shaking his head, Kiyoshi didn't focus his attention on the [Star Plasma Vessel] again, but instead looked at another ability notification belonging to [Yuki Tsukumo].
"Detected that the current favorability of Yuki Tsukumo has reached 31, unlocking a 10% bonus to the character's current ability template."
The higher the preset value of the Star Rage spell, the higher the total amount of Cursed Energy required to cast the spell. Since only a 10% Cursed Energy bonus is obtained, the total amount of Cursed Energy consumed by the host when using the spell will be ten times that of the Yuki Tsukumo.
Yuki Tsukumo's total Cursed Energy is increased by 10%!
Third, a certain degree of [Star Plasma Vessel] characteristics was detected within Yuki's body, but its level was slightly lower than that of Riko Amanai. Therefore, under the influence of the [Cursed Energy] property, the [Star Plasma Vessel] characteristics within Yuki's body will not be inherited by the host.
Yuki Tsukumo's template bonuses are normal and not as complicated as Riko Amanai's. Except for the last third one, which is a bit strange, the rest are normal.
As for the fact that the Star Plasma Vessel could not overlap and strengthen each other, Kiyoshi Zenin did not feel any regret about this.
As can be seen from the previous system description, the Star Plasma Vessel is essentially a curse, and I am not yet at the point of wanting to be devoured by the curse.
Taking a deep breath, Kiyoshi pondered the life-giving techniques he currently possessed.
[Cursed Spirit Manipulation], [Projection Sorcery], [Star Rage], [Cursed Corpse Creation], [Black Bird Manipulation], [Solo Forbidden Area], [Limitless].
Currently, any one of the techniques that Kiyoshi Zenin has acquired is essentially top-tier. I...
Based on Kiyoshi's own practical experience, he can achieve a level of seamless switching between these newly acquired techniques in combat.
After using [Projection Sorcery], use [Star Rage] to increase the weight of your fist to 20t while the enemy is stunned and your speed is increased. Then, with the help of the attraction of [Limitless], you can deliver an attack that is almost impossible to stop.
This alone has essentially made up for the shortcomings of [Projection Sorcery] being too weak, [Star Rage] being too slow, and [Limitless] not having enough suction power if the target is within a certain range.
The abilities he has acquired, when combined and arranged flexibly, will undoubtedly unleash power far exceeding his own imagination.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Kenjaku lay on the hotel bed, holding a bottle of chilled beer in her hand, her fair skin bearing a trace of sorrow.
"Something's not right. Something's not right about the situation at Tengen."