The Legend of Tokyo Taoist

Chapter 640: Intensive Special Training (3)

Masks have existed since ancient times, and their most primitive function was often to perform sacrifices. In other words, from the very beginning, masks have had a deep connection with religion, mythology, and belief, and similar traditions exist in ancient cultures around the world.

Once people put on a mask, their true face will be hidden, and then the image they want to represent will be revealed to show others.

Especially during sacrificial ceremonies, at this moment, the person wearing the mask is no longer himself, but the character shown on the mask. He can be a god, a demon, or a beast...

"That..." Inside the room, Suzuna looked at the masks on the walls around her anxiously. She could feel that these Noh masks were completely different from before, but she didn't know what specific changes had taken place.

So she asked: "...Mr. Qian, why do you want us to come back here? Can these masks really make us stronger?"

"In Chinese culture, there is a culture of [Nuo Mask]." Qian Xiaoyi sat in the middle of the room and did not answer directly. Instead, he said to the Lingnai siblings quietly: "This culture originated from the primitive [Witch] culture. During the two thousand years of cultural exchanges between China and Japan, it gradually spread to Japan. For example, on the day before the beginning of spring, Japan has the custom of throwing beans to drive away ghosts, which originated from the ancient Chinese [Zhui Nuo]..."

Suzuna and Taku swallowed their saliva at the same time. They felt that under Qian Xiaoyi's narration, the temperature in the stuffy room had quietly changed even though it was a hot summer day.

Qian Xiaoyi continued to explain: "In this cultural exchange, the culture of Nuo masks was also integrated into the local culture of Japan, and in turn created your own Noh masks... In the beginning, the function of Noh masks was to perform sacrifices. Even shrine maidens sometimes had to wear masks during sacrifices. It was not until the continuous development that Noh masks evolved into the current art form."

Ling Na seemed to understand what Qian Xiaoyi meant. She asked tentatively, "Mr. Qian, are you saying that... these masks have something in common with my abilities and can help me become stronger?"

Qian Xiaoyi nodded: "As a witch, your job is to communicate with the gods, so communication is your strong point. You always feel that you are weak and need others to protect you, but in fact you just haven't fully discovered your strengths."

Suzuna actually blushed a little after listening to this. This was the first time someone praised her for her exorcism skills. Before, she was not able to handle those real exorcism requests properly, so she embarked on the evil path and relied on deceiving employers as her main means of profit. Unexpectedly, someone now told her that it was not that her ability was too poor, but that she used it in the wrong place.

She had been thinking of being a loser, but now she really wanted to become stronger, so she asked actively, "Mr. Qian, what should I do?"

"Communication and acting are your best tricks." Qian Xiaoyi said, "Whether it is with the power of gods or demons, you should be able to do it, so have you tried it?"

Qian Xiaoyi stood up and handed a [Prajna] evil ghost mask to Lingnai.

Suzuna took it in her hands and looked at the resentful Noh mask. She couldn't help but shudder, as if a voice was tempting her to put on the mask.

Fear made Suzuna back off. She laughed dryly and said, "But... Mr. Qian, this kind of thing is very dangerous, right? Making deals with evil spirits... How about we try some gentle Noh masks first, such as an old man or..."

"Oh? Are you sure?" Qian Xiaoyi asked, "Faced with the enemy's threat, you are going to use those Noh masks that have no ability to fight back to deal with the enemy? Instead of choosing powerful ghosts and gods?" Suzuna said, "But, there is a price to pay for the 'borrowed' power, right? The more powerful the evil ghost, the greater the price I have to pay. And if it is just a contract, it is also very dangerous..."

Qian Xiaoyi said impatiently: "Your brother is an apprentice priest of your shrine, right? Isn't his duty to protect you when you perform the ceremony?"

Takuya was a little stunned. He didn't expect that he would be involved.

Qian Xiaoyi continued, "How to deal with those ghosts and gods, what kind of deals to make, how to set up restrictions, these are all things you need to consider. Summon the demons, then imprison them, and then make deals. Even fans of mystery culture who have watched a few movies know this. How come you, a real exorcist, don't know this?"

"Ah? Isn't that a bad idea?" Suzuna asked stupidly, "After summoning the ghosts and gods, force them to make a deal, and if they don't obey, use a ritual to destroy them... Isn't that too shameless?"

"Don't do it? Then you will be the ones who die." Qian Xiaoyi said, "Do you think these things will abide by the agreement verbally and lend you their power? If you don't subdue them and suppress them from your position, do you have the courage to use their power?"

"So..." Suzuna asked nervously, "Are we here this time to use these Noh masks as a medium to subdue the evil spirits and gods they represent? However, since Mr. Qian is here, there shouldn't be any problem..."

"No, don't make any mistake." Qian Xiaoyi waved his hand and said, "How could you imagine that I would be there to help you subdue those guys?"

"Eh? Just the two of us?!" Suzuna almost burst into tears when she heard that. Looking at the wall of hideous Noh masks, she didn't think she could handle this.

Qian Xiaoyi sneered, "Do I have to watch you every time you use your power? If I help, then the one they submit to and trade with won't be you, but me! You have to do this on your own."

"That's what I said, but..." Suzuna shook her head violently: "I can't do it, I absolutely can't do it, I will die!"

Qian Xiaoyi laughed and said, "I have already set up a formation for this room, which can easily attract the Yin energy nearby. Now it's up to you. If you don't want to participate in the special training, then withdraw. The choice is in your hands."

Holding the Prajna Noh mask in her hand, Suzuna watched in horror as Qian Xiaoyi took Inuyama Heita away, leaving her and her brother in the room. The Noh masks on the wall were looking at them greedily, wanting to devour them.

"elder sister……"

While Suzuna was still struggling, Takuya spoke up. He lowered his head, touched his chin, and said, "I think it may not be impossible... Maybe we can really do what Mr. Qian said."

(End of this chapter)